Watermark Issue 25.26: Year in Review

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.26 • deCember 27, 2018 - januarY 9, 2019

WatermarkOnline.com

ThoughTs & Prayers We look back on 2018, a midterm year for a country that’s just living on a prayer

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because I didn’t have a voice it was important for me to encourage and convey the importance of voting to those who did.

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PRAYeRS: We look

back on 2018, a midterm year for a country that’s just living on a prayer.

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From Adam Rippon to Zander Hodgson, we look at the LGBTQ ABC’s of pop culture in 2018.

WATERMARK ISSUE 25.26 // DECEMBER 27, 2018 - JANUARY 9, 2019

FREE VACCINE

SEEKING JUSTICE

FLORIDA STORM

FIT TO PRINT

PAGE DOH offices in Central Florida offer free hepatitis A vaccinations after state public health advisory issued.

PAGE The North Port Police Department have made an arrest in the murder of trans woman Londonn Moore.

Porn star Stormy Daniels cancels a South Florida strip club appearance over homophobic slur.

Steve Blanchard looks at family, traditions and that most wonderful time of the year in his latest Viewpoint.

read it online!

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

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publisHer’s

rick claggett pUBlisHer

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

i

DESK

t’S hARD tO beLieve the eND Of

the year is here. It’s cliche to say, but when you live your life in two week cycles across two metropolitan areas—time flies. 2018 zoomed by in the blink of an eye.

Watermark did well in 2018.

We saw an increase in sales, so thank you to the businesses and organizations that support us and help us to continue bringing the latest in LGBTQ news to our readers—and congratulations to Senior Account Manager Sam Callahan who had a stellar year. We also saw an increase in distributions sites and are now available at over 600 locations in Central Florida, Tampa Bay and surrounding areas.

This year brought about a new product for Watermark, our Sarasota Living with Pride magazine. This was the first

in a series of lifestyle and destination magazines produced by the LGBTQ community for the LGBTQ community.

Perhaps the biggest advancement for Watermark in 2018 was the opening of our St. Petersburg office in the Grand Central District. It’s not the first time Watermark has had a Tampa Bay office, but it is the first to host a staff of five employees.

The excitement of our growth is palpable.

Our staff also had an active year on a personal level. Business Manager Kathleen Sadler tied the knot. Art Director Jake Stevens was

Democrat, conservative, liberal and compromise are not bad words. We should stop pretending they are. I understand it’s tough if someone does not believe in the concept of basic human rights and equality, but I think that’s a great place to start the conversation.

On the same token, can we stop calling people stupid and idiots for their opinions on things that are completely subjective?

I’d like to see 2019 bring about real change to the alphabet soup of LGBTQ/LGBT+/LGBTQIIA+, etc.

The pitfall of being inclusive is that you have to include everyone and including everyone individually will get problematic. I have no idea what one word would sum us up,

For the first time since 2016, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

but one word that is all inclusive is necessary. I would still be a gay man, but part of the “Insert Word Here” community. My roommate could say she is an ally and a member of said community. Let’s start that conversation.

I want to see the first weekend in June become the biggest LGBTQ community inclusive event in the world. You created this event, Central Florida. It’s time to make it about the community and shine.

Invite the world to join you!

Finally—and this is to the Academy—can we make sure Lady Gaga wins Best Actress for her role in “A Star Is Born?” Thank you!

This is Watermark’s annual Year in Review Issue. We recap local and national news with the headlines that defined us in 2018.

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

CONTRIBUTORS Steve bLANchARD

is a former Watermark editor turned media relations coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center. He returns with his viewpoint column, Fit to Print. Page 15

AARON DRAke

is a contributor to Creative Loafing, South Florida Gay News and ManAboutWorld. He loves getting lost in other countries and his German Shepherd. Page 45 SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, SAMUEL JOHNSON, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, DAVID MORAN, GREG STEMM, RACHEL STEVENSON, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JULIE MILFORD, TRAVIS MOORE, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, LISA JORDAN, JILL BATES, KEN CARRAWAY

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

WATERMARK STAFF Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer Tom@Watermarkonline.com

able to spend an extended amount of time with his New Hampshire family. He is so good at what he does; you may not have noticed he was abroad. Bureau Chief’s Ryan Williams-Jent and Jeremy Williams began journeys to healthier lives— let’s wish them luck and encourage their success! I became a bi-city resident of both Orlando and St. Pete, found someone to help me believe in love again and added the cutest puggle ever, Amber Atkins, to my family.

2018 was not all good news.

What year ever is? We continue to see atrocities committed against our transgender community with a high number of unsolved murders here in our home state. Biased rhetoric and lies seem to trickle down from the highest levels of national leadership encouraging extreme polarization and outright hatred.

Although for the first time since 2016, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have incredible local leadership headed to Tallahassee to represent all of us. We have great local community leaders like Jennifer Foster, Jim Nixon, Nadine Smith and George Wallace who are working hard to elevate our community to thrive.

Good people are doing good work to make 2019 our best year yet.

As much as I would like to, I can’t predict the future. I can’t say for certain 2019 will be successful, but here are some things I would like to see happen.

First, let’s actually drain the swamp. It’s time to expose the truth and remove bad leadership from office, whether it’s as local as the organization next door or the Commander in Chief. We deserve great leadership and we should always fight to have it on every level. In order to do this we have to value truth again. So, let’s start there.

I’d like to see an end to the all or nothing culture. Republican,

Art Director: Jake Stevens • ext. 109 Jake@Watermarkonline.com

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 Jeremy@Watermarkonline.com

Creative Assistant/Photographer: Dylan Todd • ext. 102 dylan@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

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • ext. 108 danny@Watermarkonline.com

Orlando Account Manager: Brianna Rockmore • ext. 105 Brianna@Watermarkonline.com Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • ext. 303 russ@Watermarkonline.com

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

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central florida news WatermarkOnline’s

Top 5 Headlines of 2018 1. GayDayS moves dates, host hotel for 2019 event GayDayS, Inc. announced April 24 that it will move its annual events from the traditional first weekend of June to mid-August starting in 2019. One Magical Weekend, Girls in Wonderland and Tidal Wave followed the news by announcing their events would remain on the first weekend of June.

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The hepatitis A vaccine is taken in two doses and is effective in 95 percent of those who receive it.

2. Transgender woman found dead in Orlando apartment complex parking lot Sasha Garden, a 27-year-old transgender woman, was found dead in the parking lot of an Orlando apartment complex on the morning of July 19. Garden was the fourth trans woman of color murdered in Florida in 2018. Members of the trans community took to social media outraged by local media and law enforcement that had been misgendering Garden early on in the investigation.

3. New Pulse lawsuit announced days before massacre’s 2-year mark A civil rights lawsuit was filed in federal court June 7 by more than 35 Pulse survivors and family members against Orlando police officers and the City of Orlando just days before the two-year mark of the nightclub tragedy.The lawsuit specifically names Adam Gruler, the off-duty police officer who was working as security at Pulse the night of the shooting, and 30 anonymous officers — referred to in the suit as “John Does” 1-30.The suit alleges that 20 of the “John Does” remained outside of Pulse instead of going inside to capture the shooter. The other 10 “John Does” are accused of unlawfully detaining survivors.

4. Come Out With Pride expands events to week-long celebration Come Out With Pride (COWP) expanded its annual Pride celebration from a weekend to a full week of events running from Oct. 8-13. Along with the launch party, block party and Lake Eola festival and parade, COWP added a Drag Race 5K, a Reel Pride film screening, a circuit party and a recovery brunch. COWP’s Week of Pride saw more people than any of its previous years.

5. Paintball shooting in Lake Eola linked to potential LGBTQ hate crime Police investigated a possible hate crime at Lake Eola Park in Orlando after several LGBTQ individuals were attacked by a paintball gun being shot from a moving vehicle on July 27. The attacker also shouted homophobic slurs at the victims.One Orlando resident was shot in the leg with paintballs while playing the popular app game “Pokemon Go” with a friend at Lake Eola Park. He also said that a lesbian couple in the park told him they were hit with paintballs. Another Orlando resident was shot after leaving his job at the LGBTQ bar Savoy.

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Photo courtesy Florida DOH

Free Vaccine Department of Health offices offer free hepatitis A vaccinations Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Brevard Counties announced they will offer free hepatitis A vaccinations to high-risk individuals, according to a Dec. 12 press release.

Men who have sexual encounters with other men are among the list of high-risk groups, according to the DOH. Other groups include users of recreational drugs, those who are homeless, anyone with chronic or long-term liver disease and people with clotting-factor disorders. The DOH also recommends that all children at age one year, people who have direct contact with those who have hepatitis A, travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common and caregivers of adoptees from countries where hepatitis A is common should be vaccinated as well.

“The hepatitis A virus is a vaccine-preventable disease. We continue to educate and encourage high-risk populations to get vaccinated and prevent hepatitis infection through our Hepatitis Prevention Program and community outreach,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, in the press release.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

A spike in hepatitis A cases this year in Florida led to a public health advisory from Florida’s surgeon general in November. There have been 385 cases of hepatitis A statewide in 2018, up more than three times from the previous five-year average of 126 cases.

In November, an employee at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs was found to be infected with hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease that attacks the liver. People infected with hepatitis A are most contagious from two weeks before onset of symptoms to one week afterwards. Not everyone who is infected will have all the symptoms.

Symptoms usually start within 28 days of exposure to the virus with a range of 15-50 days. Symptoms can include: jaundice (yellowing skin and whites of eyes), fever, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and pale or clay colored stool.

The hepatitis A vaccine is the best method of preventing infection, says the DOH. Once infected, there is no cure to the disease.

Anyone experiencing hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care immediately. Most people get better over time but may need to be hospitalized. People that are exposed to hepatitis A may get the vaccine within 14 days of exposure to prevent infection.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

The DOH-Orange is offering free hepatitis A vaccines to uninsured Orange County residents by appointment only at two DOH-Orange locations: 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809, for anyone 19 years of age or older, and 832 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32805.

The DOH-Orange has also been holding drive-thru clinic events offering free hepatitis A and flu shots at its 1001 Executive Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 location.

Orange County residents are able to roll in, roll up a sleeve and receive a flu shot and a hepatitis A shot while remaining in their vehicles, and roll out. Residents should wear clothing that is loose around the arm so the public health nurse can administer the shot in the upper arm, without requiring residents to leave the comfort and convenience of their vehicle. Orange County residents can visit Orange.FloridaHealth. gov or call 407-858-1444 for more information on events and vaccination requirements.

The DOH-Seminole is offering free hepatitis A vaccines to high-risk individuals on Jan. 24 and Feb. 21 at Shepherd’s Hope Health Center located at 600 N. US Highway 17-92, Suite 124, Longwood, FL 32750.

Seminole County residents can visit Seminole.FloridaHealth.gov or call 407-665-3243 for more information.

For more information, office hours and locations: Osceola County residents can visit Osceola.FloridaHealth.gov or call 407-343-2000; Brevard County residents can visit Brevard.FloridaHealth.gov or call 321-454-7111; and LakeCounty residents can visit Lake.FloridaHealth. gov or call 352-589-6424.

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tampa bay news WatermarkOnline’s

Top 5 Headlines of 2018 1. G St Pete announces grand opening in St. Petersburg The Florida Entertainment Group, responsible for Ybor’s The Honey Pot and G. Bar, announced July 26 that G St Pete would open its doors in downtown St. Petersburg Aug. 4. The 7,000-square-foot club – the latest venture from co-owners Ernie Webb, Steve Donahue and Stephen Moss – touts the world-class sound and lighting synonymous with the group’s other LGBTQ hotspots.

2. Breast cancer survivor confronted during Bucs game for using female restroom Orlando resident Toni Gott prematurely left a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game honoring cancer survivors Oct. 21 following a confrontation with a stadium employee over her use of a female restroom. Gott, a breast cancer survivor who has undergone a double mastectomy, says an employee repeatedly and publicly accused her of being male.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers referred Watermark to the Tampa Sports Authority for comment, who advised: “We will continue to provide staff training to address the needs of our guests in the future.”

3. Hamburger Mary’s patron seeks $1.5 million in damages for alleged injury from drag queen’s breasts Colorado resident Neldin Molina filed a lawsuit Feb. 15 against Hamburger Mary’s Tampa and entertainer Amanda D’Rhod for an injury she allegedly received from the performer’s breasts in 2015.The suit argued that D’Rhod approached and “wiggled” her breasts against Molina’s head eight times. It noted that Molina was subsequently grabbed by the performer, who “violently” pounded the patron’s head and neck against her chest. Molina seeks $1.5 million in compensatory damages.

4. Bambusa Bar & Grill no longer opening at former Georgie’s Alibi locale Bambusa Bar & Grill, an LGBTQ-friendly restaurant and entertainment hotspot in Naples, confirmed that it would not open a St. Petersburg location at the still-vacant Georgie’s Alibi April 6. The news came nearly eight months after the eatery announced that it would resurrect the location synonymous with St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ community for years, even sharing that Tampa Bay entertainer Kori Stevens would serve as entertainment director. Co-owner Steve Soutner told Watermark that “too many unforeseen problems” arose.

5. St. Pete Pride votes to hold 2018’s street festival in Grand Central District St. Pete Pride voted Jan. 9 to hold 2018’s street festival in the Grand Central District after speculation that the Pride staple would follow the celebration’s parade to downtown St. Petersburg. Of the six-person vote, five voted in favor of holding the event in the district while one attendee abstained. “Grand Central is where we originated,” St Pete Pride Executive Director Luke Blankenship told Watermark. “We will never forget this part of the community and will continue to foster a relationship along each step of the process.”

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SAY HER NAME: Londonn Moore became the fifth reported transgender woman of color murdered in Florida this year on Sept. 8.

PHOTO COURTESY MOORE’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Seeking Justice Arrest, charge made in murder of Londonn Moore Ryan Williams-Jent

N

orth Port, Fla. | The North Port Police Department (NPPD) announced Dec. 19 that Juan Salazar-Diaz had been arrested and charged with the murder of Londonn Moore, the fifth reported transgender woman of color murdered in Florida this year.

Moore was found shot to death Sept. 8, miles from her hometown of Port Charlotte in Sarasota County’s North Port. Her vehicle was discovered in Punta Gorda two days later.

According to NPPD’s release, Punta Gorda resident Salazar-Diaz was charged with second-degree murder, grand theft auto and possession of a firearm by a felon.

They advise the arrest was a result of diligent investigative work and DNA evidence.

“Detectives were able to verify the last number called by the victim was to Salazar,” the release notes. It further cites that Salazar “lives less than a quarter mile” from where Moore’s car was found and that DNA

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

evidence implicating Salazar was discovered on multiple items.

“I’m very proud and thankful for everyone who has contributed to this case,” NPPD Chief Todd Garrison said in a statement. “They’ve all spent long hours making this investigation a top priority. We’ve worked hard and will continue to insure justice is served for our victim and their family.”

“While an arrest in this tragedy will certainly bring some much needed closure for the family, I also hope it will bring some peace of mind to the local LGBTQ community, particularly the local trans community,” ALSO Youth Executive Director Nathan Bruemmer tells Watermark. “Our youth and their families would appreciate an open dialogue to better understand what policies and practices are in place and what sort of training NPPD, and our other local agencies, have received in working with the transgender community.”

NPPD advises that they have “taken steps to ensure rights for transgender individuals through policy,” a part of which “states that if someone identifies as a man or woman, we will respect their

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

wishes.” In the same release, Moore is misgendered and NPPD utilizes her “dead name,” a name given to a transgender individual at birth which may not align with their gender identity.

“All the information we have is that our victim did not identify as a transgender woman,” the release notes. “With that said, we have included the name [Londonn Moore] in our outreach efforts … We certainly respect the LGBTQ+ community.”

“It continues to be disappointing to the transgender community across the country,” Equality Florida Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan says, “and specifically in Florida, that law enforcement continues to violate their own policies issued by the Department of Justice in reference to properly identifying transgender victims.While we appreciate NPPD’s efforts in both addressing the anti-transgender violence as well as working with the media,they still have a ways to go in reference to getting it right.”

Of the five trans women of color murdered in Florida this year, Moore’s case is the only one to date to have a suspect arrested.

NPPD notes that while they have been thorough and patient to ensure justice is served, “it is possible that others may have been involved or know more about this case.”

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Maki at 941-429-7323 or cmaki@northportpd.com.

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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state news WatermarkOnline’s

tOp 5 Headlines Of 2018 1. pORN StAR mAtthew RuSh eNteRS DRuG pROGRAm Gay adult film star Matthew Rush was arrested by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and was ordered to enter a drug diversion program.

2. SeAN ShAw RuNS tO be Next AG State Rep. Sean Shaw tells Watermark he pledges to fight “for the people, not the powerful” if elected as Florida’s next attorney general.

3. fL pLANS tO buiLD AffORDAbLe hOuSiNG pROject fOR eLDeRLy LGbtQ The Pride Center announced it wants build the state’s first affordable housing project for elderly LGBTQ residents in Wilton Manors, Fla.

4. pubLix tO StARt cOveRiNG pRep fOR empLOyeeS After meeting with Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Publix begins allowing PrEP to be covered for their employees under their prescription benefits.

5. pAm bONDi fiLeS Suit AGAiNSt SARASOtA cOmpANy ‘AL AND chuck’ Pam Bondi filed legal action against Legendary Journeys’ Al and Chuck alleging the agency owes consumers over $3 million.

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JASMYN BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON LGBTQ YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER AHEAD OF 25TH YEAR Ryan Williams-Jent

j

AckSONviLLe, fla. | The Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN) began construction on a $700,000 renovation project in the city’s Riverside neighborhood Dec. 10 which will help to support the area’s LGBTQ homeless youth.

The center will be in a newly acquired building adjacent to JASMYN’s existing two-building campus at Peninsular Place and Chelsea Street in Riverside.

JASMYN exists to create a safer, more affirming community for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13-23 in Northeast Florida.

Homeless youth in Jacksonville is up 145 percent over the last

year—85 percent of which identify as LGBTQ, said JASMYN CEO Cindy Watson to the Florida Times-Union.

The Youth Safety Net Resource Center is expected to open in 2019, the same year JASMYN celebrates its 25th anniversary.

she claims the club owner used a homophobic slur against her assistant.

Daniels took to Instagram to call out the club owner for using the slur and alleges he also asked Daniels to “do something not in my contract.”

“I will NOT be performing at Goldfingers tonight because the owner called my assistant a ‘f--

king f----t’ after asking me to do something not in my contract,” she writes. “That kind of abuse will not be tolerated.”

TMZ reports that the club owner denied the allegations and says Daniels broke her contract.

Daniels’ post includes a photo of her in front of the club as proof that she did arrive for her appearance.

STORMY DANIELS CANCELS APPEARANCE OVER SLUR Mariah Cooper of The Washington Blade COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION

S

uNRiSe, fla. | Stormy Daniels canceled her scheduled appearance at Goldfinger, a strip club in Sunrise, Fla., because

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

nation+world news

OUT INDIANA MAYOR WON’T SEEK 3RD TERM, FUELING 2020 SPECULATION Wire Report

S

Outh beND, ind. | The mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said Dec. 17 that he will not seek a third term, fueling speculation he may run for president in 2020.

Pete Buttigieg, an openly gay 36-year-old who gained national attention as he campaigned for Democratic National Committee

chairman last year, declined to comment on his future political plans. He said he doesn’t expect to make any announcements before January.

Asked whether he’d comment about a possible presidential bid, he smiled and replied “nope.”

Buttigieg authored a book that’s scheduled to be released in February about his life and experience as mayor of the

northwest Indiana community of roughly 100,000.

Buttigieg is a Rhodes Scholar who won his first term in 2011, at age 29. In 2015 he publicly announced he was gay in a newspaper column. Five months later he won his second term as mayor with more than 80 percent of the vote.

He married his husband, Chasten Glezman, in June.

Buttigieg also served as a Naval Reserve officer in Afghanistan in 2014.

SAME-SEX COUPLES EXCHANGE VOWS IN BRAZIL Wire Report

S

AO pAuLO (Ap) | About forty same-sex couples got married in downtown Sao Paulo on Dec. 15, tying the knot partly out of fear that the new administration of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro could restrict same-sex marriage.

Although his campaign did not express views against marriage equality, Bolsonaro’s record of homophobic comments has caused alarm.

Dozens of people exchanged vows during a collective ceremony held at Casa1, an NGO that provides support to disadvantaged LGBT youth.

Casa1 launched a campaign a few weeks ago to hold the ceremony “in the face of the political situation” and raised almost $12,000 to cover expenses.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Brazil since May 2013.

Bolsonaro takes office on Jan. 1.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

WatermarkOnline’s

tOp 5 Headlines Of 2018 1. tOm DALey NuDeS LeAkeD Andrew Christian sends an email blast featuring Tom Daley’s leaked nude photos, sparking controversy as they’re deemed unprofessional.

2. DeAN cAiN SLAmmeD fOR SpeAkiNG At ANti-LGbtQ eveNt Actor Dean Cain, best known for portraying Superman in the 90s, spoke at the anti-LGBTQ Family Research Council’s Value Voters summit.

3. ‘StORm chASeRS’ StAR jOeL tAyLOR fOuND DeAD ON bOARD GAy cRuiSe Joel Taylor, star of the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers,” was found dead of a suspected overdose on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

4. ALASkA AiRLiNeS ASkS GAy cOupLe tO mOve fOR StRAiGht cOupLe Alaska Airlines came under fire after asking a gay couple to move seats to make room for a straight couple that wanted to sit together.

5. DeLtA empLOyee SuSpeNDeD fOR hAviNG Sex with pORN StAR Delta suspended a flight attendant for having sex with a porn star mid-flight after clips of the bathroom hookup were uploaded online.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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viewpoint

steve blanchard

FIT TO PRINT

c

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year hRiStmAStime iS my

second favorite time of the year. My favorite holiday has always been Halloween, but all of the cliches during “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” put me in the jolly spirit every November and December.

I enjoy shopping for gifts (which may be in large part to the miracle that is online retailers), spending time with those closest to me and I am always proud to have one of the brightest homes on the block. I feel like I’m finally the adult that I always wanted to be.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Like many LGBTQ people, the holidays were more stressful for me than most of my family ever imagined.

The most difficult time was during the period where I had quietly accepted my sexuality but had yet to reveal my true self to the rest of the family. We have all been there.

You present only a part of your true self to the family while keeping a majority of who you really are repressed.

One of the scenes that I most relate to in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – arguably the best Christmas movie ever – is when the in-laws arrive.

They meet the Griswold family with loud greetings, uncomfortable hugs and requests for strange favors like rubbing a bunion for a whole quarter!

In real life I have thankfully never been asked to rub anything on an elderly relative. But every holiday had the awkward hugs with family members, the uncomfortable inquiries into my dating life and the ongoing socially-conservative conversations that caused

minor damage to my tongue as I bit down to keep it from expressing my horror at some of their viewpoints.

Fortunately, it has been years since I’ve been in that situation. While I love my family, I learned a long time ago that I get along better with them when there are several state lines separating us. I’m of the belief that we should all be free to choose our family and that is how I’ve lived my life for nearly two decades. And even in that time span, my chosen family has evolved over time.

As we head into the holidays, I have a message for the allies in our more socially-conservative families. Remember that we certainly need your support, especially in these times where everything can be politicized.

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has some great tips for those who want to support their LGBTQ relatives. It can be a small gesture like steering a conversation away from an uncomfortable subject to openly discussing a favorite LGBTQ character on television.

Even those small actions can make an LGBTQ person relax, even if it’s just for a little while.

Of course, I’m not saying that all family gatherings are awful. I have many great memories of Christmas while I was growing up. Fun with my cousins, tons of presents, special nights around a fire and the Christmas tree with my parents – all are treasures in my mind and memories I would never wish to lose.

I had a great childhood and was fortunate to have that kind of life through my teens.

I would never tell anyone to ditch their family. If you have the love and support that helps you become the best version of you that is possible then hang onto that. But don’t be afraid to add those who are not blood-related to your family.

True, I miss out on which cousin is pregnant or what uncle is doing what with his career. But I figure it’s a fair trade to have a lower-stress holiday season and be around the people who I know accept me for who I am rather than what they expect me to be.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

I have a message for the allies in our more socially-conservative families … we certainly need your support, especially in these times where everything can be politicized.

I understand that it’s not always an easy thing to do, but it is worth it in the long run.

We have a new year on the horizon and that means there

are endless possibilities and experiences ahead that will create more memories in our future. It’s up to you to choose with whom to share those

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

soon-to-be memories.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday season, no matter what your tradition or family situation.

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

talking points

18.8%

I will NOT be performing at Goldfingers tonight because the owner called my assistant a ‘[f--king f----t]’ after asking me to do something not in my contract. That kind of abuse will not be tolerated ... When are dipshits gonna learn that I do not respond well to bullies?

of

LGB ADULTS

—StORmy DANieLS ON iNStAGRAm Dec. 8, AfteR She ALLeGeS A StRip cLub OwNeR iN SuNRiSe, fLA. veRbALLy AttAckeD heR ASSiStANt.

in tHe u.s. saY tHeY

‘brokebaCk mountain’ to be added

IN THEIR HOME

t

HAVE GUNS Compared to

35.1% of

to national film registrY

he LibRARy Of cONGReSS ANNOuNceD Dec. 12 that “Brokeback Mountain” will be one of the American films to be inducted into the National Film Registry for 2018. The Library of Congress names 25 motion pictures each year to the registry that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. The films must be at least 10 years old.

“Brokeback Mountain” tells the story of a same-sex love affair between two cowboys and became a cultural phenomenon that went on to win three Oscars. Released in 2005, “Brokeback Mountain” is the newest film added to the registry this year. To see the full list of the films selected for this year, go to LOC.gov.

HETEROSEXUALS.

AMONG LGB RESPONDENTS,

17.3%

out esports plaYer soniCfox wins plaYer of tHe Year at tHe game awards

MALES f and

% 19.9 FEMALES REPORTED HAVING GUNS. —Study by the Williams Institute, based on two national surveys of gun ownership. Respondents were asked their sexual orientation but not their gender identity.

iGhtiNG GAme StAR DOmiNiQue “SONicfOx” mcLeAN tOOk hOme the AwARD for eSport Player of the Year at The Game Awards, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Dec. 6. The 20-year-old gamer—who is openly gay and a furry—plays professionally on multiple fighting games and has won four Evolution Championship Series events. McLean took to the stage in his “fursona,” a blue-and-white anthropomorphic fox, to accept his award. “I guess I just gotta say that I’m gay, black, a furry—pretty much everything a Republican hates—and the best esports player of the whole year,” he said from the stage.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

angela ponCe beComes first transgender miss universe Contestant

A

NGeLA pONce mADe hiStORy AS the fiRSt tRANSGeNDeR cONteStANt tO cOmpete in Miss Universe during the 2019 competition. Ponce, 27, represented Spain in the Miss Universe competition, which aired live on Dec. 16. The competition featured women representing 94 nations around the world. Ponce didn’t make the top 20 but says she was grateful just for the representation. “I don’t need to win Miss Universe,” she said. “I only need to be here.” Transgender women were banned from competing in Miss Universe until Jenna Talackova (Canada) challenged the ban and it was lifted in 2012. Ponce is the first transgender contestant to advance to the final competition.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

kate winslet and saoirse ronan to star as lovers in new period drama

O

ScAR-wiNNiNG ActReSS kAte wiNSLet AND OScAR-NOmiNAteD ActReSS SAOiRSe RONAN have signed on to star opposite each other as lovers in the new period drama, “Ammonite.” The film, set in a British coastal town during the 1840s, follows a fictitious lesbian romance between famed paleontologist Mary Anning and a wealthy woman visiting from London. Producers have not yet announced which actress is playing Anning and which one plays the wealthy visitor. The film will be written and directed by Francis Lee, best known for his 2017 gay romance, “God’s Own Country.” The film is being produced by See-Saw Films, BFI and BBC Films. “Ammonite” is expected to begin production in March 2019.

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

Thoughts & Prayers We look back on 2018, a midterm year for a country that’s just living on a prayer

I

Jeremy Williams and Ryan Williams-Jent

t’s been two years since we, as

a country, entered into the reality that is the Trump Administration. The country feels more divided than ever and the phrases “fake news” and “it’s all a witch hunt” are commonplace.

The violence that seems to define who Americans are these days is also there, particularly in Florida, where there has been no justice for the five transgender women of color who were murdered and yet another mass

shooting—this time at a high school in Parkland, Fla.—pulled the focus of the world to our state.

Through the tragedy heroes and leaders emerged. Parkland students helped spark a movement across the country

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

that ignited their generation to take a stand. Last year’s #MeToo movement helped more women to run, and get elected, to political office in local, state and national elections. Additionally, Robert Mueller’s investigation into the Trump White House is proving this witch hunt is loaded with witches.

Look back with us on a year that was anything but calm, but remember we’re half way there— we’ll make it, we swear.

Continued on pg. 21 | uu |

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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| uu | Thoughts & Prayers from pg.19

JANUARY

W

atermark begins the year by examining how the LGBTQ community is impacted by 365 days of Donald Trump’s presidency. We speak with political candidates Anna Eskamani and Jennifer Webb, now both elected to the Florida House, about how to shape a brighter 2018.

In Central Florida, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith kicks off his re-election campaign in Orlando.

“It has been a heck of a year serving you all in the Florida House of Representatives,” Smith says, something he continues to do given the campaign’s success.

In Tampa Bay, Mayor Rick Kriseman and the city’s first female-majority city council are sworn in at St. Petersburg City Hall. Brandi Gabbard, Gina Driscoll, Darden Rice and Amy Foster assemble at the city dais. “Women bring a different negotiating style,” Rice says, “and typically, a different perspective.”

The ugly side of politics also rears its head early in 2018.

Fallout continues from Donald Trump’s unexplained decision to terminate all members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS via a letter from FedEx.

Campaign fans: Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (right with sign) and a group of his supporters for his campaign re-election kickoff at The Abbey in Orlando Jan. 5. Photo Jeremy Williams

MAY

A

FEBRUARY

L

ove is in the air and on our pages in February.

Watermark chooses 10 bachelors and bachelorettes from Central Florida and Tampa Bay to give them their due for our inaugural “most eligible” issue.

We also celebrate with our first “Swipe Right” party. The month continues with an homage to five generations of black entertainers in Orlando.

The Human Rights Campaign comes to Central Florida to host Time to THRIVE in Orlando. The organization presents the fifth annual LGBTQ youth conference in partnership with the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association, even as an anti-LGBTQ ministry announces it would host an adoption event in the same city later in 2018.

Tampa Bay agrees that children are the future. Metro Wellness and Community Centers partners with the Gay, Lesbian

to the mass shootings in Parkland and at Pulse.

The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc.’s board of directors announces that it will expand into Osceola County with an LGBT+ Center in Kissimmee.

The expansion was a result of a grant from The Contigo Fund, which emerged in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy.

The University of South Florida in Tampa holds its inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony, honoring students within the LGBTQ community and their allies. Over 150 undergraduate and graduate students, staff members and community advocates gather for the ceremony.

Gainesville becomes the first city in northern Florida to ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy for minors.

The ordinance prohibits “licensed professionals from engaging in counseling efforts, practices or treatments with the goal to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

now open: Executive Director George Wallace cuts the ribbon for the new LGBT+ Center Kissimmee. Photo by Meghan Sweeney

and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Tampa Bay to hold its annual LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership and Empowerment Summit.

Celine Walker becomes the fourth reported transgender homicide victim of the year in Jacksonville, a disturbing trend that will continue throughout 2018.

U.S. lawmakers, led by Massachusetts Democrat Joseph Kennedy III, demands a meeting on Trump’s anti-transgender policies.

MARCH

V

ariety and excellence kick off March with Watermark’s annual WAVE Awards, celebrating readers’

tampa proud: Jane Castor discussed her bid to become Tampa’s next mayor at the Blind Tiger Cafe in Ybor May 11. Photo by Ryan williams-jent

favorites from Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Students from the latter area also march for their lives at the fourth annual Tampa Pride, demanding an end to gun violence.

With an eye on November, the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence—America’s only LGBTQ organization solely focused on gun policy reform—looks to the midterms for answers in Central Florida. The organization backs Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Anna Eskamani.

In Tampa Bay, Republican Ronda Storms—who spearheaded Hillsborough County’s now-defunct ban on recognizing LGBTQ Pride—announces her candidacy for Florida House District 59. Asked for her message

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

to LGBTQ voters, she tells Watermark to look at her record.

Dean Trantalis becomes Fort Lauderdale’s first openly gay mayor following a heated election season, signaling a Rainbow Wave could follow in November.

Community advocates call it a win for the entire LGBTQ community.

News quickly spreads that the U.S. military accepts an openly transgender recruit, a first. It’s a development that follows federal court rulings against Donald Trump’s transgender military ban.

APRIL

I

n April, Watermark examines the differences between the public and political responses

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

decade after Caylee Anthony went missing in Central Florida, former Orange County CSI and openly LGBTQ Robin Maynard-Harris recalls the events that captivated a nation with Watermark.

Maynard-Harris was in charge of sifting remains with the chief medical examiner.

Orlando remembers as the onePULSE Foundation opens the Pulse Interim Memorial to the public with a dedication ceremony. The foundation is joined by Pulse victims’ family members, survivors, first responders and community leaders for a special dedication.

Tampa’s former chief of police and openly LGBTQ Jane Castor announces her candidacy for Tampa mayor. “Voters have had 31 years to test drive me and I’ve been the same,” Castor tells Watermark.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signs the first anti-LGBTQ law of 2018, a “religious freedom” bill enabling taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to deny placement into LGBTQ homes.

Catholic adoption agencies who say they will have to close if forced to place children with LGBTQ adoptive parents support the law.

Continued on pg. 23 | uu |

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

| uu | Thoughts & Prayers from pg.21

juNe

P

ride month is in full effect.

With changes coming to Orlando’s Big Gay Weekend in 2019, Watermark begins June by looking back at the history of Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom.

The celebration continues in Tampa Bay as St. Pete Pride celebrates its Sweet 16 in downtown St. Petersburg and the Grand Central District.

The Orange County Regional History Center presents a special, limited exhibit “Another Year Passes: Orlando After the Pulse Nightclub Massacre” commemorating two years since the Pulse tragedy. It includes over 200 images and items collected at memorial sites throughout Orlando as well as community artwork and international tributes.

In Tampa Bay, Pinellas-Pasco circuit judgeship candidate Donald McBath reiterates his anti-LGBTQ views ahead of the 2018 primary election. McBath notes that “if the homosexual continues committing the sin of sodomy, his soul faces eternal damnation.”

Antash’a English, a 38-year-old transgender woman, is fatally shot in Jacksonville. She becomes the 12th reported transgender homicide victim in 2018 and continues the disturbing Florida trend.

In a 7-2 decision written by U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Supreme Court sidesteps a major ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. The court issues a narrow decision based on the facts of the lawsuit in favor of a Colorado baker sued for refusing to make a wedding came for a same-sex couple.

juLy

j

acksonville’s LGBTQ community seeks justice and answers as three transgender women of color are murdered in the first half of 2018. Watermark devotes a July cover story to the investigation. Days after the issue is released, another trans woman of color is found murdered, this time at an apartment complex in Orlando.

In Winter Park, high school teacher Bobby Agagnina becomes the first openly gay person to

pRiDe iN the ‘buRG: St. Pete Pride celebrated LGBTQ diversity with a parade in downtown St. Petersburg and a street festival in the Grand Centrsl District in June. Photo By nicK cArDello

fOuR mORe yeARS: Polk Pride celebrated the fourth year of its annual LGBTQ celebration in Lakeland June 13-16. Photo By DAnny GArciA

run for Seminole County School Board. Across the state in Citrus County, 18-year-old high school student Adam York is running for that county’s school board.

In Tampa Bay, Metro Wellness and Community Centers announces a huge increase in patients who are beginning Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Sylvie Griffiths, who will go on to contribute Viewpoint columns here at Watermark, begins publishing a blog about raising her transgender son.

Maine’s anti-LGBTQ Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoes a bill that would have banned conversion therapy statewide. In North Dakota, the state’s first openly gay lawmaker, Rep. Josh Boschee, announces

he will seek to be North Dakota’s first openly gay secretary of state.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces the creation of a “religious liberty task force” which would seek to protect people’s religious freedoms.

AUGUSt

i

t’s midterm primaries across the nation and Watermark takes an in-depth look at each party’s potential candidates, including the top seven Florida gubernatorial candidates.

Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis will become the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively.

The LGBT+ Center expands across Central Florida as it opens a second location in Kissimmee.

Mayor Buddy Dyer announces

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

tALe AS OLD AS time: A male couple show off their “Beauty and the Beast” themed tees and rainbow Mickey Mouse ears during Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Photo By JereMy WilliAMs

piNeLLAS pROuD: Z (L-R) Joy Winheim, Gayle Guidash, Priya Baumgartner, Stacy F. Orloff, Michael Ruppal, Dr. Ulyee Choe and (front) Lorriane Langlois convene for Zero Pinellas in April. Photo courtesy stAcey orloF during his State of the City that Orlando City Hall will become the first government building statewide to have an all-gender, multi-stall restroom.

Anti-LGBTQ candidates don’t fare so well in Tampa Bay’s primaries as Ronda Storms and Donald McBath both lose their runs for public office. Seven community health organizations in Pinellas County partner to form Zero Pinellas, an initiative to reduce HIV infection rates by 50 percent over the next three years.

A Jacksonville teen who was kicked out of his home for being gay gains national attention after he raises nearly $130,000 to cover college tuition. Equality Florida Action PAC endorses Gillum for governor after he wins the Democratic nomination.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

A bill to ban conversion therapy in Massachusetts fails in the final day of its 2018 legislative session when the state senate is unable to make needed changes by the session deadline.

SeptembeR

w

atermark looks at the taboo subject of money, and takes a deep dive into why not talking about it can cause shame, with author and “Money Coach” Tammy Lally.

After 28 years as the Headdress Ball, Central Florida’s Hope & Help changes the name of its annual event and holds the first ever Hope & Help Gala. In downtown Orlando, a 7-Eleven Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

23

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

Tampa Pride kicks off its 2019 fundraising season with a Pride-Zoo-La event at ZooTampa.

While there, Tampa Pride provided an opportunity for each Tampa mayoral candidate to highlight their stance on LGBTQ issues ahead of next year’s election.

The November midterm brings a first to Wilton Manors as voters elect the first all openly-LGBTQ city commission in Florida’s history.

| uu | Thoughts & Prayers from pg.23

worker is accused of attacking a customer because he is gay.

Hosted by Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s Youth Leadership Council, community advocates gather in Tampa for an educational forum to spotlight the unique challenges facing LGBTQ youth. In St. Petersburg, the LGBTQ-affirming Allendale United Methodist Church is vandalized when the church’s marquee is spray painted with the phrase “gay pastor.”

In North Port, Fla., London Moore becomes the fifth transgender woman of color to be murdered in the state.

The endorsements for Gillum for governor continue as three major LGBTQ organizations gather in Miami to support the Tallahassee mayor.

DecembeR

wARm weLcOme: (L-R) Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Rep. Jennifer

Webb, Jim Nixon, Rep. Charlie Christ and Lorraine Langlois relaunch the LGBTQ Welcome Center. Photo By ryAn WilliAMs Jent

fOR the kiDS: New book “My Tio’s Pulse”

explaining the Pulse tragedy to children is released in October. Photo courtesy Keith neWhouse

OctObeR

t

his month marks 20 years since the tragic attack, and eventual death, of Matthew Shepard that would spark a worldwide cry for change to U.S. hate crime laws. It would take another 11 years before the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act would be signed into law. At the end of the month, the ashes of Shepard will be interred at the Washington National Cathedral.

One Orlando Alliance announces former board member Jennifer Foster will become the organization’s first executive director. Orlando community leaders gather for National Coming Out Day to introduce “My Tio’s Pulse,” a children’s book meant to help kids understand tragedies such as the Pulse shooting.

LGBTQ Christians, theologians and allies gather for The Reformation Project’s sixth annual LGBTQ Inclusion Conference held at the First United Methodist Church in Orlando.

Pasco Pride makes history by holding its inaugural LGBTQ Pride Festival in New Port Richey. It is the first time a Pride celebration is held in Pasco County.

Meanwhile in Sarasota County, PrideFest celebrates its 29th year.

In St. Petersburg, Metro Wellness relaunches the LGBTQ Welcome Center in the Grand Central District.

pLANtiNG pRiDe: (L-R) Board members Nina Borders, Heather St. Amand, Elizabeth Saltigerald and Denise Johnson plant flags for Pasco Pride’s beach event in June. Photo DAnny GArciA

The Pride Center in Wilton Manors announces South Florida as the home for the state’s first affordable housing project for elderly LGBTQ residents.

NOvembeR

A

blue wave hits the country as the midterm elections bring the U.S. House of Representatives back under Democratic control. The wave is a bit more purple in Florida as Republicans hold the governor’s

mansion and Gov. Rick Scott successfully unseats Sen. Bill Nelson. While the offices are in the red column, both races were so close they triggered automatic recounts.

Florida also elects to restore voting rights back to more than 1 million convicted felons who have completed their sentences.

The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida celebrates 40 years with a Studio 54-inspired concert at The Plaza Live. In Daytona Beach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

University responds to the vandalization of the campus’ Spirit Rock—which had been painted in the colors of the Rainbow and Transgender Pride flags but was defaced— with an investigation and an inclusion rally.

In Tampa, Hamburger Mary’s Ybor and its attached Pub House close permanently.

The owners post an emotional letter to Facebook thanking the community for its years of service to the restaurant.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

A

s the year comes to a close, Watermark releases its annual list of the Most Remarkable People in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. The list consists of 18 (in honor of 2018) local unsung heroes and difference makers. In Central Florida, newly elected State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani is on the cover. In Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ liaison to the mayor’s office Jim Nixon is front and center.

In Orlando, a local activist starts a fundraising campaign to increase the reward money offered to find the killer of a local trans woman who was killed back in July.

Orlando’s Metropolitan Business Association (MBA Orlando) announces its 2019 board of directors at its annual holiday mixer.

FabStayz, an Airbnb-esque accommodations online platform for the LGBTQ community, launches in Tampa Bay. Local entertainer Kori Stevens holds her ninth annual Toys 4 Tots benefit. The two-part event started at Enigma in St. Petersburg and continued the following weekend at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor City.

Florida legislators introduce a bill ahead of the 2019 session to ban conversion therapy statewide.

Boxer Patricio Manuel became the first U.S. professional transgender male boxer to win a match after he defeats Hugo Aguilar in Indio, Calif.

Three U.S. senators call upon the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to release documents related to the case of a transgender Honduran woman with HIV who died in their custody.

27

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

A

Adam Rippon becomes the first openly gay male ice skater to win a medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and goes on to become a household name. Rippon then wins “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” and—sorry, Reese Witherspoon—dubs himself America’s new sweetheart. Rippon announces later in the year that he is retiring from competitive skating.

LGBTQ Pop

Revisited

B

Batwoman, an openly lesbian superhero who is played by Ruby Rose, appears in CW’s big DC Comics crossover event known as “Elseworlds.” Even with a minor Twitter backlash from those who are totes jelly, she is a hit. CW announces they are working to giving Batwoman her own series in 2019.

F

C

Chanel says beauty knows no gender as they launch Boy de Chanel, a makeup collection marketed to men. The line features foundation, an eyebrow/ facial hair pencil and non-shiny lip balm; because you’re worth it!

D

Dion, Celine also knows no gender when it comes to children as she gets into the clothing business with children’s retailer Nununu to create a gender-ne-ne-neutral clothing line called Celinununu. Now no matter near, far, wherever you are; gender-ne-ne-neutral Celinununu can come to youyouyou. And that’s the way it is.

E

Ellen DeGeneres decides after 15 years of sitting down she wants to get back to standing up. The queen of daytime talk hits the streaming streets with a new Netflix comedy special, “Relatable.”

F

Funko releases the first line of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Pop! Vinyls. RuPaul, Alaska and Trixie Mattel become the first set of queens to be immortalized as plastics.

You ladies can sit with us anytime, we wear pink on Wednesdays.

G

Great Americans medal, an honor bestowed on someone “for lifetime contributions that embody American ideals and ideas” is awarded to tennis legend Billie Jean King at the National Museum of American History. Love-love!

H

Hunter, Tab—the 1950s’ teen heartthrob who would later become a prominent figure in the gay community—dies in July. He was 86. It’s also announced that J.J. Abrams and Zachary Quinto are looking to make a film about the love affair between Hunter and “Psycho” actor Anthony Perkins.

Jeremy Williams

rom groundbreaking television to record-

setting events, this year in LGBTQ pop culture has been explosive.

Legends were remembered, new icons were formed and history was made—one certain gay athlete even became America’s new sweetheart.

Here we have compiled just a snippet of the LGBTQ impact on movies, music, television, sports and fashion in 2018 with our annual LGBTQ Pop Culture, A-Z.

I

Ian McKellen voices Dr. Cecil Pritchfield in the “Family Guy” episode “Send in Stewie, Please.”

In the episode, Stewie opens up about his sexuality to Dr. Pritchfield, the school psychologist. Stewie doesn’t officially declare “Ellen-style” that he is gay, but does think “Grant Gustin and I would make the most adorable Instagram couple.”

J

John, Elton announces he is retiring from touring after one last, big three-year concert tour that will take him all around the world. John kicked off the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” in September.

A few months later, a nasty ear infection would sideline John for a few days and force him to reschedule his Orlando and Tampa shows.

K

Kehinde Wiley—an openly-gay artist—has his portrait of Barack Obama unveiled at the Smithsonian. Wiley and Amy Sherald, who painted Michelle Obama, are the first African-Americans commissioned to paint official portraits of a first couple for the National Portrait Gallery.

L

“Love, Simon”— Hollywood’s first mainstream LGBTQ teen rom-com—is a hit, earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92 percent from critics and earning more than $40 million at the domestic box

office. The film earned a place in all of our hearts for being “romantic as F.”

M

Marlon Bundo, the Pence family’s pet rabbit, becomes an LGBTQ icon after he is spoofed in a “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” picture book depicting Marlon as a gay bunny wanting to marry his bunny boyfriend. What we want to know is if Marlon Bundo will refer to his new bunny husband as Mother?

N

“Nanette,” a filmed version of Hannah Gadsby’s comedy tour, is released worldwide on Netflix and gets everyone buzzing on Twitter. In the show, Gadsby shows that humor and humanity are not mutually exclusive and proves that laughs through tears really are the best medicine.

O

Obama, Michelle releases her memoir “Becoming,” in which she talks about trying to sneak out of The White House with daughter Malia to celebrate the Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

“Becoming” goes on to sell 3 million copies in its first month, becoming the best-selling book of 2018.

P

“Pose” is an instant hit when it premieres on FX in June. The series came out of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the gate making history as it featured the largest LGBTQ cast of any scripted TV show ever. Before the first season even wraps, FX renews “Pose” for a second season—scheduled to be released in 2019.

Q

Queen, one of history’s biggest rock bands, is back on top of the charts with the release of the band’s biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The film went on to become the highest-grossing LGBTQ film and musical biopic in U.S. history and sparked a new Queen tour with Adam Lambert.

R

Ryan Murphy can do no wrong at FX. “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” is a hit with audiences and critics, “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace” cleans up at The Emmys and “Pose” becomes the breakout hit of the year.

All that success leads to Murphy getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.

S

“Star is Born, A” is the fourth remake of the cautionary fame tale. The remake—directed by actor Bradley Cooper and featuring drag queens, addiction and Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga—takes in more than $200 million at the domestic box office and has had the phrase “Oscar-worthy”

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

attached to it more than any other film this year.

T

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum announce they are saying auf Wiedersehen to “Project Runway” after 16 seasons on the hit reality-competition show. Gunn and Klum say they are departing the series to work on a new project for Amazon. “Project Bezos,” maybe ... Alexa?

U

Urie, Michael stars alongside Mercedes Ruehl in Harvey Fierstein’s new streamlined production of “Torch Song Trilogy” called “Torch Song” on Broadway. “Torch Song” closes Jan. 6, 2019 after which Urie will lead a multi-city, national tour of the production. We hear Florida is a fine place to do a show all year long.

V

Vega, Daniela— who stars in the 2017 Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman”—became the first openly transgender person to present at the Academy Awards in March.

No harm in going from first trans presenter into first trans host. We hear they’re still looking for one.

W

Wright, Robin flies solo as the lead in the final season of the Netflix series “House of Cards” after co-star Kevin Spacey is let go from the show due to sexual misconduct allegations.

In an interview with TODAY, Wright said of Spacey, “We were coworkers, really. We never socialized outside of work. Respectful, professional relationship.”

X

X-Mansion is an open and tolerant house, as “Deadpool 2” shows mutants Teenage Negasonic Warhead and Yukio in a lesbian relationship living among the accepting X-Men. “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds also hopes to explore his title character’s pansexuality in future films.

Y

YouTube issues an apology to the LGBTQ community in July after anti-LGBTQ political ads are found to be running on videos created by LGBTQ YouTubers and featuring LGBTQ content. In other terrible social media news, Tumblr starts running terrible fan fiction over all of our favorite porn.

Z

Zander Hodgson, a British model and actor, comes out as gay on his YouTube channel.

Thank goodness for this great news; our team gets another hottie and I have something for the Z spot on this list. A win-win for everybody!

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

arts and entertainment

Royale

‘T’ latriCe rOYale dishes on

‘all Stars,’ ‘the naughty tour’ and amendment 4

“i

Ryan Williams-Jent

t meANS eveRythiNG juSt tO

feel like a human,” Timothy Wilcots, known worldwide as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum and “All Stars 4” competitor Latrice Royale, says about the passage of Florida’s Amendment 4. “To feel like my debt is paid. I don’t have this scarlet letter haunting and taunting my life every time an election comes around. Now I can participate!”

While the Florida resident has certainly participated in “Drag Race” – placing fourth and snagging Miss Congeniality in season four, returning for inaugural spin-offs “All Stars” and the “Holi-slay Spectacular” and sashaying through tours like “A Drag Queen Christmas” – Royale’s voting rights were

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

stripped after serving one year in prison until 2007.

The amendment, passed by 64.6 percent or 5.2 million voters, signaled that over one million Floridians would have those rights restored. While Gov.-elect DeSantis

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

Now here we are again, in a situation where we need to fight for our lives – our trans sisters’ lives, our trans brothers’ lives. It’s become more of a fight and more of what we used to do, as far as getting the community together and breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

| uu | Royal ‘T’ from pg.31 disagrees, advocates like the American Civil Liberties Union say it should go into effect Jan. 8.

Before then, Royale will make her seasonal stop for “A Drag Queen Christmas, The Naughty Tour,” where she and six other “Drag Race” entertainers will rock the catwalk at The Plaza Live in Orlando Dec. 27 and at the Straz Center in Tampa Dec. 28.

Watermark caught up with the queen ahead of the shows for the full “t” on the tour, “All Stars 4” and the restoration of Royale’s rights.

Is that why you’ve been open about your personal journey with Amendment 4?

The reason I’m an open book about that is because my story is not just my story; there are 1.6 million other ex-cons who were in the same situation. Because I didn’t have a voice it was important for me to encourage and convey the importance of voting to those who did. I think a lot of people were shocked to find out that our voters rights were taken away. Once I knew Amendment 4 was on the table I was encouraging people to vote and it passed – that showed me so much promise, because now we have a situation where we have a voice and now change can really happen.

WATERMARK: You’ve been busy since “Drag Race” season four. How do you find time to balance the werk-load?

Latrice Royale: It’s not easy [Laughs]. Luckily I do have an amazing husband and partner who understands the business and is supportive and helpful in every way. That makes it easier, but the challenge obviously is the balance of the work versus your personal life. Or lack thereof. But when you have someone who gets it that’s the sacrifice you make. It’s all for the greater good, so we hold onto our values, know where we stand and what we’re working for. That keeps us and everything we do in perspective, and sometimes you just have to say no and take a break.

I don’t like that word, but sometimes you’ve gotta do it.

Your Christmas spirit didn’t take a break this year. What led you back to “The Naughty Tour?”

This is my third consecutive year with “Drag Queen Christmas” and it’s one of my favorite tours to do because I’m living my full fantasy on stage. They let you be fully creative in what you want to do and they help your vision come alive. I get to twirl my flags and rifles and really do what I love to do on the stage and give the audience what they want.

It’s really easy for me to say yes to this tour because I get creative freedom to do me.

What about the “Holi-Slay Spectacular?”

I was really surprised – well, not surprised – when they told me they wanted me to be a part of it. I was gagging because I was already in the middle of filming “All Stars.”

I was like, “what? How am I going to do this?” They were like, “oh, no worries… we spoke to your husband and he’s going to ship everything

How does it feel?

L4trice: Latrice Royale placed fourth in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season four and is currently appearing on VH1 for its spinoff “All Stars 4” as she tours with “A Drag Queen Christmas.” Photo courtesy of lri talent & management from home.” I just said, “well, since y’all have got it figured out, let me know what I’m doing.” So it was awesome just to be involved and selected by Ru, because RuPaul does select the girls he wants to play with. It’s an honor to always be front and center on his mind; on his scope and radar.

You were originally offered “All Stars 3” but turned it down, right?

I did, yeah. The time was not exactly good and I was like I don’t need to do this. I had three of my clients who were selected to go on. So it was just a conflict of interest. What do I look like competing against my own clients? Now I don’t have that issue so here I am.

How did you approach “All Stars 4?” What was different this time?

I wanted to have fun and I wasn’t going to be on a team, so. That was the number one motivational aspect

of it. But yeah, I wanted to represent me and not have to worry about being attached to someone else with my fate being theirs and vice versa.

Do you have a preference for the camera or stage?

On camera is more beneficial because you reach more people faster; they see you. But the stage is where we live. That’s where we really get to show our artistic sides – those of us who have it … and that was some shade. It really does give us the opportunity to grow as artists and I have found that I am really transitioning out of the club scene. I don’t enjoy the clubs as much as I used to. I’ve been doing that my entire drag career, over 26 years I’ve been in the club. The theater is where I belong. Where my drag belongs.

How so?

You just get a different sense of who you are and your brand. I’m not bringing my lovely garments,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

dragging them through beer and piss at the bar, when I have this lovely stage here with dressing rooms and lights. It just changes it all; I’m really into the theater gigs; I’m really focusing on continuing to develop my one-woman shows and grow those to the way that I want them and get up to my full fantasy level. That’s what I’m focusing on next.

What are your thoughts on the current drag scene?

Because it has become such a phenomenon and has transcended through all genders, ages and basically every walk of life, it’s huge.

There’s room to do whatever it is that you want to do as a queen.

However these young queens that are coming out – I don’t think they really grasp what drag stands for now. In this political climate, we really have to step forward and be leaders again. We were the ones that started the revolution, honey, we fought back.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

There’s really promise that, now that we can unleash these voices that have been inside us for all these years, that you’re human again. You’ve paid your price and paid your crime. I’m a productive member of society, I’ve paid my taxes – lord knows I’ve paid my taxes. If you take my money, I get to have a say about how it’s spent, you know what I mean? I should have a say.We didn’t ace it with all of the results, but we made progress. Let’s celebrate the progress that we’ve made and really make some change now. Let’s do it.

What else are you doing?

What’s next for Ms. Royale?

There’s so much coming up for me, I have been dabbling in so many different things. There aredefinitely more of my one-woman shows coming. I have been working on projects and writing in the writer’s room; enjoying the other side of Hollywood, which is amazing. It’s a lot to watch out for, so you stay tuned.

Latrice is doing some big things and working on some lovely projects with some very influential people. As for “All Stars,” y’all get ready because the big show’s coming.

You can deck the halls with Latrice Royale in “A Drag Queen Christmas, The Naughty Tour,” presented by Murray & Peter, at The Plaza Live in Orlando Dec. 27 or at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Dec. 28. For more information or to buy tickets, visit DragFans.com. “All Stars 4” is now airing on VH1.

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www.NationsLandscaping.com

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

community calendar

event planner ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

Central florida

Central florida BAre BeeF holiday hunGover, Dec.28, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com Willam, Dec. 28, Southern Nights, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando orlando Citrus Parade, Dec. 29, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-423-2473; OrlandoCitrusParade.com national live theater: “The Madness of King George iii,” Dec. 29, Enzian Theater, Maitland.

407-629-1088; Enzian.org aquaria, Dec.29, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Adios 2018, Dec. 29, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com new year’s eve $20 All you can Drink, Dec. 31, Southern Nights, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando new year’s eve w/ shea Coulee+alaska + Carmen Carrera, Dec. 31, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Guilty Pleasures new year’s day Party, Jan. 1, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

author salon: Tammy Lally SuNDAy, jAN. 6, 2-4 p.m. wiNteR pARk pubLic LibRARy, wiNteR pARk

Year end drag

OGc singer and Dancer auditions weDNeSDAy, jAN. 9, 6-10 p.m. fiRSt uNiteD chuRch Of chRiSt, ORLANDO Do you love to sing and dance, and have Wednesday evenings open? If you do, come join the Orlando Gay Chorus as they hold open auditions for the 2019 season.

Auditions are open to everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, race or religion. For more information and to sign up to audition, visit OrlandoGayChorus.org/Auditions.

tampa baY “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Willam performs at Southern Nights in Orlando on Dec. 28 and Southern Nights in Tampa on Dec. 29. Photo courtesy WillAMBelli.coM

orlando Fringe Winter MiniFest, Jan. 10-13, Loch Haven Park, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

thank you 2018, next!, Dec. 31, G St. Pete, St. Petersburg. 727-220-1505; Facebook.com/GStPete

tampa baY

nye Pink Party & contest, Dec. 31, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg.

727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

“A Doll house, Part 2,” Jan. 2-Feb. 3, Shakespeare Theater, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

Willam, Dec. 29, Southern Nights, Tampa.

813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

new year’s rehAB, Jan. 5, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

tea Dance & Glow Party, Dec. 30, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFla.com

Jay leno, Jan. 5, The Lakeland Center, Lakeland. 863-834-8100; RPFundingCenter.com

Word by Word Creative Writing Workshop, Jan. 8, The LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

WWe live holiday tour, Dec. 30, Amalie Arena, Tampa.

813-301-6500; AmaileArena.com

“something rotten!,” Jan. 5, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

diana ross, Jan. 9, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Celebrated TED speaker, author and “Money Coach” Tammy Lally will hold an author salon at the Winter Park Public Library where she will deconstruct the impact money shame has on a person’s well-being and share the seven elements of money detox.

Copies of “Money Detox,” Lally’s latest book will be available for purchase. All book proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

More information can be found at WPPL.org.

tampa Bay’s largest lGBt new year’s eve Party, Dec. 31, Honey Pot, Tampa. 813-247-4663; Facebook.com/Honey-Pot

“At the end of the Day,” Jan. 2, Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall, Lakeland. 863-859-3140; Cinemark.com/Theatre-1078

“Play it By ear” (experimental Comedy), Jan. 5-6, Carrollwood Players, Tampa. 813-265-4000; CarrollwoodPlayers.org

national Ballet theatre of odessa’s “swan lake,” Jan. 6, The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-898-2100; TheMahaffey.com so you think you can Drag Alien inVAsion, Jan. 9, Southern Nights, Tampa.

813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

sarasota Capitol Steps, Dec. 29-31, Venice Theater, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com “something rotten!.” Jan. 7-8, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota.

941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

Project no Labels bInGO4cHarITy weDNeSDAy, jAN. 2, 7:30-10 p.m. puNky’S bAR AND GRiLL, St. peteRSbuRG Come out for a night of fun, food and BINGO! Punky’s hosts BINGO4CHARITY with proceeds going to Project No Labels. Project No Labels aims to unite the Tampa Bay LGBTQ+ community, for the betterment of all, through volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and exciting events while creating an atmosphere of positivity and tolerance. For more information, visit ProjectNoLabels.org.

Feminine communication series mONDAy, jAN. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. metRO weLLNeSS & cOmmuNity ceNteRS, St. peteRSbuRG Find your feminine voice in this educational class led by a Speech Language Pathologist for transgender women and trans feminine people. This series is offered on a quarterly basis. You can email TransCommunity@MetroTampaBay.org with any questions or to express interest in their next community class. More information on this and other classes can be found at MetroTampaBay.org.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

overheard

tampa baY out+about

resume resourCe

m

etRO weLLNeSS AND cOmmuNity ceNteRS hAS ANNOuNceD that it will offer free LGBTQ+ career services beginning Dec. 27.

The organization will provide one-hour sessions that include a mock interview and resume review with recruiter Paula Tripp. Tripp is a certified professional in Human Resources with a Masters in HR Management and 15 years of experience.

“It is vital that those in our community have an opportunity to be successful in today’s workplace,” Metro Division Director of LGBTQ+ Programs Nate Taylor tells Watermark. “Being able to receive resume and interview assistance is a critical step in obtaining what could be someone’s forever career. I am very happy that we can provide this opportunity and look forward to seeing it succeed.”

The organization’s career services will be held by appointment only at Metro’s St. Petersburg campus from 4-8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, email LGBT@MetroTampaBay.org or visit MetroTampaBay.org.

enCore!

“A

t the eND Of the DAy,” the wiNNeR Of the 29th ANNuAL Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s (TIGLFF) Audience Award for best feature film, will return to the big screen in Lakeland this coming new year.

The film is Lakeland filmmaker and LGBTQ ally Kevin O’Brien’s feature directorial debut. It follows “a conservative, Christian professor who finds himself planted in an LGBTQ support group to stop their opening of an LGBTQ homeless youth shelter in their small town,” the synopsis reads.

“For the first time, he’s met face-to-face with the community he has been counseling against his entire career,” it continues. “The awkward and emotional experiences that follow reveal that life and love are not as black and white as he first thought.” It was filmed in Lakeland and Orlando with area cast and crew, many of whom identify as LGBTQ. “This movie is for the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ people who have faced religious rejection in any form, and for their allies, or people who think they might be stereotyping those people,” O’Brien told Watermark ahead of TIGLFF 29. “It’s for parents who have had kids come out and they’re working through what that means for them and their future.

It’s for transgender kids who are afraid to come out because they think it’s not worth it.”

“At the End of the Day” is currently scheduled to play for a sold out audience Jan. 2 at Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall. Due to overwhelming demand, an encore showing has been scheduled for the following week on Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently available for $11, but the encore showing will only screen if enough seats are sold by Jan. 2.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Facebook.com/EndOfTheDayFilm.

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New wAve: (L-R) sharon Janis, Joe saportas, Johnny Boykins and Barabara Scott are named officers of the Pinellas County Democratic Party Dec. 10. PHoTo courtesy Johnny BoyKins

2

meAN ONe: “The Grinch” makes an appearance at the Florida Entertainment Group’s Merry & Gay Christmas pop-up at Godfrey Hotel Dec. 15. PHoTo

4

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courtesy ernie WeBB

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LOvebiRDS: Jen Warden (L) and wife Traci rodriguez enjoy Blush Beauty Center’s holiday party Dec. 16. PHoTo

courtesy Jen WArDen

4

biG 3: (L-R) Dixie lynn Michaels, John Burt, lynn Diebert, Victoria Michaels (above), Brian longstreth and Alexis De la Mer celebrate Punky’s Bar and Grill’s third year Feb. 15. PHoTo

By ryAn WilliAMs-Jent

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hOLiDAZe: Enigma’s staff celebrates their holiday party Dec. 18. Photo courtesy Vince GAroFolA

6

OL’ St. Nick: “Santa” and “Mrs. Clause” check in with the artists at studios @ 5663 Dec. 15.

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Photo courtesy DylAn toDD

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eQuALity-miNDeD: Equality Florida’s Todd richardson (L) and nadine smith (R) meet with St. Petersburg council member Gina Driscoll at City Hall Dec. 12 to discuss the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. PHoTo

courtesy toDD richArDson

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pictuRe peRfect: Bill Kanouff (L) and Scott Harmon sing in Disney’s Candlelight Processional Dec. 19. PHoTo

8

courtesy Bill KAnouFF

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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overheard

Central florida out+about

orlando loves a parade

f

LORiDA citRuS SpORtS AND pARADeS R uS ARe ReADy tO GO for this year’s all-new Orlando Citrus Parade on Dec. 29 in downtown Orlando.

As the parade makes its way through downtown it will air live from 10 a.m. to noon on WFTV, as well as be streamed live on WFTV Now. Emmy and WAVE Award-winning news anchor Jorge Estevez will give viewers the parade play-by-play alongside his co-host Miss Florida USA 2010 Megan Clementi.

The parade will consist of nearly 3,000 participants and feature citrus-themed floats, marching bands and balloons.

The event will showcase an array of musical talent as well; including openly gay country singer Ty Herndon, Broadway star Linda Eder, Grammy-winning country artist Jo Dee Messina and “The Voice” finalist Sisaundra Lewis, just to name a few.

For more information and to see a list of the full entertainment lineup, visit OrlandoCitrusParade.com.

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eQualitY opportunitY

A

Re yOu LOOkiNG tO StARt 2019 Off with A New cAReeR? Do you want to work for the betterment of LGBTQ people across the state? Well check this out. Equality Florida (EQFL), the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ community, announced an open position in the Central Florida area.

The position is for Gainesville & Orlando Development Officer. Manage major donor cultivation and stewardship programs in Gainesville & Orlando; plan, promote and execute EQFL’s largest Gainesville and Orlando events—the Gainesville Gala and the Greater Orlando Gala, respectively; support all EQFL development programs; and represent EQFL at Gainesville and Orlando events.

Go to EQFL.org to review a full list of qualifications and responsibilities and to apply.

tHe Center of fringe

t

he ORLANDO iNteRNAtiONAL fRiNGe feStivAL—the LONGeSt RuNNiNG Fringe Theatre Festival in the U.S.—is preparing for Winter Mini-Fest, which plays at Loch Haven Park Jan. 10-13, 2019, at the moment but that isn’t stopping information from coming out about the main festival in May. The 14-day arts festival packs so much crazy, uncensored, experimental, amazing theatre into its schedule that Loch Haven Park cannot contain all of it so Orlando Fringe ventures out into the city and theater locations are set up throughout Orlando.

The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida announced it will be home to a new Orlando Fringe venue for the festival’s 28th season. The 40-seat theatre will be called the Rainbow Venue. Interested parties can email The Center’s Executive Director George Wallace at George@TheCenterOrlando.org for an application.

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ShOw StOppeRS: “Crossdresser for Christ-mas” stars (L-R) Keith Wilson, Ginger Minj and Steven Johnson strike a pose backstage at Parliament House Resort in Orlando Dec. 15. Photo courtesy steVen Johnson

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cANDy GiRL: Gidget Galore looks tasty calling numbers at Holiday Bingo at The Center Orlando Dec. 17. Photo By GeorGe WAllAce

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SwiNGiN’ GOOD time: (L-R) Tim davis, Jane lynch, Samantha rosenthal and Kate Flannery at Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Dec. 15.

Photo By DAnny GArciA

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hAppy hOLiDAyS: Team Watermark celebrates the season at our annual holiday party in Orlando Dec. 14. Photo By WADe WilliAMs-Jent

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wiNteR bALLet: City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (L) and Artistic Director robert Hill get festive for the Orlando Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Dr. Phillips Center Dec. 15. PHoTo

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muSicAL chARity: Craig adcock (L) and Kai’ja Adonis are ready for some musical theater at the 11th annual Broadway Christmas, benefiting The Trevor Project, at Southern Nights in Orlando Dec. 20.

Photo courtesy KAi’JA ADonis

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stoneWAll orlAnDo

courtesy Joel strAcK

chRiStmAS wiSh: The “Christmas Fairy” erica roberts (L) and Connor McCurdy spread holiday cheer at Stonewall Orlando’s Funhouse Christmas Dec. 19. Photo courtesy

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courtesy roBert hill

ceNtRAL fLORiDA cAROLeRS: Joel Strack (L) and State Sen. linda stewart at the Orlando Gay Chorus’ holiday concert “Tinsel in Technicolor” at The Plaza Live in Orlando Dec. 17. PHoTo

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

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Decemb er 27, 2018 - J a nua ry 9, 2019 // Issue 25. 26

announcements

wedding bells

Keimy and Pamela Milanes

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

from Orlando, Florida

oct. 18, 2016 and april 28, 2017

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nov. 3, 2018

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Josie Brooks photography

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k

eimy miLANeS AND heR wife

Pamela had a rather interesting agreement when it came time for wedding proposals. The pair first met at work in 2014 and became very close friends.

“Once we realized we wanted to spend forever together, the topic of proposing came up various times,” Keimy, a Wellness Manager from Miami, shares. “In those conversations we both agreed that even when one proposed to the other first, the other would still propose so that we both get our own special moment and engagement ring.”

So it played out after Pamela popped the question to Keimy in Iceland in 2016, and Keimy, in turn, proposed to Pamela in Paris in 2017. Two engagements! It was a match.

“There isn’t a specific day I can think back to that made me realize we were going to marry each other,” says Pamela, a nurse, originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic.

“It just perfectly fell into place. We

started planning our individual futures with each other in mind. It became a life with her and I never questioned it after that realization.”

The couple married in Nov. 2018. They now live in Orlando.

“There just came a day where even when we had disagreements, I knew that we would just need to talk things out and work through it because for me breaking up or taking a break never seemed like an option like it did in previous relationships,” Keimy says. “When I would talk about the future it never felt like, well, if we are still together; the mentality was always we will do this or that together.”

The two stuck to that plan when they came up against a challenge for their wedding day: Pamela’s mother would not be attending the wedding, due to the couple’s

relationship going against her own religious beliefs.

“Even with a month left to go until the wedding, Pamela asked her mom one last time if she would consider going to the wedding.

Once again her mom said no,” Keimy says.

This is where the narrative takes a surprising turn. Keimy shares, “With about two weeks to go, Pamela’s mom messaged me on Facebook asking me to give her a call. She expressed to me that she had been having a hard time knowing she hasn’t supported her daughter and wanted to ask my permission if her and Pamela’s father could attend the wedding on short notice.”

Keimy continues, “I told her they were absolutely welcome to attend and even suggested to her that they walk her down the aisle and keep the whole thing a surprise until they day of. This whole time, Pamela’s best friend’s dad, Pablo, was the one that was going to walk Pamela down the aisle in the absence of her parents. The day of the wedding just as Pamela was about to walk down the aisle with Pablo, her mom tapped her on the shoulder from behind.”

Cue the goosebumps! “When Pamela turned around, she broke into tears as she saw her mom and dad standing there ready to walk her down the aisle,” Keimy tells.

“They overcame their prejudice and decided to celebrate our love with us, even after telling us they wouldn’t be there due to their beliefs. It was beautiful and love truly did overcome it all.”

Pamela shared her story on social media after the wedding and it quickly went viral with millions of views to her shock. “The thousands of followers we have received, comments of support and even messages from random strangers thanking us for sharing our story and inspiring them, has really left us in awe!”

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Sarasota realtor nate Brooks, Clearwater realtor and Suncoast softballer Keith Gill, Talent coordinator Tom Penman, WAVE-winning drag performer lacie Browning (Dec. 27); Former Watermark account manager dillan ramirez, 6S Boutique owner Andrew Citino, Owner of Stonewall Orlando Steven Watkins, Founder of Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom doug swallow, Political volunteer eric Welch (Dec. 28); Watermark contributor Greg stemm, Phish Phest phenom and realtor sue-Bee laginess, Former Miss America ericka Dunlap (Dec. 29); Tampa Bay DJ and karaoke enthusiast Mike Sklarz, Tampa ROTC member Steve deal (Dec. 30); Mr. Ybor Eagle 2010 Carlos “Wolfy” Diaz, Tampa massage therapist russell Fox, St. Pete Pride volunteer Paul leCouris, The Center Orlando’s Executive Director George Wallace, Orlando bear Justin Homer, Teacher and activist Clinton Mccracken, Florida Rep. carlos Guillermo smith (Dec. 31); HOT 101.5 Miguel & Holly’s holly o’connor, Chanel’s Jeremy Skidmore, RN-extraordinaire Christopher Johnson, St. Pete-aficionado Corey Malyszka, YouTuber Joe dodd, St. Pete Young Professionals organizer Brandon dysard, (Jan. 1); St Pete business analyst Jason Bracewell, University of Central Florida lecturer and associate director for the Nicholson School of Communications Boyd lindsley, Gators gal deidre Favero, Orlando attorney Joe Seagle (Jan. 2); Sarasota graphic designer Tim Cameresi, Tampa photographer charles Allen, Lady Boys performer Jose navarro, Promoter Chris Pittman, Pinellas County judge-elect David ellis, Ginger Minj’s husband CJ russell (Jan. 3); Tampa Bay DJ laMont Monnell, veteran and die-hard Pittsburgh fan Bill Stiller, Punky’s owner Brian longstreth (Jan. 4); Southern Nights Tampa manager Chou Chou Guilder, Orlando psychologist Guillermo navarro, Founder of the Trans Sister Radio video podcast Tiara latrice Kelly, Tampa realtor nicholas Buchanan, Stonewall Bar head bartender Timi Hedrich (Jan. 5); Tampa activist and mortgage broker Bill Polley, former owner of Partners emmi Grainger (Jan. 6); Watermark contributor Sylvie Griffiths, Theme park adventurer Justin Horn (Jan. 7); Mr. Bear Bust 2017 Shaun Boyd, St. Pete bartender Michael Joseph (Jan. 8).

DO YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT? HAVING A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY? DID YOU GET A NEW JOB OR PROMOTION? see your news in Watermark! send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com

IT’S THAT EASY!

—Aaron Drake

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

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