Watermark Issue 25.21: This is Halloween

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.21 • oCtoBer 18 - 31, 2018

WatermarkOnline.com

This is Halloween CENTRAL FLORIDA and TAMPA BAY prep to eat, drink and be scary!

Inside:

Metro relauncheS St. Pete welcoMe center

one orlando alliance announceS new executive director

daytona BeaCh • orlando • tampa • st. petersBurg • Clearwater • sarasota

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Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

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Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

dePartMentS 7 // bureau chief’S deSk

PAGE

21

8 // central florida newS 10 // taMPa bay newS

the Parliament [House] costume contest is the best because the costumes are at another level. You know when you win you really achieved something. there are a lot of really talented people in central Florida. It’s quite an honor when you win.

—COSTUME COnTEST ExPERT KELLy STEWART

12 // State newS 13// nation & world newS 17// talking PointS 35// coMMunity calendar 37// taMPa bay out + about 39// central florida out + about 40// taMPa bay MarketPlace 42// central florida MarketPlace 45// wedding bellS/ announceMentS on the cover

PAGE taMPa terror:

27

PAGE THIS IS

19

HALLOWEEN:

Central Florida and Tampa Bay prep to eat, drink and be scary!

Scan Qr code for

waterMarkonline.coM

The Tampa Theatre brings fabulous frights with its annual event, A Nightmare on Franklin Street.

waterMark iSSue 25.21 // october 18 - october 31, 2018

follow the leader

haPPy hoMe

SPooky Sound

SeaSonal Men

PAGE One Orlando Alliance names former board chair and co-convener Jennifer Foster as new executive director.

PAGE Metro Wellness and Community Centers relaunches the LGBTQ Welcome Center in St. Petersburg.

Tampa Bay-area podcaster Scott Swenson talks ghoulish delights and living hauntingly ever after.

“Jersey Boys,” the story of The Four Seasons’ rise to fame and the gay man behind it, comes to Orlando.

read it online!

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

08

10

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Follow us on twitter and instagram at @watermarkonline and like us on FaCeBook. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

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Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

EOLA NORTH

Central Florida

Bureau ChieF’s

Jeremy Williams CFL BUREAU CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

A

deSk

h, hALLOWEEn. ThAT TiME Of

year when you get to dress up, pretend to be someone else for a night and beg strangers for candy if you’re a kid, or for a drink if you’re an adult.

I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of Halloween. I’m one of those people who most others complain about because while everyone is deciding what nine costumes they are going to wear to each party they are attending, I’m the guy walking up and down the Christmas aisle figuring out what colors and pattern my tree will be this year.

That’s right, Walmart, Target and CVS all put their decorations out in September for me and I don’t feel sorry about it. I even have my holiday playlists all set up, and if we’re being honest I started to listen to them six weeks ago.

I haven’t always been meh about Halloween. It seems it went in cycles. As a kid, I loved to get dressed up, pull one of Mama’s extra pillowcases out of the linen closet and go door-to-door yelling “TRICK OR TREAT” at the neighbors until they gave me candy. All of us kids dressed up as Batman, Freddy Krueger and Madonna wandering the streets at night was an exciting time.

As I got a bit older, the idea of putting together a costume and walking around the neighborhood for hours seemed exhausting. Plus when I hit puberty I got pretty fat and walking anywhere in the

Florida heat when I’m fat is a big no thank you. I would stay in, watch horror movies and hand out candy to the thin children. Enjoy that sugar now kid, eventually it’s going to catch up to you!

In high school, I got a job at the local movie theater and cinema never takes a day off, so I just started working on Halloween. After my shift, I would slip into one of the theaters, sit in the back and watch a scary movie on the big screen to celebrate the holiday.

Eventually I lost the weight and, thanks to the Air Force, moved to a colder climate where friends started wanting to go to parties for Halloween. Most years my costume consisted of wrapping my bed sheet around myself and going as a ghost. I’d head to the party and go keg-to-keg yelling “TRICK OR TREAT” at the barkeep until he gave me a beer.

That carried on through my 20s and into my 30s until I got fat again (I’m starting to see a trend here) and I went back to planning out horror-film marathons in my living room while I hand out candy to all the thin children dressed up as Kim Kardashian, Jake Paul and PewDiePie. Full disclosure, I had to Google who is popular with the kids these days and those names all came up. What happened, you guys?

This year, I plan on doing much of the same. I have a Netflix list of spooky tales already made up and I am prepared for the trick-or-treaters with bags and bags of Ramen noodle packs. Hey kids, to help you balance all that sugar in your bodies here is an overdose of sodium. Enjoy! Who knows what next year will bring. I reached peak “What are you doing to yourself, Jeremy?” when I saw myself in a picture and have started on a path back to a thin and healthy me a full four months before all of the other

New Year resolutionaries. I feel a new cycle coming on next year.

For those who don’t want to wait until next year, we have got you covered with our annual Halloween issue. We have gathered spooky tales, chilling costumes and scary events together in one place to keep you up-to-date on all things Halloween in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. In A&E, we chat with the

I have a Netflix list of spooky tales already made up and I am prepared for the trick-or-treaters with bags and bags of ramen noodle packs.

Hey kids, to help you balance all that sugar in your bodies here is an overdose of sodium. enjoy!

delightful Scott Swenson about is haunting podcast and we check in with Wade Dooley who plays songwriter Bob Crewe in the national tour of “Jersey Boys.”

In Central Florida, we look at the new Pulse children’s book that is teaching children about trauma and the One Orlando Alliance has a new executive director.

In Tampa Bay, we see what is planned for Sarasota Pride and Metro shows off its new LGBTQ Welcome Center.

Enjoy the latest issue, and you may want to read this one with the lights on. Happy Halloween!

contributorS SABRinA AMBRA

is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to. Page 15

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 45 Sabrina aMbra, nathan brueMMer, Scottie caMPbell, Miguel fuller, divine grace, SaMuel JohnSon, JaSon leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, david Moran, greg SteMM, rachel StevenSon, dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

PhotograPhy brian becnel, nick cardello, bruce hardin, Julie Milford, traviS Moore, JaMarQuS MoSley, chriS StePhenSon, lee vandergrift

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

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 rick@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Multimedia Assistant: Meghan Sweeney • Ext. 100 Meghan@WatermarkOnline.com

Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Assistant/Photographer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.co Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

orlando office Orlando Account Manager: Brianna Rockmore • Ext. 105 Brianne@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • Ext. 303 russ@WatermarkOnline.com National Ad Representative: rivendell Media Inc. 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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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

taMPa bay office

owner or management. We reserve the right to edit

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

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

or reject any material submitted for publication.

typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

watermark publishing group inc.

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See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2018 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. CBC1257289 Weekley Homes, LLC. Orlando, FL (ORLA99140)

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

EOLA NORTH

tampa Bay

Bureau ChieF’s

ryan Williams-Jent TB BUREAU CHIEF Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

I

deSk

WAS RECEnTLy COnfROnTEd By A woman wearing one of the most disturbing masks I’d ever seen, at least up close.

I’ve seen some frightening things in my time. I’ve trudged through Howl-O-Scream, I’ve watched this administration fill Supreme Court vacancies and I’m from Ohio. But this was different.

She wasn’t overtly intimidating.

The woman stood no more than five feet tall, was draped in overalls and peered up at me from behind wire rim glasses nestled neatly on her nose. Her graying ponytail was draped tightly across her back and a GoPro was strapped across her rather frail front.

She was likely someone’s semi-tech savvy grandmother, maybe even a loving one to those she deemed worthy. But she was a far cry from my own, because the mask she wore was hate.

This isn’t a Halloween story, though it’s frightening in other

waterMark Staff

ways. It’s a tale of drag queens, picture books and of the dozen or so religious protesters who decided to surround the inaugural Drag Queen Story Hour Tampa Bay some weeks ago.

If you’re not familiar, Drag Queen Story Hour features drag entertainers reading stories to children. Local educators brought it to our area to capture the imagination of children and give them positive LGBTQ role models.

My husband does drag, something I’ve discussed in previous columns and I’ll just reiterate makes me happy because it makes him happy. He agreed to read at their first event, so I tagged along.

We learned en route that protestors had begun to gather, carrying signs spewing hatred

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

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 rick@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Multimedia Assistant: Meghan Sweeney • Ext. 100 Meghan@WatermarkOnline.com

and chanting Bible verses they felt shared their message. It hadn’t even occurred to us that something like that would happen, and that’s where we met Lady GoPro. My husband’s hair barely fit in my front seat that morning but I could tell something more had shaken him. I let him know he didn’t have to go, that I’d turn us around and support him either way. He told me he wasn’t backing down; a group of children were waiting. Hate can be louder than love if we let it and he wasn’t going to.

While the majority of protestors stayed outside, the woman had disguised herself as a customer of the venue and snuck in. After the reading was underway she interrupted to let us know we’d spend eternity in damnation, children and adults.

Behind her wire rims, the coldest eyes I’d ever seen peered into mine. “Jesus loves you,” she crowed, believing herself, “and he’ll love you straight to Hell. You have a choice to make.” The choice was to watch the police eventually escort her out, which I’ll admit was a satisfying end.

As it tends to, love definitely won. The kids adored the book and the activities that followed and supporters showed up in droves.

They confronted the protestors inside and out with reason and for the most part, respect.

Seeing my husband read a book about a little boy who loves mermaids to children – no, it wasn’t my autobiography – reinforced the positive impact our community can have on others. We’re always given opportunities to change hearts and minds if we decide to take them.

I’m proud of him for a number of reasons, but that morning sticks out.

Nerves or not, he recognized the importance of drowning hatred in love. We walked through shouts of hellfire for him to do exactly that.

Hellfire is descending in Tampa Bay and Central Florida in other ways as locals prepare to eat,

Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Assistant/Photographer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.co Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

drink and be scary for Halloween.

We’ve gathered a list of some of the most scintillating spooks throughout each area for you to trick or treat yourself to.

We also check in with Parliament House costume contest winners for some tips of the trade and tour the Tampa Theatre’s Nightmare on Franklin Street. If that’s not your idea of skele-fun, our staff presents our favorite scary movies for your queue.

I’ve seen some frightening things in my time. I’ve trudged through Howl-O-scream, I’ve watched this administration fill supreme court vacancies and I’m from Ohio.

In much less pun-filled Tampa Bay news, we review Metro Wellness and Community Centers’ relaunch of St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ Welcome Center. We also venture over to Sarasota to preview the organization’s 29th annual PrideFest. In Central Florida, a new children’s book explains the Pulse tragedy to young readers and the One Orlando Alliance names its new executive director.

In Arts and Entertainment, professional Tampa Bay haunter and podcaster Scott Swenson talks living hauntingly ever after. We also talk to the star of “Jersey Boys” ahead of the show’s Orlando run.

Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories each issue—your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue. Happy Halloween!

orlando office Orlando Account Manager: Brianna Rockmore • Ext. 105 Brianne@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • Ext. 303 russ@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

contributorS SABRinA AMBRA

is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to. Page 15

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 45 Sabrina aMbra, nathan brueMMer, Scottie caMPbell, Miguel fuller, divine grace, SaMuel JohnSon, JaSon leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, david Moran, greg SteMM, rachel StevenSon, dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

PhotograPhy brian becnel, nick cardello, bruce hardin, Julie Milford, traviS Moore, JaMarQuS MoSley, chriS StePhenSon, lee vandergrift

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

taMPa bay office

owner or management. We reserve the right to edit

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

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

or reject any material submitted for publication.

typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

watermark publishing group inc.

7

central florida news

one orlando alliance naMeS forMer board chair Jennifer foSter aS new executive director Jeremy Williams

O

RLAndO | Jennifer Foster, who served as board chair for the One Orlando Alliance since its formation, was named the organization’s founding executive director Oct. 11.

Foster’s appointment as the Alliance’s director came on National Coming Out Day and during Orlando’s Pride Week — a weeklong celebration from Alliance member Come Out With Pride.

“Jennifer has been leading the efforts of One Orlando Alliance on a volunteer basis since the very start,” said Jeff Prystajko, board president of Come Out With Pride, in a statement. “She is a proven and trusted leader in our community with a vision to elevate and strengthen the Alliance’s coalition members. This is a big win for Central Florida and another success for our community to celebrate during Pride Week.”

Foster will now head the nonprofit group made up of more than 30 LGBTQ and allied Central Florida organizations; which include MBA Orlando, Come Out With Pride, Equality Florida and Watermark Publishing Group. Foster was one of the original co-conveners, along with Carlos Carbonell, of the Alliance formed in the days following the Pulse tragedy in 2016.

“Jennifer’s commitment to One Orlando Alliance is deeply rooted. Her principles reflect what all of us at the Alliance believe, that when we work collaboratively, and openly respect one another, we can accomplish anything we put our energy towards,” said Board Member Sherri Absher. Absher headed up the search for the Alliance’s first executive director.

The Alliance also took the moment to release its first annual report identifying the top 10 issues affecting LGBTQ safety, equality and well-being in Central Florida. The “Alliance Agenda” calls on “governmental officials, business leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit leaders to join the Alliance in addressing key issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community including youth homelessness, workplace discrimination, hate crimes against transgender persons and persons of color, health care disparities and more,” the Alliance’s statement reads.

“Many of our LGBTQ+ service organizations have been working on these issues for decades,” said Foster. “It’s time that we address them together. The Agenda provides a clear pathway for engagement and a measuring stick of equality.”

The selection of the organization’s executive director began in August 2017 with an extensive nationwide search.

The One Orlando Alliance had appointed former Alabama Rep. Patricia Todd to the role in May but retracted the offer after Todd made inappropriate comments on her Twitter account.

For more information on the One Orlando Alliance and for a list of participating members, visit OneOrlandoAlliance.org.

8

STORy TiME: Miss Sammy reads “My Tio’s Pulse” to Come Out With Pride festival attendees at Lake Eola’s Amphitheatre. PHOTO By DANNy GArCIA

‘My tio’s Pulse’ New children’s book explains Pulse tragedy to kids Christen Kelley

O

RLAndO | Leaders of the Orlando community gathered for National Coming Out Day Oct. 11 to introduce a new book meant to help children understand tragedies such as the Pulse shooting.

“My Tio’s Pulse” follows main character Angel and his Uncle Luis, who was at Pulse Orlando on June 12, 2016. The story intends to help parents start a conversation with their children about gun violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health.

The book was created and written by local author Keith Newhouse. As a queer person, Newhouse was deeply affected by Pulse and wanted to do something to help the community.

“When I came up with the idea for ‘My Tio’s Pulse,’ I never imagined the amount of support the project [and I] would receive,” Newhouse said in a press release. “The best way I can describe it is I’m completely overwhelmed with emotion. I knew my passion for the project, but every day I’m more amazed at the passion and enthusiasm our community has put toward making this project a reality. The journey has been

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

incredible and I can’t wait to see the impact the book will have on our community and the world!”

One hundred percent of the profits from book sales will benefit the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC), which has provided resources and support to Pulse victims and their families.

Joel Morales is the community partnership developer at OUAC. When he heard about Newhouse’s idea he jumped at the opportunity to get involved. “He wanted to write something for Pulse, for children,” Morales says. “I was already mindful of working with children and a lot of times parents didn’t really have the tools to really engage with the child and talk about those issues, so when they brought the idea I was like, ‘this is great.’”

Morales and Newhouse were joined by several Central Florida organizations and individuals who wanted to be a part of the project, making it a community effort.

“Out of Pulse, we saw the community kind of rally together and stand in solidarity, and we felt like at the OUAC, this book should come from the community,” Morales says.

“It’s like Orlando united, having so many different people who are deeply

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

impacted by Pulse in this creation. It just speaks to our community.”

OUAC is a collaboration between the City of Orlando, Orange County Government and Heart of Florida United Way. Newhouse teamed up with Kenny Tello, a physician coach from Orlando Health and licensed clinical social worker who worked directly with children affected by Pulse, to make sure the book was sensitive to readers. The families of Pulse victims were also consulted before the book was released.

“This book was born out of the desire to help children find the words to describe an indescribable experience,” Tello said in the press release. “To provide some light when reminders take them back to a dark place. And to help them find value and meaning in their experience.”

Children’s illustrator Ethan Long, who designed the characters and cover, came up with the idea to invite different artists to collaborate on the book’s art. Twenty-one local artists contributed illustrations to the book, each offering their own interpretation.

Morales says he hopes the book will open up a dialogue among families about mental health. “What people have to realize is that we don’t talk about our feelings, it could be something that happened yesterday or five years ago, if we don’t talk about these things then we can’t heal and move on,” he says.

“My Tio’s Pulse” is available for purchase at MyTiosPulse.com and Amazon.com. A Spanish-language version of “My Tio’s Pulse” is expected in November.

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tampa bay news

Sarasota Pride holds 29th annual celebration Ryan Williams-Jent

S

ARASOTA | Sarasota Pride will hold PrideFest 2018 at J.D. Hamel Park on Oct. 20, a “Rainbow Resistance” for the organization’s 29th annual celebration.

Sarasota Pride exists to promote the elimination of prejudice and discrimination as well as to defend civil rights secured by law. The nonprofit aims to promote visibility and self-esteem among the LGBTQ community in Sarasota and throughout Florida, something the organization says it does by sponsoring events year-round.

That culminates in PrideFest, Sarasota Pride Chairman Cindy Barnes says. “We pull the community together and give people a venue to come be who they want to be, showing the diversity of Sarasota and the surrounding area.”

This year’s theme will be “Rainbow Resistance,” something Barnes calls a direct response to the Trump administration. “First we had domestic partnerships and that made us happy, and then we had gay marriage and that made us happy,” she says. “Then we changed administrations and here we go, we’re going the other direction.

“They would do away with gay marriage if they could in a heartbeat,” Barnes continues. “We can’t just sit back … we have to keep standing up and pushing back because they’re going to. They do it every day.”

PrideFest 2018 will encourage attendees to continue the fight for equality. “It’s not ever the group that does it, it’s individuals doing it every day that continue to push us forward,” she says. “That’s what people need to know. They need to be empowered and they need to know that they have a voice.”

Nearly 60 vendors are expected to fill J.D. Hamel Park, which Barnes says hosted over 5,000 attendees for last year’s event. With the continued sponsorship of Tropicana, CAN Community Health and Embracing our Differences, Barnes is hopeful to surpass 2017’s attendance.

“Our biggest year was probably in 2013,” she says.

“I feel like that energy’s back again this year because of the political climate. I think people are looking for any type of event where they can get out and let things be known …

It’s pretty much local people getting involved, and I really appreciate that.”

A full day of entertainment is scheduled from noon until 6 p.m., hosted by the “First Lady of Sarasota” Lindsay Carlton-Cline. Fellow drag entertainers Georgia Moore, Rockell Blu, Savannah Lynn, Trixie Liemont and Grandma Pearl will perform in-between live music provided by fan favorites The Cheaters, The Honey Vines, Divine AF and Kelly Neff.

“I’m not even doing an opening ceremony this year,” Barnes says, “we’ve got so much entertainment.

“We should all be together, all for one, doing everything together to try to push this movement forward,” Barnes adds. “Pride is a time that you see people you haven’t seen all year and you reconnect. Sarasota Pride is a community—come and enjoy the day.”

For more information about PrideFest 2018, visit SarasotaPride.org.

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WARM WELCOME: Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Jennifer Webb, Jim Nixon, Charlie Crist and Lorraine Langlois relaunch the LGBTQ Welcome Center.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Happy Home Metro Wellness and Community Centers relaunches LGBTQ Welcome Center Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | Community leaders and advocates gathered at Metro Wellness and Community Centers’ LGBTQ Welcome Center to officially relaunch the organization’s LGBTQ safe haven Oct. 6.

The welcome center, a renovated home located in the Grand Central District, has served Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community since its opening in 2014. Through its weekly programming, the majority of which Metro Wellness provides at no cost, it offers a gathering space for LGBTQ community members of all ages.

Operational support is provided by individuals, families and businesses. Regular features include LGBTQ networking, cultural activities and discussions with community leaders.

Celebrants filled the center for its official relaunch, held during the second annual Come OUT St. Pete.

The gathering was spearheaded

by Metro Wellness CEO Lorraine Langlois and LGBTQ Welcome Center Marketing Manager Jim

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nixon, who also serves as the city’s LGBTQ liaison. They were joined

by St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Congressman Charlie Crist and Florida House candidate Jennifer Webb.

“About six months ago, Lorraine and I met about ways we could work together as the LGBTQ liaison and with my role at Metro,” Nixon said.

“Part of that was my vision of redoing the welcome center.”

“Thank you so much, Jim, for making this relaunch happen,” Langlois followed, “I really appreciate this house. It started out with a visitors’ center and quickly turned into a place where kids needed to come. I’m really so proud of the work that we’re doing.”

The center will serve as a resource for LGBTQ tourists interested in learning about the area. Nixon advised that Metro Wellness worked to find a balance between maintaining its quality programming and making the venture financially stable.

That led to the inclusion of its newly-launched store, which features original work from local LGBTQ artists. Guests can also enjoy area

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favorites like Working Cow ice cream and Kahwa Coffee. “We hope this is a place for all of you to come spend an afternoon,” Nixon said.

Webb stressed the center’s importance to attendees. “When I am elected I will be the first openly gay woman in the history of Florida elected to the state legislature,” she said. “That’s because of spaces like these that kept me safe and that held me in community when my family wasn’t accepting of who I was. These are absolutely essential places to make sure that we all rally around.”

Tomalin thanked Metro Wellness for its commitment to St. Petersburg.

“At City Hall we have been so excited for this day and every day that will follow,” she said, “because the wonderful healing work and hospitality that will unfold under this roof is one of the most important things happening in our city.

“We stand here with you, not only this day; every day,” she continued, “to be a welcoming beacon of light to everyone fortunate enough to come to our community to visit or who are even more fortunate to call it home.”

“San Francisco has nothing on St. Petersburg,” Rep. Charlie Crist added, “that’s saying a lot, and I mean it. I’m very honored to represent you in Washington. I can only hope that the rest of the nation is as kind and as good as St. Petersburg, Florida.”

The LGBTQ Welcome Center is located at 2227 Central Ave. For more information, call 727-201-4925 or visit LGBTQWelcomeCenter.org.

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state news oPenly gay florida State diver aidan faMinoff naMed acc diver of the week Christen Kelley

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idan Faminoff, an openly gay competitive diver at Florida State University, received the ACC Diver of the Week award Oct. 8.

This is Faminoff’s first Diver of the Week honor of his career, following his first springboard victory in the one-meter against Georgia Tech on Oct. 6. Faminoff also placed fourth against Pittsburgh.

Faminoff amassed a social media following after his coming out story appeared in OutSports last year. “Diving was a way to get my mind off of all the emotions and feelings of not expressing who I really was,” Faminoff wrote.

Faminoff officially came out in a post on his Instagram account, which currently has more than 85,000 followers.

“It has been emotionally tough not being able to talk about it with anyone but I feel ready,” the post reads. “To the people who don’t know, I am gay.”

Faminoff said coming out has made him a better diver.

Being comfortable around his teammates gives him the confidence to succeed.

florida PlanS to build firSt affordable houSing ProJect for elderly lgbtQ reSidentS Melanie ararat

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outh Florida plans to follow the lead of Los Angeles and Chicago by building the state’s first affordable housing project for elderly LGBTQ residents in Wilton Manors, Fla. South Florida is a popular settlement for retirees—both LGBTQ and straight—but the myth of LGBTQ couples being wealthy and leading lavish lifestyles isn’t backed up by the numbers, experts say.

“We’ve noticed a growing number of gay seniors who are struggling financially, and are looking for affordable housing solutions,” said Bruce Williams, a coordinator at The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, to Reuters.

The Pride Center—a nonprofit organization in South Florida which provides a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQ community—is behind the new housing project. As

Florida’s most famous “gayborhood,” Wilton Manors is the natural choice for the first LGBTQ affordable housing project, said The Pride Center’s Chief Operating Officer Kristofer Fegenbush.

The Residences will be a four-story apartment building with 48 units, 34 of which will be designed for seniors living with disabilities.

“What we have accomplished is truly unique,” Fegenbush said. “A building with 48 units that are all affordable, supported by services that are specifically tailored to LGBT seniors who will be able to live independently.”

According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. will have more seniors aged 65 and over—which makes up 78 million people—than minors under the age of 18 by the year 2035. The Census Bureau also predicts that the number of LGBTQ adults over the age of 50 will more than double to seven million by 2030, up from three million present day.

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Vote_Watermark.indd 1

EARLY

ELECTION DAY

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Discrimination was another factor that led to the decision to build the Wilton Manor housing project.

According to SAGE, the country’s largest advocacy group for elderly LGBTQ people, older members of the community often face discrimination when looking for a home.

LGBTQ elders are twice as likely to be single and live alone and four times less likely to have children, which increases financial strain.

Developers nationwide are partnering with approximately 10 LGBTQ community centers across the country to construct LGBTQ-friendly, affordable housing projects, according to Kent. He said that the projects will be partly funded by low-income housing tax credits.

Along with affordable LGBTQ housing, SAGE is instituting training programs for mainstream retirement communities on being more sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ people in their facilities.

nation+world news

Matthew Shepard to be interred at Washington National Cathedral Lou Chibbaro Jr. of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

T

he ashes of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in one of the nation’s most infamous anti-gay hate crimes in 1998, will be interred at the Washington National Cathedral on Oct. 26, according to an announcement by his parents on Oct. 11.

The announcement came one day before the 20th anniversary of Shepard’s death on Oct. 12, 1998. Authorities said Shepard, 21, was tied to a fence just outside of Laramie, Wyo., on Oct. 6, 1998, by two young men he met in a Laramie bar and who lured him into getting into their vehicle.

A bicyclist found Shepard unconscious and still tied to the fence on the day following the attack and beating. He died five days later at a hospital in Colorado.

“We’ve given much thought to Matt’s final resting place, and we found the Washington National Cathedral is an ideal choice, as Matt loved the Episcopal Church and felt welcomed by his church in Wyoming,” said Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, in a statement.

The announcement released by the Shepard family says a private interment of Matthew’s ashes in the Washington National Cathedral’s crypt on Oct. 26 will be preceded by a 10 a.m. “thanksgiving and remembrance” service open to the public.

The service, which will celebrate Matthew’s life, will be presided over by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington; and the Right Rev.

V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay priest to be consecrated a bishop in the Episcopal Church, the announcement says.

The statement says Shepard will be one of approximately 200 people who have been interred in the cathedral over the past century.

“Others interred at the Cathedral include President Woodrow Wilson; Bishop Thomas Claggett, the first Episcopal Bishop ordained on American soil; Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan; and U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey,” the statement says.

Jason Marsden, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, told the Casper, Wyo., Star Tribune that Matthew’s parents have kept his cremated remains in an urn until they decided upon a final resting place.

Marsden told the newspaper that the family also was concerned that a Shepard resting place in Casper, the family’s hometown, might become a target for vandalism from anti-gay intruders.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

in other news Vermont parents complain about student sexuality survey Several Vermont parents are upset about a survey sent to fifth grade students that asked about their sexual history, preference and gender identity. The survey sent to Windsor Elementary School students was conducted

by WISE, a nonprofit domestic violence prevention and advocacy group. A notice was sent to parents allowing them to opt their children out of the survey, but some parents state they never received it. School administrators and WISE officials say they have heard parents’ complaints and are working to address them.

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins apologizes for homophobic tweets CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins apologized Oct. 7 for anti-gay tweets that resurfaced from her college days. Collins, 26, posted the tweets in 2011. In one tweet, Collins calls her friend a “fag.” In another tweet, she says she doesn’t know if she wants to room with a lesbian. The tweets were screenshot and shared by Log Cabin Republicans. Collins immediately issued an apology also via Twitter. Log Cabin Republicans tagged Matt Dornic, CNN’s vice president of digital partnerships, in the post. Dornic, who is openly gay, responded that he accepts Collins’ apology.

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viewpoint

Sabrina Ambra

ladyfingers The season for tricks and treats

A

las, we find

ourselves once again knuckledeep in the fall season!

For those of us in Florida, our fall season is mostly just lying to ourselves until December. We live in the delusion that our season is just like our pals to the north just because we add Pumpkin Spice to everything we come in contact with. We will see every one of their cool breezes and color-changing leaves and raise them two armfuls of B.O.G.O. gourds from Publix. Suck it, Catskill Mountains, and taste our sweet, pumpkin-flavored self-deception. Mmmmmm.

Along with the fall, of course, is Halloween— also known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” “Hallowe’en,” and “Hallowmas.” Halloween has also been called “Snap Apple Night,” a name in which I have absolutely zero grasp on and absolutely zero interest in searching for an answer. Does it have anything to do with the brand of tea and juice drinks owned by Keurig Dr Pepper and based in Plano, Texas? Is there a group of people who gather on Oct. 31 and spend hours trying to break fruit in half? Or maybe just line up a bunch of them and take pictures? I’m overwhelmed with all of this.

Of course, let’s not forget our pagan readers, who refer to the holiday as “The Feast of the Dead.” What are the dead feasting on anyway? I’m going to go with KitKat singles or bite-size Snickers, and for the love of Spaghetti Monster, NO CANDY APPLES! Never in my 28 years on this earth have I been offered a

candy apple on Halloween.

Furthermore, if I was offered a candy apple this year (yes, I’m trick-or-treating in this fantasy) I would seriously be concerned for the well-being of those living in that household because obviously the person in charge is forcing everyone to live out some sort of 1950s delusion.

I digress. You know who fucking loves Halloween? The retail industry. Fun fact: Americans spent $6.9 billion on Halloween in 2015.

SIX-POINT-NINE-BILLION, MY FELLOW AMERICANS! This is what our Founding Fathers were talking about, people! On an average Hallows’ Eve, we eat the equivalent of a small Chihuahua in candy. Fucking right we do! Halloween is the second most commercial holiday in the United States for a reason—people enjoy changing it up once in a while.

There is no shame in plucking ourselves out of the responsibilities, stress and bullshit that we deal with every day to spend less than 24 hours to play dress-up, blackout with friends and/ or strangers (Because said strangers happened to dress up as a professional wrestler from the ‘90s just like you did and now you’ve got something to talk about). It’s fun. I dig it. Sure, there are better ways to spend your money, but who the fuck is thinking about financial advice when you’re dressed like a sexy Peppa Pig? Is this the part that I should digress again? Probably.

Listen, the year between this Halloween and last Halloween has been F-U-C-K-E-D, to say the least. I think we can all agree on the presence of the fuckery, one way or another. On more than one occasion there were these real life moments that could easily be plotted out and made into a box office horror hit. You know, like a

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nightmare On Pennsylvania Ave. vibe with a hint of American-Septuagenarian Psycho. Starring quite the cast of villains; like FrankenWein, Count Vin Spacey, and of course,

I’m sure by now I have successfully brought you to a new level of excitement for the end of October.

You’ve probably rushed through this article so you can go apply for a new

done early because I highly encourage everyone to really try and enjoy themselves.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds themselves emotionally and mentally exhausted more often than

Donnibal Lecturd—who kicked-off his reign of terror by getting caught telling a gremlin to grab a witch by the broom, then somehow became the most notorious of them all. Grab your popcorn, y’all, this film is going to be LIT AF (or in laywoman’s terms, “This film is going to be a wonderful viewing experience for all!”).

credit card that will allow you to purchase incredibly overpriced pet costumes, those fake spider webs that you’ll leave on your bushes for the rest of the year and enough candy to almost guarantee diabetes.

Be sure to remember that you can earn points the further you travel down the pits of debt! However, get it

ever before. It’s about damn time we press “pause” and have some fun. It’s our right, damnit! We paid billions of dollars for it, remember?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds themselves emotionally and mentally exhausted more often than ever before. It’s about damn time we press ‘pause’ and have some fun.

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

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talking points

51%

I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. —TAyLOR SWifT in An inSTAGRAM POST in WhiCh ShE EndORSES TWO dEMOCRATiC CAndidATES in hER hOME STATE Of TEnnESSEE

oF

LGBTQ HOUSEHOLDS

POLLED THEY AREN’T LIKELY TO EVER PURCHASE A HOME. SAID

46%

Janelle monae Joins the Cast oF disney’s

live-aCtion ‘lady lady and the tramp’

D

iSnEy AnnOUnCEd ACTRESS And SinGER Janelle Monae will be joining the cast of the live-action remake of “Lady and the Tramp.” The film is directed by Charlie Bean, best known for 2017’s “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” and stars the voices of Justin Theroux as Tramp and Tessa Thompson as Lady. Monae is cast as wise-cracking pound dog Peg. While the film is live-action, the animals in the film will be CGI in the same vein as Disney’s “The Jungle Book” and the upcoming “The Lion King” remakes. Unlike those two films, “Lady and the Tramp” will not be released in theaters. Rather it will be the first Disney original film released on its upcoming new streaming service. “Lady and the Tramp” and Disney’s streaming service both debut in 2019.

oF

LGBTQ RENTERS SAID

they worried aBout

ENCOUNTERING DISCRIMINATION

IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS. THE FAIR HOUSE ACT

DOES NOT Currently eXtend its proteCtions For

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY. —A REPORT fROM fREddiE MAC

elton John BiopiC ‘roCketman’ releases First teaser

“R

OCKETMAn,” A BiOPiC ABOUT ELTOn JOhn, gave a sneak peek of Taron Egerton as John in its first teaser. The film follows John from his youth through his evolution into a musical idol in the 1970s as he prepares for the release of his critically-acclaimed album “Honky Chateau.” “Rocketman” is directed

by Dexter Fletcher who was tapped as Bryan Singer’s replacement for the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The story is based on John’s life but Fletcher called the film more of a “musical fantasy” in a recent interview. Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard also star in the film.

“Rocketman” opens in theaters on May 17, 2019.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Bd wong marries partner riChert sChnorr

A

CTOR Bd WOnG MARRiEd hiS PARTnER RiChERT SChnORR in Brooklyn on Oct. 7. According to the New York Times, the couple met in 2010 at a singles event in New York. Schnorr shared the news on Instagram posting a photo of the couple. “I’m getting married today,” Schnorr captioned the photo.

He also posted a photo from the wedding ceremony writing, “It really kinda is the happiest day of your life. Thanks to my family and friends for the love and words and support and dance moves.” Wong is best known for his roles on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Jurassic Park,” “Mr. Robot,” “Gotham” and most recently, “American Horror Story: Apocalypse.”

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glaad releases seCond lgBtQ-Friendly Children’s Book ‘JaCk (not JaCkie)’

G

LAAd And BOnniER PUBLiShinG USA hAVE RELEASEd “Jack (Not Jackie),” the second book in their LGBTQ-friendly children’s book series. “Jack (Not Jackie)” is written

by Erica Silverman and illustrated

by Holly Hatam. It aims to teach children about gender identity and expression. In May, GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA released “Prince & Knight,” written by Daniel Haack and illustrated by Stevie Lewis. The tale follows a prince and a knight who join together to fight off an evil dragon and fall in love. Proceeds from the books benefit GLAAD. The collaboration plans to release four books per year for readers up to the age of 14.

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This is

Halloween CENTRAL FLORIDA and TAMPA BAY prep to eat, drink and be scary!

f

Ryan Williams-Jent

ROM ThE fiERCE TO

the freakish, Halloween is a celebration of self-expression.

It’s a chance for those of any age, gender identity or sexual orientation to live exactly as they are—or should they choose, to become someone or something else entirely.

For those reasons and more, so many in the LGBTQ community have gravitated toward Halloween throughout its hallowed history. But deeper meanings aside, it’s also fun. How can you go wrong with costumes, candy, parties and puns?

That’s why Watermark has summoned a list of some of 2018’s most scintillating spooks throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay for you and your boo crew. We check in with Parliament House costume contest winners and tour the Tampa Theatre’s Nightmare on Franklin Street. We also bring you our staff’s favorite horror flicks for you to queue up—and if you’re boo’d up, suggest some same-sex couple costume ideas.

It’s time to get in the spirit for tricks and treats, ghoulfriends. This is Halloween!

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19

The Purple Rhino Presents

Rewind

to Old School Drag!

The Purple Rhino Lodge of Sarasota is pleased to announce

the Launch Party of their new monthly Rewind to Old School Drag. The new night will be the last Saturday of every month -

Starting on Sat Oct 27th 2018 @ 9PM.

The Rewind to Old School will be featuring a rotating cast of Florida’s Best Female Illusionist’s doing all of the old school drag anthems and all of your favorite artists has well. Our launch cast will Include some of the areas Best Old School Illusionists such has Jonathan Kendal, Lindsay Carlton-Cline, M and Savannah the Rhinestone Goddess.

Join us for a Night of Old School Drag, Laughs, Great Drink Specials and a Few Other Surprises.

Hosted by: Savannah, the Rhinestone Goddess Our mission as a non-profit organization is to provide a place of Fellowship for the LGBT community and generate support for our Red Ribbon (HIV) Services in the Sarasota County area of Florida. Purple Rhino Lodge is all inclusive to everyone age 18 and up. Membership dues do apply to everyone. Please stop by and see us for more information. For Those who are not yet members please ask Brock or Dave or one of the cast members how to become a member and give back to our wonderful community that has given so much to each and everyone of us at some point in our life’s journey.

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LGBTQ Bars’ Costume Contests Central Florida

Orlando's Biggest Costume Contest Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.-3 a.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.-3 a.m.

Parliament House, Orlando Best costume on Saturday wins a cash prize of $5,000 and the best on Halloween night gets $3,000. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Arrive early for this one as the line to get in is long and builds quick.

Halloween Extravaganza Costume Contest Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Stonewall Bar, Orlando Costume contest is at midnight and bags a cash prize of $5,555 to the winner of best costume. Pre-sale tickets are $10 and $15 at the door.

The night includes four separate rooms and a spooky drag show.

Funhouse with Ariel Versace

Fiendly Competition Each Halloween, Central Florida’s biggest costumed competitors vie for fame, prestige and prize money. What do they have in store for us this year?

O

Jaime Donelson

rlando’s biggest costume

contest at the Parliament House is coming up on Oct. 27 and Oct. 31 with an $8,000 combined cash prize.

According to Kelly Stewart, who has participated in Parliament House’s costume contest for the last 12 years, it’s the people that make it the best costume contest in Orlando not just the cash prize.

“The Parliament [House] costume contest is the best because the costumes are at another level. You know when you win you really achieved something,” says Stewart.

“There are a lot of really talented people in Central Florida. It’s quite an honor when you win.”

Stewart and Stan Madray—both considered by many in Orlando to showcase the best and most elaborate costumes every year— have known each other for nearly two decades and support each other throughout the process.

Madray says he met Stewart when he went to her old pottery place in Winter Park Village, and that she’s the reason he got into Halloween contests.

“We became each other’s crazy,” says Madray.

Stewart has an art background and currently works at Full Sail University in admissions. Stewart told Watermark that she first got into costume construction after she won a costume contest at a local bar in 2004.

Stewart has been participating in Parliament House’s contest since 2006 and has won first place three separate times. She says people know her best for her costumes being an illusion to the eye.

“I like when audiences look at my costume and try to figure out how I did something,” says Stewart.

Stewart’s won around eight contests over the years all over Central Florida.

Some of Stewart’s most notable costumes throughout the years have been King Kong, Alice in Wonderland, Game of Thrones and Hurricane Irma.

Madray, whose birthday is on Halloween, says this is how he likes to celebrate, getting dressed up in costumes. Although he says it has only been over the last few years that his costumes have gotten so over the top.

“I’ve been making some form of costumes and props for about 30 years, but the elaborate costumes only came about the last three years,” says Madray. “I’ve done some simple costumes and some elaborate costumes; it just depends on what idea comes up and what year it is.

Several of my costumes have been based on current events and are timely for the moment.”

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Southern Nights, Orlando Halloween night at Southern Nights is 18 and up. Costume contest features $1,000 in cash and prizes. Show hosted by Ariel Versace and features Roxxxy Andrews and Axel Andrews.

Tampa Bay

Halloween Costume Party!

Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg $2,000 in cash and prizes will be given to contest winners, with $1,500 in cash for winner takes all. Hosted by Iman with the Blu Theater Players.

They Only Come Out in Blacklight Glow Party Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

G St. Pete, St. Petersburg Over $250 in cash and prizes will be given to costume contest winners, chosen by audience response. Featuring demon dancers and a Halloween show with Amy DeMilo, Alisa Summers and Amanda D’Rhod.

Halloween Costume Contest II Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.

Quench Lounge, Largo Costume contest is at midnight and participants (who must be present) will win cash and prizes. Beyja King hosts with a diva cast and two shows at 10:30 p.m. and midnight.

Halloween Night Wednesday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Bradley’s on 7th, Tampa Halloween costume contest at midnight. 1st place winner receives $300, 2nd place $150, 3rd place $50. Hosted by Joey Brooks with Amanda D’Rhod, Kenya Black and Kori Stevens.

Continued on pg. 25 | uu |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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| uu | Fiendly Competition from pg.21

Madray has won first place at the Parliament House costume contest for the past three years but his winning isn’t exclusive to Orlando’s world famous resort.

“I think over the years I’ve won 11 costume contests at different places and different times, in different cities in Florida,” he says.

If you have been to the Parliament House Halloween parties over the last three years then you are sure to remember Madray’s winning costumes, which included going as a basket full of deplorables, Cecil the lion driving around inside of a jeep and last year’s knight riding a dragon.

“There is a whole lot of trial and error to the elaborate costumes. You don’t know what will work and you don’t know how you are going to move on your own,” says Madray.

Both Madray and Stewart aren’t sure if they will be participating in this year’s Halloween costume contest at Parliament House which means you just might have a chance to take home a part of that $8,000 prize.

We picked the brains of Madray and Stewart for some quick and easy costume ideas.

Madray says the best costumes are not always complex. If you are looking for a cost-effective and simple costume, puns and wordplay are always fun ideas.

“A blacked-out eye and poster of the letter P around your neck and you are a black-eyed pea,” says Madray. “And if all else fails just rip a white bed sheet into strips and wrap yourself up as a mummy.”

Stewart says look for inspiration in the worlds of entertainment and news from the past year.

With the new Mary Poppins’ sequel coming out this holiday season, Stewart recommends creating a costume based on the beloved children’s book character.

“Mary Poppins would be easy to create with thrift store clothing.

I think everyone can relate to that childhood memory,” says Stewart. As far as news-related, she says “what is more topical than our new Supreme Court Justice. All you need is a black robe, gavel and a sign that says ‘I like beer!’”

This year’s Parliament House costume contest takes place on two separate nights with the first one on Saturday, Oct. 27. The winner will take home $5,000 in cash. The second contest is on Halloween night with a cash prize of $3,000 to the best costume.

Boo’d Up 10 Same-Sex Couples Costumes

H

Frightening Five Watermark’s favorite flicks in five words

N

eve Campbell, Courtney Cox and the cast of the oh-so-90s “Scream” aren’t the only qualified candidates to weigh in on the horror film industry. Watermark’s staff came together to answer “What’s your favorite scary movie?” in only five words to prove it.

Ryan Williams-Jent

alloween provides

the perfect opportunity for the LGBTQ community to don its best in gay apparel—be it simple, spooky or scandalous. It’s a night of experimentation, creativity and couture, where society at large isn’t quite so worried about gender “norms” or roles. To make things even greater, there’s also candy. A lot of it.

For those in a relationship, nothing says “we’re together” or gets more social media buzz quite like a couples costume for Halloween. Even so, the majority of costume outlets still aren’t likely to cater to those in same-sex relationships.

Luckily, Watermark has assembled 10 options for you and your significant other (or best pal) to look your best or worst. Don’t be afraid to ignore gender roles, and go show the world that you and your boo will live hauntingly ever after.

Prince Charmings.

Snow White has seven roommates anyway.

Who has time for that?

Sleeping Beauties.

These princesses don’t need a man, maybe just some coffee.

Bert and Ernie. Prove once and for all that the popular “Sesame Street”characters are more than just friends.

Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Throw together a scientist look and grab some green paint.

Hulks smash.

Adam and Steve; Anna and Eve. Write your own tale of Biblical proportions, mostly in the buff.

Friends of Dorothy.

“The Wizard of Oz” has a plethora of

characters to choose from. Pick your wickedly iconic duo.

Netflix and Chill. A red outfit for the former, a freezing cold look for the latter. A great night in for your night out.

Golden Gals. Picture it: Halloween, 2018.

Choose your favorite “Golden Girls” gals and pick up a cheesecake.

Salts ‘N Peppers. ‘Tis the seasoning: shake it like salt shakers in all white or spice up the night in all black as pepper shakers.

Wonder Women.

What’s better than one-der woman? Two.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Tom Dyer

Ryan Williams-Jent

Danny Garcia

Founder and Guiding Light

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief

Sales Director

“The Exorcist”

“The Descent”

“The Exorcist”

Twisting head green vomit Satan!

Ladies in caves fighting molemen.

Catholicism foul language pea soup.

Rick Claggett

Meghan Sweeney

Russ Martin

Owner/Publisher/Editor

Multi-Media Assistant

“The Sixth Sense”

“The Lost Boys”

Senior Account Manager

Creepy dead girl under bed!

Kiefer Sutherland is a vampire!

Kathleen Sadler

Jake Stevens

Business Manager

Art Director

“Hocus Pocus”

“The Ritual”

Because I’m basic like that.

Giant scary Norse demon moose.

“The Birds” It is scary as hell.

Sam Callahan Senior Account Manager

“It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” I don’t like scary movies.

Jeremy Williams

Dylan Todd

Central Florida Bureau Chief

Photographer/ Creative Assistant

“The Ring”

“Coraline”

Little girl ghosts scare me.

The grass isn’t greener there.

Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

Brianna Rockmore Account Manager

“Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” Hilarious Gory Wood Chipper Tradition!

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Time Warps and Terror Tours Tampa Theatre brings fabulous frights

O

Sylvie Griffiths

ctober is upon us, and

while Florida isn’t known for its falllike weather, Tampa Bay is lucky to have the Tampa Theatre—dedicated to bringing the area chills in other ways.

Built in 1926, the newly-renovated landmark has a longstanding reputation of being one of Tampa Bay’s most entertaining sites. On the heels of the 29th annual Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the theatre is setting its sights on spooky with “A Nightmare on Franklin Street,” now in its frighteningly fifth year.

“It’s one of our favorite series to book and exhibit,” Tampa Theatre Marketing Manager James DeFord says. “It’s just too bad October is only four weeks long!”

First time visitors are encouraged to attend the silent presentation of 1927’s “The Cat and the Canary,” a touchstone of early horror films. “Seeing a silent movie being accompanied by our mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ, in a movie palace that was built to present silent films, will transform your idea of what going to the movies can be,” DeFord says.

If that isn’t your cup of witch’s brew, “Nightmare” offers something for everyone—from running amok, amok, amok with the Sanderson Sisters to homoerotic horror with Johnny Depp. Watermark has a rundown of some of this year’s most petrifying programming below, which runs Oct. 19-31.

history of unusual occurrences, including ghost sightings and an account of the only confirmed death on the premises. Learn the true story of Robert Lanier, an employee who would regularly tear tickets, who was found dead by the front doorafter payday in 1959. “One of the paranormal investigation groups that we’ve worked with repeatedly made contact with a ‘man in uniform,’” DeFord shares. “We believe they may have met Robert.”

Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for children ages 2-12; Tampa Theatre Members are free.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a cultural artifact with an unlimited lifespan. Filmgoers can do the timewarp to 1975 to visit Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank N. Furter for an audience participation version of the cult classic Oct. 19, which demands of viewers “don’t dream it, be it.” DeFord says that “if it’s your first time, you’ll see what all the fuss is about … If you’ve been before, maybe this is the year you should find yourself a costume and join the party.” More than costumes are encouraged, though: so are toilet paper, cards, newspapers, toast and other props. If you’re not sure why, be sure to google “Ghosts of Tampa a participation guide. Curry will Theatre Tour” lead you on a gender fluid, rock The “Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour” musical journey with fabulous is a great choice for this year’s favorites Magenta, Columbia “Nightmare,” filling 75 minutes and Meatloaf along for the ride. with scary fun. Spooky facts Tickets: $15 general admission; are shared about the building’s $12 Tampa Theatre Members.

All-Day “Nightmare” Marathon If you’re a Freddy fan, you can spend all day with the man of your dreams by watching six of Mr. Krueger’s best entries Oct. 20. “We’ve never done anything like a marathon of the ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ movies before,” DeFord says, “so I recommend that, especially if you’re interested in seeing us host more marathons in the future!”

The monster mayhem begins with 1984’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” moves onto the homoerotic “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” and continues all the way to 1991’s “Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare.” The marathon allows plenty of time for bathroom, snack and stretch breaks—just don’t fall asleep.

Tickets: $40 All-Day Nightmare Pass; $35 for Tampa Theatre Members.

Family-Friendly Films Whether you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, the Tampa Theatre has a fun lineup this year for the gentlest of goblins and ghosts. Selections include Tim Burton’s“The Corpse Bride”on Oct. 21 and “Hotel Transylvania” on Oct. 22. The Sanderson Sisters of “Hocus Pocus” will also put a spell on audiences Oct. 28. “We always make sure to book events and films that appeal to all kinds of audiences,” DeFord says, “so families can bring their kids to some films and real horror-heads can get their fill of the more outlandish stuff.”

Tickets: $10 General Admission; $7 Tampa Theatre Members The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin Street in downtown Tampa. For more information about the theatre, this or additional “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” programming or to purchase tickets, visit TampaTheatre.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Family-friendly Halloween events

A Petrified Forest, Select nights through Nov. 3, A Petrified Forest, Altamonte Springs. 407-468-6600; APetrifiedForest.com

Central Florida

Shriekfest Horror Film Festival, Nov. 3, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford. 407-321-8111; Shriekfest.com/Orlando

Winter Park Village Halloween Bash, Oct. 26, Winter Park Village, Winter Park.

407-571-2710; ShopWinterParkVillage.net Spooky Empire, Oct. 26-28, Caribe Royale, Orlando. 954-258-7852; SpookyEmpire.com Spooky Star Party, Oct. 27, Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, Sanford.

407-708-2360; SeminoleStste.edu Spooky Skate, Oct. 27, RDV Ice Den, Orlando. 407-916-2550; RDVIceDen.com Screamin’ Green Hauntoween, through Oct. 31, Crayola Experience, Orlando.

407-757-1700; CrayolaExperience.com Mall-O-Ween, Oct. 31, The Florida Mall, Orlando. 407-851-7234; Simon.com/Mall/The-Florida-Mall

Tampa Bay Mummy & Me Halloween Screening, Oct. 21-22 and 28, Tampa, 813-274-8981, TampaTheatre.org Movies in the Park: “Hocus Pocus,” Oct. 25, St. Petersburg, 727-824-7802, PreserveTheBurg.org ALSO Youth’s HallowMEME Party, Oct. 26, Sarasota, 941-951-2576; ALSOYouth.org Fantasma Fest: Little Monsters Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 27, Centro Ybor, 813-274-7936, YborCityOnline.com Halloween Spooktacular 2018, Oct. 27, Largo, 727-587-6700, Largo.com Halloween in Historic Old Northeast, Oct. 31, St. Petersburg, 727-269-5521, HONNA.org

Adult/Scary Halloween events Central Florida Greenwood Cemetery Moonlight Walking Tour, Oct. 26, Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando. 407-246-2121; CityOfOrlando.net Orlando Halloween Pub Crawl, Oct. 26, Starts at Sideshow, Orlando.

407-466-4325; OrlandoPubCrawl.com “Hocus Pocus” Live on Stage, Oct. 27, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/SouthernNightsOrlando Maitland’s Historical Haunted Tours, Oct. 28, Art & History Museum, Maitland.

407-539-2181; ArtAndHistory.org

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Tampa Bay Zombie Thriller Dance, Oct. 24, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.

727-896-2667; MFAStPete.org Halloween Bingo, Oct. 25, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg.

727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com “Hocus Pocus” Live on Stage, Oct. 26, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/SouthernNightsTampa All Hallows’ Masquerade Ball, Oct. 27, Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center, Tampa.

813-575-5900; AllHallowsBall.org Tampa Bay’s Sanderson Sisters Invasion, Oct. 28, Hamburger Mary’s, Brandon; Tampa; St. Pete.

813-241-6279; hamburgermarys.com Undead in the Water, Select nights through Oct. 31, American Victory Ship and Museum, Tampa. 813-228-8766; UndeadInTheWater.com

Theme Parks/Zoos Central Florida Halloween Horror Nights, Select nights through Nov. 3, Universal Studios, Orlando. 407-224-7840; Orlando.HalloweenHorrorNights.com Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Select nights through Oct. 31, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com Halloween Spooktacular, Every weekend through Oct. 28, Sea World, Orlando.

407-545-5550; SeaWorld.com/Orlando Zoo Boo Bash, Oct. 20, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford.

407-323-4450; CentralFloridaZoo.org

Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream, Select nights through Oct. 28, Busch Gardens, Tampa.

813-884-4386; BuschGardens.com/ Tampa/Events/Howl-O-Scream Brick or Treat, Select days through Oct. 31, LEGOLand Florida, Winter Haven.

877-350-5346; LEGOLand.com Creatures of the Night, Oct. 18-27, Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa. 813-935-8552; ZooTampa.org/Events/Creatures

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arts and entertainment

SEE, HEAR,

SPEAK SOME EVIL Podcaster SCOTT SWENSON talks living hauntingly ever after

S

Ryan Williams-Jent

COTT SWEnSOn iS A STORyTELLER.

In his 30-year career, he’s produced, directed, written and performed at theme parks and in theaters nationwide—bringing his love of all things horror along for the wicked ride.

He and a small team developed Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s first Howl-O-Scream in 1999, now a fan-favorite haunted attraction.

In his nearly 22 years at the park, where he served as entertainment director, he worked on the annual event for 15.

“There’s nothing more fun to tell than a scary story,” Swenson says. He does that now through Scott Swenson Creative

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tOb er 18 - NOV eMb er 1, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

Development LLC, working with clients worldwide to create both haunted and happy attractions. That includes this Halloween season’s family-friendly “Creatures of the Night” at ZooTampa at Lowry Park and “Undead in the Water,” an interactive zombie apocalypse at Tampa’s American Victory Ship and Museum.

Continued on pg. 31 | uu |

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Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

together the better we all become.

I don’t understand anyone within any community—the LGBTQ or the haunted community—who tear each other down to make themselves feel better. That hurts us all. Let’s be nice to each other and help each other out. Then we all benefit.

| uu | Scott Swenson From pg.29

Swenson also reaches fans worldwide with “A Scott in the Dark: A Periodic Podcast for Haunters,” sharing tips and tricks of the trade with those in the haunted attraction industry. Watermark caught up with him ahead of Halloween to talk his experience in seeing, hearing and speaking all things evil.

you mentioned the lgBtQ Community. why do you think so many within it are drawn to halloween?

So many of my friends enjoy fantasy and Halloween embraces that. It allows us to be whoever or whatever we want to be. It gives us the opportunity to play up our dark sides, to be whatever we see ourselves as. I think that’s what’s been appealing to the LGBTQ community for a very long time.

I also can’t tell you how many drag queens I know who started their career by dressing up on Halloween.

WATERMARK: how would

you desCriBe “haunters” and “haunts” to readers who might not Be Familiar?

sCott swenson: The haunted attraction industry has grown into the multi-billion dollar industry and it continues to spread outside of the United States to become worldwide.

Haunts and haunters are really just people who try to theatrically scare other people.

They create immersive, walkthrough experiences that put guests into a scary scenario; it’s a great way to offer something that is completely safe but gives you a chance to get your heart racing.

what draws you to halloween?

I was actually a big chicken when I was little; I couldn’t watch horror movies. I used to sit next to the TV and watch my friends watch horror movies, watching their reactions.

Once during a very old, black and white, rather cheesy horror film, I was sitting next to the TV and my friend convinced me to look at it.

The monster was right in the middle of the screen because that’s what kids do to each other. I looked at it and went, “oh, that’s not that scary; look, there’s a zipper. I think we could do things scarier than that.” That was when my fascination with horror and haunted attractions started. tell us aBout your Current tampa Bay haunts.

They’re really different from one another which is wonderful.

“Creatures of the Night” at ZooTampa is specifically designed for families with young children. It’s not bloody, it’s not gory; we say we like to scare the giggles out of the audience.

That’s our goal.

The second is “Undead in the Water” and it’s at the American Victory Ship and Museum. I was so attracted to that. They called for help and were already into the process … they wanted to draw on my experience and knowledge. I get to haunt a real World War II ship; a former naval vessel. The haunt takes you on four or five different decks and the whole concept is the zombie

zOMBiE dAzE: Scott Swenson is dwarfed by his zombie pals at Howl-O-Scream in 2008. PHOTO VIA SCOTTSWENSON.COM apocalypse has come to Tampa. The American Victory is the last rescue ship available, but come to find out it’s more than Tampa citizens on board. There are also zombies who are out of control. what makes the Best haunt eXperienCe?

I’ve been fortunate enough to

so we can twist that later. Then in each room, I work with an emotional map. In one room I want them to feel one way, in another a different way. Finally, it ends with a sense of relief or ultimate terror, depending on which story I’m telling. I try to figure out what the story is and map it out emotionally.

which I call “make it look like it smells bad,” to how to cast and write haunted attractions. People told me information like that was helpful to the industry and for all of us. what’s the reCeption Been like?

I have listeners as far away as Australia, throughout the United States and some in the United

People who identify differently from the rest of the world need a place to go, and so many members of the LGBTQ community are attracted to the haunt industry because of that. they are accepted.

—SCOTT SWEnSOn

work in so many different genres for so many different audiences that it really comes down to the fact that I want to tell a good story.

I think that’s really the core of any good theatrical experience. I view haunted attractions as walkthrough immersive theater. The story has to have a compelling setting, enough details to keep people interested and has to keep them moving forward so they stay interested. how do you keep them interested?

I usually come up with the story I want to tell and map it out. At the beginning, I want people to feel a certain way, usually a sense of anticipation, or sometimes it’s even a sense of comfort and playfulness

aFter sCaring others For so many years, does anything still sCare you?

Not making my budget is terrifying [Laughs]. I get scared if I get pulled into the details of something; if I start focusing on something and the unexpected happens. I try to train actors to do that, to get guests involved in details; to get them to look one place to scare them from another.

readers Can learn tips like that From your podCast. is that what led to its Creation?

It started from speaking at haunted trade shows. I give seminars on everything from how to distress costumes so that looks really old,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Kingdom. It’s much broader reaching than I imagined it would be. The interaction has been really fun and helped guide the direction of the podcast. That’s really what it’s all about, to share my experiences. what kind oF topiCs do you Cover?

Each episode is targeted to either a specific theme or I do episodes from the different trade shows I attend, giving a rundown or sharing interviews with industry friends.

I’ve done podcasts on how to handle negative publicity with haunts to how can we all work together as a community.

I’m a strong believer that whether it’s the haunt community or any community, the more we work

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

From shows to haunts, do any eXperienCes stiCk out that you want to share with readers?

I was at a convention earlier this year and a young man came up to me to ask how I cast those who are in transition. The fact that he felt comfortable enough to ask me made me feel good; he had listened to my podcast and I don’t hide my sexuality there or really in my life at all.

He told me “I pretty much pass as male except for my voice,” and introduced himself. I told him I cast people based on how they present themselves; if you’re presenting male or female I will cast you as such. I t made my day that he asked me and respected me enough to give him an honest answer. that’s powerFul.

I’m getting a little teary remembering it. All too often people in the LGBTQ community need an outlet and a place where they can be accepted.

Not just by the LGBTQ community but by everyone. People who identify differently from the rest of the world need a place to go, and so many members of the LGBTQ community are attracted to the haunt industry because of that. They are accepted.

It gives them a place for people to feel like they belong, a place where we can all get together for one common purpose. what is that?

To scare the living hell out of people.

“A Scott in the Dark” is available on iTunes, Podomatic and other outlets. Listen for free at AScottInTheDark.Podomatic.com. For more information about Swenson or his Tampa haunts, visit ScottSwenson.com, UndeadInTheWater.com or ZooTampa.org.

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Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

musical

A man for all seasons

‘Jersey Boys,’ the story of The Four Seasons’ rise to fame and the gay man behind the success, comes to the Dr. Phillips Center

(above)

Jukebox Jamming:

The cast of “Jersey Boys” celebrate the success of The Four Seasons on stage.

Photo by Joan Marcus

W

Jaime Donelson

ade Dooley, who plays the

character of Bob Crewe in the North American tour of “Jersey Boys,” says he feels very connected to his character as an openly gay actor.

“I try to put a bit of myself into [the character]. Still today there are times when I can’t tell if it’s safe or not safe to be myself. I try to bring some of that realism to it,” says Dooley. “I want people to leave knowing that this guy was smart and this guy was credited with what The Four Seasons’ true sound became.”

Dooley, who’s wanted a career in musical theatre ever since he was young, says being able to tell Crewe’s story in “Jersey Boys” is a dream come true. “I consider it a great honor and a

big responsibility to play this character as realistically as I can,” he says.

“Jersey Boys,” which came to the Broadway stage in 2005, tells the true story of the rock ‘n’ roll band The Four Seasons. The musical takes an in-depth look into how the band members —Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi— became international sensations in the 60s and 70s.

The Four Seasons was responsible for some of the biggest hits in music at the time, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry,” “December 1963 (Oh, What

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

A Night),” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back to You.” After the huge success of the ABBA-inspired musical “Mamma Mia!” in 1999, The Four Seasons thought their sound was a perfect fit to be a jukebox musical as well. Unlike the creators of “Mamma Mia!,” who used ABBA songs to tell a fictional tale, The Four Seasons thought that the actual true story of how the band came together was a perfect tale to bring to the stage.

Crewe, who according to Dooley was openly gay but guarded, is credited as the person who helped find The Four Seasons’ sound. He co-wrote several of the band’s big hits and was able to get them on the radio, turning the band into a household name.

“At that time, it was not ordinary to be openly gay. Bob had mixed company and would put on this straight facade because it was not accepted,” he says.

“Then when he was around people

Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

he trusted, he could truly be himself.

I think that’s something every gay person identifies with at some point in their life.”

In 2014, director Clint Eastwood brought “Jersey Boys” from the stage to the big screen with a film adaptation of the musical. In it Crewe, who is played by Mike Doyle, is portrayed as someone who was flamboyant and out to everyone. This is in direct contrast to how Crewe actually was in real life, according to his brother Dan Crewe.

“Whenever he met someone, he would go into what I always called his John Wayne mode, this extreme machoism,” Dan Crewe told The New York Times in 2014, shortly after his brother’s death.

Dan Crewe went on to say that his brother was very discreet about his sexuality in many social circles, and that the “complicated culture of his era” is reflected in the amount of songs Bob Crewe wrote about women.

It’s this “complicated culture” that Dooley uses to create his portrayal of Crewe. Dooley says it’s very common for gay characters to be written as flamboyant comedic relief and it’s easy for actors to fall into that trap. He believes it’s his responsibility to prove that Crewe was a complex person that had several sides.

“Flamboyant and crazy, that’s how a lot of gay characters are depicted in musicals, shows and movies. While I love those characters and I fully embrace that part of gay culture, I think that Bob was sort of multifaceted,” says Dooley. “Who you chose to be in a relationship with is only a small portion of who you are. That’s something this character reminds me of every day.”

Dooley says that Crewe was known to reach out to and be very kind to the actors that portrayed him in the musical up until his death. While Dooley never got the chance to meet him and get his thoughts on how he played him, he did get a chance to meet his brother. “[The two of us meeting] was very special to me,” Dooley says, recalling a photo he took with Dan Crewe when they first met. “We take the picture together and then Dan looks at it and says, ‘it’s Bob and Dan, together again.’”

Dooley attributes much of the character’s intelligence and complexity to the stories that he has heard from Dan Crewe and others that met and knew Bob Crewe in his life. “I hope I bring all of who Bob was to the character every night,” says Dooley.

“Jersey Boys” will play at the Dr. Phillips for the Performing Arts Center Oct.30-Nov. 4. Tickets are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org.

33

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community calendar

event planner artS+entertainMent

Central Florida

Central Florida

bear bust - 28th Anniversary ThURSdAy-SUndAy, OCT. 18-21, 8 P.M.-2 A.M. PARLiAMEnT hOUSE, ORLAndO

Orlando Film Festival, Oct. 18-25, Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe, Orlando. 407-217-1390; OrlandoFilmFest.com

Florida’s longest running bear event is back for its 28th year in Orlando. Enjoy four days of events featuring Gidget Galore, Coco Peru, the Orlando Gay Chorus and more. Each day will include pool parties, vendor fairs and lots of fun and surprises. Weekend passes are $99 and Saturday only passes are $49. For more information and a full list of events, visit BearBust.org.

Alyssa Edwards, Oct. 19, Southern Nights, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando “young Frankenstein,” Oct. 19-Nov. 4, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando.

407-937-1800; CFCArts.com GayKickball Pick Up Game, Oct. 20, Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, Orlando.

407-246-4477; GayKickball.com Nicki Minaj, Oct. 20, Amway Center, Orlando. 844-854-1450; AmwayCenter.com “At the End of the Day” screening, Oct. 22, Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe, Orlando. 407-217-1390; OrlandoFilmFest.com Equality FL Action Campaign Fundraiser for Carlos Guillermo Smith, Oct. 23, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; EQFLPAC.org

south

Join the University of Central Florida’s School of Visual Arts and Design as they present a screening of Vicky Nantz’s film “Uprising, Pulse to Parkland.” A Q&A session with Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith following the film. Attendees are encouraged to vote immediately following the event at UCF’s new early voting location.

More information is available at SVAD.CAH.UCF.edu.

tampa Bay

Todrick Hall performs at both the Southern Nights in Orlando, on Oct. 26, and Tampa, on Oct. 27.

PHOTO COURTESY UNITED TALENT AGENCY

“The Exorcist: The Power of Fringe Compels you!,” Oct. 29, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

OWL Game Day, Oct. 25, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheOrlandoCenter.org

Hanson, Oct. 29-31, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Walt Disney World.

407-824-4321; DinseyWorld.

Disney.Go.com

Todrick Hall, Oct. 26, Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe, Orlando. 407-217-1390; OrlandoFilmFest.com

MOndAy, OCT. 29, 4:30-6 P.M. UCf SChOOL Of ViSUAL ARTS And dESiGn, ORLAndO

hall

Political Cartoons in the Time of Trump, Oct. 24, Orlando Sentinel First Floor Conference Room, Orlando. 407-420-5000; OrlandoSentinel.com

BARE BEEF: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 26, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

ucF Film screening: “Uprising, Pulse to Parkland”

“Jersey Boys,” Oct. 30Nov. 4, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

tampa Bay

13th Annual Central Florida VegFest, Oct. 27, Orlando Festival Park, Orlando.

321-331-1859; CFVegFest.org

“The rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 19, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

“Spring Awakening,” Oct. 27-Nov. 4, ME Theater, Orlando. 321-234-7644; CelebrationTheatreCo.com

Pups at Play, Oct. 19, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour, Oct. 19-30, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

Movies in the Park - “Hocus Pocus,” Oct. 25, Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 813-477-3398; StPeteParksRec.org

8th Annual Kickball 4 Kids, Oct. 20, American Legions Field, Tampa. 813-231-5275; BalanceTampaBay.org

Halloween Bingo, Oct. 25, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg.

727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

Alyssa Edwards, Oct. 20, Southern Nights, Tampa.

813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa Heavenly Heretics, Oct. 20, Emerald Bar, St. Petersburg.

727-898-6054; Facebook.com/ EmeraldBar Beth Sacks, Oct. 20, G St. Pete, St. Petersburg. 727-220-1505; Facebook.com/GStPete “The Curse of Frankenstein’s Castle,” Oct. 20Nov. 4, Carrollwood Players, Tampa. 813-265-4000; CarrollwoodPlayers.org

Todrick Hall, Oct. 27, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com

fRidAy-SATURdAy, OCT. 19-20, 8-9:30 P.M. KinG Of PEACE MCC, ST. PETERSBURG And ThE PORTiCO, TAMPA The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay presents its fall concert, “The Hearts of Men,” with two shows in the Tampa Bay area. The first will be on Friday, Oct. 19, at the King of Peace MCC church in St. Petersburg. The second show will be held the following night on Saturday, Oct. 20, at The Portico in Tampa. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at GMCTB.org.

sarasota

sarasota

Sarasota PrideFest 2018, Oct. 20, JD Hamel Park, Sarasota. 941-320-9268; SarasotaPride.org “Cabaret,” Oct. 25-Nov. 11, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton. 941-748-5875; ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the Hearts of Men: The GMCTB Concert

G2H2 November social + Art show ThURSdAy, nOV. 1, 5:30-8:30 P.M. fRiEndShiP CEnTER, SARASOTA SarasotaOUT.com presents the 84th G2H2 event, hosted at The Friendship Center of Sarasota. The monthly gay men’s social event will feature an art show and live painting experience with artist Steven McCune. Cover into the event is $10 and includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

The social will also feature door prizes and a 50-50 raffle. For more information, visit G2H2Sarasota.com.

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

35

Got Mustard?

We’ve got more weiner than we can handle.

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overheard

tampa Bay out+aBout

aCed it

T

hE hUMAn RiGhTS CAMPAiGn (hRC) AnnOUnCEd OCT. 8 that St. Petersburg and Tampa each received a perfect score of 100 in the organization’s seventh annual Municipal Equality Index.

The report examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ people who live and work in each city the organization rates. It’s based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and city leadership’s public position on equality.

Of the 506 cities rated in 2018, a record 78 received perfect scores. Local leaders celebrated the news via press release and social media.

“The City of St. Petersburg is dedicated to providing an inclusive and diverse city, with programs, policies, and support of events and organizations that support our LGBTQ community,” the city of St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon shared with Watermark. “We are very proud to receive a perfect score of 100 for HRC’s Municipal Equality Index four years in a row and are equally proud to welcome our neighbors across the bay.”

“In Tampa we celebrate our diversity as a strength and value the inherent contributions of everyone regardless of how you came here, the God you worship or who you love and HRC’s score card is proof that we practice what we preach,” Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said via press release. “Tampa is stronger and more competitive when we all pull together and I am proud that our commitment to human rights for all our citizens is being recognized.”

pasCo proud

P

ASCO PRidE hELd iTS inAUGURAL CELEBRATiOn AT SiMS PARK in New Port Richey Oct. 6, a first for Pasco County.

Following the event, which organizers advised drew over 1,000 celebrants, Pasco Pride thanked attendees for making history via social media.

“It’s about being able to gather, to be visible, to be authentic, to celebrate who we are,” the organization wrote Oct. 8.

Reflecting further on National Coming Out Day Oct. 11, Pasco Pride noted that the “love and acceptance could literally be felt in the air as soon as one walked into the park.

THIS is exactly what Pride Festivals are, the coming together of all peoples in society, together, celebrating life and mutual acceptance,” they continued. “BE YOU. BE AUTHENTIC. BE DIFFERENT. BE THE SAME. It just doesn’t really matter, just be … HAPPY.” As for next year, Pasco Pride says planning is underway. “We need YOU to be involved,” they shared. “Without you, we can’t exist. We do it all of this FOR YOU! We’re in the history books, I sure hope you were there and enjoyed yourself, I know we did!”

For more information about Pasco Pride, visit PascoPrideProud.org.

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PARAdE CEnTRAL: (L-R) Matthew McGee, Victoria Michaels and Monique Love prep for Come OUT St. Pete’s inaugural parade Oct. 6. PHOTO By RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

2

dininG in diVERSiTy: (L-R) KJ Summers, Miles Sweeney and Lindsey Sheppy enjoy the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber’s social at Bella Brava Oct. 11. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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SEVEn STROnG: G2H2 Sarasota’s Joshua Beadle (L) and Alex Morin celebrate the organization’s 7th year at Oasis Oct. 4.

PHOTO By rUSS MArTIN

4

fRiEnd fEST: (L-R) Jim Molner, Jimmy Biascan and Kurt Klaver stroll through Come OUT St. Pete’s street festival Oct. 6.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

5

WARM WELCOME: (L-R) Metro Wellness and Community Centers’ James, robert, Bethany and Ivy welcome guests to the LGBTQ Welcome Center relaunch Oct. 6.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

6

BiG dAy OUT: (L-R) Lt. Markus Hughes, Jim Woodfield, Mayor rick Kriseman, Brian Longstreth and Jim Nixon declare Oct. 11 Come OUT St. Pete Day in St. Pete at City Hall. PHOTO

6

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

7

MOViE MEn: (L-R) Stars ryan Lonergan and Garrett McKechnie introduce “Kill the Monsters” with TIGLFF’s Ed Lally and “Switzerland” editor Zane Austin Willard at the Tampa Theatre Oct. 6. PHOTO By

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

8

fUR REAL: Pasco Pride President Denise Johnson (L) and VP Nina Borders celebrate the inaugural pride with some furry friends at Sims Park Oct. 6.

8

PHOTO COURTESY PASCO PRIDE

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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37

THE BARBER FUND HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER

www.thebarberfund.org WE HONOR THEIR COURAGE. WE HONOR THEIR STRENGTH. WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT!

ONE LOVE!

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In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

overheard

Central Florida out+aBout

se7en Course meal

y

OU’d BE hARd-PRESSEd TO find AnyOnE in ORLAndO who didn’t have local eatery Se7enBites at or near the top of their list for the best place to eat in town. The comfort foods and delicious baked goods make it THE place for breakfast, brunch and lunch; but alas we have been on our own for dinnertime ... until now. Well, until next year. Se7enBites owner Trina Gregory-Propst and wife Va Propst are aiming to bring a bit of their own Italian cuisine to downtown Orlando in April 2019 with their new restaurant, Sette. That’s the number seven in Italian if you didn’t know. Trina and Va shared a few details with Faiyaz Kara from the Orlando Weekly, saying this dinner-only restaurant will feature pasta made from scratch, an expanded dessert menu and, of course, an array of Italian comfort foods. They don’t currently have a space or opening date yet but you can expect a pop-up teaser dinner at Se7enBites within the next couple of months so that you can get a taste of what they’re cooking.

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pride is love

E

ACh yEAR COME OUT WiTh PRidE REMindS ORLAndO just how much love there is in The City Beautiful, but this year’s Pride festival may have taken the cake. It began with a Pride-morning wedding between COWP’s Debo Ofsowitz and Milena Jacobina. The ceremony, held at Lake Eola, was filled with friends, flowers and rainbows.

Even Spider-Man was attending Pride and managed to get a picture with the newlyweds. As one wedding was wrapping up, later in the day planning for another one began when Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith was proposed to by his partner Jerick Mediavilla on the rainbow-colored amphitheatre stage during COWP’s Pride Rally in front of thousands of attendees. Carlos was on stage with Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan and COWP Board President Jeff Prystajko when Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan came out with Jerick, who was also celebrating his birthday that Saturday.

After the crowd sang to Jerick, he took the microphone and said, “You know what you do on birthdays, right? You eat cake, you celebrate and you ask for your gift.”

Jerick then got on one knee and presented Carlos with a ring, asking him to be his husband. Carlos answered with “Fuck Yas!” and a kiss as the crowd burst into tears and applause. Congratulations to both happy couples!

4

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DANNy GArCIA

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

in RECOVERy: (L-R) Jacob McCall, Kyle King, Stacy Boden and Corey Harbour attend the Pride Recovery Brunch at Celine Orlando Oct. 14. PHOTO By

2

ASKinG And TELLinG: Navy Seaman Jonathan Perez (L) and Petty Officer 1st Class April Harris are out and proud members of the military celebrating their Pride at the COWP Block Party at Stonewall Orlando Oct. 12. PHOTO By JEREMY WILLIAMS

3

fESTiVAL fAShiOn: (L-R) Colton Adkins, Caleb Hernandez and Sarah Partenio looking fierce at the COWP festival at Lake Eola in Orlando Oct. 13. PHOTO By JEREMY WILLIAMS

RUnninG On BEAUTy: (L-R) Mocha Skye, Ava Monet and Sorcha Mercy are all dressed up for the inaugural Drag Race 5K at Baldwin Park in Orlando Oct. 8.

6

On ThE EdGE: (L-R) Eric rollings, Jeff Prystajko and rebecca Kaercher head back in time to the House of Pride’s Edge reunion at Ace Cafe in Orlando Oct. 10. PHOTO By

7

PRidE On fiLM: (L-R) Holly Stout, Nancy rosado, Christopher Cuevas, Isabel Sousa-Rodriguez, William Vitoria and Christopher Mello attend the U.S. premiere of Vitoria’s short film, “MAR” at The Venue in Orlando Oct. 9. PHOTO By

JEREMY WILLIAMS

4

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PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

JEREMY WILLIAMS

OnE ORLAndO: One Orlando Alliance’s Jennifer Foster and Carlos Carbonell show off the newly released Alliance Agenda at the Pride Rally in Orlando Oct. 13.

7

DANNy GArCIA

hE SAid yAS: Fla. Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (L) and Jerick Mediavilla seal their engagement with a kiss at Lake Eola’s Amphitheatre in Orlando Oct. 13. PHOTO By

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

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Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

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Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

• Join • Volunteer • Donate

announcements

wedding Bells

congratulationS

steven Mayer and Luis Oviedo

Mark Francen and ryan Thompson were married under the Eiffel Tower Oct. 10.

from Orlando, Florida

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PHOTO BY ALEXANDER REYES

S

TEVEn ROBERT MAyER And LUiS

Oviedo Valverde met through Facebook in December of 2017. The two met in person on New Year’s Day of this year in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

“After one month chatting

by Facebook and video call,[Steven] drove 5 hours on New Year’s Eve into Hilton Head Island and arrived at 9 a.m.,” Oviedo shares. “It was a big surprise for me.”

Oviedo was a public relations specialist for a luxury hotel in Canaima National Park, located in the Venezuelan Jungle. Mayer is a retired chef from Disney, and currently works full time as a chef in the Orange County Convention Center.

After maintaining a long-distance relationship for three months, the couple decided to formalize the commitment in March

2018 while they were traveling together.

“Steven proposed to me in Savannah, Georgia, after spending a magical weekend with my family,” Oviedo shares.

“One month later he gave me the engagement ring in Orlando. The delivery of the ring was very special. Steven took me to the jewelry shop with the intention of taking our measurements. When arriving at Tiffany’s [& Co. at The Mall at Millenia], a new surprise awaited me. Steven for the second time proposed to me in front of everyone in the store with champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate.”

The evening culminated with an intimate meal at The Alfond Inn Winter Park Hotel.

“When I met Luis’ parents and saw their life story, united for 43 years with true love, respect and mutual admiration,” Mayer shares about how he was sure Oviedo was the one, “a son who professes love to his parents is prepared to form a family.”

The couple wedded on Aug. 17 with a reception for 120 guests from Italy, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Germany and Venezuela at the historical Dr. P. Phillips House in Downtown Orlando. The couple traveled to Key West for their honeymoon.

“It was magical. It was perfect,” Mayer says. “We were able to reunite with family and friends who traveled especially for us from different corners of the world.”

Family Equality Council’s Tatiana Quiroga, Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber’s Blaine Lawson, DJ Cubby Pat O’rourke, UCF LGBTQ advocate David Moran, South Florida Gay News publisher Norm Kent (Oct. 18); St. Pete’s Everest University admissions specialist Mike Callahan, Softball star Jennifer Friedman, Former Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber President Eric Mathis, Cider Press Cafe owner Johan Everstijn, Tampa photographer and graphic artist Byron Schaerr, Orlando make-up artist Scott Juszczak, Tampa Bay Pride Band’s Daniel Stevens, Tampa Bay socialite Mike Callahan, former Ms. St. Pete Pride Chanel P. Cartier (Oct. 19); Orlando’s own “Divine Miss M” Jennica McCleary, Quality Analyst Chris Hamlett, Orlando photographer Chris Stephenson, EMBARQ, Flamingo Car Club president robert “Tiny” Nasworthy, Tampa Bay entertainer Samaya Sinsation (Oct. 20); St. Pete DJ Jayson Chancey, DJ Ants Adam Brenner, St. Pete Pride Grand Marshal SueZie Hawkes (Oct. 21); Watermark’s Olrando postal delivery person Julie Jewel, Karaoke legend Nick rogers, Orlando maintenance specialist Joe Arlotta, America-lover Jaime DeFrancesco, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s drinkmeister Juan Torres, Honey Pot co-owner Steven Donahue, Sprinkles Custom Cakes owner richard Gregory (Oct. 23); Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan, Stonewall Orlando’s Dan Fraser (Oct. 24); OutBuro founder Dennis Velco (Oct. 25); Owner of Pulse in Lakeland rich Dunn, G St. Pete bartender Sebastian Hathcock, Cosplayer Charles Parilla (Oct. 26); Former Out & About Books owner robert Bruce Ground, Tampa vocalist David Valentine, Tako Cheena proprietor Edgardo Guzman, Southern Nights bartender Lance Keller, Orlando occupational therapist Sarah Bapst (Oct. 28); Hope & Help case manager Norm Gentry, Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s Juan Fontanez Jr., LGBTQ activist Elizabeth McCarthy, Orlando attorney Michael Morris (Oct. 29); Lakeland leather man Jerry Miller (Oct. 30); Bungalower’s Brendan O’Connor, Sarasota HIV/AIDS activist Michael Kehoe, State Farm agent John Psomas, Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Shelita Cra-k, Tampa boating enthusiast Jamie Paul, La-Z-Boy store manager Brian Fenn, Former Watermark editorial assistant Samantha rosenthal (Oct. 31).

do you have an announceMent? having a birthday or anniverSary? did you get a new Job or ProMotion?

See your news in Watermark! Send your announcement to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com or go to WatermarkOnline.com/Submit-a-Transition.

it’S that eaSy!

—Aaron Drake

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.

Oc tOb er 18 - Oc tOb er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

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Town Hall Forum: Changing Hate...A Conversation Presented by: Hate crimes in our nation’s 10 largest cities increased by 12% in 2017 making it the highest level of hate crimes in more than a decade. This Town Hall Forum brings national key influencers to Orlando to discuss how they overcame a hateful belief system, are addressing hateful messages and reaching others to dispel the belief that hate is learned.

Moderated by Sally Kohn, CNN Christian Picciolini · Dylan Marron · Daryl Davis

FREE Admission- Tickets required.

For tickets visit onePULSEFoundation.org/events Thursday, November 15th, 6 p.m.—8 p.m.

Orlando Repertory Theater Proudly Sponsored by:

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendation expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Florida Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Oc tob er 18 - Oc tob er 31, 2018 // Issue 25. 21

47