Watermark Issue 25.09: Queer Fringe

ALSO INSIDE:

The 27th Annual Orlando International Fringe Festival presents the FRINGE-O-MATIC

American Stage’s

“THE PRODUCERS”

brings springtime to St. Pete!

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

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departments 7 // bureau chief’s desK

PAGE

17

8 // central flOrida news 10 // tampa bay news

a very unassuming, polite sounding woman called in and calmly told us that her husband had forgotten to do his chores so many times over the years, she had literally plotted to kill him.

—MIGUeL FULLeR IN hIS LATeST “hIGh FIDeLITy” cOLUMN

12 // state news 13// natiOn & wOrld news 19 // talKing pOints 37 // cOmmunity calendar 39 // tampa bay Out + abOut 41 // OrlandO Out + abOut 42 // tampa bay marKetplace 43 // OrlandO marKetplace 46 // wedding bells/ annOuncements

On the cOver

PAGE they can dO it!:

PAGE FRINGe-O-MATIc:

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The Orlando International Fringe Festival returns for its 27th year at Loch Haven Park May 15-28.

Illustration by Jake Stevens

scan Qr cOde fOr

watermarKOnline.cOm

watermarK i ssue 25.09 //may 3 - may 16, 2018

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American Stage and fan-favorite Matthew McGee bring “The Producers” to Demens Landing Park.

mOving days

be prOud, be big

lady fingers

Queer-O-matic

PAGE GayDayS, Inc. announces part of the popular annual event will move from June to mid-August in 2019.

PAGE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay seeks to raise awareness: LGBTQ mentors are welcome.

PAGE

PAGE

read it online!

In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

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Contributor Sabrina Ambra tackles the concept of the “biological clock” in her latest column.

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Watermark has compiled all the LGBTQ-themed shows from this year’s Orlando International Fringe Festival.

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follow us on twitter and instaGram at @watermarkonline and like us on facebook. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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cOntributOrs

tampa baY

bureau chief’s

ryan williams-jent tb bureau chief

Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

W

desK

hOeveR SAID MONey cAN’T

buy happiness was never a chubby Ohio kid on vacation at Disney World.

At a ripe and round 13, my parents used the money they’d received after my dear grandmother’s passing to take me to the most magical place on earth. It was my first foray into Florida, and while I’d have gladly moved into the castle that day—it was transformed into a birthday cake for its 25th anniversary and I was chubby for a reason—I had no intention of moving here until a decade later.

Years still after that, my rare, Florida-born husband and I go to Disney fairly often. We have our

passes, our 20 percent discount for whosits and whatits galore (that he’ll wrongly tell you I don’t need) and our semi-cultish Mickey magnets.

At 13 and as a product of blue-collar America struggling to make ends meet, I was convinced I’d never set foot or fin in that park again. It took unimaginable tragedy to get us there and probably every last cent my parents had.

But just as my grandmother would’ve been, they were ecstatic to see me meet Ariel, my sister

from another fin-ster. My mother and stepfather have always been incredibly selfless when it comes to my happiness.

On our last day in the park, my mother caught me admiring a musical snow globe. Inside, Ariel swirled around Prince Eric’s statue as Sebastian looked on in horror, either from the little mermaid’s audacity or the price tag below him. It played “Part of Your World” and was the most beautiful and expensive thing I’d ever held.

As I shell out more than that each month for our Disney passes, it’s endearing and heartbreaking to think about what a difference $50 can make to a family like mine. But without hesitation, she bought it for me—really my only trinket from that trip.

The symbolism of my mother’s love swirled in that aging snow globe for years.

Money had bought happiness via her selflessness, which I’d have certainly felt without the snow globe, but it was a tangible reminder that I adored.

I displayed it proudly in my middle school bedroom all the way to my last college apartment.

It moved everywhere with me until I moved to Florida, when it was shattered during the packing process. I was heartbroken.

Another decade later, my mother sent me $100 for my birthday; far too much money and more than she has to offer freely.

She told me to buy the globe again on eBay. It had never even occurred to me. What kind of sea witch would put such a priceless gem up for sale?

My replacement Ariel globe recently arrived in the mail. It looks the same, sounds the same

and because of my mother, retains its meaning. As we approach Mother’s Day, I appreciate her thoughtful and selfless love more than ever.

Love and selflessness aren’t exclusive to Ariel globes and mother-son bonds, however, as proven by the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters. In Tampa Bay news this issue, we take a look at their local chapter’s initiative to put children first and seek LGBTQ mentors. We also check in with the upcoming Harvey Milk Festival in Sarasota.

They were ecstatic to see me meet ariel, my sister from another fin-ster.

In Central Florida news, we examine the controversy surrounding GayDayS, Inc.’s 2019 move from the first weekend in June to mid-August.

We also detail the One Orlando Alliance’s selection of former Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd as the organization’s executive director.

For our cover story, we preview the LGBTQ installments of the Orlando Fringe festival. Sticking with Arts & Entertainment, we check in with American Stage and local actor Matthew McGee about “The Producers” in the Park, playing now.

Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent ext. 302 • ryan@Watermarkonline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam callahan ext. 103 • Sam@Watermarkonline.com

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Wedding

gUide 2018 SABRINA AMBRA

is a co-host 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

sabrina ambra, scOttie campbell, miguel fuller, divine grace, KirK hartlage, samuel JOhnsOn, JasOn leclerc, stephen miller, maia mOnet, david mOran, greg stemm, dr. steve yacOvelli, michael wanZie

phOtOgraphy brian becnel, nicK cardellO, angie fOlKs, bruce hardin, Julie milfOrd, travis mOOre, chris stephensOn, lee vandergrift, tinKerfluff

distributiOn lvnlif2 distributing, lisa JOrdan, Jill bates, Ken carraway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

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central florida news

One Orlando Alliance names former Alabama Representative as new executive director Jeremy Williams

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RLANDO | The Board of Directors of One Orlando Alliance announced the selection of former Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd as the organization’s executive director in a press release May 1. The selection follows an extensive nationwide search that began in August 2017.

Todd becomes the first executive director for the One Orlando Alliance, a non-profit group of more than 30 LGBTQ organizations formed in the days after the Pulse shooting on June 12, 2016.

“Patricia has been training for this role her whole life. She’s a natural fit and we’re delighted she’ll be joining the coalition in this important work,” said Jennifer Foster, chair of the board of directors and one of the original co-conveners of the Alliance, in a press release.

Todd served two years in Washington, D.C., with the National Organization for Women before moving to Alabama where she served as the executive director for AIDS Alabama, the statewide HIV/AIDS organization, and state director for the Human Rights Campaign.

Todd became the first openly gay elected official to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives in 2006. She was re-elected in 2010 without opposition.

After serving 12 years, she did not seek re-election.

Her farewell speech to the House received a standing ovation.

“What excites board members the most about Patricia is her collaborative spirit. While she is steeped in policy experience, she understands that change happens through strong, trusted relationships and she’s not afraid to have open and honest conversations that further progress for all,” Foster said.

Under Todd’s leadership, the Alliance hopes to continue to bring together LGBTQ organizations and work to transform Central Florida into an accepting and unified community for all.

“I am honored to be selected as the executive director for One Orlando Alliance. I look forward to working alongside Alliance members to create a more inclusive Central Florida community,” Todd said in the press release. “The work of the One Orlando Alliance serves as a national model for how to pull community together in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. I’m humbled to help tell that story of the origin and even more excited about our shared vision for a stronger, more unified future. Together, the Alliance will ensure that justice and equality are rights of all who call Central Florida home.”

Todd begins her new executive director role with the Alliance on June 1.

For more information about One Orlando Alliance and a list of its members visit OneOrlandoAlliance.org.

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Gay Day:

Wearing red shirts and going to Disney’s Magic Kingdom the first Saturday of June has become tradition in the LGBTQ community.

Photo by Brian Becnel

Moving DayS GayDayS, Inc. moves dates for 2019 event; One Magical Weekend, Girls In Wonderland to remain Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | GayDayS, Inc. stirred up controversy within the community as it announced new dates for their annual LGBTQ celebration in Central Florida from the first weekend in June to mid-August starting in 2019.

Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom began the first Saturday in June 1991 when a group of LGBTQ people came together wearing red shirts for a day of celebration and visibility at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Over the last three decades several organizations—including GayDayS, One Magical Weekend, Girls In Wonderland and Tidal Wave—have been formed surrounding Gay Day increasing the one-day celebration to nearly a week of theme parks, pool parties and vendor fairs.

Chris Alexander-Manley, co-owner of GayDayS, Inc., announced the organization’s move with Watermark April 24, also announcing a new host hotel for its 2019 events. GayDayS will call the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive home Aug. 13-19, 2019.

“GayDayS is a vacation event.

I think a majority of those attending

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

nowadays follow our lead of what dates we put out there,” Alexander-Manley said. “A majority of people are not coming in for that Saturday at the Magic Kingdom.

There are some that do come every year for that, which is great, but Magic Kingdom will be open for the Saturday of our event. I always say it’s not a national holiday like Christmas or New Year’s Day that do fall on the same day every year. Change is good sometimes. Some won’t be happy but a majority will be very, very happy.”

While several organizations have built up around the original Gay Day, Alexander-Manley admits GayDayS did not reach out to any of them to tell them they were moving before the announcement was made.

“I’m sure they are hearing the fact that we have the dates and the hotel, so it will be up to them,” Alexander-Manley said at the time of the announcement. “If they stay on the other dates it will just be beneficial for Central Florida tourism, but I think their success has been basically riding the coattails of what we bring into the city and the exposure and promotion that we do for GayDayS overall.”

One Magical Weekend took to social media after the announcement to address GayDayS, Inc. moving.

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“Let’s be clear – a private company that started seven years after the initial gathering does not own the tradition – neither do we,” they wrote. ”Girls in Wonderland Orlando and One Magical Weekend are committed to the first weekend of June chosen by the LGBT community in 1991 to celebrate LOVE and PRIDE MONTH! We will always kickoff Pride Month the first weekend of June at Walt Disney World Resorts! So put these dates in your calendar!”

The post included a picture of the Magic Kingdom, an Orlando Pride event and a “Save The Dates” graphic with dates for the first weekend of June through 2027.

Girls In Wonderland co-founder Allison Burgos, who spoke with Watermark at the time of the initial story, agrees and says they will not be moving dates either.

“It has always been the first weekend of June, at least for us, and it will continue to be the first weekend of June,” said Burgos. “Moving the dates does not make sense for us or our brand, or for the history of what’s been created.”

Burgos continued, saying she felt disappointed that GayDayS did not reach out to anyone at Girls In Wonderland about the move and is saddened that the events will not be sharing the same weekend in June.

GayDayS 2018—with the DoubleTree by Hilton at Sea World’s final year as the host hotel—will be May 29-June 4. One Magical Weekend 2018 will be at the B Resort Hotel & Spa June 1-4 and Girls In Wonderland 2018 will be at the Grand Orlando resort at Celebration May 31-June 4.

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

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tampa bay news

activists and allies assemble fOr 9th annual harvey milK festival Ryan Williams-Jent

S

ARASOTA | The ninth annual Harvey Milk Festival, a three-day celebration of music and the arts, will return to Five Points Park May 10-12 to honor the life and legacy of activist Harvey Milk.

“This is a festival that is focused on raising awareness and sharing the life and legacy of Harvey Milk himself,” president and founder Shannon Fortner says, “but also creating a political platform for our community to come together and have a voice. It’s to inspire people to step up and to be heard.”

“The festival’s going to be a little different this year,” Fortner continues, advising that the opening day’s art exhibit “Fluid Lines” will be on display at Selby Public Library for the event’s entirety. “People will actually be able to view it during the musical festival. It’s kind of nice to have that right there in Five Points Park.”

The exhibit will feature the work of five LGBTQ artists and allies, designed to create “a safe space for our community” in a time when “we need to be more expressive through the arts to embrace individuals and inspire others to feel passionate about what they create.”

May 11 will focus on dance, performance art, music, spoken word and film. “We’re kind of creating this collective of talent,” Fortner says, noting the event’s second day will include a screening of “Had She Never Asked Me,” a short film dedicated to Pulse. “It’s a really beautiful piece, so we’re excited to be able to show that.”

Emcees Jason Lee and VooDoo von BoomBoom will introduce the festival’s third day, which features guest speakers and free, live music from LGBTQ artists and allies. “I’m very, very excited,” Fortner says. “We select really amazing and emerging artists… the music festival itself is a really great experience.”

Fortner says that the festival has received “a lot of good feedback. It’s a great family event and it’s a really diverse crowd. It’s just this magical space where we take over downtown and from 2:30 p.m. to midnight, we’re working together as a community promoting equality and talking about how we can better our community.”

“A lot of people if they’ve been want to go back every year because of the experience they take away,” she notes. “They’re gonna find their new favorite band or realize [they’ve] seen this band before on Spotify and didn’t realize they supported [the] LGBTQ [community.]

There are a lot of things people can take away from the festival.”

The ninth annual Harvey Milk Festival will be held at Five Points Park in Sarasota May 10-12. For more information, visit harveymilkfestival.org.

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PROUD BIG: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay volunteer Derek Lang (R) takes his “Little” fishing.

Photo coUrteSy MarGaret GrobiSen

Be Proud, Be Big Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay seeks LGBTQ mentors Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA | The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay will hold a Pride Bowling event on June 9 to simultaneously raise funds for youth and awareness that LGBTQ volunteers are welcome in the non-profit’s mentorship program.

The event follows a nationwide initiative focusing on LGBTQ inclusion for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which at over 100 years old remains the nation’s largest volunteer-supported mentoring network. The non-profit exists to make meaningful matches between adults and at-risk youth, respectively known as “Bigs” and “Littles.”

The initiative included awareness training at its various chapters, including Tampa, and led Director of Resource Development Margaret Grobisen to work with local volunteers like Derek Lang to form the upcoming and inclusive fundraiser.

“We do something that is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

America culture,” Grobisen says, “and that is we have bowling fundraisers. It’s been going on for 25 to 30 years. I had already told [him] what we were doing with this LGBTQ initiative, and Derek said we should have a Pride Bowl. It was a great idea.”

“I feel like being a Big is one of the most important things I can do right now to have a positive impact on a child’s life,” Lang says. “I’m not only part of the LGBTQ community; I’m part of this entire community…

I want to make a difference in it any way that I can. The program lets me never lose sight of the fact that individuals can change the world and I can ensure my Little knows that one day he can too.”

Through the Tampa Bay chapter’s volunteers and donors, 2,900 children’s lives were impacted last year in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties.

Of the program’s beneficiaries, 56 percent were girls, 44 percent were boys and 89 percent lived below the poverty line. The federal poverty level, which measures a household’s poverty status, ranged from

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

$16,240 to $24,600 for a family of two to four in 2017.

To further raise awareness that members of the LGBTQ community are welcome and needed, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America produced a version of their logo that included a rainbow. “We made pins and they say ‘Be Proud, Be Big,’” Grobisen says.

“I showed our recruiter and he said just that day someone had pulled him aside, whispered to him they were gay and asked if they could be a Big. And it’s like, of course you can! People become Bigs for so many reasons; I don’t think the reasons are any different whether you’re straight or gay. The majority of Bigs I speak to tell you they think they’re getting more out of it than the Little is, and I think the Littles are getting a lot, so it just speaks volumes.”

Grobisen also notes that the organization will “of course” mentor youth who are LGBTQ, so it’s equally as important to have the knowledge, support and resources for them as they come out that stems from inclusion. “It’s the future,” she says, “that’s what this is about.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s Pride Bowl will be held June 9 at Dunedin Lanes.

To purchase tickets to the event, for more information about the program or to donate funds, visit give.bbbstampabay.org/campaigns/ 6703-pride-bowling-event-2018.

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Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

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• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

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• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

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Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

11

state news

South Florida Pride Center CEO Suspended; 3 More Board Members Resign Jason Parsley, courtesy South Florida Gay News

W

ILTON MANORS, Fla. | The fallout from Robert Boo’s decision to keep a convicted sex predator on staff at the Pride Center after a playground was installed continued April 24 when the board announced his punishment.

“The board of directors of The Pride Center at Equality Park last night unanimously approved a resolution to censure Pride Center CEO Robert Boo, who will be suspended without pay for two weeks,” the statement reads.

“The resolution also calls for Boo to be subject to a corrective

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action plan, including additional training and monitoring of his performance.”

After an April 23 meeting another board member, Jim Walker, resigned. SFGN also learned Mitch Bloom and Richard Safaty resigned, but SFGN could not independently verify that.

“Shame on you. You have now lost 4 productive members of the board,” former board member Heidi Siegel wrote. “For what? Defense of someone who did not do his job correctly and has lost the confidence of many in the community.”

Siegel resigned in March because of Boo’s handling of the scandal. The chairman of the board Mark Budwig also recently resigned as well as board members Jane Bolin,

Safaty, Walker and Bloom, bringing the total to 6.

Those that still remain include Leslie Leip, vice chair; Chris Caputo, secretary; Craig Engel, treasurer; Christopher Bates; Jason Hagopian; Brenda Hartley; Ernest Olivas; Paul Smith; and Denise Spivak.

Last week the board met and voted to not remove Boo, who is the chief executive officer of the Pride Center. The vote was 8-4 in favor of keeping him. They did, however, vote to censure him and agreed to meet to determine his punishment.

Boo has come under fire for not taking action sooner to terminate the employment of a registered sex offender, Clarence Collins, 63, who confessed to raping an 11-year-old girl in the

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

mid-’90s and threatening “to kill her if she told.”

Children regularly visit the Pride Center and use its playground. Boo admitted he knew of Collins’ sex offender history all along, just not the details of the crime, and wanted to give him a second chance.

But once the playground was installed Collins’ employment at the center was no longer legal since sex offenders aren’t allowed to work somewhere children gather. Boo later claimed ignorance of the law.

Collins was fired on March 19 and later charged with illegally working at the Pride Center.

Andy McNeill, a father of 7-year-old twins, doesn’t believe this punishment goes far enough.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

“At the end of the day, Robert has served our community well over the years. He is a great guy. He’s done a lot for our community. He’s been very supportive of LGBT families in the past.” McNeill said. “No one takes any joy in calling for him to step aside. But this is a huge lapse of judgment that cannot be overcome. When leaders make bad decisions, consequences happen. We need new leadership at the Pride Center.”

McNeil says Boo has lost the trust of the community, and he doesn’t see how Boo can effectively lead the organization during these turbulent times and oversee the changes the Pride Center must make going forward.

McNeill is also a member of South Florida Family Pride, a group that represents more than 600 LGBT families in South Florida. Besides Boo stepping aside he’s also calling for an independent investigation led by a child care expert.

nation+world news

trump’s gay nOminee ric grenell cOnfirmed as ambassadOr tO germany Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION

W

AShINGTON | The U.S. Senate confirmed Richard Grenell April 26 as U.S. ambassador to Germany, making him the most high-profile openly gay appointee in the Trump administration.

Grenell — who has faced Democratic opposition for months over mean tweets he made about the appearance of women and other comments downplaying the significance of Russia’s influence in the 2016 election — was confirmed by a largely party line vote of 56-42.

Among the Democrats who joined Republicans in voting to confirm Grenell were Sens. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Joe Manchin

(D-W.Va.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Claire McCaskill (D-M0). All Republicans present voted for Grenell’s confirmation.

Both of the senators from Grenell’s home state of California — Sen. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein — voted “no” on his confirmation.

First nominated by President Trump in September, Grenell’s confirmation means an openly gay person high-profile seat in the administration and serve as U.S. envoy to the world’s fourth largest national economy.

But it’s a not a first or the most high-profile gay appointment of all time. The first openly gay U.S. ambassador was James Hormel, who served as U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg during the Clinton administration. President Obama has no fewer than seven openly gay U.S. ambassadors who served at various times in his administration.

Gregory Angelo, president of Log Cabin Republicans, said Grenell’s confirmation was “historic,” dubbing him “the highest-ranking openly gay official ever in a Republican administration.”

“Despite the interminable delays of Democrats hell-bent on standing on the wrong side of history, today the United States Senate confirmed a gay nominee not ‘in spite of’ Republicans, or ‘with Republican support,’ but because of Republican support,” Angelo added.

Angelo said the vote on Grenell would have consequences in the upcoming congressional mid-term elections.

“Log Cabin Republicans will not forget the votes of the Democratic senators who voted against Grenell’s confirmation, nor the roaring silence from LGBT advocacy organizations who did nothing to achieve this tremendous milestone in LGBT history,” Angelo said.

Grenell is a foreign policy expert who, under the George W. Bush administration, became the longest serving U.S. spokesperson at the United Nations, working under four U.S. ambassadors.

ny advOcates renew push fOr law banning cOnversiOn therapy Wire Report

A

LBANy, N.y. | Advocates made another push April 25 for New York to enact a law banning conversion therapy.

Dozens of social workers joined students, LGBT activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol to call on the Republican-led Senate to take up the legislation. The measure has passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly.

The New York State Psychiatric Association, the New York State Psychological Association and National Association of Social Workers oppose therapy aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation.

Democratic Sen. Brady Hoylman’s legislation banning conversion therapy has yet to make it out of committee, but has the support of at least one Senate Republican, co-sponsor Phil Boyle, of Long Island.

The Senate and Assembly measures would ban mental health care professionals from practicing conversion therapy with patients under 18. Last year, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order that barred insurance coverage for conversion therapy for minors and prohibited state mental health facilities from offering it.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

viewpoint

Sabrina Ambra

ladyfingers

I

Baby Talk ’ve really never

understood the concept of the “biological clock,” nor have I tried.

At the ripe age of 28 (by the way, I can still say that as of this writing) I am very aware that a good portion of my peers have popped-out at least one, if not four children. While that has not personally inspired me to start breeding, it has been a pretty amazing experience to watch my friends become incredible mothers. It seems like just yesterday I was the one projectilevomiting on them, and now it’s the fruit of their loins that is doing the yacking.

I don’t necessarily feel any pressure to have children, which I find interesting considering that like most women for the last two centuries, I have been and will continue to be asked if/when I’ll have children. I still get asked in some shape or form, but not as frequently and I think I know why.

I’ve noticed that the conversation tends to either take a halt or get real personal whenever I mention my homosexuality. There are a few different types of responses: (1) a wide-eyed, “WAIT-BUT-HOW?!” look

in their eyes. I can tell that their minds are racing as they try to put the numbers together, solve the equations and reference the periodic table trying to figure out how the fuck Sabrina is going to get a baby inside of her, (2) a blank stare until it registers, which leads to (3) a modest frown that reads, “Don’t fucking move or she’ll know I’m praying for her later,” or (4) an immediate attempt at a deep dive into my sperm strategy. These are not the responses of everyone; I’m just saying that I’ve seen them enough to recognize who is about to give them.

You see, women my age are either seasoned for the nonchalant but invasive questioning on motherhood, or they’ve already taken a bun out of their vagina-oven thus avoiding the passive-aggressive interrogation. I use “passive-aggressive” loosely because I believe for the most part the person inquiring about my procreation plans is not doing it to be an asshole.

Curiosity is human nature.

Humans have this innate yearning to not only lift the curtain, but stick their entire heads and a popcorn-wielding arm under it. That being said, not every itch is truly ours to scratch. Spending just a brief moment to consider whether or not the gal wants you all-up-in her reproductive business can do wonders for an interpersonal exchange.

I would even go as far as to say that a woman will probably share her child-bearing news without being prompted. It’s a crazy thought, I know, but it just might work.

While I don’t feel any pressure to have a baby right now nor do I hear a faint sound of a ticking clock coming from my uterus, I would love to have a child of my own one day. I held my best friend’s newborn a few weeks ago. When he wrapped his tiny hand

around my index finger, I thought for sure I was going to faint from all the love rushing through my body. Then he looked up at me, his sweet baby face staring me in the eyes, and he started wailing like I’ve never heard before in

still a bit of an element of surprise. I haven’t done all the research, but from what I gathered I’m going to have to literally decide the day my life (and my partner’s life) will change forever. That’s fucking nerve-wrecking!

One day in the next few

folks that probably couldn’t handle reading from this publication: I don’t know when I’m going to bring a child into this world, but when it’s time I’m going to be an awesome mother. Until then—and when it does, and after it happens—it’ll

my life. The sweet stare became terror and it was at that moment that I was totally cool with pushing back motherhood another five years.

This is strange to say, but I’m almost a little envious of “breeders”—a term for heterosexual couples that I’ve loved for many, many years. Whether they’re trying to have a baby or it’s unplanned, there’s

years, I’m going to look at my week ahead and between my lunch meeting and laser hair removal appointment will be “get inseminated” or something along those lines. Now that I think about it, I should do it during the weekend so I can label it “Skeeterday!”

I know what you’re thinking and yes, I would be an awesome mother. And to the naive and/or nosey

be on my terms. For now, my vagina will live to see another day and I’ll continue to enjoy being a badass auntie to like eight unofficial nieces and nephews. It’s not a bad life, y’all.

Curiosity is human nature. Humans have this innate yearning to not only lift the curtain, but stick their entire heads and a popcorn-wielding arm under it.

Sabrina Ambra is a co-host of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to.

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

ROBERT W. POPE

viewpoint

Miguel Fuller

high fidelity Talking It Out

I

AM NOT A PSychOLOGIST. I am not a therapist.

I am not a counselor.

I’m just a human being who over the past 10 years has had the great fortune to sit back and listen to thousands of people spill their innermost secrets and tawdry scandals on the radio about their relationships—the good, the bad and definitely the scandalous. Most memorable is the story about the woman who called up to win a TV and told us a secret that could have put her behind bars for years. I’ll get to that in just a bit.

Over the years of doing a morning radio show and hearing people’s relationship drama, I have carved out some hits and misses on what to do in a

relationship. I have been able to apply a lot of these to my current relationship with my boyfriend because we both have agreed that our relationship has been one of the most open and loving we have ever been in.

There’s one lesson though that I thought I had down.

I thought I was a pro and could teach a class on it.

I was so wrong.

That lesson is communication. Haven’t you heard that in every relationship you should communicate? Of course you have. I always thought I was a great communicator in relationships since I did it for a living with strangers on the radio every morning.

I. Was. Wrong.

I’ve learned over the course of my relationship with Mr. Silverfox (it’s the nickname we gave him on our radio show) that there is a difference between talking at someone and truly opening up every day and communicating.

When you communicate effectively you are learning your partner every day.

This goes for just about everything.

Recently I found out that my boyfriend would be traveling up North to his hometown for a couple of weeks with work and family commitments. Then he will be traveling with his entire family overseas to Thailand to see his older brother marry his longtime girlfriend. He’s going to

be gone for a month, an entire month. That’s four weeks and four weekends.

At the time I found this out, I quickly went through two scenarios of how I should respond. I could be fake Miguel and say oh I’ll miss you, but have fun with your family on this wonderful adventure. Or I could be silent, hold in what I really felt, mumble some words about what a great trip

the rule that you can’t let someone be the center of your joy. I’ve felt like your partner should add to your life but you should be a complete and whole person and not have to depend on them for your happiness.

Well for me in that moment I realized how flawed that type of thinking was. We as humans, especially LGBT humans, are probably walking around with some

not speaking for all gay men, but I have found through the years that even though we are gay and stereotypically supposed to be in touch with our emotional side, that generalization does not hold up. We were told to toughen up, don’t cry, don’t be a “girl.” That sort of socialization has led to some of us not wanting to open up and be honest

he’s going to have and not express what was really happening in my heart and mind. Of course I chose the latter. Communicating isn’t easy.

After a few tense weeks of me making passive aggressive comments toward him leaving me for a month, I finally had to get my act together and explore my mind to figure out why I was so sad, mad and hurt that he was leaving. Here’s where the communication comes into play. As we sat down, I started to apologize for being passive aggressive and making remarks that weren’t needed. Then my mouth and heart wouldn’t stop. I began to open up and communicate about what was really going on. I was hurt. I’ve always lived by

kind of hurt from our upbringing or coming out.

If that’s not you, you are very fortunate. After all these years of building this wall around my heart and being prideful that I didn’t need anyone to make me happy, Mr. Silverfox had just come in like a wrecking ball and opened it all up. Now I was feeling vulnerable. I was also feeling a little guilty because there are so many couples that deal with long distance relationships or some sort of drama. He so correctly said, “But those people aren’t you.

Your feelings and emotions are valid. You can’t compare yourself to other people.”

Boom. We just communicated so hard Oprah would be proud.

It seems so stupid.

So simple. So basic. I’m

and communicate with our partners.

Communicate.

Communicate.

Communicate and see how you and your partner grow. Oh—about that woman from the beginning of the article. We asked listeners to call into our radio show with their deepest, darkest, secrets.

A very unassuming, polite sounding woman called in and calmly told us that her husband had forgotten to do his chores so many times over the years, she had literally plotted to kill him. After planning it out and starting the process she decided that she didn’t want to go through with it. She was still married to her husband at the time.

Communicate!

a very unassuming, polite sounding woman called in and calmly told us that her husband had forgotten to do his chores so many times over the years, she had literally plotted to kill him.

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ST PETE GALA Saturday, May 12, 2018 • 7pm T h e M a h a ffe y T h e at e r • 4 0 0 1 st S t re e t S o u t h

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Please join us for a wonderful evening for a great cause!

This year we are honoring Studio 6 2 0 ’ s B o b D e v i n J o n e s w i t h o u r Vo i c e for Equality Award, Equality Florida Steering Committee member Alissa Hopkins with the Amy Mandel Service and Leadership award, and Ren Joseph w i l l r e c e i v e t h e Yo u t h Vo i c e f o r Equality Award. There will be delicious cuisine from Catering by the Family, the new in-house caterer of the M a h a ff e y T h e a t e r, o p e n b a r, K a h w a E s p r e s s o B a r, d a n c i n g w i t h D J F r e s h , a fantastic silent auction, a n d a S t a t e of the State address by Senior P o l i t i c a l D i r e c t o r, J o e S a u n d e r s .

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

80 COUNTRIES (OF THE ONES RESEARCHERS EXAMINED)

have experienced

INCREASED LGBTQ ACCEPTANCE SINCE 1980 with

talking points I am passionately against discrimination of any kind and hope it’s clear from the choices I have made, and the people I stand with, that I do not hold any common moral beliefs with the current President.

—cANADIAN SINGeR ShANIA TwAIN APOLOGIZING AFTeR SAyING IN AN INTeRvIew ThAT She wOULD hAve vOTeD FOR TRUMP IN The 2016 PReSIDeNTIAL eLecTION.

time maGaZine names 10 lGbtQ people

to 100 most influential people list

T

IMe MAGAZINe ReLeASeD ITS ANNUAL 100 MOST INFLUeNTIAL PeOPLe LIST April 19 with nearly a dozen openly LGBTQ influencers appearing on it.

Scottish politician Ruth Davidson, journalist Ronan Farrow, Parkland shooting survivor Emma González, author Janet Mock, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, fashion designer Christian Siriano, Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, Chilean actress Daniela Vega, screenwriter/actress Lena Waithe and Obama portrait painter Kehinde Wiley all appear on the list. That is a significant increase from last year’s list which only featured four openly LGBTQ influencers. Profiles for each of the most influential on the list are penned by a famous politician, celebrity or a person of cultural importance. This year several LGBTQ people were selected to write profiles including Lee Daniels who wrote on Jesmyn Ward, Elton John on Prince Harry, Sarah Paulson on Sterling K. Brown and Rosie O’Donnell on Roseanne Barr.

ICELAND, THE NETHERLANDS,

SWEDEN and

DENMARK

leadinG the waY.

46 HAVE REGRESSED,

MOST NOTABLY aZerbaijan, banGladesh, GeorGia and Ghana.

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‘sense8’ announces finale release date

“S

eNSe8” wILL wRAP UP ITS STORy IN A TwO-hOUR FINALe that will be released on June 8 on Netflix. The sci-fi series from transgender sisters Lana and Lilly Wachowski told the story of eight strangers from around the world who discover they have a psychic connection. Netflix unexpectedly canceled the show last June after two seasons. Fans refused to let the series go without a fight and petitioned for its return on social media. The outcry was enough for Netflix to grant the series a two-hour finale special. Max Riemelt, Toby Onwumere, Miguel Angel Silvestre, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae and Brian J. Smith will all return for the finale.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

‘Glee’ actor kevin mchale comes out in ariana Grande tweet

“G

Lee” STAR KevIN MchALe cAMe OUT AS GAy in a tweet praising Ariana Grande’s new single “No Tears Left to Cry.” McHale, 29, tweeted “#NoTearsLeftToCry is gayer than me and I ACCEPT. Ty @ArianaGrande” in response to Grande’s single release.

“I’d like to request a remix with @ JanetJackson. ty for ur time. @ ArianaGrande,” he added. McHale had already hinted on Instagram that he was in a relationship with actor Austin McKenzie. McHale had posted photos of himself holding hands with someone who eagle-eyed followers thought to be McKenzie. He also posted a photo of himself cuddling with McKenzie.

The pair both starred in the LGBTQ mini-series “When We Rise.”

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rupaul will soon launch a makeup line with mallY beautY

R

UPAUL IS cOLLABORATING wITh cOSMeTIcS BRAND MALLy BeAUTy to create his own makeup line. The collection will feature 10 to 12 products curated

by Ru himself. It’s set to launch early next year. “Ru has always stayed true to who he is and unapologetically puts himself out there. He exemplifies self-acceptance and has inspired and taught millions of people to love themselves,” founder Mally Roncal said. “I love Mally,” RuPaul added. “Her approach to make-up is exemplified by her personality: smart, sexy, fun, and beautiful. I really dig this woman.”

This will be the second makeup collaboration for RuPaul. In 1994, he became the first drag queen to work with a major cosmetics brand with his beauty campaign for MAC.

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illUStration by JaKe SteVenS

THE 27TH ANNUAL ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL PRESENTS THE FRINGE-O-MATIC

T

Jeremy Williams

he ORLANDO INTeRNATIONAL

Fringe Festival is back for its 27th year at Loch Haven Park and its surrounding neighborhoods. The festival runs May 15-28 with 130 shows ranging from small, intimate one-person productions to big budget musical extravaganzas with dozens of performers joined together under the festival’s 2018 tagline... United We Fringe!

“United We Fringe speaks to the belief that Orlando Fringe is a place where you can escape your everyday troubles in life,” says Brian Sikorski, Orlando Fringe’s marketing coordinator.

“This is a place where you can come together with people from all different walks of life for a common purpose and enjoying each other’s company. People from different countries, of different ethnicities and sexual identities and religious beliefs all come to Orlando Fringe. We want to celebrate that unity.”

And what a celebration it will be.

Along with some of the best theater you’ll see all year, Orlando Fringe will again be hosting the party on the lawn

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

featuring food trucks, the beer and booze tents (Fringe is in charge of the alcohol this year with a bar donated

by Stonewall Orlando), a special Fringe-brand wine and the lawn stage with tons of free performances.

Something else new this year that has Orlando Fringe patrons all abuzz... it slices, it dices, it’s the Fringe-O-Matic!

“Lewis Johnson, an Orlando Fringe uber-fan, created the Fringe-O-Matic to aide him in making the perfect schedule,” Sikorski says. “[Johnson] contacted Orlando Fringe and told them about this program he designed and asked if they wanted it free of charge.”

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Here’s how it works: Go to FringeOMatic.com and enter your availability.

Then, go through the schedule and rate each show based on your interest level. The Fringe-O-Matic will turn out the perfect Fringe schedule for you. It’s that simple.

We here at Watermark took Orlando Fringe’s shows and, with a little help from our Queer-O-Matic, have compiled a list of the best LGBTQ-themed shows that you do not want to miss. As with any festival, please remember shows, times and dates are all subject to change. To keep up-to-date on all things Orlando Fringe go to OrlandoFringe.org.

continued on pG. 25 | uu |

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Orlando fringe 2018 gallery

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

OrlandO fringe 2018 gallery

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Saturday, June 9, 2018

• Location: Wadeview Park 2177 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando • Registration: 7:00 a.m.

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“WANZIE’S MONORAIL INFERNO” wanZie presents & d sQuared productions (orlando, fl) silver venue 90 Minutes; 13 & Up – Strong language, Mature themes May 18, 10:15 p.m.; May 19, 10:15 p.m.; May 20, 3:45 p.m.; May 22, 8:15 p.m.; May 23, 10:15 p.m.; May 26, 1:00 p.m.; May 27, 9:45 p.m.

S PHOTO BY Danny Garcia

“VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM” colleGe park productions (orlando, fl) brown venue 60 Minutes; 18 & Up – Strong language, nudity, Mature themes May 17, 10:45 p.m.; May 19, 9:15 p.m.; May 21, 10:00 p.m.; May 23, 11:59 p.m.; May 25, 8:45 p.m.; May 26, 10:30 p.m.

morGan crannY (victoria, british columbia, canada) Yellow venue 60 Minutes; 13 & Up – Strong language May 17, 10:30 p.m.; May 19, 8:30 p.m.; May 20, 6:15 p.m.; May 21, 10:30 p.m.; May 26, 11:00 p.m.; May 27, 1:15 p.m.

c

OLLeGe PARK PRODUcTIONS

presents the Charles Busch-penned classic “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,” directed by Jeff Jones, and starring Nathan Bonk and Kristin Pringle-Marksbury as the titular supernatural characters.

This satirical saga, presented in a series of vignettes, follows the bitter rivalry of the succubus La Condesa (Pringle-Marksbury) and the virgin Madeline Astarte

(Bonk)—both immortal lesbian vampires—from their first venomous and comical altercation at the Biblical city of depravity, Sodom, through the next 2,000 years with stops in

the silent-movie era of 1920s Hollywood and the modern day city of sin, Las Vegas.

With a cast of who’s who in Central Florida actors, including William Bruce, Mike Van Dyke, Chris Eastwood, Jossette McCausland, Jerry Jobe Jr., Robert Carnes and Erica Roberts, “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” will take you on a drag-tastic romp through genres of classic horror cinema and the tongue-in-cheek camp styles of a John Waters flick.

“AN ALL NEW GOD IS A SCOTTISH DRAG QUEEN”

T

he 18-time “Best of the Fest” winner and three-time Orlando Fringe Patrons Pick, Mike Delamont, took a break from playing the All Mighty Creator last year to give us a take on what the Prince of Darkness thought about the world’s state of affairs in the show “Devil.” While that show was a

hit, the silver-tongued demon is banished from the Fringe garden this year as Delamont is back as Our Savior in the fifth edition of his massively popular Fringe franchise, “God Is A Scottish Drag Queen.”

For those who have been living under a Fringe rock, Delamont’s “God Is A Scottish Drag Queen”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

features the Canadian comedian as God dressed in a floral-print power suit, along with a black bob hairstyle wig and black frame glasses perched on the end of his nose. God speaks to the audience in a Doubtfire-esque Scottish accent and passes judgment on everything from politics to religion to pop culture.

This all new “God Is A Scottish Drag Queen” is sure to be a sellout run as each previous iteration has since 2013, so make sure to get your tickets early.

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ome Fringe shows are small, intimate, “art house” type affairs where a single, half-naked (sometimes completely naked) entertainer performs under a solo spotlight. “Wanzie’s Monorail Inferno” is not one of those shows.

“Wanzie’s Monorail Inferno” is a 90-minute, disaster-film parody with a cast of 16 actors, nine original songs, tap dancing clergy, thousands of dollars worth of wireless body mics, 50 original costume creations (all by Marcy Singhaus and D Squared Productions), additional set pieces and trucks full of props... and that’s just the stuff we learned from reading the press release. What else would you expect from Michael Wanzie, Kenny Howard and D Squared Productions, who have brought to Orlando Fringe some of the most ambitious and popular productions including “Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly!,” “In Close Quarters,” last year’s Fringe favorite “Wanzie With A Z” and Orlando Fringe’s top-selling show ever “Wanzie’s The Lion Queen: And The Naked Go-Go Cub.” “Wanzie’s Monorail Inferno,” inspired by the real life 1985 incident at Walt Disney World when the rear car of the Monorail Silver exploded into flames, takes us into the terrifying moments after the accident as tourists stranded aboard a stalled Disney Monorail struggle to deal with one another’s peculiarities and neurosis while facing death.

This high-camp musical comedy— Wanzie’s first wholly original musical that he wrote with longtime collaborator Rich Charron—is a big, glitzy-costumed, highly produced spectacle filled with unexpected twists and ‘80s pop culture nostalgia you don’t want to miss.

“Wanzie’s Monorail Inferno” is directed

by Howard, with musical direction by David Dorman, and stars Kerry Lace, Darby Ballard, Andy Fontaine, Gidget Galore, Divine Grace, Candy Marilyn Heller, Gabrielle Hockensmith, Jessica Hoehn, Josh Lefkowitz, Chad Lewis, Maria Ragen, Joshua S. Roth, Kristin Shirilla, Kasey Sollenberger, Savannah Swafford and Wanzie.

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june 5-10

dr. phillips center drphillipscenter.org 844.513.2014 british_invasion_half_page_ad.ai

1

3/22/2018

8:40:20 AM

17-BW-0161-0025-rent-watermark-ad.indd 1

4/27/18 4:39 PM

Saturday May 19th 7:30 PM Sunday May 20th 4:30 PM

C

The Plaza Live 425 N Bumby Avenue Orlando, FL 32803

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CM

Get your tickets at

MY

www.orlandogaychorus.org

CY

CMY

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@orlandogaychorus @OGCsing @orlandogaychorus

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The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and humanitarian organization operating under Florida statutes.

PHOTO BY Danny Garcia

“LOVE IS LOVE” budhakahn (orlando, fl)

O

n the evening of June 12, 2016, not even 24 hours after (at the time) the worse mass shooting in the modern U.S. at Pulse Orlando, bYov: savoY orlando “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda accepted the Tony Award for best original score and gave an 60 Minutes; all ages impassioned speech that said, in part, “We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger; we rise and May 19, 4:00 p.m.; fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that May 20, 4:00 p.m.; hope and love lasts long, and love is love is love is love May 25, 6:30 p.m.; is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or May 26, 7:00 p.m.; swept aside.”

May 27, 4:00 p.m.

The phrase “love is love” became a rallying cry for those who sought justice and equality in a world that seemed to be taking innocent lives simply because of who they are and who they love. The phrase also lends itself to the title of this original one-act show which explores the challenges teens face approaching relationships in a modern world where sexual preference and national origin are such controversial issues.

“Love is Love” follows three couples as they try to overcome their differences in sexuality and nationality, and learn that “gender preference does not define you, your spirit defines you.”

“KEEP IT GAY”

breakthrouGh theatre of winter park (winter park, fl)

“PEEVIRA’S SCAREAVAN SINGALONG: DISNEY ADDICKTION” madame peevira/peevish productions (orlando, fl) bYov: peevira’s carGo van 30 Minutes; 18 & Up – Strong language, Mature themes, Sexual Content, Violence May 18, multiple times; May 19, multiple times; May 20, multiple times; May 24, multiple times; May 25, multiple times; May 26, multiple times; May 27, multiple times

R

“TALES OF A SOUTHERN BELLE”

eMeMBeR wheN yOU weRe A

kid and your parents told you that if a stranger in a van offers you candy to just run away and find and adult you trust? Yeah, you can just throw those parental warnings out the window while you’re at Orlando Fringe because Madame PeeVira is back with her sing-along van!

The Fringy Mime Queen herself, PeeVira loads all the good boys and girls into her SCAREvan for a fun, absurd and raunchy 30-minute show complete with drag, games, trivia and, of course, karaoke.

david lee (orlando, fl)

So if you are ready to say Hakuna Matata, let it go and go the distance in a whole new world, be our guest and see this show which, if you haven’t guessed already, is a salute to all you poor unfortunate souls “addickted” to Disney tunes.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

S

ometimes when a show lists itself as an “LGBTQ-themed show,” you have to dig a round for the queer message or characters.

Sometimes it’s right there in the title. The bYov: breakthrouGh Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park presents theatre of winter park “Keep It Gay,” and we couldn’t agree more.

60 Minutes; 18 & Up “Keep It Gay” is a naughty musical extravaganza celebrating all the things in gay Mature themes, nudity culture that make Pat Robertson condemn us in May 17, 8:25 p.m.; public and wish he was us in private; including May 18, 8:25 p.m.; scintillating musical numbers, drag performers May 19, 10:00 p.m.; and male strippers.

May 20, 6:10 p.m.; “Keep It Gay” is directed by Wade Hair with May 24, 8:25 p.m.; music direction and choreography by Angela May 25, 10:00 p.m.; Cotto. This show is titillating fun for both the May 26, 10:00 p.m.; men and the ladies—but not for children as it May 27, 4:35 p.m. features full frontal nudity.

G

rowing up is hard. Growing up and being LGBTQ can be even harder, and growing up LGBTQ in the Deep South can feel insurmountable. brown venue “Tales of a Southern Belle,” coproduced by David Lee 60 Minutes; 13 & Up and directed by John Ryan, is Eddie Cooper’s soulful – Strong language, journey to becoming the man he is today.

Mature themes The show is a charming and hilarious musical romp that follows Cooper’s coming of age in the Deep South, May 17, 7:15 p.m.; remembering family and recalling traditions. Join May 19, 5:45 p.m.; Cooper and his live acoustic band as they pluck their May 20, 12:30 p.m.; way through favorite musical hits of Bonnie Raitt, Elvis May 24, 9:00 p.m.; Presley, Sam Smith, Bruno Mars, John Legend and more.

May 27, 8:45 p.m.

“Tales of a Southern Belle” has plenty of surprises, a whole lot of heart and more sass than a Judd family reunion.

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world class theatre • made in sarasota

800.361.8388 | asolorep.org

MAY 4–27

go.

Jared Joseph in Ragtime. Photo by John Revisky.

asolorep rep

Book by TERRANCE McNALLY | Music by STEPHEN FLAHERTY Lyrics by LYNN AHRENS | Directed by PETER ROTHSTEIN Based on the novel “Ragtime” by E.L. DOCTOROW

Wrap. Test. Repeat.

IfYouSex.org

a member of

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May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

PHOTO BY Danny Garcia

“LAUREN & AMANDA DO IT” toasted theatre companY (ottawa, ontario, canada)

“BLUE STAR PRESENTS:

VARIETEASE...

SPELLBOUND”

blue lala entertainment/ blue star (orlando, fl)

B

lue Star is someone in Central Florida who needs no introduction. This black venue dancer/singer/actor/ 60 Minutes; business woman/ 18 & Up – community champion/ Mature themes member of the Justice League (probably) is as May 17, 9:00 p.m.; beautiful on the inside as May 18, 7:30 p.m.; she is on the outside, and May 19, 6:00 p.m.; she has been performing May 20, 6:00 p.m.; and entertaining the May 25, 7:30 p.m.; people for years.

May 27, 6:00 p.m.

Blue is back at Orlando Fringe this year with one of her many troupes as Blue LaLa Entertainment presents “VarieTEASE... SpellBound.” Spellbound is “a magical soul changing journey expressed through dance and music. The moment of which everyday things in life have more meaning than you think.”

If this is your first plunge into a VarieTEASE show then be warned, you are in for a treat of sultry and seductive burlesque dance like you’ve never seen before.

“GORGEOUS” y Ow DANce TeAMS UP

with Central Florida Community Arts to bring you a song-and-dance comedy on the journey that young pageant contestants take in order to come out on top, and the lengths they’ll go to get there.

Yow dance (orlando, fl)

oranGe venue

55 Minutes; 18 & Up – Strong language

May 18, 6:30 p.m.; May 19, 8:15 p.m.; May 22, 8:30 p.m.; May 25, 5:00 p.m.; May 27, 2:45 p.m.

“Gorgeous” is loosely based on the 1999 cult film “Drop Dead Gorgeous” starring Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Kirstie Alley and Allison Janney about a small-town beauty pageant that turns deadly.

“Gorgeous” explores the trek of these wickedly diverse pageant contestants and there family members as they fight through pranks, jokes and extreme challenges to bring home the crown.

“Gorgeous” is directed by Donald Rupe, the man who brought you last year’s award-winning “Bitch, Perfect,” with music by Rupe and Cesar De La Rosa, and choreography from Eric Yow.

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J

ust like another badass trio of women from the ‘90s, the comical brown venue trinity of Amanda 60 Minutes; Logan, Lauren 18 & Up – Strong Cauchy and Alli language, Mature Harris want to themes talk about sex, baby. The Toasted May 18, 8:00 p.m.; Theatre Company, May 19, 3:30 p.m.; founded by Logan May 20, 6:15 p.m.; and Cauchy, May 23, 10:15 p.m.; present their late May 25, 7:00 p.m.; night (or mid-day, May 26, 8:45 p.m. depending on which performance you buy a ticket for) talk show “Lauren & Amanda Do It.” “Lauren & Amanda Do It” is part game show, part sex education talk show. Think “Sex Talk with Sue Johanson,” but instead of an old Canadian female host you get two young Canadian female hosts (Logan and Cauchy)... with a hot lesbian (Harris) providing music.

Winner of the Jury’s Choice Award at Ottawa Fringe 2017 and nominated for the Jenny Revue Award at Winnipeg Fringe 2017, “Lauren & Amanda Do It” offers a non-judgmental, safe environment to talk about anything from sex toys and positions to body image issues and sexual identity.

“Right off the bat, we like to tell people at our show that we foster an inclusive and safe space and people should respect whatever is shared and not feel like they are obligated to share any of their own stories,” Logan said in a 2017 interview with Apt613.ca. “We also like to let our audience know that they have the ability to leave the theatre and then return if they wish, if something did get too much (for them to handle) and it’s without any judgment.”

“We want (our show) to be like a conversation between two best friends over a glass of wine,” Cauchy added. “ And this could potentially be a forum or an avenue for people to be let in on these types of conversations that are important and also really fun. People really like talking about sex.”

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14 MORE LGBTQ-THEMED SHOWS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS... “awake” navarro performs (orlando, fl) pink venue 60 Minutes; 18 & Up - Mature themes

“Death Part 7: The Last Word” jack trinco (new York, nY) red venue 60 Minutes; 13 & Up - adult themes

May 16, 10:15 p.m.; May 19, 5:15 p.m.; May 22, 7:00 p.m.; May 23, 5:30 p.m.; May 25, 9:15 p.m.; May 26, 5:00 p.m.; May 27, 10:45 p.m.

May 16, 7:30 p.m.; May 18, 6:00 p.m.; May 19, 10:30 p.m.; May 20, 6:30 p.m.; May 21, 10:30 p.m.

A story of a musician who’s haunted everyday with melodies he could not express and a life he knew wasn’t his. As he tries to take his life, divine intervention occurs.

This dark, comic cabaret act on the theme of death features outrageous storytelling and killer songs from contemporary songwriters as they explore a subject that unites us all.

“Becoming Magic Mike: an action adventure comedy”

joel swanson (orlando, fl) red venue 60 Minutes; 13 & Up – Strong language, Mature themes, interspecies relationships

dk reinemer (portland, or) brown venue 60 Minutes; 13 & Up - Mature themes May 17, 9:00 p.m.; May 19, 11:00 p.m.; May 21, 8:15 p.m.; May 24, 10:45 p.m.; May 26, 7:00 p.m.; May 27, 10:30 p.m.

Comedian DK Reinemer in a brand new, smokin’ hot, action adventure comedy about a strait-laced detective thrust deep undercover in the unfamiliar world of male stripping.

“California Kiki”

“FROGPIG”

May 17, 10:00 p.m.; May 19, 7:30 p.m.; May 23, 5:30 p.m.; May 26, 8:00 p.m.; May 27, 12:00 p.m.

His father’s a frog. His mother’s a pig. The cultural phenomenon we have all come to know and love finally steps forward to tell his story. In song, naturally.

“In search Of Cruise Control”

“LadyBoys of The Peek-aBoo Lounge” blue lala entertainment/ bluestar and rob ward (orlando, fl) black venue 60 minutes; 18 & Up - Mature themes, Gender bending, Strong language, nudity May 21, 9:00 p.m.; May 22, 10:30 p.m.; May 23, 10:30 p.m.

Come see what Orlando is talking about. It will tantalize all of your senses, no matter what your sexual preference. Where art meets sensuality, drag, burlesque, dance and music.

“Mar’keyth the Bar’keep” markeYth powell (orlando, fl) bYov: savoY orlando 30 Minutes; 18 & Up – adult language May 18, 10:15 p.m.; May 20, 2:45 p.m.; May 25, 5:15 p.m.; May 26, 3:30 p.m.; May 27, 2:30 p.m.

After pulling a double, this bartender just wants to go home and it’s almost closing time.

Look into the world of “grinning and bar’ing it” as you step into the bartender’s mind.

“Mason, son of Ma” nils taranGer ii (orlando, fl) oranGe venue 50 Minutes; 13 & Up – Mature themes May 18, 10:00 p.m.; May 20, 5:00 p.m.; May 21, 6:45 p.m.; May 23, 10:45 p.m.; May 24, 8:30 p.m.; May 26; 12:30 p.m.

After coming out as gay, Mason leaves his religion in search of something that will bring him happiness, leading him on a musical journey across the rainbow bridge.

“Moth”

GanGland productions / james GanGl (ontario, canada) pink venue 70 Minutes; 18 & Up – Strong language, Mature themes

jeremiah j Gibbons (winter Garden, fl) red venue 45 Minutes; 13 & Up – Some language, Mature themes

May 18, 8:30 p.m.; May 20, 8:00 p.m.; May 25, 10:00 p.m.; May 26, 5:00 p.m.; May 27, 8:00 p.m.

May 17, 8:15 p.m.; May 19, 8:45 p.m.; May 20, 9:30 p.m.; May 22, 10:30 p.m.; May 25, 7:15 p.m.; May 26, 11:30 a.m.; May 27, 2:45 p.m.

May 17, 7:15 p.m.; May 20, 5:15 p.m.; May 24, 7:30 p.m.; May 25, 6:00 p.m.; May 27, 9:30 p.m.

Brett McMahon brings the humor/beauty out in life’s challenging moments with his “California Kiki” filled with songs and true life stories.

Accompanied by Josh Ceballos on piano.

Long-time virgin turned sex-fiend, James Gangl struggles to give his awkward teenage nephew the sex talk he never asked for and will never forget.

brett mcmahon (los anGeles, ca) bYov: savoY orlando 75 minutes; 18 & Up - Strong language, Mature themes

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Moth is a gender fluid dreamer struggling with the ideas of meaning and purpose, desiring to be more than ordinary. What songs do you have left to sing?

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“Multiple Organism” mind of a snail puppet co. (vancouver, british columbia, canada) silver venue 60 Minutes; 18 & Up - Mature themes, nudity, Sexual content May 18, 8:30 p.m.; May 19, 4:20 p.m.; May 20, 10:15 p.m.; May 22, 10:30 p.m.; May 24, 10:45 p.m.; May 26, 7:00 p.m.; May 27, 6:15 p.m.

Sick of being objectified, an artist’s model steals a magical paintbrush and it changes her life. A wild and risky new show from the award-winning creators of “Caws & Effect.”

“My Pal Bette” ms. b productions / tammY kopko (brooklYn, nY) Gold venue 75 Minutes; 13 & Up - language, Mature themes May 17, 10:30 p.m.; May 20, 9:45 p.m.; May 23, 8:45 p.m.; May 26, 10:15 p.m.; May 27, 5:00 p.m.

Hollywood diva Bette Davis is the chain-smoking, tough-talking unlikely guardian angel and mentor to an awkward 5-year-old boy.

“sCuM: a manifesto” scantilY Glad theatre (saskatoon, saskatchewan, canada) blue venue 60 Minutes; 18 & Up - Strong language, nudity, Violence, Sexual content, nasty Women May 18, 9:00 p.m.; May 19, 10:30 p.m.; May 20, 6:30 p.m.; May 22, 10:30 p.m.; May 25, 7:30 p.m.; May 26, 9:00 p.m.; May 27, 1:00 p.m.

“SCUM” is a look inside the mind of Valerie Solanas, the mother of radical feminism and the woman who shot pop-art legend Andy Warhol.

“Title and Deed” marGaret nolan/kanGaGirl productions (winter park, fl) Yellow venue 60 Minutes; 13 & Up – Mature themes May 18, 6:30 p.m.; May 20, 4:00 p.m.; May 22, 8:00 p.m.; May 24, 5:15 p.m.; May 25, 9:00 p.m.; May 26, 5:30 p.m.; May 27, 11:30 a.m.

David Lee takes on playwright Will Eno in a new haunting and often fiercely funny meditation on life.

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celebrate the power and beauty of diversity

MORE INFO ONLINE AT

www.stpetepride.com 32

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arts and entertainment

SPRINGTIMe FOR ST. PeTe: “The Producers” cast

THEY CAN members Matthew McGee, Jim Sorensen and James larosa (L-R) bring the “equal offender” musical to Demens Landing.

Photo by Joey clay PhotoGraPhy

american staGe, matthew mcGee brinG “the producers” to the park

DO IT! watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“B

Ryan Williams-Jent

eING OUT IN The PARK

is the perfect place to do this,” Tampa Bay fan-favorite actor Matthew McGee says of “The Producers,” American Stage’s latest outdoor production. “American Stage can make gigantic sets for this huge show, they can have a large cast… and you can also make it available for lots of people to see.”

McGee plays Max Bialystock, a devious lead in Mel Brooks’ Oscar-winning 1967 film, Tony-winning 2001 musical and subsequent 2005 film of the same name. The cult classic, described as an “equal opportunity offender,” follows Bialystock and fellow-schemer Leo Bloom as they produce the

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continued on pG. 35 | uu |

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| uu | The Producers from pg.33

“most notorious flop in history, bilking their backers out of millions of dollars.”

Watermark spoke with McGee during the show’s run to talk about American Stage in the Park, making America laugh again and playing a role “made famous by Ms. Nathan Lane.”

WATERMARK: You’ve

just wrapped several productions in Sarasota.

What was it like to add “The Producers” to the mix?

MATTHEW MCGEE: Wonderful.

I knew for a while I’d be playing the role but when you’re doing a lot of projects you kind of go piece to piece because your brain can only hold so much. I opened [the script] and I said well I know this is a big part but I think I’ve got this.

And then I started looking at it and went oh my god, this role never leaves the stage; this role never leaves the scene. And the times he’s not on stage they’re talking about him! There was a bit of panic and a little bit of stress, so I really put myself into it completely while finishing up other things… and I devoted myself to getting “The Producers” off the ground and on its feet.

It’s been really fun but it’s the most exhausting role I’ve ever played. I’m the same age as Nathan Lane when he played the role back in 2001, so I sit back and think “oh my god, we’re both not spring chickens but we’re jumping around on the stage and playing this wild, sort of larger-than-life character who has tons of songs, dancing and lots of comedy.”

Mel Brooks has always known how to make America laugh again. I think that’s exactly what we’re doing in a time where if you turn on the news, it’s not always so great.

—Matthew McGee

He’s s such a big character.

What’s it been like bringing him to life?

I have to tell you I have been super lucky to play the roles of other LGBT performers that I look up to. In the Park I’ve played [“The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s”] Dr. Frank N. Furter, and I wouldn’t necessarily say Tim Curry is LGBT, but he’s certainly an honorary member; I played [“Hairspray’s”] Edna Turnblad, a role made famous by Divine and Harvey Fierstein, and now I’m playing a role made famous by the great Ms. Nathan Lane!

There has always been a lot of responsibility to play these characters. I found that playing Max Bialystock was not

necessarily a challenge to get into the character’s skin, there’s so much great stuff on the page.

It was nice to play a man in the show [and not] have to get into all the makeup.

We’ve had a really great experience working on this show because the director Rye Mullis, at the beginning he said people have seen “The Producers,” people know a lot about it; we live in sort of a politically-sensitive time, so you might read some of this and go “wow, how’s this gonna go over now?”

He said “we’re gonna let the comedy sort of happen on its own and we’re really gonna work hard to make sure people get the whole story behind these two characters [and the] unlikely friendship that is created.”

Even though they get in trouble and get caught, these two guys are ultimately better for having known one another, and they pushed that story. He was right: the comedy sort of just fell into place because we were telling the story so well.

Have there been any challenges with Max?

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

There was no real difficulty or challenge in playing the role, at least to understand the character.

I think the big thing that’s the most exhausting is just doing it.

It’s a two-and-a-half-hour show; there’s a lot of dialogue, a lot of songs, a lot of scene work, a lot of choreography.

It’s really about keeping up your stamina, keeping it all straight and keeping it moving along. I think that’s probably been the hardest thing, and add to it that we’re doing it outside.

I can honestly say that Nathan Lane was probably sweaty doing

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this show in an air-conditioned theater… you can’t even imagine what I’m feeling like doing it outside in spring in Florida.

I need to have a towel [and] I need to have water constantly during the show to stay hydrated.

There are a lot of new and interesting challenges to being out in the park and playing a role as big as Max. Dare I say maybe it’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done?

Why do you think it translates well to the park?

It’s a very broad, very big show that’s super funny. Being out in the park is kind of the perfect place to do this. It gives American Stage a spot where they can make gigantic sets for this huge show, they can have a large cast… and you can also make it available for lots of people to see. So far every day I’m hearing we’re pretty full-up in the park.

I think there’s something to it.

I also have to say, we sort of live in a time that we’re super divided.

Everything today is about people being offended or the politics about everything and “Producers” is an opportunity for us all to laugh at how absurd life is, at each other and at stereotypes. So I think it kind of comes at the best possible time to rediscover what makes the show really great.

I have seen people from all walks of life; all sitting out there under the stars, all laughing at the same sort of ridiculous situations that Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom get themselves into.

Do you think that’s why theatre is so important now?

I do. Of course there are a lot of plays that make you think or understand certain concepts, or plays that expose social injustices, but sometimes people just wanna go to the theater and have a laugh.

“The Producers” does exactly that.

I think Mel Brooks has always known how to make America laugh again. I think that’s exactly what we’re doing in a time where if you turn on the news, it’s not always so great. Watching these two men lose is so much fun, because in our world now con men seem to be winning. It’s fun to watch these two guys think they have it all figured out only to have it all come crashing down.

American Stage in the Park’s “The Producers” runs Wednesdays-Sundays until May 13 at Demens Landing Park, located on 1st Avenue Southeast and Bayshore Drive in downtown St. Petersburg. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 727-823-7529 or visit americanstage.org/park.

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community calendar

event planner

arts+entertainment

central florida

central florida May the 4th burlesque You, May 4, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; TheVenueOrlando.com honchos n Ponchos, May 4, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-3730888; StonewallOrlando.com orlando ballet presents contemporary Wonders, May 4-6, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org St. Johns river Festival of the arts, May 5, 1st St. Downtown, Sanford. 407-416-1779; StJohnsRiverArtFest.com FUrgasm - Singlet De Mayo, May 5, Bear Dean at Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Girl the Party presents Pink Taco, May 5, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; GirlTheParty.com Patti labelle, May 11, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Private School: class is in Session, May 12, Henao Contemporary Center, Orlando. 407-645-2577; HopeAndHelp.org bill nye, May 12, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

into the woods

TUeSDAy, MAy 8, 6:30-8:30 P.M. AcAcIA BANQUeT hALL, ORLANDO With the 2018 Legislative session over, District 49 state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and District 48 state Rep. Amy Mercado will hold a town hall meeting to recap the previous session, update on their legislative priorities and take questions directly from constituents.

The event will be moderated by Orlando Weekly’s Monivette Cordeiro. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.

OnePuLse Foundation Mother’s Day Pop-up shop SATURDAy, MAy 12, 11:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. BLOOMINGDALe’S, ORLANDO

Superstar Justin timberlake brings his version of sexy back to Florida with the “Man of the Woods Tour” at the Amway Center in Orlando May 14 and at the Amalie Arena in Tampa May 15. Photo coUrteSy JUStintiMberlaKe.coM

6th annual harvey Milk Diversity breakfast, May 16, Dubsdread Catering, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org orlando Sentinel Foodie awards, May 17, Celine Orlando, Orlando.

407-420-5100; OrlandoSentinel MediaGroup.com/Events

tampa baY

Disney on ice presents Dare To Dream, May 13, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.org

“the Producers,” April 18-May 12, Demens Landing Park, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7329; AmericanStage.org

Justin timberlake, May 14, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.org

2018 Spring bowl - Survivor!, May 5, Sunset Beach Treasure Island, St. Petersburg.

BalanceTampaBay.org

“chicago,” May 15-16, Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach. 386-671-3461; PeabodyAuditorium.org

Enigma 4-year anniversary bash, May 5, Enigma Bar & Lounge, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com

orlando Fringe Festival, May 15-28, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

2018 Legislative Town Hall w/ Rep. smith & Rep. Mercado

taco bout a Party, May 5, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

cinco De Mayo at Quench, May 5, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com the tacos & tequila Party + Social, May 5, The RITZ Ybor, Tampa. 813-248-4050; TheRITZYbor.com open arms homeless Ministry, May 6, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa. 813-253-5388; BalanceTampaBay.org 2018 equality Florida St. Pete Gala, May 12, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.

813-870-3735; EQFL.org Steely Dan & the Doobie brothers, May 14, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater, Tampa. 877-870-3674; LiveNation.com Justin timberlake, May 15, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

Drag Queen binGo fundraiser tampa Gay Softball World Series, May 16, Hamburger Mary’s, St. Petersburg. 727-851-9386; HamburgerMarys.com/StPete balance tampa bay May Social, May 17, Capital Grille, Tampa. 813-830-9433; BalanceTampaBay.org bear Soup Mix 2018, May 17-20, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg.

727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

sarasota nice Work if you can Get it, April 26-May 13, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton. 941-748-5875; ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com Suncoast equality connection, May 7, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota. 813-870-3735; EQFL.org 9th annual harvey Milk Festival, May 10-12, Five Points Park, Sarasota. 941-228-4872; HarveyMilkFestival.org

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

Join the OnePulse Foundation at The Mall at Millenia’s Bloomingdale’s Saturday, May 12 to shop the organization’s exclusive “We Will Not Let Hate Win” merchandise; including tumblers, iWallets, t-shirts, makeup bags and more. Come out and get a unique gift just in time for Mother’s Day and help out a good cause. More information can be found at the OnePULSE Foundation Facebook page.

tampa baY

Inkwood storytime featuring Rob sanders SATURDAy, MAy 5, 4:00-4:30 P.M. INKwOOD BOOKS, TAMPA Grab the kids and come out to Inkwood Books as author Rob Sanders reads his latest book “Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag.” The children’s book tells the story of how the efforts of Harvey Milk and Rainbow Flag creator Gilbert Baker helped unify the LGBTQ community. The event is free, open to the public and for all ages. For a full list of Inkwood Storytimes, go to IkwoodBooks.com.

Metro’s Pasco Health Center Open House Reception ThURSDAy, MAy 10, 5:00-7:00 P.M. MeTRO weLLNeSS, New PORT RIchey Metro Wellness & Community Centers invites you to see its latest community space, the Pasco Health Center in New Port Richey. Come meet new medical provider Patricia Evans and her team, and discover what services they will be offering. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. For more information visit MetroTampaBay.org.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

overheard

T

castor kick-off

AMPA’S FORMeR chIeF OF POLIce AND OUT LOcAL JANe cASTOR has officially announced her candidacy for Tampa mayor.

Castor has a long history of LGBTQ community involvement and made the formal announcement via her new website “Jane Castor for Mayor.”

“Many of you know me as your Chief of Police, where I led an agency of 1,300 public servants who worked each day to keep our city safe,” she wrote. “Others know me as their neighbor and community leader who has stood beside them for the betterment of the city we love so much.”

“Tampa truly is the city where America shines bright and strong. And our city’s greatest natural resource is our citizens who call it home,” she continued. “Our hard work, hopes and dreams are what make us Tampa Strong, powering the opportunity and innovation boom we see shining every day.”

The former police chief concluded by advising she’s running for mayor “because our city needs a proven leader who will maintain our progress while building a new foundation for shared prosperity. A foundation created with participation from all neighborhoods, so that every one of us has a voice in building Tampa’s future.”

Castor joins a growing list of mayoral candidates for 2019’s race. An official campaign kickoff event is planned for May 17 at Ulele in Tampa.

S

tampa baY out+about

marshall madness

T. PeTe PRIDe hAS ANNOUNceD The GRAND MARShALS for this year’s St. Pete Pride Parade following open nominations and an online community vote.

Out of the Closet (OTC) was chosen for Organization Grand Marshal for its “integral part in its community’s daily life,” St. Pete Pride shared.

“In addition to being a thrift store where you can donate and buy unique and fashionable pieces, OTC offers a full-service pharmacy and free HIV Testing for all who come in.”

Four Community Grand Marshals were also named, beginning with SueZie and Cheryl Hawkes.

The two were married as husband and wife, though SueZie spent years struggling with her gender identity. After 14 years, the organization wrote, the duo “couldn’t continue living in the public’s perception [and] chose to pursue transitioning.”

“Pillar of St. Petersburg” Robert (Bob) Pope was also named. “Mr. Pope is widely known as the founder of Metro Wellness,” St. Pete Pride shared, “which started to support the AIDS crisis and has expanded to a full service medical center including LGBTQ+ health care, counseling and HIV prevention.”

Rounding out the list was Matt Lassen, a proud, gay, eight-year Air Force veteran. Lassen has worked to ensure LGBTQ veterans are treated “equally and honorably,” St. Pete Pride noted.

The 16th annual St. Pete Pride Parade will be held June 23.

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we GO DOwNTOwN: Dwayne McFarlane meets friends for a Bella Brava birthday in Downtown St. Petersburg April 21. Photo by ryan WilliaMS-Jent

2

PURPLe RAIN: Te Monet takes center stage to collect tips at Enigma April 21. PHOTO BY ryan WilliaMS-Jent

3

SKy SMILeS: Phyllis (L) and lindsey enjoy the fresh air at GaYbor District’s April Social at Godfrey Hotel & Cabana April 26. PHOTO BY

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Debbie reeVeS

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TOUchDOwN: Dean Dwinn greets guests at the newly-christened Cristoph’s April 21. Photo by ryan

WilliaMS-Jent

5

ePIc eATS: Jon donates funds to Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) during Dining Out for Life at Punky’s April 26. Photo by ryan WilliaMS-Jent

6

SOLD!: Tammy thomas, nicole Mesi, Miguel Fuller, claire eli, angela coley, Holly O’Connor and rosita Carazo (L-R) bid or are bid on at Metro’s Charity Auction April 27. PHOTO BY

6

ryan WilliaMS-Jent

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AN APPLe A PLAy: American Stage’s Taylor, ally, Tarilabo and chris (L-R) man the information table for Pride Plus Night of The Producers in the Park April 29. PHOTO by ryan WilliaMS-Jent

8

ORDeR UP: Hayley (L) and Erika sell pint-size pies during “Waitress: The Musical” at the Straz Center April 24. Photo by ryan WilliaMS-Jent

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overheard

orlando out+about

a colorful mouse

W

ALT DISNey wORLD IS GeTTING LGBTQ PRIDe STARTeD eARLy with the release of their “Mickey Mouse Rainbow Love” ears hat, now available in all of their Walt Disney World theme parks as well as Disneyland in California. The Mickey Mouse ears— traditionally worn on the classic TV series “The Mickey Mouse Club” — have had many iterations throughout the decades from bride & groom ears to graduation ears to ears based on popular Disney franchises including Star Wars, Marvel and Disney Princesses; but this is the first time a pair of Mickey Mouse ears have seemed to be an acknowledgement to LGBTQ Pride and, more specifically, to Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom.

“Mickey Mouse Rainbow Love” features rainbow mouse ears attached to a red hat, the traditional color worn on Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom, with embroidery of Mickey’s hands in the shape of a heart with more rainbow colors. The ears retail for $17.99 with an additional charge if you want to have your name embroidered in rainbow colors on the back. If you want a pair make sure to act fast, rumor has it the rainbow Mickey Mouse ears are flying off the shelves.

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all hail the Queen

M

eDIevAL TIMeS DINNeR & TOURNAMeNT IS QUITe The SPecTAcLe. For those who have never been to the family-friendly dinner attraction, you head back to the 11th century when people dined without utensils and watched knights slaughter each other to please the ruling king. But now, for the first time in the show’s 34-year history, the king is no more. The king is dead, long live the queen!

Medieval Times announced that Eveleena Fults, better known in these parts as the burlesque performer Ivy Les Vixens, becomes the kingdom’s (or should we say queendom’s) new ruler — her Majesty, Queen Doña Maria Isabella. The new queen-led shows have already been introduced at four of the other Medieval Times in the U.S. with the remaining locations to all adapt the new storyline by year’s end. With Ivy — who is openly lesbian — being named to the throne, the newest ruler of Orlando’s Medieval Times castle is not only female but also a member of the LGBTQ community. In a time where two of the biggest stories in the country are the Trump administration’s attacks on marginalized communities and the #MeToo movement, we can’t think of a better time for Queen Doña Maria Isabella to ascend the throne as our new leader. All hail to the queen!

To check out the new show at Orlando’s Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament visit MedievalTimes.com/Orlando for tickets.

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LGBTQ TUBeRS: A group of LGBTQ YouTube personalities taking part in Playlist Live, a three-day event where online creators and their biggest supporters come together, at Orlando World Center Marriott April 28. Photo by Maia Monet

5

GUN TALK: Florida Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (L) and QCF Magazine’s Rachel Dececco at a discussion on gun violence at Rollins College in Winter Park April 23. PHOTO BY JereMy WilliaMS

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Kathleen harPer

Mitchell, Jr.

yOU’Re hIReD: The Closing Agent’s Bob Maisenholder checks out the workforce at The Center Orlando’s LGBTQ Job Fair in Orlando April 30. PHOTO BY

3

DATe NIGhT: (L-R) eddie nickell, nicolas olivieri, Maxine earhart and Patty Sheehan mingle at the newest addition to the Mills50 District, Bites & Bubbles April 25. Photo coUrteSy Joanne cUMMinGS Grant

4

ReADING RAINBOw: Hiba George (L), with bestselling author Brad Meltzer showing off his latest read, at the Reading Between the Wines event benefiting the Adult Literacy League at the Orlando Science Center April 25. PHOTO

DOG wALKeRS: Eric hughes (L) and Mike Mitchell, Jr. attend the 8th Annual Paws For Peace Walk at Blue Jacket Park in Orlando April 21. Photo coUrteSy MiKe

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DAPPeR DUcKS: Joan Rodriguez (L) and son liam hang out with Donald Duck for the Spring Dapper Day at Walt Disney World. PHOTO BY Danny Garcia

8

vANITy FAIR: blue Star brings a sultry dance to Opera del Sol’s “Mozart’s Muses: An evening of Opera & Burlesque” at The Mezz in Orlando April 27. Photo coUrteSy oPera Del Sol

coUrteSy hiba GeorGe

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

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45

announcements

weddinG bells

cOngratulatiOns

CJay Tauber & steven Frost

enigma St. Pete celebrates four years of business May 5.

XL106.7 morning show co-host and LGBTQ activist Sondra rae Valentino announced April 27 that she and her wife, Missy Guad, are expecting twins.

from Dunedin, Florida

cOndOlences

engagement date: February 14, 2018

WENA’s Nightclub & Showbar owner and beloved LGBTQ community icon christina Woodward passed away April 14.

wedding date: april 11, 2018

Dear friend of the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and LGBTQ community Chuck Wilhelm passed away April 21.

venue:

Bon appétit restaurant

QLatinx’s hector Martinez, a Central Florida activist and community leader, passed away April 30.

lOcal birthdays

Central Florida entertainer Jamie lee (aka Sassy Divine), Southern Nights bartender autumn Michelle, Tampa Pride president carrie West (May 3); Tampa Crowbar owner Bonnie Plumbtree (May 4); community-minded Robert Brennan, St. Pete Officer chris bragg, Sierra Club senior campaign representative Susannah randolph (May 5); Orange County officer lance colford, Enigma bartender Justin Palmer, Flamingo Resort general manager Jon Jusino (May 6); Trinity Charities Program Coordinator bruce Fournier, MBA Orlando’s VP of Operations Sherri absher, Flamingo entertainer Tim Cain, Wet Nurse drummer Vanessa brewster (May 7); Tampa Bay Marvel man Jason Grawey (May 8); DJ extraordinaire Scott robert, pup-lovin’ icon Sarah Wilson (May 9); St. Petersburg gender therapist tristan byrnes, former USF executive administrative assistant eric anderson, Southern Nights bartender Gabrielle Juliana, former Tampa Bay Bear John burchett (May 10); Tampa Bay massage therapist alexis acevedo, Pasco County Democratic Chairwoman alison berke Morano, Tampa political hob-nobberScott J. allen, former Tampa personal trainer Jeff Giles (May 11); Lutz real estate agent Kenny braverman (May 12); Pulse Orlando legend Cindy Barbalock, Tampa Bay super volunteer Jeremy Wade neiman, Sarasota medical specialist Dr. Sporty Damon Paul Harper (May 13); St. Petersburg school teacher Bob Tencza, Orlando artist christie Miga, Southern Nights bartender Sara barone, former Doggie Door co-owner Brian Wettstein, Largo media publisher Jeff youngblood (May 14); Hillsborough Kids advocate Malachi ortiz, Q Salon owner Sameer nurani, Orlando entertainer Craig Raymo, Central Florida straight ally alex copeland (May 15); St. Pete ROTC leader Frank hay, Tampa artist ricMoreir, Bradenton-based Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project honcho Garry Breul (May 16).

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!

cOlOrs:

Black and white, pop of red

wedding sOng/artist:

Photo by hannah DaViS, WilD artiStry PhotoGraPhy

“I

KNew IT,” STeveN FROST SAyS

of meeting his husband CJay Tauber for the first time. “I knew it right away. It was one of those moments where you see somebody, and you don’t know why but you know you’re gonna spend the rest of your life with him.”

Frost had decided to spend his birthday in 2015 at Quench Lounge in Largo, where local favorite Tauber still bartends.

“He came in and I was going back to officiate my niece’s wedding in Wisconsin,” Tauber recalls with a laugh. “So I left, but he couldn’t wait to come back and get my number.”

The two quickly became friends, and Tauber recalls that the two “talked and talked and talked,” leading to their first official date at Quench’s employee Christmas party. “We were pretty much inseparable ever since then.

We kind of cliqued automatically and then he met my family a few months later.”

It was in those early months that Frost asked Tauber’s mother if he could marry his now-husband, though it would be years before the official engagement or ceremony. She

approved. “I would say I’ve always wanted to get married, to find somebody that I could want to walk around and be with for the rest of my life,” Tauber says warmly. “It took until I found him to say yes, I found somebody.”

It wasn’t until Tauber that Frost could say he’d always sought marriage. “I just love him and I just want to share my life and things that I’ve accumulated with him. We’ve got an age difference here; he’s 42 and I’m 59… the longer we’re together the more I’m headstrong to live to 100 so I can see him at 80.”

Following their official engagement, Tauber says wedding planning began immediately. “It happened in a month, five weeks,” he says. “We got engaged and we started planning the wedding.”

The duo leaned on family for help, something Tauber says his step-mother was insistent upon.

The duo tried to keep their ceremony small, beginning with 25 guests but nearly doubling that at Dunedin’s waterfront Bon Appétit Restaurant. “It just kept growing and growing,” Frost says. “We had great appetizers, lobster, filet mignon, great dessert and an open bar. Nobody had to worry about anything. The venue was just beautiful because it was all-glass all the way around.”

Rose petals ran along the aisle and adorned each table, they recall, with bow tie napkin-holders and homemade candy finishing out their theme. “We wanted to keep it manly,” Frost quips, with Tauber warmly recalling their “masculine wedding.”

“Marriage doesn’t feel any different because I always have loved him and I don’t know if I could love him more,” Tauber says. “I’m happy that we’re able to move forward in our life and now we get our future. I look forward to every day that I wake up and get to see what new adventure we’re gonna go on.”

“It’s a day to day thing,” he says. “I absolutely love it.”

—Ryan Williams-Jent

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.

46

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

“Stand by Me” performed

by Gloria West

live musician:

Gloria West and the Gents

dJ service:

delite entertainment

caterer:

Bon appétit restaurant

Officiant:

pegeen dahl roark

caKe baKery: Corey’s Bakery

caKe/cupcaKe flavOrs:

red velvet, champagne, spice, citrus

theme:

Bow ties

phOtOgrapher:

Hannah davis, Wild artistry photography

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 3 - M ay 16 , 2018 // Issue 25.0 9

47

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