Watermark Issue 25.12: Sweet 16

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.12 • June 14 - June 27, 2018

WatermarkOnline.com

CENTraL FLOriDa:

NEW PULSE LAWSUIT

ST. pETErSbUrG CELEbraTES

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

departments 7 // bureau CHief’s desk 8 // Central flOrida news 15 // tampa bay news 20 // state news 22 // natiOn & wOrld news 31 // talking pOints 59 // COmmunity Calendar 61 // tampa bay Out + abOut 63 // OrlandO Out + abOut 64 // tampa bay marketplaCe 66 // OrlandO marketplaCe 69 // wedding bells/ annOunCements 70 // last page

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I realized I could no longer be passive and content with just simply voting and I looked to st. Pete Pride to get more involved... I want to help ensure everyone feels welcome in the city I’m proud to call home… no matter what else is happening around the world.

—RiChARD bRANDt, st. pete pRiDe’s Newest bOARD membeR, ON why he JOiNeD up with pRiDe.

On tHe COVer

PAGE set tO medium:

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PAGE YOUR SWEET 16:

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St. Petersburg celebrates its 16th year of Pride.

Photo by Dylan Todd, Cake by Iberian Rooster

sCan Qr COde fOr

watermarkOnline.COm

“Hollywood Medium” Tyler Henry looks to communicate with the other side when he heads to Ruth Eckerd Hall June 21 and Hard Rock Live June 22.

watermark i ssue 25.12 //j une 14 - j une 27, 2018

gOing tO COurt

aging assets

state’s attOrney

Hedwig’s kids

PAGE A new Pulse lawsuit was announced just days before the massacre’s second-year mark.

PAGE The Tampa Bay Veteran’s Administration Pride program spotlights aging LGBTQ veterans.

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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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Florida AG candidate Sean Shaw will fight “for the people, not the powerful” if elected.

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“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” heads to the Cocoa Village Playhouse to benefit the Zebra Coalition.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

tampa Bay

Bureau Chief’s

ryan Williams-Jent tB Bureau Chief

Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

W

desk

e LiVe iN AN Age wheRe it

can be easy to forget your pride. The White House certainly does. Even with orange prominently displayed in our flag, the current administration declined to issue a proclamation acknowledging LGBTQ Americans for the second year in a row.

The Pentagon followed suit, opting for the first time since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to not formally acknowledge LGBTQ Pride Month. It was a bold reflection of the administration’s ever-looming transphobic military policies.

Days after, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. While the narrow ruling wasn’t a full license to discriminate against the LGBTQ community, despite what many clever memes suggested, it certainly wasn’t the Pride Month kick-off many hoped for.

watermark staff Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Business Manager: Kathleen Harper • ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Despite a lack of national support, however, the LGBTQ community carries on and thrives. It’s what we do following adversity or tragedy, from the Stonewall Riots to Pulse.

All throughout cities in America, Pride celebrations are underway— like right here in Tampa Bay’s St. Petersburg.

Local buses are covered with “YOUR RIDE TO PRIDE,” proudly displayed in the colors of the Transgender and LGBTQ Pride flags. From the Grand Central District to downtown, St. Pete Pride banners and rainbow flags decorate lampposts and business

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Multimedia Assistant: Melody Maia Monet • ext. 100 Maia@WatermarkOnline.com

windows. On June 21, the Pride flag will also fly above City Hall when Mayor Rick Kriseman once again raises it, proving yet again that in St. Petersburg, the sun shines on all.

It’s a part of what makes St. Pete Pride so special. Year-round, the LGBTQ community thrives here, so it’s not surprising that 220,000 people popped in for last year’s Pride weekend.

Confession time: I wasn’t one of them.

I love St. Pete and I love St. Pete Pride. In my 10 years in Florida, I’ve gone to eight. Most I remember, some I wish I didn’t, and there are certainly some my husband, Facebook’s “On This Day” and my friends won’t let me forget.

I didn’t go because I didn’t support the parade’s move. It’s not something I’m proud of and I hope you won’t hold it against me, but I opted not to bring my personal negativity to a celebration of love.

I’ve regretted it ever since. I still had a wonderful Pride—in fact, I celebrated a bit too much and likely couldn’t have gone downtown last year, anyway—but I came to realize I’d made it all about me and what I wanted.

In my time at Watermark, I’ve been given the opportunity to cover and attend Pride celebrations and events all throughout Florida: some large, some small; some incredibly hot, others mercifully cool. As with the LGBTQ community at large, they’re all different—but the themes of love and equality are always there.

I’ve met LGBTQ children whose supportive parents draped themselves in rainbow flags and I’ve met elderly couples still grateful to hold hands in public. No matter which Pride celebration I go to, I’ve found it’s a celebration for all of us—a community bond, amongst strangers and non. No one told me I didn’t belong because I wasn’t in my hometown, nor did they care where it was being held.

At the end of the day, whatever my location, love won. I came to realize

that St. Pete Pride, which would go on with or without me, wasn’t about a place—it was about a feeling. A celebration of our shared LGBTQ experience, from Stonewall to 2018.

This year’s St. Pete Pride will be its sweet 16th, one I look forward to attending and that St. Petersburg’s Iberian Rooster helped us celebrate by proudly baking a cake for our cover. We review the milestone year’s upcoming offerings in our cover story.

In Arts and Entertainment, we talk “the other side” and celebrities with “Hollywood Medium” star Tyler

I came to realize that st. Pete Pride, which would go on with or without me, wasn’t about a place—it was about a feeling.

A celebration of our shared LGBTQ experience, from stonewall to 2018.

Henry ahead of his Clearwater and Orlando stops, and rock out with the Cocoa Village Playhouse’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

In Tampa news, we check in with the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital for its upcoming Pride program highlighting elderly LGBTQ veterans and discuss changes in Metro Wellness and Community Center’s leadership. In Central Florida, we take a look at the Orange County Regional History Center’s Pulse exhibit and detail a new lawsuit filed

by Pulse survivors.

We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue—and Happy Pride, St. Pete.

OrlandO OffiCe Art Director: Jake Stevens • ext. 109 Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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tampa bay OffiCe 2529 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890 FAX: 813-849-2986

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

COntributOrs DR. steVe yACOVeLLi

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the chief inclusion officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 25

RACheL steVesON

is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant and LGBT advocate.

She is the Publisher of OUTCOAST, an online LGBT travel and event planning company along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Page 27

AARON DRAKe

is a contributor to Creative Loafing, South Florida Gay News and ManAboutWorld. He loves getting lost in other countries and his German Shepherd. Page 69

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.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday.

Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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EACH OTHER

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

Central florida

Bureau Chief’s

Jeremy Williams Cfl Bureau Chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

A

desk

s yOu ARe ReADiNg this it

has been a few days since the two-year mark of the Pulse tragedy, but because of how deadlines and press days fall, I am writing this the day before the June 12 date.

June 12 carries a weird energy with me now. For those who don’t know, I share my birthday with the same day that a disturbed individual decided to take 49 lives at Pulse. Last year at the one-year mark, while attending memorials and vigils, I was receiving notifications of Happy Birthday and messages wishing me a fun and happy day all while grieving with my community and consoling friends.

I have a very close friend by the name of Chris who frequented Pulse. He’s a good guy from a conservative home in

New York and came to Orlando to attend school. Pulse was the first gay club he had ever gone to and he spoke of it, and still does, as the place that felt more like home than anywhere else. He would go every Saturday for Latin Night, meet up with friends and dance until 2:00 a.m.

On June 11, 2016, Chris had plans to go to Pulse for Latin Night, just as he had done nearly every Saturday during the previous year since we had met. Before that though, he was meeting with me and some friends for dinner and a movie.

Since June 12 was on a Sunday

leading into press day, we were celebrating my birthday that Saturday. The evening was to be dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, a movie at the Regal Winter Park Theater and then the weekly back-and-forth of Chris trying to convince me to come out to the club and dance and me telling him I am too old to go dancing.

The restaurant was packed, as it always is on a Saturday night, and the movie—which was called “The Lobster”—was much longer than we anticipated, causing us to get home at nearly 2:00 a.m. Chris hugged me, wished me a happy birthday and took off thinking he may make it to Pulse just in time to make it for last call.

As I was settling in to watch a movie, Chris called me and said he was just turned away by a police officer as he was approaching Pulse. The officer told him shots were reported at the club. He came back to the house and we worked on trying to find out what happened.

None of the local channels were reporting anything yet. The only source of information we had was Ms. Darcel Stevens at the Parliament House, who was on Facebook Live, and was chatting with people who were at Pulse at the time.

The next 48 hours changed the community and the city forever, and now as June 12 nears I am compounded with an array of emotions. Sadness for what happened, and what continues to happen in the country, due to gun violence. Gratitude for the friends and family I have who accept me for who I am. I feel happy that the restaurant was crowded and the movie was long so that one of my dearest friends could be here with me. I feel guilty for feeling happy because so many didn’t make it home that

watermark staff Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Business Manager: Kathleen Harper • ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Multimedia Assistant: Melody Maia Monet • ext. 100 Maia@WatermarkOnline.com

night. But above all, I feel proud.

I feel proud of the community’s reaction to this hateful act and for all the amazing and beautiful things you have all done in honor and remembrance for the 49 lives lost on June 12. The love I feel for this community cannot be put into words.

On that note, we celebrate

I feel proud of the community’s reaction to this hateful act and for all the amazing and beautiful things you have all done in honor and remembrance for the 49 lives lost on June 12.

Pride Month with the community with an in-depth look at the Sweet 16 celebration of St. Pete Pride. In our A&E section, we chat with openly gay “Hollywood Medium” Tyler Henry, who brings his national tour to both Clearwater and Orlando. We also look at the “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” collaboration between Cocoa Village Playhouse and the Zebra Coalition. In news, we look at the lawsuit filed by Pulse survivors against the city of Orlando here in Central Florida and how the VA is taking care of LGBTQ veterans in Tampa Bay. We also talk with Florida attorney general candidate Rep. Sean Shaw about how he will be nothing like Pam Bondi if elected.

OrlandO OffiCe Art Director: Jake Stevens • ext. 109 Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Director of Marketing and Events: Brandon Decker • ext. 301 Brandon@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • ext. 303 Russ@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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

tampa bay OffiCe 2529 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890 FAX: 813-849-2986

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

COntributOrs DR. steVe yACOVeLLi

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the chief inclusion officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 25

RACheL steVesON

is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant and LGBT advocate.

She is the Publisher of OUTCOAST, an online LGBT travel and event planning company along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Page 27

AARON DRAKe

is a contributor to Creative Loafing, South Florida Gay News and ManAboutWorld. He loves getting lost in other countries and his German Shepherd. Page 69

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.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday.

Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

Watermark publishing group inc.

7

central florida news

Orange County Regional History Center opens Pulse exhibit Kathy Ruiz

O

RLANDO | In honor and remembrance of the Pulse victims, The Orange County Regional History Center is presenting a special, limited-time exhibit titled “Another Year Passes: Orlando After the Pulse Nightclub Massacre.” The exhibit opened at the start of Pride Month June 2 and will run through Oct. 14, the weekend of Come Out With Pride.

“Another Year Passes” includes more than 200 images and items collected at Pulse memorial sites throughout Orlando as well as community artwork and international messages and tributes. The exhibit will also feature the iconic 49 statue tribute crosses created to honor those who died through June 16.

“The tragedy of Pulse and the heartbreaking loss of 49 lives is a permanent part of history—it’s a story that will always be told. Through the One Orlando Collection, we have the chance to tell the other side of the story— how our community reacted with unity, resilience and strength in caring for our shattered brothers and sisters within the LGBTQ, Latinx and Hispanic communities, as well as the loved ones of those who were lost,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs in a statement.

The History Center’s work related to Pulse, including the commemoratory exhibit, is part of the One Orlando Collection Initiative. The Orange County Regional History center serves as the guardian and entrusted caretaker of more than 5,000 memorial and tribute items which were meticulously collected and preserved by curators at the One Orlando Collection Initiative, a partnership of Orange County Government and numerous community partners.

“Our History Center staff works hard to help remember times of both joy and sorrow in Central Florida’s past,” said Michael Perkins, Orange County Regional History Center manager. “From capturing the texture of everyday life to commemorating singular events – including the tragedy at Pulse, we strive to honor and preserve history. In our special limited run exhibition, ‘Another Year Passes: Orlando After the Pulse Nightclub Massacre,’ we remember the life and legacy of the Pulse victims, and invite the public to join us in paying tribute to those who were lost.”

“Another Year Passes” is available to see at the Orange County Regional History Center Mondays-Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5:00 p.m.

Admission to the History Center is waived the week of June 12, providing the public with an opportunity to visit the exhibit and History Center at no charge. The History Center also maintains an online digital gallery of photos and memorial items paying tribute to the victims and survivors at OneOrlandoCollection.com.

For more information about “Another Year Passes: Orlando After the Pulse Nightclub Massacre,” visit TheHistoryCenter.org/Exhibition/Another-Year-Passes.

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Community Court: As a new

lawsuit emerges, many are remembering the 49 lives lost at the Pulse memorial.

Photo by Maia Monet

Going to court New Pulse lawsuit announced days before massacre’s 2-year mark Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | A civil rights lawsuit was filed in federal court June 7 by more than 35 Pulse survivors and family members against Orlando police officers and the city of Orlando just days before the two-year mark of the nightclub tragedy.

In a press conference, attorney Solomon Radner, with three of the lawsuit’s plaintiffs, spoke to a room of reporters on the reasons the lawsuit was being filed.

“This lawsuit is a civil rights lawsuit,” Radnor said. “It’s a lawsuit that is being filed specifically to hold law enforcement and the city of Orlando responsible for their actions and inactions on this fateful night almost two years ago.”

The lawsuit specifically names Adam Gruler, the off-duty police officer who was working as security at Pulse the night of the shooting, and 30 anonymous officers, referred to in the suit as “John Does” 1-30.

The suit alleges that 20 of the “John Does” remained outside of Pulse instead of going inside to capture the shooter. The other 10 “John Does” are accused of unlawfully detaining survivors.

“They rounded these people up, they detained them, they transported

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

them to a law enforcement facility and did not allow these people to go free.

They did not allow them to call their loved ones. They didn’t allow them to take bathroom breaks or get drinks,” Radner said.

Radner states that by officers detaining Pulse survivors that they violated their Fourth Amendment rights.

“Officers of the law, even in stressful situations, are not allowed to violate people’s rights,” he said. “You’re not allowed to be arrested unless there is either probable cause or at least reasonable suspicion that you engaged in criminal activity.”

Holding the Pulse survivors was one of a four-point cause of action Radner laid out for reporters as to why the lawsuit was being filed. Radner states that Gruler caused “conduct that shocks the conscience” when he left his post at the door of Pulse allowing the shooter to enter the building and remained outside once the shooting began. Radner also states that survivors had personal property taken from them, including cell phones and vehicles, that were not returned.

The suit’s fourth cause of action directly holds the city of Orlando responsible stating that the officers were not properly trained in their duties.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

“It’s called monell liability, it’s municipal liability,” Radner said.

“Essentially what we have to establish, and what I believe is established by the facts and by the evidence that has come out and will continue to come out during the course of this litigation, is that the city of Orlando demonstrated deliberate indifference to these people’s rights as well as to the rights of many others by a.) not training their officers and b.) by encouraging and approving and authorizing the type of conduct that we’re suing them for in the first three counts of our lawsuit.”

Plaintiff Keinon Carter, one of the last Pulse survivors to leave the hospital, spoke to reporters at the press conference.

“I am a plaintiff to this lawsuit because I believe victims of [the Pulse shooting] deserve better. We deserve better security protection than what was provided. We deserved to be rescued sooner by law enforcement officers who made [the] strategic decision to wait despite [the shooter] continuing to shoot and kill nightclub patrons. We deserve to be recipients of better training by the city of Orlando’s Police Department in connection with active shooters situations,” Carter said.

Owners of the Pulse nightclub have not been named in the federal lawsuit; however, Rander states that it is entirely possible they will name them as defendants in the future if there is a claim filed in state court alleging negligence or wrongful death.

Compensation for damages has not been included in the lawsuit. Radner stated that they are comfortable allowing a jury to decide a monetary amount.

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For financial tips, tools and personalized banking solutions, drop by a branch or visit regions.com/LGBT.

© 2018 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

central florida news

tHe Center’s COmmuniCatiOns direCtOr terry deCarlO annOunCes His resignatiOn Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Terry DeCarlo, The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s chief communications director, announced via Facebook June 11 that he would be resigning from his position at The Center just one day before the two-year mark of the Pulse tragedy.

“It is with a heavy heart that I report to you this morning that I have resigned my position at the LGBT Center Orlando,”DeCarlo wrote.

“I hope during my tenure at the agency, going through a complete facility overhaul to give Orlando a nice place to

call home and then helping lead the community through one of the darkest times in history that I made you proud.”

DeCarlo was the executive director of The Center in 2016 during the aftermath of the Pulse shooting when all of the world’s attention was turned to Orlando.

“The Center Orlando would like to thank Terry DeCarlo for his service to The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. and to our community over the last four years. He has resigned his post at The Center. Terry helped lead The Center through some of its darkest days during and after the Pulse tragedy. He was instrumental in being a part of much-needed healing

of our community. We wish Terry the best in his new adventures, and in his passion to help others in the LGBT community,” said The Center’s current executive director George Wallace in a statement to Watermark.

In his post, DeCarlo thanked his husband Bill Huelsman calling him “my rock”and the “love of my life for almost 22 years.”DeCarlo also wrote that he has a very big announcement that “should be coming in the next day or so.”

“It has been in the works for about the past month and a half and once we are given the go ahead, we will announce,”DeCarlo wrote. At press time no announcement had been made.

DeCarlo concluded the post by asking the community to continue supporting The Center and thanking Orlando for love and support.

tHe 49 fund awards sCHOlarsHips tO lgbtQ students Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | The Central Florida Foundation announced the recipients of The 49 Fund’s 2018 scholarships at City Hall in Orlando June 9.

Started by Central Florida attorney and LGBTQ activist Barry Miller, The 49 Fund awards scholarships of $4,900 to students who self-identify as an out member of the LGBTQ community, attend an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning on a full-time basis, earn a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate a commitment to making Central Florida a better place.

Scholarships were presented to eight local LGBTQ students. William (Billy) Budd, Jonathan (Jon) Covert, Francis Jarusiewicz, Courtney Ring and Neil Rios accepted their scholarships in person. Scholarship recipients Jasmine Flowers, Osher

Ostroff and Tena Gordon were unable to attend.

The scholarship recipients in attendance were also congratulated with speeches by Congressman Darren Soto and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan.

Rep. Soto spoke about the tragic events that led to the creation of The 49 Fund scholarship program.

“We remember the 49 who fell that day,” he said. “We mourned together, we prayed together, but we need to make sure there is a positive legacy from this tragedy, and I can’t think of a more appropriate way to help with that legacy of this tragedy than with education.”

Commissioner Sheehan concluded her speech reminding people that this is not an anniversary, but something to commemorate and not forget, ending with “We are Orlando United. We are Orlando Strong.”

For more information on The 49 Fund or to donate, visit The49Fund.org.

LGBTQ Rights & Discrimination Law

C O N TAC T U S FO R A F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N

www.markelliottlaw.com • 407.459.8855 • info@markelliottlaw.com 3 9 0 N O r a n g e Av e , S u i t e 2 3 0 0 • O r l a n d o , F L 3 2 8 0 4

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

2747 S. Maguire Rd., Ocoee, FL 34761 • 321-218-9100 • DavidDorman.com

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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What is BIKTARVY®?

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults.

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: } Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? } All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. } All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines. } If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com

KEEP MOTIVATING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

BIKTARVY.COM

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

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

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

• The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%).

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

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: • dofetilide • rifampin • any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

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

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

• If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0024 05/18

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tampa bay news

COmmuNity CARe: Dr. Cortney

Russell-eaton explains the importance of inclusion during James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital’s 2016 pride program.

Photo CoURteSy JaMeS a. haLey VeteRanS hoSPitaL

Aging Assets Tampa VA’s pride program spotlights aging LGBTQ vets Ryan Williams-Jent

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AmpA | The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital will hold its annual pride event June 27 to highlight the intricacies of caring for aging LGBTQ veterans.

The event is organized by the hospital’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion in conjunction with its LGBTQSA special emphasis program. According to the hospital, the latter exists “to identify and address barriers, stereotypes and other related issues in the workplace,” to “foster allies, increase awareness of health care issues” and to “advocate for a caring, respectful and welcoming environment for our LGBT veterans, family members and employees.”

“Caring for Aging LGBT Veterans” is open to veterans, health care providers and the general public.

LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator Dr. Cortney Russell-Eaton, the hospital’s doctor of audiology who serves as a resource for health care providers working with LGBT veterans, says this year’s topic was chosen

because aging veterans are “a high percentage of our population.”

The program has previously highlighted transgender veteran care and being an ally for veterans within the LGBT community.

Topics are decided by a committee consisting of physicians and healthcare providers who focus on mental health, social work and nursing. “They’re often the voice that helps us realize where there are some areas our staff could use some education,” Russell-Eaton says.

“We’ve done a lot of research as committee members about various health disparities among LGBT people in general,” she continues.

“LGBT Veterans have a sort of a double-impact. They not only experience LGBT health disparities but they can also experience some different veteran-related health issues, so when you combine those that makes them a little bit more at risk.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which stresses that LGBTQ veterans “require the same time and attention by health care professionals as any other veteran,” studies have revealed

that members of the LGBTQ community are at an increased risk for high levels of stress due to being members of a minority.

That stress can lead to increased risks for certain mental and physical health conditions, they advise, which could result in lower overall health status and lower rates of routine and preventative care. The department further cites higher rates of depression, substance abuse, discrimination, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection and an increased incidence in some cancers.

Russell-Eaton also says this year’s topic was chosen to focus on the differences between younger and older LGBTQ veterans. “We find that it’s important to share information with our staff and our healthcare providers so that when they do work with LGBT veterans of any age they’ll perhaps realize that this population does face some additional barriers and health risks,” she says.

This year’s formal presentation, held in the hospital’s auditorium from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., will also feature vendors like PFLAG and the inaugural Pasco Pride, available before and afterwards for community outreach.

In addition, Russell-Eaton adds, the event will provide continuing education geared primarily toward physicians, nurses and mental health and social work

metrO wellness and COmmunity Centers annOunCes prOgram direCtOr CHanges Ryan Williams-Jent

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t. peteRsbuRg | Metro Wellness and Community Centers has announced that Nate Taylor will serve as the organization’s director of LGBTQ+ programs and that James Keane will serve as its director of development.

The two positions were previously held solely by Keane, a four-year Metro veteran. Taylor has served three years on Metro’s board of directors, working as its secretary for the majority of that time.

“Nate has a multitude of experience working in the LGBTQ+ community in organizing events and fundraisers as well as assisting others in their efforts to help the community at large,” Taylor’s biography reads. “He also has an extensive professional career in program creation and leadership.”

“I really hope to build more of a community feel for everyone and bring things to the table that all parts of the community can enjoy,” Taylor says, “bridging those gaps and making things cross-generational. I want to be a direct line and be able to invoke change. Being in the community for so long now, I’m actually at a place where I have the backing and support of the organization to be able to do more.”

He also plans to use his experience performing as Tampa Bay entertainer PheYonce Montrese in his new position. “She’s basically been out there, she’s been involved in the fundraising and hosted events for Metro,” he says of his alter ego. “Now she also has a role where she can actually do things for the community.”

With a renewed focus, Keane says he’s looking forward to spending more time with the community. “I believe in the work of the agency,” he says. “I very much relish the thought of being able to spend time and engage with people who don’t know about all the great things that we do. In doing that, I hope to build and expand our donor base to share the message of what we do with people who don’t currently know how their financial support makes a difference.”

“We’re working on our capital campaign for the St. Petersburg building,” Keane continues, “and room-naming options remain available. Our annual fall fundraiser will be on November 10th this year… there are a lot of major things we’re working on.”

“Metro helps people,” Taylor adds. “There’s always something being done to be a part of folks’ lives, whether it be with medical services, whether it be community-related, whether it be life-skills or other things like that. Metro pretty much touches everyone.”

For more information about Metro Wellness and Community Centers’ services, community events or to donate funds, visit metrotampabay.org.

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tampa bay news

lawyer seeking pinellas-pasCO judgesHip reiterates anti-lgbtQ Views

| uu | Aging Assets from pg.15 specialists. “Those who attend for the entirety of the program can receive professional licensure credit for their annual or bi-annual license,” she says.

Above all, organizers stress that the event exists to illustrate the importance of inclusion at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, which has been recognized as a “Leader in Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013. “Our efforts are always to make sure that all of the public, including the LGBT community, knows that the Tampa VA is welcoming and inclusive for all veterans,” Russell-Eaton says.

“We definitely want our LGBT veterans to feel comfortable and seek services here at the VA,” she concludes, “as they have certainly earned the right to receive their healthcare here.”

The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is located at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd in Tampa. For more information about the hospital’s services or this year’s pride event, call 813-972-7529 or visit Tampa.VA.gov/services/lgbtqveterans.asp.

“I absolutely can still be fair no matter what kind of beliefs that I may have,” he shared. He further noted that “we all have AmpA | Pinellas-Pasco our own personal beliefs based circuit judgeship on what’s happened in our candidate Donald lives, and as long as it doesn’t McBath is standing by his interfere with how we treat a anti-LGBTQ and anti-Muslim person, that’s the goal.” commentary ahead of Aug. 28’s Despite this, the 61-year-old primary election. family law attorney in Wesley “If the homosexual continues Chapel subsequently stressed committing that sin of sodomy, his anti-LGBTQ views. “Let his soul faces ETERNAL me make it more clear,” he damnation,” McBath shared via reiterated to the newspaper Facebook Feb. 25, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times May 30. via text message, “Jesus condemned sodomy!!!!”

“Abstain, if you really have that Watermark reached mental illness. It’s not love.” out to McBath on multiple The candidate also shared occasions but received no via Twitter that Muslims response. Following public are “deranged,” following outcry, his campaign website a post advising to “never mcbath4judge.com was updated trust a Muslim.” to include an official statement.

McBath confirmed the “I have very strong personal authenticity of the social media beliefs about what is right and posts to the newspaper, advising wrong,” it begins. that his personal beliefs should be viewed separately The statement addresses from his campaign for judge. seven points, beginning with

Ryan Williams-Jent

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DR. BOB LINDE

his anti-Muslim views and addressing his anti-LGBTQ viewpoints fifth. “As a Christian, I love homosexuals too,” he wrote. “I just don’t like the sinful act of sodomy.

In my personal opinion, the Bible is clear as to the sin. It is unnatural.”

“It doesn’t mean that two males or two females can’t be best friends,” McBath continued.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ talks about the fact we should love the sinner but hate the sin. God came to the earth to save us so we could all go to Heaven. It’s up to each one of us to conduct ourselves in a Godly manner.”

McBath subsequently reiterated that he believes he can “make a fair decision as a Judge and apply the law to the facts no matter what a person believes.” He says he will “seek the TRUTH and apply the law of the land.”

The candidate’s campaign website advises that “it is easy

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(727) 318-2505 traditionsherbschool@gmail.com watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

to forget that Judges are also public servants.” It continues by noting that “Donald is a lifetime public servant and believes his greatest attributes are those he has learned from serving his country and the public; a strong work ethic, knowledge of the law, the importance of the separation of powers, patience, wisdom, and compassion.”

“Don McBath has revealed himself to be incapable of treating the LGBT community with dignity and respect,” Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith shared with the Tampa Bay Times. “He lacks the temperament required of a judge to deal impartially with the facts.”

McBath will face Pinellas-Pasco prosecutor Doneene Loar in the nonpartisan primary election to replace retiring Circuit Judge Frank Quesada on Aug. 28.

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

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).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest

• 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.

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

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• 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).

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

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%).

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-33

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

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state news

transgender wOman fatally sHOt in jaCksOnVille layla ferris

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ACKsONViLLe, Fla. | Antash’a English, a 38-year-old transgender woman, was fatally shot in Jacksonville, Fla. June 1 making her the 12th trans murder victim in the U.S. this year.

English was found between two abandoned homes just before 4:00 a.m., a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office police report states. English was alive at the scene but later died at the hospital due to her injuries.

According to English, someone in a gray car and wearing a gray hoodie shot her multiple times before driving away.

English is the second trans woman to be murdered in Jacksonville this year. In February, 36-year-old Celine Walker was fatally shot in a hotel room. Investigators are still looking for a suspect in her death.

JASMYN, a Jacksonville LGBTQ youth support organization, along with friends and family members of English held a memorial benefit in Jacksonville June 7. The benefit included a candlelight vigil and show at InCahoots Nightclub where English was a regular performer. All proceeds from the benefit will be used to assist English’s family with burial expenses.

Anyone with information about the killing of English can contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or by email at JSOCrimeTips@JaxSheriff.org.

flOrida restaurant Owner Verbally attaCks trans, lesbian CustOmers Jeremy Williams

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ehigh ACRes, Fla. | Owners of a South Florida restaurant are apologizing after one of them verbally attacked a transgender customer and then called a lesbian customer “disgusting.”

Bill Harrell, one of the owners of the Country Roads Cafe in Lehigh Acres, approached the table of Melissa Bellows June 4. According to a Facebook post by Bellows, he began to make fun of a transgender woman who was sitting at another table saying “you know that’s a boy dressed as a girl.”

“I replied, ‘So,’” Bellows wrote. “He continued talking and said that, ‘he has no time for gay people’ while I’m sitting at the table with my gay daughter. My daughter mentioned that she was gay and he proceeded to tell her that she is disgusting. At this point, I lost my cool and began speaking loudly about the treatment we were receiving. I walked out yelling. I will never step foot in that place again.”

After Bellow’s post started to go viral, Harrell apologized for the incident on social media.

“My eyes were opened, and I learned a lot from the experience. Come back in, and I will apologize in person,” Harrell wrote.

The owners have recently sold the Country Roads Cafe.

The sale is unrelated to this incident. The new owners take over in July.

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flOrida ag Candidate sean sHaw figHts ‘fOr tHe peOple, nOt tHe pOwerful’ if eleCted layla ferris

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AmpA | Rep. Sean Shaw (D-Tampa) pledges to fight “for the people, not the powerful” if elected as Florida’s next attorney general.

Shaw, a Sunshine State native who studied law at the University of Florida, has represented District 61 for the State House of Representatives since 2016. While in office Shaw supported The Florida Competitive Workforce Act and voted to ban conversion therapy statewide.

Now the liberal lawyer has his eyes set on the attorney general’s office, currently held by Republican Pam Bondi. Bondi has been the state’s AG since 2011; she is term-limited this year and not able to run for re-election.

If elected, Shaw says Floridians can expect a stark contrast between what Bondi brought to the office and what he intends to.

“People ask ‘What are you going to do that’s like Pam Bondi?’

Nothing. I’m not afraid to say that,” Shaw says.

Bondi has not been a big supporter of the LGBTQ community while sitting at the AG desk. During her time in office she fought against same-sex marriage in the state, costing Florida taxpayers more than $250 million in legal fees.

Shaw vows to be active and swift to fight for all civil rights, including equal rights for LGBTQ people, something he says Bondi hasn’t done in her time as AG. “My record speaks for itself on these issues, and that’s the record I’m going to take to the attorney general’s office,” Shaw says. “You don’t even have someone you can talk to now. [The LGBTQ community has] zero relationship with [Bondi], as do a lot of groups in the state that are marginalized and need protection. She’s let her conservativism get in the way of being fair and being equitable and you’re going to get 180 degrees different with me. That’s how we’re

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

going to run this office, and I’ll stand by my word on that.”

Along with defending civil and equal rights, Shaw’s campaign platform covers issues from cracking down on Medicaid fraud to supporting medical marijuana, something he says Florida voters already said they want. But he says that we should take it a step further.

“I think the hypocrisy of how we treat marijuana versus alcohol is wrong,” Shaw says. “I’m a huge proponent of criminal justice reform, and the amount of people in jail because of pot offenses, I think they don’t need to be there. We need to do something else. I think, quite frankly, we’re about to open this industry up, for medicinal purposes, and I see no reason we should not open it up for recreational purposes as well.”

Shaw says he’s a supporter of gun safety and he doesn’t agree with arming teachers. His stance was supported in March with his “no” vote on Senate Bill 7026, the gun reform legislation spurred by a shooting that left 17 people dead at a Parkland high school.

“I’m not putting more guns in schools and cloaking teachers with possible stand-your-ground immunity,” Shaw says.

Shaw says the Florida Legislature doesn’t always follow the will of the people, yet nobody is challenging lawmakers, something he plans to do as the state’s AG. “When we pass these constitutional amendments, and the Legislature chooses not to do what the people have voted to do, there’s no other entity that’s going to hold us accountable than the attorney general’s office,” Shaw says.

Shaw referenced the 2014 Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, which was meant to shift about a third of the net revenue from excise tax on documents to conserve and maintainnatural lands. But Shaw says it’s not being done.

“I can guarantee you the legislature is going to have a conflict with me the minute I get there because I think it’s just the

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

way we’ve been acting is out of whack,” Shaw says.

Shaw says within 48 hours of being sworn into office he will join the lawsuit that claims the Florida Legislature inadequately funds public schools and join the environmental lawsuit that stemmed from the aforementioned conservation initiative.

“Those two things are easy, and then we’ll figure out all the other lawsuits we need to file against people, but particularly the Legislature needs to be held accountable,” Shaw says.

Shaw plans to have a transparent office, one built off the ethics his father—Leander J. Shaw Jr., the first African American chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court—instilled in him. Shaw says his father taught him that his word is his bond, and once it’s been broken, it’s lost forever.

“You may disagree vehemently with where I land on an issue, but it won’t be because of campaign contributions,” Shaw says. “It won’t be because [President Donald Trump] told me not to investigate and then gave me money. It won’t be because we’re having a fundraiser when we’re having an execution.”

Shaw is firmly grounded by his viewpoints—such as his disagreement with the death penalty but he says he will uphold the responsibilities of the attorney general and follow the law.

“If it it’s the law of the land and there’s no way for me to attack it, I have to enforce it,” Shaw says.

“Even if I disagree with it 100 percent, that’s the nature of the job.”

Shaw also acknowledges other difficulties that come along with the position.“You’re going to get in fights,” he says. “You’re going to disagree with people. You’re going to have to sue people.”

But ultimately Shaw says the freedom and ability to take quick action are what make the attorney general the “best office in Florida.”

Shaw is not alone in this race.

Democrat Ryan Torrens, an attorney who focuses on foreclosure defense and consumer protection litigation, is also running, as is Rep. Jay Fant (R-Jacksonville), Republican and former circuit court judge Ashley Moody and Rep. Frank White (R-Pensacola). The official list of candidates will be released once the June 22 candidate filing date passes.

The Florida AG primary election is Aug. 28 and the general election will be held Nov. 6.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

21

nation+world news

in other news Judge: Virginia school board can appeal Gavin Grimm ruling U.S. District Court Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen granted Gloucester County School Board the request to petition whether their transgender bathroom ban is discriminatory. Gavin Grimm was banned from using the boys’ bathroom at Gloucester High School back in 2014 and the case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, with the Court favoring Grimm’s case.

However, the school board’s case is one step away from being retried in appeals court in Richmond.

Delaware Senate approves equal rights amendment The Delaware Senate has approved a proposed amendment to Delaware’s constitution guaranteeing equal rights based on sex. The legislature ruled in favor of the amendment in a 17-4 vote after failing to reach a two-thirds majority last month. The bill must now pass through the House of Representatives and approval from both chambers in the next general assembly.

Fight brews with Michigan farmer who bars LGBTQ weddings at orchard After Michigan city officials barred a farmer from a farmer’s market last year, a federal judge is asking the city of East Lansing to make room for Steve Tennes, a farmer who bars same-sex weddings at his apple orchard because of his religious beliefs. City officials stated that they disapprove of Tennes’ “corporate decision-making” and not his religious beliefs. Now, Tennes will ask for his second court injunction this fall in order to try to get room at the farmer’s market.

Over 250,000 people celebrate Pride in Tel Aviv A quarter of a million people from all over the world came to Tel Aviv to celebrate diversity in the Middle East’s haven for LGBTQ people. Just 70 miles south of the parade, Israeli soldiers braced for a mass Palestinian rally along the Gaza border. In Israel, soldiers serve openly in the army and there are many entertainers that identify as LGBT. However, in other parts of the Middle East, same-sex relations are punishable, some by death.

Bermuda marriage repeal law declared unconstitutional Bermuda Supreme Court Chief Justice Ian R. C. Kawaley on Wednesday ruled a law that took away marriage rights for same-sex couples in the British island territory is unconstitutional. Bermuda Governor John Rankin signed the Domestic Partnership Act in February. Gays and lesbians had been able to marry in Bermuda since Supreme Court Justice Charles-Etta Simmons ruled in favor of the issue in May 2017.

Bermuda is the first country outside the U.S. to formally rescind marriage rights for gays and lesbians.

22

Supreme Court sidesteps major ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop case Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

W

ASHINGTON | The U.S. Supreme Court sidestepped a major decision June 4 in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, issuing a narrow decision based on the facts of the lawsuit in favor of a Colorado baker sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

In the 7-2 decision written by U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Supreme Court vacated the decision by the Colorado Court of Appeals against baker Jack Phillips on the basis the state commission handling his case displayed a religious bias against him.

“When the Colorado Civil Rights Commission considered this case, it did not do so with the religious neutrality that the Constitution requires,” Kennedy writes.

Kennedy concluded his ruling by making clear it provides no precedent for cases in which individuals and businesses assert a First Amendment right to refuse service to same-sex couples, insisting that determination must come at a later time.

“The outcome of cases like this in other circumstances must await further elaboration in the courts, all in the context of recognizing that these disputes must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market,” Kennedy wrote.

As evidence of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s hostility toward Phillips’ religious views, Kennedy cites language the commissioners used as they heard the case in 2014, including one commissioner’s words that religious views are “one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use.”

During oral arguments in the case before the Supreme Court,

Kennedy has expressed concern over these words from the commission, prompting observers to speculate the court might issue a decision punting the case and remanding it for reconsideration without hostility toward religion.

In the decision, Kennedy writes those words from the commissioner demonstrates hostility toward Phillips’ religion both by describing as despicable and by characterizing it as merely rhetorical.

“This sentiment is inappropriate for a commission charged with the solemn responsibility of fair and neutral enforcement of Colorado’s anti-discrimination law — a law that protects against discrimination on the basis of religion as well as sexual orientation,” Kennedy wrote.

But the decision keeps in place Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act. Kennedy writes the ability to refuse wedding-related services to same-sex couples under the First Amendment should be restricted to clergy and laws against anti-LGBT discrimination are valid.

The timing of the ruling was a surprise to legal observers, many of whom predicted the Supreme Court wouldn’t be hand it down until the final day of its 2017-2018 term at the end of June.

Proposal would add ‘X’ category to NYC birth certificates Wire Report

N

EW YORK | People born in New York City who do not identify their gender as either male or female would have the option of choosing a third category for their birth certificates under a new proposal.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said the new category of “X” would be available through the proposal, which was introduced by Johnson June 7 with public hearings to be held later this month.

Currently, if parents of a newborn do not want to identify a sex, they can say the sex of the child is undetermined or unknown. The “X” category would be something adults could choose for their own birth certificate.

If it passes, New York City would join California, Oregon and

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Washington in having the third category on birth certificates, while Washington, D.C. allows it on driver’s licenses.

Both elected officials noted that June is LGBT Pride Month.

“Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, and re-affirm our commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from discrimination,” de Blasio, a Democrat said. “This proposal will allow transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers to live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and make our city fairer.”

Johnson said, “This is about making it easier for people to be who they truly are and letting them know that New York City understands them and has their backs.”

The change also is expected to be considered June 5 at a meeting of the Board of Health, with a hearing in July and a vote

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

in September if the board agrees.

The legislation in the City Council will match the language of the proposal that the Board of Health is considering.

“Transgender New Yorkers, like everyone else, should have birth certificates that reflect their true gender identity,” said Dr. Mary Bassett, the city’s health commissioner. “We know that being able to live your authentic gender and gender expression is critical to physical and mental health. Now more than ever, we must ensure that all people can live their best and healthiest lives.”

The legislation also would remove that requirement, and allow people filing for the change to submit their own affidavit saying it was to affirm their gender identity.

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Dr. steve Yacovelli

homo e r eC tus:

tHe eVOlutiOn Of us Hey Starbucks: Unconscious Bias Training Doesn’t Work!

E

ARLieR this yeAR, twO

African-American men were arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia—for reportedly doing nothing but waiting for a business colleague to arrive.

This incident—and how horribly it was handled— ignited demonstrations, shouts for boycotts and a whole heap of apologies from Kevin Johnson (Starbucks’ CEO) and other leaders within the coffee empire. In a video message, Johnson said, “What happened in the way that incident escalated, and the outcome, was nothing but reprehensible.

I will fix this.”

Before it could be fixed, Starbucks and Johnson first needed to identify the problem. They concluded that the issue was what’s called “unconscious” or “implicit bias” by the manager of the store: they made assumptions about the two men based upon their appearance. So the fix? A few weeks ago Starbucks closed over 8,000 U.S.-operated stores and conducted what they called “anti-bias training.”

The training program’s design was to allegedly “… address implicit bias, promote conscious inclusion, prevent discrimination and ensure everyone inside a Starbucks store feels safe and welcome,” according to a company statement. The training was created with subject matter experts’ input from groups like the NAACP, the Justice Initiative and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Did it work? Time will tell, but honestly probably not.

While I’m sure some good came out of this training, studies show that this kind of “training dip” doesn’t have lasting results in behavior change. But before I go any further I have a confession to make: I’m a learning consultant. I own

a consulting firm that actually writes and delivers various kinds of training, including programs on diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.

So the title of this article is basically me saying that what I do doesn’t matter. I’m like a personal trainer saying to a client, “Oh hell, go eat whatever, doing all these sit-ups won’t help at all.” Why on Earth would I say this?

Because it’s true: training alone won’t change people’s behavior. While the quick action that Starbucks took gives the impression they are dealing with the Philadelphia situation and the unconscious or implicit bias within their corporate culture head on, it’s a PR stunt. Studies show that this kind of training doesn’t have lasting impact, and training alone doesn’t change people’s behavior.

With that said, what if you couple workshops like these with other strategies? Then you have the beginning of the “secret sauce” to change a corporate culture. When I am approached by a client, of course I’m happy to have a chat about that program but we also talk about the bigger picture. We ask what ELSE are they doing to help support the change in behavior that you want? Whether it’s a leadership program, a program on inclusivity or effective communication strategies, the training is but a part of the strategy. Actions like communication plans, executive support, middle management support and a program measurement strategy are parts of what helps make change “stick” in the workplace.

It’s unclear to me what’s part of Starbucks’ overarching program to change their corporate culture, but if it’s just a workshop for a half-day at the end of May, that just won’t cut it.

What does this mean to you? Take a look at your own workplace. What “unconscious biases” do you see? Maybe ask yourself what unconscious biases do YOU have? When looking at your workplace, take a closer look at these four areas:

(1) education: what formal training programs does your employer have to promote inclusivity within your workplace? Are these programs offered frequently, or during those “special months” like Pride Month or Black History Month? Training programs cost money; and if your company is

representations of various types of humanity?

(3) structures and systems: what policies and business processes are in place to promote inclusivity? For example, does your workplace have policies to support trans* health benefits? What about human resource forms

inclusive workplace? How is progress for inclusivity being measured? Are there goals in place that look at increasing the number of women leaders, people of color, or other facets of humanity not currently represented within the business? What happens when you bring up these inequities

supporting them that’s a good sign they value them.

(2) Artifacts: look at the cultural clues within your workplace. What do you see?

What images do you see around your workplace in posters, or in your organization’s marketing materials? In training classes are all the images of “leaders” represented by middle-aged, cis-gender white dudes, or does your workplace have

being inclusive in language?

Does your workplace support employee resources groups like those for LGBTQ workers, people of color, or women’s groups? Are hiring practices done to minimize potential bias in hiring “certain types of people” in your workplace?

(4) Accountability: how are the leaders of your workplace holding each other accountable to create an

within your workplace: are they applauded and thanked or shooed under the rug and ignored?

Our goal as members of the LGBTQ community is to make our workplaces as inclusive as possible for all demographics.

Let’s use the opportunity of Starbucks to examine our own workplace and help it evolve to include ALL members of our community… and beyond.

While the quick action that starbucks took gives the impression they are dealing with the Philadelphia situation and the unconscious or implicit bias within their corporate culture head on, it’s a PR stunt.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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viewpoint

Rachel Stevenson

in bed with Rachel Tops vs. Bottoms: Do Two-of-aKind Make for a Perfect Pair or a Natural Disaster?

I

s it just me, or does the

conversation of “tops vs. bottoms” always come up when talking about gay or lesbian sex?

For clarification, a top is one who gives penetration or stimulation (dominant) and the bottom is one who receives (submissive).

I always thought it was just a gay male thing, but I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked whether I’m a top or a bottom.

I’ve been asked this question by straight allies, too, although they word it more eloquently by saying, “so are you the boy, or the girl?”

While the question would be a rude one for most, I have a reputation of being an open book at times, so being asked the question never phases me. It usually makes me laugh.

My witty response most often leaves them dumbfounded. “It depends on my mood,” I’ll say. Or, “you think that’s really a thing?”

As a bisexual, very feminine woman, my sexuality has always been fluid. I give, I receive, I take, and I’ve even been known to share. Sometimes I’m the pursuer and sometimes the pursued. So, I’ve never known how to accurately answer that question.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized how much I enjoy being a bottom, mostly because my partner is a stereotypical top.

After being asked this question for the umpteenth time the other day, I thought, “what happens when

both parties are tops or both are bottoms? How does that work? Can it work?”

Like any good researcher, I asked Siri to provide some clarification. Siri led me to Wikipedia, which not only defined top vs. bottom, but also the term versatile, meaning someone “who engages in both activities or is open to engaging in either activity.”

“That’s me!” I thought.

Then my squirrel brain went off on a tangent and I realized how versatile I am in all aspects of my life: I am bisexual (perhaps even pansexual), I dabble in multiple professions, I’m happy with any ice cream flavor I receive and I am both a morning person and a night person.

After I brought my thoughts back to the topic at hand, I realized that I had yet to answer my question.

So I dug a little further.

It turns out that the term versatile is often paired with the term top or bottom to define someone who is open to being flexible in their role, which often occurs when two parties normally hold similar roles and need to bend a little (pun intended).

“That would make me a versatile bottom,” I reasoned, although I have been told on various occasions that I am a controlling bottom.

Since I had already used two top-notch resources, I thought Facebook might provide peer research that would offer added insight.

So, I found a national lesbian woman group page and asked members, “Are you a top or a bottom and how do you feel about being with someone who is the same? Is it possible?”

After sifting through a variety of responses, several of which are a little too graphic to repeat, I realized that my findings seemed valid.

Some lesbians (and bisexuals) responded by saying that they couldn’t be in a relationship with someone who held the same role, as it made

things too awkward in the bedroom. But several others had no problem “flexing” when needed.

The tops seemed especially adamant that they preferred to remain tops and found relationships easier with bottoms. I asked my girlfriend if she could ever be with another top and

I asked her how she and her partner find a happy medium without having awkward moments. She continued, “The key is open communication from the start. We were very clear from the beginning about our boundaries. We jumped a few hurdles in the beginning, but now we

communication, openness and an eagerness to please a partner.

Those who identified openly as bisexual seemed a little more flexible, and more willing to be with others just like them, which didn’t surprise me in the least. And the bottoms? They also seemed a little more

she agreed with the mass majority of tops. “Never! No how, no way!”

Still, a few tops disagreed.

“I usually like to give and I’m not a big fan of receiving,” said one woman. “I definitely don’t like to be penetrated with a strap-on. However, I am open to receiving in other ways—orally, with finger penetration, etc. It works for us.”

have a very fulfilling sex life. And when we want to try something new, we talk about it and decide who will take on each role so we are both comfortable.”

She also advised that parties in the relationship open their minds to new experiences. What was avoided in past relationships might be enjoyed in a relationship with better

versatile than the tops, but several stated, like me, that they would strap it on if and when needed.

Now, aren’t you all grateful that we got to the bottom of things on this subject?

As a bisexual, very feminine woman, my sexuality has always been fluid. I give, I receive, I take, and I’ve even been known to share.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

talking points

LESBIAN AND

Gotta love a tired bitch with preschool reads.

Do you not realize that the LGBTQIA+ Community is the OnLY reason you have a career? The hetero community wasn’t checkin for yo ass before this debacle, and they won’t after. Obscurity is where you shall exist.

GAY YOUTH are

17% LESS DISTRESSED

When they are in relationships

THAN WHEN THEY WERE NOT IN RELATIONSHIPS.

—“DRAg RACe” CONtestANt mONet x ChANge CALLiNg Out AZeALiA bANKs ON twitteR AFteR bANKs weNt ON A twitteR tiRADe AgAiNst RupAuL, “white gAys” AND the Rest OF the Lgbtq COmmuNity.

netfliX announCes premiere dates for neW seasons

TO “orange is the neW BlaCk”” and “queer eye eye”

i

t’s the summeR OF queeR tV As NetFLix ANNOuNCes the RetuRN of two of its biggest hit shows; “Orange is the New Black” season 6 and “Queer Eye” season 2. The fifth season of “Orange is the New Black” ended with prisoners bracing for the fallout as officers finally broke up their season-long prison riot at Litchfield. The new season will take the prisoners out of their Litchfield home and into maximum security prison. “Queer Eye” will see the return of the new Fab Five—Antoni Porowski (Food & Wine), Bobby Berk (Interior Design), Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming) and Tan France (Fashion)—as they help people improve their inner and outer lives. “Queer Eye” season 2 starts streaming June 15, and you’ll have to wait a bit longer for “Orange is the New Black” season 6 as it won’t return until July 27.

BISEXUAL

YOUTH are

19% MORE DISTRESSED

When they are in relationships.

—Study from the Journal of Abnormal Psychology

apple introduCes pride WatCh faCe and WatCh Band

A

ppLe iNtRODuCeD its New RAiNbOw wAtCh FACe and matching rainbow watch band in celebration of Pride month June 4. The watch face shows a rainbow animation and is available for Apple Watch owners to download. The animation is interactive and users can strum the strings like a guitar. There is also a matching rainbow band with a white background and rainbow stripes on top. Apple released a rainbow watch band last year but the limited edition band was taken off the market in September. It’s unknown if the new rainbow bands will also be limited edition. The rainbow bands are available for purchase at the Apple Store for $49.

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“drag raCe” alum alaska Cast in final “sharknado” movie

“R

upAuL’s DRAg RACe” ALum ALAsKA hAs beeN CAst iN the FiNAL iNstALLmeNt of the “Sharknado” TV movie series. Alaska will join Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, Tori Spelling, Dean McDermott and La Toya Jackson in “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time.” The “Sharknado” series, which debuted in 2013, developed a cult following for its campy premise of severe tornados pulling sharks out of the ocean onto the mainland. “I’m so excited to have been a part of this magnificent piece of high art,” Alaska told Hornet.com. “The social and cultural impact of this film will surely be felt for generations.” “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time” premieres Aug. 19 on SyFy.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

CeleBrity Chef offers to find Bakers for same-seX Couples

F

OOD NetwORK’s sANDRA Lee hAs OFFeReD tO heLp sAme-sex COupLes find wedding cake bakers if a bakery refuses to service them. Lee’s offer comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Colorado baker who refused to serve a wedding cake to a same-sex couple because of religious objections. “I do not believe that it is right to discriminate against anyone. I believe love is love.

Therefore if a same-sex couple has been turned down by the bakery of their choice, I will find a baker who appreciates your commitment and loves you for who you are. Love Aunt Sandy,” Lee posted on her Facebook page.

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Wrap. Test. Repeat. ifYouSex.org

a member of

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

ST. pETErSbUrG CELEbraTES

SiXTEEN YEarS OF priDE

S

Ryan Williams-Jent

t. pete pRiDe DRew 220,000

people to St. Petersburg for its weekendlong celebration last year, around 40,000 short of the Sunshine City’s entire population.

As any event of its size would, particularly one so intrinsically tied to the community it serves, the organization’s 15th year faced its fair share of cheers and jeers.

For the first time in its history, the St. Pete Pride parade was held in downtown St. Petersburg rather than in the city’s Grand Central District.

But love or loathe the move, the weekend further and fabulously cemented the celebration as Florida’s largest LGBTQ Pride—paving the way for this year’s Sweet 16.

From its infancy in the early 2000s, where it began with a crowd of 10,000, transformation was inevitable as St. Pete Pride grew. Like any teenager would,

the organization had gone through several changes in recent years, even ahead of the parade move: updating its logo, moving its street festival to Sundays and escaping some of the heat with a nighttime parade.

In May of this year, St. Pete Pride, Inc. also announced it had found its new executive director in Luke Blankenship, who’d served as interim executive director since Aug. 2017. With this year’s St. Pete Pride set for June 22-24, the celebration’s sweet 16th, Blankenship acknowledges St. Pete Pride’s evolution and looks to guide it forward.

“The organization respects everyone’s opinions on what we do with our events,” Blankenship says. “Every year, we’ve had critics on our moves, but we’ve never been in a better position to impact the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s always been about being able to impact as many people within our community as possible, not just a specific segment… we are providing a world-class event.”

“Blankenship brings a youthful voice and perspective to St. Pete Pride,” St. Pete Pride, Inc. said in its press release announcing the 24 year old’s new role.

“He holds a Bachelor of Arts

Continued on pg. 39 | uu |

RAiNbOw CONNeCtiON: Parade-goers gather for 2017’s St. Pete Pride parade, the first in downtown St. Petersburg. Photo by niCK CaRDeLLo

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| uu | St. Pete Pride 2018 from pg.35

in Mass Communication from the University of South Florida.

During his undergraduate work he was President of the USF PRIDE Alliance, the third largest student led organization.”

Ahead of that, however, Blankenship was a 15-year-old volunteer at St. Pete Pride.

“I was assigned crowd control, so basically I would keep parade-goers from walking into the street during the parade,” he recalls. “I did not do a good job and was screamed at a couple times by the parade director to keep the crowds back from the floats.”

It was his passion for LGBTQ advocacy that led him to seek the role of executive director. In the interim position, he increased corporate sponsorship of the event by 57 percent, something he says is essential with a Pride event as large as St. Pete’s.

“It allows us to keep our registration rates for non-profits and small businesses low,” Blankenship says, noting that some in the LGBTQ community aren’t fans of corporate sponsorship due to histories of discrimination. “These companies and the people who run them, change. To have some of the largest companies in the world accepting in the LGBTQ+ community is incredibly important for the progression of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, and like I said before enhances small business and non-profit participation.”

Blankenship also sought to strengthen St. Pete Pride’s relationships with community leaders and members. “I do my best to cater to the entire LGBTQ+ community and provide an impact to as many people as possible,” he says. “Our organization will never be able to please everyone and every business that would like a piece of the economic impact our events provide, but I’ve made it a priority to work with every person that would like to put on an event during Pride Weekend.”

He adds that he feels most community members have come away with a positive outlook on St. Pete Pride, as it’s been his priority to share “kindness, respect and empathy” with everyone he encounters.

Blankenship also stresses the

A Sweet 16 is about evolving, coming into your own and growing. St. Pete Pride should take this year and use this time to transform into the next level of where they want to go and what they’re about.

It’s time for the community to wake up, come together and celebrate.

—SP2 hostess and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Coco Montrese

importance of those relationships for volunteer work.

“There’s no one more important for our organization,” he says of St. Pete Pride’s volunteers. “The event can go on without me or the board of directors, but it can’t without the amazing people who put on the event.”

St. Pete Pride Board President Scion Provenzano echoes their importance, citing city and community involvement as a driving factor in allowing St. Pete Pride to reach its 16th year.

“Without these key players, the ability for the event to occur would not be possible,” she says.

“Each stakeholder plays a vital role in ensuring there is a need, a want and a way to produce our events.”

Provenzano’s first St. Pete Pride was in 2011, prior to her role on the board. She still recalls an overall feeling of love, which she credits for her desire to work behind the scenes. “As an ally, I wanted to become more involved with the community and found that through advocacy efforts, I could use my strengths to tie the two sides of the community together.”

She notes this year’s Sweet 16 is a big year for her personally as well. “This will be my last year serving as board president after four years,” Provenzano says.

“My husband and I are expecting our first child and are looking forward to raising our child in an environment where he will be loved regardless and have

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the opportunity to be his true authentic self.”

That’s also possible, in part, because of the city’s inclusive nature. St. Pete Pride enters its 16th year under the latest term of Mayor Rick Kriseman, a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community and of the event.

When asked about St. Pete Pride’s 16th year, he recalls his “many fond, funny and interesting memories” from years past.

“During the 2000s, when I was a council member and when former Mayor Baker refused to recognize Pride Month in St. Pete, I gladly assumed the duty of reading the proclamation from the festival stage,” he says.

“In a playful poke at our then-mayor,” he continues, “I borrowed his catchphrase

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‘Today is another great day in St. Petersburg’ and modified it slightly. I announced ‘Today is another gay day in St. Petersburg.’

Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Almost everyone.”

Just ahead of Kriseman’s re-election last year, where with the help of many in the LGBTQ community he defeated Baker, the Human Rights Campaign revealed that the city of St. Petersburg had received its third consecutive perfect score of 100 in the organization’s annual Municipal Equality Index. The score represents how inclusive a city’s laws, policies and services are for the LGBTQ people who live and work there.

It’s that kind of love and acceptance that Jeffrey Rivera, 18, looks forward to from his city and from this year’s event—his first Pride celebration.

Though he’s never been to St. Pete Pride, he sees it as “a union of all types of people from different cultural, ethnic, and gender identities,” one where they can “come together and celebrate and maintain the long withstanding message of taking pride in who you are.”

The recent graduate of Clearwater High School, active in the programming Metro Wellness and Community Centers provides throughout Tampa Bay, says Pride “is an inspirational event in which everyone can participate in and express themselves freely, upholding the democratic and equal ideals that the United States of America was founded on: equality, liberty and justice for all.”

He looks forward to “dressing up flamboyantly, with an array of colors and fashion accessories,” but most of all “being able to bask in the joy of feeling free and unshackled from the clutches of modern day society’s norms of conformity.”

Rivera will have plenty of opportunities, given that a plethora of Pride-related events and activities have already begun throughout Tampa Bay and in St. Petersburg specifically. Pride Weekend alone will see events like the SP2 Concert at North Straub Park hosted by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum and former local Coco Montrese.

“It’s going to showcase a lot of different talent, a lot of St. Pete,” Montrese says of the fundraising event. “That’s what it’s going to be geared towards… making

Continued on pg. 41 | uu |

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| uu | St. Pete Pride 2018 from pg.39

sure that people know that St. Pete has a lot of talent in itself.”

The concert will feature local bands and singers including Swipe Right, Rolando and the Spazmatics, with beverage sales benefiting the St. Pete Pride Community Grants program.

“I think that they asked to include me this year because it doesn’t matter if you go away, when you come back home it’s always gonna be an amazing experience,” Montrese says of returning to St. Pete Pride for the milestone year. “It’s always an amazing experience to come back home. They can pick up the phone, call and say we want you to come home and I will come.”

Anjila Cavalier, entertainment director of Tampa’s City Side Lounge and the newly crowned Miss St. Pete Pride 2018, will do the same. Cavalier took the crown May 20 at Quench Lounge, an effort she says was years in the making. “I’ve wanted to enter for the last six years but there’s always been something else that conflicted with the title.”

As a part of her role, Cavalier will be seen throughout and beyond Pride week in various performances, fundraisers and appearances, something she’s looking forward to. She owes much of her career to the city, she says, from the now-defunct Georgie’s Alibi and Broken Tusk to the thriving Flamingo Resort and Quench Lounge.

“I knew getting into the St. Pete family, it’s a working title… and I don’t think a lot of the girls understand that. Everything about St. Petersburg afforded me a lot of opportunities to expand on my brand and put myself out there, so this is my way of giving back,” Cavalier notes. “If you’re going to be the brand and a spokesperson of St. Pete Pride, you can skate through your reign and do what’s asked of you and that’s it, but your reign is your legacy… and what you leave behind is what people are going to remember you by.”

St. Pete Pride understands its own legacy and role in the community, taking special care to honor St. Petersburg’s transgender community with the second annual TransPride March on June 23. “It’s imperative that we decrease discrimination against the transgender

TRANS PRIDE: Last year’s St. Pete Pride TransMarch kicked off the parade festivities, a new tradition Executive Director Luke Blankenship says will continue this year. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO community and let them know they are loved,” Blankenship says.

The entire community is invited to celebrate their transgender family at Vinoy Park beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Blankenship adds that “our country needs to change, especially on a federal level, toward transgender rights and protections.”

The St. Pete Pride parade’s kick-off will follow at 7:15 p.m. alongside St. Petersburg’s Bayshore Drive “in a dazzling array of sequins, beads, leathers and feathers to celebrate the beauty of diversity,” the organization says. Helping to lead it will be two of its grand marshals, SueZie and Cheryl Hawkes.

The two were married in 2000 as husband and wife, chose to pursue transitioning in 2014 and were selected as grand marshals

this year after open nominations and an online community vote.

“Our spare time has been devoted to bringing visibility of love and passion within a transgender relationship,” SueZie says, “aiming to normalize and reduce that old stigma. I guess we were noticed!” She calls being nominated a “wonderful surprise” and an unexpected honor, one that “had never crossed our minds.”

“It’s so humbling,” Cheryl adds. “We are truly excited by the experience and so appreciative of all those who chose to vote for us… we are two people who love one another and look beyond physical appearances to see the beautiful person inside.

Life would be so wonderful if everyone could be accepting and allow us all to live life to the fullest.”

St. Pete Pride’s newest board member Richard Brandt joined

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the organization following the 2016 presidential election to help ensure the community could do just that. “No matter how big the event is, I’m so happy knowing that people across the world have places to go, if even for an afternoon, where they can truly be themselves and feel safe,” he says.

“I realized I could no longer be passive and content with just simply voting and I looked to St. Pete Pride to get more involved,” Brandt continues. “I want to help ensure everyone feels welcome in the city I’m proud to call home… no matter what else is happening around the world.”

June 24 will see that inclusivity move to St. Pete Pride’s traditional home in the Grand Central District for the street festival, after the organization’s board voted in January to keep the annual event in the district rather than also

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moving it downtown. “Grand Central is where we originated,” Blankenship told Watermark at the time. “We will never forget this part of the community and will continue to foster a relationship along each step of the process.”

The festival, which attracts more than 40,000 people to browse block after block of the area’s best eateries, advocates and entertainment, will begin at 11:00 a.m. “I think it’s more beneficial to Grand Central than a parade at night,” St. Pete Pride’s treasurer Stanley Solomons says.

“The stores are all open during the day; people are walking up and down the streets, stopping at restaurants and stopping at the bars.”

While there are still critics of the parade’s move, even on a Sweet 16, St. Pete Pride Secretary Chrys Bundy calls on

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7 days

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

ST. PETE PRIDE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS NOW - JULY 1, 2018 Pride & Joy, an LGBTQ Art Show MIZE Gallery

NOW – JUNE 30, 2018 Pride without Prejudice Art Show Cider Press Café & Emerald Bar

JUNE 16, 2018 Quench Pride Carnival Quench Lounge 8:00 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.

JUNE 17, 2018

FIRST-TIMER: St. Pete Pride’s Sweet 16 will be Jeffrey

Rivera’s first pride celebration. PHOTO COURTESY JEFFREY RIVERA

| uu | St. Pete Pride 2018 from pg.41

the community to give downtown a chance. “We learned a lot of lessons our first year in the new location and we’ve worked through the kinks,” he says. “I’m very excited for Pride 2018! It’s going to be amazing.”

As for the board’s president, Provenzano adds that “to anyone who still has something to say about the move, attend the event and decide for yourself. If afterwards you don’t see safety has increased, feel how it’s cooler in temperature, notice how much more room patrons have, attend a production board meeting and learn how logistics have become more efficient or review our budget to see how it’s cost efficient.”

She says the move, while still holding the festival in Grand Central, has benefited the organization—allowing it to reach its 16th. “If after all that there is still hesitation,” she notes, “feel free to provide suggestions at our open board meetings.” Meetings are held at the LGBT Welcome Center in St. Petersburg on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

“St. Pete Pride celebrates all the letters of the LGBT and the rest,” Solomons adds, stressing

LONG MAY SHE REIGN: Anjila Cavalier proudly

dons the rainbow to win Miss St. Pete Pride 2018 at Quench Lounge May 20. PHOTO BY R&S COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

the importance of doing so in today’s political climate. “I think it’s more important than ever to stand together and support each other. Infighting doesn’t help anybody and it certainly doesn’t help us. I think we have to stand together, show our support for each other and for each member of the community.”

“No one is better or worse than anybody else, we’re all part of the same group of people and we need to celebrate it to keep remembering why we have Pride,” he notes, “or it’s just going to be a big downhill slide. I don’t ever want to see that happen.”

“At St Pete Pride we have the opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made in equality, applauding historical changes that enable everyone to live free,” grand marshal Suzie Hawkes says, “free to live the life they want, and free to love who they choose to love. For some it’s a time for coming out, a time when they gained the courage to be open about the be-YOU-tiful person they are on the inside. A time that, going forward, they are free to live an authentic, fulfilling and productive life.”

“It’s essential to celebrate Pride,” Rivera says ahead of his very first this year, “so that the LGBTQ community has a voice and can be heard, in spite of all

the still current hate the LGBTQ community is forced to face.”

For him, the location of the parade isn’t nearly as important as the event’s message. Above all, he says, St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ community must protect that “which Pride has to offer, which is freedom of self-expression and to be your own person, self-lovingly so.”

As one of voices for the event, Coco Montrese aims to make that freedom and love a focal point of St. Pete Pride’s 16th year. “All you have is your voice,” she says. “Our pride is what we carry every day, wherever the location. A Sweet 16 is about evolving, coming into your own and growing. It’s that sweet spot right in the middle where people get a chance to transform.”

“I think St. Pete Pride should take this year and use this time to transform into the next level of where they want to go and what they’re about,” the entertainer adds. “It’s time for the community to wake up, come together and celebrate.”

St. Pete Pride’s Sweet 16 is expected to draw 250,000 celebrants to St. Petersburg and will be held June 22-24, 2018. For a full list of events or for more information about this year’s festivities, visit stpetepride.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Annual Pre-Pride Black and White Party Nova 535 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

SP2 Concert Hosted by Coco Montrese North Straub Park, Downtown St. Pete 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Pride Passport Across Grand Central Grand Central District 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Pride On The Bay Yacht Party Downtown St. Pete 8:00 p.m.

2nd Annual One Love: Prom in Wonderland State Theater 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

JUNE 23, 2018

JUNE 20, 2018

Macy’s Pride + Joy Macy’s Tyrone Square Mall 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

St. Pete Pride Reception Presented by the Museum of Fine Arts 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Pride Rooftop Disco Station House 12:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.

JUNE 21-23, 2018 Pride Comedy Festival Spitfire Theater Times Vary

JUNE 21, 2018 St. Pete Pride Rooftop Kick-Off Party Kimpton Hotel Zamora 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

JUNE 22-24, 2018 St. Pete Pride After Parties at Enigma Enigma 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

JUNE 22, 2018 “The Gay District” Central Avenue, 16th St – 31st St. All day.

Pride on the Edge Rainbow Lounge Pop-Up 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Transtastic: Trans Pride March Pre-Party Flying Boat Brewing Company 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Third Annual Pride Shabbat Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

St. Pete Pride Parade Downtown Waterfront Area 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The Glamstands, Presented

by HardRock Tampa Across from North Straub Park 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Bleachers by the Bay, Presented by TechData Entrance at North Straub Park 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

St. Pete Pride TransPride March Vinoy Park 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Pete Pride Parade Kick-off Hosted by Hot 101.5’s Miguel and Holly Downtown Waterfront Area 7:15 p.m.

St. Pete Pride After Party Quench Lounge 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

JUNE 24, 2018 Divine Disco Brunch Cider Press Café 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

St. Pete Pride Festival Grand Central District 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about venues, prices or times,

visit stpetepride.com/en/events/all.

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arts and entertainment

MIDDLE

MAN “Hollywood Medium”

TYLER HENRY

on communicating with celebrities and “the other side”

T

Ryan Williams-Jent

yLeR heNRy CAme Out twiCe:

first as gay and second as a spiritual medium, the latter of which he says was harder.

At 22, Henry says his sixth sense, not to be confused with the film of the same name, allows him to communicate “messages from the other side,” something that began at just 10 years old. It’s a claim that’s led to his memoir “Between Two Worlds,” multiple seasons of E!’s “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry” and “5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from the Departed,” his national tour.

Watermark spoke with Henry ahead of his shows in Clearwater

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June 21 and Orlando June 22 about his claims, his critics and “reading” celebrities like RuPaul.

Watermark: you’re desCriBed as an evidential-Based and Clairvoyant medium. hoW Would you eXplain that to readers Who may not Be familiar With the terms?

TYLER HENRY: As a medium I consider myself to be a spiritual medium, which is basically someone who communicates

Continued on pg. 49 | uu |

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| uu | Tyler Henry from pg.47

messages from the other side, and by the other side I mean the afterlife. My goal is really just to communicate messages and specifics and details to the people I meet.

The goal is really just to provide validation: validation that there’s more to life than what we see and validation that our loved ones are still around. The way that I do that is the information that I bring forward is specific and detailed and for me. It really has to hit the nail on the head in order to know that I’ve made a connection. That’s really how it kind of works.

What’s your process like for conducting a reading?

So the process is kind of interesting. It’s not like “The Sixth Sense,” I don’t see dead people walking around. If anything I actually really pick up on subtle impressions, so I always say that my sixth sense uses the other five senses to communicate.

So when I do a reading, I basically kind of calm my mind and quiet it and I’m just super aware of any changes that go on in my mind or my body. So for example, I might get a physical sensation that corresponds to how someone passed away. I might get a smell, I might hear a noise, I might get an emotional feeling or a feeling of a “knowingness” of a message, and I basically kind of have to communicate all of the changes that go on in a way that make sense and a way that can be validated. So it’s a lot going on.

Was it always a goal of yours to share your story this way?

I definitely knew that I wanted to share it but I didn’t know to what extent. Growing up at 10 years old is when I first had this initial premonition that led me down this path. When I was 16 years old I graduated high school early and my goal was to become a hospice nurse, because I knew that I could share this and could help people who really needed it.

So when I went into college to try to become a hospice nurse, I was doing readings on the side to supplement paying for going to school. Before I knew it I basically just was inundated with requests for readings. Within about a year I had to make the decision of either meeting the

It’s not like ‘The Sixth Sense,’ I don’t see dead people walking around. If anything I actually really pick up on subtle impressions, so I always say that my sixth sense uses the other five senses to communicate.

—Tyler Henry

demand of the readings or staying in school, and obviously I chose the readings because I think I could still achieve the same thing I wanted to do in hospice but in a larger way.

What led you to E!?

Well, it was interesting, it actually kind of fell in my lap through word of mouth. I grew up in Central California which is culturally like worlds away from Southern California. It’s really conservative and agricultural-based; it’s really not entertainment-oriented. But within that year, word of mouth started spreading and people were more open minded in L.A. I started finding that more clients would call me from that area and my first celebrity client was Sarah Paulson, and that was I think when I was like 17

with a reading done over the phone. One thing kind of led to another and before I knew it I was reading both celebrities and non-celebrities.

Do you have a preference?

I prefer non-celebrities. I prefer everyday people, they’re just easier to read… there’s a lot less out about them, so there tends to be less skepticism and I just like to share it with everyday people I think the most.

But celebrities are unique and they also have their own benefits, being able to read them, because I think I really get to bring an awareness of what I do to the fan bases of those celebrities. And that can be really influential as well, so, pretty cool.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Do you have any favorite interactions that stick out to you?

Oh my gosh, so many. For the show we’ve done over 176 now, but what comes to mind is actually my reading with RuPaul.

RuPaul was amazing and I was a huge fan of him. When he finally opened the door I was just shocked, because I never know where I’m going or who I’m reading. I really kind of had a bit of a fan-girl moment. He’s someone that I really looked up to growing up.

To me he just represents being yourself and being yourself unapologetically. He was really very helpful when I was growing up and coming to terms with all of this. So to finally meet him and connect him to his dad that

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

had passed away was just so emotional and so connective. We actually randomly made chocolate after the reading, RuPaul and I. So that’s a pretty cool memory.

You’ve said you had two coming outs: one as a gay man and one as a medium. Was one harder than the other?

I think honestly probably being a medium was a bit more difficult.

I just think because it was more of a prominent part of my life than being gay. Being gay is a part of me and it’s a part that’s applicable to my relationships, but being a medium is something that effects my entire life in a very visible way, regardless of who I’m interacting with.

It’s what I do for a living, it’s what people think of me as; and so that really was kind of an integral part of my identity that I couldn’t hide or keep private.

So I think being a medium was definitely more challenging to kind of come out of the closet in that regard, but it really paid off.

I think if anything it taught me the importance of being true to who we are… because when we are, that can move mountains and really can be our calling. I think it was a very important lesson.

How do you deal with skeptics and critics who question your motivations or authenticity?

I think readings really speak for themselves. I’ve done over 1,000 private readings and 200 on camera. I find that those who tend to be critical of what I do have never met me and have never actually received a reading. So in that regard I tend to not feel the need to defend myself with those people. I really find that I can only focus on helping the people that I can help and the people that seek me out to receive my services.

I understand that it’s not for everybody, but I just am really trying to recreate what people think of when they think of a medium by putting such an emphasis on validation and specifics and details. I know that I can’t win everyone over but my goal is to help the people that I can.

Is that what helped launch your tour, that desire?

Definitely. I love being able to just interact with anyone in regards

Continued on pg. 51 | uu |

49

celebrate the power and beauty of diversity

MORE INFO ONLINE AT

www.stpetepride.com 50

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

betweeN twO wORLDs: E! star Tyler Henry will share life lessons he’s learned from his experiences at Ruth Eckerd Hall June 21 and Hard Rock Live June 22. Photo CoURteSy RUth eCKeRD haLL

| uu | Tyler Henry from pg.49

to doing a reading. I think on some level that people saw me reading celebrities and assumed that was my entire clientele… when the reality is that celebrities are just a very small portion of my clientele. So to be able to bring it on the road and travel places like Florida and read thousands of people has been really fun. It’s definitely a new experience every time.

What’s Been your favorite part aBout touring?

I’d say the readings. I love being able to share the lessons that I’ve learned as a result of this work. I do feel it’s an important part

of the process, because people – at the time that they receive the readings at the event – have a deeper understanding of my story and how I work, which is really important.

But seeing the lives that have been changed through the tour and the readings that happen is just so special. Just all the synchronicities, the people feeling like they were meant to show up that day for a reason and they happen to receive a reading… moments like that have really been special and even more validating for me as a medium. you have a Best-selling Book, your tour and your shoW. What do you see going forWard in your Career?

The goal is just to continue spreading this message and helping people. I’m thankful with the show that we’ve been able to reach over 153 countries and it’s been incredible.

I’m really hoping for more of that, fingers-crossed for Season 4 soon. We’re in pre-production, so we’ll see.

It’s been amazing and I’m really excited for that. To continue touring, maybe I’ll take it international; I feel like that would be really fun… and I am currently working on a second book, so I have a lot going on.

Tyler Henry, Hollywood Medium’s “5 Life Lessons I’ve Learned From The Departed” will be at Ruth Eckerd Hall (RuthEckerdHall.com) Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Hard Rock Live (HardRock.com/Live/ Locations/Orlando) Friday, June 22 at 8:00 p.m.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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TROPICANA is a registered trademark of Tropicana Products, Inc. PURE LEAF is a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies, used under license.

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theater

Hedwig for the kids

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” heads to the Cocoa Village Playhouse to benefit the Zebra Coalition

(aBove)

tRipLe thReAt:

benjamin Cox directs, produces and stars in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

PhotoS CoURteSy benJaMin CoX

F

Colton adkins

OR A speCiAL twO-Night eVeNt,

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will be showing at the Cocoa Village Playhouse outside of their normal show season. The punk-rock show is centered on Hedwig, a woman who “is out to set the record straight about her life, her loves and the botched operation that left her with that ‘angry inch.’” watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Benjamin Cox, a 41-year-old marketing artist at the Cocoa Village Playhouse, not only stars as the titular character but also directs and co-produces the special engagement.

“This has been kind of a passion project of mine since the late ‘90s when I saw the movie and found out that it was a stage play originally,” remembers Cox. Taking the time to make sure everything is perfect for this long-awaited dream remained a priority to Cox.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

“The biggest challenge is I’m not able to get to the fun actor stuff as much as I would like to at the early stages. I have to get everything ready for everyone else,” says Cox. Hiring musicians, bringing on just the right actress to play Yitzhak, Hedwig’s husband (played by Cathy Moubray), and trusting that everyone will follow the vision of the show had to come first before Cox could focus on the development of his character, Hedwig.

“It’s a little bit of a frustration from an actor’s standpoint,” Cox says with a laugh. “But I’ve still got three weeks to fine tune the selfish part of me, the part of me that is Hedwig.”

Bringing “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” to the Cocoa Village Playhouse stage had to remain on the backburner for a long time due to the constrictions of a different time period. “Back when I first got started it was just unheard of to do something [like “Hedwig”] in Brevard County, at least at a main stage theater,” says Cox. “You had your safe bets, your ‘Sound of Music,’ your ‘Man of La Mancha,’ stuff like that, so it was just an idea that I always kind of sat on and kind of let sit at the back of my mind.”

Since Neil Patrick Harris’ revival of the show on Broadway in 2014, “Hedwig” has become more mainstream than it was in the past, winning several Tony Awards and getting a U.S. tour.

Even more so, since the show’s inception in 1998 off-Broadway, other productions have showcased a larger spectrum of issues that Cox explains have “eclipsed… or at least matched” those found in “Hedwig.”

An inspiration for wanting to put on the show has continued to be that to some degree, it appeals to the transgender or genderfluid experience.

Hedwig is a woman who used to be a man that is portrayed by a man.

“The whole concept is that it’s genderfluid in the sense that [Hedwig] doesn’t even know where she belongs,” Cox says. “She’s not sure if she wants to be a boy or a girl. She feels both are part of her, so she’s struggling with her identity.”

Cox, however, is careful to explain that “Hedwig” is not a show about being transgender. “That’s a situation in this

Continued on pg. 55 | uu |

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

| uu | Hedwig for the Kids from pg.53

character’s story, but the story is about a human experience,” he says.

As a whole, Cox wants all people who feel disenfranchised or marginalized to feel connected to and inspired by Hedwig’s story.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” started in the New York City drag club SqueezeBox! in the early ‘90s.

John Cameron Mitchell, the author of “Hedwig,” and Stephen Trask, the musician and lyricist, opened the show Off-Broadway in 1998, and Mitchell starred in the lead. Three years later in 2001, Mitchell directed and starred in a movie adaptation of the musical which landed him an award for Best Director at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival and two Golden Globe nominations.

Explaining the plot of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” can be difficult, Cox says, splitting his explanation into two parts: the format of the show and Hedwig’s mission in the show. The way the audience hears the story is straight from Hedwig herself. “Hedwig is talking to the audience the whole show,” says Cox. Heart-broken and attempting to reinvent herself, Hedwig tours the country with her band, The Angry Inch, and tells her story through a series of monologues and punk-rock songs.

“It almost feels like Hedwig is touring and this stop she’s at the Cocoa Village Playhouse,” says Cox. “She’s responding to the audience.”

From communist East Berlin, a young man named Hansel meets a U.S. soldier, Sgt. Luther Robinson, who forces Hansel to undergo a sex change surgery so they can get married and escape Berlin. In desperation to escape, Hansel adopts her mother’s name and passport, and then she finds a doctor to perform the surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery is botched, and leaves the new Hedwig a one-inch mound between her legs and “a scar running down it like a sideways grimace on an eyeless face.”

Luther helps Hedwig successfully escape Berlin, but ends up leaving her for another man. “She’s literally left alone in a trailer park, brought to Junction City from a foreign country,” says Cox. Hedwig eventually meets a shy, Christian boy named Tommy Speck that she writes songs with.

Speck steals these songs and changes his stage name to Tommy Gnosis, becomes a famous rock star and goes on tour. This is the setting of the show.

It’s that concept that [Hedwig] has no one, and I wanted to find an organization that related to that, that was topical to that message, because that’s something I really wanted to hit with this show: the importance of making sure people who feel different don’t feel abandoned.

—Benjamin Cox on why he selected the Zebra Coalition to receive a portion of the “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” ticket revenue.

“I try to tell people that this is just really about her going out and setting the record straight,” Cox explains. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there about her and since this scandal broke about her relationship with a rock guy named Tommy Gnosis, now she’s going out and she’s at her rope’s end.”

Two years ago, Cox was told that he would finally be able to bring “Hedwig” to the Cocoa Village Playhouse under the condition that he remained fully in charge of the show’s production. In preparing for the role of Hedwig, Cox relates the experience as “therapeutic” given his ability to relate to the character.

“I’m going to be 42 this year. We have all of these moments where we go through these re-evaluation points in

our lives, and we have to kind of ask ourselves where we’ve been versus where we’re going,” says Cox. Shortly after the show debuted on film, Cox remembers some friends coming to him and saying, “There’s this show, ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch,’ and you’d be perfect to play this part.” After expressing disinterest when explained the plot, Cox went on to watch the movie years later and fell in love.

“I just was like, ‘Oh, I get it. It’s a ridiculous concept, but everything works perfectly in it,’” Cox says.“It’s like the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ musical: you try to tell people, ‘it’s a musical about a man-eating plant!’

If you don’t know the show, that sounds ridiculous, but when you see it, you realize it’s brilliant, the way it’s put together.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Bringing “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” to the Cocoa Village Playhouse means more than just putting on a show or fulfilling a dream to Cox; it is allowing him to give back to the LGBTQ community.

Part of the proceeds made from the show will be donated as a kind of “pay-it-forward” to the Zebra Coalition in Orlando. “I’ve been given this blessing, this opportunity to do what I love,” explains Cox. “I want to pass it on.”

Connecting the local LGBTQ youth community to Hedwig’s story played a major role in Cox’s decision to donate to Zebra as opposed to other organizations.

“It’s that concept that she has no one, and I wanted to find an organization that related to that, that was topical to that message,

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

because that’s something I really wanted to hit with this show: the importance of making sure people who feel different don’t feel abandoned,” says Cox. The Zebra Coalition provides resources such as housing, drop-in centers and connections to various LGBTQ organizations allowing LGBTQ youth to “be pointed in the right direction,” according to Cox. “It’s about bringing awareness out there for Zebra and using this show as a platform.”

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will be at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse June 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $18 to $33 and can be purchased online at CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com or by calling the box office at 321-636-5050.

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 8PM

HARDROCKLIVEORLANDO.COM 407-351-LIVE

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

arts+entertainment Central florida “Fun home,” June 1-July 1, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando. 407-297-8788; MadCowTheatre.com “Another Year Passes: Orlando after the Pulse nightclub Massacre,” June 2-Oct. 14, Orange County History Center, Orlando. 407-836-8500; TheHistoryCenter.org RumFest, June 16, Wall Street Plaza, Orlando. 407-849-0471; WallStPlaza.net Solutionary Peace Walk & Festival, June 16, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 941-730-4745; OrlandoPeaceFest.org aC2: an intimate evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen, June 16, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org april Fresh’s Comedy brunch, June 17, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com U.S. Conference on aiDS committee meeting, June 18, Florida DOH Orange County, Orlando. 407-858-1400; FLHealth.com Deep Sea Rave, June 19, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com a night out with Chelsea Handler, June 21, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Watermark’s Third Thursday, June 21, Magruder Laser Vision, Orlando. 407-481-2243; Facebook.com/WatermarkFL Cabaret Rogue Dinner Show, June 22, Footlight Theater at the Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com National Theater Live: “Julius Caesar,” June 23, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

community calendar

event planner

Central florida

CHELSEA

Moira’s Mixed Company: Gay Life in Central Florida FRiDAy, JuNe 15, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

NewsRADiO 102.5 wFLA, mAitLAND

CHAT

It’s been two years since the Pulse tragedy and Moira of “Moira’s Mixed Company” is checking in with prominent members of the LGBTQ community to talk about gay life in Central Florida. “Moira’s Mixed Company” is a monthly radio show, hosted by Moira of “The Philips Phile,” that focuses on those topics that your mother said “never to talk about in Mixed Company.” Tune into NewsRadio 102.5 starting at 3:00 p.m.

The Center’s Big Gay Bingo mONDAy, JuNe 25, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Lgbt+ CeNteR ORLANDO, ORLANDO

For the first time in eight years, the comedian, author and activist Chelsea Handler returns to Orlando with “A Night Out with Chelsea Handler” at the Dr. Phillips Center June 21. Photo CoURteSy DRPhiLLiPSCenteR.oRG

Hall & Oates and Train, June 26, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7900; AmwayCenter.org Queer Quills: Summer Reading Club, June 28, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org “hedwig and the angry Inch,” June 29-30, Cocoa Village Playhouse, Cocoa. 321-636-5050; CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com

St. Pete Pride Rooftop Party, June 21, Kimpton Hotel Zamora, St. Petersburg. 888-809-1588; TheHotelZamora.com Punky’s Art Bazaar, June 23, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

tampa Bay Polk Pride Kickoff, June 15, Peggy Brown Building, Lakeland.

863-834-2280; PolkPrideFL.com CaReoke Fundraiser for out of the Closet, June 15, The Garage On Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; GarageOnCentral.Weebly.com The Illunsionists, June 15-17, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org 2018 business of Pride, June 18, The Palladium at St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg. 727-822-3590; MyPalladium.org

So you think you Can Drag Semi-Finals: Denim & Diamonds, June 20, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

Brushes & Brunch, June 23, PomPom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, St. Petersburg. 727-873-6992; PomPomsStPete.com St. Pete Pride Parade, June 23, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.com Official St. Pete Pride After Party, June 23, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com St. Pete Pride Festival, June 24, Grand Central District, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.com

Halcyon Pride Sunday, June 24, The Dog Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-317-4968; DogBarStPete.com Caring for aging LGbt Veterans, June 27, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa.

813-972-2000; Tampa.Va.Gov Tampa Bay Diversity Annual Summer Luncheon, June 28, The Club Treasure Island, Tampa. 727-367-4511; DiversityTampaBay.Org

sarasota Summer Circus Spectacular, June 12-28, The Historic Asolo Theater, Sarasota.

941-358-3180; Ringling.org Zoom Party, June 15, Old School Bar & Grill, Sarasota. 941-363-7744; OldSchoolBars.com The Sarasota Music Festival, June 17-24, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota. 941-366-5731; SarasotaOrchestra.com

The Center, Orlando’s LGBTQ community hub, is hosting its monthly Big Gay Bingo event. A $15 buy in allows you to play eight games, and each winner takes home a cash prize. The event is hosted by the flamboyant, red-mohawked Pepe. Snacks, beer and wine are available for purchase. For more information go to TheCenterOrlando.org

tampa Bay

Polk Pride’s Pride in the Park sAtuRDAy, JuNe 16, 10 A.m.- 3 p.m. muNN pARK histORiCAL DistRiCt, LAKeLAND Come out and celebrate the diversity of Polk County for the fourth annual Polk Pride festival. Spend the day in historic Munn Park with LGBTQ vendors, food trucks and live entertainment featuring musician Melissa Crispo. The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit PolkPrideFL.com.

Tampa Bay Diversity Annual summer Luncheon thuRsDAy, JuNe 28, 11:30 A.m.-1:30 p.m. the CLub At tReAsuRe isLAND, st. pete beACh Join the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber for its annual luncheon at The Club at Treasure Island. This year the chamber is honored to present St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman as its guest speaker. Tickets are $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-members, and are available at DiversityTampaBay.Org.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

overheard

tampa Bay out+aBout

one love

p

ROJeCt NO LAbeLs mARKeD the twO yeAR mARK of the Pulse tragedy on June 11 at Thirsty First in St. Petersburg, raising nearly $1,000 for the Contigo Fund.

Funds were raised for the Orlando organization via donations and silent auctions.

The fund was formed in the aftermath of the tragedy and offers financial support to organizations working to heal, educate and empower LGBTQ and Lantinx individuals, immigrants and people of color.

Program Director Marco Antonio Quiroga thanked attendees via social media. “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being on this long journey of healing with us,” Quiroga shared. “As you all understand, the recovery is still not over, and there are still many needs in the community that need to be met… and so with your support, Contigo has been over to distribute over one million dollars since the shooting to support those most impacted. We continue to be there on the front lines to make sure that those who have needs, all of them, are never forgotten.”

“Tonight marks the two year anniversary of an extremely tragic event in our LGBTQ community’s history,” Project No Labels founder Claire Eli shared ahead of the event. “However, this memorial highlights the strength and solidarity we exude as a family in the face of hate and intolerance and we feel it is absolutely necessary.”

For more information about Project No Labels or the Contigo Fund, visit ProjectNoLabels.org or ContigoFund.org.

your son’ll Come out tomorroW

m

AttOCs pRODuCtiONs, AmeRiCAN stAge AND the suNCOAst AiDs theAtRe pROJeCt will bring their latest Pride parody musical to St. Petersburg on June 25 with “Dannie.”

The spoof “skewers one of Broadway’s biggest blockbusters,” American Stage advises. It follows Scott Daniel’s Dannie, a young orphan with big dreams of starring on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The awful Miss Mannigan (Matthew McGee) aims to stop her—while Sugar Daddy Bigbucks (Jonathan Harrison) tries to adopt the orphan to “bankroll her dreams of stardom.”

All of the actors involved perform for free with 100 percent of ticket sales donated to Metro Wellness and Community Centers. Last year’s “Golden Gurlz Live” raised over $12,000, McGee says. “I want to do more this year,” he adds, “and I think ‘Dannie’ is the show that can do that. It should be a heck of a good time; we’re looking forward to it. We’re basically just going to lampoon the whole situation.”

“Dannie” is currently scheduled to run at American Stage on June 25 for two shows only at 7 and 9 p.m. VIP tickets are $35 and general admission is $20. Both can be purchased at americanstage.org.

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hAiR CARe: Miranda Colette (L) gets the works from Jessee Ward at Bambu the Eco Salon on May 31. PHOTO

by Ryan WiLLiaMS-Jent

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miC DROp: Adriana Sparkles hosts the Fresh Start Drag Showcase at Iberian Rooster June 6. PHOTO by bRanDon DeCKeR

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ONe LOVe: Pulse survivor Keinon Carter (L) attends Project No Labels’ Pulse Tribute Memorial with the organization’s Valerie Lynn on June 11. PHOTO

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CoURteSy VaLeRie Lynn

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O-tOwN: St. Pete Pride board member Jay Aller (L) and Adam Rhodes share St. Pete Pride’s message at Gay Days in Orlando June 1. PHOTO

by Ryan WiLLiaMS-Jent

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DAppeR DuDes: Ricky Renaud (L) and anthony Mulvey-Reyes share their style at Enigma on June 3. PHOTO BY Ryan WiLLiaMS-Jent

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metRO mAgiC: Tyrone, Lady Liemont, Robert, Christian and Jess welcome guests to the grand opening of Metro’s Flamingo location June 10.

Photo by Ryan WiLLiaMS-Jent

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RAys up: Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith (L) and Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor watch the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field for Pride Night June 8. PHOTO

by Ryan WiLLiaMS-Jent

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mAyORAL pRiDe: Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn (L) and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman drop by Boston Pride during the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting. PHOTO

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CoURteSy RiCK KRiSeMan

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

overheard

Central florida out+aBout

quilt of memories

T

he AiDs memORiAL quiLt is A mAssiVe quiLt stARteD iN the 1980s

by LGBTQ activist Cleve Jones to bring awareness to how bad the AIDS pandemic really was. Each panel was personalized for someone who lost their battle with the disease. It is meant to honor the dead and bring healing to the person’s loved ones. This year, the Orlando VA Medical Center is raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and letting the community know the fight is still not over by creating a local quilt to be displayed later this year. “We are going to unveil the quilt on Worlds AIDS Day,” says Freda Johnson, a social worker with the VA’s Infectious Disease Team. “Then it will be displayed at the various VA locations around Central Florida.”

Anyone is free to contribute a panel to the quilt; you do not need to be a veteran. You can obtain a cloth panel to take home by contacting the Quilt Project Information Line at 407-631-2267 or attend one of the group decorating sessions.

The VA will be holding group decorating sessions on the fourth Thursday of each month this summer at the VA Medical Center in Lake Nona from 10-11 a.m. Panels completed on your own can be dropped off at the VA Medical Center or by calling the information line to arrange pick-up. Panels must be returned by August 31 and the completed quilt will be unveiled at the VA’s World AIDS Day event Dec. 1.

For more information call Freda Johnson at 407-631-2267.

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Who run the World?

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RLANDO mAgAZiNe hAs NAmeD its wOmeN OF the yeAR in Central Florida and a couple of familiar names popped up on that list. “They are educators, mentors, counselors, fund-raisers, business owners and managers of organizations that help those in need. But most of all they are leaders, who step forward to help keep our community strong,” says Orlando Magazine of its 23 individual selections. The 23 women were selected from readership nominees who submitted who they thought were worthy to be named to the list.

Amongst the women honored is cofounder and president of The Barber Fund, and owner of The Venue, Blue Star. “Without her guidance and support, the family of The Venue wouldn’t have a place to be who we really feel we were meant to be. And families living with cancer would be with one less advocate in their corner,” read one of Blue’s many nominations. Another Women of the Year, executive director of the Zebra Coalition Heather Wilkie. “[She] goes above and beyond to keep LGBTQ youth recognized and safe, and [she] provides a space where they can be themselves. If you meet her you feel her passion for these kids; she fights the fight every day, giving LGBTQ youth hope and inspiration,” wrote one supporter. Congratulations to Blue and Heather. You can read the full list at OrlandoMagazine.com.

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Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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COmmuNity suppORt: (L-R) Seeastian Castro, Brice Aikens, Kristine Kraus, Juan Delatorre, eric Rollings, Doug head and Joanne Grant gather at Bites & Bubbles June 6 to show support for Rollings’ bid to become an Orange County Commissioner.

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hONORiNg the tROOps: (L-R) Keri Griffin, Kimberly Muncy and Freda Johnson honor LGBTQ veterans at the OVAMC LGBTQI Pride Month Celebration at the Orlando VA Medical Center June 8.

Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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LOCAL NetwORKs: (L-R) RT Haanstra, Brian Singleton, Jerry Warner and Tim Leddy mingle at the MBA Orlando Business Connect event at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre June 6. Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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FOR the 49: Barbara Poma watches as thousands gather to run, walk and sprint at onePULSE Foundation’s second annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run at Wadeview Park in Orlando June 9. Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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thRee yeARs OF bLiss: (L-R) Linda elisee, tiffany Rodriguez, Shannon FieldsNewton and Shakyara Ralat celebrate three years of offering health services to the community at the Bliss Healthcare anniversary party at the Curry Ford office June 7. Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS DiVeRse ALLies: (L-R) Denise Johnson, John Mina and elizabeth Saltigerald attend the 2018 Florida LGBT-Allies Diversity Summit at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality in Orlando June 8. Photo by Maia Monet

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LeADeRs OF tODAy AND tOmORROw: (L-R) Francis Jarusiewicz, Patty Sheehan, Jon Convert, Barry Miller, Neil Rois, Courtney Ring, Mark Brewer and Darren Soto at The 49 Fund scholarship announcement at Orlando City Hall June 9. Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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seeiNg ReD: The #RedShirts gather at Walt Disney World for the annual Gay Day at Magic Kingdom June 2.

Photo by JeReMy WiLLiaMS

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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Western & Chinese Medicine • Clinical Herbal Programs • Crystals • Plant Medicine • Metaphysical Classes

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

T A M P A

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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C E N T R A L

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Read It Online!

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

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

C entral

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funeral services

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Come see Dave, Ed & Staff for a Free Consultation! firearms DEFEND YOURSELF AND BE A RESPONSIBLE ARMED CITIZEN

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

67

C entral

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LGBTQ Medical

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68

• Join • Volunteer • Donate

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

announcements

Wedding Bells

COngratulatiOns

Michael Scranton and Rick Vail from St. Petersburg, Florida

Metro Wellness and Community Centers held its official grand opening for its Flamingo Resort location June 10.

Rachel Stevenson and Margaret Covello were engaged June 7.

COndOlenCes

Fashion designer and artist Michael Vollbracht passed away June 7. He will be missed

lOCal birtHdays

PHOTO BY SheLLy SWanGeR PHOTOGRAPHY

engagement date:

Nov. 18, 2016

wedding date:

May 5, 2018

lOCatiOn:

San Antonio

COlOrs:

Black, white and gray

wedding sOng/ artist:

“In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young

OffiCiant:

Shelly Scranton

pHOtOgrapHer:

Shelly Swanger Photography

T

he twO met by hAppeNstANCe

during Christmastime in 2003. James “Rick” Vail shares the special moment he knew Michael Scranton was the one for him. “For me, it was when I saw him behind the bar at Alibi in Fort Lauderdale at a Christmas party. That was the first time we met. The next week I drove to St. Pete to see him again. He says I stalked him,” Vail jokes. “It worked!”

“For Mike, it was the first day he saw my beautiful face and butt,” Vail adds.

Scranton, a licensed massage therapist, esthetician and real estate investor originally from Fort Wayne, Ind., was the one to pop the question. “Mike proposed first by saying with all the property we have, now we should really think about getting married.”

Vail, a construction director for a nonprofit and also a real estate investor originally from Waller, Texas, laughs. “I said, ‘How romantic—noooooo!’ So I did a year later, but he had no idea I was proposing.”

“We decided to visit Sawmill campground with a group of friends,” Vail tells. “I told our friends that I wanted to propose to Mike while we were there. I asked

if they could decorate our cabin before we arrived, and they did.

When we walked up to the porch of the cabin, there were wedding decorations hanging from the ceiling. Mike just pushes them aside, opens the door and starts making a few comments about how small the cabin is. There are streamers hanging from the fan and ceiling and taped to the walls.

Mike says, ‘Someone must have gotten married and they didn’t clean the room yet.’”

Vail continues. “Finally he starts yanking the stuff down, saying ‘This shit’s got to go.’ Our friend is videoing everything and Mike is confused why she is videoing us. I said, ‘Who wants a shot?’

Everyone walks out and I pour shots and take them out for a toast.

Mike still has no idea. I say, ‘Here’s

to an idiot that doesn’t know when someone is proposing to him.’

Mike was silent. What? No, what?

Really? No, what?”

The two tied the knot on May 5, 2018. Many of the details of the wedding were handled by Scranton’s sister, Shelly, letting the couple focus on their special day.

When recounting the events of the day, Scranton and Vail both said the most special moment for both of them was the first dance. It was not just to their song, but who performed the song that made it even more important for them.

“Mike and I danced our first dance to ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ sung to us by my daughter, Kaitlynn,” Vail shares.

“After being together 14.5 years, I didn’t think I could feel any more married than I already did.

Apparently I was wrong,” Scranton laughs. “The fact that I was actually marrying the most amazing man I’ve ever met made me happier than I could’ve imagined. I think seeing the pride and joy on his face while his daughter sang our first dance song was probably one of my favorites.”

—Aaron Drake

Tampa-based Les Vixens performer, fashion designer and stylist Lunatique, Orlando DJ and model Marisa Maddox, first female at City Side Lounge Raven Lunatique, former TIGLFF prez Chris Constantinou, Tampa volunteer everyman Bill Kanouff (June 14); Tampa photographer Poly Costas, Parliament House pianist Tim Turner (June 15); Bodywork Massage and Day Spa owner Roger Medrano, Town ‘n Country banker Travis Hilborne, Sarasota filmmaker and writer Anthony Paull, St. Pete mainstay Taylor Pruett, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom president Joe Kennedy (June 16); Central Florida LGBTQ history buff Ken Kazmerski, former GaYbor Coalition board member John Gorman, St. Petersburg photographer J.J. Respondek, social media rep for HER app Bethany Renee Williams (June 17); Watermark sales manager Danny Garcia (June 19); flight attendant andrew elder, Miracle of Love’s Mpowerment program coordinator Lester burges (June 20); Watermark Tampa Bay sales rep Russ Martin, Tampa Bay limo chauffer Marty Theriot, drag legend ange Sheridan, St. Pete handyman Adam Miller, diehard Steelers fan Jimmy Guzic, Central Florida Softball League diva eric Hans (June 21); Watermark remarkable person Jason Lee, Tampa fitness guru Christine Myers, St. Petersburg Yoga instructor Andre Sur, Tampa Bay entertainer Riquette Ramsey, Central Florida immigration attorney and LGBTQ ally Henry Lim, Idratherbenaked Clothing’s Jason Lee, Tampa Bay Elder Sister agatha Frisky (June 22); St. Pete drag performer ashlee t. bankx, Tampa Keller Realty star Bill Knecht, derby diva Mark O’Hara, UCF Musical Theatre Specialist Jim Brown, Treasure Island politico Gail Caldwell (June 23); Tampa U.b.U. Salon artist Jeremy Beauchamp, St. Pete WAVE-Award winning bartender Jeremy Fetters, Parliament House bar manager DanaTetreault, St. Petersburg realtor and Watermark contributing photographer todd Fixler, Largo’s TinkerFluff photographer and Watermark contributor Paul Kinchen, diamond in the rough Lindsey Burkholder, Arkham Assailant Amanda Hippensteel (June 24); Tampa Bay community activist Guadalupe Vargas, Orlando Fringe Patron winner Nanci “Mama B” Boetto, The Ribbon Project founder and Embellish FX proprietor Ben Johansen, St. Pete twirler Dan Radwanski, Tampa outdoor enthusiast Scott Buttelwerth (June 25); mother to the publisher Ginger bentz, “God is a Scottish Drag Queen” performer Mike Delamont, roller derby team captain Amber Luu (June 26); Alaska farming intern Christine Rubino, Tampa Stageworks Theatre Artistic Director Anna Brennan (June 27).

SEE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT IN WATERMARK! send yOur annOunCement tO editOr@watermarkOnline.COm

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? if so, email the details to editor@Watermarkonline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

69

the last page

Photo by JaKe SteVenS

Greg Stemm VIE WPoINT CoLUMNIS T

age: 57

HOmetOwn: Columbus, ohio

identifies as: Gay

autObiOgrapHy title:

“I Survived”

wHat are yOur HObbies:

Avid sci-fi reader, tropical gardening and my beautiful puppy named “Joy”

What kind of Writing do you do for Watermark?

What do you like Writing aBout the most?

I write a regular perspective column and news stories, especially investigative pieces with multiple contacts.

When I’m writing news stories I like the in-depth investigative pieces where I can speak to multiple contacts and weave together a story from what they tell me. I love telling interesting stories about how LGBTQ people are navigating the complex times in which we find ourselves. For my perspective columns I love writing about my own personal experiences as an activist on a wide range of issues. It’s great to be able to share my 35 years of experience living in St. Pete and watching it grow up from a sleepy retirement community to a chic progressive gay hotspot.

What Was the name of your first headline With Watermark?

“Equality Florida Pinellas Gala Raises Record Amount”

Out year:

What is the name of your vieWpoint Column?

1985

Positive Living

pOsitiOn:

hoW did you Come up With the name for your Column?

Viewpoint Columnist

Positive Living has two meanings that are interconnected. I strive to show that you can have a rich, full positive life while dealing with the HIV positive label and as a long-term survivor.

prOfessiOnal rOle mOdel:

Rachel Maddow

What made you Want to Write for Watermark?

I’ve always been proud that the official news source and voice of the gay community of the I-4 corridor has had such high journalistic standards. We are well respected and I wanted to be part of that.

What is your favorite thing aBout Writing for Watermark?

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of writing about a wide range of topics from Gays and Catholics to Women in the AIDS epidemic to Getting Gay People Out of Uganda. It’s amazing to see the depth of our community and I always learn something from each story. I love writing a perspective column where I can share some of my own personal experiences as an activist and a longtime resident of the area.

When did you develop a passion for Writing?

My high school honors English teacher told me that whatever career I chose that writing was going to be an important part of it so I’d better practice it a lot. She told me I had talent, to foster it and to go for it!

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June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

What is your favorite lgBtq event?

St. Pete Pride and anything we produce at the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library.

What is your favorite thing aBout the loCal lgBtq Community?

In St. Pete and Gulfport I think my favorite thing is how integrated we are into the general community. While some neighborhoods are gayer than others there isn’t really a “gay ghetto.”

We are everywhere and actively engaged in everything that makes the Sunshine City so special.

What Would you like to see improved in the lgBtq Community?

I’d like to see us continue to work on men and women working more closely together. We’ve made some good progress but we could still do better.

What do you Want the Watermark readers to knoW aBout you?

Under the brash outspoken activist exterior is a shy, sensitive, lonely, only child looking for love.

What adviCe Would you give your younger self?

Get sober sooner.

Watermark is the collective product of a team of incredibly hardworking individuals. Over the next series of issues, we’re using this space to introduce each member of our staff and contributors to you.

When you see us out and about in the community, stop and say, “Hello.” We’d love to meet you.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 14 - June 27, 2018 // Issue 25.12

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Pulse. 06.12.2016