Watermark Issue 26.04: Split Session by Watermark Publishing Group

Celebrating 25 years of

Your LGBTQ Life.

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[The Florida Inclusive Workforce act] is sharply focused on key economic discrimination faced by LGbTQ Floridians— discrimination in the workplace … achieving this first step will open the door, enabling us to move forward with protecting our community in every part of Florida and in all areas of our lives. —PALM BEACH HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL PRESIDENT JUDGE REED HOCH

On the cOver

PAGE spArkling Jewels

PAGE SPLIT SESSION:

Florida’s lawmakers and activists are divided on how to best legislate equality.

PhoTo of fLoRida CaPiToL buiLding CouRTesy wikimedia Commons

scAn qr cOde fOr

wAterMArkOnline.cOM

The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg highlights Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger’s masterworks.

wAterMArk issue 26.04 // feBruArY 21 - MArch 6, 2019

twisted ‘JOke’

equAlitY endOrseMents BAns in plAce

teen queen

PAGE Melbourne police make an arrest in faked bomb threat called into Space Coast no-labels bar.

PAGE Equality Florida and the LGBTQ Victory Fund endorse Jane Castor for Tampa mayor.

DeLand’s social media sensation Clawdeena talks YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat.

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

A federal judge upholds Palm Beach County and Boca Raton’s conversion therapy bans. PAGE

PAGE

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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tampa bay

bureau Chief’s

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

desk

UST AHEAD OF THE yEAR 2000,

while my parents frantically fought over whether or not we owned enough bottled water and canned corn to survive the impending Y2K apocalypse, I had two main concerns as I entered my freshman year of high school.

The first was “X-Men,” an upcoming film starring Patrick Stewart from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Ian McKellen from “Apt Pupil” and Hugh Jackman from … nothing, really. No one knew “Hugh” he was. It was based on the Marvel property, which I’d obsessed over in comic form for as long as I could read, and was hot off of the hero heels of “X-Men: The Animated Series,” one of the strongest animated television shows to date. It was almost unheard of for a studio to tackle something as insane as a superhero film – who would pay to see something like that?

wAterMArk stAff

It was critical that Fox get it right. I was very invested in it. The film would arrive on July 14, the same day that I had tickets to see *NSYNC in concert with my girlfriend. She would go on to teach me every dance move to the popular boy band’s “It’s Gonna Be Me,” my second concern as a freshman (and a much longer column for another time.) I distinctly remember the “X-Men” trailer being released well ahead of that, which would reveal the first live action look at characters I’d adored for years. I devoured every bit of information I could, which wasn’t

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much, because so few outlets cared about “nerd movies.” On top of that, cell phones barely supported “Snake” and YouTube wouldn’t exist for five more years, so access was limited. To watch it, I started (completely legally) downloading the trailer via a computer program I wasn’t supposed to have installed on a school computer. It was during my first period class of Journalism, my home base at Glen Este High, so thankfully my teacher didn’t mind. During the class I was able to view a few frames and listen to several sound bites from the impending mutant mania. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now seeing the beginnings of another stage of human evolution,” Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey began, and she was right. While I would have to wait until the end of the day to view the entire trailer, after an excruciatingly long download process, I wasn’t able to make rash judgments about what I was watching until dwelling on it for hours. That’s very different now. We live in an age of information and access, where cell phones hold more data than the school computer I used to download the film’s first look. On top of that, social media lets us share anything at any time, often without a second thought. As amazing as that is, it’s dangerous—and something I’ve witnessed in both national and local headlines over the last few months. It might be the journalist in me, but I’m inclined to do as much research as I can before I share my thoughts and relay them as facts, particularly when they relate to the LGBTQ community. We have to choose our words and actions carefully—particularly on the national stage, Jussie Smollett—and ensure that every cry and claim of homophobia is actually that. As a community, we’re under constant attack from D.C. and often Tallahassee. Let’s not make ourselves easier targets. In this issue, we examine the beginning of Florida’s 2019

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legislative session for that reason, scheduled to begin March 5. After the introduction of both the Competitive Workforce Act and the Florida Inclusive Workforce Act, lawmakers and activists are divided on how to best move pro-LGBTQ legislation forward in the Sunshine State. We present you with the facts. Equality makes news in Tampa as well as the statewide Equality Florida Action PAC and the nationwide LGBTQ Victory Fund announce their endorsements of Jane Castor in her race to become Tampa’s next mayor. The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber also announces that they’ve postponed their annual gala to focus on hosting the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Business &

as a community, we’re under constant attack from D.c. and often Tallahassee. Let’s not make ourselves easier targets.

Leadership Conference in August. In Central Florida news, West Melbourne Police arrest an individual who called in a bomb threat to an LGBTQ-inclusive bar. Lucky’s Market in Orlando also shares that the Orlando Youth Alliance has been selected as one of three nonprofit partners participating in its Bags for Change program. In Arts and Entertainment, The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg dazzles with “Jewels of the Imagination” and DeLand’s teen queen Clawdeena takes social media by storm. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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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

DR. STEVE yACOVELLI

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 17

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, hOllY kApherr AleJOs, JAsOn leclerc, MelOdY MAiA MOnet, Jerick MediAvillA, greg steMM, dr. steve YAcOvelli, MichAel wAnZie

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CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

Central florida

bureau Chief’s

Jeremy Williams CFL BUREAU CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

desk

HE WEEKEND BEFORE THE

midterms last November, Equality Florida held its Greater Orlando Gala at the Orlando Museum of Art. I have had the privilege of attending this annual event over the last several years and it is always a who’s who of the LGBTQ community throughout the state. This event was extra special because of a certain celebrity who was attending, recording artist and star of the series “Empire,” Jussie Smollett. I have been a huge fan since I first saw him on the show and was excited and nervous when I got the opportunity to meet and chat with him. Smollett was charming, charismatic and very approachable. He took photos with everyone, smiled as he passed out hugs and even danced a bit before the evening’s event ended. It was that smile I thought about when the news came out of Chicago that he had been

attacked in what seemed to be a hate crime because Smollett is an openly gay black man. The initial report came from TMZ and with each detail I found myself getting more and more angry. “The 2 men—both white and wearing ski masks—viciously attacked Jussie as he fought back, but they beat him badly and fractured a rib. They put a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him and as they left they yelled, ‘This is MAGA [Make America Great Again] country,’” TMZ reported. Friends, community leaders and celebrities expressed outrage

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

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Multimedia Assistant: Meghan Sweeney • Ext. 100 meghan@watermarkonline.com

for what happened and support for Smollett on social media. Local and federal law enforcement were investigating. How could something like this happen in a progressive city like Chicago and to a well-known celebrity? As the investigation went on strange details started to emerge. The two attackers, who were first reported as MAGA-loving white men by TMZ, turned out to be two black men. Then it was found that Smollett knew them. The investigation “shifted” and it started to look as if Smollett had a hand in planning his own attack. Theories on social media came out that he did it because he was being written off the show or he was trying to build support for an anti-lynching bill in the Senate. Smollett denied orchestrating the attack and the Chicago PD have not come right out and said Smollett is to blame, but the facts of the case are starting to lean towards it. As the new details emerged two common narratives started to develop on social media: giddiness from the right and defensiveness from the left. While the eventual outcome of the Smollett attack may prove his involvement into his own attack, that does not negate the fact that hate crimes against the LGBTQ community and people of color are very real problems. The joy and excitement coming from the right is disturbing, but what is also disturbing to me is the attacks from the left saying if you don’t believe Smollett then you don’t believe any victims. Yes, it is important to believe victims. But it is equally important to not ignore facts. Ignoring the mountains of proof in front of your face just to keep from admitting you were wrong is exactly what the left has accused the right of doing under the Trump administration when it comes to climate change, immigration and more. If the evidence shows Smollett planned his own attack, for whatever

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

reason, then he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and we on the left need to be outraged at what he did. What this situation does is make it harder for real victims to come forward with their stories and be believed. We need to get to a place where we see wrong as wrong no matter what ideological side you fall on. We should continue to believe victims but as we wait for the full story to come out no one should be giddy or defensive about the Smollett story. In this issue, we look at something else dividing the LGBTQ community. When the Florida legislative session begins in March there will be two bills looking to amend the Florida

yes, it is important to believe victims. but it is equally important to not ignore facts.

Civil Rights Act. A.S. Reynolds, one of Watermark’s newest contributors, takes a deep dive into what each bill presents. In Central Florida news, Melbourne police make an arrest in the fake bomb threat called into a local “no-labels” bar and Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf accepts a new position with Equality Florida. In Tampa Bay news, LGBTQ organizations endorse Jane Castor for Tampa mayor and the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber postpones its annual gala to host an LGBTQ conference. In Arts and Entertainment, the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg highlights Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger’s masterworks and DeLand’s own Clawdeena talks about growing up as a social media influencer.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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

DR. STEVE yACOVELLI

AARON DRAKE

phOtOgrAphY BriAn Becnel, nick cArdellO, Bruce hArdin, JAMArqus MOsleY, chris stephensOn, lee vAndergrift

distriButiOn lvnlif2 distriButing, ken cArrAwAY, vAnessA MArescA-cruZ

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central florida news

OYA selected as Lucky’s Market Orlando fundraiser partner Amanda Espinosa

RLANDO | Lucky’s Market, located at 11750 E Colonial Dr., announced Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) as one of its three nonprofit partners participating in Bags for Change, a quarterly fundraiser hosted by the supermarket chain. Lucky’s Bags for Change program will help raise funds for OYA starting now through May 25. OYA is a nonprofit local organization providing LGBTQ youth a safe place and support group to discuss any issues or concerns in their lives and includes members from ages 13 to 24. “Anyone who comes in [to Lucky’s Market] and uses a reusable bag will be given a wooden dime, which they can put in the wheel to vote for OYA,” says Michael Slaymaker, OYA’s CEO. At the end of the quarter, Lucky’s Market will double the funds raised by customers and those proceeds will be given to OYA. Lucky’s Market’s Colonial Dr. location has been participating in Bags for Change since 2017. Each quarter, Lucky’s encourages community members to vote for three out of five local nonprofits with the wooden dimes they are rewarded with for using reusable bags. Slaymaker says the funds raised from Bags of Change will be used for the organization’s weekly meetings, volunteer training and scholarships for the youth members in the program. For more than eight years, OYA has awarded scholarships to the area’s LGBTQ youth. For more information, visit OrlandoYouthAlliance.org.

Pulse survivor accepts position at Equality Florida Abigail Brashear

RLANDO | Brandon Wolf, a 30-year-old Pulse survivor and LGBTQ activist, recently accepted a full-time position at Equality Florida as the Central Florida development officer and the statewide media relations manager. He says he is happy to pursue his interest on a scale larger than “weekend activism.” “Equality Florida and I have always had a really strong relationship,” Wolf says. “There’s so much I want to be able to do to help my community and the state of Florida.” After surviving the Pulse shooting which claimed the lives of 49 people, Wolf became a staunch activist for gun safety. At his new position with Equality Florida, he says he plans on advocating for LGBTQ state-level protections, women’s reproduction rights and safe and healthy schools. Wolf returns to Central Florida after moving to Tallahassee in 2017. “It feels awesome to be coming home,” he says. “I’ve been away for two years and it’s been two years too long.” Wolf starts his new position at Equality Florida March 4.

BOMB HOAX:

Twisted Rooster, a no-labels bar on the Space Coast, was threatened with a bomb scare by an 18-year-old Melbourne resident.

Photo by Lauren Lee

Twisted ‘Joke’ Melbourne police make arrest in faked bomb threat called into Space Coast no-labels bar Lauren Lee

EST MELBOURNE, Fla. | The West Melbourne Police Department announced Feb. 4 that the individual who called in a bomb threat to Twisted Rooster, a no-labels bar in Melbourne, has been arrested. The caller, identified by police as 18-year-old Randolph Goodwin, contacted Twisted Rooster on Jan. 31 at 4:45 p.m., asked if the business was open yet and if it was a gay bar. According to the police report, when Goodwin learned that it is a “no-labels bar,” he screamed into the phone that he was going to blow up the bar. The caller then hung up the phone. An employee at Twisted Rooster contacted law enforcement and an explosive ordinance team was sent to the location. The business was found to be secure and nothing suspicious was located. “I was really glad it turned out to just be a hoax,” says Melbourne resident Michele Johnston. “After Pulse I wouldn’t want any other family to go through what those families went through.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Johnston had been passing by Twisted Rooster when the explosive ordinance team arrived. She says that there were police everywhere and they were blocking all entrances to the parking lot. “I am also glad that they found the man responsible,” Johnston says. “People need to know this isn’t a joke. If you want to play around there are consequences to your actions.” “My first reaction was ‘Is this real?’,” says Jimit Kapadia, owner of Twisted Rooster. “The images from Pulse flashed in my eyes when I heard from the general manager what was happening.” Kapadia has a golden heart hung on the wall at Twisted Rooster dedicated to the victims of the Pulse tragedy. After searching the building, the police department declared the Twisted Rooster secure. “West Melbourne police were so wonderful,” says Kapadia. “They knew we were having an event and told us they have the suspect in custody. They wanted us to be safe and enjoy our evening.” West Melbourne Police detectives worked hand-in-hand with the local phone company to trace the blocked caller to a resident located

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

in Melbourne. After tracking him, Goodwin told West Melbourne officers that he and several friends were making prank calls to local businesses, according to the police report. Goodwin was arrested for making a false report of a bomb and turned over to the Brevard County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Goodwin’s court date is set for Feb. 28. Twisted Rooster addressed the incident on Facebook after Goodwin’s arrest. “It is 2019 and we still are appalled at this kind of behavior from our community. Twisted Rooster was one of the local businesses who received this threat,” the bar wrote. “We acted upon it ASAP!!! We will not tolerate any kind of hate crime and it stops here!!! Kudos to our West Melbourne PD who responded to this within minutes and had the situation under control. Thank you to Bright House for helping us trace our call we received and thank you to our brave staff and GM to act on it professionally and putting a stop to this. This is YOUR place and OUR community!!!” Kapadia opened Twisted Rooster in Nov. 2018 to bring the community together, he says. The bar opened back up that night after the incident with performer Ivy Vixens. The event drew more than 100 people into the bar. “I’m not going to allow this in my place,” says Kapadia. “This is not going to affect us, we are going to dance our tail feathers off and grow this community. We love us.”

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

tampa bay news Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber postpones annual gala, will host National LGBT conference Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce (TBDCC) announced Feb. 7 that it has postponed its annual awards gala to focus on hosting the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) 2019 Business & Leadership Conference Aug. 13-16. “This world-renowned conference is the largest LGBT business event in the world and provides networking and engagement opportunities for business owners in the LGBT community,” the chamber shared. “The TBDCC in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay won the 2019 bid over all other applicants to secure the NGLCC 2019 International Business & Leadership Conference for the city of Tampa.” “We are excited to host the 2019 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference,” Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago Corrada said in a statement. “Hosting this event will elevate the entire Tampa Bay community in the eyes of the world and showcase Tampa as a major LGBTQ destination capable of putting on a significant, high-quality international event.” The NGLCC was founded in 2002 to support and showcase the diversity of talent, skills and expertise that the LGBTQ community has to offer. According to the TBDCC, over 1,200 leaders were drawn to NGLCC’s 2018 conference in its host city of Philadelphia, where the economic impact of the conference on the region’s hospitality and tourism industry was estimated at roughly $3.6 million dollars. “We’re thrilled to work with the TBDCC as we bring our annual conference to Tampa,” NGLCC co-founder and President Justin Nelson said. “With its rich history and reputation as regional business center, Tampa will make an excellent host for the over 1,300 LGBT business owners, corporate thought leaders, and public and private sector decision-makers that the NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference convenes each year.” The chamber also announced the postponement of “Diamonds in Diversity,” the TBDCC’s annual awards gala. Originally scheduled for March 1, the celebration has been moved to Oct. 18 to allow the organization to “focus its resources, planning and full commitment to the Opening Night Reception for the NGLCC Conference, and its regularly scheduled Breakfast ‘n Learns, B2B Networking Socials and additional programming.” “We’re working hard planning for 2019—we’re ready to do more than ever before,” TBDCC President Justice Gennari said. “Celebrating 35 years, we are honored to host the 2019 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. We are dedicated to doing all we can to building trusted connections and to expanding economic opportunities for all! We thank all our members for their ongoing support of the Chamber.” For more information about the TBDCC and “Diamonds in Diversity,” visit DiversityTampaBay.org. For more information about the NGLCC, visit NGLCC.org.

TAMPA PROUD:

Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor discusses her campaign’s launch with Watermark in Ybor May 11, 2018. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Equality Endorsements Equality Florida, LGBTQ Victory Fund endorse Castor for Tampa mayor Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | Tampa mayoral candidate Jane Castor has received the endorsements of Equality Florida Action PAC and LGBTQ Victory Fund, the equality-focused organizations shared ahead of the city’s municipal election March 5. Equality Florida Action PAC is Florida’s largest political committee dedicated to electing pro-equality candidates. LGBTQ Victory Fund is the only national organization focused on increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government, which would include Castor. Castor, Tampa’s former chief of police, officially launched her campaign to become the city’s next mayor May 17. She advised Watermark May 11 that her campaign would focus on a strong foundation for the city, including building stronger neighborhoods and a stronger economy.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“People want to know that you’re going to do a good job and you’re going to serve every citizen of the community,” Castor shared. “Voters have had 31 years to test drive me and I’ve been the same. They know who I am, they know what I stand for and they know my work ethic. “They know that I’m transparent in all I do and they know that I am a community builder,” she continued. “That’s what you’re going to get … that same person as a mayor for the city of Tampa.” “Jane Castor represents a breakthrough moment in the movement for LGBTQ representation in Florida and is leading the wave of LGBTQ women stepping up to serve,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said in a statement. “Electing a strong, seasoned and tested leader like Jane to one of Florida’s most influential local posts is a game changer for LGBTQ Floridians. Jane’s race is a top priority for Equality Florida Action PAC. We’re going to use every tool we have to support her historic campaign.”

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

“As a former big-city mayor, I understand well the qualifications and temperament necessary to successfully run a city like Tampa, and Jane Castor has what it takes,” former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, now President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released in a statement. “When you are Chief of Police, there is no papering over your job performance because you are constantly held accountable—as are mayors—and Jane has proven herself an extraordinary public servant,” she continued. “Her invaluable experience running a large agency, working with diverse communities on tough issues and ensuring the interests of the public are central to all her work makes her best positioned to be a great mayor. That she will be the first openly LGBTQ woman big-city mayor in the Southeast is both historic and equally invaluable—as the experiences of LGBTQ people make them more empathetic, values-driven leaders.” “I am so proud to accept the endorsement of Equality Florida and The Victory Fund—two incredible organizations devoted to advancing equality across the state and country,” Castor shared following the endorsements. “As Tampa’s next Mayor, I am committed to fighting to make our city, which I love so much, an even more welcoming and accepting place.” For more information about Equality Florida Action PAC, LGBTQ Victory Fund or their endorsements, visit EQFL.org/PAC or VictoryFund.org. For more information about Castor’s candidacy, visit JaneForMayor.com.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

state news

federAl Judge uphOlds pAlM BeAch cOuntY, BOcA rAtOn cOnversiOn therApY BAns

flOridA legislAtOr Accuses fellOw lAwMAker Of BullYing

Ryan Williams-Jent

Wire Report

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Florida Rep. Anika Omphroy (D- Lauderdale Lakes) on Feb. 11 wrote a letter to the Florida House speaker accusing Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D- Orlando) of lashing out at her with “verbal assaults” at the meeting of Democratic leaders at an Orlando hotel last weekend. “Representative Guillermo Smith’s behavior was a show of dominance over me as a woman,” Omphroy wrote in the letter to Jose Oliva, the Republican House speaker, who referred the matter for an investigation. “No woman should suffer mental anguish or emotional distress from anyone, regardless of the abuser’s political affiliation, race or sexuality.” Smith, who is gay, tweeted that the details in Omphroy’s letter are false. The Central Florida lawmaker said they had a tense conversation, but he is stunned and confused by her letter.

EST PALM BEACH, Fla. | A federal judge upheld bans on conversion therapy in the city of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Feb. 13. Palm Beach County became the first county in Florida to ban the widely discredited practice, which purports to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, in Dec. 2017. Its seven county commissioners voted 5-2 to prohibit the practice. In a 60-page ruling released late Feb. 13, U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg denied an injunction requested by Robert Otto and Julie Hamilton, two conversion therapists arguing that their First Amendment speech rights were being violated by the bans. According to the Palm Beach Post in a report dated Feb. 14, “Rosenberg ruled that the Palm Beach County Commission and Boca Raton City

Council had good reason to ban conversion therapy, which has been linked to depression, social isolation and suicidal thoughts among young people.” Equality Florida celebrated the news via social media. “VICTORY! Yesterday, a Federal Judge upheld bans on so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County,” the organization shared Feb. 15. “This is an important step towards continuing to protect Florida’s LGBTQ youth from the traumatic and debunked practice of conversion therapy.” The organization also called on community advocates to join them in supporting bans on the practice. “Conversion therapy is a sham practice that falsely claims to be able to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” they shared. “It has been tragically proven to lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, homelessness, self-harm and suicide, and minors are especially

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

vulnerable. It also damages families by lying to parents and increasing the chances they will reject their children for who they are.” “These ordinances are unconstitutional speech restrictions that violate the First Amendment,” founder of the anti-LGBTQ Liberty Counsel Mat Staver released in a statement Feb. 14. “We have a number of similar challenges in federal courts. It is just a matter of time to get one of them to the Supreme Court to end these horrible speech restrictions.” The federal Ninth and Third Circuit courts have previously upheld conversion therapy bans in California and New Jersey, something the Palm Beach Post noted Rosenberg relied on in her ruling. The federal rulings found that bans on conversion therapy did not violate therapists’ First Amendment speech rights, as only their “professional speech” was affected.

nation+world news

Chicago police: Jussie Smollett assault case has ‘shifted’ Wire Report

HICAGO | Chicago police said Feb. 16 that the investigation into the assault reported by Jussie Smollett has “shifted” due to information received from two brothers questioned in the case, and attorneys for the “Empire” actor blasted reports alleging he played a role in his own attack. Smollett, who is black and gay, has said he was physically attacked by two masked men shouting racial and anti-gay slurs and “This is MAGA country!” He said they looped a rope around his neck before running away as he was out getting food at a Subway restaurant. He also said they poured some kind of chemical on him. Chicago police had arrested, then released the two Nigerian brothers without charges late Feb. 15 and said they were no longer suspects in the attack.

“We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the ‘Empire’ case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation,” Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in an emailed statement. “We’ve reached out to the ‘Empire’ cast member’s attorney to request a follow-up interview.” Guglielmi did not elaborate on what he meant by a shift in the case. Smollett’s attorneys later issued a statement saying the actor would continue to cooperate with police, but felt “victimized” by reports that he might have been involved in the attack. “Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying,” the statement from attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor P. Henderson said. On Feb. 13, Chicago police picked up the brothers at O’Hare International Airport as they returned from Nigeria. They described them as

“suspects” in the assault, questioned them and searched their apartment. Then, late Feb. 15, they released the two men without charges and said they were no longer suspects. They said they had gleaned new information from their interrogation. One of the men is Smollett’s personal trainer who he hired to get him physically ready for a music video, the statement from Smollett’s attorneys said. “It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie’s complicity,” the statement said. Police have said they were investigating the attack as a possible hate crime and considered Smollett a victim. They said reports that the attack against Smollett was a hoax are unconfirmed. Police said they combed surveillance video in the heavily-monitored downtown Chicago area but were unable to find any footage of the attack. Smollett turned over redacted phone records that police said were not sufficient for a criminal investigation.

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in other news

4 men charged in beating of gay couple in Texas Wire Report

USTIN, Texas | Police say they have charged four men with aggravated assault after a gay couple was beaten in Texas. Frank Macias, his brother Miguel Macias, Quinn O’Connor and Kolby Monell were in jail Feb. 13 in Travis County. They each were charged Feb. 12 with two counts of aggravated assault, a second-degree felony, for the Jan. 19 attack in Austin. Their bonds were set at $150,000. Jail records list no attorneys for them. Prosecutors could seek a hate-crime enhancement from a jury, which would elevate the charges to first-degree felonies. Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore says she believes a strong case exists that Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perry were targeted because they are gay. Authorities say Deehring told them that he and Perry were holding hands when a man made a derogatory comment as he passed them. Deehring said after he and Perry responded, up to five men attacked them using homophobic slurs.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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viewpoint

steve blanchard

fit fOr print A Commercial Revolution

HATE BIG PHARMA

advertisements. So much so that I try to entertain myself when they interrupt my favorite shows. I have this annoying habit of making light of the commercial names of these products. Eucrisa? Latuda?

They sound like contestants on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The acting in these ads also makes me chuckle. But recently, an ad had a very different impact on me. While watching television via Hulu recently, an ad played for “the pill.” But this message was very clear— this wasn’t about the birth control pills, this was about Truvada; the drug that lowers the risk of contracting HIV through sex. I think it took until the next commercial break for my brain to fully register what I saw. This is an actual high-budget commercial for a ground-breaking prescription drug that directly prevents HIV infection. It features members of the LGBTQ community talking directly to the camera about protecting themselves against the disease that used to be a death sentence just 30 years ago. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this was a very big deal. HIV prevention medication is finally a part of the mainstream

conversation and talked about like any other big pharma advancement. We’ve come a long way. The revolution that is Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Truvada isn’t necessarily news to the LGBTQ community. Several years ago I wrote a cover story for this newspaper on Truvada, which was rightly touted as a new miracle drug. There were a lot of questions and editorially, it was time to introduce readers to this new line of defense. I remember that very few people were familiar with it and even the professionals in the HIV/AIDS arena weren’t 100 percent sure of its impact. Some were suspicious of its supposed success rate and they were reluctant to show too much excitement. Despite the initial success rate being so high, many were cautious to declare it the next big step in the fight against HIV. Time has shown that Truvada does work. Of course, it’s important to know that other safe-sex practices are still highly encouraged when using it. Condoms are always recommended and regular HIV testing every three months is required to keep the prescription. But this new ad shows that the conversation has expanded beyond LGBTQ community centers and World AIDS Day commemorations. Talk of active HIV prevention now appears in America’s living rooms. It’s a huge, bold step. But it is just that—one step. Even though it’s starting to fade, the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS is still very real in every community. The newest stigma has shifted to battling the attitudes around those who take the appropriate steps to protect themselves. Truvada shaming is still a very prominent problem. I am not ashamed to say that in the period of my life leading up to me meeting my husband, I was

on Truvada. I read about it, learned about its side effects and approached my doctor about a prescription. He was surprised to learn that I knew almost as much about it as he did, and he gladly wrote my prescription. With the help of insurance, the daily pill

It seemed that rather than hearing a statement about my proactive actions of protecting myself, many saw an opportunity to joke about my perceived lack of moral character. I was jokingly called a “Truvada Whore” more than once and I heard the term

the exact scenario he was in, it didn’t have the impact that I had hoped. It is wonderful that we are finally having an open and honest conversation about PrEP with the entire population rather than just within our own community. The more people know

was virtually free and I was on it for more than a year. I am not a fan of taking medicine, whether it’s cough syrup or a strong prescription to battle the flu. This was the first time I had ever asked a doctor for a specific prescription. It wasn’t something I broadcast, but the few times it did come up in conversation I was surprised by the responses of some friends and acquaintances.

directed at many others who had also decided to protect themselves. The most surprising reaction came from a friend who was HIV-positive. He talked about the difficulties of taking daily medication and couldn’t understand why I would want to take a daily pill when I didn’t have a specific medical reason to do so. When I told him that the reason for my prescription was to avoid

about protecting themselves the better. If our goal is to decrease HIV infections or to eradicate it all together, a commercial like the one I watched is one of the best weapons available.

HIV prevention medication is finally a part of the mainstream conversation … We’ve come a long way.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

viewpoint

Dr. steve yacovelli

homo e r eC tus:

the evOlutiOn Of us Dog and sponge-on-a-stick teach inclusive language

FEW yEARS AGO, I WAS

sitting in a meeting at a client’s site in Atlanta. It was a big meeting, and people were there from all levels of the business, including a senior executive who was the highest-ranking member at the meeting (and the person who literally signed my check).

As the meeting was just about to start and the voices were dying down, this senior executive (who— it should be noted—was male) could be heard saying, “… and she was the one driving. You know how bad women drive!” Cue the John Hughes, 80s movie scene where you hear the record scratch and there’s dead silence in the room; that was the feeling. Everyone stopped talking, clearly stunned by what they heard, and then … no one said anything. AWKWARD! That moment—when no one said anything after the commentary about women drivers—is what we call “silent collusion.” It’s the practice of neither supporting nor defending the rights of others to be fully included in the workplace. Silent collusion basically says that if those of us in the space where the un-inclusive comment is said or the exclusionary action is being done remain silent and don’t act, then we are tacitly endorsing the comment or behavior. At that moment all of us in the room were “silently colluding” with the exec’s sexist comment; we were

all supporting the idea that all women are crappy drivers by not refuting his asinine comment. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, opportunities like this present themselves all the time. Someone says something stereotypical or demeaning (maybe without realizing it) and we have one of two options: say nothing or say something. Saying nothing sends the message we agree; saying something can say we don’t. But how do you effectively speak up in those situations? One of the strategies I share in my workshops uses the help of a dog named Sam. Sam is what’s called a Hungarian Puli Mop, or Mop Dog. You’ve seen pups like Sam before: he seriously looks like—if I attached a stick on his back—I could scrub my floors with his puppybutt. (Google “mop dog.”) Sam can help us remember “The 6 Ways to Beat Silent Collusion.” By using his name and the slang name of his breed—mop [dog] + Sam = MOP+SAM (pronounced “mop sam”! … don’t pronounce the “+”) we can remember the six ways you can combat silent collusion. Yeah, it’s silly, but it helps people remember the six strategies, and it works. So, trust me—or actually, trust Sam. M—ME … The first “M” in MOP+SAM stands for “me.” Ask yourself, “is the un-inclusive statement something that impacts me personally?” If so, you can address the person from your own feelings and perspective; and your perception is your reality? Then you can then address the comment from the first person. O—OUT … The next strategy, according to our friend Sam, is “O” and stands for “out.” While the comment may not be about “me,” you can call OUT any “absolutes,” stereotypes or gross generalizations you may

hear someone say in order to beat silent collusion. P—POINT … The next strategy is “P,” which stands for “point.” After the statement is said, point to a specific example that refutes

M—MOVE … Our final strategy in MOP+SAM is the second “M,” which stands for “move.” As a last resort, if you cannot or don’t feel comfortable speaking up, then physically remove

the words and the phrases used around us. Word choice matters, and helping people see that the words they’ve used have impact can make our conversations—and the world—just a little bit more

the statement being said. S—SAY … “S” is the next strategy, which stands for “say.” When we say “say,” we mean saying a non-word that at least indicates you don’t agree with what’s being said. Sounds like “Woah!” “Damn!” “Whaaaat?” or “Huh?” are some you can try here. A—ASK … The next strategy is “A,” which stands for “ask.” This one is rather simple: ask the person exactly what they meant by their comment.

yourself from the situation/ conversation. The benefit is that your non-verbal movement will speak volumes that you don’t agree with what’s being said. The challenge is that—like our “SAY” strategy—it’s nothing more than acknowledging that you personally don’t agree with the statement being said; it doesn’t go far in addressing the statement. Using MOP+SAM isn’t being the HR Police or being overly-sensitive, it’s just a way for us to be mindful of

inclusive. And who better than a sponge-on-a-stick and a fuzzy dog to help us do just that. Woof.

Word choice matters, and helping people see that the words they’ve used have impact can make our conversations—and the world—just a little bit more inclusive.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

Dr. Steve Yacovelli is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, leadership and diversity consulting practice in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity. com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. He’s currently writing a book, “PRIDE Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King (or Queen) of their Jungle,” scheduled to “come out” later this spring.

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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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

70%

talking points I have traveled the world and I have met the most marginalized people you could meet. I’m lucky to have this time and this privilege to say this. This needs to fucking stop. —ACTRESS ELLEN PAGE, SPEAKING ABOUT THE ATTACK AGAINST ACTOR JUSSIE SMOLLETT AND THE LACK OF SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO LGBTq ISSUES FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ON “THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT”

AMERICANS OPPOSE

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TRANSGENDER MILITARY

BAN

BY POLITICAL

AFFILIATION:

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75% of independents and 40% of republiCans

SUPPORT

letting trans serviCemembers in the military —qUNNIPAC UNIVERSITy POLL

‘modern family’ announCes

its final season

“M

ODERN FAMILy” IS COMING TO AN END AFTER 11 SEASONS. ABC announced on Feb. 5 that its critically-acclaimed comedy series was renewed for the 11th season which will be the show’s last. When the show, co-created by Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, first premiered in 2009 it was praised for its portrayal of a wacky, blended family which featured a same-sex couple, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet). The show went on to win 22 Emmy awards including five for Outstanding Comedy Series from 2010-2014. It’s also received a Golden Globe for best television series, four Screen Actors Guild Awards for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series, a Peabody Award and a GLAAD Media Award. The final season will air from 2019-2020.

‘the l word’ revival is offiCially Coming to showtime

“T

HE L WORD” IS OFFICIALLy COMING BACK. Showtime confirmed the revival series has been green-lit for an eight-episode season during the Television Critics Association press tour. Marja-Lewis Ryan will serve as showrunner and executive producer alongside series creator Ilene Chaiken who will also executive produce. The original series’ stars Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey are also on board as executive producers. All three will make appearances as their original characters on the new series. “The L Word,” which had a six season run from 2004-2009 on Showtime, followed a group of lesbians in West Hollywood. The revival will follow a new group of women as they navigate life and love.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

new emoJis for 2019 inClude gender-neutral, interraCial Couples

HE COMPLETE LIST OF THE NEW 2019 EMOJIS WAS ANNOUNCED by Unicode Feb. 5 and includes four variants of gender, gender-neutral couples and multiple options for couples of different skin tones. The list has been in the works since early 2018 and is scheduled for release through the later months of 2019. The list ranges from representations of different disabilities to flamingos, sloths and waffles. The new update includes 59 completely new emojis, with a total of 230 variations when including the multiple gender and skin tone options. The new emojis won’t be iPhone exclusive, either. The emojis will be available on all Apple and Android products.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

billy eiChner to write, star in gay romantiC Comedy

ILLy EICHNER WILL BE WRITING AND STARRING IN A NEW ROMANTIC COMEDy set around a gay couple for a major Hollywood studio, the comedian announced on Twitter Feb. 5. The yet-to-be-named Universal film will be directed by Nicholas Stoller, best known for hit comedic films “Neighbors” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” Judd Apatow is set to produce. The film will “center around two men who have commitment problems and are attempting a relationship.” “Excited, terrified, completely in shock and PROUD as hell to announce this movie,” Eichner wrote on Twitter. “We’re making a big, new romantic comedy for Universal!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!” Universal has not set a release date for the film.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

SPLIT SESSION F

A.S. Reynolds

LORIDA’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONVENES

each March, a time where our legislators make or amend state law. With each session comes an opportunity for lawmakers to add LGBTQ employment and accommodation protections to the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992, which currently secures freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Since 2007, lawmakers have introduced legislation fighting for equality on these fronts but have met failure in the conservative Florida legislature. This year, Rep. Jennifer Webb (D-Gulfport), Sen. Darryl Rouson (DSt. Petersburg) and Sen. Joe Gruters (R- Sarasota) have introduced two differing LGBTQ equality bills

lAwMAkers, Activists divided On hOw tO Best legislAte equAlitY

ahead of the 2019 Florida legislative session, scheduled to begin March 5. The lawmakers believe passage in the Sunshine State is possible but have different ideas on how to achieve this goal. Rouson and Webb’s HB485/ SB430—the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA)—amends the

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 with workplace and public accommodation protections, making it illegal to terminate a person from their employment, force them to leave a business or evict them from their home simply for being LGBTQ. Lawmakers introduced

Continued on pg. 23 | uu |

www.NationsLandscaping.com 22

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

SEN. darryl rouson, D-St. Petersburg.

REP. JENNIFER WEBB, D-Gulfport.

Photo courtesy darryl rouson’s facebook page

Photo by dylan todd

| uu | Split Session from pg.21

this bill in late January without Republican sponsorship. Other lawmakers supporting SB430 through co-introduction include Sen. Lori Berman (D-Palm Beach), Sen. Annette Taddeo (D-Miami-Dade), Sen. Kevin J. Rader (D-Palm Beach), Sen. Linda Stewart (D-Orange), Sen. Gary M. Farmer (D-Broward) and Sen. Lauren Book (D-Broward). Webb and Rouson’s ambitious efforts enjoy full support from Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, ACLU Florida and the National Center for Transgender Equality among others. SB438, the Florida Inclusive Workforce Act (FIWA), was introduced one day after Webb and Rouson introduced the FCWA. It was introduced by the freshman Sen. Gruters, also the Florida Republican Party’s chairman, and focuses on workforce issues. It does not include public accommodation protections and is co-sponsored by Sen. Lori Berman (D-Palm Beach), Sen. Kevin J. Rader (D-Palm Beach) and Sen. Annette Taddeo (D-Miami-Dade). Both Webb and Rouson are encouraged that their bill will pass this year due to the large freshman class of lawmakers. They also look to a growing demand from corporations for LGBTQ inclusive employment protections, including from 11 fortune 500 companies, as well as Florida’s desire for a tech industry and perhaps a broad degree of bipartisan support. “Industries want inclusive spaces for their employees,” Webb says. “Businesses want

assurance that employees and their families are protected.” When asked why she is committed to comprehensive protections, she says “I want to champion this bill because I’m a product of this community and I’ve watched this bill fail for years since its first introduction. I’m grateful to prior legislators and in awe at how far we’ve come.” She adds that “when I talk to fellow lawmakers, the view is that it’s important to have a fully-inclusive, equitable Competitive Workforce Act.”

REP. JOE GRUTERS, R- Sarasota. Photo courtesy rep. joe

gruters’ facebook page

“Passing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act would send a message that Florida is open for business to all,” Rouson explains. “Passing nondiscrimination protections is vital for growing Florida’s economy and building our brand as a top state for business. Eighteen other states have already passed comprehensive nondiscrimination bills—it’s past time that Florida join those states. This bill will give LGBTQ Floridians the protections they deserve.” SAVE, a Miami-based LGBTQ nonprofit, the Palm Beach Human

Representatives,” it continues. “In 2015, there was one hearing in the Senate, which failed to pass.” “Thanks to the efforts of Senator Gruters, the LGBTQ community has a new champion in the Florida Senate,” says Tony Lima, executive director of SAVE. “Protecting our LGBTQ community from discrimination in Florida will take a bipartisan effort that SAVE believes is the winning pathway.” Gruters’ bill has the backing from SAVE and other southern Florida LGBTQ equality-driven nonprofits.

I want to champion this bill because I’m a product of this community and I’ve watched this bill fail for years since its first introduction … when I talk to fellow lawmakers, the view is that it’s important to have a fullyinclusive, equitable Competitive Workforce Act. —Rep. Jennifer Webb The lawmaker also believes that Florida’s newly-elected Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) won’t utilize his veto power. On his first day in office, the governor signed an executive order protecting state workers from discrimination based on religion, sex, color, age, race, national origin, marital status and disability that did not specifically include LGBTQ protections. Webb is confident that if the bill arrives on his desk DeSantis will “do the right thing.” Watermark reached out to DeSantis’ office for comment but as of press time has received no response.

Rights Council, TransLatina, the Conservatives on the Right Side of Equality and Gruters believe this legislation will continue a pattern of failure and will not make it out of the lower House chamber. “Legislation to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations was initially introduced in 2007 but failed to hit the Senate floor,” SAVE’s website reads. “The Florida Competitive Workforce Act followed in 2009 but unfortunately, in the past nine legislative sessions, the bill failed to be heard in the Florida House of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FIWA’s critics believe it reinforces the idea that transgender individuals are “bathroom predators,” unequal to their cisgender counterparts. The concerns are heightened during a time when the U.S. president is targeting transgender Americans with discriminatory policy demands and rhetoric. “From transgender students being harassed at school to efforts to eject transgender service members from the military, to the numerous murders of transgender women of color in Florida, the transgender community is bearing the brunt of the attacks on LGBTQ equality,”

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

Equality Florida Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan says. “By omitting specific rights and protections, the FIWA reinforces the bias and stigma that the transgender community faces every day. “The FIWA is incremental legislation, designed to ‘move the ball down the field.’ This segmented and partial approach to civil rights validates the false and hateful rhetoric designed to marginalize the transgender community,” she continues. “By omitting public accommodations, the FIWA is acquiescing on this issue and gas lighting the false anti-transgender bathroom rhetoric that has been dispelled time and again across the country.” According to Webb, “it sets up an underclass where LGBTQ people are seen as second class citizens not deserving of civil rights.” She says “equality isn’t for some, it’s for everyone,” adding that she’s “absolutely not willing to leave anyone out.” Rouson agrees. “The accommodations portion is essential because it protects those most vulnerable in the LGBTQ community—the transgender community. The Florida Civil Rights Act should be amended to protect all individuals in our community—no person should be denied access to public spaces simply because of who they are.” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders disagrees with the notion of passing legislation without accommodation protections. “Just as the levees holding back progress begin to buckle, and when

Continued on pg. 25 | uu |

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| uu | Split Session from pg.23

the pressure has been the greatest it’s ever been, they’ve argued for a ‘pragmatic’ and piecemeal approach that would leave behind protections in public accommodations and housing. “Let us be clear, those of us who oppose an employment-only strategy don’t believe that those calling for the Florida ‘Inclusion’ Workforce Act are transphobic,” he continues, “but we do believe that this strategy is a capitulation to anti-trans attacks and outrageous lies that equate our community’s most vulnerable with predators and pedophiles. At a time when Florida had the most murders of transgender people of any state, when the top target of our opposition is trans students using the proper bathrooms at school and efforts intensify to force trans service members out of the military, we should not acquiesce to these ugly lies about who transgender people are or give them power.” “Do you want to pass a bill? Or do you want to make a point?” Gruters asked rhetorically in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times Jan. 23. “I want to pass bills.” Watermark reached out to Gruters for additional comment but received no response. According to public record, he and his proponents believe passage of the FIWA is a first step in championing LGBTQ protection measures in a deeply conservative legislature. Breaking the legislation down into incremental bits may not be good enough for the over 450 businesses calling for anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws in Florida. “Without statewide LGBTQ protections, business leaders have testified that they struggle to compete for top talent,” Duncan says. “With laws in place ensuring the rights of LGBTQ people,” Webb adds, “our region could attract top industries—making Tampa Bay the next San Francisco.” With only 21 out of 50 states codifying equality laws in 2019, states providing employment and accommodation protections are in the minority. However, Florida is the third largest state in the country and cities such as Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami all rank in the top 25 most LGBTQ dense metro areas in the U.S. Florida companies calling for these policy measures include The Walt Disney Company, Darden Restaurants, Tech Data Corporation, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and others

equality focused: Equality Florida Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan speaks during the “Rally to End Hate” in 2016. Photo courtesy equality florida

major corporations—all of which support the FCWA. Florida’s lack of statewide hiring protections leaves cities and counties charged with defending LGBTQ citizens from discrimination. According to The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, 10 counties and 14 cities from Key West to Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Pinellas County, Tampa and

having a diverse talent pool helps their community thrive. Having these protections is quickly becoming the standard for cities and counties across Florida.” “Currently, comprehensive local nondiscrimination protections that include gender identity and sexual orientation cover 60 percent of our state’s population, proving that there is a clear mandate for passing

believe lies about the transgender community comfortable,” Saunders adds. “Politically this comes in a moment when the chorus to create comprehensive protections has never been louder.” Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Miami Beach and Wilton Manors all scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Index in 2018. Tourist destinations such

By omitting specific rights and protections, the [Florida Inclusive Workforce Act] reinforces the bias and stigma that the transgender community faces every day … This segmented and partial approach to civil rights validates the false and hateful rhetoric designed to marginalize the transgender community. —Equality Florida Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan more provide ordinances protecting LGBTQ residents. Additionally, Florida has more local nondiscrimination laws than any other state and each one includes gender identity and sexual orientation protections—covering 60 percent of LGBTQ residents. In a statement from Equality Florida, the organization advises that “communities enact these protections because they know

comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation,” Duncan says. “The LGBTQ community has achieved this by refusing to accept scare tactics and instead, addressing fears and misinformation directly. We need to do the same at the state level.” “This new bill goes into the Florida Civil Rights Act and literally fences us away from both housing and public accommodations—a move made solely to make those who

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as these cities are putting their foot down on discrimination through efficient ordinances. The City of St. Petersburg’s Human Rights Ordinance was expanded in 2013 to include protections for gender identity and expression in employment, housing, and public accommodations. “No one booking a hotel or making a restaurant reservation in Florida should have to wonder if they are

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

welcome there, or worry about being asked to leave because of who they are,” says Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg City Councilmember. “This is true for our residents and for the growing number of LGBTQ visitors who spend millions of dollars in our state every year.” Orlando is going as far as installing “multi-stall gender neutral bathrooms in City Hall,” says Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando). “Consensus building while not compromising on the issues is how places like Orlando, with the help of Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, elevate equality-driven policy.” If 60 percent of Florida is covered by anti-discrimination laws, why hasn’t legislation passed at the state level—especially with significant support from major corporations? “The support in Tallahassee for statewide nondiscrimination protections has been strong and bipartisan for years,” says Nadine Smith, co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida. “The problem really has boiled down to leadership’s unwillingness to let the bill move.” Over the years, popularity for the FCWA increased, making it the third most co-sponsored bill in 2018. “We have the votes in the house and senate,” but “a handful of leaders including the senate president, speaker of the house and others refuse to schedule a vote,” says Smith. However, the “competing watered-down legislation of the FIWA is a result of successful pressure from pro-LGBTQ rights leaders in charge,” he continues. “At some point, they will have to hear the bill … the reality is that hate crimes are on the rise, especially those targeting transgender women of color. Right wing fear-mongering produced the FIWA, which capitulates against the notion transgender people are bathroom predators.” Smith believes the best way to confront the “outright lie” of transgender stereotypes is “head-on, by not cutting public accommodations” from a protections bill. The Orlando representative opposes the FIWA, advising it only updates the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 “with one-third of protections for LGBTQ Floridians.” “I know I am not one-third of a person,” Smith asserts, “and neither is anyone else identifying as LGBTQ. This bill only protects employment rights, leaving out housing and public accommodation protections.” LGBTQ employment, housing and accommodation protection

Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

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| uu | Split Session from pg.25

legislation first debuted in 2007 which failed to make the Senate floor. In 2009 the official FCWA was introduced, meeting an early demise in the lower chamber as well. Finally, in 2016 FCWA garnered strong, bipartisan support from Republicans like Jack Latvala, Travis Hutson and Sally Raschein. The following year the FCWA was one of the most popular bills in legislative session, again. Even Gruters supported the bill in 2018 which was introduced by Rouson, along with 16 co-introducers, including one Republican. Yet, passage was still unattainable. “For the past decade, passing protections for the LGBTQ community have not been a legislative priority,” says former Rep. David Richardson (D-Miami Beach), Florida’s first openly gay lawmaker. Still, proponents of FCWA are cautiously optimistic. “Educating members of the legislature, helping them understand the reasons why the FCWA is so important for all Floridians is critical to passing this legislation,” says Rouson. He also sees it as a potentially major hurdle to SB430’s success. “FCWA will continue to have an enormous positive impact through discussions and debates,” Webb says. With the help of “equality lawyers who intimately understand how to introduce bills, we’ve carefully crafted this legislation … inclusive bills hold promise-of-future for what our community can do. Political discussion is an opportunity to educate leaders on inclusive spaces.” However, Florida is a state that fought same-sex marriage until the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it, debated a transgender bathroom bill and refused public monument funding for victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre. Critics of the bills argue that passage of any bill would be antithetical to Florida’s history concerning who deserves protected rights codified into the state’s Civil Rights Act. Will sparing the bill of accommodation protections make LGBTQ protections passable in 2019? SAVE believes Gruters’ approach is the correct path and is now lobbying in favor of FIWA after exhausting its push for public accommodation protections and asking Gruters to sponsor the bill. Its executive director insists the FCWA will not pass in the lower chamber, and Lima advises that he is confident Gruters’ bill will be a success due

equality legislator: Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (L) and fiancee Jerick Mediavilla celebrate equality at Come Out

With Pride 2018.

Photo by jeremy williams

to its lack of partisanship and the senator’s status in the Florida Republican Party. He hopes the FIWA will send a clear message for other conservatives to fall in line. Retired Judge Reed Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach Human Rights Council, says “Senator Gruters’ bill is sharply focused on key economic discrimination faced by LGBTQ Floridians—discrimination in the

development consulting agency, conducted a study revealing how the state’s lack of protections impact the economy. Participants of the study included Florida Blue, IBM Corporation, Miami Heat, Regions Bank, Marriott, Tampa Bay Rays, the University of North Florida, and more. “Florida employers are losing more than $362 million annually in productivity and turnover costs alone,” it

state) these employers call home,” the study advises. “Research demonstrates that the link from employee engagement to profits and competitiveness is direct,” it also notes. Several study participants reported expansion or relocation decisions are based favorably on locations promoting diversity and non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community through public policy.

I know I am not one-third of a person, and neither is anyone else identifying as LGBTQ. [The Florida Inclusive Workforce Act] only protects employment rights, leaving out housing and public accommodation protections. —Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith workplace.” He adds that “achieving this first step will open the door, enabling us to move forward with protecting our community in every part of Florida and in all areas of our lives.” Richardson adds that “continuing to rely on a failed strategy and a bill that has floundered no longer makes sense.” He says that “policy change is often incremental. I applaud Senator Gruters for his fresh approach which is fully inclusive of the LGBT community.” Equality Florida’s Equality Means Business and ThinkSpot Inc., a Florida-based research and policy

revealed. “Business executives who participated in the research agree that the impact LGBT discrimination has on the workplace is substantial.” Thinkspot Inc. concluded Florida’s lack of LGBTQ rights diminishes the state’s global competitiveness, creates talent loss (especially among Millennials), erodes customer loyalty and creates corporate reputation damage. “The cost of LGBT discrimination is not isolated to the individual. Discrimination in the workplace negatively impacts the host company, its customers, its industry, (e.g. chain supply) and the geopolitical areas (i.e. city, county,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Take Amazon for instance, a billion dollar mega corporation endorsing marriage equality, supporting lawsuits fighting transgender discrimination, providing benefits covering transgender services and facilitating an active diversity and inclusion network for LGBTQ employees called GLAmazon. The company isn’t playing around when it comes to providing a culture of respect and dignity for their LGBTQ workers. In a statement on company diversity, Amazon advises “we believe that diversity and inclusion are good for our business,

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but our commitment is based on something more fundamental than that. It’s simply right. Amazon has always been, and always will be, committed to tolerance and diversity.” When CEO Jeff Bezos recently named his final contenders for their (now scrapped) second headquarters, Miami was on the list. Although Bezos didn’t specifically name state codified LGBTQ rights in Amazon’s request for a proposal, it did advise that locations must provide “a compatible cultural and community environment,” including “presence and support of a diverse population.” Miami, with its robust LGBTQ community, nightlife, and as North America’s gateway to Latin America, fits the bill—but what about neighboring cities and suburbs? For instance an LGBTQ family who prefers rural life to Miami’s grind? They might not enjoy the same protections as their fellow colleagues in a state like Florida, where equality comes in a patchwork and this fact directly impacts a diversity driven CEO’s decision-making. Other states providing LGBTQ citizens with comprehensive protection laws include California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington state and the District of Columbia. Most, if not all of these states codified LGBTQ equality laws in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. Protections began with marriage equality and then progressed into workplace and public accommodation laws. It’s for that reason that LGBTQ activists believe Florida has a lot of catching up to do in order to be a viable competitor that attracts top companies and talent, and also to retain the vast diversity of LGBTQ people who currently reside here. As the debate continues, one thing is certain. By July 2019, lawmakers and activists will know if Florida is joining these other states in providing employment, housing and accommodation laws with Sen. Rouson and Rep. Webb’s FCWA, if we will incrementally begin our civil rights journey by providing employment protections with Sen. Gruters’ FIWA, or if legislation securing LGBTQ equality will even move forward at all.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

arts and entertainment

PhoTo by dyLan Todd

DRAWN TO

Imagination

THE

MFA HIGHLIGHTS TIFFANY & CO. DESIGNER JEAN SCHLUMBERGER’S MASTERWORKS, RELATIONSHIPS IN COMPANION EXHIBITS

“S

Ryan Williams-Jent

OME WOMEN WANT TO LOOK

expensive,” French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger said in 1956. “I would prefer to have them look precious.”

His clients did both. The former Tiffany & Co. vice president, who had his own design salon at the luxury retailer’s New York headquarters, was innovative and elegant. His whimsical and exotic pieces adorned the necks, wrists and lapels of 1960s and 70s style icons like Jacqueline Kennedy,

Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon— many of whom he and his life partner Lucien Bouchage grew to know personally. It’s Schlumberger’s relationship with Mellon, horticulturalist and designer of the White House Rose Garden, which inspired “Jewels of

the Imagination.” The exhibition, currently making its only U.S. appearance outside of Virginia at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) St. Petersburg, highlights the epitome of mid-century elegance in Mellon’s personal collection of his work. To complement the exhibit, curators at the MFA created “Drawn to Beauty,” a second exhibition exploring the art and atelier of Schlumberger. It features photography, jewelry and more from the Tiffany & Co. archives and private collections, while also glimpsing into the

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designer’s discreet relationship with Bouchage. Watermark spoke with Dr. Stanton Thomas, “Drawn to Beauty” curator and the MFA’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, about the importance and elegance of Schlumberger’s work, on view now through March 31. WATERMARK: why was

“Jewels of the imagination” suCh a perfeCt fit for the mfa?

stanton: A lot of times people think that fine arts are painting and sculpture, period. I love the fact that this reaches beyond that

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and engages jewelry and design as fine arts, which they absolutely are. I think there’s something incredibly personal and intimate about a show dedicated to jewelry. These are spectacular things, beautifully designed examples of really precious stones and precious metals just gloriously put together. It has that wow factor. who was sChlumberger?

He came from a very prosperous background. His parents were textile manufacturers and they wanted their son to take over the

Continued on pg. 31 | uu |

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Bouchage took in exotic places, so we know they traveled together. We know they owned a home together, but one of the frustrations is you very rarely see the two of them together in photographs. That’s partially because Luc Bouchage was behind the camera, and also because it was that time period. People were very discreet about relationships which were considered controversial.

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business or go into banking, and he was not really interested in either of those things. He fled the life they had wanted for him and went to Paris in the 1930s, which of course is where everybody wanted to be; it was the cultural center of the world. He set up shop briefly in New York in the 40s … in 1956, he signs on with Tiffany & Co. and that’s the beginning of his major career.

It was also before the selfie.

The exhibit focuses heavily on his relationship with “Bunny” Mellon.

They were very dear friends and clearly loved one another. They had a very rich, wonderful friendship. When she passed away, she gave her entire collection of Schlumberger’s work to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and that’s the basis of that exhibition. They are works that she either purchased or commissioned from him; some were things you could buy, they were stock items at Tiffany, but most of the objects are things which were commissioned. It’s a great happenstance which happens rarely in history where you have a really visionary artist, someone of great and very bold imagination, who happens to come into contact with a kindred spirit who has almost unlimited funds. Socialites adored Schlumberger’s work. Why is that?

He was famous among his colleagues for spending time with his clientele. He really wanted to know what their interests were, he wanted to know what their likes and dislikes were. He really became friends with many of them and they were friendships that endured for decades. In addition, he was cutting edge; he was the one who had designs which were strange, wonderful and very powerful. He had this very bold imagination that caused people to want to wear his objects. But I think it was his personality—he just charmed people, women in particular. That’s highlighted in “Drawn to Beauty.”

The exhibition that I came up with is really arranged around the idea of his early years in Paris and his exploration of surrealism. It evolves with his artistic process and time with Tiffany & Co. and the last section is about the social butterflies and the jet-setting of the 1960s and 70s, which is where the really iconic pieces are.

Schlumberger’s “Sea Star,” 1960. Collection of Mrs. Mellon, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photo by travis fullerton

Schlumberger’s “Jellyfish,” 1967. Collection of Mrs. Mellon, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photo by travis fullerton

A long, long time. [Laughs]. They also had careers that were intertwined. Schlumberger was the star and he was the more prominent socially and creatively of the couple, but there are Tiffany advertisements where Bouchage is the male backdrop to the woman showing off jewelry. You have to imagine this was a very close-knit world. “Drawn to Beauty” includes Schlumberger’s drafting table, which was gifted to Bouchage’s nephew, St. PETE architect Yann Weymouth, designer of the MFA.

Schlumberger’s “Flower Pot,” 1960. Collection of Mrs. Mellon, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Schlumberger’s “Dot Losange Bangles,” 1960. Collection of Mrs. Mellon, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photo by travis fullerton

Photo by katherine wetzel

Why was it important to curate the exhibit?

It serves as a great prelude to “Jewels of the Imagination,”giving you a nice introduction into his stylistic development and what his influences were. It also brings in a lot of early work; we have a lot of the pieces he did in the 30s that are done with very inexpensive materials. It was fascinating to see how those things are just as visionary, just as strange and wonderful, as the things he was doing with Tiffany years later. It’s great continuity but also gives you a glimpse into how strong his creative vision was, even as a young adult. It also highlights his relationship with Luc Bouchage.

It allows us to tell a little bit of the story about Luc Bouchage, about which we know almost nothing. They were very discreet, as a gay couple would have been during that time period. Their relationship was understood and certainly accepted

He’s a very good friend of the museum. It’s very rare to have objects like that which are so personal and so important. It really brings that portion of the exhibit to life, to actually have that surface on which he worked. He was very meticulous about how he worked and how he approached his subject matter. It really enriches and reinforces that part of the exhibition. I think giving it to Luc’s nephew also reinforces this idea that it was a familial relationship; for the time it was as open as could be, but of course that was a different era. Why are these exhibits a must see?

beautiful beginning: The “Drawn to Beauty” exhibit presents Schlumberger’s early work and personal life ahead of “Jewels of the Imagination” at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg. Photo by dylan todd by all of their friends; they lived together and anybody who knew them knew they were a couple—but again, they were very discreet about it. I think that’s pretty typical for that time period.

Why was it important to include their relationship?

I’m a historian first and foremost, so the truth is the truth. It’s so important to be truthful to what the facts are and those are the facts. If

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we were doing a heterosexual artist whose partner had an influence or even no influence on their career, absolutely we would include them. I think it’s an absolutely essential part of telling anyone’s life story. My only regret is we couldn’t tell more—and it’s not that we wouldn’t tell more, we just didn’t know very much. What we have we’ve kind of gleaned together because we see photographs that we know Luc

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

This is a very rare opportunity, not just to see the works of the VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts, but to see all of the objects which are included in “Drawn to Beauty.” They are actually much rarer than those in “Jewels of the Imagination,” which will go back to Virginia. They just don’t travel and are very rarely exposed to the light of day. We tried to very carefully calculate and balance the exhibits against one other. These are stellar exhibitions and a fantastically rare chance to see these objects. “Jewels of the Imagination” and “Drawn to Beauty” are on view now through March 31, the latter of which will be consolidated March 10. For more information about the museum, exhibits, related public programming or to purchase tickets, call 727-896-2667 or visit MFAStPete.org.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

Internet

Teen Queen

Social media sensation Clawdeena lives her best life in DeLand

(above)

FAN SERVICE:

Clawdeena is able to speak directly to her fans through her successful YouTube and Instagram platforms. Photos courtesy Rainbow Circus

Amanda Espinosa

lawdeena is the name of a

Monster High doll, but to the 19-year-old YouTube sensation who shares that name, it’s more. It’s the name that allows her to confidently express her true self in her day-to-day life. Clawdeena created her feminine alter-ego after finding a love for recreating her doll’s looks and a passion for entertaining others. At first, being a 14-year-old with a love for makeup who had a father as a pastor and mother as an ordained minister was a tough situation. “When I first came out, it was very anxiety inducing,” Clawdeena says. “I came out to my sister first and she was

very understanding and helped me come out to my parents. When I came out I was really shocked because they had no issue. I was more worried about my dad having an issue and he was the one who was like ‘you know I’ll love you no matter what, I don’t care.’” After coming out to a very accepting family, Clawdeena expanded her love for makeup with a YouTube channel.

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“Clawdeena9,” her YouTube channel with more than 450,000 subscribers, is a platform for her to express her true self and share her love for makeup. It’s also a place she can advocate for others in the LGBTQ community who want to come out but might need guidance doing so. “In terms of advice for viewers, or anybody who may be struggling to come out, it’s ultimately about self-love and self-acceptance and you only live one life,” Clawdeena says. “That’s how I always viewed myself. I live my life for myself.” Clawdeena enjoys the makeup, pink hair and dressing up, but many confuse this for her identifying as a drag queen. After years of figuring herself out and how she self-identifies, Clawdeena says she’s still exploring this. “As I figured myself out, I no longer self-identified as a drag queen,” Clawdeena says. “For me, I feel misidentified. I absolutely love drag culture. I have so much respect for drag culture, and I think that it’s definitely influenced me to be who I am today and I will always involve myself and advocate for drag, but it’s almost comparing Pepsi to Coke. They’re both so similar, but they’re not exactly the same. You don’t go to a store and buy Pepsi and say you just bought Coke. With that, I am very close-knit to drag, but I still don’t identify as even a ‘look queen,’” a drag queen who doesn’t perform or go on stage. Many YouTubers, such as James Charles and Jeffree Star, offer similar “drag” content, going out in public with a full face of makeup while dressed head-to-toe in feminine clothing. Clawdeena says she can relate to both of them. She also says being raised in a town like DeLand has helped her with this transition. “I think growing up in such an art district of Florida helped me flourish,” Clawdeena says. “Of course you’ll go out and get occasional stares, but overall it’s been a positive experience. “ While she’s figuring herself out, she has attended events like RuPaul’s DragCon and even has appeared on a new Snapchat series entitled “Growing Up is a Drag.” Clawdeena says the series was in the works for several years prior to the release date, when producers first

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

reached out to her and another queen on the show. The show follows three queens, including Clawdeena, and what they’re doing as every day teenagers who like to dress in drag. “I love entertaining, and I love sharing my story and inspiring people,” Clawdeena says. “I knew the team behind ‘Growing Up is a Drag’ was so passionate about our stories that I knew it was going to inspire youth and that’s the main reason I wanted to do this: to showcase to other younger people that you could just go out and be yourself.” Aside from DragCon and the show, Clawdeena wants to expand her channel, as well as her overall brand. Something she is working on is advocating for Klippel-Trenaunay (KT) syndrome, something her mother lives with. Her father also lives with dementia, so working on charity-based videos and bringing attention to both of those causes is something Clawdeena wants to focus on. “My goals for my channel are to expand my content from just makeup tutorials to doing more vlog-style and challenge videos outside of makeup,” Clawdeena says. “Also bringing some more charity to my channel, because that’s also something I’m expanding with my brand.” Clawdeena gets involved when it comes to her fans by answering comments and live streaming on her Instagram, which has over 300,000 followers. She says Instagram allows her to get more involved with fans, as opposed to YouTube, and has a wider reach when it comes to international fans. “A lot of kids don’t have a voice, so I want to be a platform where they can have a voice, feel comfortable and feel like they’re heard and understood. A big part of why I didn’t come out sooner was because there wasn’t a big platform prior to turning 14, when ‘Drag Race’ became a thing, and with that it became very open,” Clawdeena says. “So I hope that I’m offering that to other kids that might watch me and feel ‘if he can do it and I relate to him so much, that I can do it too.’” Clawdeena says she plans to stay in DeLand for a while, but she also does see herself eventually moving out to somewhere like California to expand her brand, and also collaborate with other makeup companies and LGBTQ organizations. Visit YouTube.com/Clawdeena9 or Clawdeena9Official on Instagram to check out Clawdeena’s original content.

Join the Premier Chamber in the Bay Area where our diverse membership puts the Diversity in Tampa Bay.

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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straight Men real Makeup: Drag yourself Out to help OnePulse

Project Red: wigs in space, Feb. 22, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; MiracleOfLoveInc.org/ ProjectRed

SATURDAy, FEB. 22, 4-7 P.M. STONEWALL BAR, ORLANDO

bare beef’s men and margaritas, Feb. 22, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com GAGA BALL 3, Feb. 23, Southern Nights Orlando, Orlando. 407412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Corsets & Cuties, a burlesque Cabaret, Feb. 24, Theater West End, Sanford. 407-548-6285; TheaterWestEnd.com “hamlet,” Feb. 27 - March 24, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700, OrlandoShakes.org. Central florida fair, Feb. 28 - March 17, Central Florida Fair, Orlando. 407-295-3247; CentralFloridaFair.com sarah mclachlan, March 1, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org “swan Lake,” March 1, Daytona Beach Symphony Society, Daytona. 386-253-2901; DBSS.org south beach Palace invasion, March 2, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com hamlin balloon festival, March 2, Hamlin, Winter Garden. 407-352-5858; HamlinFL.com Leigh shannon’s illusions in Revue, March 3, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando Julia michaels, March 4, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando stayin alive: one night of The bee gees, March 6, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Join Makeup and Creative Arts (MCA) for their third installment of Straight Men - Real Makeup, a fish-outof-water night of entertainment, comedy and drag. All proceeds raised will go to the onePULSE Foundation. For more information, visit MCA’s Facebook page.

sCratChing the surfaCe sarah mclachlan brings her tour to the Van Wezel in Sarasota Feb. 26, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Feb. 27 and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando March 1. PhoTo CouRTesy saRahmCLaChLan.Com

bohemian rhapsody The Footlight Queens salute Queen! SATURDAy, FEB. 23, 8 P.M.-3 A.M. PARLIAMENT HOUSE, ORLANDO Join the Footlight Queens as they pay tribute to the legendary rock band, Queen. Watch as Darcel Stevens, Jazell Barbie Royale, Armani, Cara Cavalli and Tio Ivy perform to some of Queen’s biggest hits. Shows are at 10 p.m. and midnight. Visit ParliamentHouse.com for more information.

tampa bay “The beach boys,” March 7, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com

Mr. & Miss Tampa Pride 2019, Feb. 24, Hamburger Mary’s, Brandon. 813-643-2110; HamburgerMarys.com/Brandon

Mr. & Miss Flamingo 2019, March 3, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000, FlamingoFla.com

watermark’s wave award Celebration - Central florida, March 7, Ember, Orlando. 407-481-2243; Facebook.com/WatermarkFL

sarah mclauchlan, Feb. 27, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

watermark’s wave award Celebration - Tampa Bay, March 8, Metro Inclusive Health, St. Petersburg. 813-655-9890; Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL

tampa bay “hamilton,” Feb. 12-March 10, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org WineFest 2019: Vino Royale, Feb. 22, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8286; TampaTheatre.org “Cinderella,” Feb. 22, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com AERIAL - Views of St. Pete, Feb. 23, Dylan Todd Photography, Pinellas Park. 727-310-1212; DylanToddPhotography.com

mardi gras Celebration, March 1, Tarpon Arts, Tarpon Springs. 727-942-5605; TarponArts.org/event neibeaRhood Takeover’s march madness sports gear Party, March 1, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facbook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa Tampa Pride music & arts festival, March 3, HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building, Tampa. 813-253-7000; Hccfl.edu P!nk, March 3, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-2500; AmalieArena.com

sarasota drag queen bingo bonanza, Feb. 24, McCurdys Comedy Theatre, Sarasota. 941-925-3869; MccurdysComedy.com. sarah mcLachlan, Feb. 26, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org G2H2 March Social, March 7, The Sarasota Modem, Sarasota. 941-906-1290; G2H2Sarasota.com

2019 equality Florida Tampa Gala SATURDAy, FEB. 23, 7:30-11:00 P.M. TPEPIN’S HOSPITALITy CENTRE, TAMPA Equality Florida invites you to attend its annual Tampa Gala at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. The evening will feature live entertainment by Mr. Lounge, open bars, hors d’oeuvres by Puff ‘n Stuff, a silent and live auction and a message from Equality Florida’s CEO Nadine Smith. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at EQFL.org/TampaGala.

breakfast n’ Learn - LGbT business enterprise Certification TUESDAy, FEB. 26, 7:30-9 A.M. BILMAR BEACH RESORT, TREASURE ISLAND The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber invites you to its inaugural Breakfast n’ Learn to find out how your business can become LGBT Business Entertprise (LGBTBE) certified. Join NGLCC representatives who will take you through the certification process. Tickets are $15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members. Breakfast is included. Tickets and more information are available at DiversityTampaBay.org.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

overheard

marshal madness

T PETE PRIDE IS NOW ACCEPTING GRAND MARSHAL NOMINATIONS for the organization’s 17th annual celebration, currently scheduled for June 21-23. “In 2014 we introduced Community Grand Marshals, allowing the community to vote on who they felt should be the St Pete Pride Grand Marshals,” the organization’s website reads. “St Pete Pride is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Community Grand Marshals … tell us your story about your local hero, activist or hidden gem. Let us know who we should recognize with the honor of St Pete Pride Grand Marshal.” Individuals, organizations or businesses can be nominated using St Pete Pride’s nomination form. The organization requires users to complete six fields, including one limited to 750 characters which asks those nominating to “tell us a story that will pull on our heartstrings.” Those chosen will be highlighted across all of St Pete Pride’s events, including their kick-off party and St Pete Pride Parade. Nominations are currently live and can be made at StPetePride.com.

tampa bay out+about

diversity on display

HE TAMPA BAy PRIDE BAND WILL HOLD THEIR INAUGURAL PRIDE MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL March 3 from 5:00-9:00 p.m., a celebration combining the best in Tampa Bay’s visual and musical arts. “The Pride Music and Arts Festival serves as the kick-off to a month of Tampa Pride events,” the organization shared via social media. “It allows us as an arts community to stand together and celebrate diversity through music and art!” The festival will be held at the HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building and will highlight artwork from across Tampa Bay. From 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., artists will showcase what diversity means to them as attendees are treated to light appetizers and surprise performances. “Sea the Light,” a special art gallery showing of John David Hawver’s exhibit, will be featured. The Tampa Bay Symphonic Winds will subsequently present “Salon, Where the Couples Come to Dance,” works inspired by the “interrelation of dance and music.” The concert is described as an eclectic collection of dance music written by prominent composers. Selections will include “Danzon No. 2” by Arturo Marquez, “A Time to Dance” by Julie Giroux, “Waltz No. 2” by Dmitri Shostakovich, “Highlights from La La Land” arranged by Michael Brown and more. “We hope this program will symphonically transport you to the ballrooms and dance halls from around the world,” organizers shared. Tickets for the inaugural Tampa Pride Music and Arts Festival are currently available for $20 online or will be available for $25 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TampaBayPrideBand.com.

2 3

TSUNAMI TWO: Romone bowens (L) and Joe Rogale enjoy hibachi at Tsunami Japanese Steakhouse Feb. 16. PhoTo BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

TALE AS OLD AS TIME: sarah’s Belle (L) and eric’s Beast cosplay at G2H2 Sarasota’s Crush LGBTQ Valentine’s Party Feb. 7. PhoTo by Russ maRTin

SHANTE, yOU STAy: Veronica Vixen (L) and aaron bailey celebrate the queen’s Tampa Bay Drag Race season two wins at Flamingo Resort Feb. 15.

PhoTo CouRTesy aaRon baiLey

CARRIE ON: Jeff Lucas (L) and Conundrum share a new hope at Enigma Feb. 8. PhoTo

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

THE SHOW WHERE IT HAPPENS: (L-R) Justin Pawlowski, holly o’Connor, miguel fuller and abe gadikian prepare for “Hamilton” at the Straz Center Feb. 13. PhoTo BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

GRAND OL’ TIME: (L-R) Metro’s Priya Rajkumar, Lorraine Langlois, brian bailey, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick kriseman and LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon celebrate the grand opening of Metro Inclusive Health’s St. Pete campus Feb. 9. PhoTo by dyLan Todd

MOST ELIGIBLE: Cover models Te monet, Cole foust and daniel stevens (L-R) enjoy Watermark’s Swipe Right singles party at G St Pete Feb. 7. PhoTo by dyLan Todd

INTO THE WOODS: The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg’s Julie wilson (L) and Jorge vidal guide Watermark through “Jewels of the Imagination” Feb. 7.

PhoTo by dyLan Todd

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

- Pride Apparel - Novelties - Jewelry - Art Love Has No Gender 348 N Alexander Street, Downtown Mount Dora, FL Toll Free: (844) 441-LHNG (5464) www.LoveHasNoGender.net

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

overheard

Central florida out+about

piCture it: orlando, 2019

OME OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MOST TALENTED DRAG qUEENS are getting together over a few cheesecakes at Parliament House to bring you “The Golden Gals Live.” Ginger Minj, Divine Grace, Gidget Galore and MRMS Adrian will take the stage as Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia, respectively. Rounding out the cast will be Watermark WAVE winner Doug Ba’aser playing a lesbian. “This show is just campy fun! It is a chance for the audience, and the cast, to just get away from everything that’s going on in the world and laugh with old ‘friends,’” Ba’aser says. “The Golden Gals Live” pays tribute to two iconic episodes of the original hit TV show, “The Golden Girls.” At 25 years old, Adrian is the youngest cast member but plays the oldest character: 84-year-old Sophia. “Getting the chance to work with these hysterical and truly professional legends is definitely the most exciting part for me and the reason I said yes in the first place,” says Adrian. “Our show takes everything that made these beautiful women so lovable and hilarious and elevates it with the incredible talent of everyone involved.” “The Golden Gals Live” will be held at the world famous Parliament House in Orlando March 8, 9 and 11. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $35 for VIP. VIP includes seating in the first two rows, a signed poster and a cast meet and greet. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com or by going to “The Golden Gals Live” event page on Facebook.

and on opening night, we wear pink

HE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCED its upcoming FAIRWINDS Broadway series for the 2019-20 season in a press release on Valentine’s Day. Among the upcoming shows are the Orlando premieres of the hit musical comedy “Mean Girls” and the blockbuster family musical “Disney’s Aladdin.” “The 2019-2020 season builds on the excitement and success of last year, our biggest season yet,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger in the press release. “The opportunity to bring the best of Broadway to our community ... is a way to invite everyone to experience our vision of Arts For Every Life.” The 2019-20 season will have something for everyone from fan favorites like “Escape to Margaritaville: The Jimmy Buffet Musical,” “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “A Bronx Tale” to iconic musicals such as “Miss Saigon,” “My Fair Lady” and “Les Miserables.” Those interested in subscribing for the 2019-20 season may join Broadway in Orlando’s subscription notification list at OrlandoBroadway.com. In April, those on the notification list will be among the first to be alerted when subscription seats become available. “Les Miserables” is presented as a season option and subscribers will have first access. For more information on subscriptions and to see full synopsis for each of the upcoming shows, visit DrPhillipsCenter.org.

MOST ELIGIBLE: Cover models (L-R) gadiel vazquez, blue star and nate west pose with their issue at Watermark’s Swipe Right Party at stonewall Bar in Orlando Feb. 7. PhoTo by JeRemy wiLLiams

BEAUTIFUL BAR: “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” alum farrah moan (Center) takes a break from entertaining at Stonewall Bar in Orlando to get a photo with dom marciano (L) and andrea Leal Feb. 16. PhoTo CouRTesy

sTonewaLL oRLando

MOVIE MUSIC: (L-R) steve yacovelli, scott dunkle, Jeff walton and Richard egan take in Well-Strung’s “Night at the Movies” at The Mezz in Orlando Feb. 13. PhoTo by Jen kunsCh

FUNNy LADIES: Comedians michele balan (L) and Poppy Champlin headline The Queer Queens of Quomedy at Improv in Orlando Feb. 17. PhoTo CouRTesy

MEDIA MINGLES: (L-R) Rick Claggett, Jennifer marcial, shannon delaney and Jose diappa attend the 2019 InterPride POSE Regional Conference at the Holiday Inn Resort in Orlando Feb. 8. PhoTo by JeRemy wiLLiams

MAKING CONNECTIONS: Jeff Prystajko (L) and ben Laube network at the MBA Orlando Business Connect at World of Beer downtown Feb. 6.

PhoTo CouRTesy dana ng

‘ELLO DAWLIN’: fJ LeMin-Bryan (L) andrew LeMin-Bryan meet the incredible edna mode at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Feb. 10. PhoTo COURTESY ANDREW LEMIN-BRYAN

HEALTH MATTERS: (L-R) Tina brand, Joseph knoll and Tiss morrell at the grand opening of Spektrum’s Health Clinic in Orlando Feb. 13. PhoTo CouRTesy JosePh knoLL

PoPPy ChamPLin

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

announcements

wedding bells

stephen Hawk and Jonathan Soots from St. Petersburg, Florida

engAgeMent dAte:

May 5, 2017

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Jan. 12, 2019

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R. STEPHEN HAWK AND

Jonathan Soots first met in 2014 how many people tend to connect these days: online. The pair finally met in person in February 2015 at a house party.

“We first met at a mutual friend’s housewarming,” Soots says. “Our first real date was after our friend Eddie Sotomayor’s funeral.” The couple explained their mutual friend passed away during the Pulse tragedy in Orlando. Seeing each other again opened the door to them

spending more time together after they attended the funeral. Then they made things official in July 2016. Hawk is from Kansas City, Mo. and Soots is from Lenoir, N.C. The couple lives together in St. Petersburg with their dog, Dusty.

cOngrAtulAtiOns Watermark contributor Colton adkins and Caleb hernandez were engaged Feb. 3.

salty’s gulfport celebrated its sixth year Feb. 17. honey Pot celebrates its 12th anniversary March 2.

Soots recalls when he initially thought they were destined to marry. “We realized a couple months into our relationship in fall 2016 when we were apart for a couple weeks, one on a pre-planned vacation and the other staying home for work. Stephen was on a gay cruise in Europe and messaged me saying, ‘OMG, I miss you, will you marry me?’” Hawk surprised Jonathan when he popped the question at the International Mall in Tampa. “He took me to International Mall and said we were going to the Tesla store,” Soots says. “Then he took me next door for ring shopping. He said to me, ‘What rings do you like?’ And then said, ‘Marry me!’ I said yes, and we picked out our rings.” The two married at the beginning of 2019 in downtown St. Pete. Performers included soprano Ashley Thunder, baritone Luis Gonzalez, tenor Kevin Mitchell and cellist Betsy Goode Isaak from Disney. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” was performed by pianist Sean Bennett. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Hyatt Place with their families and friends. For Soots, the most memorable moment of the day came from the ceremony. “Kissing him in a 120-year-old cathedral where it once wasn’t always acceptable,” he says. “After coming out in 2010, I never thought I would love again. I worried about the rawness and emptiness of life, but he became my everything.” Hawk also says the most unforgettable moment of the day for him came during their ceremony. “Speaking from my heart at the reception. Giving vows in front of hundreds of important people in our lives.”

barCodes orlando celebrates 10 years on March 5.

lOcAl BirthdAYs

Orlando educator John albritton (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant bart nagy, Rollergirl Jessy “spikey” wayles, TIGLFF superstar Renee Cossette, St Pete Pride Treasurer stanley solomons, Orlando photographer/videographer savannah Powell, Graphi-ko Gallery owner wilmer e. vergara homez (Feb. 22); Orlando’s singing cowboy cub CiJay bailey, The Hammered Lamb owner Jason Lambert, Central Florida realtor david dorman, Sunrise Body Revival Chiropractic’s Dr. Travis france (Feb. 23); Metro City Realty owner Jon sheehan, St. Pete Free Clinic’s beth houghton (Feb. 24); Songbird megan monesmith, Geek Easy’s oral frier; Orlando graphic designer Lisa buck, Framing of Central Florida co-owner mike van der Leest, Tampa hairstylist Christopher nejman, Tampa Bay’s FabStayz and Outings & Adventures founder Robert geller, Tampa Bay transgender activist Janice Carney, Regions man bob sanders (Feb. 25); Come Out With Pride’s matthew Riha, Orlando City Soccer Club account executive Tiago mazzotti (Feb. 26);Tampa softballer Carlos Lopez, Sarasota Ballet marketing manager mike marraccini, A/V technician at The Social/Beacham Peter smith, Orlando aesthete extraordinaire Jim Cundiff, Tampa massage therapist eduardo Campos (Feb. 27); Orlando photographer J.d. Casto, Polk Pride’s scott guira, Disney Cruise Line’s david baldree (Feb. 28); Fields Motorcars Orlando’s Russ fowler, Orlando Gay Chorus’ Joel strack (Feb. 29); Drag beauty Chrysanthe mum, Orlando Gay Chorus founding member Joel strack (March 1); Former Joy MCC pastor Lisa heilig, Indigo Hotel’s Tim Calandrino, Orlando community activist heather Leibowitz, Tampa Bay bowler Carmen aguilar, Girls in Wonderland’s yesl Leon (March 2); Gay Days’ steve erics, Tampa photographer Todd montgomery (March 3); Tampa Bay singer and comedian Judy b. goode, Sarasota activist mark kidd, Club Orlando attendant arthur adams, Tampa mama Patty Cannon (Mar. 4); Carnival Cruise Line’s seth grunes, St. Pete socialite david hines, The Pub/Lakeland and Southern Comfort Campground owner vaughn howell (March 5); Orlando playwright, actor, and Watermark contributor michael wanzie, TIGLFF Director of Programming kJ mohr, Orlando realtor Rustin davis, Rollins College theater director Thomas ouellette, Tampa colorist Chas stickney, Les Vixens dancer allyna nikohl, Sarasota Modern agent hector esteban (March 6)

dO YOu hAve An AnnOunceMent?

—Aaron Drake

send it to editor@watermarkonline.com

it’s thAt eAsY!

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Feb rua ry 21 - M a rch 6 , 2019 // Issue 26 .0 4

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