24.15: Family Meal

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.15 • JULY 27 - AUGUST 9, 2017 WATERMARKONLINE.COM TAMPA BAY EDITION

FamilyMeal LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay chefs on finding their tribe in the restaurant life

dayTona beach • orlando • TamPa • sT. PeTersburG • clearWaTer • sarasoTa

This issue features two covers!

In this issue we feature lgBtQ chefs from both Orlando and tampa Bay.

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.15 • JULY 27 - AUGUST 9, 2017 WATERMARKONLINE.COM CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

FamilyMeal LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay chefs on finding their tribe in the restaurant life

dayTona beach • orlando • TamPa • sT. PeTersburG • clearWaTer • sarasoTa

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July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

deparTmenTs 6 // mail 7 // ediTOrs desk 8 // OrlandO news 10 // Tampa Bay news 12 // sTaTe news 14 // naTiOn & wOrld news 21 // Talking pOinTs 37 // cOmmuniTy calendar 39 // Tampa Bay OuT+aBOuT 41 // OrlandO OuT+aBOuT 42 // Tampa Bay markeTplace 43 // wedding Bells/ annOuncemenTs 44 // OrlandO markeTplace

PAGE

17

this President is dangerous! this shameful man is woefully lacking integrity. this President cares not for the plight, future, security or the prosperity of anyone other than him and his family.

—MicHael wanzie in His coluMn, WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE

On THe cOver

PAGE

32

PAGE COOKinG WiTh

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DiveRsiTY: A pinch of openness, a dash of acceptance and voilà, you have LGBTQ chefs running some of the best kitchens in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Photography by Jake Stevens

scan Qr cOde fOr

waTermarkOnline.cOm

a legacy Of lOve:

Filmmaker Sandi Hulon takes an intimate look at the life of Eddie Sotomayor, One of 49.

waTermark i ssue 24 .15 //J uly 27 - augusT 9, 2017

ciTy rainBOws

paper faces

Happens in vegas

reQuired reading S eS eLe geL S An in Lo 2000S tiviSm the S Ac S to -AiD 1980 e Anti m th fro

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

PAGE A petition is calling for city officials to create a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of S. Orange Ave and Kaley St.

08

PAGE It’s all Black & White for Balance Tampa Bay’s third annual Masquerade Ball at The RITZ Ybor in Tampa.

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PAGE

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce celebrates 15 years with a leadership conference in Las Vegas.

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PAGE

Binghamton University professor Benita Roth explores the rise of the ACT UP/LA during the 80s and 90s in new book.

35

GIve us a folloW on TWITTer and InsTaGram aT @WaTermarkonlIne and be sure To lIke us on facebook. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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“One could make a case for ‘religion conversion therapy,’ since homosexuality is found virtually throughout nature, and by definition is completely ‘natural.’

Whereas religion is not, making religion ‘unnatural’ by definition.” —greg HigHfill

on rhode Island becomInG The 10Th sTaTe To ban “eX-Gay” conversIon TheraPy:

$

“One could make a case for ‘religion conversion therapy,’ since homosexuality is found virtually throughout nature, and by definition is completely ‘natural.’

Whereas religion is not, making religion ‘unnatural’ by definition. I wonder how these self-righteous bible-thumpers would feel with the shoe on the other foot? I know it won’t happen in the current administration, but this is just another reason why we need LGBTQ protection laws at a federal level.

Good for Rhode Island!”

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“I doubt her sincerity.

She needs to talk to many LGBT, experience their plight and read many books before she can ‘represent’ anyone.”

— ROY QUEEN

waTermarkOnline.cOm

WE WILL DONATE

on caITlyn jenner meeTInG WITh nIkkI haley To dIscuss Global lGbT Issues:

“An insightful interview by Billy, as always. So glad we have these to look back on and read and be reminded of his intelligence, wit and heart.”

—MARGARET NOLAN

waTermark’s faceBOOk on radIo hosT blamInG meGyn kelly’s loW raTInGs on Gay, lIberal men:

“Is he then suggesting conservative men only watch her because they think she’s eye candy?”

—DANI PAGE

on neW TrumP communIcaTIons chIef scaramuccI backInG lGbT rIGhTs:

“So why is he deleting all of those tweets about being pro marriage equality and believing in manmade climate change?

I wonder what the price of his convictions was?”

—BRIAN CAHILL

on Wnba sTar sue bIrd comInG ouT and revealInG ThaT she Is daTInG meGan raPInoe:

“Welcome to the family!”

—LUCAS BARSZCZ

on AMERICAN HORROR STORY unveIlInG season seven TITle and TraIler, and If you WIll WaTch:

“Hell yes.”

— CARL SWEEZY

“Lena Dunham is in the new season, because of that, hell to the no.”

— ADAM DAVIS

on The WhITe house sayInG IT’s uPseT by chechen leader’s anTI-Gay remarks:

“[White House] upset by this? LOL no they’re not. If anything they are jealous and taking notes for when Pence and Sessions get an opportunity to implement the same here.”

— James ferguson on evan rachel Wood blasTInG ben affleck’s 20-year-old “Gay kIss” commenT:

“Talk about digging up ancient history.”

—PATRICK EDWARDS

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

“What’s happening with all these TV people going into politics?”

—MILLY BOU MIRANDA

on Gay TEEN VOGUE edITor defendInG maGazIne’s anal seX GuIde:

“Shocking article but the sad truth is that teen girls are engaging more into anal sex with the wrong idea that they remain a virgin and cannot get pregnant. Sex Ed is needed in schools with more parental guidance.”

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on conGressman sTeve kInG comParInG TransGender TrooPs To casTraTed slaves:

“Less than human and always has been.”

— JEFF CHANDLER

on floyd mayWeaTher callInG conor mcGreGor anTI-Gay slur durInG Press evenT:

“I understand it’s all for show - but what a disappointment to see such childish behavior.”

— DANNY GARCIA

on Thomas dekker comInG ouT as Gay afTer Producer bryan fuller ouTTed hIm:

“Sorry it wasn’t on your terms, but we are glad you have embraced it and are part of our community publicly. Outing other people is not a nice thing to do!”

—KEVIN WOOD

founder’s

Tom Dyer

founder and guiding light tdyer@dyerblaisdell.com

B

forum

illy Manes wore sweaters

on the hottest summer days, often with a scarf and beret. He was quirky in that and so many other ways.

With his gangly body and loose-limbed walk, and that shock of peroxide blonde hair, he was like an elfin Muppet. Strange in a stylish and wonderfully appealing way.

Disarmingly honest. Transparently vulnerable. Self-effacing to a fault.

But also passionate and courageous when moved by injustice.

Billy had a way of expressing himself, verbally and in writing, that was brilliant and uniquely his own; a captivating stream-of-consciousness that made you want to camp out inside his mind. The Orlando Weekly recognized and cultivated that talent, and he made a name for himself as their featured columnist.

Billy was Watermark’s editor for the past two years. Like the rest of the community, we were shocked by news of his sudden illness and death, as unexpected as a body blow from behind. As Watermark’s founder and the person who hired Billy,

watermark staff

I asked publisher Rick Claggett for the opportunity to share my feelings in this space.

I sold Watermark a year-and-ahalf ago; I hadn’t worked directly with Billy since. But we were office neighbors, and I saw him almost every workday. I don’t recall the origins, but we would greet each other in an affected voice that was kind of a cross between Snagglepuss and W.C. Fields. “Billy,” I’d say with a mock tip of the hat. “Tom,” he’d reply with good-natured formality, “How are you this fine day?”

I loved peeking into his office, which was quirky – there’s that word again – in a spare and eccentric way. Billy’s devoted husband, Tony, often brought him bouquets of long-stemmed red roses. When they wilted and dried, Billy placed them conspicuously throughout his office.

Over time it came to look like a Tim Burton movie set, which seemed

perfect to me.

As Watermark’s editor, Billy had a difficult job, with different responsibilities and less staff support than at the Orlando Weekly.

He arrived on the heels of the momentous Supreme Court opinion legalizing marriage equality, and he helmed our full-throated coverage of that landmark decision. A year later he found himself in the vortex of an unprecedented nightmare.

Pulse thrust Billy into the international spotlight, where he became Orlando’s anguished conscience for an unspeakable tragedy. He and Commissioner Patty Sheehan did dozens of interviews at all hours of the day and night, exposing their wounded hearts and their faith that love triumphs over hate.

Watermark’s heartsick staff responded to Pulse with comprehensive coverage that offered hopeful perspective to our reeling community. With his focused advocacy, Billy sought to prevent the murders from being mischaracterized and exploited.

“There is a press camp outside of Pulse right now,” Billy wrote in Watermark. “I spent the better part of yesterday in the sweltering heat being pulled from microphone to microphone…. This is not anything that this community should have to endure. This is not human.”

My office sat between Billy’s office and his parked car. For weeks I watched him come and go, always with an anguished but purposeful expression on his face. When I’d inquire, Billy told me he was having difficulty sleeping, processing, recovering.

But he soldiered on, and soon a year had passed since Pulse. A counselor friend told me that first anniversaries are uniquely difficult for trauma survivors, and I think that was the case for Billy. He inhabited that tragedy with unflinching sensitivity.

Billy’s tenure at Watermark ended just before he died. Everyone

Ext. 108 • Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Office Manager: Kathleen Harper • Ext. 100 • Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan

Staff Writer: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 • Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Ext. 103 • Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Debbie Reeves

Creative Assistant: Jason Donnelly • Ext. 102 • AdProduction@WatermarkOnline.com

Ext. 301 • Debbie@WatermarkOnline.com

Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell

Nat’l Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Billy had a way of expressing himself that was uniquely his own; a captivating streamof-consciousness that made you want to camp out inside his mind.

in an extraordinarily difficult circumstance. After a half-dozen rewrites of this column, I’m convinced they don’t exist.

For this reason, and out of respect for the wishes of Billy’s family, Watermark’s reporting on his death will be limited. It does not reflect our appreciation for his incalculable contributions.

Billy wrote this on the anniversary of Pulse: “Friends, like the friends who carried the injured out of the club, are indispensable mirrors, reflections reminding us who we are inside.”

Billy’s radiant reflection will be polished by a large and devoted following. His spirit will remain alive.

It’s what we’ve got. And it’s a lot.

Orlando Office

Sales Director: Danny Garcia

Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer • Tom@WatermarkOnline.com

at the newspaper is haunted by this circumstance. The particulars of his employment, like the details of his death, are confidential. Billy never told us he was ill. We just knew he was no longer thriving. With his enormous talent, I felt certain he would regroup in a position in which he could flourish, and perhaps heal.

Billy’s sudden death was so shocking, and the pain felt by family and friends so profound, that many stretched for an explanation, particularly on social media. With my input, Watermark’s attempts to weigh in proved awkward and unhelpful. We struggled to find words that offer clarity and comfort

414 N. Ferncreek Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 TEL: 407-481-2243 FAX: 407-481-2246

Tampa Bay Office TEL: 813-655-9890 FAX: 813-849-2986

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

contributors Sabrina Ambra

is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to. Page 19

Michael Wanzie is

an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions at the Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House. Page 17

Holly V. Kapherr

is a food, travel and lifestyle writer and editor born and bred in Orlando, Florida. Her work has appeared in local, regional and national publications such as the New York Post, Florida Travel + Life, Cooking Light and Orlando Weekly. She dreams of one day running a fish taco stand in Mexico.Page 23, 43

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.

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

7

central florida news

Petition calls for city officials to create rainbow crosswalk in Orlando Rachel Dececco

O

RLANDO | The mass shooting at Pulse in downtown Orlando June 12, 2016, claimed the lives of 49 innocent citizens. Now a petition circulating online looks to turn an intersection near the nightclub into a spectrum of hope and remembrance.

The petition on the website Change.org calls for the city of Orlando to install a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of South Orange Avenue and Kaley Street “to honor both the memory of the victims and the struggle of the survivors.”

The S. Orange/Kaley intersection is the closest major intersection where Pulse is located.

The petition states that the S. Orange/Kaley intersection “has become a crossroad to the world with thousands of visitors from around the globe continuing to visit the Pulse memorial site to pay their respects.”

Crosswalks in support of the LGBTQ community have been proposed and installed in major cities across the world. In Atlanta, Mayor Kasim Reed announced on the first-year mark of the Pulse massacre that they would install their own rainbow crosswalks as a way to “reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified support for our LGBTQ residents,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Along with rainbow crosswalks, support for the community in Orlando was demonstrated after the Pulse tragedy through displays of the rainbow colors on world moments including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Seattle’s Space Needle, Tel Aviv City Hall and more.

Watermark reached out to the office of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, one of the public officials to whom the petition will be sent, and received a statement from press secretary Cassandra Lafser.

“This is something we are looking into and researching in general regarding possible color/art treatments in crosswalks,” the statement reads. “This also involves discussion and involvement with FDOT (Florida Department Of Transportation) as they have ultimate authority over crosswalk markings through the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) per state statute. Part of this evaluation involves ensuring safety and visibility and researching things like possible treatments, maintenance and costs. ” District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan says a plan that meets FDOT guidelines was drafted and is being submitted for consideration. The crosswalk would be rainbow in color and surrounded by white stripes; however, the process could take a while, based on past submittals.

“I think it should be a nice touch. Especially since I spent so much time in that intersection myself on June 12,” Sheehan says.

The petition exceeded its original 2,500 signature goal and now sets out to reach 5,000 signatures.

According to the website post, the petition was sent to Dyer, Sheehan and City of Orlando Transportation Planning Manager Claudia Korobk off once the original goal of 2,500 signatures was reached.

8

one of a kind:

Billy Manes became editor-in-chief of Watermark in the summer of 2015, just before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality.

Photo by Jake Stevens

Local Legend Orlando LGBTQ icon and former Watermark editor, Billy Manes, dies at 45 Staff Report

O

RLANDO | Billy Manes, iconic Orlando LGBTQ activist, former longtime columnist for Orlando Weekly and former editor-in-chief of Watermark, died July 21 just after 4 p.m. from a sudden onset of pneumonia. He was 45. He is survived by his husband, Anthony Mauss.

Manes was from Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 1997. He began his career in journalism in the sales department at Orlando Weekly and eventually became a staple in the paper, writing the “B-List,” “Blister” and “Happytown” columns. He also attended Orlando city council meetings and recapped them in the column “Council Watch.”

In 2015, Manes was named editor-in-chief of Watermark. His position began with the onslaught of marriage equality and carried through Orlando’s most trying months during and after the shooting at Pulse that took 49 lives on July 12, 2016. Manes became the voice for Orlando’s LGBTQ community by appearing on national television

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

and radio programs. His advocacy and activism, along with his provocative verbiage, made him a natural spokesperson.

Manes spoke to NPR’s Ari Shapiro, with whom he cultivated a friendship after Pulse, on the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. “My role is not the defeatist or the defeated.

What I do is try and love more.”

No stranger to tragedy, Manes was working on a memoir expanding on his Orlando Weekly story “Til Death Do Us Part,” published in 2013, about his eight-month legal battle following the suicide of his partner of 11 years, Alan Jordan. Because same-sex marriage was not yet legal, Manes fought to secure their mutual belongings, including Jordan’s ashes.

Shortly after publication of the article, filmmaker Vicki Nantz made a 37-minute documentary on Manes’ legal struggles while simultaneously dealing with the grief of losing his longtime partner. The film raised awareness to the plight of LGBTQ couples without legal protections, as well as those dealing with hospital visitation and estate planning issues.

Immediately after his death, tributes from city and state notables

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

began pouring in, including from Manes’ friend of more than 20 years, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. U.S. Representatives Susannah Randolph (FL-9) and Carlos Guillermo-Smith (FL-49) and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer all memorialized Manes publicly for his service and as an integral member of the city’s fabric.

About 100 of Billy Manes’ admirers and friends came together for a grassroots-organized candlelight vigil in his honor at Lake Eola Park’s red pagoda July 22.

Manes’ love for music was unmatched, and in a tweet, the new-wave band Duran Duran honored Manes by name: “Thanks for all the kind words, the support, the passion & more. ‘I’ll see you in some other lifetime.’ @billymanes.”

Frontwoman of the B-52s, Cindy Wilson, plans to dedicate her July 27 show at Will’s Pub to Manes.

Just hours after his death, street art bearing Manes’ signature platinum hair and wraparound sunglasses appeared outside The Venue on Virginia Drive, immortalizing Manes.

Scott Maxwell, columnist for Orlando Sentinel, admired Manes as a fellow writer and voice for the city, “Billy lived much of his life without brakes or apologies. He was passionate and forceful in his writing.

He was the only writer I knew who could use nouns as verbs and somehow make it work. Billy made us think. And laugh. And sometimes squirm. And Orlando is better because of that.”

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

4/26/17 4:24 PM

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

9

tampa bay news

iT’s all Black & wHiTe fOr Balance Tampa Bay’s masQuerade Ball aT THe riTz yBOr Sophia Mackrides

T

aMpa | Balance Tampa Bay is back, masks on and ready, for the Third Annual Masquerade Ball coming to the Ritz Ybor July 29.

Balance Tampa Bay’s first two Masquerade Balls —2015’s inaugural party that had hundreds of paper faces on parade and last year’s Summer Olympics-inspired Rio-themed bash— were some of the biggest celebrations in Tampa Bay, and there is no reason to think that this year will be any different.

For the third installment, Balance Tampa Bay has themed the event “Black & White” and are moving it from District 3, home to the previous two balls, to the Ritz Ybor.

Proceeds raised from the event will go to benefit Empath Partners In Care (EPIC).

EPIC became one of the largest HIV/AIDS service providers in the state of Florida last year when St. Petersburg’s AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) and Tampa’s Francis House (the beneficiaries of the inaugural Masquerade Ball and Masquerade Ball: Rio, respectively) merged under the organization Empath Health, a non-profit network of care supporting those who are faced with life-changing illness in the Tampa Bay region.

Victoria Fortugno-Oliver, director of Hillsborough County Services at EPIC, participated in last year’s Masquerade Ball: Rio and will attend again this year.

“The Masquerade Ball is a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause,” Fortugno-Oliver says. ”It helps to bring awareness to the services available in the community.”

The dress code is “wear what you want, but we hope you’ll have on a mask,” according to Balance Tampa Bay’s website. In keeping with the theme, attendees are expected to wear either black, white or some combination of the two. Also, judging from the previous two balls, there is no such thing as “too formal.”

Masquerade Ball: Black & White, with the help of presenting sponsor Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and more than two dozen other sponsors, is hoping to break the bar set by last year’s Rio event.

“Last year we raised $30,000,” says Scott Klingmann, co-chair of the masquerade committee and a former president of Balance Tampa Bay. “This year our goal is to raise somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000. It’s all about giving back to the community.”

The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will be complete with professional entertainers, amazing performers and hot tunes being played by global superstar DJ Toy Armanda, coming all the way from the Philippines.

Masquerade Ball: Black and White is a 21 and up only event and tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. This year there is a $250 Friends and Family sponsorship, which includes two tickets, VIP Reception and Valet parking. Tickets can be purchased at TampaMasquerade.com.

10

GOne TOO sOOn: Ryan

Stroehlein worked as a bartender at Enigma St. Pete until his passing July 11.

PHOTO COuRTESy EnIGMA ST. PETE

Remembering Ryan Ryan Stroehlein lives on in the hearts of Enigma family, LGBTQ community Ryan Williams-Jent

s

t. petersburg | When news broke that Ryan Stroehlein had tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident July 11, shockwaves were felt throughout St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ community.

Some knew him well, and others just as a community ally with an infectious smile and uplifting demeanor; a young man standing behind the bar at local hotspot Enigma. But all agreed that he would be missed.

And he is.

“Ryan was one of the most genuine, caring and sweet individuals I’ve ever known,” Sarah Wilson, a former bartender at Enigma says. “He made it easy to love him, as many of us did, and had more integrity than most… you could always count on him in a bind.”

Wilson called Stroehlein “a protector of all and a quiet leader,” one who “never flinched at the thought of helping friends or a complete stranger. He’ll be missed so much by our community and especially by Enigma’s staff.”

Russell Sutherland, currently on staff at Enigma, agreed. “He was one of those people that come into your life that can never be replaced. One

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of the rare, genuinely selfless people that truly put the well being of others before his own.”

It’s a sentiment that patrons also share. “I remember when Ryan first started working at Enigma,” says Jayson Chancey. “He quickly became someone you could depend on to be smiling when you approached the bar. He was very genuine in conversations… He was a staple that we always looked forward to seeing.”

“He had a kind heart and frankly, a great aura about him,” he continued.

“He genuinely cared about how we felt and what was happening in our lives.

I remember in-depth conversations with him about life… It’s been odd not seeing his smile behind the bar. He is, and will continue to be, highly missed.”

Michael Ackeret, another of Enigma’s 19 staff members, noted that “when you work together so closely for so long, you become a family.” He said that that Stroehlein “didn’t have a bad bone in his body,” laughing as he recalled that they’d dubbed it the reason they became such good friends and co-workers. “We were such opposites.”

“He was always professional.

Always polite,” Ackeret continued. “He always went above and beyond to make sure customers were happy and comfortable. Everyone loved Ryan… he was the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

Ed Gonzalez, Enigma’s owner who hired Stroehlein, reflected on the day they met, about three and a half years ago “when Enigma was nothing more than concrete and dirt inside.”

“I was waiting for a man with a large hand truck to arrive and help me move our ice machine into its permanent location. I was working in the back and the man was late. I periodically checked the front to make sure I didn’t miss him, and on one of those checks, Ryan was walking past the front of the building,” he recalled.

“He said hello and asked what I was doing with the space. We talked for a bit when the guy with the hand truck arrived. I had no idea how we were going to lift the huge motor on top of the ice bin, and Ryan insisted on helping. The rest is history.”

“Had Ryan walked by just 10 seconds earlier,” Gonzalez says, “or had I checked the front 10 seconds later, most of our community would’ve never even known him. It had to be destiny because I cannot imagine him as anything other than a part of our family.”

Gonzalez says he witnessed “a kid with a painful past blossom into a confident yet humble, amazing young man,” noting that “often life is cruel.”

“On that day,” however, he says “it was incredibly generous. Through many tears, I’ll be forever grateful for the gift life gave us that day.”

And for so many in the St. Petersburg LGBTQ community, that’s exactly what Ryan was: A gift.

One that the Enigma family, along with the Stroehleins, will honor in a “Celebration of Life” July 27, followed by a benefit show July 30.

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11

state news

Wilton Manors Activist Gets Arrested in D.C. Healthcare Protests Michael d’Oliveira, courtesy South Florida Gay News

T

he morning before he took part in a protest against Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act [ACA], Wilton Manors activist Michael Rajner predicted an arrest was in his near future. “I’m likely getting arrested today,” Rajner wrote in an email to SFGN. He was right.

On Facebook Wednesday night, Rajner posted a video of himself talking about being released by Capitol Police after protesting inside the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., where U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s office is located. He was one of about 155 others who were arrested and

temporarily detained.

“I’ve never been one that thought I would engage in an action of non-violent civil disobedience that would result in arrest. Perhaps it’s because the penalty at the nation’s capital, and knowing where to get arrested, results in only a $50 fine and something that just goes away and doesn’t stay on your record.” But, he added, the consequences of not standing up for high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for everyone were greater.

“It’s unimaginable that they continue to decide to want to cover less people and imperil the lives of so many,” said Rajner about the GOP. “I refuse to be silent and I may very well may be up here in Washington, D.C., soon again if these protests continue.

Get involved. Don’t be quiet.”

Hours earlier, he posted another video of himself and about two dozen other protesters,

some in wheelchairs, inside Rubio’s office. A staffer said Rubio was at the Capitol building at the time.

With shouts that included “Kill this bill, don’t kill us” and “We need treatment, not tax cuts,” Rajner and others performed several “mic checks” in Rubio’s office. A mic check is when a group of people loudly repeat what one person in the group says. It was a tactic made famous

by Occupy Wall Street in 2011.

“I implore Senator Rubio: reject the repeal of the ACA which will take away health insurance from tens of millions of Americans. I demand that he support the only solution to our healthcare crisis – Medicare for all,” said one woman who stated she is a registered nurse.

Other speakers talked about the dangers of repealing the ACA and also how it has helped them.

“I’m living with HIV the past 20 years. Without comprehensive

health coverage for all people, people with HIV will die like the Reagan days,” shouted Rajner as the group began to file out of Rubio’s office. After leaving the office, Rajner and others sat down in the hallway and continued to chant as others in their group continued on.

“This is your third and final warning. If you do not cease and desist, you will be subject to arrest,” said one Capitol police officer using a megaphone.

Moments later, Rajner was arrested.

He later wrote on Facebook that Capitol police were respectful and even thanked him for protesting.

After midnight on Thursday, Rajner wrote “Heading to bed completely fatigued and feeling sick. Hope it passes and I wake refreshed in the morning. The long day was worth it!”

In a video posted on his Facebook page on July 19, Rubio

said that he wanted to create a vibrant private sector market where health insurance was affordable for everyone. He criticized the current system as not providing real health insurance because many people never reach their deductible and end up paying out of pocket for healthcare.

Rubio also said he would stand his ground on his promise to repeal the ACA. “I ran for election in 2010 on the promise of repealing Obamacare and replacing it. I ran for re-election in 2016 on that same promise. It is a promise I intend to do everything I can to keep. It must happen for the good of our country and for the good of our state.” Rubio added that he prefers to repeal and replace all at once but he is willing to do both separately if that’s what is proposed by Senate Republicans.

“That’s what I intend to do.

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nation+world news

in other news Rhode Island becomes 10th state to ban “ex-gay” therapy The governor of Rhode Island signed into law July 19 a measure that bans widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion therapy for minors, the 10th state in the nation with such a prohibition. The bill, HB 5277, was approved by the Rhode Island Assembly in May by a 69-0 unanimous vote and the Senate last month before it reached Raimondo’s desk for her signature. Major medical and psychological institutions, including the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, widely reject conversion therapy.

Christie approves law to give schools trans policy guidance New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation July 21 requiring the state to give guidance to public schools about policies for transgender students, including blocking the schools from forcing the students from using bathrooms that conflict with their gender identities.

“These guidelines are needed to ensure that transgender students can safely be themselves without fear of being persecuted,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, one of the Democratic sponsors of the measure. Schools would be blocked from requiring transgender students to use bathrooms that conflict with their gender identities.

Trumpcare appears defeated, but LGBT groups remain wary After Republican support crumbled for Trumpcare, LGBT advocacy groups that sought to preserve the Affordable Care Act are quietly confident it will remain in place — although they say they’re keeping a watchful eye.

“There is much that the administration can do through regulation to alter health care — private insurance plans and Medicaid — and [we] expect them to do that, actually they have started to make changes as well,” Carl Schmid, deputy executive director of AIDS Action, said.

“As they make changes, we want to make sure they do not restrict access and benefits and loosen important patient protections. Legislative fixes are still needed, premiums and patient cost-sharing are too high, and we hope that they can happen on a bi-partisan basis.”

German President signs same-sex marriage bill German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 20, signed a bill that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples. Steinmeier signed the measure less than a month after the lower house of the German Parliament, which is known as the Bundestag, approved it by a 393-226 vote margin. The bill is expected to take effect on Oct. 1. Lawmakers approved the measure ahead of elections that are scheduled to take place on Sept. 24. Germany since 2001 has allowed gays and lesbians to enter into civil partnerships. It is among the last countries in Western Europe to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

14

NGLCC celebrates 15 years with a conference in Vegas Natalia Caballero

L

AS VEGAS | The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, or NGLCC, is celebrating its 15th year of bringing together LGBTQ businesses and professionals together with the 2017 International Business & Leadership Conference in Las Vegas Aug. 1-4.

Founded in 2002, The NGLCC began when Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell realized no one had really considered the economic equality of LGBTQ people or the impact economics could have on the equality movement, according to the NGLCC website.

From those roots, the NGLCC now hosts the world’s largest LGBTQ business development event, attracting more than 200 businesses and over 1,000 entrepreneurs, corporate decision-makers, affiliate chamber leaders, and government officials from across the country and around the world.

The 2017 conference will feature numerous influential keynote speakers from the LGBTQ community including fashion icon and best-selling author Tim Gunn; entrepreneur and LGBT advocate

Lisa Vanderpump; and CEO and author of Predictable Success Les McKeown, just to name a few.

“Having our first conference with only 80 people sitting in a conference room to now over 1,000 people in Las Vegas, and to be able to represent 1.4 million LGBT business owners that regenerate $1.7 trillion in economic impact each year is incredible,” says Jonathan Lovitz, NGLCC’s senior vice-president.

While the amount of influence the LGBTQ community has on the economy is a priority to the NGLCC, its highest goal is to maintain the essence of family they have established over the past 15 years.

“Within our community it has never been more important that we stand united,” Lovitz says.

The NGLCC hopes that above all else, conference attendees feel as though they, alongside their LGBTQ brothers and sister, are making a change toward safer and efficient ways to do business.

Both Tampa Bay and Central Florida each have chambers within the NGLCC; the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce and Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), the latter of which was named the 2017 Chamber of the Year.

“The NGLCC provides so much instruction, training and workshops on important changes that can work for the different chambers,” says Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce treasurer Blaine Larson on the benefit of attending the NGLCC conferences. “You get so much information from other chambers attending; it’s good to hear about the challenges other face around the country.”

Orlando board member Sherri Absher knows the key to keeping the MBA thriving, maintaining relationships and trust between the chamber members.

“We are a very close knit group that have trust with businesses that go past a contract,” Absher says. “We stand up for businesses and their programs, and always want to find a way to better the business. With some chambers you don’t always see that kind of direct relationship.”

It’s those kinds of relationships that led the MBA to be named Chamber of the Year.

“We definitely didn’t expect it, it truly is a great honor,” Absher says. “It makes us set the bar higher and strive to become as unique as possible.”

Legal said the replacement law, known as H.B. 142, continues the harms of its predecessor.

The compromise earlier this year between Republican legislative leaders and Democrats led by Gov. Roy Cooper eliminated the “bathroom bill” requirement that transgender people use restrooms in many public buildings corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates.

But the new law makes clear that that only the General Assembly, not local government or school officials, can make rules for public restrooms from now on. Local governments are also prohibited from enacting new nondiscrimination ordinances for workplaces, hotels and restaurants until December 2020.

The ambiguity is compounded by statements from Republican lawmakers that the new law

would meet the same goals as the “bathroom bill,” according to the lawsuit. It cites a statement from House Speaker Tim Moore that the replacement law ensures that “persons of the opposite sex cannot go into designated multi-occupancy restrooms” and could face criminal trespassing charges.

A spokesman for Moore declined comment.

The lawsuit argues that the law violates constitutional due process and equal protection rights, as well as federal laws against discrimination in workplaces and schools. The filing is a revamped version of an existing lawsuit that challenged the original “bathroom bill” in federal court.

Most of the same parties remain from the previous complaint, with the addition of two new plaintiffs. Cooper is also named as a defendant.

Effects of ‘bathroom bill’ linger in North Carolina Wire Report

R

ALEIGH, N.C. | The law that replaced North Carolina’s notorious “bathroom bill” sports a new look but maintains LGBT discrimination and prevents transgender people from using restrooms matching their gender identity, according to a lawsuit July 21.

The lawsuit renews a high-profile legal battle that has thrust North Carolina into the center of the national debate over LGBT rights. The state took the “bathroom bill” off the books in late March after a yearlong backlash that hurt North Carolina’s reputation and caused businesses and sports leagues to back out of lucrative events and projects.

But lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda

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viewpoint

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE President Pants on Fire

W

here is even one

Republican in Congress with the spine, conscience and courage to stand up and say, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore?”

Apparently they don’t yet exist.

The Wall Street Journal has called for the Trump regime to immediately engage in “radical transparency” as the only means by which they might save themselves from the heavy weight and potentially dire consequences of the Russia probe. This would be sound advice if, and only if, Donald Jr. and the Trump administration had nothing to hide.

If Donald Jr. were just a “dunce” and every misstep in meeting with the Russian informants could be chalked up to the naiveté and ineptitude of a family-run administration

that is devoid of practical governing experience, then yes, it would be prudent to engage in “radical transparency.”

However, if you knew exactly what you were doing and if you are guilty as fuck, then transparency is not a viable option.

Of course every lie about the meeting was quickly followed up by another lie that completely contradicted the first lie, which is in now the well-established standard operating procedure for this administration.

True, Ronald Reagan said he didn’t secretly trade arms when he did. Bill Clinton said he didn’t have sex with that woman when he did. I suppose every president who ever held office may have told a deer fib when caught in the headlights, but never in the history of our country have we had an administration whose chosen style of governing is predicated on the practice of lying. Not until now. Virtually everyone from the president to the vice-president, the advisors, the press secretaries, and even the Cabinet members, all lie. They lie daily. We have simply come to expect and accept this systemic culture of deceit as “just the way it is.” We have accepted the sad reality that it matters not what the president or his spokespersons may have to tell us because we cannot count on anyone in this administration to be truthful.

How is this not alarming to every sane American?

Unfortunately, there are those among us who are so

blinded by hatred of Hillary, Obama and Muslims that they refuse to acknowledge we have a Kremlin-like administration in power which not only spews lies on daily basis, but works diligently to suppress truth and whip up the less educated among us into a frenzied belief that the free press is the enemy of the people. However, for the most part, the Congress of the United States of America knows better. They are not ignorant to the reality of the sad and dangerous situation in which we find ourselves. A situation where not only can we not trust anyone in the

rather than play by the rules of a democratic system of government. Congress knows this, but Republicans in Congress seem to be incapable of putting the welfare of this country ahead of party.

Republicans in Congress are incapable of putting the health and viability of our very system of government - WHICH IS UNDENIABLY UNDER ATTACK BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION - ahead of party. They are cowards who are standing by their man even as their man unleashes a wrecking ball to decimate our government rather than

being stubborn and admit this man is absolutely unworthy of your trust, that he does not act in the best interest of America. Anyone who can’t see this at this point in time is either just plain stupid, too stubborn to budge, or so mired in hate and racism that they refuse to see it.

To my Log Cabin Republican friends out there (most of whom I am certain had good sound reasons for voting for Trump) I am begging you, for the sake of our country, contact your elected officials in Washington and tell them you insist they stand up

current administration, but also a situation where we have a president who actively labors and campaigns to undermine our faith and trust in our judiciary, our intelligence agencies, and our all-important Fourth Estate. Without free press we would be left with a state-run news organization to serve no purpose other than to legitimize the lies of the administration. That is precisely what this president endeavors to do, and in the corridors of the haters and the ignorant he is succeeding in a truly spectacular and dangerous way. These are the seeds of tyranny. These are the actions of man who, like in his various businesses, would prefer to be dictator

shore it up; to further divide our country rather than make any attempt to unite us; to insulate us from global affairs rather than maintain our once shining status as the leader of the free world.

This president is dangerous! This shameful man is woefully lacking integrity.

This president cares not for the plight, future, security or the prosperity of anyone other than himself and his family. This president and his administration as a whole have no relationship whatsoever with the truth, but they have no shortage of relationships with Russians. It is time Republicans in Congress say, “enough is enough!” It is time that those of you who voted for Trump stop

to this president and this anti-democratic-society administration. Hold them accountable for their continual stream of lies. Tell them you insist they stop defending the most shameful president we have ever had to endure and that you want them to start thinking in terms of impeachment so that we can save our country and ourselves from this unhinged madman.

I contend that the United States of America is under attack. Inconceivably, the kingpin orchestrating this attack on our system of government is the commander in chief of the United States of America and he must be stopped.

Without free press we would be left with a state-run news organization to serve no purpose other than to legitimize the lies of the administration.

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the Asshole: You’ve Cat to be Kitten Me. It was a smoldering, hot afternoon in the middle of July.

I was making my way to the car whilst making significant progress on relieving a recently acquired wedgie. My upper lip was sweating, which was nothing new. Another day, another... LITTER OF ABANDONED KITTENS?! Suddenly I was surrounded by the sweet whispers of Enrique Iglesias: Let me be your hero. I had no other choice; well, I probably had a few other choices, but I had to save those fucking kittens.

So there I was, face-to-asphalt deep in some kitty

in the middle of choosing what color turkey baster I wanted or anything; I’m just saying this experience traumatized me enough to make me hold-off a couple years until my Xanax prescription is ready.

May I take the opportunity to also point out the perks of being a lesbian? Reason #354: Unexpected and unbeknownst

Sabrina Ambra

ladyfingers Crazy cat lady

I

n light of the recent

news that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc., is filing for IPO after being backed by Ashton Kutcher (oh, you didn’t hear?), I have decided to come up with a chicken noodle recipe of my own. Happiness, inspiration and hope are great and all, but gloom, reality and pessimism have the potential to be so much funnier.

inseminations are a thing of the past (or past life, depending on who is reading this).

Procreation is beautiful and so is my vagina. I have decided to focus on the upkeep of the latter, but I digress. Spoiler alert: I’ve decided to not submit this story to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, mostly because I think this is ripe for a Lifetime movie and partly because I’m not quite sure if

Ashton deserves it after Punk’n all those innocent celebrities.

Lastly, I believe it would be worth noting that this traumatic experience was just last week and I’ve gone through a couple life changes since. I’ve learned how to care for newborn kittens, including how to help them use the bathroom by DJ Scribble-Scrabblin’ their newborn kitten buttholes - one of the more uncomfortable

moments of my life. I made it, Ma. I have also decided that on the dawn of my next payday, I will become a [one] shareholder of CSSE. “Why”, you ask? I’m giving Mr. Kutcher a second chance. If things end up going our way, I’ll put my IVF-baby through college and write about the struggle of it all, starting with the kittens. I’ll blow every fucking mind that reads Chicken Soup for the 2038 Soul.

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I went from thinking I was saving these precious kitty angels to believing I would be the reason for their cold, cardboard-enclosed death.

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Also, the thought of the Chicken Soup roundtable reading my story while huffin’ and puffin’, and/or dry-heaving makes me giggle like the adorable little troll I am. Plus, double-plus for the millennials, they would never let me say “fuck” in there. As far as I’m concerned, the most valuable lessons that life will teach you involve the word “fuck” in some form or another. So with that, I present to you: Chicken Soup for

rescuing. My position: reminiscent of a belly-flopping snow angel. My plan: place helpless kittens into a box, take them to the closest veterinarian, (insert Step #3 here), and become a hero. My reality: I placed five unsuccessful calls, I had a box full of newborn kittens in the passenger seat, and I was full-blown sobbing.

I went from thinking I was saving these precious kitty angels to believing I would be the reason for their cold, cardboard-enclosed death.

At that point, my original plan was no more. I did what any adult in this situation would do and I called my mother. No answer. I tried again. No answer.

AW. HELL. NAW. What in the shit is this woman doing that she’s given me the reject button twice? I tried one more time, but this time I was preparing my reprimand… something like, “What if I was dying, Ma?!

What if you didn’t get to talk to me one last time because you were in child’s pose?!”

Fortunately for her, I quickly realized I had no time to scold.

Instead, I briefly informed her that I had pulled another “Sabrina move” and it would behoove her to tell me what to do, considering how close I was to hyperventilation. Not sure if you can tell, but I handle stressful situations like a boss; a shitty, anxiety-ridden boss.

I won’t get into the details following the phone call with my mother. Long story short: the kittens are in better and much safer hands. Also, I have come to the conclusion that I am not be ready to have a baby yet. I say this not because I was

19

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talking points that discussion was about [Angels in America] and how deeply grateful I am that I get to work on something so profound. We were talking about, ‘How do you prepare for something so important and so big?’ and I was basically saying, ‘I dive in as fully as I possibly can.’

the intention was to speak to that, speak to my desire to play this part to the best of my ability and to fully immerse myself in a culture that I adore.

—anDrew garfielD, explaining to bbc’s NEWSBEAT How His worDs were taKen out of context after tHe bacKlasH He receiVeD for His “gay witHout tHe pHysical act’ coMMent.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, FEUD amonG shoWs earnInG mulTIPle emmy nomInaTIons

T

He 69tH priMetiMe eMMy awarDs noMinations were unveiled July 13 with RuPaul’s Drag Race picking up seven nominations and Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Bette and Joan earning 10. Several Netflix shows received nominations for their LGBTQ performers, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s Titus Burgess for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Laverne Cox’s role on Orange is the New Black earned her a spot for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series and Lily Tomlin is a nominee for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Grace & Frankie. Last year’s winner for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Kate McKinnon is back, nominated again for Saturday Night Live. Transparent received seven nominations, including one for Jeffrey Tambor in the Best Actor in a Drama category; however, it failed to pick up a Best Comedy Series nom. The 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Stephen Colbert, will air live Sept. 17 on CBS.

LESBIAN AND BI FEMALE CHARACTERS ON TV

WERE KILLED OFF In The 2016/17 season

ON SHOWS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. ThaT Is

DOWN

from lasT season’s RECORD-BREAKING

33 LESBIAN AND BI TV CHARACTERS WHO WERE KILLED OFF,

buT Is sTIll HIGHLY DISPROPORTIONATE WITh

The raTe of rePresenTaTIon. —LGBTFansDeserveBetter.com

GroundbreakInG serIes THE L WORD To reTurn To shoWTIme

i

lene cHaiKen’s THE L WORD, about a group of out friends in Los Angeles, changed the face of television by being the first ever dramatic series exclusively about lesbian characters who were complex and open about their sexuality and relationships.

The show ran for six seasons on the cable channel Showtime and the show’s original network is bringing it back. Storylines will focus on a new cast of queer women with some of the original cast members appearing from time to time. Chaiken will be an executive producer for the project, but will not be the show runner. Showtime has not announced a premiere date for the series return.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Queen confIrms freddIe mercury bIoPIc Is haPPenInG

Q

ueen Has confirMeD tHat tHe freDDie Mercury biopic starring Rami Malek is “finally happening.”

The film, which is tentatively titled Bohemian Rhapsody, is scheduled to start filming mid-September in the U.K., the band confirmed on its official site. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor released a joint statement saying they are excited for the Mr. Robot star to take on the role of Mercury. “He’s completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is just wonderful to see,” the bandmates revealed. The band also confirmed Bryan Singer will direct the project.

The film is expected to debut in theaters Christmas 2018.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

Tyler, The creaTor, may have come ouT on neW album

T

yler, tHe creator, MigHt HaVe coMe out as gay or bisexual on his latest album, Scum Fu*k Flower Boy. The album, released July 21, was leaked online July 9 and some lyrics had people wondering if the rapper was coming out the closet. In a line on the track “I Ain’t Got Time!” he rapped, “I been kissing white boys since 2004.” On the song, “Garden Shed,” Tyler talks about hiding in a garden shed, a metaphor some think refers to being in the closet.

Tyler has alluded to being gay or bisexual in the past on Twitter and in interviews, but has yet to confirm or deny the speculation stemming from the new album.

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July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

In-dePTh: lGbTQs In The kITchen

KiTChen witH a K:

fOOD sCienCe:

Chef Kevin fonzo recently sold K Restaurant and is now head of Kevin Fonzo Enterprises.

Edison Food + Drink Lab owner and chef Jeannie Pierola serves up some of Tampa’s best dishes based on her own experiments.

PHOTO By JAKE STEvEnS

PHOTO By JAKE STEvEnS

FamilyMeal Four LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay chefs on finding their tribe in the restaurant life

T

Holly V. Kapherr

He iDioM “loVe is loVe” becaMe

a rallying cry throughout the LGBTQ community since the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal in 2015. But for these four gay and lesbian chefs in Orlando, Tampa and St. Petersburg, food is love. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Most of them grew up cooking at the feet of their families.

Jeannie pierola, chef and owner of the Edison Food + Drink Lab in Tampa, learned from her Spanish and Cuban grandmothers. Top Chef Seattle alum and executive chef at St. Pete boîtes BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern, Jeffrey Jew, learned from his father and

conTInued on PG. 29 | uu |

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

| uu | Family Meal from pg.23

half-Chinese grandfather.

Trina Gregory-Propst, chef and owner of Se7en Bites in Orlando, learned from her grandmother.

Former chef-owner of K Restaurant, Kevin Fonzo, now head of Kevin Fonzo Enterprises, learned from visiting his Italian grandparents in the summer. Fonzo says, “Cooking was the mechanism through which we spent time with our loved ones.”

Now, these chefs are building families of their own — the crews that run their kitchens. Restaurants have long been more than just a place where people come to eat.

The front and back of the house have evolved into refuges for those who struggle with both internal and external forces, from substance abuse to gender identity.

It doesn’t matter who you are in the kitchen — you can be gay, straight, black, white — it doesn’t matter, as long as you can cook.

—Jeffrey Jew

In the kitchen, you can be you

Restaurant kitchens are a safe haven for undocumented immigrants, individuals dealing with substance abuse disorders, and those who feel like they just don’t fit in, including members of the LGBTQ community. For many of these chefs, line cooks, dishwashers, bartenders and servers, the restaurant is their family; sometimes because their birth family is absent from their lives.

Many celebrities have been open about the solace they’ve found working with food and have brought awareness to the power of the kitchen in healing lives. Travel Channel host of Bizarre Foods chef Andrew Zimmern struggled with substance abuse and was homeless before walking into a restaurant, getting sober and finding eventual success in cooking.

“Work is salvation,” says Pierola, who rebuilt the kitchen at award-winning Bern’s Steakhouse and SideBern’s before opening the Edison. “It fortifies you. It’s humbling. It is the healthiest thing we can do to build self-worth and personal pride.”

As with any creative career, gay, lesbian and other queer individuals are drawn to the kitchen because of its open and accepting environment.

As Gregory-Propst puts it, “the kitchen gives us the opportunity to live out loud.”

Gregory-Propst and her wife of four years, Va, run the creative direction and operations behind the breakout bakery and brunch spot Se7en Bites. “Our staff is like our family. Often, they spend more time

‘Burg Boîtes: Jeffrey Jew is the executive chef of BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern in downtown St. Petersburg. Photo by Jake Stevens with us than they do with their own families.” Two-thirds of the staff at Se7en Bites identifies as LGBTQ. Jew got the call from casting directors for Top Chef Seattle while on a train to New York City from Washington, D.C., where he was the chef at Blackbird.

“I have no idea how they got my name,” he says. “I assumed it was because they needed to fill a ‘gay chef’ role on the show.” It is Bravo, after all. “Funny enough, even though I was the gay chef on my season, the winner of Top Chef Seattle, Kristen Kish, came out shortly after the season aired.”

Jew attended the Culinary Institute of America and quickly gained notoriety in the culinary world, appointed head chef at the

Italian embassy for a time. He also worked under chef Angela Hartnett, a protégé of Gordon Ramsey.

“Angela once heard someone make a comment about me being gay. It wasn’t a flattering comment.

She wouldn’t have any of that. She put a stop to it right away. That was the beginning and end of any discrimination I faced in the kitchen. I’ve never felt as at-home or accepted as I do in a restaurant kitchen,” says Jew.

It doesn’t matter who or what you are, as long as you can cook

Pierola grew up the daughter of a hotelier family in Ybor City before moving to Anna Maria Island when

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

she was nine years old. Her father was a Cuban immigrant and her mother was of Spanish decent from New Orleans. “We had an intense family. My parents were always in disagreement and fought constantly, but they loved each other and were married for 65 years.”

Pierola learned early on that her work ethic would carry her as far as she could dream. “My natural personality is well-suited to the kitchen; I’m bombastic, I demand respect, I don’t have a problem speaking my mind.”

Pierola originally dreamed of being a comedienne but soon realized that a fear of rejection would hold her back from taking the stage. Ironically, she was publicly outed, with her then girlfriend, in

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

front of an audience of thousands at a stand-up show by the comedian Gallagher.

“I look like your ‘average’ lesbian,” says Pierola, who rocks a pixie haircut and clogs most days. “I’ve never experienced any outward bigotry or discrimination in any restaurant kitchen, but I’m sure it’s happened behind my back.”

Fonzo agrees regarding the solidarity in restaurant kitchens.

“The industry is such a diverse workplace because it takes all kinds of people with different skill levels, socio-economic backgrounds, cultures and different career goals to make it work,” he says. “We have to respect each other and

Continued on pg. 30 | uu |

29

I see young people come into our staff family with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

When they’re here, they don’t have to hide who they are or who they love.

This is a safe haven.

It’s about the food, it’s about family and it’s about taking care of each other.

— trina gregory-propst

se7entH HeaVen: Trina Gregory-Propst owns Se7en Bites, which is consistently voted by the people of Orlando as having the best brunch and best bakery. PHOTO By JAKE STEvEnS

| uu | Family Meal from PG.29

rely on each other to make each individual job work.”

Gregory-Propst, who ties her fire-red hair in a kerchief and wears a full face of pin-up-style makeup each day, relays a similar sentiment.

“I don’t look like what most people think of as a lesbian, so being gay has never been front-and-center for me in my career. I’ve never felt discrimination because of my sexual identity, but I’ve never hidden it either.”

Gregory-Propst was the oldest in her class at the Valencia College culinary school, and focused more on advancing past her classmates, most of whom had just graduated high school.

30

“I knew I needed to be right now where these kids were going to be in their careers in 20 years. It wasn’t about being gay, or even about being a woman — it was about my age.”

Pierola, Gregory-Propst and Jew all knew that in order to make it in their profession, they’d have to work longer, faster, harder and better than anyone else in the kitchen. Pierola never received professional training, and Gregory-Propst and Jew both came into their careers later in life. Jew puts it this way, “It doesn’t matter who you are in the kitchen — you can be gay, straight, black, white — it doesn’t matter, as long as you can cook.”

We’re all famIly here

Three out of four of these chefs came out in the 1980s and ‘90s, when being gay was less socially

acceptable than it is now. “It’s a completely different environment today,” Gregory-Propst says. “But that doesn’t mean it’s easy by any means.” Fonzo came out to his family on Thanksgiving — the food holiday, of course — nine years ago.

Each had different experiences explaining their sexual identity to their biological families; some experienced their “baby boomer” parents going through initial shock and coming to terms with their child’s sexuality and lifestyle.

However, none of them felt ostracized or abandoned by their families. Reactions ranged from “so what?” to “it’s just a phase” to “we figured as much.”

Pierola and Gregory-Propst’s families both came from open and accepting industries: Pierola’s family owned a hotel and Gregory-Propst’s mother was a hairdresser.

“My mom still suggests I try on

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a dress every once in a while,” says Pierola. “It’s adorable. She’s just from a different time.”

“There’s a family mentality in the kitchen,” says Jew of his time in restaurant life. “Once you’re in, you’re in forever.” Pierola cites the connection food has to love as the thing that binds a kitchen team together. Food is directly related to giving comfort, to emotional memories and familial bonds. “I’ve met many people whom the kitchen has saved. Making food for others is a way to express our love for them.

Making food together, as a team, is an unbreakable bond.”

Fonzo has equated food to family for his whole life, including in his College Park restaurant. “My happiest memories of growing up were either being in the kitchen cooking or gathering around the dinner table,” he says. “I got a job as a dishwasher when I was 15, and

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

after my first time in a commercial kitchen, I was hooked on the camaraderie. We are open-minded and embrace our differences.” Those differences, Fonzo says, have helped him find success in his career.

Se7en Bites is a place where many young chefs come to explore their creativity and find a home for their talent, and though being gay isn’t the primary reason for the restaurant’s draw, it’s a factor.

“Often, I see young people come into our staff family with the weight of the world on their shoulders,” says Gregory-Propst. “When they’re here, they don’t have to hide who they are or who they love. This is a safe haven. It’s about the food, it’s about family and it’s about taking care of each other.”

Special thanks to Quench Lounge in Largo for lending their space for our Tampa Bay chefs photography!

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O R L A N D O

L I G H T

P R O U D LY

O P E R A

P R E S E N T S

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH AT 7:00 PM FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH AT 7:00 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH AT 7:00 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 13TH AT 2:00 PM T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E T H R O U G H T I C K E T L E A P A N D AT O R L A N D O L I G H T O P E R A . C O M

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arTs and enTerTaInmenT

faMily loVe:

Eddie Sotomayor (L) with his sister, Kim. PHOTO COuRTESy THE SOTOMAyOR fAMIly

EDDIE’SLEGACY From Sarasota to Pulse, Tampa Bay filmmaker Sandi Hulon looks at the life of Eddie Sotomayor in One of 49: A Legacy of Love

i

Jeremy Williams

n tHe MiDDle of tHe nigHt on

June 12, 2016, documentarian and filmmaker Sandi Hulon was doing the same thing as many of us throughout Orlando, Tampa Bay and across the world: sitting with eyes glued to the TV in horror as we watched the outside of Pulse nightclub covered in blinking blue and red lights from emergency vehicles on the national news.

There was a shooting. By the morning we would know that 49 were killed and 53 injured in the nation’s worst mass shooting in modern times. But in those early hours, waiting to find out what

happened, we got the identity of the first confirmed victim. He was a 34-year-old male from Sarasota.

His name was Eddie Sotomayor.

Hulon has gotten to know Eddie very well, even though

she has never met him or had a conversation with him.

“I have this photo of Eddie hanging on my refrigerator. I get up every morning and come around that corner and I share a high five with him and say ‘Ok, Eddie, what have you got today?’ Every morning I do that; and there is something every day that comes in, whether it is a text message or an email or something from Facebook,” she says.

More than a year in the making, Hulon is developing a documentary on the life of Eddie in a film called One of 49: A Legacy of Love. Hulon spoke with Watermark about the status of the film, who Eddie was and the love that has come out of tragedy.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

WhaT led you To PIck eddIe as The subjecT To Tell ThIs sTory?

I was at my home in St. Petersburg.

I got a phone call asking if I could put a film crew together and come down to Sarasota to film a memorial service for one of the Pulse victims. The person told me that friends and family of Eddie would be there and I assumed it was going to be like a candlelight vigil or something of that nature.

When I walked in I realized it was Eddie’s funeral they had asked me to document and record for the family.

WoW, ThaT musT have been a shock To Walk InTo ThaT sITuaTIon.

I remember pulling up, getting

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

out of the car and seeing the hearse. I realizing that this was more than just the vigil, this was is funeral service. I said to my production partner “I can’t do this,” and she looked at me and said “yes, you can, we can do this.” I grabbed my video camera, she grabbed her still camera and came in through heavy security at that time, of course.

WhaT Were you feelInG as you Walked In?

I remember when we walked in all of the flowers, they were so beautiful. And I saw top hats everywhere. Walking up I was

conTInued on PG. 34 | uu |

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| uu | Eddie Sotomayer from pg.33

scared and nervous and every other emotion you can think of, but as soon as we got in it was surprisingly calming. So we filmed the memorial.

I saw some of the photos taken during the filming, and I saw a lot from St. Pete Pride that year.

Yes, the memorial was also St. Pete Pride weekend. Al and Chuck Travel, Eddie’s employer, provided buses to take anyone who wanted to go up to St. Pete for Pride.

People were wearing their Eddie t-shirts and top hats. I remember starting to march with all these people who knew and loved Eddie; his mom - I could see a big smile on her face with what was going on - and Louis, his partner at the time. It was really amazing and very emotional.

We go around the corner and I see it: I’m struck with the love, emotion and sweet kindness that just envelopes me as I literally make this corner. It is all the way down the entire parade route.

People are sticking out their arms for hugs and saying “I’m so sorry.”

Everyone just wanted to hug, complete strangers coming up to us. It was just this really emotional moment of walking and hugging and walking and hugging. I was walking along filming - and I have this on film - you can hear me just saying over and over “thank you, thank you, thank you” and you can hear me sobbing. It was just so much love and emotion.

work and play: (Above):Employer and friend Al Ferguson speaks about Eddie for the film. (Right): Eddie and Al visit Cuba. above left photo by Ariana Shelton | Above right photo courtesy al ferguson

knew someone, he was the very first victim they announced. His picture popped up on the screen and it stopped me in my tracks. I thought, “I have seen him before.”

I can never claim that I have met him and had a long conversation, but I do feel like I know him now.

It’s amazing how you can know somebody so intimately, more than some people who might have seen Eddie all the time, and never met them. Have you had any moments in putting this film together that stick out and made you stop and have to gather yourself?

When did you realize that this was going to go from documenting Eddie’s funeral to a feature length documentary of who he was?

When I got home that night after Pride, my partner and I just looked at each other and said, “This is much more than a memorial film for the family.” It was a couple of days after that that we got on the phone with Al Ferguson [of Al and Chuck Travel] and said, “We want to do this and more.” Al was all over it.

He opened his doors for us and let us into the office where Eddie worked. Eddie worked as the national brand manager for Al and Chuck Travel. We filmed his desk.

It was left just as it was. We did it not to be morbid but to show that Eddie literally got up from his desk on Friday expecting to return to

34

love is love: Sandi Holson visits Pulse in Orlando after the shooting. Photo by ariana shelton

this spot and never got to. There were reminders and notes that he had left for himself. The only thing that was different is that people had come in and placed a couple of roses on his keyboard.

You said when you got home you realized this was more than just that one day you filmed. What is it that this film has turned into?

This film that started as

documenting his memorial became a three-part story for me. The first part is about Eddie, his family and friends. I have interviewed his mother, his sister, his aunt. The second part is on the changes in the Christian faith community in Sarasota, up through to Orlando.

I watched a faith leader apologize to the LGBTQ community for the way they have been treated by the religious in this country. The third part is about resilience. How

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

people are able to come back from a tragedy like this and be strong and powerful. People have done some amazing things in light of this tragedy and we show and document some of that in this film.

You never got the chance to meet Eddie, did you?

No, and here is something strange: When I was watching the news coverage and waiting to see the names of the victims, to see if I

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Every day I am overwhelmed by the love that is popping up all around me because of Eddie. That’s why we named the documentary One of 49: A Legacy of Love. There has been such an outpouring of love. Eddie’s family has embraced me and this film. It has brought so many people together and brought me to Eddie. This isn’t just another film for me, or just another project. This film is my passion project for life.

Principle photography is nearly complete and Holson hopes to begin editing by mid-August.

From there she wants to take the film to festivals across the U.S. and the world.

Holson has spoken with more than two dozen people who knew Eddie— family, friends and co-workers—and hopes to have the film completed by Nov. 1. OneOf49.com will be up and running soon and will have information, updates and ways you can contribute to help finish the documentary.

books

Required Reading Benita Roth explores the rise of the ACT UP/LA during the ‘80s and ‘90s in new book Coalition to Unleash Power, Los Angeles, part of the militant anti-AIDS movement of the 1980s and 1990s. ACT UP/LA battled government, multi-targeted protest in Los Angeles and nationally. The book shows how appealing the direct action anti-AIDS activism was for people across the United States; as well as arguing the need to understand how the politics of place affect organizing, and how the particular features of the Los Angeles cityscape shaped possibilities for activists. A feminist lens is used seeing social inequalities as mutually reinforcing and interdependent to examine the interaction of activists and the outcomes of their actions. Their struggle against AIDS and homophobia, and to have a voice in their healthcare, presaged the progressive, multi-issue, anti-corporate, confrontational organizing of the late twentieth century, and deserves to be part of that history.

Roth ISBN 9781107514171 CVR C M Y K

Benita Roth is Professor of sociology, history, and women’s studies at Binghamton University. Her research focuses on the intersections of gender, social protest, race/ethnicity, and sexuality. Her first book Separate Roads to Feminism, Black, Chicana, and White Feminist Movements in America’s Second Wave (Cambridge, 2003) won the Distinguished Book Award from the Sex and Gender Section of the American Sociological Association.

Photo credit: ACT UP/LA marching at the 1991 Christopher Street West Parade, West Hollywood, California. Photograph by James Rosen.

(above)

Binghamton University professor Benita Roth looks at the AIDS crisis in her new book, The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA. Photo courtesy Cambridge University Press

B

Scottie Campbell

enita Roth is a professor of

sociology, history and women’s studies at Binghamton University so it is unsurprising that The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA is academic and will primarily have a life as assigned reading in college courses. Dense and meticulously annotated, it makes for a cumbersome, though essential, read.

ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) was born in New York City in 1987 when Larry Kramer, disillusioned with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis he co-founded, challenged an audience to create a more effective organization. ACT UP/LA was formed in December of the same year and, unlike ACT UP/NY which is still in existence

(albeit decidedly more quiet these days), lasted a decade until its remaining three members voted it out of existence.

Roth makes a strong argument for focusing on ACT UP/LA noting that with “social movements” like ACT UP “scholars have usefully referred to local contexts as social movement fields.” Los Angeles is a diverse city

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Anti-AiDS ActiviSm in LoS AngeLeS from the 1980S to the 2000S

B e N I TA R o T H

Cover design by James F. Brisson

A ROTH READ:

The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA

medical, and institutional neglect of the AIDS epidemic, engaging in

RoTH

The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA explores the history of the AIDS

with a population long consisting of more than one population and a historically marginalized gay community. Roth touches on other chapters of ACT UP only when there were national collaborations, which were rare. Local actions like protesting hospitals and insurance companies appear more successful in getting direct action.

ACT UP’s model is similar to those of the feminist movement, anti-nuke protests and anti-Vietnam War protests with face-to-face confrontation toward “systems of power through ‘misuse’ of spaces.”

During our last recession we saw an example of similar action with Occupy Wall Street and tangential movements it hatched. Inherent in the model is the concept of being leaderless, as Roth’s chronicling of ACT UP/LA illustrates, that concept is the thing of myths.

Looking at the movement through a feminist lens, Roth seems to argue that ACT UP wouldn’t have happened without the feminist movement and its fight for women’s health. While that assertion is debatable, what is clear is women had their own unique struggle within ACT UP/LA and the anti-AIDS movement. Imagine protesting alongside your brothers to get a ward in a hospital dedicated to AIDS victims, then having to turn around and fight that the ward include women.

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Internally the organization struggled with gay and lesbian relations of the time and its undercurrent of misandry and misogyny. A Women’s Caucus was formed and met with opposition despite the fact that the model of the organization was a “General Body” with several working committees, and when male “leaders” would give statements of support, they smacked of placation.

It is interesting to see the formation of activist groups from a sociologist’s perspective and you’ll find yourself, as I did, hoping an author will one day take a look at your community’s LGBTQ history with an objective eye like Roth has here. Her study shows how such groups work and don’t work, the striking similarities among these rebellious groups, and their stubbornness to ignore the lessons of history. Over the organization’s decade-long history, there were differing opinions about the degree to which the group should be pursuing gay rights which gave rise to Queer Nation. QN, as it was referred to, attempted to be so anti-establishment they eschewed traditional banking and instead the treasurer kept their funds in a box under his bed.

Some actions by ACT UP/LA, like disrupting the Oscars and an attempt to disrupt the Rose Parade, were intended to create awareness of the AIDS crisis. While participants saw the actions as a success -- invariably someone among them found each of their actions a success -- they probably created as much confusion as they did awareness. Shrine Auditorium security asked one protester what grudge he had against Chevy Chase after he interrupted an off-air Oscars presentation by exclaiming, “102,000 dead!” Chaos does seem to be an essential ingredient in the social movement recipe.

A mixture of anarchists and pacifists is also characteristic of these movements. Perhaps the most striking part of the book is learning how often members of ACT UP/ LA were scared and frightened to participate in actions but still did.

This echoes the confessions of other activists – filmmaker Michael Moore comes to mind – and it shows enviable courage. In Roth’s field notes, ACT UP/LA members describe being in actions where they were certain they would die.

Many people (myself included) would not be here today, and others would not have lived so long, if it wasn’t for the vital crusade waged by the ACT UP/LA and groups like it; that alone is reason to give Roth’s well researched account your attention.

35

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

Head to WatermarkOnline.com and click on the Digital Publications link to a read a digital version of the printed newspaper!

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Shawn Mendes, July 28, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com flex fridays presents DJ Chris Tavi Birthday Bash, July 28, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SouthernNightsORL.com MAMMA MIA! Sing-Along, July 28, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com Prince Royce, July 29, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Girl the Party: Bieb’s Beach Bikini Birthday Bash, July 29, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SouthernNightsORL.com Orlando Gay Chorus new Member Mixer, Aug. 2, The Hammered Lamb, Orlando. 407-704-3200; HammeredLamb.com The Tijuana flats Just In Queso foundation Gala, Aug. 5, Full Sail Live Venue, Orlando.

407-679-0100; FullSail.edu Sabrina Carpenter, Aug. 5, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org 2nd Annual Italian Wine & Cheese festival, Aug. 6, The Wine Room on Park Ave., Winter Park. 407-696-9463; TheWineRoomOnline.com Collective launch: Opera Del Sol, Aug. 7, Citrus Club, Orlando.

407-843-1080; Citrus-Club.com Shattering the Glass Ceiling, Aug. 7, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.com

tHursDay, aug. 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.M. rubio’s, winter parK

MAKE’EM

Join Miracle of Love, Inc. at their first ever Feast for the 14, a fundraising event for their SMART Ride 14 team. SMART Ride is an annual two-day, 165-mile ride from Miami to Key West to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS research. During the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., Rubio’s will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from each meal to the MOL’s SMART Ride 14 fund. For more information, contact Brett Yancy at 954-299-0554.

LAUGH

MBA August Networking Mixer weDnesDay, aug. 9, 6:00 - 8:00 p.M. stK, orlanDo

Comedian Jeff Jones hosts Comedy Night at the Starlite Room on Aug. 8 at Savoy Orlando. The event will continue on the second Tuesday of every month. PHOTO COuRTESy JEff JOnES COMEDy

Blondie & Garbage, Aug. 9, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; Hardrock.com/Live/ Locations/Orlando Waving Through the Window: A Cabaret with Deejay young, Aug. 9-11, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org nerd nite Orlando lIv: Con languages, Sneakernomics and lEGOs, Aug. 10, The Geek Easy, Winter Park. 407-332-9636; MyGeekEasy.com

TamPa bay Marie Antoinette, July 15Aug. 13, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com

legislative Town Hall w/Rep. Smith & Rep. Mercado, Aug. 8, Acacia Banquet Halls, Orlando.

407-681-5433; Giovanna.

Lopez@MyFloridaHouse.gov

Rocky Horror Picture Show, July 28, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com

Comedy night at the Starlite Room, Aug. 8, Savoy, Orlando. 407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com

Glow Party - Code Bar, July 28, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

DJ Ranny returns to Tampa Bay, July 28, Honey Pot, Tampa. 813-247-4663; Facebook.com/Honey-Pot

Bolts Brew fest presented

by Creative loafing, Aug. 5, Amalie Arena, Tampa.

813-739-4800; CLTampa.com

3rd Annual Masquerade Ball, July 29, The Ritz Ybor, Tampa. 727-512-1304; BalanceTampaBay.org

Hawk & Wayne - Anywhere, uSA, Aug. 6, America Stage, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; American Stage.org

Balance Tampa Bay’s Masquerade After Party, July 29, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

Drag Queen Bingo benefiting EPIC, Aug. 7, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

Scott and Patti Pajama Party, July 31, American Stage, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org

Motown The Musical, Aug. 8-13, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Balance Tampa Bay’s July Drag Queen Bingo, July 31, Hamburger Mary’s, Brandon. 727-512-1304; BalanceTampaBay.org

Donald fagen & The nightflyers, Aug. 9, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

Cult Classics: Edward Scissorhands, Aug. 3, The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg.

727-823-3767; TheDali.org neiBEARhood Takeover Tampa/ Bearbadook, Aug. 4, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTpa.com

sarasoTa Zombie Prom - venice Theatre Summerstock Musical, July 28Aug. 11, Venice Theatre, Venice.

941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com Sarasota Gay Beach Party, July 30 and Aug. 6, North Lido Beach, Sarasota. BeadleMedia.com

To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

The Metropolitan Business Association invites you to their August networking mixer at STK Orlando at Disney Springs. Network with Central Florida’s leading LGBTQ and allied businesses. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available. The event is free to members and $20 for nonmembers. RSVP at MBAOrlando.org.

TamPa bay

take the stage! youth talent show saturDay, aug. 5, 7:00 - 9:00 p.M. Metro HealtH, wellness & coMMunity, st. petersburg If you are between the ages of 13 and 22 Metro wants to know what interesting or unique talent you have to showcase. Join your M.C., PheYonce Montrese, for an evening of fun and surprises. The event is open for anyone to attend, tickets are $1 for youth under 22 and $5 for everyone else. If you want to be up on stage and a part of the show, make sure to register at MetroTampaBay.org/ SummerCamp.

sarasoTa

summer Book Club Meeting and Party tHursDay, aug. 3, 5:00 - 6:00 p.M. also youtH, sarasota ALSO Youth is closing out their summer book club series with the club’s final meeting and celebratory pizza party.

This summer’s book is M-E Girard’s Girl Mans Up. If you are not already a member of the book club, it’s not too late. Sign up at the ALSO Youth Center where there are still books available. Please try and have the book completed by the meeting. For more information or to sign up online, email Jules at youth.coordinator@alsoyouth.org.

37

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

overheard

TamPa bay ouT+abouT

a GroundbreakInG serIes In our oWn backyard

a

s tHe sun rises oVer tHe city of taMpa bay, the audience is introduced to a group of ambitious and motivated black, lesbian women attempting to change the face of television.

Earlier this week LaJoi Media debuted the premiere episode of My Beautiful Pain, a YouTube series about the relationships and careers within a group of entrepreneurial lesbians of color determined to make it as the “first black LGBT network.”

The series has gone through many changes over the years, including being replaced by an earlier project titled Crucial Moves, but somehow always managed to come full circle, back to the enticing storyline of My Beautiful Pain. Production began back in April.

The majority of the actors were selected through existing relationships and outreach on social media.

Each dedicates at least 10-20 hours per week of personal time filming the series.

For series creator Ashley Wooten, the drive behind the show runs much deeper than a want for fame.

Growing up she always questioned why she didn’t see black directors, especially black female directors, making films and television shows.

While Wooten’s end goal is to be picked up by a network, she has expressed in interviews that her cast always comes first.

The majority of funding from the show comes from Wooten and her co-producer/girlfriend Jessica Lindsey, who plays Kira Matthews in the series. Lindsey has taken time out from pursuing her nursing career at Hillsborough Community College to help with the show.

Wooten has a GoFundMe page, but says more help is needed to take this film to the next level.

The series is shot on DSLR cameras, and Wooten hopes to get better equipment as the series progresses.

he belIeves The chIldren are our fuTure

a

lso youtH announceD natHan brueMMer as the organization’s new Executive Director. Bruemmer is a Florida native, more specifically from right here in the Tampa Bay area. A former public school teacher and advocate for LGBTQ rights, Bruemmer was able to put a greater focus on his passion for advocacy when he attended Stetson University College of Law, which he just graduated from this past May. ALSO Youth began 18 years ago as a group of volunteers with a goal of reaching out to LGBTQ teens in crisis. ALSO Youth is now one of the largest and most successful support groups for LGBTQ youths. They provide safe places for youths to feel accepted and can be treated with respect from others going through the same issues. ALSO Youth has seen success by providing services such as consultation and advocacy for those needing assistance.

Bruemmer has been working on the frontlines of LGBTQ rights for some time. He serves on the board for St. Pete Pride, the LGBT Bar Association of Tampa Bay and TransAction Florida. His work with the latter led to the first ever Trans March during St. Pete Pride this year.

1

2 3

1

Deep blue sea: John Desmond (L) and nancy Desmond check out the sea life at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa July 20. The aquarium played host for the TB Diversity Chamber mixer. PHOTO By JEREMy WIllIAMS

2

looKs a lot liKe xMas: Edith lewis Allen (L) and Ryan Williams-Jent enjoy Christmas in July at Enigma in St. Petersburg July 22. PHOTO

By RyAn WIllIAMS-JEnT

4

5

3

sleepoVer: Maria Morrow (L) gets cozy with Scott & Patti (Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee) for their Pajama Party at American Stage in St. Petersburg July 24. PHOTO COuRTESy MARIA MORROW

4

tHe reD carpet: (L-R) Ashley figlow, Marta McKinnon, Miranda Wolf and Brian Craft at the Venice Theatre in Venice where Figlow, Wolf and Craft performed in On the 21st Century July 16. PHOTO

COuRTESy MARTA MCKInnOn

5

luncH buDDies: Gina Duncan (L) and Todd Richardson get their lunch on at Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria in St. Petersburg July 18. PHOTO COuRTESy TODD RICHARDSOn

6

let tHeM eat caKe: Una Voce celebrate their 15th anniversary with cake at Quench Lounge in Largo July 15. PHOTO By

6

DAnny GARCIA

7

spa Day: Brent Douglas (L) and Aaron Drake relax with pedicures at New Image Nail Spa in St. Petersburg July 15. PHOTO COuRTESy BREnT DOuGlAS

8

Drag bingo: Roger Bowersox (L) and James Keane at Punky’s Bar and Grill in St. Petersburg July 19 for Pinky’s Bingo4Charity.

8

PHOTO COuRTESy JAMES KEAnE

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

39

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

1220 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804 www.balanceorlando.com 407-704-8867

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

overheard

orlando ouT+abouT

one orlando allIance honored

O

n July 15tH, orange county Mayor tHeresa Jacobs HonoreD the One Orlando Alliance with the 2017 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, the first time the county gave the award to a group.

The One Orlando Alliance is made up of over 40 local service organizations, including Watermark, and serves as a vital support system to strengthen the community in the wake of the Pulse tragedy.

After the award ceremony, Mayor Jacobs had the alliance members stay and presented each one with a commemorative Pulse coin. Jennifer Foster, co-convener of the Alliance, thanked Mayor Jacobs for the recognition as well as showing grace, strength and leadership over the past year.

She added: “Mayor Jacobs proved elected officials have the capacity to change and have an open heart to understand the issues facing the LGBTQ community.”

2

1

3

aTlanTa fan Goes Too far

i

n tHe spirit of coMpetitiVe sports, banter between rival teams is expected, but one Atlanta United fan doesn’t really understand that concept as he posted an insensitive comment on Facebook.

The comment was screenshot and posted in a tweet

by Ruckus, an independent Orlando City supporters club, July 19. The comment read “think of [the upcoming game between Atlanta and Orlando] as Pulse part 2.”

Although he didn’t see it, Orlando City head coach, Jason Kreis, responded to the comment, saying “There’s a line; there should always be a line. At the end of the day, this is a sport. This is not life or death.

This is not war. So we need to treat it that way.”

Unfortunately, Orlando City loss to Atlanta in their match July 21.

ouTloud orlando GeTs a neW hosT

s

ince tHe suDDen passing of Outloud Orlando’s David “Justice” Zedonek back in October 2016, Rob Ward has stepped up as a temporary host. Ward, who was often a guest of the show, hosted the show for nine months, even though his original plan was only to do it for six months.

Ward took over as host to honor his friend Zedonek and to make sure that his legacy would carry on in the show. Ward even continued to use the exact same intro and outro that Zedonek used.

Ward recently announced that he was finally ready to pass the hosting duties on, and he picked his co-host, Lady Berri Matthews, to do it. Matthews will have complete control of the show and its direction. Ward will co-host periodically and will still conduct interviews with a lot of their guests.

Ward says that Zedonek’s family was very supportive of the show and happy to see that it was continuing.

You can listen to Outloud Orlando on 91.5FM WPRK Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., or on their new site at OutloudOrlandoLive.com. The website will also feature past shows which you can listen to.

4

1

coMparing cultures: The MBA’s Red Group Central meet with LGBTQ advocates from China at the GLBT Center of Central Florida in Orlando July 25. PHOTO COuRTESy MBA

2

life art: Watermark hosts their monthly Third Thursday mixer at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden in Winter Park July 20.

PHOTO COuRTESy JuSTICE MITCHEll

3

saVoy saturDays: (L-R) Carlos Guillermo Smith, David Moran and Orlando Torres at Savoy in Orlando for the kick off to their Saturday party “Noche Latina Zaa Zaa!” July 22. PHOTO COuRTESy CARlOS GuIllERMO SMITH

4

you bette ya: Jennica McCleary (L) and Channel 13’s Allison Walker Torres talk Bette at The Abbey July 21. PHOTO COuRTESy

JEnnICA MCClEARy

5

6

5

scottie’s big aDVenture: Scottie Campbell shows off his hot new ride at Ace Metric Cycles in Orlando July 15. PHOTO By BREnDAn O’COnnOR

6

spiDer-Men: felipe Arboleda (L) and Carlos Carbonell take in a little wall climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center in Longwood July 22. PHOTO COuRTESy CARlOS CARBOnEll

7

coMMunity leaDers: Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs (center, holding plaque) awards the One Orlando Alliance with Orange County’s 2017 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award at the Orange County Convention Center July 15. PHOTO COuRTESy

7

MICHAEl DEEyInG

8

GOinG DOWnTOWn: (L-R) valentina Boré fellay, Hilarion Marie, Tiffany Gerrity and Elena Erez looking classy at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando July 23. PHOTO COuRTESy HIlARIOn MARIE

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

announcements

WeddInG bells

cOngraTulaTiOns

Kellie & sarah Evans

fred Berliner joins the team at Mullinax Ford of Apopka after 30 years with Peacock Ford (formerly Don Reid Ford) of Maitland.

from Orlando, Florida

engagemenT daTe:

lOcal BirTHdays

July 23, 2015

wedding daTe:

April 9, 2017

wedding venue & caTering: Historic Dubsdread Ballroom (Orlando, FL)

wedding flOwers:

Pixies & Petals (Jennie Maretti)

wedding cOlOrs:

Navy, Coral & Grey

wedding sOng:

“I’ll Always Be Right There”

by Bryan Adams

wedding dJ:

Brian Scott – Weddings Only DJ

cake Bakery:

Florida Sweets & Co.

wedding THeme:

Sunday Brunch

wedding pHOTOgrapHer/ videOgrapHer:

Jenn Hopkins Photography

PHOTO By JEnn HOPKInS PHOTOGRAPHy

T

Hey’ll neVer agree about

who “winked” first, but their first e-mails sent through Match.com — which they refer to as the “mini People’s Choice Awards” — led to their last first date. The messages they began exchanging are now referred to as chapters in their love story. Cue the “awwww.”

Sarah was just trying to figure out how to be a single mom to her son, Gavin, when she and Kellie started chatting. “The bar and club scene was just not me. I’m not the kind to just go up to someone and start a conversation,” she says. “I couldn’t believe [Kellie] started a conversation with me. I mean, have you seen her? I definitely freaked out a little.”

When Kellie decided to propose, she knew she wanted Gavin to be a part of it and wanted to capture it on film. She set up a family portrait session and told her photographer about her plan.

She also decided to secretly invite a videographer.

Kellie proposed on her late mother’s birthday, which was a special date for both women. “I believe my mom had a hand in bringing Sarah to me,” says Kellie.

The two had moved to Indiana,

but planned on getting married back in Florida, so a destination wedding it was. “One of the most important vendors to me was our photographer, Jennifer Hopkins. They needed to be able to capture the true chaos and love of our little family perfectly,” Sarah says. Their venue was also important, and they chose the ballroom at Dubsdread for the historic elegance.

Their wedding day started early, since they had a brunch wedding. “[Sarah] absolutely blew me away,” Kellie says. They both recalled the moment Sarah walked down the aisle as another incredibly special sequence. “As soon as I saw Sarah turn the corner, I was so overcome with emotion knowing this amazing woman was about to be my wife.

It was also very special when her

father hugged me as he gave Sarah away; I have tremendous respect for him and I am grateful for how welcoming he has been to me since day one,” says Kellie.

“Seeing all the people we love in one place to celebrate with us was a humbling feeling,” says Sarah. “It made my heart soar.”

Kellie and Sarah both love brunch and decided to make that the centerpiece of their wedding — literally! Their centerpieces were made of donuts.

“My ‘something borrowed’ was my mother-in-law’s engagement ring. It was a sweet and thoughtful touch that I never saw coming,” says Sarah. The couple created a memory table for Kellie’s mother at the reception. Kellie wears her mother’s wedding band in memory of her.

The women feel there is a deeper commitment once you say “I do,” and the gravity of the deed isn’t lost on them. “To know we are legally recognized as a married couple is something I never thought I’d be able to experience,” says Kellie. Sarah agrees, “I have a strong sense of pride when I get to say, “this is my wife.”

Southern Nights Tampa’s door goddess Elektra Heavenly (July 26); Tampa Pride’s nancy Desmond (July 27); Watermark’s office manager Kathleen Harper, regional manager for Grey Goose vodka David Chase Harding III (July 28); House of Adonis’ Josh Walker, dance instructor William Merchante, St. Pete Bears’ Buddy Chapman, former MBA president nayte Carrick (July 29); Pom Pom’s manager Kerrie finn, Watermark’s founder and guiding light Tom Dyer (July 30); actress Elizabeth Murff, Orlando realtor Danny veal, violinist Michelle Jones, Vice-Chair of Lockheed Martin’s Mission System and Training PRIDE Employee Resource Group Michael vacirca, Savoy owner Brandon Bracale-llewellyn, performer Donal noonan (July 31); Stonewall Orlando bartender James Costello, Tampa Bay superstar Scott Daniel (Aug. 1); LGBT-affirming St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman, Sarasota visual artists and AIDS activist George Box, Naked Singing Boy Josh Roth (Aug. 2); dynamite derby girl Kiersten Taylor, former Tampa Eagle wrestler and Iowa’s Access Online editor Arthur Bruer (Aug. 3); sky 60-Niners slugger Donnie McCammon (Aug. 4); Watermark contributor Aaron Drake, Orlando Fringe “Splashy” winner Johnnie Maier III, Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Mike Eghbal, St. Petersburg java flinger and Starbucks supervisor Mark Mercado, Tampa scuba diver and beach fan nick Walters, Orange County Soil & Water District Supervisor Eric Rollings, Parliament House bartender Drew Bracker, straight ally bartender Colleen lindsay (Aug.5); Hillsborough County ally Russell Patterson, Orlando designer and Project Runway alum Jesse lenoir, GaYbor District Coalition board member emeritus Rich Kerin, ex-Watermark intern and The Villages Daily Sun staff writer Ciara varone (Aug.6); Tampa showgirl and laser professional Jamie Cole, traveler of the friendly skies Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital manager victor Daza, St. Petersburg doc Kush Patel, Orlando softball champion Scott Dunkle (Aug. 8); Sarasota actor/writer Steve Warren, The Dru Project’s Brandon J. Wolf, numbers-cruncher Rose Gamba, QLatinx executive director Christopher J. Cuevas (Aug. 9).

—Holly V. Kapherr

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.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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BOARDING DOGGIE DAYCARE 1601 Lee Rd. Winter Park (407) 644-2676

non-ProfIT orGanIzaTIon

youTh servIces 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

call 407-481-2243 for more InformaTIon

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• Join • Volunteer • Donate

info@orlandoyouthalliance.org www.orlandoyouthalliance.org

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

OCTOBER

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THIS IS WHERE FLORIDA CELEBRATES PRIDE.

We take over the streets of downtown during the city’s most colorful event!

Explore all there is to offer at our festival with over 100+ vendors

C O M E O U T W I T H P R I D E .C O M / WAT E R M A R K pride parade • entertainment • fireworks • festival & marketplace • family-friendly activities watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 27 - Augus t 9, 2017 // Issue 24 .15

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I choose the convenience of online scheduling.

I choose Orlando Health.

Introducing Orlando Health Online Scheduling Now, scheduling a doctor’s appointment is easier than ever. With our convenient online tool, new and existing patients can schedule an office visit for a well-care checkup, a nonurgent medical concern or a follow-up for an existing condition.

A tap or a click gives you access to Orlando Health’s network of primary care providers and physicians in more than 40 specialties.

Because when it comes to your health, it’s important to find the time – at a time that’s right for you.

ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/OnlineScheduling