:
e l d a e! si u d in l n i ia n gu eC a sP r ay u d o li o H
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Local leaders weigh in on the way we were and the way we will be
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watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
Amalie Arena November 30th CHARGE BY PHONE: 800-745-3000. ALL DATES, ACTS AND TICKET PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. TICKET PRICES SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE FEES.
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watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
dePartmentS 6 // mail
PAGE
We people of color, women, LGbTQ, people of faith, are the majority if we band together;
21 if we support each other.
7 // editor’S deSk 8 // orlando newS
—orlando City CoMMissioner patty sheehan
10 // tamPa bay newS 12 // State newS 14 // nation & world newS 29 // artS & entertainment 35 // Community Calendar 37 // tamPa bay out+about 39 // orlando out+about 40 // tamPa bay marketPlaCe 42 // orlando marketPlaCe
on the Cover
PAGE
29
PAGE WHAT
21
HAPPENS NOW?:
Watermark looks for help in licking our wounds after a disaster of an election. We find it aplenty. Illustration by Jake Stevens
SCan qr Code For
watermarkonline.Com
Pure and SimPle and kind: Country legend Dolly Parton
makes her way through Florida, gay staff in tow.
watermark i SSue 23 .23 //november 17 - november 3 0, 2016
a PulSe oF a Problem bend it like beCkner iF love were all
but love iS all!
PAGE Initial plans for the city purchasing the entire Pulse property have drawn the ire of several Conservative commissioners.
PAGE
read it online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com
08
PAGE Following his two terms on the Hillsborough County Commission, Beckner reflects on the ups and downs of his political tenure.
10
PAGE
The Winter Park Playhouse takes on the fascinating story of playwright Noel Coward. Welcome to the party!
33
They may have lost their employment for being gay, but they found love, and that’s really all that matters.
41
we are looking For the moSt remarkable PeoPle oF 2016 in both tamPa bay and Central Florida. log onto watermarkonline.Com and tell uS who you think deServeS to be on that liSt. watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
5
toP web CommentS “The years of music , joy, friendship, and sexual freedom still should live on. bring the division of someone’s terrible hate; bring us back to dance as one and rejoice.” —alan Miller
watermark’S FaCebook:
on attending Come out WitH Pride in orlando:
“I wish I could attend, but need to get ready for the 12 days of Xmas giveaway I won on the Ellen show. We tape on 11/21.” —MICHAEL JAMES KELLY
“I will be there bright and early for the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida.” —LUCAS BARSZCZ
BUILT FORD TOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN NAUGHTY AND NEED SOMETHING TO HAUL ALL YOUR COAL IN . . . 2016 FORD F-150
on CHarlie Crist Winning distriCt 13 in tHe united states House oF rePresentatives:
“Oh, you mean the guy who ran as an independent, thus securing Rick Scott’s gubernatorial win?” —VICTORIA EUPHORIA
on marCo rubio Winning re-eleCtion to tHe u.s. senate:
“I wonder how many times he won’t show up for work this time.” —JULEE SIMS
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“And he’ll be going back on his word and running for president again in 3 years. Idiot Florida voters strike again.” —STEVE YELICH
“Vomit. What a hypocritical wiener. He’s not my senator.” —JP ROYER
1875. S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Call Fred Berliner to set your appointment today!
on val demings Winning distriCt 10 in tHe united states House oF rePresentatives:
“Maybe we will see her run for the Presidency.” —LUCAS BARSZCZ
on tHe City oF orlando buying Pulse and turning it into a Permanent memorial:
“I would rebuild it [as the] same instead of funeral monument standing for sadness and death. The years of music , joy, friendship, and sexual freedom still should live on. Bring the division of someone’s terrible hate; bring us back to dance as one and rejoice.” —ALAN MILLER
“I have struggled with this question quite a bit, talked about it a lot with friends and others and finally came to the conclusion that this really is the best thing to do for the community.” —CHUCK STROM
“Reopen the club in another location and keep the original spot as a memorial.” —CHRISTOPHER MUSSO
“I think that since it’s basically hallowed ground, a permanent memorial is the correct decision.” —CHRISSY STEWART
“Right move. It would never have been a club again. Too much of an attraction spot.” —RUTHIE BAUMBACH
(407)644-7111 ext.242 email: carbearfb@aol.com
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watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
“I’m happy with this. I hope the city also donates another piece of property to the owner of Pulse so the club can live on somewhere nearby, but this site needs to be maintained as a memorial. I’m at peace with this.” —ROB MCCULLOUGH
“I was meant to go that night. I have survivor’s guilt. I think Barbara [Poma] is making the right decision.” —DANNY WEAVER
on aaron drake’s Column on WHere to move in tHe World iF your Candidate doesn’t Win tHe eleCtion:
“I am taking notes!” —VERONICA DRAKE
on tHe “on tHe radio” Cover story:
“Thank you so much for the opportunity!” —MIGUEL FULLER
“Thank you for featuring us! I loved sharing my story and what we do on the morning show on XL and on Pride Radio.” —SONDRA RAE VALENTINO
“Always so proud of the ‘new kid’ on our show. Glad we are on a team with so much diversity. And it’s awesome to know that our city is so diverse that a show with a cast that pretty much covers every walk of life can stay on top for so long. I love my little radio sister Sondra Rae.” —BRIAN GRIMES
editor’s
billy manes editor
BIlly@WatermarkOnline.com
i
desk
fell off the float. i Missed a
step, as I always do at Come Out With Pride’s extravagant parade, and I landed on my ass: shaken, stirred, embarrassed. To be fair, floats are difficult travel devices anyway and, well, I’m a little top heavy on the hair side, so I fell.
The reason I bring this up is to illuminate the exhaustion and joy many of us felt after parading in front of over 150,000 people in Orlando’s largest Pride yet, the humiliation of an election that is showing signs of rolling back all of our hard-won rights (even if certain Trumps with two mouths promise otherwise), the lasting sting of a June massacre at Pulse. We’ve been through a lot. We’re allowed to stumble sometimes. The Watermark issue you see before you is a particularly important one to me. We were all set to run with another cover and
dance a jig inside about Democratic victories. We wanted Dolly Parton to have her time to shine, all Pure and Simple like she does these days. We wanted a little breathing space. It reminded me of how time wobbles to the tune of its own randomness, and sometimes, instead of us making lives happen to plan, time makes us happen, completely unplanned. This is the second – or even third, if you count the hurricane postponing Come Out With Pride back in October – that we have had to show up, put our minds into a collective Watermark blender and
come up with a whole new issue. Another iconic issue, we smiled and frowned at the same time. Over the summer, we had three issues in a row covering Pulse – the initial reports as best as we could cull them, the psychology of dealing with community-wide grief, the need for gun reform and its current intersectionality with the LGBTQ community. We were afraid at times – at least I was – but this is what we’re here for. As our cover read after the Pulse massacre, “We aren’t going anywhere.” And so here we are again, standing beneath a poison tree and watching its limbs grow into a cabinet that will almost certainly come after women, QLatinx individuals, immigrants on the broader scale. Pam Bondi is there. Paul Ryan is there. Rudy Giuliani is there. We, however, do not have a seat at this picnic table in the park. Not yet, anyway. You see the thing that I’ve learned most about the community from compiling the messages from its leaders is how diverse, yet caring, we can be. I’m not going to fluff it up. Some of us are still on respirators at the thought of Trump presidency. Some of us are afraid to go to work. This issue is all about going to work. Our forebears did not get shot in their San Francisco offices for us to give up. Those 49 beautiful souls on the Pulse dance floor did not die in vain. And that public-vote victory in favor of taste and kindness over some new, brutish model of an incompetent president whose stares are blanker than unemployment checks people no longer receive is not going to stick with us forever. So we’ve assembled people from all walks of public life in Tampa Bay and Orlando and beyond so that we might get a little bit more insight into what we should be working on and what we can indeed achieve. It’s not an easy climb, but when has it ever been?
So please take some of their words to heart; let them be a source of comfort, frustration and action. We have too much to lose if you do not. Meanwhile (kicks soapbox away), we do have Dolly in here, a little lesson on the legendary playwright Noel Coward, some wise words from our founder Tom Dyer, some news on the Pulse sale to the city – a little bit of something for everyone, then. What we don’t
You see the thing that I’ve learned most about the community from compiling the messages from its leaders is how diverse, yet caring, we can be. I’m not going to fluff it up. some of us are still on respirators at the thought of Trump presidency. some of us are afraid to go to work.
have is bickering among ourselves; we just don’t have the time or energy for it. Otherwise, the next float that I ride upon, fist up in the air, will be the next float that I fall off. And you really don’t want to see that. Thanks for sticking with us in these difficult times. There are a lot of celebrations around the corner. Hopefully we’re through the worst of the woods and into the best versions of ourselves. Take care. Of everyone.
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SPeCial inSert
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!
Watermark’s annual Holiday guide is Here and ready to
PArtY! SPeCial inSert
aaron alPer, SCottie CamPbell, SuSan Clary, kriSta dituCCi, kirk hartlage, JoSePh kiSSel, JaSon leClerC, mary meekS, StePhen miller, david moran, gregg ShiPiro, greg Stemm, dr. Steve yaCovelli, , miChael wanzie
PhotograPhy brian beCnel, niCk Cardello, angie FolkS, bruCe hardin, Julie milFord, traviS moore, ChriS StePhenSon, lee vandergriFt, tinkerFluFF
diStribution lvnliF2 diStributing, liSa Jordan, Jill bateS, ken Carraway 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 in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). 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 created by WATERMARK that have such errors.
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7
central florida news
Central Florida Out & Equal Summit brings thousands to town Billy Manes
O
rlando | In a year that has seen huge tragedy, immense recovery, a hurricane, an election that blew much harder than that hurricane, and all of the piecing of our rights back together, it’s been easy to lose sight of our victories, notably in the corporate world. The Out & Equal Summit, which took place on Oct. 4 at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin resorts, is part think tank, part party. Even Lance Bass was a keynote speaker. At the event, the largest of its kind, nearly 5,000 corporate leaders from the world over stepped forward to find ways to protect workplace rights for the LGBTQ community. This year, the Orlando affiliate took home the prize for Affiliate of the Year. It was no sympathy award for a city in the spotlight, but an award more for the cooperation between several of our larger companies and their respective staffs. “These large companies help steer America,” Out & Equal’s Andrea Hays says. “We use our brands to get the right things done. This isn’t just an award for Orlando, but for all of Central Florida.” The purpose is to show how equality works, she says. “Our vision is one of workplace equality and inclusion for everyone to be their authentic self, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression” Out & Equal’s Sherri Absher says. “Our mission is to educate and empower Greater Orlando area workplaces, employee resource groups and individual employees by providing tools and innovative programming and networking opportunities.” “I think we are going to increase our efforts tenfold after this election,” she adds.
Philanthropists Ted Maines and Jeff Miller to take home award Staff Report
O
rlando | Everybody’s favorite LGBT power couple Ted Maines and Jeff Miller are set to receive this year’s Kenneth F. Murrah, Esq. Award for Outstanding Philanthropist. The event, which will be at the Ritz-Carlton off Central Florida Parkway on Nov. 18, largely recognizes the impact both have had on the community, living by example and donating to worthy LGBTQ and civil rights causes. It’s also a representation of Miller’s tireless work with the Holocaust Center, where he served as president until recently.
8
Memorialize this: The city fights over the future of Pulse.
Fighting for a Pulse The city of Orlando prepares for a dustup over how to treat what is now hallowed ground Chelsea Santiago
O
rlando | After Pulse nightclub was attacked in June by a gunman in what is now regarded as the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, killing 49 people and injuring many others, the LGBTQ community was shocked and overwhelmed. However, Orlando and much of the world stood together in the face of such a hateful attack and proved that together we are stronger. Pulse is now up for sale and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the owners of the club, Barbara Poma and her spouse, have agreed on a sale of the building for $2.25 million, which will need to be approved by the city council. A vote was set for Nov. 14 to determine exactly how that would happen. However, Dyer has delayed the vote for almost a month to give the city more time to plan how best to seek public input on what should be done with Pulse. The new date for discussion is Dec. 5. Dyer said in an interview with WMFE radio back in August that the city should purchase Pulse and eventually turn it into a memorial.
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
“Unfortunately, not all Council members support this decision,” Commissioner Patty Sheehan states in an email. “This is an opportunity to turn a tragedy into teaching peace and tolerance.” The tragedy occurred a little over five months ago. The site still sees locals and tourists stop by to show respect for those who were lost and to leave tokens of remembrance, including politicians like Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. “If the city doesn’t buy the site then anybody could buy the site; some real estate agent or commercial developer could buy the site and they can turn it into a parking lot,” State Representative-elect for House District 49, Carlos Guillermo Smith says.“That’s why it’s so important that that the city intervenes instead of putting the site out there on the real estate market for the highest bidder.” Dyer has stated that the club will be left the way it is for the next twelve to eighteen months to allow those who wish to visit the site to do so, and to see it for how it was. Guillermo Smith lauded Dyer for his leadership in this effort and agrees that this landmark should belong to
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the community. “The tragedy that unfolded here is forever part of our city’s history and the history of the LGBTQ, Latino and Puerto Rican people,” Guillermo Smith says. Sheehan urges the public to once again stand strong together and come out to the meeting and let their voices be heard. Likewise Guillermo Smith, in a phone interview, urged city leaders to act now to secure this once safe haven to the LGBTQ community as a memorial to those that were lost, and also as a symbol to our commitment to building inclusive and safe communities. “This historical site obviously has significance to so many communities, not just to the community of Orlando overall, but also to the LGBTQ community,” Guillermo Smith says. “For LGBTQ Americans, this site has become our ground zero.” Currently, the Orange County History Museum shows up every so often to take artifacts away from the site to be preserved until the community can decide later what to do with all of those artifacts. However, the site is still owned by Pulse owners and the completion of the purchase of the site by the city is what is still left in the balance. “There have been so many folks that are directly impacted by the Pulse tragedy who are survivors themselves or family members of the 49,” Guillermo Smith says. “It’s more important now than ever, especially on this issue, that they come to that council meeting in December and make their voices heard.”
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
9
tampa bay news
white SuPremaCiSt, nazi graFFiti Found outSide king oF PeaCe ChurCh Jeremy Williams
S
t. petersBurG | Anti-Semitic and hate speech graffiti was left on the sidewalk outside of the King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church in St. Petersburg Nov. 14. The graffiti consisted of large swastikas, along with the letters MAGA and the number 1488, according to St. Petersburg Police Department spokesperson Yolanda Fernadez. “It was done in chalk on the sidewalk so it was easily removed, and there wasn’t any permanent physical damage,” Fernadez said. The police are not speculating as to the meaning of the numbers or the letters that were included in the graffiti until further investigation is complete. The letters MAGA have been seen on social media over the past year as shorthand for “Make America Great Again,” the campaign slogan for presidential-elect Donald Trump. The number 1488 is a combination of two popular white supremacist numeric symbols, according to the Anti-Defamation League website. The number 14 symbolizes the 14 words of the slogan “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children,” and the number 88 stands for “Heil Hitler,” H being the eighth letter of the alphabet. “We have our officers checking the area for other graffiti and other symbols and just keeping an eye on things,” Fernadez says. “There has not been any other threats and no damage left so at this point we are just watching the area.”
PulSe Survivor who died at tamPa Party had rare mediCal Condition Jeremy Williams
T
aMpa | Pulse shooting survivor Chris Brodman, who died in the early morning hours of Sept. 12 in Tampa while attending a birthday party, had a rare medical condition that took his life. An autopsy done on Brodman revealed that he suffered a brain hemorrhage caused by malformed blood vessels. Deputies found Brodman laying in the backyard of the Tampa residence unconscious, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff Office. Several people and paramedics with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue attempted CPR to no avail. Brodman was pronounced deceased on scene. Brodman was at Pulse June 12 when Omar Mateen opened fire on the nightclub killing 49 people and injuring 53 more, and was able to escape. Brodman’s death came exactly three months after the deadly shooting. He was 34 years old.
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teaM spirit:
kevin beckner (center) with the USF Bull Mascot and cheerleaders.
Kevin Can Wait After two terms as Hillsborough’s first openly gay commissioner, Kevin Beckner is taking some time to rest before getting back into the ring Jeremy Williams
T
aMpa | For eight years, Kevin Beckner has served as the District 6 Commissioner for Hillsborough County, coming in on the wave of President Obama’s first term of a country that wanted change. “Like so many at the time, I was not satisfied with the direction our government was going, especially our local government,” Beckner says. “I started thinking of getting in after 2005 when the county commission put a ban on gay pride. That was a tipping point for me. I felt like our local government was not focusing on the issues that were most relevant to the issues of our community.” Beckner was the first openly gay commissioner for Hillsborough County. While not the only reason he ran, it was one of the issues he felt wasn’t being addressed by the commission. “They certainly were gridlocked when it came to transportation, infrastructure, appropriate planning for growth,” Beckner says. “But there was just a general lack of respect for the diversity in our community. That
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
was the beginning of what really got me involved. If you want to really make a difference, you have to have a seat at the table.” In his two terms as commissioner, Beckner saw a renaissance in the liberal movement, both locally and nationally. “When I started in office, we had a ban on gay pride in our community; there were no protections for the LGBTQ community as far as employment discrimination; within government, there was no representation for the LGBTQ community; and certainly as a whole, we lacked benefits or recognition for the community,” Beckner says. Beckner went to work getting the county ban on gay pride celebrations lifted, amending the Human Rights Ordinance to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, helping put a county wide domestic partnership program in place and assisting in getting all county employees equal healthcare benefits. “We have made tremendous progress as it pertains to equality in our community,” Beckner says. “We have marriage equality. People can
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serve openly in the military. We have made progress, but there is still quite a bit more work to do.” After last week’s general election results, Beckner says now more than ever is the time to fight back. “I don’t know how the impact of this election in general for the LGBTQ community can’t be seen as great, but I don’t think we should lose sight of some of our victories,” Beckner says. “We elected a Democratic state attorney in David Warren, who I have gotten to know. I think that’s going to open opportunities now in fixing the criminal justice system. I think that was a win for our community. “ Beckner says after the results of this election, making sure we are able to protect the accomplishments we have made so far as a community is vital over the next couple of years. “I foresee a lot of legislation that could come forward that could discriminate against based on religious freedom, so we have to watch for that,” Beckner says. “The same time I tell people we can’t live in fear for what might be, we have to live in the reality of what is. We have to be able to separate the rhetoric we heard on the campaign trail from what is coming into reality.” As his term winds and Beckner hands the reins of District 6 over to his successor Patricia “Pat” Kemp, don’t expect him to go off quietly into the night. “I right now am going to decompress, spend more time with my spouse and family, and then really look at where I can continue to utilize my experience, both in politics and life, and continue to have a meaningful impact on our community,” Beckner says.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
11
state news
Florida approves constitutional amendment in favor of medical marijuana Wire Report
T
ALLAHASSEE | Florida voters approved a state constitutional amendment Tuesday to legalize medical marijuana, broadening access to pot beyond the limited therapeutic uses approved by the legislature two years ago. Amendment 2 passed with 71 percent approval, well above the 60 percent needed to become law. Two years ago a similar measure received 58 percent. “We were confident going into the election that it was going to pass but this is truly historic,’’ said Ben Pollara, campaign manager for United for Care. Pollara said internal polling suggested that over 70 percent would vote for the amendment, but he was still surprised to see
the actual results. Currently, the law allows non-smoked, low-THC pot for patients with cancer or ailments that cause chronic seizures or severe spasms. The ballot measure formally legalizes medical marijuana, and broadens access for diseases with symptoms other than seizures or spasms. Specifically the measure allows prescriptions for 10 illnesses: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. It also allows doctors to prescribe pot for any other similar kind of ailment. Two years ago, when the measure fell short of approval, opponents expressed concerns that the state would be overrun with pot shops and that children
wouldn’t be adequately protected from potential bad effects of the drug. Many thought that having the issue on the ballot during a presidential election would help the measure this time. “There is more embracing of marijuana, especially for medical purposes, nationally,’’ said Pat Allen, a 51-year-old teacher from Tallahassee who voted for it. Florida becomes the 26th state along with the District of Columbia to legalize the marijuana plant for medical use. Before the passage of Amendment 2, Florida was one of 16 states where only part of the marijuana plant is used. Proponents said loopholes were closed this time, including requiring parental written consent for underage patients. “Better late than never,’’ said
Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. Photo courtesy Nadelmann’s Facebook Page
Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. ``Most states outside the South already have legal medical marijuana, but the overwhelming victory today in Florida is likely to accelerate the momentum for reform throughout the region.’’ The Department of Health will
regulate how medical marijuana can be distributed along with mandating identification cards for caregivers and patients. Many rules and regulations—from how the marijuana is grown to regulations on how it can be transported for in-home delivery—already have been passed by the legislature under laws for limited use of marijuana. Those regulations also will apply to the constitutional amendment. The No on 2 campaign issued a statement saying that they hope the authors of the amendment are true to their word that the legislature will have wide discretion on regulation of medical marijuana. Pollara said there have been conversations with the legislature about the next steps before the 2017 session begins in March. “There is still a lot of work to do. There are still a number of clear and present conflicts between the current statute and the amendment. However it is nothing that can’t be worked out,’’ Pollara said.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
13
nation+world news
in other news
Taiwan will become the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage
White House to honor nation’s oldest LGBTQ youth drama group True Colors: Out Youth Theater, a Boston-based and the nation’s longest-running LGBTQ youth drama group, is among the recipients of the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. First Lady Michelle Obama will present the award to True Colors in a ceremony at the White House Nov. 15. The award is considered the country’s highest honor in creative youth development.
Wire Report
T
AIPEI, Taiwan | Su Shan and her partner are raising 5-month-old twins together, but only one of the women is their legal parent. That could soon change as Taiwan appears set to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. “Now, if something happens to the child, the other partner is nothing but a stranger,” said Su, a 35-year-old software engineer in Taipei. By contrast, either partner in a legally recognized marriage could make legal, medical and educational decisions, she says. Taiwanese lawmakers are currently working on three bills in support of marriage equality, one of which is already listed for review and could be passed within months. Same-sex marriage also has the prominent support of President
North Carolina leaders ask court for delay in LGBTQ law appeal North Carolina’s Republican leaders say a federal appeals court should wait for a U.S. Supreme Court case to be resolved before weighing in on a law limiting protections for LGBT people. Lawyers for legislative leaders and Gov. Pat McCrory filed a motion Nov. 9 asking the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals to delay the case on House Bill 2 until the Supreme Court decides a Virginia case concerning transgender restroom access. The North Carolina law requires transgender people to use restrooms corresponding to their birth certificates in many public buildings. Lawyers for North Carolina transgender residents told the 4th Circuit that a lower court’s preliminary ruling in their favor should have gone further.
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Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female head of state. About 80 percent of Taiwanese between ages 20 and 29 support same-sex marriage, said Tseng Yen-jung, spokeswoman for the group Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, citing local university studies. Taiwan’s United Daily News found in a survey taken four years ago that 55 percent of the public supported same-sex marriage, with 37 percent opposed. That’s seen as a reflection of Taiwan’s ready acceptance of multi-party democracy and other inclusive attitudes, as well as the fact that Taiwan’s 23 million people largely follow Buddhism and traditional Chinese religions that take no strong positions on sexual orientation or gay marriage. Taiwan would join Canada, Colombia, Ireland, the United States and 16 other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage over
the past 15 years, according to the Washington, D.C.-based LGBT rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. But it would be a notable exception among Asian and Middle Eastern countries, at least 20 of which continue to ban same-sex intercourse. “It’s a big step forward for the history of human rights,” said Yu Mei-nu, a ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker who is sponsoring the same-sex marriage bill now in line for parliamentary debate. “If Taiwan can get this passed … it will give other Asian countries a model.” Taiwan’s Justice Ministry has not backed a specific bill, but pledged on its website last month to maintain an “attitude of openness” toward same-sex marriage. President Tsai said as recently as October that she supports same-sex marriage. Domestic gays and lesbians have also formed an effective lobby in recent years. An annual Gay Pride march in Taipei last month drew tens of thousands of people, many pushing for gay marriage. About 100 people have separately formed a group pushing for the cause.
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Tom Dyer
FounderS day The Unthinkable is Now the Future
i
Went to Bed Before the
election was called, but the writing was on the wall. The first words I heard when my radio alarm went off the following morning were “PresidentElect Trump.” It felt dreamlike; surreal. And then, as the news settled in, more like a punch in the gut.
President Donald Trump? The unthinkable is now the future. We are a toxically divided nation. Just look at the national election map and its urban pockets of blue surrounded by vast seas of rural red. Differences based on income, education, religion and race are exacerbated by self-selected media that ignores or dismisses opposing beliefs. We inhabit enemy camps. With his populist message, Donald Trump energized rural white voters in ways that establishment candidates like John McCain and Mitt Romney couldn’t. They were joined by suburban Republicans and independents that chose to overlook Trump’s crippling flaws—and the racist and misogynistic tone of his campaign—out of perceived self-interest. Many are your neighbors, friends and co-workers. Ironically, voters who believe Trump will cure their ills distrust government. They believe it is corrupt and ineffective… and personified by Hillary Clinton. Pundits thought changing demographics would prevail, and that younger and more diverse voters would be drawn to Clinton’s qualifications and sterling progressive credentials. But Clinton, who is charismatically disarming in small groups, was too unlikeable; her solutions too complex, her image too concrete. When she described Trump supporters as “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic and Islamophobic” at an LGBT fundraiser, she turned a
big “basket of deplorables”— people she someday hoped to govern—into fanatics. They turned out in droves for Trump. If Clinton had won, the next four years would have been a history-making slog. Republicans would have done everything in their power to prevent her from succeeding, just like they did with Barack Obama. But Donald Trump is now our president. And Republicans control both houses of Congress. There’s no sugarcoating it: the election of 2016 is a disaster. The impact, however, remains uncertain. We know Trump is thin-skinned, vengeful, unprepared and unrestrained by the truth… which should make for interesting press conferences, if he agrees to do them. He has said he wants to build a wall bordering Mexico, bomb Isis, gut the Iran nuclear arms agreement, re-think NATO, reverse progress on climate change, back out of existing trade agreements and cut taxes on the wealthy. But even opponents give Trump grudging credit for being a good negotiator, mostly because his words are as ephemeral as a drying puddle. Much of what he says is bluster. The big battleship of state turns slowly. Like any Republican president, Trump will nominate a conservative to the Supreme Court and restore that body’s 5-4 conservative majority. That is supremely bad news, but a court with the same makeup legalized same-sex marriage and protected access to abortion in Texas. Pray for the good health of justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg (83), Anthony Kennedy (80) and Steven Breyer (78). The vast majority of Americans now support existing marriage equality. Trump knows this, and in a 60 Minutes interview last weekend he said it is “…already settled. It’s law. And I’m fine with that.” Vice-President Mike Pence is an evangelical Christian who supports divisive “religious
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freedom” laws that make recognition of same-sex marriage voluntary. But consider what happened in North Carolina and Pence’s home state of Indiana. A move by Republicans in the same direction would create a nationwide cultural backlash that could sabotage Trump’s administration and deliver
float wholly unsubstantiated rumors in pursuit of a racist, sexist and anti-Semitic agenda. Will Breitbart become a media adjunct for the Trump White House? That would be unacceptable. Trump’s first big test will be Obamacare. He has promised to repeal it. But tens of millions of Americans,
must offer solutions that voters will either embrace or reject. I am hopeful… if not about the next few years then about the future of our nation. As Martin Luther King said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Democrats and progressives must learn from 2016. We need fresh faces to share
Congress to Democrats in 2018. His support, particularly amongst college-educated voters, is fragile. We must be both vigilant and opportunistic. Most disturbing is Trump’s arrogant and tone-deaf choice of former Breitbart News chairman Stephen Bannon as his chief White House strategist and senior counselor. Breitbart is a mouthpiece for the alt right, willing to
many with preexisting conditions, will fight to keep their precious health insurance benefits. So will their elected representatives. If Republicans want to gut Obamacare, they must provide an alternative. They have painted themselves into a corner. A week out, my feelings about the election fluctuate wildly. Republicans can no longer simply obstruct; they
our core message: equality for all; there’s enough for everybody; we benefit by lifting others; government can be an instrument of good. And as for President Trump? We start working now to take away his Congress in 2018 and vote him out in 2020. With renewed purpose, we stand together to fight for our rights and our vision for the future. #WeCanDoThis
We know Trump is thin-skinned, vengeful, unprepared and unrestrained by the truth… which should make for interesting press conferences.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
talking points
PRESIDENT-ELECT
We’ve spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American Dream is big enough for everyone – for people of all races and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities.
DONALD
TRUMP 14% OF THE LGBTQ VOTE, CaPtured
—hillary Clinton in her ConCession speeCh noV. 9
george takei takes to tWitter to CoPe WitH eleCtion results
i
n the foG and haze many of us were in Nov. 9, LGBTQ icon and community uncle George Takei took to Twitter to express how he was feeling after Donald Trump was declared the 45th president of the United States. “The unthinkable happened before to my family in WWII,” Takei wrote. “We got thru it. We held each other close. We kept our dignity and held to our ideals.” Takei followed with seven more tweets, addressing them to “all who voted to defeat Donald Trump and what he represents.” Takei goes on to say that we must affirm the values we cherish and have fought for, stand up defiantly to any dark or divisive acts and look out for the most vulnerable among us. “ Within our hearts we know the society we wish to live in. No one can take that vision from us,” he wrote. Takei’s full address can be read on his personal Twitter feed.
DOWN FROM
48%
oF lgbtq voters
WHO CHOSE
MITT ROMNEY over
BARACK OBAMA in 2012.
—New York Times exit polls
gay CHaraCters Hit reCord HigH on netWork tv
A
reCord nuMBer of lGBtQ CharaCters are featured on broadcast series, according to a study from media advocacy group GLAAD. Broadcast TV includes the highest percentage of regularly appearing gay characters – 4.8 percent – since the LGBTQ rights organization began its count 21 years ago. Among nearly 900 series regular characters on ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC, 43 characters are LGBTQ, up from 35 last season. The report found small-screen shows can be deadly for gay female characters though. More than 25 lesbian and bisexual female characters died on scripted broadcast, cable and streaming series this year. Researchers tallied LGBTQ characters in the period from June 2016 to May 2017.
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youtube star Pleads guilty to vandalism in False rePort Case
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ondon-natiVe CaluM MCsWiGGan, a gay YouTube personality, pled guilty to felony vandalism in an incident in which he claimed he was the victim of a hate crime. He was sentenced to three years of supervised probation and 52 anger management sessions. McSwiggan was charged with vandalizing a car belonging to a man who he had an altercation with outside a West Hollywood gay club in late June, then falsely claiming he was beaten by the man and his friends. The 26-year-old claimed in an Instagram post that the men broke his teeth. Authorities said McSwiggan was seen hitting himself with a jail payphone. A phone message left for McSwiggan’s attorney was not immediately returned.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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ARK & RECREATION star aMy poelher is producing an Odd Couple-themed comedy featuring gay lead characters with her production company Paper Kite for the ABC network. The show, titled Family Style, is described as “a multigenerational half-hour about two mismatched men from different cultures who find love in a family-run restaurant in Miami.” The new series is inspired by Dif�icult People showrunner Scott King’s life. King will co-write the show with Claudia Lonow whose writing credits include the shows Crowded, Friends With Bene�its and Accidentally on Purpose. Poelher’s Paper Kite also produces Comedy Central’s Broad City starring Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, and Hulu’s Dif�icult People starring Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
in-dePtH: Post-eleCtion
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Local leaders weigh in on the way we were and the way we will be
d
equality Florida Ceo nadine smitH
Billy Manes
uMBfounded. knoCked out. afraid.
Broken. These are just a few of the things that many of us are feeling in the wake of Donald Trump’s historic rise to presidential power on Nov. 8. If you’re anything like us, you have a lot of questions. You may have even been harassed already. We reached out to some of our best and brightest for answers, options, hope. And they provided just that. We’re not done yet. And so we rise. Here are some words from our friends. Stay strong. watermark Your LGBTQ life.
If you did not understand intersectionality – the connection between all forms of oppression before, I hope you understand it now. Trump prevailed by appealing to white identity and racial fear. He summoned within the shrinking white electorate a fear of the brown menace, of Mexicans and Muslims swarming “our borders.” And now a climate change denier is in charge of protecting the environment. Now Trump will select Supreme Court justices he has promised will
roll back marriage equality. Now millions of Americans will lose any access to healthcare, and some will die because of it. Barely half of America’s eligible voters cast a ballot and the majority voted for Hillary Clinton. Let this sink in: Less than a quarter of U.S. voters was all it took to secure this election for a con man and a bigot. The right-wing struck a resonate and fearful note and too many on the smug left stood on the sidelines. And oh the sexism.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
Continued on Pg. 23 | uu |
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| uu | What Happens Now? from pg.21
Racism and sexism combined to imperil the country and the planet as this superpower hands the keys to an imbalanced, vindictive bigot. I think America will survive. I think we here will fight back in ways unavailable in Hitler’s Germany. I pray we don’t wipe another country off the face of the earth before we wrest control back of this train. So when those of us fighting like hell for the rights of LGBT people speak out against voter suppression, racism, sexism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, immigrant bashing, the school to prison pipeline, the failed drug war, we do so out of an understanding that our fates are tied quite literally. This is not a human rights ecosystem that allows you to “get yours” and move on. So here are the five things you can do to not feel helpless, powerless and fearful in these uncertain and hostile times: 1: Take care of yourself. Reach out to friends. Talk and don’t let fear overtake you. Don’t live on Facebook and steep in paranoia. We have work to do and we need you. 2: Stay involved with the groups doing the work. Equality Florida will continue to block the bad and push for pro-equality protections. Join us www.eqfl.org. 3: Reach out in real life to family and friends who voted for Trump and help them understand the impact. Write if you don’t trust that a conversation to be productive. 4: Be prepared to interrupt bullying. Hate crimes are likely to increase and you need to be prepared to stand up when you see someone being targeted. http:// www.bystanderrevolution.org/ 5: Remember more than 75 percent of American voters did NOT vote for Trump. The majority does not endorse his fearful vision. You are not alone. Don’t shrink back in fear when we need you standing with us to stop the effort to harm us.
Zebra Coalition CEO Heather Wilkie
“We are strong, we are stronger together, we are OrlandoStrong, OrlandoUnited.” These words have been written many times over the past several months and today we find ourselves in a place where they have never been more important. We are a community filled with resilience and we have a
momentum that allows us to continue to shine in so many ways. As you think about how you may be able to support your community, consider the organizations that are in need of help through the upcoming holiday season. You can volunteer in many ways: donate food to provide Thanksgiving meals to our LGBT+ community who may not have a supportive family; sponsor a youth for the holidays who has been rejected by their family; pledge to support an LGBT+ organization (Equality Florida) that works to end oppression. We are OrlandoStrong. We will continue to spread hope and positivity.
white voters. They coalesced. We did not. Young voters and the Obama coalition were not motivated to participate. But we need to work together all of the time. It seems we can put together marches and protests at a moments notice. People will show up. Even take the risk of getting hit with rubber bullets and pepper spray. But they won’t vote. Like President Obama said, “Don’t boo, vote!” We ALL need to take a pledge to each other across our racial, ethnic, and social divides and promise each other that we will vote in every single election as progressive voters. Not just when it will personally benefit ourselves. We need to stop thinking of “me,” and
Orlando attorney and activist Patrick Howell As a registered Republican that is also a white male, it may seem I’m more insulated from the election results than most LGBTQ Floridians. But many of those that I love don’t fall into those same categories I just listed, including my boyfriend and his family, my adopted brother and sister, and many friends and co-workers. If they are upset and worried, then I am also upset and worried. I read an article today about a movement in Australia and Great Britain to help Muslims in those
Quit taking your opinion to the streets and start taking it to the voting booth. Because while your opinion matters, it is your vote that counts. — Orlando City Commisssioner Patty Sheehan
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan Like most of progressive America I woke up Wednesday with what felt like a hangover. I don’t drink. It was one of the most disappointing nights—and days—of my life. But I was buoyed by Secretary Clinton’s concession speech, most remarkably by “You will have successes and setbacks, too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” So how do we do that? We did a great job here in Orange County, and swept most of the local races. But clearly we were in a bubble. We need to do a better job of reaching out to our minority partners and work together more. It is harder to do when you are a diverse group. The Trumpets were for the most part a monolithic group of angry
start thinking of “we.” We people of color, women, LGBTQ, people of faith, are the majority if we band together; if we support each other. In the aftermath of Pulse, I was so amazed by the way we all came together as a community. We have to continue it, and expand it. We are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. By only caring about individual self-interests we took our eyes off the prize. I heard people say no one had done enough for them, or they didn’t agree 100 percent, or that all the candidates were the same anyway. This flawed thinking and apathy has brought us to this place. This election did matter. Quit taking your opinion to the streets and start taking it to the voting booth. Because while your opinion matters, it is your vote that counts. And this was not the election for a protest vote. The third party candidates cost us Florida.
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
countries feel safe. People wear a simple safety pin on their shirt or lapel to as a pledge of solidarity, support and safety. I pledge to do this simple act of support for everyone that may now need it, and I encourage others to also do the same. Let’s make it clear that all are welcome in Florida!
Orlando attorney and activist Mary Meeks
One of the first questions I got after the election was, “Is my marriage in jeopardy?” And here’s my tempered good news: neither Trump nor the current Republican Congress can unilaterally take away marriage equality. But Trump can appoint Supreme Court justices that he believes will vote in the future to take away those rights. That possibility is years in
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
the future and ultimately unlikely based on the legal doctrine of stare decisis (the Supreme Court very rarely reverses its own prior decisions). Speaking of the Supreme Court though, it has an empty chair that Trump can fill right away, and three other very elderly justices. The odds are great that Trump’s Supreme Court will affect our lives negatively in numerous ways for the next century as important civil rights issues get decided there. More immediate threats loom. President Obama’s executive orders that protect LGBT federal employees and contractors will likely be retracted, as will his order protecting transgender students in public schools. LGBT-rights legislation will go nowhere in the Republican Congress, and discriminatory “religious liberty” laws will be championed. Pro-LGBT regulatory directives that were issued by President Obama’s various cabinet agencies could be undone, and anti-LGBT judges may be appointed to courts nationwide. We need to use all of our collective efforts to play good defense for the next two years, and then elect enough supportive Senators and Representatives in the midterm election to be able to block Trump for the following two years until we can vote him out of office. So as we mourn the elevation of Trump and learn to exist in this more hostile nation, let’s remember that we’re not alone. Women, people of color, Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities are facing comparable threats from a Trump government. Now is the time to band together, unite our efforts, and vote for change as soon as we can. And in the meantime, love the people you love with all your heart and soul!
Florida Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Susan Smith
The coming years are going to be a battle to keep Trump, the GOP and complicit Democrats from doing harm to our country’s most vulnerable citizens. Progressives must lead this fight by standing up for Americans who suffer most from economic policies that favor the 1 percent, and those who are targets of bigotry, misogyny and racism. We must also defend America’s standing and good faith in the world community. We’re ready for that fight.
Continued on pg. 24 | uu |
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| uu | What Happens Now? from pg.23
Trans activist and Watermark columnist Maia Monet Within our own community, take care to be kind to yourselves and others. Some of us may need a little extra help coping in these tenuous times. In particular, if you know someone transgender, let them know you care. We are a vulnerable group whose rights are likely first on the chopping block. Among them, executive orders barring discrimination based on gender identity in federal buildings, vendors, and public schools could be rescinded as early as the first day of the Trump administration. Yes, marriage equality is important to all of us, but we cannot let tunnel vision for one issue blind us to very pressing concerns. There are doubtless tough days ahead, but the rights we enjoy today were won by generations struggling under even tougher circumstances. We owe it to them to continue the good fight. And if you ever feel like the odds are stacked against us, take comfort in knowing more voted for her than him. We shall overcome.
Florida Senatorelect Linda Stewart
My reaction on November 8, 2016, was excitement for Orange County and the newly elected Democratic Congressional, state and local officials. However, by 10 p.m. it became unbelievable and the horrible thoughts started creeping forward: “What is to become of our successes—in equality, LGBT rights in our community and women’s issues—in January?” My top concern was that we might see all our hard work unraveled and reversed. But we are strong and have fought too long and hard to allow our good work be destroyed. How we must react: We must elect local and state officials who will turn this national possibility into an effort to stop at the Florida line and control our own destiny. Recruitment and support of those who will actually support our issues, and not just say they will do it! Love not hate will prevail as it has for us in Central Florida. Spread our unfaltering love to other parts of the state and remember in two years there will be another round of elections for governor, cabinet members, legislators and senators. Let’s start recruitment of
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candidates now. Pick a candidate or two that you will get behind and put your soul into their elections. In the next few months, let’s hear from those who would be great candidates. Then we will need to work to get them into office, just like the successes that we have experienced in Central Florida. We cannot weep. We must keep our heads high and determined to reach the goals of electing good candidates, fight against those who think they have a license to do harm, to speak badly, or to unravel everything we have worked to achieve.
and discrimination. And to the realization that half of our beloved America believes in a ticket that espouses xenophobia, transphobia, demeaning women and intolerance of diversity. The crosshairs of discrimination are now trained on the Transgender community. We can either be frozen in fear and despair or we can start now to reshape our nation. Returns already show that our young people denounce the divisiveness of this election, and believe in a nation of tolerance, fairness and inclusiveness. That youthful passion is a good start.
difficult right instead of the easy wrong we can and we will make a difference for ourselves and for generations to come.
Florida House Rep. Scott Plakon
On April 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln entered Richmond, Va., which had just fallen to the Federal forces. General Weitzel, the commanding officer, asked President Lincoln how the citizens, who had just seen their city taken over, should be treated. President Lincoln responded, “If I
The crosshairs of discrimination are now trained on the Transgender community. We can either be frozen in fear and despair or we can start now to reshape our nation. —Equality Florida Transgender Inclusion Director Gina Duncan
Love not Hate, but now we also need to add “determined to survive.”
Equality Florida Transgender Inclusion Director Gina Duncan
The reality of what has happened in America is hard to grasp. As we awaken to this foreign political landscape, many in our community are reeling, and fearful for their personal safety and that of their families. We must now deal with a president who we found “deplorable” as a candidate, and the challenge that both houses of Congress are controlled by conservative Republicans. The Vice President-elect is a known evangelical extremist, homophobe and transphobe. We come to the reality that this truly is a nation divided. That many of our ‘friends,’ neighbors and family members voted for divisiveness, fear mongering, segregation
What we do in Florida has a direct impact on our national elections. More importantly, what we do in Florida has a direct impact on the quality of the lives of all who live in Florida. Let us start that movement now. Instead of being reactive, instead of bracing for the hate, instead of positioning for turning back discrimination, let us take the offensive. Let us lock arms with our brothers, sisters and allies and let’s meet the oncoming wave of hate with an advancing wall of collaboration and mobilization. It is time to put in motion a movement that will change the course of our state, and the direction of our culture. We will be visible advocates and we will educate. We will rise up against bigotry and hatred in any form in any situation. We will not be shut out of society or segregated in public places. In the end we will prevail. Right always prevails. By choosing the
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were in your place I’d let ‘em up easy, let ‘em up easy.” To my Republican friends: Many of our friends are disappointed, sad and even very upset at the results of the election. We should follow the example of President Lincoln to be gracious and “Let ‘em up easy.” To my Democrat friends: In her concession speech, Hillary Clinton said of Donald Trump that “we owe him an open mind.” Donald Trump was far from my first choice to be president, but now that he will be our president, I believe that we should all heed this advice. I somehow suspect that both the political left and right might be in for some surprises. There has been a lot of division in our country in recent years. By being kind and gracious in winning and respectful, optimistic and hopeful in losing, perhaps this may be an opportunity to heal some wounds, bring greater understanding and move more toward our shared ideal of being the United States of America.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
Former Florida Democratic Party Chairman Bob Poe Losing sucks! And then—because this isn’t the end, it’s just a moment in time—you have to figure out what to do next. What’s next for you may not be the same as it is for me, and that’s ok. There are some who will need to raise their voices loud in protest. Others will want to start quietly, but deliberately, planning for the future. And even a few will need to step back and take a well-needed rest. Whatever it is that you need to do, go do it. We need a strong and vocal opposition to any, and every, attempt to roll back all the progress we’ve made and to protect our future. We’re not done by any means. We need people who can guide our existing institutions and organizations in the right direction. We need others to start new organizations. We need candidates, campaign managers, field directors, fundraisers and donors, large and small. We need new people with fresh ideas and we need seasoned veterans with an institutional memory of the past. We need those who are tired and battle weary to rest and get healthy. We’ll have more than enough for them to do when they are good and ready. We need everyone in their way and time. There’s no single pathway out of this dark wilderness. Everyone has different talent, interests and strengths. So, respect those who may choose a different way than you. Find your passion and the best way to express it. Then find other like-minded people to join you. This is going to be a long and difficult journey. So, don’t go it alone. I’m reminded of the African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”
Local organizer and former congressional candidate Susannah Randolph
Don’t mourn. Organize. Losing sucks (trust me I know). But remember that in politics, losing isn’t permanent. You lose until you win again which means that we all must dig down deep, find that small, flickering flame of fight
Continued on pg. 27 | uu |
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| uu | What Happens Now? from pg.24
and start feeding it. There is no doubt that we will be horrified by the statements, policies and initiatives that happen in the next year. There is no doubt that we will hear the voices of hate, taunting us and reminding us that we lost this round. Do not lose hope. They want us to hide, they want us to retreat, they want us to fade into the background and be passive. Now is the time to love harder, be louder, act more, and stand strong. The only time you are guaranteed to lose is when you stop fighting. And I’m not stopping. Neither are you. Go eat. Sleep. Meditate and breathe. Tomorrow, we fight on. Tomorrow we organize. Tomorrow will be our finest moment yet.
Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Anna Eskamani
For 100 years, Planned Parenthood has faced challenges and attacks from people opposed to our mission to provide full access to sexual and reproductive health care. Through every attack we have come out stronger and we plan to use that same strength to lead in the coming days, months and years—both for the patients who rely on us and for our allies across progressive movements. We have been dealt a serious blow in the election of Donald Trump and my heart aches for the fact that our nation has elected an individual who has made a career off oppressing those who already have so little and face systematic oppression each day. As a woman of color born to immigrant parents, I feel rejected by a nation that my family came to in search of a better life. Despite this, I know that there is power to find in my pain. And when the going gets tough, the tough get tougher. We need to remember that change will not come with a quick burst of energy or enthusiasm. It comes with a consistent persistence for something greater than ourselves. In these moments, we have all a choice: Do we let callousness win, or compassion? Do we tune out, or do we engage? Shut down, or
stand up? I always stand up against bigotry and hate to create a nation that is rooted in both peace and justice and I invite you to join me. We need you now and will train you on how to push back against potential federal attacks but also against what we know will be an aggressive legislative session in Tallahassee, too.
Congressman-elect Darren Soto
Election night was a bittersweet victory for all of us on the Soto campaign. I had just made history as the first Florida
must continue to vigorously protect equality for all Americans regardless of race, religion, sex, disability or sexual orientation. We must fight against turning back the clock on women’s reproductive rights and equal pay for equal work, fight against reversing LGBTQ rights to marry and against discrimination, fight against ending civil and voting rights of ethnic minorities, and stop the creation of a religious test for entrance into our country. We must fight for our immigrant populations to ensure they are treated humanely and not cast out in a massive deportation. We must remain committed to our
are not the majority. We need to be unapologetic about who we are and unafraid to call out hate whenever we see it. Yes, Trump won Florida by stoking white fears of a brown menace, of Latinos and Muslims swarming our borders. But Orlando overwhelming rejected that message of hate. Hate didn’t trump love here. Voters in Orange County turned out and voted for Hillary at a higher rate than they did for Obama in 2012. That’s Orlando United! Stephanie Murphy ousted a right-wing
We need to remember that change will not come with a quick burst of energy or enthusiasm. It comes with a consistent persistence for something greater than ourselves. — Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Anna Eskamani
Puerto Rican elected to Congress. Yet we all watched with fear and disbelief as much of the country, including our great State of Florida went red, electing Donald Trump as the next president of the United States. In response, we must first maintain some hope that hyperbole on the campaign will yield to a moderated and more focused agenda as the country comes together. Second, there are several areas of common ground on which we can achieve progress, including recalibrating trade deals to better benefit American workers; passing a broad infrastructure bill to upgrade America’s roads, bridges, railways and ports; enacting corporate tax reforms to bring trillions in revenue back into the U.S. and finally getting serious about paying down our $20 trillion national debt. There will obviously be areas of serious disagreement. We
allies to protect democracy, liberty and freedom around the world. I promise a greater hope awaits us in the next American chapter if we work together!
House Rep.-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith
We cannot give up, especially after everything we have been though. We can never stop challenging homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. In fact, our commitment to disarming bigotry and uprooting hatred must be stronger than ever. I accept the results of the presidential election because this is our democracy. But just because Trump won, without the popular vote, does not mean we will accept the normalization of misogyny and racism. We need to be vocal and stand up to the bullies and bigots who may feel emboldened by this election. They
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incumbent of 23 years by building a strong coalition of local LGBT leaders who stood with her as they lambasted Mica for his support of the gun lobby after Pulse. That’s huge. We made history with with my race by electing Florida’s first and only LGBT Latino legislator. Winning that seat at the table for the QLatinx community is truly groundbreaking and it happened at a time when we need it most. The seeds we’ve planted here have grown into a progressive movement ready to make real change. We are a community ready for action and we need to come together in the same way that we did after Pulse. I don’t know what Trump’s next move will be, but let’s all agree that if he continues his scapegoating of minorities, that we in Orlando will be his worst nightmare.
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Congresswomanelect Stephanie Murphy No doubt the 2016 presidential election did not turn out the way many of us expected. But, just because the election is over doesn’t mean we should give up. We should channel our frustrations into electing candidates at all levels of government who reflect our values and our principles. That is the most effective way we can make our community a stronger, more inclusive place to call home. Meanwhile, here in the greater Orlando community, we did a pretty incredible thing. We elected three diverse and pro-equality candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives with Val Demings, Darren Soto and myself. I am honored and humbled by the trust and faith the people of central Florida have placed in me to represent them in the U.S. Congress. I am also proud that our campaign gave a voice to the true values and priorities of Central Florida, which is ultimately why we won. I entered the race for Congress in the weeks after the Pulse tragedy because I had had enough of the dysfunction and deadlock in Congress, particularly in relation to gun laws and LGBTQ rights. I was so moved when Pulse survivors, families of those killed, and activists joined our campaign for change, security and equality—along with the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence. Our coalition came together to turn moments of silence into moments of action so that no family and no community would ever experience what we did here in Orlando. Throughout the election, we said our campaign was about more than just making a difference—it was also about making a point. Our point was that elected representatives who consistently vote against equality, commonsense gun safety, and inclusivity will be held accountable to their voting record. And that’s exactly what we did. So, despite what happened in the presidential election, we should be proud of what we accomplished here in Central Florida together. It should give us hope that progressive ideas can still triumph and that hard work can still pay off. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is famously quoted as saying, “The arch of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” So, let us do everything we can over the next few years to bend that arch a little more toward justice, no matter how long it takes.
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arts and entertainment
o l l e H
y l l Do
Country music and LGBTQ icon dolly Parton talks how Pure and Simple her music, tour and life have all become
“i
Jeremy Williams
haVe really aCCoMplished a lot of
things in my life and I’m proud of every one of them. I’m proud of every award. It just makes you feel like you might have done something right,” Dolly Parton says.
Parton has a lot to be proud of. She is one of the top-selling artists in music history, with sales reaching 100 million worldwide. She is the most honored female country performer of all time, winning multiple Grammys, American Music Awards and CMA Awards, including being one of only five women to be named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year and the only woman to win CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Parton is also an accomplished actress, starring in such classics as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Even with all of that, Parton is still one of the most down-to-earth performers around. She was born in 1946 in the small town of Locust Ridge, Tenn. One of twelve children, three things played important roles in
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Parton’s life: God, family and music. “I always felt like my personality was always pure and simple, and people always seem to relate to me and my story. My rags to riches, we all have our stories,” she says. Parton is also one of the hardest working artists in the business, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that she is going to be 71 years old this January. That work ethic starts with her family and her home. “First of all, I love my people. I love my homeland. I never left because I wasn’t proud of my home or proud of my people. I just wanted to do more things,” Parton says. “I always said I was never leaving country, I was taking it with me wherever I went.” Parton is in the middle of her 64-city
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Continued on Pg. 30 | uu |
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| uu | Dolly Parton from pg.29
Pure & Simple Tour, named after her 43rd, and most recent, studio album. The tour, a stripped down more intimate concert, will make its way to the Amalie Arena in Tampa Nov. 26. “I have always enjoyed playing with all my bands no matter the size of them, but a few years ago I was asked to do a few charity things and my band had mostly gone off to work with other people since I wasn’t planning a tour at the time,” Parton says. “I just pulled together my guys around town and I said ‘Let’s put together a show and do these charity events’ and so we did. We got rave reviews because it was so pure and so simple, so we did an album and put together a tour.” Even with the Pure & Simple Tour being stripped down and more intimate, Parton is still playing many large venues with thousands of her fans. “I think of it like I just have people in my house. In that case it doesn’t matter the size of the place, the show’s the same, and it seems to work. The bigger arenas and the intimate ones, I enjoy both,” Parton says. “I really feel like I connect with the people; they are there for me and I’m there for them. It seems like we are all there together, and the people don’t feel scattered and the space doesn’t seem too big. I’m from a big family so I guess I just think of everything as a big family reunion. Sometimes we’re in a small area and sometimes we’re in a bigger house.” Parton plays the Amalie four days prior to another musical icon, one who is equally who is revered by the LGBTQ community; Barbra Streisand will be in Tampa Nov. 30. “I really admire people like Barbra,” Parton says. “We are both older women who have had decade after decade for 50, 60 years, where we’ve been on the charts and been on the scene. She’s a good, good friend of Sandy Gallon, who is my manager and one of my best friends ever. So over the last 30 years we have had many occasions to visit or see each other at parties or different functions. I think she is just incredible. “I know we are in the same town, but I think it is a different crowd we play for. But either way I would love to have some of her folks come over and maybe some of mine will head over to see her,” she says. Parton and Streisand have
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keepin’ it simple: Dolly Parton’s new album is a stripped down, intimate affair. Photo courtesy of Webster Public Relations more in common than the country superstar may think. They are both music icons and business owners, coming up at a time when women in any business were not seen as leaders. They are also style icons, both of whom are heavily impersonated in the community
something else in common: their support of the LGBTQ community. “I think everybody is who they are and they should be allowed to be who they are,” Parton says. “I’ve just always been proud of my friends from the gay and lesbian community. I have gays and lesbians who work in my
on a road trip with her long-lost son. The song earned Parton an Oscar nomination. “I go right to the heart and the soul of the person and try and find the God light,” Parton says. “More people should spend time trying to see that rather than to pass judgment.”
by drag queens. A few will most likely be out at the gay bars that weekend in Tampa Bay. “[Laughing] I’m sure you’re right, so maybe I’ll have a bunch of Streisands at my concert in the audience, because I’m always seeing Dollys out there,” Parton says. “I always say they look more like me than I do. I bet she’ll have some Dollys and I’ll have some Streisands.” Parton and Streisand also have
company, and I have a couple of transgender people, and I love them all as people.” Over the last few years, many country music stars have come out as gay; Chely Wright, Ty Herndon and Brandy Clark to name a few. Parton herself has spoken out in support of LGBTQ rights and even wrote a song for the 2005 film Transamerica, which tells the story of a transgender woman (played by Felicity Huffman) who goes
While country music performers like Parton and Garth Brooks, who supported his gay sister, have stood up for LGBTQ rights, the country music community as a whole still deals with the image of being ultra-conservative and not accepting of the LGBTQ community, something Parton recognizes. “Well I don’t know if you’re ever going to change the minds of
I think everybody is who they are and they should be allowed to be who they are. I’ve just always been proud of my friends from the gay and lesbian community. I have gays and lesbians who work in my company, and I have a couple of transgender people, and I —Dolly Parton love them all as people.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
people who are set in their ways and whatever their beliefs are, but it is my opinion that we should love and accept each other as we are,” Parton says. “We are all God’s children, and it’s not up to us to pass judgment on anybody.” Loving everyone and learning to live together is something Parton says she learned from her family, and the time she gets to spend with them is something she never takes for granted. During the holiday season especially, Parton makes it all about her family. “I think most families kind of have the basic things that they do. In our family we always just get together, sing and talk and cook and eat and talk about everybody when they leave the room [laughs],” she says. “I like to bake cookies with my little nieces and nephews, and they spend the night with me. I have an elevator in my house that’s painted up like a chimney and I bring down presents dressed like Santa Claus and just have fun for myself and the kids. I’m a kid myself during Christmas.” Parton’s love of kids and humanitarian efforts led her to start the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a literacy program that gets books into the hands of children. “It came from a very pure place in my life and my heart. A lot of people in my family weren’t able to get an education,” Parton says. “My daddy couldn’t read or write. As smart as he was, he never got a chance to get an education. That’s what inspired me.” The program, which Parton started in 1995 in her hometown in East Tennessee, gets books to children all over the world from the time they are enrolled in Imagination Library until the day they go into kindergarten. “The fact that we have been doing this for 27 years or so,” she says. “I just take pride in putting books in the hands of children, because if you can learn to read, you can help educate yourself if you can’t afford to go to school.” Parton even got her father involved in the program at its inception. “He took a lot of pride in that and felt like he was doing something great, and I made him feel proud of it and made him a big part of it. So he lived long enough to get to see it come to be and to hear all the kids call me the ‘Book Lady.’ He took so much pride in that,” she says.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
theater
A Marvelous Party
Winter Park Playhouse celebrates the life of British playwright Noel Coward way the world saw him?
(above)
CAST PARTY:
(L-R) Roy Alan, Laura Hodos and Larry Alexander star in “A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration.” Photos courtesy Winter park Playhouse
D
A: He has this kind of image, and we address it in the show, as this very sophisticated man wearing a smoking jacket with a cigarette holder and a goblet of Chablis. F: It’s that very famous photo of him sitting in a chair with a dinner jacket with the cigarette holder and champagne; that’s just what people always assumed he was, but he wasn’t. He was a work horse. A: But he was also so incredibly witty that it feeds into that whole sophisticated [image]. F: You know, back in the day when they had Salons and would sit around and be witty and go to lunch and laugh. Sorta like the New York round table, but in England many years before. He was just pretty brilliant. A: And worked consistently for decades. Started around WWI and was running shows right up until the ‘60s, which is pretty amazing.
Jeremy Williams
ust off your smoking jackets and
shine up those martini glasses, because the Winter Park Playhouse is bringing out the best and swankiest hits from British playwright Noel Coward, best known for his comedic plays Blithe Spirit and Private Lives, in the musical revue “A Marvelous Party! The Noël Coward Celebration.”
The three-person show will star Roy Alan, Laura Hodos and Larry Alexander and is directed by Steven Flaa, who directed this show for the first time at The American Stage in St. Petersburg. Before the show kicked off at the Winter Park Playhouse in Orlando, Alexander and Flaa sat down with Watermark to discuss Coward’s impact on theater and what we can expect from the show.
Watermark: Who was Noel Coward, for those who have never heard of him?
Alexander: He was born just before the turn of the century into 1900s in England. Flaa: He started as an actor – a child actor – and then, because he was having
trouble finding work, started writing his own musicals and plays, had tremendous early success, and just went from there. This is back in the days where you would spend two months writing a play and you would produce it and run it for 12 to 16 weeks, and it would be a success and then you call your friends and do another one. A: And he wrote many different types. F: He would write dramas, comedies, musicals, musical reviews. He was just really versatile in the kind of stuff he wrote. He did everything too; he wrote the words, the music and the lyrics. It was a one man operation. Plus he played some of the roles, and was sometimes the lead in the show. Coward is as much known for his personality as he is for his work. Was he happy with the
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Did his sexuality play into that image? I mean, he was in the closet most of his life, wasn’t he?
A: He wasn’t closeted, they just didn’t discuss it. F: It wasn’t something talked about, people just weren’t openly gay back then. He didn’t hide it, but he didn’t discuss it. A: When you look back on it, there was a very famous painter, whose name I can’t remember, that was his protégé and probably boyfriend back when he was 16, and it was a very rich, wealthy, well-bred woman that sort of adopted him into her circle. The painter died very, very early, I think Noel Coward was 17 or 18 and she just took him in to her world and that’s how he met London society and got started in that whole niche. F: Because he was born into the lower-middle class environment. He was not born into that class – at all – and everything was so class conscious; that’s what introduced him to that. A: I would never, ever think of him as closeted, because I think everyone who was in his life [knew]. Coward kept a lot of diaries and journals in his life that are available to the public now. Did he write extensively about his sexuality in them?
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
F: He would talk about people in his life [in his writings], but he would never say ‘my boyfriend, so-and-so, this,’ but he had two very long term relationships; someone survived him. A: His last partner survived him. They were together 40 years. F: It just wasn’t something you discussed. A: He died in ‘73. That’s just four years after Stonewall, so there wasn’t that much movement. F: Plus you’ve got to remember where he came from. He came from virtually Victorian England. A: And there are certainly clues; not in all of his work, but in some of his work. And the title of the song and show “Marvelous Party,” that’s as gay as it gets. I think the beauty of it is back when it was originally done it wasn’t even something you thought about. Like I always joke in rehearsal, I have this one line that I say ‘Everyone’s here and frightfully gay,’ and I yell at him, ‘IT MEANS HAPPY!’ [laughs] But it did. F: But his stuff was so clever and witty that if you were gay, you got it. He was most famously known for his theater work, but was he involved with film or television as well?
F: He also wrote for the screen. In fact, he wrote a very famous World War II movie called In Which We Serve, and was nominated for a bunch of Oscars. He’s actually in it, too. Noel Coward was very patriotic. He loved the United Kingdom. He was also in a terrible Elizabeth Taylor/ Richard Burton movie called Boom. He plays the Witch of Capris, which was a female role in the original play, but Noel Coward wanted to play her. What are some of the Noel Coward hits we will hear in the show?
F: It runs the gamut of his career: “I Went to a Marvelous Party,” “Mrs. Worthington.” “If Love Were All” is probably the most famous song in the show. “Someday I’ll Find You,” which he wrote for Private Lives, a play that he wrote for Gertrude Lawrence, but they both loved to sing so much that even in his plays, he would write a song for them to sing.
more information
What: A Marvelous Party! The Noel Coward Celebration When: November 11-20 and December 1-11 Where: Winter Park Playhouse, Orlando Tickets: $40, WinterParkPlayhouse.org
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orlando
World AIDs Day 2016
Neema’s oldschool happy hour, Nov. 18, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; TheVenueOrlando.com a marvelous Party: the Noël coward celebration, Nov. 18-20 & Dec. 1-11, Winter Park Playhouse, Orlando. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org don Pasquale, Nov. 18 & 20, Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org latin Night at the abbey, Nov. 19, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com marc anthony, Nov. 20, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.cem bubble ruN orlando, Nov. 20, Central Florida Fair, Orlando. 407-295-3247; BubbleRun.com Eric gutman - cabaret series, Nov. 21, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com bob dylan, Nov. 22, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org melissa crispo and binx!, Nov. 22-23, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SoutehrnNightsORL.com yellowcard, Nov. 23, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-412-5039; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando gobble, gobble Party, Nov. 24, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SoutehrnNightsORL.com Chicago, Nov. 26, Footlight Theatre, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com come What may Vol. 2, Nov. 26, Copper Rocket Pub, Orlando. 407-636-3171; CopperRocketPub.com small business saturday market & bazzar, Nov. 26, The District Mills 50, Orlando. 407-601-3363; Mills50.org
thursday, deC. 1, 7:00- 9:00 p.M. oranGe County reGional history Center, orlando
Hello gorgeous The one and only barbra streisand will be singing her biggest hits for the first time ever in Tampa at the Amalie Arena Wednesday, Nov. 30. Photo courtEsy oF barbrastrEisaNd.com
home For the holidays, Nov. 26, Bob Carr Theater, Orlando. 407-440-7000; DrPhillipsCenter.org
splash Pool Party 4, Nov. 20, Hollander Hotel Pool Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com
christmas in the Park, Dec. 1, Park Avenue Central Park, Winter Park. 407-646-2182; BachFestivalFlorida.org
hambiNgo: glsEN Fundraiser, Nov. 20, Hamburger Mary’s Ybor City, Tampa. 813-241-6279; HamburgerMarys.com/Tampa
tamPa bay
4th annual Employee turnabout, Nov. 20, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com
the social - thanksgiving Potluck, Nov. 18, Metro Wellness Ybor, Tampa. 813-232-3808; MetroTampaBay.org Festival of trees, Nov. 18-20, The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, Clearwater. 727-797-8712; TheArcTBFoundation.org The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Nov. 19, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org holiday Water Front gift show, Nov. 20, Harbour Island Art Walk, Tampa. 813-451-7936; HarbourIslandArtWalk.com
WQyk guitar Pull, Nov. 22, Mahaffey Theater, Saint Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com turkey glow, Nov. 23, Honey Pot, Tampa. 813-247-4663; Facebook.com/Honey-Pot 2nd annual Wild Wednesday, Nov. 23, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com Pre-thanksgiving day bash, Nov. 23, Enigma St. Pete, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com
asking alexandria, Nov. 23, The Ritz Ybor, Tampa. 813-248-4050; TheRitzYbor.com dolly Parton, Nov. 26, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com movies under the stars, Nov. 26, Tampa Premium Outlets, Tampa. 813-407-6126; AcmeOnTheGo.com Into the Woods, Nov. 29Dec. 4, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org barbra streisand, Nov. 30, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com melissa Etheridge holiday trio, Dec. 1, Mahaffey Theater, Saint Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com
sarasota Young Frankenstein, Nov. 2 – 20, The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota. 941-365-2494; ThePlayers.org
An evening of remembrance and awareness, and a call to action for future generations. Please join the Orange County Regional History Center in the creation of a local AIDS memorial quilt as they reflect and connect with others in hopes of an AIDS free generation. For more information call 407-836-8500 or visit TheHistoryCenter.org.
tamPa bay
st. Pete Transgender Day of remembrance sunday, noV. 20, 6:30- 8:00 p.M. sunshine senior Center, st. petersBurG Transgender Day of Remembrance is held annually on November 20 as a day to remember, memorialize and honor those within the Transgender community who have lost their lives due to hate and bigotry. It’s a day to bring together the Transgender community and allies to bring awareness and to speak of hope, love and support. The event will begin with a short procession from the Sunshine Senior Center, 350 5th St. N, to the steps of St. Pete City Hall. Candles will be provided but if you have one you would like to bring, please do.
sarasota
2016 equality Florida suncoast Celebration sunday, noV. 20, 5:00- 7:00 p.M. MiChael’s on east, sarasota Equality Florida presents Suncoast Celebration 2016, with an evening in an enchanted forest at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. The evening will feature an enchanted forest theme, delicious hors d’oeurves and a full open bar. Music will be provided by DJ Jamaal Day along with special entertainment surprises. Equality Florida will present Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson from MCC with the 2016 Voice for Equality Award. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door. To purchase tickets go to EQFL.org/SuncoastCelebration.
To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.
event Planner and Community Calendar iS brought to you by CurtiS ProteCtive ServiCeS • 1-800-551-8368 • CurtiSSeCurity.Com watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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December 10, 2016
Are you sexually active and unsure of your HIV status? ASAP provides confidential, free HIV testing that can
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH3696) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM/DIVISIONS-OFFICES/CONSUMER-SERVICES REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
L
overheard
tamPa bay out+about
CHallenge aCCePted?
M
etro Charities has been trying to raise funds to renovate their Metro Wellness & Community Center’s St. Petersburg location ever since they purchased the building they are in earlier this year. They set a goal of one million dollars by the end of 2016 in order to move forward with the extensive renovations, updates and expansion they want to do, and they just got a lot closer to that goal thanks to an anonymous donor. The secret angel of Metro Charities gave a gift of $100,000, but this gift came with a challenge. Anonymous challenged the Tampa Bay area, the LGBTQ community and anyone who benefits from or supports Metro and all the good work they do: Match me, bro. It doesn’t matter how many individual donations or the amount from each donor, so it can be five gifts of $20,000 or a thousand gifts of a hundred bucks each, just as long as we match. So what do you say Tampa Bay, do you have it in you?
tales From tHe quilt
T
o commemorate World AIDS Day 2016, the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project will be putting on a show based on the stories of the AIDS quilt called “Tales from the Quilt: An Evening of Songs and Stories” at the freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg Nov. 28. The show will star 15 local performers including Matthew McGee, Joey Panek, Becca McCoy, Katherine Michelle Tanner and Eve Caballero and will consist of stories from people represented on the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was created in 1987 by a small group of strangers in San Francisco. The quilt consists of individual 3-by-6 foot panels, each one memorializing a person who died from AIDS. The quilt currently consists of more than 48,000 panels. “Tales From the Quilt” will benefit Metro Charities. World AIDS Day is Dec. 1.
it’s all in tHe name
F
or those of you who listen to Miguel and Holly in the morning on Hot 101.5 (and that should be everyone), you may have noticed a bit of a name change. The morning show was going by the title “The Miguel Show” since it began on Hot 101.5. Now co-host Holly will get to see her name in lights, too, as she gets name recognition in the show’s title, now called “Miguel and Holly on Hot 101.5.” Holly wrote up a blog post expressing how thankful she was to “be working with my best friend Miguel, who is a man that appreciates, understands and agrees with my desire to have equal billing on the show.” Holly also says she struggled on celebrating as she didn’t want to seem too “gloat-y.” The entire letter is available to read on her blog at HOT 101.5’s website, and you should read it. We say congratulations to you Holly and just know that we here at Watermark love you as much as we love Miguel and will have our radio dials turned to Miguel and Holly every morning.
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Girl poWer: Jennifer Real (center) and music duo Mama’s Black Sheep jam at Nauti Nancy’s in Clearwater Nov. 12. Photo courtEsy oF JENNiFEr rEal
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Birthday fest: Birthday boy brian craft (L) and partner matt yauslin take in the Suncoast Food & Wine Fest at the Polo Club in Sarasota Nov. 13.
Photo courtEsy oF matt yausliN
3
WeddinG day outfits: Tampa Bay socialites Jeremy Wade Neiman (L) and anthony citrola dress to the nines for a wedding at the Hollander Hotel in St. Petersburg Nov. 5. Photo
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courtEsy oF JErEmy WadE NEimaN
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GoinG 10 for 10: miguel Fuller (L) and Holly o’connor of Hot 101.5’s “Miguel & Holly Show” spend their morning at McDonald’s on Dale Mabry in Tampa Nov. 8 as part of their 10 cities in 10 days morning show campaign. Photo courtEsy oF miguEl FullEr
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rally With Mr. Bill: (L-R) lisa Wheeler-bowman, rene Flowers, corey givens Jr. and steve kornell get together at the Wildwood Rec Center in St. Petersburg Nov. 1 to hear former president Bill Clinton speak. Photo
courtEsy oF corEy giVENs Jr
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serViCe plants: balance tampa bay provide their November service to Love the Golden Rule in St. Petersburg planting garden and flower beds Nov. 12. Photo
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courtEsy oF JasoN FiElds
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Crist alMiGhty: charlie crist (L) and alex sink try to swing last-minute voters’ minds before the election in St. Petersburg Nov. 7. Photo by Nick JaNoVsky
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politiCal jaM session: (L-R) kevin beckner, gil sainz, Patrick murphy and andy Johnson listen to Bon Jovi at the Get Out the Vote concert at the State Thetre in St. Petersburg Nov. 5. Photo
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courtEsy oF aNdy JohNsoN
7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
overheard
orlando out+about
We’re Coming out
A
fter BeinG resCheduled from October 8 to November 12 due to Hurricane Matthew, Orlando proved that despite the move, Pride came out in full force! The Orlando Police Department estimated that over 150,000 people showed up for the parade. The entire parade lasted nearly two hours on the new expanded route which included parts of Orange Avenue. The festival completely encompassed the entire area of Lake Eola Park, which included bars, outdoor entertainment, vendors and a kid’s zone. Once the parade was over and the sun had set, 49 paper lanterns were lit and set afloat over Lake Eola into the Orlando night sky. Soon after, the entertainment continued at the Lake Eola bandshell, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race entertainer Katya. To cap off the evening, the night ended with an incredible fireworks display which was so hot it even set the fireworks barge on fire. Who says gays don’t know how to throw a party?
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ivan-groW
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While BaCk We Mentioned a new bar would be opening in the former site of Savoy’s Locker Room, brought to you by the team that own Savoy. The newly opened Ivanhoe Craft and Packy serves craft cocktails (with a different flare from the neighboring Savoy), and offers a variety of bottles for purchase— a nice addition since the closing of the Ivanhoe Wine and Spirits. And in the former location of the Ivanhoe Wine and Spirits comes another LGBT-owned business: MojoMan’s second store opened earlier this month. Catering more to the after 5 p.m. crowd, the new MojoMan still features designer underwear, but will also feature some casual clothes items for the working man that couldn’t make it home before heading out for the night.
Fringe leader bids FareWell
G
eorGe WallaCe has Been a Vital asset to the Orlando International Fringe Festival, so when he announced he was leaving, there was an audible gasp in the Orlando arts community. But, we’ve been advised the transition is running smoothly and everything is still going as planned with events like the Fringe lottery drawing on December 5 and the upcoming Fringe Winter Mini-Fest in January.
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We loVe a parade: Team Watermark’s float and crew for Come Out with Pride at Lake Eola Nov. 12. Photo courtEsy oF kathlEEN harPEr
2
iCe, iCe, i do: (L-R) dwayne smoot, samantha rosenthal and Eric Pinder at the Solar Bears game at Amway Center Nov. 12 where Eric and Dwayne married on the ice. Photo courtEsy oF samaNtha rosENthal
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politiCal party: michael Wanize (L) and Randy rainbow at the Parliament House Orlando for election night coverage Nov. 8. Photo by daNNy garcia
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Get this party started: Come Out With Pride’s kickoff party got under way with lola (L) and kyla swanberg at The Veranda Nov. 10.
Photo by rick claggEtt
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radio Gay Gay: (L-R) sabrina ambra, Taylor Tyler and sondra rae from Pride Radio take in Sunday Surrender at Ember Nov. 6. Photo by daNNy garcia
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shaken, not stirred: Dane calder, bartender at the new Ivanhoe Craft Bar & Packy, mixes up drinks for opening weekend Nov. 6. Photo by daNNy garcia
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alonG for the ride: Watermark publisher rick claggett (center) and friends hang with the cast of The Animatronicans after their show at Parliament House Orlando Nov. 5. Photo courtEsy oF rick claggEtt
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Gala Guests: (L-R) ted maines, Nadine smith and Jeff miller at Equality Florida’s Greater Orlando Gala at the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 4. Photo by JakE stEVENs
8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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A+
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
announcements
Wedding bells
Jaci Pfeiffer, 31, and Kelly Bardier, 34 from Oviedo, Florida
CongratulationS
Happy belated birthday to Hotspots Magazine editor mike halterman, who celebrated his birthday Nov. 11. Sarasota husbands dan smith and steve Warren will celebrate the 28th anniversary of their engagement on Thanksgiving Day. They were married officially at a small wedding on Jan. 15. Dan is vice president of Prime Timers Sarasota. Steve is an actor/writer and vice president of the Southeastern Film Critics Association.
yearS together: Two years
engagement date:
Tampa couple santiago Echeverry and michael snyder celebrate their wedding thirdanniversary on Nov. 26. The couple married in New York City on Nov. 26, 2013.
August 28, 2015
wedding date:
Orlando’s Nick massoni and mark Pierpont celebrate the third anniversary of their commitment ceremony on Nov. 20.
October 28, 2016
wedding venue:
International Palms in Cocoa Beach
wedding Caterer:
International Palms
wedding theme/ColorS:
Nautical theme with the colors pink and navy
FirSt Song:
“Better Place” by Rachel Platten
intereSting FaCt:
They were both fired for their sexual orientation. No one knew about their relationship, and they were forced to be “out” due to local media coverage of the incident.
birthdayS
“i
t Was like a WhirlWind,”
Jaci says about their wedding day. “It seemed like from Wednesday to Friday, we didn’t stop at all. We thought we’d have time to go to the beach with the kids and relax—we didn’t stop for one second.”
Jaclyn Pfeiffer, who is a teacher, and Kelly Bardier, a nurse, met a couple of years ago through a mutual friend that introduced them. They were friends at first, but it eventually developed into more. “I thought she seemed like a great person, and it kind of just went from a friendship into more,” Jaci says. “It wasn’t like I was looking for anything. It wasn’t even like I was openly gay. It was like she was just a friend and it just happened.” Kelly lived in Melbourne, and Jaci lived in Orlando. She would come to Orlando once a week for doctor’s appointments and they would hang out just as friends— until Kelly mentioned to Jaci one night, through text, that she had to tell her something. “I just told her I didn’t really understand what I was feeling but that I was developing feelings
for her, especially when she would casually mention past relationships that I found myself feeling jealous and I really didn’t understand why,” Kelly says. “It just turned out that the feelings were mutual, and we kind of decided to see where it would go.” Kelly says they had talked about marriage before, and she said one day she went shopping for a ring, found one and bought it. A week later they went to Disney, and she made a video of photos of them to the song “Marry You.” They went to watch the firework show on the beach of the Polynesian, and after the video, Kelly asked Jaci to marry her and she said yes. “We were sitting on the beach and she had a Fitbit on and her Fitbit heartrate went crazy on her wrist—it was like 127 or something,” Jaci jokes. “I was like ‘What is wrong with you? Why
is your heartrate so fast?’ But it was because she was nervous. We watched the video, and I instantly said ‘yes’ and we’ve been planning ever since then.” They did most of the planning of the wedding themselves and decided on things together. Jaci says the days leading up to the ceremony and reception were exciting and surreal. “She gets me, and we love each other no matter what,” Jaci says. “Even when we were just fired, I was trying to push her away, I guess, because I couldn’t handle all the stress, but she reminded me needed to stick together.” Kelly says a memorable part of their wedding was how Mary Meeks, a local LGBT lawyer who was their officiant, wore a Lokai bracelet that they gave her as a thank you gift after she represented the couple. A Lokai bracelet is a bracelet that is infused with elements sourced from the highest and lowest points on earth, and she used this as a talking point during their ceremony to say how the couple have been there for each other for all the low points in their relationship, and this wedding was the high point.
ray sickles, AKA Sarasota diva Angelique Monet (Nov. 17); Lithia equestrian expert James meeks, Orlando Gay Chorus tenor and sky hostess Todd michael hayes (Nov. 18); Orlando Gay Chorus belter Pattie Noah, local photographer brian becnel, the Venue’s Jackie lewin, real estate agent Neil Payne (Nov. 19); Orlando hair artist dale dees, St. Petersburg Equality Florida spokesperson Todd richardson, make-up artist timothy spivey, Honey Pot show director toby brees (Nov. 20); Orlando activist Nicki drumb, Keller-Williams realtor steve glose, Clearwater entertainer and Tampa Bay performer Natasha richards, Tampa swimwear designer la’daska mechelle, charity-driven Ybor resident mike hammonds, Tampa Hospice’s admissions manager Peter shute (Nov. 22); Tampa actress lauren clark, Tampa Bay sisters member John miller, State Senator-elect linda stewart (Nov. 23). Watermark proofreader and Orlando lawyer Ed blaisdell, drag legend gidget galore (Nov. 24); St. Petersburg nurse Ed briggs, Pandora Events CEO alison burgos (Nov. 26); St. Petersburg actor and die-hard Rays fan ken basque (Nov. 27); former HRC president Joe solmonese, Tampa Bay chef Paege chafin(Nov. 28); St. Petersburg actor and former Grand Central Station owner kris doubles, sexy Tampa softball bear bubba de, Tupperware queen dixie longate (Nov. 29); founding member of Orlando Gay Chorus david schuler (Nov. 30);
do you have an announCement? having a birthday or anniverSary? did you get a new Job or Promotion? see your news in Watermark! send your announcement to Editor@Watermarkonline.com or go to Watermarkonline.com/submit-a-transition.
it’S that eaSy!
do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? if so, email the details to Editor@Watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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orlando
health+fitness
M ar k e tplac e
lawn care
physician
Want PrEP?
Why Pay A Specialist’s CoPay
Piňero Preventive Medical Care Mon-Sat -New Patients Welcome 1720 S Orange Ave, Ste 200 Orlando
www.PineroMedical.com | 407.426.9693 Celebrating 10 years of LGBT Primary Care
real estate JACOB BONYNGE REALTOR Olde Town Brokers 11 N Summerlin Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407.800.8101 jebonynge@gmail.com
home improvement
medical
transgender services
We do HRT
Discounted self pay office & lab rates
Piňero Preventive Medical Care Mon-Sat -New Patients Welcome 1720 S Orange Ave, Ste 200 Orlando
$15 OFF NEXT SERVICE
www.PineroMedical.com | 407.426.9693
One time use only.
Celebrating 10 years of LGBT Primary Care
investments+finance
non-profit organization
juvenile services
non-profit organization
Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 25 years Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk counties
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veterinarian
Proudly Caring for the Pets and People of the LGBT community since 1955
• Join • Volunteer • Donate
BOARDING DOGGIE DAYCARE
info@orlandoyouthalliance.org www.orlandoyouthalliance.org
1601 Lee Rd. Winter Park (407) 644-2676
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
FREE for members
$20 non-members
K R O W T E N T B G L h t i w ss Leaders Busine our & Allies at s r MBA Mixe
oard for the b Elections e. Six king plac will be ta ble. are availa positions ue ons are d Applicati 6. 1 vember Wed., No FOR INFO ando.org orl info@mba
14901 S Orange Blossom Trail
KISSIMMEE
December 7 6 - 8 pm Hors d’Oeuvres Cash Bar
mbaorlando.org | info@mbaorlando.org
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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AAA TRAVEL PRESENTS
TAMPA PRIDE CARIBBEAN CRUISE 5 NIGHTS MAR 27, 2017
AAA Travel invites you to keep the Tampa Bay Pride Celebration going a little bit longer with a five-night Tampa Pride Caribbean Cruise. Join guest hosts Mark & Carrie, as well as plenty of other enthusiastic Tampa Pride participants, aboard Carnival Paradise for a party that promises lots of fun, sun, music, food and, of course, pride it’s going to be a blast! Take part in exclusive onboard disco and dance parties, performances, special activities and much more, plus visit ports of call including Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Top it off with a party on Passion Island that just might be the ultimate beach day in paradise. This cruise will fill up fast, so reserve your spot today.
AAA TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS Five nights’ accommodations aboard Carnival Paradise .org
Welcome Aboard Reception Bloody Mary Party Exclusive onboard private dance parties Onboard Pride Performances with special guests Customized & private Pride Beach Party in Cozumel Hosted by Tampa Pride Board of Directors
CRUISE ITINERARY Mo Mar 27: Tampa, Florida Tu Mar 28: At Sea
Th Mar 30: Cozumel, Mexico Fr Mar 31: At Sea
We Mar 29: Grand Cayman, Cayman Island
Sa Apr 1: Tampa, Florida
469 per person double occupancy
From $
For details or reservations, contact:
Kim Brown, AAA Travel, Westshore 813-289-5800 x 2463 ksbrown@aaasouth.com
Rates are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy, includes port charges and are subject to change at any time. Government fees, airfare, transfers and gratuities are not included. A deposit of $150 per person is due at time of booking. Cruise package exclusive amenities are capacity-controlled and based on a minimum number of passengers traveling together and may be modified, withdrawn or cancelled without prior notice. Proper proof of citizenship is required. Cruise must be booked through AAA – The Auto Club Group to obtain pricing and exclusive amenities. All acts and performers are subject to change. Not combinable with any other offer or promotion. Cancellation and change fees apply. Other restrictions may apply. Ask your AAA Travel Consultant for complete details. The Auto Club Group is not responsible for errors or omissions in the publication of this document. Ship’s Registry: The Bahamas. 16-TR-0773
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watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
watermark Your LGBTQ life.
Nov emb er 17 - Nov emb er 3 0, 2016 // Issue 2 3. 2 3
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