Watermark Issue 25.25: Remarkable People by Watermark Publishing Group

watermark central FloriDa eDition

Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.25 • deCemBer 13 - 26, 2018

Watermarkonline.com

INSIDE: SOUTHERN NIGHTS ORLANDO Hosts trevor project benefit

AND new LGBTQ ACCOMMODATIONS SITE launching in tampa bay

Remarkable

ACCOMPLICE Win or lose,

FLORIDA REP. ANNA ESKAMANI

is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the lGbtQ community

daytona BeaCh • orlanDo • tampa • st. petersBurg • clearWater • sarasota

This issue features two covers! In this issue we feature two remarkable People from both Orlando and Tampa bay.

watermark tampa Bay edition

Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.25 • deCemBer 13- 26, 2018

Watermarkonline.com

INSIDE: SOUTHERN NIGHTS ORLANDO Hosts trevor project benefit

AND new LGBTQ ACCOMMODATIONS SITE launching in tampa bay

Remarkable

RECEPTION St. petersburg lGbtQ liaison JIM NIXON welcomes one and all to the remarkable tampa bay

daytona BeaCh • orlanDo • tampa • st. petersBurg • clearWater • sarasota

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

LET LOVE DEFINE family.

Learn more about fostering a child. 1.866.90.CHILD 4

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protectandinspire.org/nextsteps

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depArtments 7 // BureAu chief’s desk 8 // centrAL fLoridA neWs 10 // tAmpA BAy neWs 12 // stAte neWs 13// nAtion & WorLd neWs 17// tALkinG points 35// community cALendAr 37// tAmpA BAy out + ABout 39// centrAL fL out + ABout 40// tAmpA BAy mArketpLAce 42// centrAL fLoridA mArketpLAce 45// WeddinG BeLLs/ Announcements

PAGE

At this time of the year and at this time in history ... we are wise to remember that freedoms are our birthrights but that their protection is our responsibility. —JASON lEClErC, IN HIS vIEWPOINT COlUMN “THE OTHEr SIdE OF lIFE”

on the cover

PAGE erAse hAte

PAGE THE REMARKABLES:

Watermark selects the 18 Most Remarkable People of 2018 from Central Florida and Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Edition photo by Dylan Todd Central FL Edition photo by Jake Stevens

scAn Qr code for

WAtermArkonLine.com

The Florida Senate introduced a bill for the 2019 legislative session to end conversion therapy statewide.

WAtermArk issue 25.25 // decemBer 13 - decemBer 26, 2018

seeinG red

diversity destinAtion

remArkABLe reception

remArkABLe AccompLice

PAGE The MBA Orlando selected its 2019 board of directors and announced a new RED Group at its holiday mixer.

PAGE FabStayz, an LGBTQ accommodations platform similar to Airbnb, will launch in Tampa Bay.

St. Petersburg LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon welcomes one and all to the Remarkable Tampa Bay.

Win or lose, Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the LGBTQ community.

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

PAGE

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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contriButors

central FloriDa

Bureau Chief’s

Jeremy Williams CFL BUREAU CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

desk

T’S HErE! THAT MAgICAl TIME OF

the year, kiddos—where the holidays are upon us and most people have a little more pep in their step and cheer in their voice.

It’s also that time of year when everyone is doing up lists. Santa has a list of nice and naughty children. Entertainment critics have lists of the year’s best films, shows and songs. Everyone has their list of all the personal changes they hope to make stick in 2019, me included. May the odds be ever in our favor. I am a total nerd for lists, and one of my favorite lists each year is Watermark’s Most Remarkable People. Each year the editorial staff gets together and creates a list—one in Central Florida and one in Tampa Bay—of the unsung heroes and difference makers of the past year and name them our Most Remarkable.

This year, in honor of 2018, we have selected 18—nine in each of our coverage areas—of the most remarkable people you will ever see. We continue a tradition we started last year where we ask someone who knows each of our remarkables to write something about them. Some of the authors know the person they wrote about personally and some have worked with them in a shared field, but all of them recognized immediately why we selected each remarkable this year. While I am a huge fan of this idea, I do sort of miss the days of writing each of the profiles to tell you why we selected them and what made them so remarkable

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to us. So with my limited space here, I want to share briefly why we selected the nine Central Floridians that we did. As you can see from our cover, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani is among our most remarkable of 2018, and why wouldn’t she be? This year’s midterm election was a message to all local, state and federal offices that women are going to adamantly and unapologetically have their voices heard in government, and the self-described “accomplice to the LGBTQ community” was the loudest of all those voices. After leaving Orlando for Indianapolis, George Wallace rode triumphantly back to be the new executive director of The Center Orlando. But building up one LGBTQ Center wasn’t enough for him, so this year saw the expansion of The Center to Kissimmee. Jennifer Foster did something remarkable at Watermark this year that has never been done. She was so remarkable that we put her on this list two years in a row. Last year, she was so remarkable in getting the One Orlando Alliance set up that they named her the organization’s first executive director. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was a remarkable champion for transgender rights this year as City Hall became the first government building in Florida to build an all-gender bathroom. Come Out With Pride (COWP) named a new president this year in Jeff Prystajko. He, along with the COWP team, didn’t think pulling off a huge parade and festival downtown was enough of a challenge so they expanded Pride to a full week of events. In doing so Jeff and the COWP team had the most remarkable Pride this city has ever seen.

Nicole Parker was everywhere this year. She is a big part of the onePulse Foundation team, but that wasn’t enough for her. She also is a member of the Orlando United Assistance Center, The Contigo Fund and The LGBT+ Center; it’s simply remarkable everything she is a part of. Tymisha Harris took her embodiment of Josephine Baker to New York and was so remarkable that she got a shout out from the most famous queen of them all, RuPaul. She brings her remarkable performance to Orlando’s Winter Fringe in a few weeks. Don’t miss it!

Thank you to all of the people who made 2018 a truly remarkable one.

Some may know Jerrick Mediavilla as the remarkable guy who put a ring on State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith’s finger on stage at Pride, but he was also a remarkable patriot who was driving carloads of voters to the polls during the midterm elections and making sure everyone’s voice was heard. The community couldn’t ask for more remarkable allies than Jim Philips and Moira from Real Radio’s “The Philips Phile.” For years, these two were the voices of acceptance many in the community wish they had in their own parents. Thank you to all of the people who made 2018 a truly remarkable one. I can’t wait to see what this community has in store next year.

JASON lEClErC

is a near lifelong resident of the I-4 corridor, currently in South Tampa. He publishes poetry online at PoetEconomist. blogspot.com. His first book, Momentitiousness, was published in 2014. His book, Black Kettle, was published in 2016. 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

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tampa Bay

Bureau Chief’s

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

desk

T OCCUrrEd TO ME AS I bEgAN TO

write this column that it would be my last in the year it began, 2018. It’s been a year I’ll never forget for a number of reasons, “chief” among them that I celebrated one year on Watermark’s staff Dec. 11.

My first column highlighted how writing full-time had always been my lifelong dream, something I’ve reiterated ad nauseam, but I’m still thankful that I get to do it and that I get to do it here. I’m very grateful for the family I’ve made at Watermark, for our readers and for our advertisers who make all of this possible. The stories of our ever-expanding LGBTQ community matter and have to be told. I noted in 2018’s infancy that the year looked bright. My husband and I had renewed our passes to Disney World, “Avengers: Infinity War” was heading to theaters and

Britney Spears was rumored to release her 10th studio album. There was no album, which may have been a bright spot for the haters who need to leave Britney alone, but there was a tour. I got to see her in concert for the first time, checking off a bucket list item that I’m still paying for but was totally worth it. Thanks, Discover … bill me baby, one more time. I’ve enjoyed Disney this year, though I’m excited that it’s my husband’s turn to pay for the 2019 passes, and “Infinity War” dusted the competition worldwide. While there were challenges –

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particularly from D.C.’s Individual 1 – at least when it comes to entertainment, 2018 was a gem. Thanks to so many members of our community, it was also remarkable. That’s what we detail in this, our annual Remarkable People issue. One of the privileges I’ve experienced in my year as Tampa Bay Bureau Chief is that I’m given the opportunity to interact with so many incredible members of the LGBTQ community and our allies, like many of the men and women who’ve made this year’s list. I’ve been excited for this issue all year for that reason. After soliciting for suggestions, we chose 18 people for 2018 – nine here in Tampa Bay and nine in Central Florida. In Tampa Bay, we begin with St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison/ LGBTQ Welcome Center Marketing Manager Jim Nixon. Whether he’s fighting for the LGBTQ community at City Hall or at Metro Wellness, Jim’s been a champion. It continues with Pinellas County Young Democrats and Vice Chair of the Pinellas County Democratic Party Johnny Boykins. His drive helped energize the county in this year’s midterm election with an eye on 2020. Denise Johnson founded Pasco Pride to give the county the historical celebration in 2018. Advocate Samira Obeid fought the current administration to continue the fight for our community. Rep. Jennifer Webb became the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida House and Sarah Fortney became the state’s first openly LGBTQ woman elected to a school board. To help make that happen, NextGen Field Organizer Stefanie Reynolds barely sat during this year’s election season – personally registering over 1,000 young voters. It concludes with St Pete Pride Executive Director Luke

Blankenship, who listened to every community voice to ensure St Pete Pride had a Sweet 16 for all. Don’t take my word for it, though. Each profile on the list was written by those who know each person either personally or professionally. We thank them for their words and we thank our 2018 Remarkables for their dedication to the LGBTQ community. It’s their dedication that’s helped contribute to successful and thriving communities

One of the privileges I’ve experienced in my year as Tampa bay bureau chief is that I’m given the opportunity to interact with so many incredible members of the LGbTQ community and our allies.

statewide, something we examine in this issue’s news coverage. In Tampa Bay, we introduce you to FabStayz, an LGBTQ accommodations platform that seeks to remove the coming out process for the LGBTQ traveler. In Central Florida, we check in with the Metropolitan Business Association Orlando as they unveil their new board of directors. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories each issue, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue – and on a personal note, my thanks to each of you for a remarkable year as Tampa Bay Bureau Chief.

contriButors JASON lEClErC

AArON drAkE

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

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

orLAndo office 414 N. Ferncreek Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 TEL: 407-481-2243

tAmpA BAy office 2529 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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central ﬂorida news

southern niGhts to host hoLidAy Benefit for the trevor proJect Jeremy Williams

rlANdO | Southern Nights Orlando hosts the 11th annual Broadway Christmas cabaret, presented by Kai’ja Adonis and Jose Marrero and benefiting The Trevor Project, Dec. 20. Adonis and Marrero began Broadway Christmas in the mid-2000s after they lost a friend to suicide. “Kai’ja and I worked at Southern Nights at the time and we had a friend, he was gay and in college, and he took his own life,” Marrero says. “We were all in our mid-20s and didn’t know how to handle what happened. We didn’t really know what to do. What we did best is perform on stage, so we let out our emotions and feelings on stage.” Broadway Christmas became a charity benefit the following year when Marrero heard about The Trevor Project. “I was watching [The Ellen DeGeneres Show] and they had someone on the show speaking about The Trevor Project,” Marrero recalls. “I didn’t know what it was and it surprised me that not a lot of people in Orlando knew what The Trevor Project was. They’re pretty well known now with the It Gets Better campaign but when we started they weren’t so well known.” The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth age 25 and under. “I contacted them and asked if we did a show could we do it in their name and whatever we raised we would send off to them. Even if it wasn’t a lot of money, every bit helps,” Marrero says. They were on board, so Marrero, Adonis and a handful of Central Florida performers put on the first Broadway Christmas benefitting The Trevor Project. The event is now created with the help of more than 50 people. “Everyone donates their time, their talent. Everyone backstage, helping to put the production together, everyone who helps gather the raffle prizes and gets the seats set up, everyone volunteers their time,” Marrero says. “All the money raised at the door and from the raffle tickets and all tips from the entertainers all goes to The Trevor Project.” Marrero moved to Fort Lauderdale four years ago but still drives up to Orlando every year to help put the event together. Adonis gets the show portion organized while Marrero handles all the behind-the-scenes stuff, he says. “It’s amazing to me what we get accomplished,” Marrero says. “The show is a variety of Broadway numbers, big and small. So one number you might have a couple of performers then the next one the stage is filled with 20 or more performers. It’s incredible.” The 11th Annual Broadway Christmas, benefiting The Trevor Project, will be held at Southern Nights Orlando on Dec. 20. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. with the show running from 9-11 p.m. It is a suggested $10 donation at the door. For more information visit Southern Nights Orlando’s Facebook page.

MbA bOArd:

(L-R) Michael Deeying, Tom Yaegers, James llewellyn, Brianna Rockmore, Sherri Absher and Dawn Kallio at the MBA Orlando holiday mixer. PHOTO BY JeReMY WILLIaMS

seeing RED MBA Orlando selects 2019 board of directors, announces new RED Group Jeremy Williams

rlANdO | The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA Orlando) announced its new board of directors during its Holiday Business Connect mixer at the Tupperware World Headquarters Dec. 5. The announcement was made by current MBA Board President Tom Yaegers and Executive Director Kellie Parkin. Yaegers and VP of Operations Sherri Absher were both elected to return to the MBA board of directors in 2019. New members elected to the MBA board of directors include Dawn Kallio, James Llewellyn, Rafael Rios and Brianna Rockmore. Kallio — along with her wife Lisa Brown — owns Bowled Over Promotions, a promotions product company, and has been a member of the MBA Orlando since 2007. In 2016, Bowled Over Promotions won Small Business of the Year at MBA Orlando’s Pride in Business Awards. Kallio was recognized four years prior at

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the same event as Business Woman of the Year. Llewellyn, who currently serves on the MBA Orlando’s Program Committee, is the office manager and partner of Joie de Vivre Health and Chiropractic. Joie de Vivre won the MBA Orlando’s Business of the Year in 2018. Rios is an active member of both the LGBTQ and Latinx communities in Central Florida. Rios serves as a member of Fifth Third Bank’s Business Resource Group. Rockmore is a sales account manager for Watermark Publishing Group, is an active member of the transgender community and volunteered with Come Out With Pride this year. MBA Orlando members present at the mixer voted unanimously for the new board members. “MBA Orlando is Central Florida’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce dedicated to the pursuit of equality through economics,” the group’s website states.” MBA’s strategic focus is to serve as a resource to bridge the gap between small business and large corporations. We can help small business members become certified

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

LGBT Enterprises, help corporate members grow their diversity and inclusion and supplier diversity programs and foster connections between our members.” During the election process, Yaegers proposed a bylaw amendment to the MBA Orlando membership to allow board members who were, or will be, appointed midterm to be able to complete their current term should they be in the middle of serving their third elected term. Currently the organization’s bylaws allow for board members to serve three consecutive two-year terms and then take a full year off the board before seeking reelection. The proposed change would revise the three term limit to a four term limit. The proposed change would allow Board Secretary Michael Deeying to continue on the board in 2019. The proposed change will be voted on by MBA Orlando members at the organization’s Jan. 2019 Business Connect mixer. During the meeting, Yaegers and Perkins announced that MBA Orlando would be starting a third RED (Referral Exchange Development) Group in 2019. RED North would join the already established groups RED Central and RED Downtown. RED is a category-exclusive networking group of MBA Orlando members. Each group meets on a designated day twice a month.

For more information on MBA Orlando, board positions and RED Groups, visit MBAOrlando.org.

JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019

PRODUCED BY

WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

tampa bay news

Anti-LGBTQ group targets Pasco County schools, psychologist Ryan Williams-Jent

ASCO COUNTY | The anti-LGBTQ Liberty Counsel has targeted Pasco County Schools and district school psychologist Jackie Jackson-Dean for utilizing a guide designed to assist educators in understanding LGBTQ students. “Pasco County Public Schools personnel have adopted a harmful, unauthorized ‘policy’ and practice of promoting LGBT ideology in violation of the rights of students, parents, and teachers, all without school board approval,” the organization shared Oct. 24. “Liberty Counsel has offered assistance to the Pasco County School Board,” the release reads, “urging it to take immediate action and stop the harmful behavior … resulting from a so-called ... ‘Best Practices Guide.’” According to studies by the Williams Institute, 4.1 percent of Florida’s population identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual and .66 percent identify as transgender. The guide exists, it reads, because the Pasco County school district is comprised of 75,000 students, meaning “approximately 3,075 youth may identify as LGB and approximately 495 may identify as transgender.” In addition to her role as school psychologist, Jackson-Dean is a founding member of the district’s LGBTQ committee and serves as the district’s LGBTQ liaison. “The Pasco County School Board must take action to reign in these rogue school employees and administrators and reject their unauthorized LGBT policies and practices,” Liberty Counsel Founder Mat Staver released. “The Pasco County Schools must take charge to bring its employees into compliance with the law.” Watermark reached out to Pasco County Schools for comment and was provided a statement on Liberty Counsel’s “false and inflammatory” release, which according to the district is “full of inaccuracies and outright falsehoods.” “The School Board’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Bullying Policies include a list or legally protected classes … including sex/gender,” the statement reads. It notes these guidelines are consistent with “Florida Statute 1000.05, which prohibits discrimination against students and employees in the Florida K-20 public education system.” Jackson-Dean was unable to provide comment for this story. According to her website, which has removed its contact functionality, since Liberty Counsel’s release she has received “vile, hateful comments” including death threats. According to the Pasco-based advocacy group Florida Trans Proud, the county’s school board has been inundated with attacks against Jackson-Dean and the guide. The organization encourages community supporters to meet at the board’s next meeting to show their support of the LGBTQ ally and her work. It will be held Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at 7227 Hwy 41 in Land O’Lakes. For more information, visit Facebook.com/FloridaTransProud.

HOST WITH THE MOST: Airbnb super host and Outings & Adventures founder Robert Geller will launch his LGBTQ accommodations platform FabStayz in Tampa Bay Jan. 2019. PHOTO BY TODD RICHARDSON

Diversity Destination LGBTQ accommodations platform FabStayz launching in Tampa Bay Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | FabStayz, an online platform seeking to eliminate the coming out process for LGBTQ travelers booking accommodations worldwide, will launch in Tampa Bay Jan. 2019. The platform was created by area resident Robert Geller, who also founded the travel-focused Outings & Adventures and is designated as a “super host” for the industry-leading accommodations service Airbnb. He and his LGBTQ-inclusive FabStayz team hope to utilize Airbnb’s 5.3 million active listings to become the largest LGBTQ accommodations platform within the company’s first 18 months. “I’ve been in the LGBTQ space,” Geller says. “I was vice president of the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival years ago, I’ve served on the board of Equality Florida and I launched Outings & Adventures, so I’ve also been in the travel space. “As an Airbnb super host, I’ve had that experience of a stranger

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

staying in my home and having to come out to them,” he continues. “I just thought there was something that could be created to take out that awkwardness I felt.” Geller initially solicited the venture as “Airbnb4LGBT” with a website built for $11.99, something the travel giant cautioned was a trademark violation within four weeks. “I thought we’d get the concept out there to see the response,” he muses. “I was actually proud and excited that a $31 billion corporation was noticing what we were doing.” LGBTQ and ally hosts noticed as well, with over 2,000 pre-registering for the new platform in just over six weeks. “We’ve been attracting hosts from all over the world,” Geller says. “The U.S., Mexico, the U.K. … it’s because of that momentum that we’re going into beta launch.” FabStayz utilizes existing listing data from websites like Airbnb, Vacation Rental By Owner, Homeaway, TripAdvisor and more to highlight LGBTQ and ally hosts. In order for their listings to go live on the new platform, they are required

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

to watch a video on diversity and inclusion (D&I) and agree to the company’s D&I statement. Other original content and resources will be availablefor continued education. Geller notes that while Airbnb understands D&I, it’s impossible for a corporation of its size to address every niche. “Large corporations can start a conversation, which is fantastic, but there are opportunities for niche businesses to come in and really serve niche markets.” While there are other gay-focused accommodations services like mister b&b, FabStayz “is a true LGBTQ+ platform,” he also stresses. “It was so important to us that anyone who lands on our site in the community felt like we were talking to them.” There are other key differences as well, Geller says. “We’re aligning with visitors’ bureaus, LGBTQ chambers of commerce and businesses we know are supporting our community.” In addition, FabStayz will share a percentage of its profits with LGBTQ welcome centers and organizations that provideLGBTQ youth programmingin each of its markets – beginning with Metro Wellness and Community Centers in Tampa Bay. “I wanted something I could be a part of and build that had a greater good,” Geller says. “We go full circle. The platform is positive; we’re giving back and doing good in communities … that’s what really excites me about this project.” To learn more about FabStayz and its launch, including hosting opportunities, visit its teaser website at RecruitingHosts.com or email robert@ recruitinghosts.com.

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

state news

fLoridA LeAds nAtion, introduces BiLL to end conversion therApy in 2019 LeGisLAtive session Ryan Williams-Jent

AllAHASSEE, Fla. | Florida became the first state nationwide to introduce legislation to end conversion therapy in the 2019 legislative session Nov. 21. State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Democrat who represents Florida’s 37th district in Miami-Dade, introduced Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) to protect LGBTQ youth from the discredited practice. Conversion therapy purports to change a child’s sexual orientation and gender identity using “psychological or spiritual intervention.” It is widely opposed by prominent health associations including the American Medical Association, the American

Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. “In most states it is still legal to force children into conversion therapy and that is wrong. When it comes to this debunked practice, there is no conversion and there is no therapy,” Javier Rodriguez released in a statement. “So-called conversion therapy does not work because youth are who they are. They should be supported rather than shamed. “More importantly, the practice we seek to ban is not therapy,” he continued. “The long-term, even lethal, damage it does to youth is well documented. If you’re going to be a licensed practitioner in Florida, refraining from harming our youth with this debunked practice should be a basic requirement.”

A poll released in 2017 by Orlando’s Political Observer found that 71 percent of Floridians supported a ban on conversion therapy for minors. It noted that 18 percent of respondents weren’t certain if conversion therapy should be banned and that 11 percent believed it should be legal. As of Dec. 2018, 20 local governments in Florida have adopted city or county conversion therapy bans, more than any other state in the country. The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, celebrated the news in a release. One of the organization’s chief campaigns—50 Bills, 50 States— is the largest worldwide effort to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy in every state

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of the nation and every country of the world. “The Trevor Project is deeply invested in ending conversion therapy in every state because we know youth who experience rejection from their family are more than eight times more likely to attempt suicide than youth from accepting families,” CEO and Executive Director Amit Paley said. “Conversion therapy is a profoundly dangerous form of rejection with no basis in medicine or science,” she continued. “Unless lawmakers act to end the practice in every state, countless LGBTQ youth will be subjected to forms of conversion therapy in the next few years.” Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer echoed Paley’s assessment. “Conversion therapy is a deceptive and utterly

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

discredited practice that targets some of the most vulnerable in our state—LGBTQ young people,” he said. “It’s time to put an end this dangerous abuse disguised as medical treatment.” Javier Rodriguez thanked The Trevor Project and Equality Florida for their dedication to protecting LGBTQ youth via Twitter. “By passing SB 84 Florida would do its part by preventing licensed practitioners from exposing youth to dangerous and debunked #ConversionTherapy.” The Trevor Project notes that 34 states have introduced legislation to protect youth from conversion therapy and 14 have signed them into law. To learn more about the organization’s 50 Bills, 50 States initiative, visit TheTrevorProject.org.

nation+world news

Three US senators seek documents in death of Roxsana Hernandez Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

hree U.S. senators called upon the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Dec. 5 to release documents related to the case of a transgender Honduran woman with HIV who died in their custody. The letter that U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) sent to Acting ICE Director Ronald Vitiello and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan notes Roxsana Hernandez, 33, died in ICE custody. The letter also highlights Hernandez, who was part of a 300-person caravan that traveled to the U.S. border earlier this year, was

taken into custody by Border Patrol on May 9 when she asked for asylum at the San Ysidro Port of Entry south of San Diego. Hernandez, who was from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, entered ICE custody less than a week later and was being housed in a unit for trans detainees at the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, N.M. An ICE press release about Hernandez’s death says she was admitted to a local hospital “with symptoms of pneumonia, dehydration and complications associated with HIV” on May 17. The letter cites reports that indicate Hernandez “endured freezing temperatures and was denied adequate food, water and medical care” while in custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. It specifically refers to a Nov. 26 article in the San Diego Union-Tribune that says Hernandez “vomited” while ICE transported her between facilities

“to the extent other detainees begged authorities to provide her with water and proper care.” Hernandez died at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, N.M. The letter notes the initial cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest. The Transgender Law Center on Nov. 26 released the results of a second autopsy that shows Hernandez was beaten before she died. The second autopsy also concludes the cause of death “was most probably severe complications of dehydration superimposed upon HIV infection, with the probable presence of one or more opportunistic infections.” The Human Rights Campaign has sent Freedom of Information Act requests to ICE and CBP for documents that relate to Hernandez’s death and the treatment of trans people in their custody. The senators’ letter notes ICE “has been uncooperative in releasing information about Ms. Hernandez’s case.” ICE spokesperson Danielle Bennett has described allegations that Hernandez was “abused in ICE custody” as “false.”

Change-of-venue granted in slaying of transgender teen Wire Report

judge has granted a change of venue for a suspect in the slaying of a transgender teen whose eyes were gouged out and her body set on fire in southwest Missouri. Court records show that the first-degree murder case against Andrew Vrba was transferred Dec. 3 to Greene County. Vrba is charged with killing 17-year-old Ally Steinfeld in neighboring Dallas County. The case previously was moved to Crawford County. Vrba had been missing for weeks when her burned remains were found in September 2017 in the town of Cabool, a rural area about 70 miles east of Springfield. Two others have been sentenced in the case, and a fourth person is awaiting trial. Authorities say the crime wasn’t motivated by Steinfeld’s gender identity.

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sanfordfl.gov

viewpoint

Jason Leclerc

the other side

oF liFe

More Effs AST MONTH, I WAlkEd

into the temple and called out the Republican Sadducees. I toppled tables and scattered thousands of years of ill-gotten treasure.

I called for a bottom-up revolt against ingrained patriarchy and traditional oppressive masculinity. Bordering on a lamentation, my essay may have been interpreted (especially among my more generally optimistic readers) as a dire representation of history in light of the present. For column-inch purposes, I edited out the obvious ironies inherent in Christian America’s normalization of the effers who’ve gamed the system in their own favor and in direct conflict with Jesus’s own abstention from the (physical, sexual) act of ef�ing. Let’s take on part two of that essay: a New Testament, if you will. It’s Christmas, and whether your view of Jesus is as the son of God, a heroic prophet, a unifying myth or a literary archetype, this is the season in which we celebrate his virgin birth and the eff-free life he exemplified for a few decades on Earth. Regardless of what mother-ef�ing men and churches have done to twist and co-opt his story during the ensuing two millennia, when we read his words for ourselves and understand his purpose, we know that Jesus promised the greatest eff of all: freedom. In this light, no wonder Americans celebrate Jesus as more than a mere idea justifying revolution and undergirding the Constitution; we contextualize him as if he were a Founding Father: there at our own immaculate conception.

America’s Jesus crosses from the parochial to the public; this is no more clear than during this time of year. Especially when America’s bully pulpit has been abandoned and the spirit of freedom is under assault, we can look to other effs—friends and family with whom the spirit persists—as enduring bastions of American Jesus’ message. We can also look to a great historical eff: FDR. In 1941, with America in the grips of depression and being pulled into another World War, FDR delivered his own four effs to America, solidifying the convergence of American Speech and twentieth-century scripture. Following in the traditions of Washington and Lincoln and paving the way for other great communicators like Kennedy, Reagan, and Obama, Roosevelt proposed that Americans are endowed with four freedoms, detailed below. Moreover, he insisted, America is responsible for spreading and protecting such freedoms beyond our borders: “everywhere in the world.” “The freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world.” When we stand in the public square, uncomfortable—spreading discomfort—we assert freedom. The expression of ideas intersects with our inalienable identities and when these intersect with each others’, we are most free. “The freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world.” If we cannot honor our gods, we have handed over our souls and, as many believe, our eternities. Freedom of faith in a greater power underlies an optimism that reifies the remaining freedoms. “The freedom from want … economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants— everywhere in the world.” We are only as rich as our poorest neighbors. The excesses of success are coupled with the responsibilities to care for our brothers and sisters—to

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protect them from schemes meant to hold them down. “The freedom from fear … a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point … that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor— anywhere in the world.” The

simultaneously preach the universality of Jesus’s message, have failed in their understanding of what rights, freedoms, and—most importantly—salvation means. Their dissonance is more than cognitive, it is spiritual. At this time of the year and at this time in history—

for ourselves, in the spirit of giving that comes along with our calling as the nation meant to lead the world, we should do for others. We are called, by America’s Jesus, to embody hope in the face of the effers who would deny it: to worship from the temple of freedoms for which our forebears died.

use of fear—terrorism—to wrest control over our autonomy—freedom—is the most insidious force of all. Demagogues who peddle in fear mongering seek to limit freedom. As Americans, we must resist this tendency, both in our own nation and around the world. Those partisans whose proclivities decry this as “globalism,” and who

when there is a dangerous movement to characterize aggressive press as an enemy of the people, to close borders, shrink markets and alienate others, to widen the chasm between the wealthiest and most vulnerable, and to sew instability around the globe— we are wise to remember that freedoms are our birthrights but that their protection is our responsibility. What we do

When we fail to protect these freedoms for ourselves, we fail our nation and our neighbors. When we fail to protect these freedoms for our nation and our neighbors, we fail the world.

What we do for ourselves, in the spirit of giving that comes along with our calling as the nation meant to lead the world, we should do for others.

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

talking points I think it wasn’t a terrible thing in 1998 that a straight guy played the role, but I’m glad that times are changing, and I’m glad that nowadays a Will Truman would probably be cast with someone who is gay.

over the past year

IN THE U.S.,

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COMPARED TO

FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO IDENTIFY AS GAY OR LESBIAN anD

Who identify as heteroseXual. —NYU SCHOOl OF MEdICINE STUdY PUblISHEd IN THE AMErICAN JOUrNAl OF PrEvENTIvE MEdICINE

—”WIll & grACE” STAr ErIC MCCOrMACk ON WHETHEr, AS A STrAIgHT PErSON, HE WOUld PlAY THE gAY TITlE CHArACTEr IF OFFErEd THE rOlE TOdAY.

ellen degeneres returns to stand-up With netfliX speCial

llEN dEgENErES IS HEAdINg bACk TO HEr rOOTS with a new comedy special called “Relatable,” streaming on Netflix starting Dec. 18. It is DeGeneres’ first stand-up special since starting “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and becoming one of daytime television’s most popular personalities more than 15 years ago. In the special’s recently released trailer, DeGeneres talks about how a friend was not as excited as she had hoped he’d be when she told him she was going back to stand-up. “Well, do you think you’re still relatable?” she recalls him saying to her. To which she tells the audience, “Just then Batu, my butler, stepped into the library.” DeGeneres is the latest in a line of hugely popular stand-up comedians to sign on with Netflix; including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Dave Chappelle.

adam lamBert Joins Queen For neW ‘rhapsody’ tour

UEEN ANd AdAM lAMbErT ArE HITTINg THE rOAd TOgETHEr AgAIN for a North American tour called “The Rhapsody Approaches,” the band announced on its website Dec. 3. The six-week tour will hit 23 cities starting in July 2019. The band looks to capitalize on the recent success of the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which recently became the highest-grossing LGBTQ film and the highest-grossing musical biopic in U.S. history. The tour will feature original band members Brian May and Roger Taylor (portrayed in the film by Gwilym Lee and Ben Hardy, respectively) with Lambert on lead vocals. Queen’s last tour sold-out a run of 10 shows at the MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas in September.

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JaCKie Chan’s daughter marries girlfriend in toronto

TTA Ng, JACkIE CHAN’S ESTrANgEd dAUgHTEr, revealed in an Instagram post Nov. 25 that she and girlfriend Andi Autumn have gotten married. Ng, 19, and Autumn, 31, wed in Toronto. The couple posted video and photos of the occasion on their joint and separate Instagram accounts. The pair posted a photo of themselves wearing white and holding up their marriage license. Ng, who is the daughter of Chan and Chinese actress Elaine Ng Yi Lei, came out as a lesbian in October 2017 and revealed she was in a relationship with Autumn. In April, the couple claimed they were homeless due to “homophobic parents” and made a public plea for help.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

rapper riCK ross Blasts 6iX9ine With homophoBiC slur

APPEr rICk rOSS dISSEd TEkASHI 6Ix9INE by using a homophobic slur on a recently released track. Ross is featured on Meek Mill’s new song “What’s Free” from Mill’s new album “Championships,” which also features Jay Z. “Screaming gang gang now you wanna rap, racketeering charges caught him on a tap/Looking for a bond lawyers wanna tax, purple hair got them f****ts on your back,” Ross raps. The first line seems to be a reference to 6ix9ine’s current incarceration as he faces federal racketeering and firearms charges. The last part of the verse appears to mock 6ix9ine’s trademark colorful hair. Ross has not publicly commented on the lyric.

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Photo by Dylan Todd

Remarkable 2018

People

tampa bay

Jim Nixon St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison, lgbtq WELCOME CENTER MANAGER

By Kevin King

C h i e f o f P o l i c y & P u bl i c Eng ag e m e nt, St. P e t e r s b u rg M ayo r ’ s O f f i c e

im Nixon is remarkable. He is known

to the LGBTQ community through his many years of advocacy, his sales work with Watermark and his efforts to elevate Metro Wellness and Community Centers through strategic outreach and marketing. Thanks to Jim, the LGBTQ Welcome Center in St. Pete’s Grand Central District has been refreshed and refocused, serving as a safe and inviting place for both residents and visitors. The broader Tampa Bay community, and especially our growing arts community, may know Jim through his work with Ruth Eckerd Hall or The Dali Museum. Today, we also know Jim as St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman’s LGBTQ Liaison, a vital role encouraged by the Human Rights Campaign. It speaks to Jim’s remarkability that he volunteered for the position long before our city coffers allowed us to fund it. As both a volunteer and an employee, he has excelled. Readers of Watermark likely know that Mayor Kriseman is a longtime champion for the LGBTQ community and has illustrated that in ways big and small. However, having Jim extend the mayor’s reach to further engage the LGBTQ community and address certain challenges has proven

to benefit both the mayor and the city we love. On a personal note, I have the pleasure of not just supervising Jim’s work, but of being his friend. When I was subjected to some of the unfortunate politics and ugliness that too often accompanies public service, Jim was one of the first people to reach out and offer truly heartfelt support. His generosity and passion to give back was most recently evidenced by his involvement in The SMART Ride. He trained hard and raised thousands of dollars, finishing as one of the top 50 fundraisers this year. He’s truly remarkable, and one of the many reasons we say the “sun shines here” in St. Pete.

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

PHOTO BY DYlAN TODD

Denise Johnson

Johnny Boykins

PaSCo Pride and FLorida tranS Proud Founder

by chance Martinez colon

PineLLaS County young deMoCratS PreSident, PineLLaS County deMoCratiC Party viCe Chair

by Bobbi Lindaman

P i N e L L a s c o u N T y yo u N G d e M o c R aT s

N bArElY ONE YEAr, JOHNNY TOOk

the Pinellas County Young Democrats (P.C.Y.D.) from a defunct group to a unified force in the Pinellas County Democratic Party. He took on the daunting task of keeping our members organized and motivated during a historically heated midterm election. While it was an uphill climb, I do not believe there is a single young Democrat who regrets the work we did on our state and local campaigns. Johnny’s pragmatic approach to running the club always brought the focus of our work back home to real issues facing the people of this county. We knocked on countless doors, made phone calls and texts and reached out to minority groups in our community to engage them in the democratic process. We talked with residents about expanding health care, criminal justice reform, recognizing climate change, public education and more local issues like affordable housing, transportation, food security, gun reforms and engaging new and younger voters.

You may have also seen us at our Blue Wave Fundraiser at Enigma St. Pete. We raised money for our club and promoted our local candidates. The money raised will go to help our club grow and increase outreach. An example of this is the recently announced formation of the Foresight 2020 youth voter coalition (foresight2020.org). While it is still in its early stages, we hope that this nonpartisan coalition will build a platform of communication for student and community groups who seek to improve youth civic engagement, develop the next

generation of candidates and increase youth voter participation leading up to the 2020 election. Our efforts worked! In 2016, Donald Trump won Pinellas by one percent and in 2018, Mayor Andrew Gillum won by three percent. The P.C.Y.D. played no small part in flipping Pinellas blue. We were even able to help bring the Rainbow Wave to Pinellas County: St. Petersburg elected the first lesbian (and current P.C.Y.D. member) Jennifer Webb to the Florida State house in District 69! It has become increasingly clear that the only way to move this country forward, while protecting the rights of citizens, is for a new generation of leaders to emerge within our system. Under Johnny’s leadership, the P.C.Y.D. has developed into a strong group of passionate, young, diverse and energized Americans. The hard work is not over. I cannot wait to see what Johnny and the P.C.Y.D. can accomplish going forward into 2020. We welcome you to join us.

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c h R i s T i a N M i N i s T e R a N d s o c i a L Wo R K e R

THINk IF SOMEONE WErE TO lOOk UP

the term “remarkable person” in the dictionary they would find a picture of Denise Johnson. I met Denise almost two years ago and in that short amount of time she has accomplished more than what I thought could be accomplished in a lifetime. to protect the rights of LGBTQ Denise saw a need in the Pasco individuals. Shortly after Pasco County area and she worked Pride’s first event, Denise left tirelessly to fill that need. She the Pasco Pride organization assembled a team of people who but that did not mean that her created the Pasco LGBTQ social work was over. She quickly got network. Out of that first meeting to work for the transgender she heard from many people in community, creating the Florida the LGBTQ community that this Trans Proud organization. She area was in desperate need of a Pride celebration where everyone, also organized a candlelight vigil and rally in support of the especially those who identify transgender community and in as LGBTQ, could be themselves remembrance of the transgender and be accepted for who they lives who were taken far too are and who they love. She soon. At this vigil, co-hosted by quickly got busy and assembled Metro Wellness and Community a Pasco Pride Board of Directors Centers, several people from the and worked tirelessly with faith community were there and community leaders, businesses spoke words of encouragement and citizens to make the first and Pasco Sherriff Nocco spoke as ever Pasco Pride not only happen, well. As a Christian Minister who but make it bigger than anyone identifies as gay, I am honored even imagined. to call Denise my friend and As a result of that she I am empowered to be all that petitioned community leaders I can be because she is out there and government officials to go a fighting for my rights (and yours) step further by getting the city of every single day. I can’t think of New Port Richey City Council to anyone more worthy of the title draft a resolution calling for an anti-discrimination proclamation “remarkable person.”

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Photo by Dylan Todd

Rep. Jennifer Webb (HD69)

Hunter Vance OASIS Owner and Founder

By Beneva Fruitville

S a r a s ota Ent e rta i n e r

am beyond thrilled

to be honoring my dear friend Hunter Vance. He has been an integral part of the Sarasota LGBTQ community for over a decade.

I began performing as Beneva Fruitville in December 2008 and Hunter was an established dancer in the Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa Bay area. He was always the first to say “Hi” with a genuine smile and friendly attitude. We established a strong friendship. He has often told me the story of his unexpected move from Los Angeles to Tampa, which left him homeless and broken. He found solace and comfort in the embrace of the area’s LGBTQ community and has never looked back. This is home. Many of us in the LGBTQ community are allowed to make our own families and he has done that. He has been able to create a large, loving, often dysfunctional but without a doubt there-for-one-another family. Through the many night clubs, bars and hotspots we have all experienced over the years in this area, Hunter has been a mainstay. Specifically in Sarasota we have had Triangles, Club Heat, Alley Bar Throb, Barrel 87 and now with his very own operation Oasis, Hunter has moved through the ranks and has been there for the community at every step, especially as a voice of reason when disparate opinions emerge. He’s also been the friendly reminder to never take life too seriously and has been fiercely protective over his chosen family. He has helped to establish a new sense of Pride in our community and his door is literally open to anyone. He works diligently to bring the Sarasota LGBTQ community together through Oasis and charitable donations and harbors a safe place for ALL people to experience the LGBTQ nightlife culture. I am proud to work at Oasis—the only 24/7 LGBTQ+ establishment in Sarasota, but I am even more proud to call Hunter Vance my friend.

Photo by Dylan Todd

first openly-LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature

by Cynthia Wurner

W i f e , Ac a d e m i c T u to r a n d Int e rv e nt i o n i s t

he first time I remember

seeing Jennifer she was working with LGBTQ+ recovering alcoholics/drug addicts. She seemed to bring everyone together, delegate tasks and make sure every person was included—every voice heard.

I’m an introvert and can be pretty stubborn. For almost two years, Jennifer invited me to things and I would decline. I would disappear and she would manage to find me to invite me to an event, a meeting, a lunch. I’d say no but she never gave up. Jennifer’s determination was stronger than my obstinacy and I finally said yes. I’d already fallen in love on that first day. We started our journey together in 2002 and married in 2007. In 2015 Jennifer told me that she had been asked by several Democrat activists to run for HD69 in Florida’s House of Representatives. Running for office is hard and exhausting work and it was disappointing to lose in 2016. But then Donald Trump won the presidency. Jennifer was working at USF Tampa and immediately returned to work to console and organize minority students who were terrified by the very real threat of deportation and violence. Her instinct was to engage with her community and to move to protect the vulnerable. She became the Democratic chair of HD69 and started recruiting members and organizing precincts. When the HD69 seat opened, I knew without hesitation exactly who should run, just as I knew with absolute certainty who would win. I am so proud of Jennifer’s team, so proud of her supporters, so proud of to be a part of such a positive and historic campaign. I could not be prouder of Jennifer—still that authentic, luminous, competent presence who brings people together on issues that matter because we all deserve better lives, because we all deserve to thrive, and because we all deserve good leaders who bring out the best in us.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Sarah Fortney Polk County School Board Member

by Erin Pike

C a mpa i gn M a n ag e r

arah Fortney has

been an educator and advocate for students and staff for over 30 years, fighting for their rights and creating the best learning environment for all.

Over three years ago, Sarah and I were attending an emergency staff meeting on the last day of school, and as we watched our school district lead a powerful change maker through a forced resignation, Sarah spoke up for the staff and the students. That was the day Sarah knew her efforts were not enough and began to consider what more she could do. She signed the papers to become a candidate for Polk County School Board, District 3 in May 2017. We spent the next 17 months attending gatherings, shaking hands and knocking on doors to meet voters and inform them of the need for a candidate like Sarah on the board. Polk County is considered a conservative county, and on Sarah’s porch at the beginning of the election, we discussed that her sexuality could come into question. We planned a response but to our surprise she was never publicly attacked. Sarah was informed she would be the first openly gay person to win a school board seat in the state of Florida if she were elected. It is exciting to know that her intent to run was to be a changemaker for students and staff of the Polk County School Board. It’s also exciting that after the election, she marked her victory as a historical first. The feedback has been quite positive and reflected how irrelevant her sexuality was to the job position. Sarah has been a changemaker for students and staff her entire adult life. Getting to shake the hands of students, parents and staff she has influenced over the past 33 years makes me proud to have stood by her side throughout the election process.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

PHOTO BY DYlAN TODD

Stef Reynolds

Samira Obeid

nextgen PineLLaS County FieLd organiZer

By Tristan Pike

N e x T G e N a M e R i c a R e G i o N a L o R G a N i Z i N G d i R e c To R

EOPlE TENd TO FINd THEIr WAY

to activism, particularly political activism, because of an issue that affects them personally. However, it takes more than just having a personal stake in the fight that makes someone successful in doing campaign fieldwork.

It takes tenacity to never take no for an answer, endurance to work 14-hour days, weeks on end and an acrobatic level of flexibility to adjust to constantly changing plans. Stef Reynolds, the Pinellas County field organizer for NextGen America, has all of these attributes and more. The first time I saw Stef in action, running a team of volunteers, fellows and other organizers was St. Pete Pride. We knew this would be one of our biggest opportunities to make sure likeminded young progressives knew there was an election coming up and were registered to vote. With hundreds of thousands in attendance it was no small feat to execute an ambitious plan that had us taking part in every single Pride event from the Pride Prom to the street festival to the parade. Mid-way through the weekend I remember sitting with Stef and talking about what was going well and what we could be doing better. As we sat in a coffee shop surrounded by discarded feather boas and clipboards, the only area of improvement I could find

was, well, maybe we could have had more detail in our plans going into the rest of the weekend. In classic Stef style, she took the feedback to heart and from that point on every plan she submitted was detailed down to the minute. I used them as examples for what event plans should look like for the rest of the campaign. But more than being able to take a plan and run with it, Stef was the glue that held our region together. Like a true Texan she has a mouth like a sailor and in a field where people become adept at talking in circles, Stef says what she means and means what she says. She was the bestower of nicknames, the couch you could crash on, the organizer of the organizers and I could not have been more proud to work with her. Progressives in Pinellas County turned out and voted for Andrew Gillum by three points. A county that went red in 2016 voted for an unabashedly proud progressive this year because of people like Stef Reynolds.

Poet and CoMMunity advoCate

By hannah Willard

f o R M e R e q ua L i T y f L o R i da s R . P o L i c y d i R e c To R

S AN AdvOCATE, POET ANd

friend, Sam Obeid embodies a quintessential feminist manifesto: “the personal is political.”

Sam weaves together her work and her life into a seamless tapestry of social justice. She oversees the ANYTOWN program of Community Tampa Bay, a youth leadership and diversity residential program. She is a celebrated poet and has delivered acclaimed spoken word performances worldwide. Recently, Sam became an involuntary spokesperson for our country’s broken immigration system, as she was caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s bigotry and forced to leave the country. Sam grew up in India and had already experienced a lifetime’s worth of joy, heartache, trauma and success before immigrating to the United States. After 10 years here, Sam had just 15 days to leave her life behind after a routine reapplication for her visa was delayed, forcing her to leave the U.S. indefinitely. Quick to acknowledge her immense privilege compared

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

to so many battling immigration bureaucracy, she transformed this unimaginable challenge into an opportunity for education and connection. Sam’s “going away” party was unlike anything I’d ever seen. It was a poetry slam, silent auction and social justice rally rolled into one. Of course each person’s connection to Sam is unique—but a theme emerged as I listened to Sam’s loved ones describe what they would miss about her. Sam is beautifully skilled at revealing a person’s own worth to themselves. She makes us feel brave, beautiful, strong, resilient—not because she lends us those attributes, but because she illuminates their preexistence. She points people back to themselves, reminding them of the beauty that already lies within them. Her friendship style mirrors my favorite Maya Angelou quote: “Your crown has been

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

bought and paid for. Put it on your head and wear it.” What better way to experience friendship than to be reminded of the greatness that is already yours? Thankfully, Sam obtained a new visa and returned to the U.S. in October. Besides Sherlock, Sam’s pitbull and one true love, there is perhaps no one Sam was more thrilled to reunite with than her beloved “young humans” of ANYTOWN. She fiercely believes in her mentees’ ability to change this world—in fact, she knows they already are. Sam is emphatic that young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, but are already the leaders of today. I can think of no better person to shape the hearts and minds of young folks than Sam, whose heart-forward leadership style engenders deep, loyal, long-lasting community. I know there are countless communities that would benefit from having someone like Sam, but I am so grateful we don’t have to share her just yet. Welcome home, Sam.

PHOTO BY DYlAN TODD

Luke Blankenship St Pete Pride exeCutive direCtor

By scion crowder

foRMeR sT PeTe PRide PResideNT

UkE blANkENSHIP STArTEd COllEgE

wanting to work in LGBTQ advocacy, and shortly after found himself running the largest Pride organization in the state of Florida: St Pete Pride.

Luke was named executive director (ED) in May, making him the youngest ED of a Pride organization in the country. He joined St Pete Pride five years ago as a general volunteer and since then worked as logistics coordinator, parade director, development director and now ED. He oversees the day-to-day operations in collaboration with the board of directors and oversees sponsorships, financial strategy, event planning, magazine production, the social media presence and maintains local government and city relations. Luke is constantly working towards becoming a better person and ED. He may be young but he is continuing to educate himself by attending leadership seminars and is currently in the process of becoming a certified nonprofit ED. His passion for bettering the community is seen in various ways. He is an avid volunteer in the LGBTQ community and can be found volunteering for organizations like GLSEN

Tampa Bay, PFLAG Tampa, PRIDE Alliance at USF and the Diversity Chamber. In his downtime, he can be found hanging out along Central Ave. in St. Pete or cheering on a local sports team. He never misses an opportunity to network, socialize or talk about Pride. His advocacy efforts are not limited to the local area, however—he actively participates as a member of Interpride, which allows him the opportunity to work with and impact communities and prides around the world. One of St Pete Pride’s annual goals is to bring people together in the spirit of love and of being comfortable in one’s own skin. Luke’s empathetic views and passion for advocacy aligns perfectly with what Pride’s mission is all about. With a positive attitude and an open mind, he makes it a priority to foster an inclusive environment that encourages all walks of life to embrace the LGBTQ community.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Leigh Shannon’s Dinner & Show with

C�� • S�� S�� G�� L�� F�� S�� :�� S�� :�� F�� C�� T�� M��

110 W Church St. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (321) 319-0600 www.HamburgerMarys-Orlando.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Remarkable

Photo by Jake Stevens

2018

People

central Florida

Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (HD47) first Iranian-American woman lawmaker elected in Florida

by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (HD49)

Fl o r i da ’ s f i r s t o p e nly- g ay L at i n x s tat e r e pr e s e ntat i v e

f you haven’t heard the name

Anna V. Eskamani, you have probably been living under a rock … especially since Republicans spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in negative ads to portray Eskamani as a vulgar, radical extremist (they actually made her look like a badass in a leather jacket). Voters made history in November by electing Anna as the first IranianAmerican to serve in the Florida Legislature, rewarding her with 57 percent of the vote.

Odds are you have heard of Eskamani, who has become a role model for young people across Orlando. You saw her on the cover of TIME magazine featured as one of many women across the country running for public office hoping to make real change. You read in local newspapers about her healthcare expertise as a senior director for Planned

Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. You watched her lead the Orlando Women’s March or proudly walking in the Come Out With Pride parade at Lake Eola. If not, you more than likely overheard her signature Eskamani-style laugh in person at any number of local

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Jim Philips and Moira

George Wallace

Co-hoStS oF “the PhiLiPS PhiLe” on reaL radio 104.1

by sabrina ambra,

Current Lgbt+ Center oF CentraL FLorida exeCutive direCtor

by Michael Wanzie,

T h e f i R s T Pa i d e x e c u T i v e d i R e c To R o f T h e c e N T e R

MAY NOT bE AWArE OF All THAT

George Wallace has done to make him a hero of 2018 specifically, but I do know that George has been my personal hero for many years.

Firstly, as a healthcare advocate for special needs individuals. Secondly, as a person who has helped countless individuals in need—on a personal level, well beyond the scope of any employment mandate, and he has done so often and without fanfare or public recognition. Thirdly, as one of the true visionaries and hardest working people who dedicated every fiber of his being to help make The Orlando Fringe Festival the resounding success it is today. Now George is lending his winning personality, gifts of persuasion and considerable business acumen to The Center. Throughout 2018, George has shepherded The Center through a recently completed and glorious expansion—both in square footage of The Center Orlando as well as the opening of The Center Kissimmee. He has accomplished

these feats all while improving and expanding The Center’s services and setting an ambitious agenda for future fundraisers and community outreach. George always has been and continues to be an amiable and effective ambassador who inspires others to become involved. I have long marveled at George’s ability to attract the right people to the right tasks and then keep them happy in their volunteerism. One of the things I most admire about him is that he never appears anxious or overwrought about the tasks that lie before him and I never see him rushing to get anything done. I have encountered very few people in my life who have taken on challenges the likes of those to which George naturally gravitates without looking like they are succumbing to pressure. One never sees George rushing about as though he hasn’t the

time to do all he has to do. George appears perennially composed and has never made a show of working hard because he always works smart. George has made a huge difference at The Center this past year because he is one of those rare individuals who balance the business aspects of running such a facility with the people skills required to make those who come seeking assistance (and those who volunteer) feel like they have made a fast friend. It is not often we find those two qualities embodied in the same individual, but these qualities are one and the same when it comes to one Mr. George Wallace. The Center, and Orlando as a whole, is the happy beneficiary of this hero’s unique blend of intellect, approachability, common sense and long hours of mostly unseen hard work and tremendous dedication. I am thrilled that one of my personal friends and longtime heroes is being officially recognized by Watermark as a hero of 2018. Congratulations, George Wallace!

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

co-hosT of “The NeWs JuNKies” oN ReaL Radio 104.1

FIrST MET JIM PHIlIPS ANd MOIrA

when I began my career on Real Radio 104.1 FM in 2013. I was young, inexperienced and terrified; standing amongst legends who have been doing the big, bad radio thing almost as long as I had been alive (no pressure, right?)

Much to the dismay of the “deer-in-headlights” look I was sporting, Jim and Moira welcomed me with kindness, guidance and encouragement. Fast-forward almost six years to present day and “The Philips Phile” has closed its chapter on Real Radio. After decades of entertaining the masses, channeling the norm and sticking it to “the man,” we bid a bittersweet adieu to two of the most remarkable people in the world—Jim Philips and Moira. Moira is fierce and fabulous; she has a brilliant mind with a great big heart, and an even bigger boot to kick ass if she needs to. The radio biz can be very rewarding but also very challenging, especially when you are one of the few women on the airwaves. Moira has stuck to her gut and stuck-up for what is important to her, despite pressure or the insufferable

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

trolls that come along with it. I’m privileged to have worked with her, I’m humbled to call her my friend and I’m honored to have been dubbed her “radio daughter.” I, Sabrina Ambra, have a major friend-and-professional-crush on Jim Philips. I am not ashamed, but I’m also pretty certain he is aware of my longing to be his BFFL. Unless you’ve lived under a rock the last 25+ years, you know his name, you’ve heard his voice and if you’re one of the fortunate ones, you have been given a lesson in boat knots by the man himself (that’s me, by the way). Jim is truly a remarkable human being who has done so much for this community and touched the hearts of millions. Jim Philips, you are a torch in the darkness, a beacon in superstition’s night and an inspiration. Thank you for being friggin’ awesome! (text me, k?)

www.NationsLandscaping.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Photo by Jake Stevens

Jennifer Foster

Nikole Parker

One Orlando Alliance Executive Director

by Justine Thompson Cowan

N o npr o f i t C o n s u lta nt

onePULSE Foundation Events & Community Outreach Coordinator

hen asked to

write about Jennifer Foster, I knew it would be easy enough to list her accomplishments.

A natural leader, she always has her hands in something transformative. She co-founded the Human Rights Campaign community in Central Florida, served on the statewide board of the Florida Red and Blue Campaign and co-founded One Orlando Alliance. But her accomplishments (which are impressive) are not why I think she’s remarkable. A great poet summed it up best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” For Jennifer, let me add: and how they changed you. Jennifer and I have worked together these past two years constructing the nuts and bolts of what is now One Orlando Alliance. I am not surprised that, with her leadership, the Alliance is thriving, already a dynamic and integral part of the Central Florida community. No, there is nothing shocking in discovering that a talented woman can change the world. What surprised me is how she changed me, how I have learned that I have to do better. That inclusiveness is not just a word on a page, or a goal in a political campaign. It is something that must be part of our essential being, intertwined into who we are. I learned this, not because Jennifer preached it, but because she lives it. Every decision she makes reveals her deep commitment to equality, inclusivity and compassion, and those around her cannot help but soak it up and become better just for having known her. Our community—indeed our nation—has some serious obstacles ahead of us. I think we can all learn from Jennifer as we go forward on how we are going to meet those challenges.

Photo by Jake Stevens

by Barbara Poma

o n e P U L SE F o u n dat i o n CEO & E xe c u t i v e D i r e c to r

ikole Parker is a daughter,

sister, transwoman, fiance, advocate, employee and friend. But what she is most is the shining hope for our future. Her journey to the woman she is today is what makes her remarkable far beyond a few hundred words.

She left her home in Orlando at the age of 19, to begin her transition. After three years of black market hormones and unsafe lifestyle practices she returned to Orlando to restart her life. I was lucky enough to have someone give me her name just after the Pulse massacre and suggested she would be a perfect fit for the Pulse Task Force. I called and she answered. That is who she is. She accepted the responsibility and joined onePULSE as a volunteer. That led to a part-time employee position as an office assistant and evolved into a full-time position as the Event and Community Outreach Coordinator. During the last two years I have had a front row seat to watch the development of her voice and professional skills all while sharing that contagious smile and laugh. Her work ethic, spirit, passion and commitment are ingrained in her young soul; we often joke she is an old lady trapped in a 24-year-old body. Her work at onePULSE is nothing short of challenging. I have sat and watched her listen with genuine compassion and empathy to family members, survivors and first responders. She always tries to see people’s stories from their lens. Nikole is actively involved on various nonprofit boards within the community, including The Contigo Fund, The LGBT+ Center and the Orlando United Assistance Center. I’m deeply proud to see Nikole recognized for her incredible achievements and her love for our community.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Buddy Dyer Mayor of Orlando

by Gina Duncan D i r e c to r o f T r a n s g e n d e r E q ua l i t y at E q ua l i t y Fl o r i da

oday, the city of

Orlando is known as a national leader in LGBTQ diversity and inclusion. This distinction has been a direct result of the intentional work of Mayor Buddy Dyer and his diverse leadership team at The City Beautiful.

Prior to the Supreme Court ruling granting same-sex marriage rights in the United States, Orlando was one of the first cities in Florida to pass a Domestic Partner Registry providing rights and protections for unmarried couples. This was quickly followed by the passage of Orlando’s Human Rights Ordinance protecting people against discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. I met Mayor Dyer at Come Out With Pride in 2011. Our initial meeting being somewhat stilted as I realized I was perhaps the first openly transgender person to shake hands with our mayor. Over the years, however, a warm relationship has grown and the mayor’s support for the transgender community has grown with it. Mayor Dyer has personally supported many transgender events including a Transgender Allies Workshop, a Transgender Town Hall and a Corporate Transgender Inclusion City Workshop. Recently, the city announced the construction of an “All User” restroom at City Hall directly outside the City Hall Chambers. This “All User” multi-stall restroom is designed to be available to the diverse gender identities that make up the Orlando community—male, female, transgender and gender nonconforming citizens are all welcome to use this restroom at the same time. This is the first “All User” restroom in any government space in the state of Florida. Orlando is truly a city that welcomes diversity because it is led by a mayor who lives it.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

PHOTO BY Jake StevenS

Jeff Prystajko CoMe out With Pride board PreSident & oPerationS direCtor

Jerick Mediavilla

by Bob azzarito

c o M e o u T W i T h P R i d e B oa R d M e M B e R

EvErAl YEArS AgO, JEFF PrYSTAJkO

joined our team at Come Out with Pride. I’ve had the privilege to work with him on the board of directors and the production team, and I am proud to call him a friend.

In 2018, he took on the role of president of the board of directors. He assembled an impressive team and together they produced a fantastic event. Before Jeff joined the Orlando Pride team, he worked on marketing for the 2014 Gay Games held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. He joined Pride in our rebuilding year. The experience and enthusiasm that he brought to the table were among the reasons why we succeeded in turning things around. Jeff’s first position was director of marketing. This year, as president, he led the team in producing an entire week of Pride events. The varied events engaged many segments of the community and continued the mission of changing hearts and minds. Jeff’s qualities go beyond just leading a successful Pride. What stands out the most is his enthusiasm for the LGBTQ community and for the entire Orlando community. In addition to his devotion to Pride, Jeff gives his time in support of other local groups and community

events. He started giving time to the One Orlando Alliance as the coalition member representing Pride. He continues to give time assisting with technology and helping with their web communications. As with Pride, Jeff enjoys the Alliance for bringing people together in productive ways. The potential for positive change that exists when people work together is the energy that keeps Jeff going. Jeff’s energy and enthusiasm continued as he participated in InterPride’s 2018 Annual Conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The nonprofit organization, InterPride, promotes LGBTQ Pride on an international level. They hold regional conferences around the world to increase communication among Pride organizations. Watermark’s recognition and appreciation for Jeff is well deserved. For those of us who know him, we know he is a remarkable person and that our community is lucky to have him.

eduCator and CentraL FLorida LgbtQ aC tiviSt

by ida eskamani

L e G i s L aT i v e a i d e To s TaT e R e P. c a R L o s G u i L L e R M o s M i T h

T’S FAll 2017 ANd WE ArE

somewhere in Tallahassee. Legislative committee weeks had commenced and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida’s first LGBTQ Latinx lawmaker, was telling me about a new man in his life. He was both giddy and bewildered by how well they were vibing. This guy was handsome (I immediately verified this with some light social media lurking), kind, funny, attentive, smart, successful and, most importantly, emotionally available and into Carlos. His name is Jerick Mediavilla and my friends—This man is remarkable! I love Carlos like a brother. We’ve been through hell and back together, working in the political trenches alongside one another for nearly eight years. When Jerick came into his life, my long-term partner had just left mine. I was an emotional wreck, but I also

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

knew how good love could be, and wanted that love for Carlos. I gave him the best advice I could— follow your heart. For me and countless others, meeting Jerick is love at first sight. I am still confused by where this utterly remarkable man came from. He lights up the room with warmth and genuine kindness and makes you feel like the most important person there. Jerick has lived an extraordinary life, born in Puerto Rico and spending years in Mexico City. He makes amazing hummus from scratch and, without question, will order you vegan vitamins when he notices you’re clearly

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

not taking care of yourself. He also knows how to hustle, taking dozens of his coworkers to the polls, empowering them with the knowledge to exercise their fundamental right. In June, Jerick told me he wanted to propose to Carlos at Orlando’s Come Out With Pride. The first question he asked me was “Do you think he’ll say yes?” Carlos tells me how much he loves Jerick all the time, but my immediate response was one I think we can all appreciate: “Well if he doesn’t, I will!” We then proceeded to plan the most extra secret proposal ever, in front of thousands at Pride. When Jerick took the mic, he shined. Seeing Carlos and Jerick so happy fills my heart with infinite joy. I am so grateful he chose to share such an intimate moment with our sweet town. I am also so grateful to have another brother in Jerick Mediavilla, one of Orlando’s most remarkable people.

PHOTO BY Jake StevenS

| uu | Central Florida

Remarkable People from pg.27

Tymisha Harris CentraL FLorida entertainer & Co-Creator and Star oF “JoSePhine, a burLeSQue Cabaret dreaM PLay”

By Blue star oW N e R o f T h e v e N u e o R L a N d o a N d B L u e L a L a e N T e RTa i N M e N T

EMARKABLE

almost doesn’t do this woman justice.

Tymisha Harris is a talent beyond compare. She is a great human being and my best friend. So many people do not know the struggles that she has faced and the hurdles she has been made to jump through to be where she is today. It has been a steady, courageous climb that is finally getting her the recognition she deserves. Her beauty is obvious. Tymisha can take over a room before she even steps into it. She has a voice that is unmatched by most and deserves to be heard by the masses. And with one breath, before she even makes a movement, her dance can captivate an audience. She is a warrior that uses her talent to feed her soul. I am so glad you all finally took notice. Welcome to the beautiful crazy world of Tymisha “Tush, Countess Poutein Touche Esuire, Josephine” Harris. She truly is remarkable, and then some.

community events, since she makes it a point to attend every single one of them. Anna V. Eskamani is an unapologetic champion for LGBTQ equality, women’s healthcare, gun control and social justice. And make no mistake—if you have not heard of Anna, you will. She isn’t just a rising star in Florida politics. She’s a shooting star about to burst through the Florida Legislature at lightning speed. The reason—her intelligence, her command of the issues and her authentic commitment to improving the lives of all Floridians. When it comes to standing up for equality, this cisgender, straight Iranian-American ally sees herself as more of an accomplice to LGBTQ Floridians. In the recent Vicki Nantz documentary “Uprising: Pulse to Parkland,” Eskamani had this to say: “I’m an ally, but really an accomplice in the sense that I stand next to the LGBTQ community whether we win or lose. I think that an ‘ally’ can sound kind of transactional, which is why I define myself as an ‘accomplice.’” An accomplice, she is. Eskamani has served as a member of the One Orlando LGBTQ Alliance and has been a stalwart supporter of the Pulse community. Earlier this year, she bravely helped local high school students organize boycotts and peaceful demonstrations at local Publix stores in response to their controversial $670K in campaign contributions to a self-proclaimed “NRA-sellout.” As her House colleague and friend, I couldn’t be happier to welcome Rep. Eskamani to a Florida Legislature desperate for new energy, diversity and authenticity. Anna has shown us through the power of her advocacy, her actions and through her good deeds as a community leader just how remarkable she really is.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

community calendar

event planner Arts+entertAinment

central FloriDa

sweaterFest 12: A Fundraiser for Zebra coalition

Jane lynch’s “A Swingin’ little Christmas,” Dec. 14-16, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org LGBt Pop-Up Holiday Shop, Dec. 15, The LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 15, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Blue & Tod Cabaret, Dec. 15, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; TheVenueOrlando.com Ginger Minj’s Crossdresser for Christ-mas, Dec. 15, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Orlando Gay Chorus presents Tinsel in Technicolor, Dec. 15-16, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; OrlandoGayChorus.org Foxy’s Den - the Xmas edition, Dec. 17, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; TheVenueOrlando.com Holiday Bingo, Dec. 17, The LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.orgA John Waters Christmas, Dec. 17, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-770-0071; PlazaLiveOrlando.org Word by Word Creative Writing Workshop, Dec. 18, The LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org “White Christmas,” Dec. 18-23, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Holiday Movies in the Park: “National lampoon’s Christmas vacation,” Dec. 21, Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2121; CityOfOrlando.net

FrIdAY, dEC. 14, 7 P.M.-2 A.M. STONEWAll bAr, OrlANdO

mary ging-mas Local drag sensation Ginger Minj performs her holiday show “Crossdresser for Christ-mas” at the Parliament House in Orlando Dec. 15 and at Hamburger Mary’s in Brandon Dec. 16. PHOtO COURteSY CHRIS RUSSeLL

Toy Drive, Dec. 22, Two Spirit Health Services, Orlando. 407-487-9868; TwoSpiritHealth.org

Christmas Around the World - Free Choral Concert, Dec. 15, MCC Tampa, Tampa. 813-239-1951; MCCTampa.com

It’s a MOOOOving Party, Dec. 23, URBAN Brew and BBQ, St. Petersburg. 727-822-8919; UrbanBrewAndBBQ.com

AMOR presents Feliz Navidad, Dec. 22, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

Darell - Live in Concert, Dec. 15, Hamburger Mary’s, Brandon. 813-643-2110; HamburgerMarys.com/Brandon

Decadence: an evening of Bellydance, Dec. 27, SubCentral at The Iberian Rooster, St. Petersburg. 727-258-8753; IberianRooster.com

tampa Bay “every Christmas Story ever Told (and then some),” Dec. 1-30, freefall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freefallTheatre.com The BIG Onesie Dance Party, Dec. 14, Honey Pot, Tampa. 813-247-4663; Facebook.com/ Honey-Pot Magritte & Dali - Opening Day, Dec. 15, The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767; TheDali.org Trans Support Network Holiday Party, Dec. 15, Metro Wellness & Community Centers, St. Petersburg. 727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org

Ginger Minj’s Crossdresser for Christ-mas, Dec. 16, Hamburger Mary’s, Brandon. 813-643-2110; HamburgerMarys.com/Brandon Amythyst Kiah, Dec. 17, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org SaGe Social: Men’s night In, Dec. 19, Metro Wellness & Community Centers, St. Petersburg. 727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org “The Sound of Music,” Dec. 22-23, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.net

sarasota An Afternoon of Operetta, Dec. 16, Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice. 941-218-3779; VenicePerforming ArtsCenter.com

broadway christmas THUrSdAY, dEC. 20, 8:30-11 P.M. SOUTHErN NIgHTS, OrlANdO Kai’ja Adonis and Jose Marrero present the 11th Annual Broadway Christmas, a Broadway cabaret show benefiting The Trevor Project.Over 50 of Central Florida’s top entertainers and artists will be joining their talents to bring the community together for a holiday event filled with music and comedy. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected at the door. For more information, visit Southern Nights Orlando’s Facebook page.

tampa Bay

Youth Advisory council FrIdAY, dEC. 14, 6-7 P.M. lgbTQ WElCOME CENTEr, ST. PETErSbUrg The LGBTQ Welcome Center holds a monthly meeting for LGBTQ youth to work on becoming leaders in their schools and communities. The next meet will be held on Friday, Dec. 14 at the Welcome Center. The meetings are for LGBTQ youth and allies from ages 13-18. Youth of all gender expressions, identities and sexual orientations are welcome. For more information, visit LGBTQWelcomeCenter.org.

Tampa Drag race Live Grand Finale

“The Sound of Music,” Dec. 19-20, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza, Dec. 23, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, Sarasota. 941-925-3869; McCurdysComedy.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Dust off your best (or ugliest) holiday sweater as Stonewall Orlando and the Zebra Coalition present the 12th annual SweaterFest. Come out and support all the good work the Zebra Coalition does and celebrate the season. Santa will be making an appearance to take photos. Entry is $10 ($5 before 8 p.m.) with proceeds going to the Zebra Coalition. For more information, visit StonewallOrlando.com.

THUrSdAY, dEC. 20, 9 P.M. SOUTHErN NIgHTS, TAMPA Kitana Gemini presents the grand finale to Tampa Drag Race Live (#TDRL). Hosted by PePe, #TDRL’s nineweek drag competition comes to its exciting conclusion as main judges Jade Embers, Angelique Young and Marshall Welch, along with guest judges Alexis Mateo and Power Infiniti crown a winner. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the event starts at 11 p.m. Free admission all night for 21 and up, $5 cover for anyone under 21. All you can drink specials available. For more information, visit Southern Nights Tampa’s Facebook page.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

overheard

tampa Bay out+aBout

tampa Bay 4 tots

AMPA bAY ENTErTAINEr kOrI STEvENS’ NINTH ANNUAl TOYS 4 TOTS bENEFIT bridged the bay to raise funds and collect toys for less fortunate families this holiday season. The two-part toy drive began Dec. 2 at Enigma in St. Petersburg and continued Dec. 9 at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City. Each evening featured raffle items and a diverse lineup of entertainment from local drag performers, all of whom donated their time and tips. “THANK YOU, TAMPA BAY!!!!” Stevens shared via social media Dec. 10. “Together, we collected a ton of toys, and raised $1,842! Congratulations, and thanks again for your caring hearts and giving spirits, AND for your continued love and support!” All funds raised and the hundreds of toys collected – which Stevens advises took “four trips in my SUV” to deliver – go directly to Toys for Tots, managed through the Toys for Tots Foundation. The organization will distribute accordingly to local families in need of assistance. “Helping people is part of my purpose,” Stevens says. “Hopefully it will continue to influence others to help where they can as well.”

Big return

UT ST. PETErSbUrg FIlMMAkEr ErIC CASACCIO HAS ANNOUNCEd that his “Freak the Film” and “Narcissist the Movie” will return to the big screen for the inaugural Dunedin International Film Festival (D.I.F.F.) Jan. 12-13. Beginning in 2011, Casaccio wrote, directed, produced and edited “Freak” and “Narcissist” while living in California. “Freak” follows the story of a bullied, hard-working, “fragile soul as he faces his inner demons buried behind a drag queen persona while pursuing the dream of a lifetime.” “Narcissist” details “the story of a writer as he discovers the painful truth of a charming but manipulative and toxic love interest.” Each enjoyed years on the film festival circuit and are currently available on Amazon Prime Video. For more information about D.I.F.F. or the films, visit DunedinInternationalFilmFestival. com, Facebook.com/FreakTheFilm or NarcissistTheMovie.com.

the liBrary is open

HE lgbTQ rESOUrCE CENTEr IN THE gUlFPOrT PUblIC lIbrArY announced “Juliet Takes a Breath” as its January LGBTQ Book Club selection on Dec. 6. “Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again,” the synopsis reads. “But Juliet has a plan, sort of, one that’s going to help her figure out this whole ‘Puerto Rican lesbian’ thing.” Copies of the Gabby Rivera novel are currently available for checkout at the library. The resource center notes that the book club is “always lively” and will discuss the work at the club’s next meeting on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Greg Stemm at gstemm@aol.com.

2 3

INTO THE WOOdS: tommy voravong (L) and David Johnson explore St Pete Pride’s ninth annual Red & Green party at Sunken Gardens Dec. 1. PHOTO BY DYlAN TODD

ClOTHES SO brIgHT: “Rudolph” and Judy B. Goode (L) share a seasonal smooch while representing Tampa Pride in Ybor’s Snow on 7th Holiday Parade Dec. 8. PHOTO COURteSY nanCY DeSMOnD

dOllY dUO: larry Biddle (L) and David Warner enjoy “Hello, Dolly!” at the Straz Center Dec. 4. PHOTO BY

RYan WILLIaMS-Jent

G TREE: St Pete Pride President Chrys Bundy-Brennan (R) and husband Robert take in the Red & Green after party at G St. Pete Dec. 1. PHOTO

BY RYan WILLIaMS-Jent

PrIdE TIdE: Pasco Pride President Nina Borders readies “Equality of the Seas” for the 2018 Cotee River Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 1. PHOTO COURteSY PaSCO PRIDe

NEvEr FOrgET: Metro Wellness and Community Centers staff wear red to commemorate World AIDS Day’s 30th year Nov. 30. PHOtO COURteSY

MetRO WeLLneSS

FOr THE CHIldrEN: (L-R) Andrew Citino, Pheyonce Montrese and Sasha Citino deliver gifts to the Toys 4 Tots benefit at Enigma Dec. 2. PHOTO BY RYan WILLIaMS-Jent

SEASON’S SWINgIN’S: Tim Davis, Jane lynch and Kate Flannery (L-R) greet fans after Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” at the Straz Center Dec. 9.

PHOtO BY RYan WILLIaMS-Jent

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

overheard

central FloriDa out+aBout

all are WelComed

rlANdO CITY HAll’S All-gENdEr, MUlTI-STAll bATHrOOM OPENEd its door on Nov. 29 and is the first of its kind in any Florida government building. “A new multi-stall, all-user restroom at City Hall is part of our commitment to inclusion,” read a tweet from the City of Orlando’s Twitter account. The tweet went on to read that the bathroom can be used by anyone including “people with disabilities with a caregiver, parents with children, transgender, genderqueer and gender noncomforming people.” The new restroom for all is located on the second floor of the City Hall building and consists of two single-use stalls and a third handicap stall, all with full-size doors that reach to the floor. There is also a changing station in main area with two sinks. The One Orlando Alliance praised Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City of Orlando for being on the frontlines of change in Florida. “Our community is known worldwide for being a welcoming and inclusive city for everybody, regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation and gender identity,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “Since Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took office, he has created an inclusive government that fosters diversity by establishing local programs, ordinances and laws that benefit the LGBTQ+ community.”

the shoW Could not go on

EgENdArY ENTErTAINEr ElTON JOHN HAd TO gO and break some hearts when he cancelled the Orlando stop of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour at the Amway Center Nov. 27. The rocket man was unable to perform due to an ear infection and had to cancel the show almost a full half hour after it was scheduled to begin. “We’re sorry to announce that due to an ear infection, Elton John is unable to perform tonight,” the Amway Center tweeted out to all of John’s disappointed tiny dancers. The Amway Center did give fans some hope as they also said while you can’t feel the love tonight fear not, for the bitch will be back to bring you your song when his blue eyes, and infected ears, are better. John’s concert has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2019 so hold on to those tickets. Saturday nights might be alright for fighting but that Thursday is going to be all about the crocodile rock.

festive fliCKs By ogC

T’S THE HOlIdAY SEASON WHICH MEANS THE OrlANdO gAY CHOrUS (OGC) is ready to jingle bell rock your socks off. This year OGC is all about the movie music in “Tinsel in Technicolor.” Pull on that Christmas sweater and grab a cup of hot cocoa as they sing hit songs from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Meet Me in St. Louis” and more. They will also be diving into a few festive guilty pleasures and feature some ho-ho-holiday surprises. “Tinsel in Technicolor” is at The Plaza Live Dec. 15 and 16. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and children. For more information, go to OrlandoGayChorus.org.

JINglE TEASE: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (Center) on stage with the cast of VarieTEASE’s “The NOTcracker” at The Venue Dec. 7. PHOTO BY

HEllO bUCklEY: (L-R) Jeff Jones, ed Dobski and Matthew Burton prepare to see Broadway legend Betty Buckley and the cast of “Hello Dolly!” perform at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Nov. 27. PHOTO

JeReMY WILLIaMS

dATE NIgHT: Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez (L) and luis lazaballet get a selfie in at the Don Quijote Awards held at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Dec. 8. PHOtO COURteSY FeLIPe

BY JeReMY WILLIaMS

CAkE CrEATION: Richard Gregory poses with the cake from Sprinkles created for Elton John before his cancelled show at the Amway Center in Orlando Nov. 27. PHOTO

SOUSa-RODRIGUeZ

WINNINg TEAM: (L-R) Jose luis Dieppa, Jennifer Foster and Carlos Carbonell attend the Don Quijote Awards at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Dec. 8. PHOtO COURteSY

COURteSY SCOtt StOWeLL

JennIFeR FOSteR

PHOTOTASTIC: Dana Ng (L) and Deb Ofsowitz show off their photo booth getups before taking some pics at the MBA Orlando holiday mixer at the Tupperware World Headquarters in Orlando Dec. 5. PHOTO BY

JeReMY WILLIaMS

COURteSY RICHaRD GReGORY

CHrISTMAS CANdY: (L-R) Matt Gerner, Jay lovell, Taffy (Doug Ba’aser), Scott Stowell and Todd J. Davis at “A Very Taffy Christmas” at the Parliament House in Orlando Dec. 8. PHOTO

brANd NEW PAINTINg: City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (R) picks up a new piece of art from artist Kristi Hamby (L) at the Thornton Park District holiday mixer at The Abbey Orlando Dec. 10. PHOTO COURteSY PattY SHeeHan

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

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Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

announcements

Wedding Bells

Angie Folks and Lindsay Khanna from College Park, Florida

enGAGement dAte:

Sept. 27, 2017

WeddinG dAte:

nov. 9, 2018

venue:

the Garden House at k restaurant

coLors:

White, green, hints of burgundy

WeddinG sonG/Artist:

“the one” by kodaline

officiAnt:

ericka dunlap

cAke BAkery:

Sugarbuzz and Jillycakes

cupcAke fLAvors:

carrot cake, chocolate, vanilla raspberry, lemon and spice

theme:

let love Grow

photoGrApher:

august & katherine photography

PHOTO BY aUGUSt & katHeRIne PHOTOGRAPHY

NgIE FOlkS kNEW SHE WOUld marry her wife, Lindsay Khanna, after a trip the couple took to St. Augustine.

“We took a long weekend trip to St. Augustine, inadvertently around Valentine’s Day,” Folks tells. “We had some bad luck with our accommodations but rolled with it and still had the best time. I think we both knew then that we had something really special. About 18 months later, we got engaged.” Folks, a contracts manager at WebBeds International, grew up in Orlando and Khanna, who hails from Germantown, Maryland, works as lead set decorator at Universal Studios. The two initially met through a dating app, and then finally in real life in January 2016. Though Folks was sick with an awful cold, she decided to meet up with Khanna at Oblivion Taproom.

“It was an opportunity I may have never gotten again, and in my gut, I knew I had to go,” Folks says. “I texted back, ‘You‘re funny. I‘m on my way. I‘m no idiot.’” “In what would end up being true Angie/Lindsay fashion, what was supposed to be a drink turned into a sushi dinner, then walking around an art gallery downtown and discovering our mutual love of art,” Khanna says. “Neither of us wanted the night to end and were both exhausted at work the next day. I was completely enamored with her energy and wit and we both knew that this was something really special.” Khanna proposed to Folks on Honeymoon Island in Dunedin

during a joint birthday vacation that went awry. “I had been planning the engagement for a few months,” Khanna says. “We had planned to go to Denver for our joint birthday vacation and the same artist [Henry Asencio] whose paintings we fell in love in front of on our first trip to St. Augustine. He was having a showing at a gallery there and that’s where I planned to propose. Angie not knowing my plans changed the vacation plans on me last minute.” Khanna continues. “We ended up staying with our friends Chris and Jules in Dunedin for a beach vacation instead. I let them know of my intentions and we hatched a plan for me to propose at sunset on the beach and they would be there waiting with champagne to celebrate. Well I’m a terrible liar and Angie knew something was up and was hesitant to go to the beach that evening, again thwarting my plans. “Finally, the next day, just the two of us, in a chill day on the beach, I finally popped the question and she responded, ‘I’m no idiot,’ just like she did our first time meeting.” The couple bought a house together in College Park this year. The wedding theme was “Let Love Grow,” as it took place in the garden of K Restaurant. Angie’s childhood friend—and Miss America 2004—Ericka Dunlap officiated the wedding. The couple agrees on one special moment from the day. “Walking downtown Orlando following our after party, in our full wedding regalia, and being flooded with sincere, genuine and enthusiastic congratulations from complete strangers that we passed on the streets,” Folks says. “It was so unexpected and touching. We were very proud of our city and felt the magnitude of the moment.”

—Aaron Drake

conGrAtuLAtions Punky’s Bar and Grill in St. Pete celebrates its 3rd anniversary Dec. 15.

LocAL BirthdAys

Walt Disney Creative Entertainment Talent Casting Director Mark Catlett-Miller, 4 Corners writer lawrence W. Caul (Dec. 13); Orlando Weekly publisher Graham Jarrett, Come Out With Pride festival director Joyce Almeida, drag performer Hunter Holloway, Come Out With Pride’s Holly Strout, Bradenton MAC makeup artist Joey Killmeyer, Orlando Regional Chamber Business Development Manager Greg Mason (Dec. 14); Former Tampa MCC Pastor Rev. Phyllis Hunt, St. Petersburg outdoor lover Dan Barrett, Clearwater softball stud Gregory Toth, Orange County library’s Ben Garcia (Dec. 15); Watermark contributor and entertainer Divine Grace, Two Spirits community relations & events coordinator Brittani Acuff, blogger and Tampa Bay lawyer David Schauer, Hamburger Mary’s Phillip Tracy (Dec. 16); OAK Central Florida’s Ken Terrell, SAFE Sarasota’s Christopher Covelli, Gay-friendly actress Becky Fisher (Dec. 17); Mr. Wonderful (and Mr. Bob Poe’s husband) Kenneth Brown, St. Petersburg sculptor Mark Aeling, Spectrum News 9’s trevor ellerbroek-Pettiford, Honey Pot/G St Pete owner Stephen Moss (Dec. 18); GayDayS Inc. founder Chris Manley, IBEX puppetmaster Heather Henson, Tampa Bay entertainer elaine Southern Belle (Dec. 19); St. Petersburg caterer Steve Gallo, Parliament House drink slinger Tish, Watermark creative assistant/photographer Dylan Todd, Florist to the stars Jacob McCall, Orlando realtor Jeff Ritchie, The District at Mills 50 manager Jamey Harper, Woodfield Fine Art owner Jim Woodfield, Project No Labels’ Rosita Carazo, St. Petersburg loan officer Steven Robertson (Dec. 20); Tampa Bay entertainer Kathryn Nevets, Tampa Bay realtor Gabe alves-tomko, Disney darling Rae L’Heureux, Universal Orlando team captain Christian Conde, Orlando’s Hamburger Mary’s co-founder Tom Schneider (Dec. 21); Paintmix Central Florida’s Robert Ramos Carney, St. Pete Realtor Gabe alves-tomko, Pilot Abel Marowitz, Academic tutor and interventionist Cynthia Wurner (Dec. 22); Tampa Bay rocker lisa Noe, Fundraising extraordinaire Jeffrey lucas, Joel Schmitz CPA partner Mike lang, Architect John Del vitto (Dec. 23); Brandon salesman and bear fan Walter Tart, LGBTQ celebrity writer Chris Azzopardi, Creative Design Weavers owner Amy Oatley, Tampa writer Caitlin Jones, Orlando entrepreneur eve Hunt, PCYD president Johnny Boykins (Dec. 24); UCF Assistant Director Hank lewis, Sounds of Freedom trombonist Jeremiah Catherwood, Webtivity Marketing’s Tim Seward, Penguin Point Productions owner James Brendlinger (Dec. 25); St. Petersburg bartender Jeff Nicolaus, puppeteer and gay rights activist Hannah Miller, Parliament House bartender Jeff Munzing, Darden’s Boyd Geary, Metro Wellness’ Chad Chaddington Southern Nights General Manager Danny vega (Dec. 26).

do you hAve An Announcement? Send your announcement to editor@WatermarkOnline.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 13 - Decemb er 26 , 2018 // Issue 25. 25

Choose doctors who treat you like family.

When you choose an Orlando Health primary care doctor, you choose a healthcare partner for life who treats you like family. Our doctors work with you to create a self-care plan specific to you and your family’s needs. Our goal is to keep your family healthy and happy. Orlando Health’s network of primary care physicians includes: • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Obstetrics & Gynecology • Pediatric Medicine

To find a doctor, visit OrlandoHealth.com/PrimaryCare or call 321.841.3724. Online scheduling available.