Watermark Issue 25.03: Living Single - Central Florida Edition

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e d S si in RT l ia G A 018 ec sp R IN E 2 SP GUID central florida edition

LIVING SINGLE

LIVING SINGLE Watermark selects 10 of the most eligible bachelor and bachelorettes in the central florida and tampa bay areas

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex.

This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

TVDC0168_PrEP_B_9-25x10-1_Watermark_Latino_p1.indd 1-2

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I’m open-minded, not uninformed.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

Learn more at truvada.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

8/24/17 3:08 PM

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0168 07/17

TVDC0168_PrEP_B_9-25x10-1_Watermark_Latino_p1.indd 3

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

8/24/17 3:08 PM

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

dePartments 6 // mail 7 // bureau chief’s desK 8 // orlando news 10 // tamPa bay news 12 // state, nation & world news 19 // talKing Points 43 // community calendar 45 // tamPa bay out + about 47 // orlando out + about 48 // tamPa bay marKetPlace 49 // wedding bells/ announcements 50 // orlando marKetPlace 54 // last Page

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My passion is helping other people. That’s what makes me happy; uniting the LGbTQ+ community with our straight allies in Tampa bay through positive activities and events while promoting volunteerism and activism.

— claire elisan, founder of the not-for-Profit ProJect no labels.

on the cover

PAGE

PAGE LIVING SINGLE:

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Watermark selects 10 of the most eligible bachelor and bachelorettes in the Central Florida and Tampa Bay areas.

35

aaron’s (lØvË) Party: Aaron Carter hits the road with his first new album in 15 years.

watermarK i ssue 25.03 //february 8 - february 21, 2018

new hoPe

grand ‘ol time

v-day blues

hate Play

PAGE AIDS Walk Orlando brings a big crowd while Hope and Help opens a new office with expanded services.

PAGE Tampa Pride announces 2018’s grand marshals, grand couple and award recipients.

PAGE

PAGE

Photos by Jake Stevens

scan Qr code for

watermarKonline.com

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

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News Junkie’s Sabrina opens up about how to cure the Valentine’s Day blues by loving yourself.

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New play THE BIGOT heads to Shakes Orlando with a look at prejudice in America.

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give us a folloW on tWitter and instagram at @WatermarKonline and liKe us on facebooK. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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toP web comments “I was honored to be selected to participate in an article of such an important subject of gay life which is rarely presented.”

—al Pfeiffer

a letter to the editor on WatermarK’s in-depth story on the lacK of resources for an aging lgbtQ community:

“Dear Rick [Claggett], Just a short note of thanks to you, Steve Blanchard and Jake Stevens for putting together the article OVER THE RAINBOW. I was honored to be selected to participate in an article of such an important subject of gay life which is rarely presented. A big thank you from both myself and my husband Chris.”

—AL PFEIFFER

watermarKonline.com on WatermarK’s in-depth story on the lacK of resources for an aging lgbtQ community:

“I couldn’t agree more with the focus of this article. One of our main goals in establishing the Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay is to provide care to the entire range of ages of members of the LGBT community. We have significant experience in the management of chronic diseases (including HIV), geriatrics, and when needed, end of life care. We also hope to coordinate, with out-of-state PCP’s, the medical care of those who spend only the part of the

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

year here in Tampa Bay, many of whom are of retirement age.”

— DAVID W. LYTER, MD, MP

on patty sheehan not being asKed to speaK at the one year anniversary of the Women’s march:

“The person you need to reach out to is Lisa Santoni Cromar. The Facebook group is (or, at least, was) Women’s March Central Florida. I and several other issue marshals (and a co-captain) who had been with WMCFL since it became a chapter near the beginning of 2017 have resigned, been dismissed, or were simply replaced.

Yes, there is a lot to unpack there.”

—FORMER WMCFL ISSUE MARSHAL

on adult film star mattheW rush entering a drug program after his third arrest:

Wow. He was a cutie: it’s amazing what drug use can do to a person. I hope he’s able to become clean and sober for many years.”

—IAMEVERYWHERE

watermarK’s facebooK: on megan mullally not KnoWing ellen degeneres Was gay even though she lived With multiples “roommates” over the years:

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

“Yep I remember us introducing ourselves to others as “roommates” for a long time. LOL.” — DON SHETTERLY

on log cabin republicans assailing democrats for blocKing ric grenell nomination:

“Opposition to him has nothing to do with him being gay, but rather because he’s a misogynist.”

— LUCAS HAYAUX

on 2020 trial date set for transgender inmate alleging abuse:

“To be honest, this is the area I grew up in and I wouldn’t be surprised if this did take place.”

—MJ LEWIS

on lgbtQ support center in altamonte springs being a front for gay seX club:

“This is what fuels the stereo type. And to cover it up as a support center for the community is disgusting. Great way to take a step back instead of forward. Very sad.”

—CARIDAD DARIAS

on mom calling gay bar for advice after son comes out:

“Tell her to go see “Call Me By Your Name”. The father’s talk with his gay teenage son about love and life is soooo beautiful and heartwarming.”

—DOUG PARKER

central florida

bureau chief’s

Jeremy Williams cfl bureau cheif

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

L

desK

ove is in the air. even the

most cynical of us who publicly curse the day of St. Valentine, I’m sure feel a bit of warmth when no one is looking. Valentine’s Day was always a happy day in our family, a day of celebration. After all, it was the day Daddy proposed to Mama, and every year since then he brings her flowers and a box of chocolates.

Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. No, wait. She didn’t.

That was Forrest Gump’s Mama.

My Mama had some good advice, though. Never go to bed angry, never be afraid to say I love you and if you ever want to meet a good man always start at the gay bar. After all, that is where she met Daddy.

It was 1977 in Colorado Springs, Colo. “Dancing Queen” and “Hotel California” were a couple of the hits playing on the Jukebox. Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Pete’s Dragon were playing at the drive-ins, and a then-unknown Meryl

Streep had just made her big screen debut in the film Julia.

Mama worked the overnight shift at a local, late-night eatery. After the bars closed at 2 o’clock, the place filled up with rednecks, hookers the drag queens. Mama became good friends with the queens. Nearly every night they’d all come in led

by Mama’s two favorites, Bubbles and Nikki Lee. When they came in Mama would give them all big hugs and chat up how the night went. Eventually Mama’s homophobic manager got tired of her being friendly with them

and gave her an ultimatum: she could stop being friendly with the queens or she could find a new job.

Mama chose the queens.

As she was walking out she said good-bye to Bubbles and Nikki Lee, gave them her phone number and told them what happened. Needless to say a scene was made and every queen got up and walked out.

Now that Mama had her nights free Bubbles and Nikki Lee invited her down to The Boxcar, the bar where they all worked. It became Mama’s home away from home. That first night she went there with my grandparents— an open-minded Italian couple originally from New York City.

The queens became family. They would come to the house regularly for dinner, even spending Christmas with Mama and her family; and Mama became family to the queens.

Daddy was connected to The Boxcar through Raymond, the owner. Raymond’s best friend and roommate was a guy named Frank.

Frank and Daddy went back to their days in the U.S. Air Force. Daddy was one of the first guys Frank came out to and Daddy, being the free loving hippy he was, didn’t care.

Both of them were out of the service by 1977, and Daddy—who recently split up with his first wife— needed a place to stay. Raymond and Frank opened their home to him.

This brings us to the night they met. Daddy came by The Boxcar to get a spare key from Raymond.

That’s when the boys at the bar began to hatch a plan. Mama was young, straight and single. Daddy was young, straight and newly single. Let’s get these two crazy kids together.

They convinced Daddy to hang out for a few drinks. Then, they called Mama and asked her to come down to the bar. She obliged.

It was a slow night when she got there, only two or three people on the dancefloor. Off at one of the tables, by the cigarette machine, was Daddy.

Tommy, the DJ that night, told the bartender to take a drink to Mama and say it was from Daddy. Mama went over to thank him for the drink, but in classic sitcom style, Tommy hadn’t let Daddy know the plan.

“Thank you very much,” Mama said, raising the drink slightly.

Daddy looked at her. “Um, you’re welcome,” he said.

After a moment of awkward silence Mama walked away. “He’s weird,” she thought to herself.

As Tommy caught Daddy up to speed, Mama moved to the dance floor and dropped her drink. Daddy came over, laughing. “I didn’t buy you that drink, but I would like to buy you one now,” he said.

Bam, love at second sight.

Mama and Daddy hung out all

see, good stories of true love can always be found at the gay bar.

night. They played pool, had a few drinks and had their first dance to Rita Coolidge’s “We’re All Alone.”

When the bar closed they went to breakfast and they have been together ever since. This Valentine’s Day will be 40 years since Daddy proposed to Mama.

See, good stories of true love can always be found at the gay bar.

That’s what we are bringing you in this issue. We have 10 of Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s most eligible singles looking for a little romance and a good story. We have a few other good stories for you in this issue. A chat with Aaron Carter, who is dropping is first album in 15 years on Valentine’s Day. We also check in with the team behind the Shakespeare Theater’s show Bigot.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, and to all my fellow singles out there hitting the clubs remember listen to the queens. They always know best.

watermarK staff Founder and Guiding Light: tom Dyer • tom@watermarkonline.com Owner & Publisher: rick claggett • ext. 110 • rick@watermarkonline.com Business Manager: Kathleen harper • ext. 101 • Kathleen@watermarkonline.com CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 • Jeremy@watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • ext. 302 • ryan@watermarkonline.com Multimedia Assistant: Melody Maia Monet • ext. 100 • Maia@watermarkonline.com Art Director: Jake stevens • ext. 109 • Jake@watermarkonline.com Creative Assistant: Jason Donnelly • ext. 102 • adProduction@watermarkonline.com Proofreading: ed blaisdell

Sales Director: Danny Garcia ext. 108 • Danny@watermarkonline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: sam callahan ext. 103 • sam@watermarkonline.com Orlando Account Manager: Dillan ramirez ext. 105 • Dillan@watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Account Manager: Debbie reeves ext. 301 • Debbie@watermarkonline.com Nat’l Ad Representative: rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

orlando office 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

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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 15

miguel fuller is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! 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. Page 49

sabrina ambra, scottie camPbell, Krista ditucci, miguel fuller, divine grace KirK hartlage, samuel johnson, jason leclerc, stePhen miller, maia monet, david moran, greg stemm, dr. steve yacovelli, michael wanZie, ryan williams-jent

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.

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central florida news

onePulse foundation launches series of community talKs Jeremy Williams

o

rlando | onePulse Foundation executive director and CEO Barbara Poma, along with members from the foundation’s Task Force and Board of Trustees have launched a series of community talks to discuss plans for the interim memorial design and to reveal results from the foundation’s online survey.

The foundation has already held two of the hour-long community talks with three more to follow over the next six weeks.

“We want and need public input as we move forward with this process,” said Poma in a press release. “This memorial is for and about the community.”

Poma will lead the conversations herself. The talks will consist of a Q&A segment so attendees will be able to ask questions regarding the design and construction process as well as share thoughts, ideas and concerns about the project.

The next community talks will be Feb. 24 at the Osceola County Historical Society in Kissimmee, March 3 at the Orange County Library on Central Ave. and March 24 at the Beardall Senior Center on Delaney Ave.

mba orlando introduces new boards of directors

EVENING stroll:

Hope & Help’s 2018 AIDS Walk had a big turnout as Orlando came together to walk at Lake Eola.

Photo by MaIa Monet

Helping Hand Hope & Help Center expands clinic services, hosts Orlando AIDS Walk at Lake Eola

Jeremy Williams

randa Griffin

o

o

rlando | The Metropolitan Business Association announced their 2018 board of directors at a reception held at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando Jan. 27.

MBA Orlando Executive Director Kellie Parkin spoke to the event’s attendees before introducing them to the board.

“I am so lucky to have this job. Our board is just made up of amazing and incredible people,” Parkin said. “We have a nice collection of large businesses, small businesses and business owners.”

MBA Orlando’s board of directors consists of President Tom Yaegers, VP of Operations Sherri Absher, VP of Development Julie DiStefano-Walker, Teasurer Cathy Keene and Secretary Michael Deeying. Parkin also announced Sergio Alvarez, Chad Brown, Vanessa Puleo, Daniel Sergi, Holly Strout and Mac Wren as the board members at large.

Yaegers took the opportunity to speak to the attendees about what the MBA has planned for 2018.

“What we want to do is to improve your businesses and make them as successful as they can be,” Yaegers said.

Yaegers announced several upcoming events for the MBA including their newly renamed monthly mixers —now called Business Connects, the MBA’s annual Supplier Diversity Summit— also known as Synergy of Equality and hosted

by Orlando Health— to be held May 4 at Orlando Regional Medical Center and the MBA Pride Gala scheduled for Aug. 4.

For more information visit MBAOrlando.org.

8

rlando | The Hope & Help Center of Central Florida held a grand re-opening Jan. 26 to unveil their new building and expansion of LGBTQ health services.

The center added a medical clinic to their services where clients can receive primary care, screening, treatment and urgent care for medical issues.

The center has expanded its fight against STDs by offering a full panel of testing. The clinic offers services for people in the transgender community as well.

“We’re no longer just a place of care for people living with HIV. We offer care outside of that as well.

We’re open to the entire community,” says Joshua Myers, Hope & Help’s community development director.

Following the path of other LGBTQ centers that offer HIV support, Hope & Help is expanding on the services they already offer. Clients are able to meet with a medical practitioner, a mental health provider, a case manager, health educator and a pharmacist.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“We are one step closer to becoming a one-stop shop for our clients to get all of their wellness needs met in one trip,” said Executive Director Lisa Barr in a press release.

Joey Noel, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, has worked in the Orlando community supporting transgender health and has now joined Hope & Help.

“He’s very well respected, very knowledgeable and very experienced.

By combining his experience with Hope & Help, we’re really going to make some strong and impactful changes,” says Myers.

Clients are able to schedule appointments for a visit with Noel during the clinics normal hours, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Along with new health and wellness services, the center’s grand re-opening also debuted a new building. The new building is much bigger, providing more opportunity for Hope & Help to host events, and reach out to the community.

“It’s about 50 percent bigger than our previous location,” says Myers. “It’s a much better location, a much nicer building and with the way the building

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

is set up and the different rooms available, we’re able to offer people in the community an open door.”

Case managers at Hope & Help can assist clients with legal issues, housing trouble and maintaining healthy relationships. The center also has an emergency food pantry and a pharmacy.

Continuing their community involvement, Hope & Help held the 2018 AIDS Walk at Lake Eola Feb. 3.

News 6’s Julie Broughton, Troy Bridges and Steve Montiero hosted.

Also attending were Pride Radio’s Ricky and Sondra Rae, as well as Pulse Nightclub owner Barbara Poma.

Attendees were encouraged to dress as their favorite celebrities for the mile-long walk around Lake Eola.

More than 500 walkers attended and helped raise $43,500 which will go to assist Hope & Help with its HIV/ AIDS services including free testing, community education initiatives and case management.

“This year’s AIDS Walk was a success in that we expanded the festivities of the event with more food trucks, vendors, activities for kids and more education about our services,” Myers says. “The celebrity theme shines a light on the fact that Orlando is famous for being sixth in the nation for most new HIV infections and at the same time brings attention to the need for increased HIV free screenings offered through Hope & Help.”

According to the CDC, Florida has the second highest number of HIV diagnoses in the country.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

9

tampa bay news

metro wellness, glsen hosts annual lgbtQ+ youth leadershiP and emPowerment summit ryan Williams-Jent

t

amPa | Metro Wellness and Community Centers is partnering with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Tampa Bay to hold its annual LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership and Empowerment Summit on Feb. 17.

“It is 2018, and our local and national leaders are looking to youth to rise up and create positive change!” Metro’s press release on the event reads.

“The objective of the LGBTQ+ Youth Summit is to provide information on health, education and empowerment so that every attendee walks away knowing that they belong and have an important voice in the community.”

“The summit is geared toward youth [ages] 13-22,” Metro’s program manager and volunteer coordinator Christopher Shay tells Watermark, “but open to all, including educators and other professionals that work with and support the LGBTQ+ youth community.”

Scheduled workshops include topics such as LGBTQ+ history and self-care, communicating with family members and parents about your LGBTQ+ identity, “adulting 101,” and becoming a civically-engaged member of the community.

Former Tampa Chief of Police Jane Castor, who was recently named as a grand marshal for the upcoming fourth annual Tampa Pride, will feature as a keynote speaker. Castor was the first woman to lead the Tampa Police Department.

Joining Castor for her own keynote speech will be community advocate and poet Samira Obeid. “I’m a queer activist,” Obeid’s professional biography reads.

“It’s who I am and what I do.”

“LGBTQ+ Youth are some of the world’s most creative, dynamic and forward thinking people. The annual LGBTQ+ Youth Summit is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ Youth to show up in a space where they are free to be exactly who they are,” Metro’s Youth and Transgender Program Coordinator Cole Foust says.

“In this space, they can learn, connect and grow.

We aim to help youth remember their importance by empowering them to use their voices, love themselves and be active members of their communities,” he continues. “We’re excited to partner with GLSEN Tampa Bay and local LGBTQ+ leaders to create this experience and look forward to continuing to support LGBTQ+ youth in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.”

The LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership and Empowerment Summit will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Tampa Community Center, located at 1315 E. 7th Avenue in Tampa. Attendees are also invited to a dinner and dance sponsored by GLSEN following the workshops. Dinner will be held at 6 p.m., with a DJ leading the dance from 7-10 p.m. For more information, visit metrotampabay.org.

10

Proud:

The Tampa Pride board and volunteers meet regularly to plan the annual event.

Photo by ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

Grand Ol’ Time Tampa Pride announces 2018 grand marshals, grand couple and award recipients ryan Williams-Jent

t

amPa | Tampa Pride has announced the event’s 2018 grand marshals, grand couple and community award recipients ahead of their fourth annual celebration.

Former Tampa Police Department Chief Jane Castor spearheaded the list of grand marshals, with the organization touting her decisive leadership which endured for her 31-year career. Castor was the first woman to lead the Tampa Police Department, and has previously served as a grand marshal.

“Chief Castor has redefined community policing in her hometown and driven down the crime rate with her innovative approach to fighting crime, most successfully through strong partnerships with the community,” the organization’s press release reads. “She built a reputation for working side by side with residents, community leaders, business owners and neighboring law enforcement agencies to reduce

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

crime and improve the quality of life in Tampa.”

Tampa Pride’s second grand marshal, the Tampa-born Reverend Jakob Hero-Shaw, is the senior pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). He serves on the worldwide denominational governing board of MCC, and is the coordinator for the Transgender Religious Roundtable at the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies at the Pacific School of Religion.

According to Tampa Pride, “Jakob’s greatest joy in life is raising two incredible kids with his husband, Allan.”

John and Nancy Desmond were named as Tampa Pride 2018’s grand couple. “When John and Nancy Desmond’s only child came out to them as gay as a 28-year-old adult, they were confused and scared for his welfare, as is often the case when family members become suddenly and intimately immersed in an unfamiliar subject,” the organization shared.

“Jumping in with both feet, the Desmonds founded PFLAG Tampa

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

and relied on their newfound LGBTQ friends to introduce them to this inclusive community.”

The husband and wife duo are often found sharing their love and support for the LGBTQ community in Ybor, directly across from anti-LGBTQ protestors. “They like to say that the best thing that ever happened to them was when their son came out as gay,” Tampa Pride says. “He proudly encourages them to embark on a retirement that is beyond their wildest dreams.”

Community award recipients include Ernie Webb, one of the co-founders of Ybor hotspot The Honey Pot. “As co-owner and operator of the 14,000 square foot dance club, Ernie has always supported his local community,” Tampa Pride advises.

The organization will also recognize Dr. Shawn Robinson, Ybor City Campus President of Hillsborough Community College, for his work in the city.

The Suncoast Softball League, the area’s largest LGBTQ sports league, will also be recognized for its community advocacy. “The league isn’t just about sports,” Tampa Pride asserts, noting that for the league’s 25 years, thousands of dollars have been raised to benefit local charities like the Tampa AIDS Network.

Tampa Pride will be held on March 24, 2018. For additional information about the event, including sponsorship opportunities, visit TampaPride.org or email Tampa Pride President Carrie West at c.west@TampaPride.org.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

11

state, nation+world news

in other news

Publix announces they will begin covering HIV preventative drug PrEP for employees

2020 trial date set for transgender inmate alleging abuse A 2020 jury trial date has been set for a transgender inmate suing Illinois Department of Corrections officials for alleged abuses. The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that 26-year-old Deon “Strawberry” Hampton’s suit against Pinckneyville Correctional Center officials will be heard March 16, 2020, in East St. Louis. The lawsuit is one of two Hampton filed. Another lawsuit against members of the Menard Correctional Center also alleging abuses was resolved earlier this month. Hampton has recounted multiple beatings and sexual abuse by correctional officers. The Menard case’s settlement included moving her from a male prison to a facility that already houses transgender inmates. Hampton’s attorney says the Pinckneyville case’s extended timeline is not uncommon in civil rights cases.

Hampton is serving a 10-year burglary sentence.

Gay-friendly church in North Carolina suffers more vandalism A gay-friendly church in North Carolina’s largest city has been vandalized again. Media outlets reported that officials with Wedgewood Church in Charlotte said the front doors were spray-painted with a misspelled, derogatory phrase late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Co-pastor Chris Ayers said it is the seventh time the church has been targeted by vandals. The front doors at the church are painted to look like a big rainbow flag. Ayers says Wedgewood has a congregation of about 80 people and he says about half are lesbian, gay, transgender or bisexual.

He says police told him it would be hard to find those responsible for the spray-painting. Ayers says the church will re-paint an updated version of the rainbow flag, featuring black and brown stripes representing LGBTQ people of color.

Russia registers its 1st samesex marriage—by mistake

P

ublix announced via Twitter Feb. 6 that they will now cover the HIV preventative drug Truvada, more commonly referred to as PrEP, for their employees under the company’s prescription benefit plan.

The decision was made after the supermarket giant came under fire from an online story posted to the website The Body, in which a Publix employee attempting to obtain the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug from the Atlanta-based Fulton County PrEP Clinic had his claim denied.

The employee, who was not identified in the article, appealed the insurance company’s decision twice, coverage for the drug was denied in both appeals.

Publix’s lack of coverage for the HIV preventative drug led many on social media to speculate that the decision had to do with moral objection since HIV remains a disease that disproportionately affects gay and bisexual men; however it is unknown if the original employee who was seeking PrEP is a member of the LGBTQ community.

Concerns that Publix, one of Florida’s largest employers with

nearly 800 locations in the state, was not covering PrEP drew the attention of state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith who met with members of Publix’s team Feb. 5.

“Here’s what you need to know about my face-to-face meeting with Publix today in our Capitol office,” Smith wrote on Facebook.

“YES. They are absolutely denying insurance coverage for PrEP, the HIV prevention pill for their employees.

Publix is taking ownership of their decision to deny PrEP. It’s NOT their insurer denying it, (they’re privately insured) it’s them. Publix won’t say if their decision was based solely on cost or some absurd moral objection they have to PrEP. Publix points to the absence of a formal recommendation for PrEP coverage by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force as one of their justifications (a recommendation statement from USPSTF is currently in progress).

Publix claims they DO NOT generally offer coverage for medication to treat a medical condition that someone might get in the future. They DO offer coverage for birth control. Publix knows they are headquartered in Florida, which currently ranks #1 in the United States for new HIV transmissions. Publix is now actively

re-evaluating their decision to deny PrEP coverage. Publix has committed to providing CLEAR answers to my unanswered questions related to this issue. The reality is that IF we are going to find a way out of the HIV epidemic in the South, large employers like Publix must be educated on the modern science of HIV prevention.

Our goal should be to do just that!

Stay tuned.”

Less than 24 hours from Smith’s meeting Publix took to their Twitter account and posted that they would be taking the appropriate steps to make sure PrEP was covered under their insurance plan.

“Publix appreciates the concerns shared by our associates and customers. We offer generous health coverage to our eligible full-time and part-time associates at an affordable premium and are committed to the health and well-being of our associates and their families. Publix regularly evaluates what is covered by our health plan and have made the decision to expand our health plan’s coverage of Truvada to include Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

We are working with our pharmacy benefits manager to implement this change as quickly as possible,” the statement read.

“I am grateful to Chairman Perez for the opportunity to serve my party during such a pivotal time as we fight to protect and promote Democratic values and elect more Democrats nationwide. While I’ve made the decision to pass the baton, our work remains far from over and under Tom Perez’s leadership and direction, our party will continue to build on the progress we’ve made in 2017.”

O’Connell was brought on to the DNC and departs at a time when Democrats were reeling over the loss of Hillary Clinton in Election 2016 and the party picked up important off-year wins in elections in Virginia, New Jersey and Alabama.

DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement O’Connell “brought a laser-like focus on winning elections up and down the ballot.”

“Jess laid the groundwork for an infrastructure to win in 2018, 2020 and beyond,” Perez said.

According to NBC News, O’Connell’s departure comes “just months after the DNC ousted its finance director following a period of weak fundraising, as well as a shakeup last year that reignited tensions with Sanders’ allies.”

A Democratic aide said O’Connell will officially depart later next month.

As CEO, O’Connell’s job was to oversee day-to-day operations and political strategy at party headquarters.

Previously, O’Connell was CEO at Emily’s List and served in a prominent role in Clinton’s 2008 campaign.

O’Connell was named in a recent explosive report in The New York Times revealing Clinton worked to shield a prominent staffer, Burns Strider, amid allegations of sexual harassment from a young, female staffer. According to the report, O’Connell had advised Clinton to fire Strider, but was overruled by the then-candidate, who kept him on.

Top lesbian DNC official exits less than one year on the job Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

Two men have been able to register their marriage in Russia, a first for the country that the Interior Ministry attributes to a bureaucratic error.

Russia doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage and has a law banning the dissemination of gay “propaganda” to minors, so Pavel Stotzko and Yevgeny Voitsekhovsky’s claim that their marriage was officially registered has caused an uproar.

The couple says they got married in Denmark and submitted their passports to a registrar’s office, where a clerk docilely put marriage stamps on the travel documents last week. The Interior Ministry says the passports will be withdrawn and the clerk who stamped them fired. Russian LGBT Network, a gay rights group, said Monday that the newlyweds have left Russia, fearing for their security amid official pressure.

12

Jeremy Williams

T

he highest-ranking openly LGBT official at the Democratic National Committee has departed from her role less than one year after she started serving in the position.

Jess O’Connell, who was named as the DNC’s chief executive officer in May, said in a statement Tuesday evening she’s leaving the organization in a news development first reported

by NBC News.

“The DNC has recruited a talented team from all across America that works hard day and night to elect Democrats, and I have no doubt that they will lead our party to victory in 2018 and beyond,” O’Connell said.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

It’s Official ASAP and Francis House Become EPIC

ASAP (AIDS Service Association of Pinellas) and Francis House have officially merged and are now EPIC (Empath Partners in Care).

This merger brings together two like-minded, community-based organizations with nearly 60 years of combined experience serving those impacted by HIV and AIDS in the Tampa Bay area. We can now serve more people with more services throughout our community.

EPIC has various locations in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and will continue uninterrupted services on its ASAP and Francis House Campuses. EPIC provides a wide variety of services, including:

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

13

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viewpoint

sabrina ambra

ladyfingers Curing the V-Day Blues

t

here is something to

be said when a holiday is commercially manufactured to emit feelings of love and adoration, yet has the capability of garnering feelings of the complete opposite.

It’s quite remarkable, especially for something that is not technically a public holiday in any country. That’s right, folks. Valentine’s Day is upon us and that means the pressure is on. The levels and layers of standards and expectations will either make you dizzy or have you reaching for the bottle and/or a vibrator. I’d say the majority of my past Valentine’s Day celebrations have been spent feeling shitty about myself and scoffing at anyone and everyone who wasn’t self-loathing with me. Can you blame the bitter? We didn’t bring this upon ourselves! That’s like having no prior weightlifting experience and showing up to a CrossFit competition. I can’t even confirm that CrossFit competitions actually exist because I am that far away from a life of fitness regimes, especially branded ones.

I digress, kind of. I’m comparing CrossFit to the years I spent despising the holiday. Just like washboard abs, I was only seeing love through all the gestures and chocolate boxes I wasn’t receiving on the 14th of February. I was single and I hadn’t fucked anyone close enough to the date, and everything I saw related to V-Day just reminded me that I should feel sorry for myself. Then 2011 rolls around and I’m thumbing through CrossFit selfies and pictures of all the adorable, vomit-inducing lengths my fellow social media-lites went to please their significant others.

Someone was nice enough to create “Galentine’s Day,” a day where ladies celebrate ladies. Though I couldn’t help but feel that it was just my friends with boyfriends and girlfriends taking out their single friend (me) so I wasn’t at home eating an entire pizza alone. More often than not, I prayed the milk they sucked from Corporate America’s teat tasted as sour as I was inside.

I do not write all of these things in an attempt to have you believing the only thing that stopped that Valentine-saltiness was being in a relationship. That is not the entire case, but it does play a part in it. Also, unbeknownst to me, there was some sort of light at the end of a tunnel I refused to acknowledge (re: Blame “The Man!”). I had gone a majority of my life without experiencing what it was like to be someone’s Valentine. I spent those years subconsciously building expectations and creating scenarios that were just pieces of every commercial, info gram, song, meme and in between smashed together into one naive headspace (mine).

Then when I finally got to experience what it was like to be with someone during the big day, it was a solid “eh.”

It was not until I learned to love myself—a lesson that I recently had to revisit and a lesson I’m sure will return in the future—that all the hoopla became tolerable.

Shit, it became fun. Why was I going to let this one day upset me? As if I wasn’t single the other 365 days. All I’m saying is times have changed.

While Hallmark’s marketing department continues to scheme for new ways to suck the money out of the consumers’ pockets, we will be building the resistance. Did you know Valentine’s Day started as a form of rebellion? It’s time we bring the rebel back, baby. I’m talking handmade cards, homemade cookies and handwritten poems. We could have a real movement on our hands here, pun intended. No special someone? No problem!

You are your special someone.

No, this isn’t a self-help book.

Three words: wine, dine and

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Three words: wine, dine and masturbate.

With that formula, in no particular order, your February 14th is a guaranteed good time. masturbate. With that formula, in no particular order, your February 14th is a guaranteed good time. In a perfect world, we would spend this holiday having sex with a chocolate vagina or penis that cums

money, but unfortunately Steve Jobs passed before he could invent that. Whatever you end up doing, whether it is with your bae, yourself or a stranger you met on Tinder, just remember this: I love you and

if there’s one good thing that comes from Valentine’s Day, it’s the discounted candy on the 15th. Everyone knows candy is the greatest lover you and I will ever have.

Read It Online!

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

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

15

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Mindbender Mansion was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland, Oregon 2009.

viewpoint

Miguel Fuller

high fidelity Welcome to Buffalo, New York!

“W

elcome to

Buffalo, New York!!!”

That’s the phrase I heard for five days over my holiday break. This Southern boy, who was born in Atlanta and has lived the past 10 years of his life by the beach (in some form) in Florida, was spending Christmas in one of the coldest places in our union. Why was I so out of my comfort zone? I had gone to meet the parents, family and friends of my boyfriend.

It all started so innocently enough. Around October my boyfriend and I were talking about holiday plans. He had a week off from work; I had a couple of weeks off. How were we going to maximize our time together but also see family?

I really don’t know how it happened, but all of a sudden we were looking at flights to New York.

Now, here’s the part where I feel like I lost my mind a bit. I suggested we should road trip it from St. Petersburg all the way up to Buffalo. My very romantic reasoning: “We are going to be so busy

visiting family in your hometown, and when we get back we have friends coming into town for New Years. So, we won’t really have any alone time, but the road trip can be ‘us’ time.”

Ok, let me level with you. There are two camps of people: The road trippers and the get-me-on-a-plane-so-Ican-get-there-in-afew-hours type of people.

After this 19-hour road trip, I can tell you that I am a put-me-on-a-plane type of fella. With that said, the trip was amazing. No fights, no disagreements over where to stop and use the bathroom. I learned from this trip that my boyfriend and I make a pretty good team together.

We both discovered that we have bladders of steel and don’t require a bunch of sleep while traveling.

So now, we arrive in New York. It’s time for me to meet the family. I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried. I’ve learned in my years that it’s one thing for parents to hear about their child’s boyfriend or girlfriend but it’s another to see them in person in their living room. I had no clue what to expect. I had one little dirty secret I was hiding and I hoped to dear God that it didn’t come out because I knew it could be a sticking point.

After almost busting my ass on the snow and basically falling into their front door, I had my first in-person introduction to my boyfriend’s parents.

His mom was sweet and soft-spoken. His Dad was warm but watchful. I kept saying to myself “Miguel, be yourself. Don’t be weird.

Don’t be weird.” Everything was going great until my secret came out.

If you have a friend from New York or if you are from New York, you probably hear the same phrase over and over. “The food here in Florida is just not as good as up North.” I heard that

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a lot from my boyfriend so I was ready to try this food and see how great it was. We had my favorite pizza and wings!! The food came, we handed out plates and napkins and then my panic started to creep in.

I was going to have to ask for the item that I know

BLUE CHEESE?!?!?!?!” My heart sank.

The silence only lasted for two seconds but in my mind I thought five years had passed by. His mom giggled and said they had ranch in the fridge. I slowly connected my stomach and walked over to get my

the low down on all the family members from his brother during Christmas.

I could not have asked for a better experience immersing myself in his life back home.

So if you have been dating someone for a while and you are afraid to meet

would be judged. I leaned over and whispered to my boyfriend, “Do your parents have any ranch?”

That was it. My secret was out. I don’t like blue cheese. Actually I hate it.

Ranch was a no-no in their household, well practically in all of Buffalo. His Mom heard my whisper and said out loud, “YOU DON’T LIKE

prized possession of ranch.

That was the first of many memorable moments of my five days in Buffalo hanging out with my boyfriend’s parents, family and friends.

I was able to introduce his family to some Southern mac & cheese during their Christmas Eve dinner. I bonded over cheese fries with one of his best friends. I got

the family, be afraid; but go into it with an open mind and open heart. Listening to stories of old days gone by and war stories from my boyfriend’s past was just what I needed to know I had truly found someone special.

If you have been dating someone for a while and you are afraid to meet the family, be afraid; but go into it with an open mind and open heart.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

17

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

52 individual

ANTI-LGBTQ HOMICIDES Were reported in 2017,

HALF OF WHICH occurred in Just 5 states:

talking points I’ve never met a gay person who regretted coming out—including myself. Life at last begins to make sense, when you are open and honest. Today is the 30th anniversary of the bbC radio discussion when I publically said I was gay. so I’m celebrating.

—legendary actor ian mckellen, tweeting on the 30th anniversary of his Public coming out Jan. 27.

elton John announces retirement

and a fareWell World tour

I

t looks as if elton John will be hanging uP the flashy sunglasses and costumes for good. John announced he will retire from touring in a live stream interview from Gotham Hall in New York City with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, but before he does he will have a big farewell world tour. “I’ve been touring since I was 17 with various bands,” John told Cooper. “I thought the time is right to say thank you to all my fans and say goodbye.” The “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” kicks off Sept.

8 in Allentown, Pa. and will run for three years with concerts in cities from around the world including in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. John will perform at Orlando’s Amway Center Nov. 27 and Tampa’s Amalie Arena Nov. 28. While he will no longer be touring, John says he still plans to make albums.

7 VICTIMS IN TEXAS,

6 IN NEW YORK,

5 IN GEORGIA and

4 EACH

IN LOUISIANA and

FLORIDA. —national coalition of antiviolence Programs (ncavP)

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME director says he’s WorKing on a seQuel

c

ALL ME BY YOUR NAME director luca guadagino is already planning future sequels to follow the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film. The book version of the story is set in 1987 in the thick of the AIDS epidemic.

Guadagino moved the film to 1983 and says he wants Elio and Oliver’s story to explore the crisis. “The novel has 40 pages at the end that goes through the next 20 years of the lives of Elio and Oliver, so there is some sort of indication through the intention of author Andre Aciman that the story can continue,” Guadagnino says. Call Me

By Your Name has been nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER cast includes omarosa, ross matheWs

t

he cast for the freshman season of Celebrity Big Brother has been revealed. The cast lineup, which was announced during the Grammys Jan. 28, includes reality TV staple and former Trump White House director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison Omarosa Manigault. In December, Omarosa was fired and escorted from the White House. Celebrity houseguests include RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Ross Mathews, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville, The Cosby Show star Keshia Knight Pulliam, Hairspray Broadway actress Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Big Time Rush heartthrob James Maslow. Celebrity Big Brother premiered Feb. 7 on CBS and will air episodes on multiple days per week until the season finale Feb. 25.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

laverne coX is COSMOPOLITAN’s first transgender cover model

L

averne cox is COSMOPOLITAN’s first oPenly transgender cover model. Cox, 45, made her debut on the cover of Cosmopolitan South Africa’s February 2018 issue which features the “Cosmopolitan” title in a rainbow font and the hashtag #SayYesToLove. “I am so honored and proud to cover the February issue of @cosmopolitansa,” Laverne posted on Instagram. Cox has achieved several milestones for the transgender community in the entertainment field. As Cosmopolitan notes in an Instagram post, Cox is also the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role on Orange is the New Black and is the first transgender person to have her own Madame Tussauds wax figure.

19

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

LIVING SINGLE WATERMARK SELECTS 10 OF THE MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTES IN THE CENTRAL FLORIDA AND TAMPA BAY AREAS

h

Watermark staff

ere we are, aPProaching

that love-filled holiday known as Valentine’s Day: a day that brings butterflies to our stomach as we wonder what romantic surprises our significant other, or others, have prepared for us.

Will it be a fancy dinner, expensive gifts or a beautiful bouquet of long-stem roses? Will it be a night out on the town or a quiet evening at home together?

Or, for you singles out there,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

will it be another terrible, not so good, horrible day that’s full of reminders that you still don’t have someone?

Fear not our dear party of ones, we understand the struggle.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Dating is tough these days, what with all the mindless dead-end swiping, constant woofing and entire conversations carried on in only emojis. We are here to help.

Watermark has compiled a list of 10 of our most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida area. Singles looking for romantic love can finally put down the dating apps because Watermark’s done the work for you, and you won’t even have to lie about where you met.

continued on pg. 25 |  |

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 RUN // IssueDATE: 25.03

Lu Mueller-Kaul age: 43

hometoWn: Dietzenbach, Germany

L

hoW you identify: bisexual

What’s your sign: Libra

Aaron Drake age: 31

hoW you identify: Gay

hometoWn: Tipp City, Ohio

I

u is one of those

people in the community who needs no introduction. She’s a former president of the MBA and has been a successful LGBTQ business owner in Orlando for many years.

What’s your sign: Leo

t’s aaron’s

quest for adventure that led him to graduate high school early and leave his hometown behind to study abroad in college.

“I came out when I was 13,” he recalls, noting that “my family wasn’t originally supportive, so I could not wait to get out of there.” He remembers Tipp City as a “small, conservative, pretty much all-white, religious town.”

It was studying overseas that taught him, “there’s a whole world out there that people from my hometown would probably never experience.”

He’d soon help others experience that whole world as a freelance travel writer, which he now describes as “pretty much my life.” Aaron uses his craft, and his love of travel, to write about hotspots around the globe and all that they offer.

“There’s just something exciting about being in a place that you’ve never been before, and having to find your way through that,” he says. His favorite destinations so far are Paris, Venice, Hawaii and Los Angeles, a city he once called home.

“Everybody has their own story and their own culture, and it’s amazing.”

Aside from travel, Aaron’s German Shepherd Delilah and the beer lovers group he runs, St. Pete Queer Craft Brews, occupy his time. The group invites the LGBTQ community to try craft breweries around St. Petersburg, so he says “it’s a plus if you’re a beer drinker.”

For Aaron, “somebody with a sense of adventure, who’s not afraid to try things that are new” is a must. “I’m very passionate about what I do, and it’s definitely important that whomever I’m with is passionate. Ambition is a great thing.”

“I’ve been doing bodywork for 20 years,” she says. “I started building Balance Orlando about 10 years ago. That’s my core business.

I sometimes call myself a lapsed naturopath because my license in Germany says naturopathic physician. It’s sort of similar to a chiropractor [in the U.S.].”

Lu grew up in a very progressive household in a liberal town in Germany, and received quite a culture shock when she first came to the U.S. “I saw the poverty, racism and this strange gender role play that was surprising to me,” she says. “People aren’t that hyper-heterosexual in Europe.

When I came here I saw people trying to squeeze themselves into these molds of what it means to be a man or what it means to be a woman.

It’s not like that in Germany at all.”

Lu sees gender as something secondary when looking for someone to date and spend time with.

“To me it is all the same. I don’t really see gender as something that is only divided into two categories. It is the individual person that I’m seeing,” she says. “I like diversity and individuality.”

Something Lu takes very seriously, not only in relationships, but in every aspect of her life is being candid and truthful.

“I’m almost obsessively honest.

People always come to me for the honest answer. I can’t stand when people are dishonest,” she says.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

25

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WITH US

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Jason Lee age: hometoWn: 23 Troy, Missouri

J

hoW you identify: Heterosexual, Transgender Man

What’s your sign: Gemini-Cancer Cusp

ason lee would

Brooke Renney age: 27

hometoWn: Polk County, Florida

hoW you identify: Lesbian

b

What’s your sign: scorpio

rooke can

be summed with two words: passion and politics.

rather be naked. It’s his mantra and passion.

Jason is the founder and owner of I’d Rather Be Naked, a multimedia production company and clothing brand dedicated to “raising awareness for transgender mental health and protection through compassion conversation and community outreach.”

The brand “first started before I had gotten my top surgery,” Jason says, when he wanted to attend a poolside event in Orlando. “I didn’t really feel comfortable yet and I still had to cover up… I came up with a shirt that said ‘I’d rather be naked.’”

“It just took off from there,” he recalls. “I brought thirty shirts with me, and I sold all of them. It paid for my weekend.” Jason says that his idea soon evolved as he threw more of himself into his work.

“I was working through my own transition and my own mental health issues, so I just fully and completely lived by ‘I’d rather be naked,’ that statement,” he says. “As I’ve grown, the company has grown.”

So too has his activism. Jason’s willingness to give back led to his co-founding of a not-for-profit in Sarasota called Trans Act, which organizes “peaceful protest through public service.” The group works to preserve area beaches and nature preserves, to help the homeless and assist “all parts of the local community.”

“The biggest opportunity that I get is that it’s a way to reach out to more transgender people who don’t necessarily have anyone they can talk to,” he says, “because I am always open to talk.”

“I am a political operative by trade,” she says. “I have a strong desire to make a positive impact for our community. I work and play in Florida politics. That takes up a majority of my time. Activism is close to my heart.”

Brooke has had a passion for politics since her first political science class in college. That passion led her to knock on doors at first and moved her into the world of campaign work. She currently is the campaign manager for Orange County mayor hopeful Rob Panepinto, but could Brooke find her name on the ballot herself one day?

“That’s a hard question,” she says. “You always think that you personally can make a difference by running yourself, but someone who can see promise in people, that’s a great skill. If I am able to help get five or six really good people elected, that can have a greater impact than if I just run and got elected.”

Brooke is a proud gay Republican, but says she is open minded and hopes that whoever she dates can be open-minded too.

For her, a person’s political party isn’t reason enough to not get to know someone.

“I always thought I would end up with a fellow gay Republican, but I’m finding that it’s really fun dating Democrats,” she says with a chuckle. “It’s fun to have someone who is a bit fiery and as passionate as I am. Someone who can give it back.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

27

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Kevin Fonzo age: 54

hometoWn: Monroe, New york

K

hoW you identify: Gay

What’s your sign: Taurus

Claire Elisan age: 34

hometoWn: san Diego, California

hoW you identify: Lesbian

c

evin is a man

of flavor and taste.

He started one of the first truly authentic farmto-table restaurants in the Central Florida area.

What’s your sign: Taurus

laire elisan’s

dedication to the LGBTQ community is clear from the moment you meet her.

“My passion is helping other people. That’s what makes me happy,” she says of founding the not-for-profit Project No Labels. Now in its third year, the organization seeks to “unite the LGBTQ+ community with our straight allies in Tampa Bay through positive activities and events while promoting volunteerism and activism.”

No Labels’ creation was spurred by a void she saw in the community. Initially, she created a group focusing primarily on lesbians, but opted to move toward the entire LGBTQ spectrum in an effort to be more inclusive.

“Since I started Project No Labels, it inspired other organizations to start and I know because they’ve approached me,” she says. “Organizations are now doing positive things for the community, and these groups come up and say ‘how do we do this? How do we start?’ Guiding them through that is really cool.”

For Claire, meeting face-to-face is essential, even in a time when people are constantly meeting online. To help with that, she’ll be launching a woman’s event with entertainment in St. Petersburg called “Underground.”

“I want to encourage people to step out of reality TV per se, and to just step into reality. I would really like to see people meet outside of just online, because you don’t know what you’re getting there. Come out and meet your community in person,” she says.

Claire considers herself open-minded, drama-free and outgoing, adding that she’s “pretty much down for whatever.”

“I started K Restaurant in College Park over 17 years ago,” he says. “It was one of the first chef-owned restaurants to come to Orlando. At that time it was mostly chain-owned and Disney-owned restaurants.”

For many we could stop right there. Who doesn’t have ‘amazing cook’ at the top of their list? But Kevin is about more than just food. He believes in volunteering and education, too.

“I started volunteering 10 years ago at local schools working to give kids a healthy lunch,” he says. “That blossomed into teaching kids the importance of eating healthy, cooking, gardening and what food is. It’s all about volunteering and giving back to the community.”

When it comes to the ideal partner, Kevin is looking for more than just physical attributes.

“There’s more to it than great sex,” he says. “The first thing is you have to make me laugh. I don’t care how hot you are or how good you are in bed, if you can’t make me laugh, why be together? You also have to be outgoing and able to carry on with great conversation.”

That’s not to say Kevin doesn’t know what he likes physically.

“I tend to like guys who are tall with dark features,” he says. “Until recently I wasn’t a beard person, but as I get older I am really digging that scruffy look. I like a pair of piercing eyes and a nice beard.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

29

Pulse Memorial & Museum Community Talks onePULSE Foundation Executive Director & CEO Barbara Poma, along with members from the Foundation’s Task Force and Board of Trustees, invite you to participate in an update about the Pulse Memorial & Museum process. Please join us for an information session to discuss; • Community Online survey Results • Interim Memorial Design Review • Your thoughts and ideas about the project • Q&A segment regarding the design and construction process This is your opportunity to provide input about the permanent memorial and museum. Your feedback is important and we want to hear from the community.

Please plan on join us for one of the following sessions.

Saturday, February 24, 11am – 12pm Osceola County Historical Society 4155 W. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741

Reach local LGBT communities across the nation.

Saturday, March 3, 11am – 12pm Orange County Library - Downtown Orlando, 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

Start connecting with over a million loyal readers in print and online across the country.

212-242-6863 info@nationallgbtmediaassociation.com www.nationallgbtmediaassociation.com

Saturday, March 24, 11am – 12pm Beardall Senior Center 800 Delaney Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 Please visit our website onepulsefoundation.org 30

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Dallas/ Ft Worth | Detroit | Los Angeles | Miami/ Ft Lauderdale | New York | Orlando/Tampa Bay | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Washington DC

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Darlene Herrick Michael Deeying age: 45

“I

hometoWn: Tampa, Florida

hoW you identify: “Try-sexual”

What’s your sign: Libra

age: 33

hoW you identify: Gay

hometoWn: Orlando, Florida

M

’m very

passionate about my work,” Darlene Herrick says. “I love cooking. I love being a chef. I love creating.”

What’s your sign: aquarius

ichael is a

self-professed nerd; he loves golf, Pokemon Go and board games. Above all, he values one thing the most: intelligence.

As the district executive chef for Hamburger Mary’s, that passion is clear. When she joined the Mary’s family, she required two things.

“I said, ‘we’re gonna make things fresh, we’re gonna do things the right way,” she recalls.

“Ticket times might be a little longer, but the food’s gonna be good.

I set a standard.”

Her love for the kitchen began long before that, however, as a child in her grandmother’s Cuban-Spanish restaurant on Ybor’s 7th Avenue. “She had this little stool,” she says, “and I’d stand up on that stool and cook with her.

Ever since then I was like, ‘this is what I wanna do. I love this.’”

In 2012, Darlene won Florida’s “Best Cuban Sandwich,” and won a national title for the same in 2015. She also owned Ybor’s Flirt Nightclub for eight years.

“I work hard,” she says, “but I have fun. I like to have a good time.”

As someone who’s dated both men and women, she laughingly refers to herself as “try-sexual.” And while she may not choose a label on the LGBTQ spectrum, she does know what she wants in a partner.

“I like people that have a good relationship with their family,” she says, noting the close relationship she shares with her own. “I admire people that have their own friends and [share] the same goals that I do: they work hard and they’re passionate.”

“I’m a Sapiosexual. I like really smart people. If you want to talk statistics then I’m ready,” he says laughing.

Michael is an IT manager for a commercial real estate company, and someone who has spent a lot of time over the years volunteering with several different LGBTQ organizations. He probably has one of the most recognizable faces in the community.

“I work with MBA Orlando, I’ve been on the board for six years,” he says. “I’ve worked with other non-profits like Zebra Coalition, The Center and Hope & Help.”

Michael is curently the longest serving board member of the MBA, and a vital part of the group. Other MBA members describe him as friendly, loyal, outgoing and dependable, all traits that Michael would like to find in a mate.

“I would like to find someone who can be ok going out to galas and social events, but someone who is ok with staying in as well,” he says.

“I don’t want a complete extrovert because that might just take me down a rabbit hole of going out too much. Someone genuine. Someone smart and someone who can make me laugh.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

31

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Justin Shakeri age: 25

J

hometoWn: richmond, Virginia

hoW you identify: Gay

What’s your sign: sagittarius

Jonathan J. Jusino age: 27

hometoWn: brooklyn, New york

I

ustin has one of

those smiles you can get lost in. He’s funny, outgoing and charming.

Would you expect anything less from an entertainer?

hoW you identify: Gay

What’s your sign: Taurus

f you’ve enJoyed

a performance at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg, you have Jonathan Jusino to thank.

Known mostly as Jon, he’s worked as the entertainment director and events coordinator at the popular resort, responsible for “any and all events that come through Flamingo, as well as promotions and marketing of the company.” He’s also now the hotel’s general manager.

On top of that, he’s also the national promoter for the Wessland national pageants, and a promoter for the Miss Rainbow 411 Continental Elite, Miss Central Florida National Showgirl, Miss Central Florida National Showgirl at Large and Mister Central Florida National Showman pageants.

“It’s quite a bit,” he says, “but this job keeps me being creative, and that’s what I love. I get full range; whatever I want to do I get to do.”

As for drag, he feels it’s “a really important part of our community,” noting that his national-scale promotions allow him to bring the best entertainers to Tampa Bay. “I see a lot of very great talent out there, and I see it here at the resort.

What better way to showcase those talents than on a national stage?”

As for what he’s looking for off the stage, it’s simple. “Somebody who’s professional and intelligent,” Jon says. “Someone who is reliable, who will come home to me at the end of the day so that we can have dinner and talk about our days together. We’d go to sleep and wake up together—that’s ideal.”

Justin is a member of Hamburger Mary’s world famous Broadway Brunch Bunch. Every Sunday he joins Jimmi Rossi, The Minx and some of Orlando’s most talented performers in putting on a Broadway-inspired show that sells out each week.

“I have the most amazing support system,” Justin says. “Jimmi and The Minx have been there for me and helped me to find out who I am as a person. They have taught me a lot about life.”

Justin has always wanted to be an actor, but growing up says it was never an option he realistically thought he had.

“I’m Middle Eastern, and you only have a few options when it comes to what your family wants you to do for a living.

Acting is not one of them,” he says.

In very Broadway fashion, Justin realized that it could be more than just a dream after “basically being kidnapped by drag queens in Virginia and brought down to perform in Orlando at Broadway Brunch.”

One reason Justin loves acting is it allows him to use what he thinks is his best quality: listening.

“Physical features will fade away. They don’t last forever. I won’t look like this when I’m 80,” he says pointing at his fit frame (he works out six times a week, and it shows).”But one thing I can control is who I am. I’m always going to be a listener and I’m always going to be someone who loves to give.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

33

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

self-care: After canceling two performances at Southern Nights to enter a rehabilitation facility, Aaron Carter exited two months later celebrating his 45-pound weight gain. Photo

arts and entertainment

courtesy LobeLIne coMMunIcatIons

AARON’S

( LØVË )

PARTY Newly-out aaron carter hits the road with his first album in 15 years

“f

ryan Williams-Jent

or me, it’s all about

the music,” Tampa-born Aaron Carter says. “And if there is one lesson I’ve learned this [last] year, it’s not to dwell on the past, but to live for the future.”

It’s a wonderful sentiment for the multi-platinum pop star on the eve of the release of LøVë, his first studio album in 15 years, particularly following a year of highly publicized ups and downs.

But to understand Carter’s zest for his upcoming release and for the future, one has to examine his past.

“I’ve honestly been performing as long as I could remember,” Carter, now 30, tells Watermark. He began his musical career at 7 years old singing for Dead End, a local Tampa band formed in 1995.

By 1997, the 9-year-old performer found himself sharing the stage with another Carter—his older brother Nick, of Backstreet Boys fame.

Within months, he was signed

to a record label and released his first single, just ahead of his first self-titled album. Carter’s subsequent releases dropped in 2000, 2001 and 2002, with hits like “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “Oh Aaron,” all while the artist toured the globe.

“Traveling and seeing the world doing what I love has been amazing,” Carter says of growing up famous, both stateside and abroad. “But at times can be lonely.”

Although he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars in 2009, Carter had a relatively quiet few years until a tumultuous 2016 and 2017. The former child star faced backlash for several of his decisions,

continued on pg. 37 |  |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

35

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

|  | Aaron Carter from pg.35

including an arrest for suspected DUI and drug possession; a public feud with his Backstreet brother; and his short-term, later-retracted support of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election.

In 2017, Carter grappled with his identify, and soon utilized social media to open up about his depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and bisexuality. “There’s something I’d like to say that I feel is important for myself and my identity that has been weighing on my chest for nearly half of my life,” Carter shared with his 644,000 Twitter followers.

“This doesn’t bring me shame, just a weight and burden I have held onto for a long time that I would like lifted off me. I grew up in this entertainment industry at a very young age and when I was around 13 years old I started to find boys and girls attractive,” he wrote.

“There were years that went by that I thought about, but it wasn’t until I was 17 years old, after a few relationships with girls, I had an experience with a male that I had an attraction to who I also worked with and grew up with.”

Carter concluded by quoting out musical icon Boy George, noting that in “sum, ‘I’ve never felt as though I didn’t belong, I just acted as though I did.’”

As Watermark reported at the time, Carter returned to the stage shortly after at Hamburger Mary’s in Brandon. “I just want to say thank you so much for all your love and your support with the LGBT community and my announcement,” he said to a cheering crowd. “It means a lot.”

With performances scheduled for both Southern Nights Orlando and Tampa in September of last year, Carter seemed to be embracing his newfound home in the LGBTQ community (and its venues.) But the performances weren’t meant to be.

“Unfortunately due to health-related issues,” Southern Nights Orlando announced via Facebook, “Aaron Carter will not be appearing with us at Southern Nights Orlando.” The Tampa locale echoed the announcement, and local reports surfaced that St. Petersburg police had rushed to Carter’s home for reports of drug usage.

“Only I can change my life,” Carter tweeted soon after. “No one can do it for me.” The singer then entered a rehabilitation facility to focus on his health, and emerged two months

Traveling and seeing the world doing what I love has been amazing. but at times can be lonely.

—aaron carter

15 years later: Aaron Carter’s

new studio album, LøVë, is due out Feb. 16.

Photo courtesy LobeLIne coMMunIcatIons

florida-bound: Carter hopes to add Florida to his upcoming tour, which begins Feb. 22. Photo courtesy LobeLIne coMMunIcatIons later with a celebrated 45-pound weight gain.

Ahead of his slew of announcements and penchant for self-perseverance, Carter had already begun work on LøVë. “It’s been such an incredible and new process making this album,” Carter says of the upcoming release. “I’ve [been] more hands on than I’ve ever been with any other album. I was co-producing and co-writing in real time.”

Sony Music Entertainment, in its promotion for the album, echoes his sentiments. “As the consummate professional and artist that he is, Aaron has been focused on developing the tracks for LøVë for over two years, and he has writing and producer credits on every song on the album,” their press release reads. “Now as an adult, a flame has sparked in Aaron to evolve and grow as an artist, driving him to

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

study different styles and genres and incorporate that into this work.”

The album’s first single, “Don’t Say Goodbye,” seems to be a hit. Since its release in late December, it has garnered nearly one million streams across iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. “[It] encompasses everything I went through last year,” Carter says, something new and longtime fans seem pleased with. Critics have celebrated the release as well, with

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Entertainment Weekly advising “it’s no ‘Aaron’s Party’—it’s better.”

The album was written “while I was going through my last relationship,” Carter says, recalling his now ex-girlfriend Madison Parker.

The duo split following Carter’s coming out, though the matters were unrelated. He says he drew inspiration from “love: the good, bad, and ugly.”

While the album will detail his relationship with a woman, Carter asserts that he’s thought about writing songs about men for “the album after this one.” His representatives directed Watermark to the singer’s recent interview with the podcast LGBTQ&A, where he asserts “it’s already been thought through. I definitely embrace my bisexuality. It’s still new to me because I just started talking about it, really.”

“I try to take everything day by day,” Carter says. “I’m excited to start my tour for this album at the end of the month.”

The upcoming tour will begin in New Jersey less than one week after LøVë’s release. Eighteen other stops will follow, all domestic, and Carter hopes to include Florida on the list as it progresses. “Marathon will always hold a special place in my heart,” he says, noting that aside from living in Tampa Bay, “I’ve also lived and enjoyed being in Miami and Orlando.”

“I can promise you I’m planning a few big things,” Carter says of his reignited career. “You’re gonna have to keep your eyes open. I am so grateful to my fans and look forward to sharing this deeply personal music which came from the inner core of my heart and soul.”

Aaron Carter’s LøVë, from Z Entertainment/ Sony Music, is slated for release Feb. 16.“Don’t Say Goodbye” is available for streaming and purchase on popular music platforms, and Carter’s U.S. tour begins on Feb. 22. For more information on Carter’s music and official tour dates, visit http:// aaroncarter.com.

37

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

theater

Playing with hate

New play The Bigot heads to Shakes Orlando with a look at prejudice in America

(above)

love thy neighbor:

Iris Johnson plays Aysha, one half of the interracial lesbian couple living next door to THE BIGOT.

Photos courtesy Rainbow Circus

A

Jeremy Williams

s Donald Trump continues with

his attempt to “Make America Great Again,” his presidency is having quite an impact on the world of performing arts. Artists, musicians and playwrights are using these polarizing times to create new, meaningful works that are shining bright spotlights on the dark areas of American society.

Two such artists are Gabi and Eva Mor, a married couple who live in Manhattan. Their new play, The Bigot, which opened Off-Broadway last year, heads to the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center- Mandell Theater in Orlando with performances on Feb. 17-18 and 24-25.

“We were working on a different play when Mr. Trump started to climb up the ladder of the Republican party.

We put that play on hold because we wanted to put something out there that addressed what was going on with Trump in this country, and get the conversation going about why someone would be like this,” says Gabi Mor.

Their concern was not only for how Trump was behaving, but that others in the country were so ready and eager to follow.

“Besides the political environment, it seemed like this kind of behavior was becoming acceptable in the general public,” Eva Mor says.

The rise of racism, homophobia and xenophobia in the wake of Trump’s march to the presidency was of great concern to the Mors—they both immigrated to this country more than 30 years ago: Gabi from Israel and Eva from Poland.

Eva Mor had seen firsthand what happens when hatred of that kind goes unchecked.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“When I was a kid in Poland I was beaten plenty for being Jewish. We could only go to school in groups with several of the parents for protection.

Bigotry was not foreign to us,” she says. “And as we were growing up in this country, we saw the civil rights movement. As more people in this country started to gain their rights, the bigotry didn’t go away—it just went under the surface. Now it has come back out into the streets and is more widespread. We wanted to address it and touch upon it, and show that otherwise normal people can be bigots.”

The Bigot is directed by Gary Norris and stars Pete Rougeus as Jim, the titular bigot. Jim is a 65-year-old white man who hates everyone who is different than himself, and is constantly getting into arguments with his progressive liberal son Seth, played by Joshua Childers.

“Jim was always arguing with co-workers and is trying to impose his bigotry views on his son,” Gabi Mor says. “Jim is now retired and has burned all his bridges. He is alone.”

The description draws comparisons to the 1970’s sitcom All In The Family which revolves around working-class bigot Archie Bunker and his family, particularly the relationship between Archie and his hippy son-in-law, whom he calls Meathead.

“Think of a somewhat intelligent Archie Bunker-type and a Meathead with a job,” says Norris. “[Jim’s] son is a teacher and a left wing liberal and they go at it all the time.”

The comparison is fair, say the Mors, but the character of Jim is more of an Archie Bunker 2.0.

“Archie was a bigot from the gut; Jim is more a bigot from the head. He knows how to justify it and support it to himself,” Eva Mor says. “The idea was to help you realize that people like him are all around. You see someone walking down the street and they seem so normal and decent, but behind the mask, once they are surrounded by their four walls, they are totally different.”

Jim’s hate and bigotry are also observed by his neighbors Aysha and

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Paula, an interracial lesbian couple living next door, played by Iris Johnson and Michelle Burkett, respectively.

Aysha and Paula are close friends with Seth, who confides in them the severity of his father’s health problems.

“Jim is very ill. He has a kidney problem and looks like he will need a transplant,” Norris says. “Paula gets involved to help take care of him, and he starts to warm up to her. But Aysha has as much hatred for Jim as he does for her.”

Much of the emotional weight of the show comes from Jim and Aysha’s interactions. Aysha is a doctor and, of everyone in his life, is the one who can offer the most assistance to Jim. “He is a bigoted guy who needs help and he won’t accept it because it’s not from who he thinks is the ideal person,” Johnson says. “Basically if you’re not a white male he ain’t feeling ya.”

Gabi and Eva Mor were focused on showing the different relationships in The Bigot and how these interactions with each person we come in contact with can affect who we are.

“A bigot will affect everyone who they come across,” says Gabi Mor. “He will infuse that bigotry onto a person if he can, and that is what happened to Jim. He is a second-generation bigot, and the audience finds out how the relationship with a bigoted father and son can poison how one thinks.”

Something else that was important to Gabi and Eva Mor was to have an honest portrayal of an open LGBTQ couple in the story.

“We interviewed several lesbian couples for this play so we could create real, authentic people in these characters. What we realized, and you will see this in the play, the couple is just like any other couple you know or will meet. They live their lives just like everybody else,” Gabi Mor says.

“It was very important for us to show Aysha and Paula in several everyday ordinary situations to show the audience, and Jim, that we all have more in common than we think,” Eva Mor continued. “The more we realize that, the more the bigots are likely to change for the better.”

The Bigot will make its Orlando premiere at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare CenterMandell Theater at 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando.

Show dates are Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m.; Saturday Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Shakespeare Theater box office, online at TheBigot.TicketLeap.com or by calling 917-945-7070.

39

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

community calendar

event planner

arts+entertainment

central florida

central florida

The Greatest show: a Footlight Players Tribute

watermark’s swipe right Party - central Florida, Feb. 8, The Hammered Lamb, Orlando.

407-481-2243, Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL

saturday, feb. 10, 10:00 P.m.-1:00 a.m.

Parliament house, orlando Step right up as Parliament House’s Footlight Players pay tribute to the 2017 musical The Greatest Showman in their biggest spectacle of the year. Join their circus for this can’t miss show. There will be two shows, one at 10 p.m. and a second at midnight. Tickets and information are available at ParliamentHouse.com.

14th annual heart & soul, Feb. 9, Grand Bohemian Hotel, Orlando. 407-313-9000; Marriott.com orlando ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, Feb. 9-11, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Paws in the Park, Feb. 10, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-351-7722; PetAllianceOrlando.org orlando Magic Pride night, Feb. 14, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Disney’s The Lion King, Feb. 14- March 11, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 Viewing Party and trivia, Feb. 15, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com 2018 Veterans creative arts Festival, Feb. 16, Orlando VA Medical Center, Orlando.

407-631-1000; Orlando.VA.gov

looKs liKe he made it Music legend barry Manilow brings the songs that make the whole world sing to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota Feb. 16. Photo courtesy VanweZeL.orG

the 5th annual red ball featuring benDeLacreme, Feb. 17, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Dancing with the stars Live!, Feb. 18, Bob Carr Theater, Orlando. 407-440-7000; DrPhillipsCenter.org

tampa bay

My beary Valentine, Feb. 16, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

Forever Plaid, Jan. 25-March 11, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Puddles Pity Party, Feb. 16, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne.

321-242-2219; KingCenter.com

watermark’s swipe right Party - tampa bay, Feb. 8, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 813-655-9890, Facebook.com/WatermarkFL

the Jazz orchestra: Jazz for Lovers, Feb 16-17, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Mad hatters annual turn-about Fundraiser show, Feb. 9, Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-800-5030; MadHattersTeaBar.com

weekend of the arts, Feb 1619, Winter Park. 407-599-3428; CityofWinterPark.org

rock climbing Pride night, Feb. 11, Vertical Ventures, St. Petersburg. 727-304-6290; ClimbStPete.com

east hillsborough county Democratic club Monthly Meeting, Feb. 13, Beef O’Brady’s, Valrico. 813-653-1888; EastHillsboroughDems.org Miss bible belt comedy Queen 2018, Feb. 13, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

Iliza shlesinger Live, Feb. 17, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8286; TampaTheatre.org tampa Pride charity Drag Queen bingo, Feb. 19, Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille, Tampa. 813-241-6279; HamburgerMarys.com/Tampa

willie nelson, Feb. 15, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

6s boutique 7th annual celebration, Feb. 20, 6S Boutique, St. Petersburg.

727-498-6590; 6SBoutique.com

balance tampa bay’s February service, Feb. 17, PetSmart, Clearwater. 727-799-3311; BalanceTampaBay.org

sunday, feb. 18, 1:30-4:30 P.m. the venue, orlando Get a better grip on better sexual practices with Impulse Orlando as they present #TouchIt. You’ll be guided through four stations featuring various educational resources. This event is for 18 and up only and will feature full frontal nudity. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Two free drink tickets are included in the ticket price. Space is limited so act fast.

tampa bay

Mean Girls Party hosted

by Jonathan bennett, Feb. 17, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

Phantom of the Opera, Feb. 14-25, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

2018 LbbtQ youth summit, Feb. 17, Metro Wellness and Community Center, Tampa. 813-232-3808; MetroTampaBay.org

TOuCH IT: an 18+ Gay sex-ed experience

sarasota Miss Petite coquette Presents: Glitter bomb burlesque, Feb. 12, The Francis, Sarasota.

SarasotaOut.com barry Manilow, Feb. 16, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

Flamingo resort’s Turnabout friday, feb. 9, 11:30 P.m.-2:30 a.m. flamingo resort, st. Petersburg Come see some of your favorite staff members at the Flamingo Resort do their best turnabout in drag for charity. Performances take place in the main bar with proceeds going to benefit Metro Wellness & Community Centers. Drink specials and male dancers will also be available. For more information visit FlamingoFla.com.

sarasota

equality Florida suncoast equality Connection thursday, feb. 15, 5:30-7:30 P.m. the reserve srQ, sarasota Equality Florida’s Suncoast Equality Connection will feature Central Florida Safe and Healthy Schools Coordinator Ian Siljestrom speaking about EQFL’s Safe & Healthy Schools Project. The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary appetizers provided by The Reserve and cash bar available. More information is available at EQFL.org.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

43

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

overheard

S

leggo my logo

t. Petersburg’s lgbtQ community loves arguing about its local logos, particularly online.

Many in the community will recall the great St. Pete Pride “logo-gate” of 2014 and 2015, in which the organization unveiled its new (and current) logo to both fanfare and criticism. And on Jan. 25, those looking to re-litigate the “scandal” got their chance when GayStPete.com publicly unveiled its new logo.

Some saw the updated logo for the website, which exists to encourage area tourism and offer information about local businesses and non-profits, as a rainbow-colored palm frond. Others labeled it a “lovely feather” and others still a “feather duster.”

The conversation soon turned to St. Pete Pride’s logo, deemed unsuccessful by some commentators and as meaningful to others.

Like them, love them or loathe them, there’s one thing St. Petersburg’s local logos share in common: heated and/or friendly debate.

t

read all about it

he gulfPort Public library’s lgbtQ resource center will hold its inaugural Readout: Books for Lesbians event Feb. 16-18.

The event will begin with a Friday night reception, feature readings, book sales, signings and a keynote speech from author Elizabeth Sims on Saturday. It will conclude on Sunday with workshops and a panel discussion for registered participants.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with authors from across the country, representing a variety of genres.

The majority of the weekend’s events are free, though some workshops have a fee or registration requirements due to limited space. For more information about the scheduled events or fees, visit mygulfport.us/lgbtq-resources.

shine bright liKe a diamond

t

tampa bay out+about

he tamPa bay diversity chamber of commerce held its annual “Diamonds in Diversity” award ceremony on Feb. 3 at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel to honor community businesses and individuals.

The event was hosted by Daytime on NBC’s Cyndi Edwards and Jerry Penocoli and featured entertainment from Josh Walther and The Phase 5 Band. It began with dinner, ended with dancing, and $7,850 was raised for the Diamond Scholarship Foundation during the evening’s silent and live auctions.

The evening’s winners included Tech Data for Business of the Year, Mayor Rick Kriseman for Community Champion of the Year, Tech Data’s Calvin Jackson for Business Person of the Year and Metro Health, Wellness & Community for Non-Profit of the Year. Keiana Venning also accepted the $3000 Diamond Scholarship Foundation’s grant for her advocacy as an LGBTQ ally.

“I’m honored to be here as president, and I am proud to stand here and say ‘I am who I am,’” chamber president Eric Mathis said through tears. “I ask that you all will just be you, and may we continue to move forward as a diverse community.”

1

2 3

1

Quenched: Tony J. (L) and Greg Gales share a drink at Quench Lounge on Jan. 28. Photo by ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

2

certified fresh: Hostess Daphne Ferraro (R) announces Dixie Lynn Michaels as the winner of the first of four Fresh Fridays at Enigma on Feb. 2. Photo by ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

3

fond farewell: Jaeda Fuentes hosts her final talent night at Enigma on Jan. 24. Photo by

4

5

ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

4

winner: LJ Govoni (L) accepts Watermark’s pick for the National LGBT Media Association’s AdPOP (Pride in Online and Print) Award on behalf of Big Storm Brewing Co. from our own Danny Garcia on Jan. 30.

Photo by rIcK cLaGGett

5

bingo!: Hostess Victoria Michaels (L) helps raise $511 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tampa Bay at Punky’s Bingo4Charity on Jan. 24. Photo by ryan

wILLIaMs-Jent

6

scholar: 2018 Diamond Scholarship recipient Keiana Venning presents her $3000 check at the Diamonds in Diversity ceremony on Feb. 3. Photo by ryan

6

wILLIaMs-Jent

7

mary days: Server extraordinaire ari helps the lunch crowd eat, drink and be… mary at Hamburger Mary’s Brandon on Feb. 2. Photo by ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

8

Pretty kitty: Jan Flowers celebrates her birthday with some kitty love with brunch at The Hangar on Feb. 4. Photo by

8

ryan wILLIaMs-Jent

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

overheard

orlando out+about

club seeKing men

a

n lgbtQ suPPort center in altamonte sPrings going by the name of club 1000 was actually a place where gay men could go to pay for sex.

The business, which operated from a strip mall on State Road 436, was raided by police after a two-week, undercover investigation. Police found pornography playing on televisions, as well as private rooms and glory holes at the location. Police arrested a receptionist and a customer who was engaging in a lewd act.

Police became suspicious of the business after seeing posts on Craigslist from men searching for sex at the business’ location. Undercover officers paid an initial membership fee of $15 to join the club and stated that members would be charged a $5 monthly fee after that. Club 1000 has been shut down, and no word on whether the officers got their $15 back.

2

riding off into the sunset

S

ometimes after a sheriff has wrestled all the varmints in town and saved the day, they have no other option but to hop on their horse and head west to find more towns who need a hero. So is the tale of Orange County’s first openly transgender sheriff deputy Rebecca Riley Storozuk. She broke the news on Facebook saying she has accepted a job with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

“I know I once said I would be OCSO for life and at that time I meant it. But some people and some opportunities have a way of popping up in your life when you least expect it,” Storozuk wrote. “I will always be grateful for my time with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.” We here at Watermark wish her the best in her new adventure out west and know that Pinellas County is getting one hell of a deputy.

the ansWer is: the end of an era

Q

uestion: what is doug ba’aser leaving hamburger mary’s trivia night? You read that right. After nine and half years of pop culture, current events and some crazy shenanigans, the one and only Doug Ba’aser is bringing his Hamburger Mary’s Trivia Night to an end at the end of this month.

“We really did have a great run,” he says. “We won multiple Wave Awards, as well as Orlando Weekly and Orlando Magazine reader’s polls.

Mary’s has been the perfect venue for what I wanted to do with my Trivia. I wanted it to be a bit dirty and gay skewed.” While there is still the possibility of a few special events here and there, you only have three more weeks of Doug’s regular Trivia gig. Make sure to head out to Hamburger Mary’s on Feb. 14, 21 or 28... or come on all three nights! “Big shout out to my regulars,” Doug says. “Some came every week for the whole 9 1/2 years!”

4

1

sisters’ act: The sisters of Perpetual Indulgence strapped on their walking shoes for Hope & Help’s 2018 Orlando AIDS Walk at Lake Eola in Orlando Feb. 3.

Photo by MaIa Monet

2 3

7

bears In the cIty

4

time’s uP: Kristy weick shows off the latest issue of TIME magazine with Anna Eskamani, and dozens of other women in and running for political offices across the country, on the cover Feb. 1 in Orlando. Photo

courtesy KrIsty weIcK

5

6

on board: (L-R) Lu Mueller-Kaul, eric hughes, emily scherer, Vivian rodriguez and sam Graper at the MBA Orlando Board Installation Reception at Hard Rock Live in Orlando Jan. 27. Photo by JereMy wILLIaMs

6

striPtease: addison taylor (L) introduces adult film star chris harder at Flesh Fridays at Parliament House Feb. 2. Photo courtesy

3

5

community leaders: Former Vice President Joe biden (L) and Orlando City Commissioner Patty sheehan embrace before the VP takes the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Jan. 29. Photo courtesy Patty sheehan

1

big time: State Rep. carlos Guillermo smith of Orlando’s District 49 takes a break from fighting for the people of Florida to relax in an oversize chair in Tallahassee Jan. 28. Photo by

7

JerIcK MeDIaVILLa

watch Party: Gidget Galore (L) and Doug ba’aser are all about Mama Ru at the official RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 3 viewing party at Parliament House Jan. 25. Photo by

Danny GarcIa

8

hey bartender: Michael (L) and James man the bar as the patrons take in the latest episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race at Stonewall in Orlando Feb. 1. Photo courtesy stonewaLL bar

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

youth services

announcements

Wedding bells

Lucas and Jeremy Bourgeois-Knox from Tampa, Florida

congratulations

Tampa Pride and GaYbor icons carrie west and Mark west bias celebrated 41 years together on Feb. 3.

Community advocates andrew and sasha citino’s 6S Boutique celebrates its 7th year of business Feb. 20.

engagement date:

local birthdays

June 30, 2016

wedding date:

November 11, 2017

venue:

Hard Rock Resort Riviera Maya Mexico

flowers:

Eucalyptus and succulents

by Tulipania

colors:

Navy and baby blue

wedding song and artist:

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers

dj or band name:

PSAV Productions

catering and caKe:

Hard Rock Resort – Riviera Maya Mexico

caKe flavors:

Vanilla cake with raspberry, lemon and chocolate fillings

wedding Planner:

Adriana Aranzazu Hard Rock Hotel, Marcia Wallach – DestinationWeddings.com

PhotograPher/ videograPher:

Huellas Del Caribe (HDC photography) Photography & Films

Photo by hueLLas DeL carIbe (hDc PhotoGraPhy) PhotoGraPhy & FILMs

d

estination i do’s at a mexican all-inclusive resort were a no-brainer for Tampa couple Jeremy and Lucas.

Jeremy looked across the lobby bar at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and saw Lucas, who was in town for a conference in October of 2013. They made eye contact and started chatting. “There were instant sparks,” says Jeremy Bourgeois-Knox, a Winter Park native. “We texted on and off for several months, but the distance was a barrier.” At the time, Lucas was living in Jacksonville and Jeremy had settled in Orlando.

In January 2014, Lucas reached out on Facebook Messenger.

“I can’t stop thinking about you, and I’d like to get to know you better,” he said. “The distance isn’t ideal, but I’d like to see where this could go.” Where it went was down the aisle at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico on November 11, 2017.

Lucas loved Jeremy’s penchant for history and to always be learning. On dates, Jeremy would rattle off historical facts about the buildings they walked past. On vacation, Jeremy is the one to stop and read the historical placards before moving on. Jeremy sleeps

with hospital corners on his bed sheets. “Lucas only sleeps with the sheets untucked, or no top sheet at all,” says Jeremy. It says a lot about the way the complement each other.

When Lucas’ job transferred him to Tampa, Jeremy decided to make the move. Within a month, he had a job and moved in with Lucas.

After living together for over a year, they decided they’d each found “the One.” The next logical step, according to the pair, was marriage.

Jeremy thought he would beat Lucas to a proposal when, in late June 2016, he hatched a plan with his sister to pop the question the following January while the couple was on ski vacation in Montana.

His sister, however, already knew that Lucas was planning to propose during the upcoming Independence Day weekend. The couple flew to Westport, Maine, for the holiday. “While on the plane, I thought about how to propose,” says Jeremy. “I also wondered how our families were going to keep it a secret for the next six months.

I had no idea they’d already been keeping Lucas’ secret from me!”

On June 30, Jeremy said yes to Lucas in front of their family and friends by the light of a “Will You Marry Me?” sign in the front yard. “It couldn’t have been more perfect,” says Jeremy.

On the day of the wedding, the two men got ready separately and didn’t see each other until the ceremony. They said their vows under a covered palapa thatch roof, as rain was forecasted for later in the day. “One of the coolest moments was hearing and seeing other guests at the resort who had stopped to watch and listen,” says Jeremy. Another favorite moment included the reaction of their guests at the reception when Jeremy and Lucas performed a choreographed dance to their wedding song, “Something Just Like This,” by The Chainsmokers.

“Being married now feels like it did when we were living together in a studio apartment in downtown Tampa,” says Jeremy. “Only now we have a house with walls, we’re on one insurance plan, and we have legal rights to each other.”

—Holly V. Kapherr

1st Dance Studio owner and St. Petersburg dance instructor Julia Meyerovich-neighbors (Feb. 8); Co-owner of Orlando’s Hamburger Mary’s Mike rogier, Central Florida AV technician nick Lepoutre (Feb. 9); Watermark multimedia assistant Melody Maia Monet, Creative Tile Design of St. Petersburg owner tom o’Keefe, St. Petersburg hair stylist and cyclist ric castro (Feb. 10); Stonewall’s Julian bain, Xia Adonis from the House of Adonis Latoya Little, Tampa schools media specialist and activist bart birdsall, Florida Council on Economic Education Executive Director Mike bell, Watermark’s former creative assistant Patrick o’connor (Feb. 11); Rollins College Assistant Director of Disability Services Jen herr (Feb. 12); MBA board member cathy Meyers-Keene, USF Vegetarian Society President Mark weber, LGBTQ activist raymond Michael sharpe, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia weiss (Feb. 13); Ybor’s Honey Pot manager and straight ally ernie webb, St. Petersburg performer Jaeda Fuentes, Tampa Bay realtor ryan Jiffy, UCF graduating senior steven hogue, Orlando banking guru Diana cox (Feb. 14); St. Petersburg’s The Queen’s Head co-owner Darren Conner (Feb. 15); LGBT-friendly Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, musician ralphyc, Orlando dancer and choreographer blue star, Tampa activist chris Goldsmith, Tampa Bay Bears president Keenan rose (Feb. 16); Flamingo Resort entertainer Iman, Downtown Arts District board member ben Laube, Central Florida actor John ryan, Disney entertainment guru John bearse (Feb. 17); Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant ty williams, Orange County arts hero terry olsen (Feb. 18); Owner of Crabtree Healthy Living toni crabtree, Stonewall Pinellas Democrat rick boylan (Feb. 19); Tampa model and web site recruiter Michael Vought, Orlando realtor sam Gallaher, funeral director and Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee cofounder sam odom, Tampa Bay leather entrepreneur billy seablom, Private chef steven Galan, Watermark husband and drag performer Dixie Lynn Michaels wade williams-Jent, Sarasota staple Mike o’Grady, Tampa Bay actor Jay Goldberg, Lighthouse Credit Foundation founder David crow (Feb. 20); House of Adonis’ Jose ortiz, Tampa Bay teacher John albritton, Bowman and Co. president scott bowman (Feb. 21).

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.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

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the last page

Photo by JaKe steVens

Jeremy Williams CENTR AL FLoRIDA BURE AU CHIEF

age: 38

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Unboxing Me: OhMyGod. You Guys, What Do We Have Here?

identifies as:

hobbies:

hometown:

Gay

out year:

2003

hire date:

April 1, 2013

J

autobiograPhy title:

consummate journalist, but it didn’t start out that way. Jeremy was a journalism major at Valencia College in 2013 when he saw Watermark was hiring a sales rep.

As an avid reader of the paper, Jeremy applied to get his foot in the door. He pitched the idea of being a part-time employee/part-time student.

Unfortunately the demands of the sales position didn’t allow for that structure so we let Jeremy know he could reapply when he finished school. Within a week Jeremy had put his classes on hold to follow his heart.

Jeremy excelled in our sales department, although he had his sights set on writing. With no editorial position opening anytime soon, Jeremy parted ways with Watermark to help his sister in North Dakota. As soon as a journalist position opened, Watermark begged him to come back. He’s been with us, excelling in whatever is thrown his way, ever since.

“I love to tell people’s stories,” Jeremy says of his work. “There are so many of them out there and they are all interesting and fascinating, especially in the LGBTQ community. For the most part, we all had this fear growing up that we were alone and had to hide who we were. To be able to share stories of people in the community to show that we all had similar experiences and can use those stories to heal and be better people is a great feeling.”

Jeremy’s love of journalism stems from his role model and mentor, Valencia College journalism professor Ken

Going to the movies, drinking coffee, sleeping, watching award shows (it doesn’t matter what kind they are giving out!)

Professional role model:

Valencia College journalism professor ken Carpenter

54

eremy is WATERMARK’S

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 8 - F eb rua ry 21, 2018 // Issue 25.03

Carpenter. Ken recently passed away, but his lessons stay with Jeremy. “He was passionate,” Jeremy remembers. “He didn’t educate us because it was his job. He did it because he loved his students. He made good journalists.” Jeremy hopes to do the same through his work at Watermark. “One of my many tasks here is to manage Watermark’s internship program, crafting young inquisitive minds so that they understand the importance of the journalism career field in today’s day of Facebook facts and ‘fake news.’”

Outside of his love of news, Jeremy is a movie buff. Last year he was WFTV’s Oscar guru on their local coverage of the award show. He will return this year, regaling the audience with movie insights.

To his younger self Jeremy would advise, “Whether it’s with condoms, sunscreen or your sense of humor... always protect yourself!”

Watermark is the collective product of a team of incredibly hardworking individuals.

Over the next series of issues, we’re using this space to introduce each member of our staff and contributors to you. When you see us out and about in the community, stop and say, “Hello.” We’d love to meet you.

TAMPA GALA

Saturday, February 24th, 2018 • 7:30 - 11pm Yo u ’re i nv i t e d t o a n e v e n i n g o f entertainment, education, and c e l e b ra t i o n ! E q u a l i t y F l o r i d a’ s 2 0 1 8 Ta m p a G a l a w i l l f e a t u re l i v e a n d s i l e n t a u c t i o n s , l i v e m u s i c , o p e n b a rs , a n d d e l i c i o u s h o rs d ’o e u vre s . T h i s y e a r ’ s event will also include an update on e q u a l i t y fro m o u r C E O N a d i n e S m i t h , a n d w e ’ l l re c o g n i z e o u t s t a n d i n g e ff o r t s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y t h a t a re c re a t i n g a b e t t e r F l o r i d a f o r u s a l l .

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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