Watermark Issue 26.22: The Long Road Back by Watermark Publishing Group

the long road back

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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We were told that we were broken. There was something wrong with us. They told us right off the bat that ‘God doesn’t make gays.’

departments 7 // Bureau Chief’s Desk 8 // Central Florida News 10 // Tampa Bay News 12 // State News 13 // Nation & World News 19 // Talking Points 33 // community calendar 35 // Tampa Bay Out + About 37 // Central Fl Out + About 38 // Tampa Bay Marketplace 40 // Orlando Marketplace 45 // Wedding Bells/ Announcements 46 // The Last Page

page

–Central Florida’s David Olson recalls his first session of conversion therapy

On the cover

page

The Long Road Back: Central Florida, Tampa Bay conversion therapy survivors share

their stories. Illustration by Heather Jay, @ArtistHMJ. Cover layout design by DiBenedetto/Wiedemann.

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The B-Side: Filmmaker

Jaymes Thompson checks into “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror.”

Watermark Issue 26.22 // October 31 - November 13, 2019

Legendary Gal

Mary’s v. Florida

Piano Pals

Last Page

page

page Hamburger Mary’s Tampa sues Florida Dept. of Health.

page

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

Central Florida Entertainer Carmella Marcella Garcia passes away.

Erica Roberts and Rebekah Piatt play piano at SAVOY Orlando.

Get to know Tampa Bay therapist and PFLAG St. Pete President Abbie Rolf.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

central florida

bureau chief’s

Jeremy Williams cfl bureau chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

’m always fascinated to hear

stories about how people different from me grew up. The traditions and rules, comparing notes to find ways their families did things verus how my family did things makes for an interesting discussion. Something that was never seen as odd to anyone in my family but was shocking to my friends, is that we had a TV in each of the bedrooms. I remember the wide-eyed look from friends when they saw my brother and I not only had a TV in our shared bedroom, but we also had cable. We were living the highlife. That TV rarely was turned off when we weren’t at school, something I remember both of my parents yelling about when no one was in the room—perfectly good electricity that they were going to have to pay for going to waste. As I entered my tween and teen years, I discovered NBC’s late night, dynamic duo of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” followed by

“Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” As I grew older my parents told stories of hearing me laugh hysterically at those shows. They knew I should be asleep but they couldn’t bring themselves to silence the laughter of their portly gay son. The laughter of variety comedy would drift me into sleep and I would awake—NBC still on the TV—with TODAY playing on the screen. I would start my day with aspirations to be a morning news anchor, which I intended to parlay into a gig on NBC’s late night line-up after I “paid my dues” at the network. In those days, it was the charming smile and trusted reporting of Matt Lauer that I would idolize. First watching him at the

news desk, then on the couch with Katie Couric after Bryant Gumbel left the show. Lauer was someone who seemed to know what being an honest newsman was all about. How wrong my childhood adulation would turn out to be. After more than 20 years as a part of NBC’s TODAY, Lauer was fired in 2017 after allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. Those allegations would go from “misconduct” to accusations of assault and rape. I learned many of the horrific details after reading Ronan Farrow’s new book “Catch and Kill,” which chronicles Farrow’s attempts to report on Harvey Weinstein’s own rape and sexual assault allegations, and how Farrow’s employer NBC tried to squash the story because of Lauer’s predatory past. It is a non-fiction book the reads like a John Grisham novel that should be read by everyone. “Catch and Kill” is shocking and disturbing, not only for the sexual crimes committed against dozens and dozens of women, but also the cover-up that ensued to protect those men who committed the crimes because of the money and power they commanded and the “stature” they held in their communities. By the end of the book, I was stunned by the amount of people who knew of the assaults and did nothing, said nothing for fear they would have to confront monsters in their own houses. Even as the book concludes, Farrow writes of how there are still more victims out there and still more monsters to catch. In these times when many monsters flaunt their crimes openly, it is important to remember to listen to victims, hear their stories and expose their predators. In this issue, we hear from victims of so-called conversion therapy. An abusive practice that causes more suffering and pain than it presumes to “cure.” Victims of

watermark staff Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative/Photographer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

abuse—whether physical, mental, sexual, emotional or spiritual — who come forward to share their stories do so still hurting and do so at the risk of no one believing them, or worse being blamed for the abuse. Their bravery should be recognized, their stories heard and their violators brought to justice. Farrow finishes his book by saying the courage of victims “can’t be stamped out and stories—the big ones, the true ones—can be caught but never killed.” I want to thank each person who shared their painful story with us and hopefully

I want to thank each person who shared their painful story with us and hopefully bringing light to these dark moments from your past will help those who still suffer alone.

bringing light to these dark moments from your past will help those who still suffer alone. Also in this issue, we take a look at Central Florida’s Two Spirit Health rebranding into 26 Health and we remember the legendary performer Carmella Marcella Garcia. In Tampa Bay news, Kurt King of Hamburger Mary’s Tampa files a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Health. In A&E, filmmaker Jaymes Thompson revisits “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror” and Erica Roberts and Rebekah Piatt turn SAVOY Orlando into a Friday night piano bar.

contributors Miguel Fuller is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! Page 15

maia Monet is a photographer at Southern Nights in Orlando and a singer with the band Mad Transit. Page 17

Tiffany Razzano

is an editor at Tampa Bay Newspapers. She is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. 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

photography Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift

distribution LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, Vanessa Maresca-Cruz 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.

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay

bureau chief’s

Ryan Williams-Jent TB bureau chief Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

’m nearly two years younger

than the educational organization D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and my early schooling reflects that. Preventative programming was all the rage in the early 90s.

D.A.R.E. was designed to provide students with the tools to resist drugs, alcohol and other high risk behaviors. It still exists today, albeit without the same fanfare, led by police officers in thousands of classrooms across the country. Among other things, it’s committed to helping students from kindergarten through grade 12 “resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.” It’s exactly what I swore to do as a graduate of D.A.R.E. Ohio’s efforts in the fifth grade. During the ceremony I proudly pledged that I would avoid drugs and alcohol until the end of my days. I didn’t. I wasn’t alone, however; decades of independent,

evidence-based research deemed the program ineffective and found that few D.A.R.E. grads honored similar pledges. It’s one of the reasons the organization broadened its objectives in the early 2000s. That’s not to say that the program was entirely ineffective; it was for me. I had no interest in alcohol until college, where I tried a 95% orange juice/5% vodka Screwdriver (or 10) just before turning 21. I also avoided cigarettes for two more years until I was 23, nicotine being my particular drug of choice. It was a habit I finally kicked just over 10 months ago at 34, an age at which I can still barely stomach OJ.

D.A.R.E. wasn’t the sole reason I avoided drugs and alcohol. My late father struggled with addiction his entire life, a fact which contributed to his early death a few years ago, and my mother and step-father have been in recovery for decades. My parents were never shy about what substance abuse can do to a person, to those that love them or to innocent bystanders—for which I’m grateful. Still, it didn’t stop me from having to take a sobriety test at the age of 26. As we often did, my friends and I had closed down Georgie’s Alibi, St. Pete’s former LGBTQ hotspot, after drinking far too much for far too long. I’d driven there from across town and then stubbornly drove home. I didn’t go straight there, however, since I fell asleep at a red light—one that I nearly rolled through. It’s a fact that’s as horrifying to reflect on as it is to read, and one that I’ll likely have to write a dissertation about once my mother finishes this column. Thankfully a police officer came to my aid, jolting me awake with the flash of his red and blue lights before I could hurt myself or anyone else. He called me a cab, towed my car and warned me not to do it again. I haven’t and I won’t, though I still drink. My husband and I just don’t drive afterwards, not even after one. It’s remarkably easy given the advent of ridesharing services; we still go out on the weekends, we just do it responsibly. In the last three months, we’ve spent around $200 on Lyft rides. By comparison, a first offense DUI can result in up to nine months in jail with $2,000 in fines—and that’s before lawyer fees and if you don’t kill yourself or someone else. It’s something that’s weighed heavily on me as of late. Too

watermark staff Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

many members of the LGBTQ community drink and drive, and too many of us remain silent about it. It’s never been excusable, but there’s no reason for it in a world of Lyft and Uber. I think it’s time that our community is more vocal about that fact and I’ve pledged to be. I D.A.R.E. you to do the same. We focus on another danger facing the LGBTQ community in this issue: conversion therapy, which purports to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. We talk to Tampa Bay and Central Florida survivors of the discredited practice as cities throughout Florida battle to ban it. Another battle is underway in

Too many members of the LGBTQ community drink and drive, and too many of us remain silent about it.

Tampa Bay news, as Hamburger Mary’s Tampa alleges that discrimination from the Dept. of Health in Hillsborough County led to its closure in a new lawsuit. We also head to the second annual Venice Pride and in Central Florida news, honor the late and legendary entertainer Carmella Marcella Garcia. In Arts and Entertainment, we check into “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror” with director Jaymes Thompson ahead of Tampa’s Spooky Empire. We also go singing at Savoy in Orlando. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

contributors Miguel Fuller is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! Page 15

maia Monet is a photographer at Southern Nights in Orlando and a singer with the band Mad Transit. Page 17

Tiffany Razzano

photography Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift

Orlando Office Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

central florida news

Two Spirit Health Services becomes 26 Health Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Two Spirit Health Services announced its new name, logo and branding during a reveal event at 1010 West in downtown Orlando Oct. 24. The nonprofit healthcare organization will now be known as 26 Health with the tagline “Care for every letter.” The new name is a reference to the 26 letters of the alphabet and a symbol to show that all letters within the LGBTQ+ community are welcome at the healthcare facility. “We must maintain the energy, the focus, the passion that Two Spirit Health Services has while still expanding the new brand … the new name must be memorable,” said Robert Baker-Hargrove, co-CEO and co-founder of 26 Health, about finding the new name. “You think of Two Spirit, the new name has that kind of energy, it’s unique and it’s different.” Baker-Hargrove spoke about the design of 26 Health’s logo, pointing out how they incorporated the infinity and equal signs. He also added that purple would be added to the teal and fuchsia of the original Two Spirit color scheme. For more information, visit 26Health.org.

Rainbow Democrats endorse Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | The Rainbow Democrats Caucus endorsed current Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for re-election in an announcement Oct. 17. “Since becoming mayor, Buddy Dyer has cultivated an inclusive environment in our city government that promotes diversity and inclusion by establishing local programs, ordinances and laws that benefit the LGBTQ+ community,” the endorsement letter begins. The Rainbow Democrats listed several of Dyer’s accomplishments in regards to his LGBTQ record; including establishing the city’s first-ever domestic partnership registry, supporting marriage equality, officiating many same-sex weddings at City Hall once it became legal in the state and helping to establish Orlando’s Safe Place Initiative. The letter also highlights Dyer’s work after the 2016 Pulse tragedy in helping to bring the city together and heal. “Orlando continues to be a world-class tourist destination for the world. Ensuring that our city is as diverse and inclusive as possible for our LGBTQ+ community & visitors has been Mayor Dyer’s focus. This has earned Orlando a 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index four years in a row,” the endorsement states. Dyer is running for his fifth full term in office. He is being challenged by District 6 City Commissioner Samuel Ings and Central Florida businesswoman and Navy veteran Aretha Simons. Orlando’s mayoral election is on Nov. 5.

In Remembrance: George Timothy Reed (L) and his drag persona Carmella Marcella Garcia. Photos courtesy Reed’s Facebook

Legendary Gal ‘Grand Ole Gal of the South’ Carmella Marcella Garcia passes away Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | George Timothy Reed, better known in the community as Carmella Marcella Garcia, passed away on Oct. 15 after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was 57. Reed was known in the drag community as the “Grand Ole Gal of the South,” or just Mella to friends. Reed started his career in Nashville in the mid 80’s performing at the Cabaret, Warehouse 28 and PLAY Dancebar. He worked in more than 30 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, according to OurCommunityRoots.com. The Kentucky-native won numerous titles and crowns including Miss Gay Orlando, Miss Gay Florida USofA, Miss Gay Florida America, Miss Gay USofA at Large and Miss Universe at Large, just to name a few. Reed was a regular performer throughout Central Florida for many years frequenting the stages at Parliament House, Southern Nights and Pulse. Perhaps Reed’s most endearing legacy in Central Florida was the creation of Orlando’s Easter fixture Babes in Bonnets more than

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

20 years ago. Thanks to Reed’s vision, Babes in Bonnets has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the LGBTQ youth of Central Florida since its beginnings. Many friends, family and fans took to Facebook to share stories and pay tribute to the legendary performer. “Not much to say except my journey was a little brighter because of George Timothy Reed. Thank you Gal for the laughter, the bright lights, and the parties, oh such wonderful memories! To God Be The Glory! REST IN PEACE Carmella Marcella Garcia,” wrote Parliament House’s Entertainment Director Darcel Stevens. Stevens also posted to Facebook asking everyone to share their favorite Carmella stories, writing “we all got one.” Dozens of photos, condolences and stories were shared from people all over the country. “To the Queen who taught me so much in one show! Never let your tips hit the floor, people work hard for their money... if they give you some of it, you show them respect. A true legend! RIP,” drag performer Tora Himan posted. The current Miss GayDayS Twila Holiday took to her social media,

writing “Today was your curtain call and you took your final bow. You had a great show with an outstanding performance. You touch the hearts of so many and inspired so many entertainers along the way. Thank You. Spread your wings and fly there’s a new stage that awaits you shine brighter than you ever have before! Rest In Peace.” Central Florida drag queen and owner of Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, Leigh Shannon recalled the last time she saw Mella sharing that “he seemed different.” Shannon shared a poem writing, in part, “You made me laugh til I hurt. You and I grew up kinda poor as dirt. You could do a Patsy Cline Wig for me that I love. But I know you will be doing make up and wigs up above. I never thought you would leave us so soon. But I will think of you when I look up at the moon.” A small memorial service in Reed’s hometown of Brownsville, Kentucky was planned by Reed’s family while his longtime friends are producing a large celebration of life in Nashville for next year. “The Grand Ole Gal of the South: A Celebration of George Timothy Reed” will take place on Jan. 9, 2020. A specific location in Nashville has not yet been announced. Here in Orlando, members of the LGBTQ community will be paying tribute and remembering the drag legend with a celebration of life event at Southern Nights on Nov. 6 starting at 7 p.m. Details of the event have not yet been released.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay news

Venice Pride returns for second annual celebration Ryan Williams-Jent

enice, Fla. | SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will hold the second annual Venice Pride on Nov. 2 to highlight Southern Sarasota’s growing LGBTQ community. Suncoast MCC Senior Co-Pastors Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson and Rev. Vickie Miller will welcome attendees to the church’s five-acre campus from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The organization, which is described as a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community and its allies, hosted the inaugural Venice Pride in 2018. The celebration was founded to promote the area’s LGBTQ and ally population. It seeks to raise awareness that “We Are Here,” its recurring theme. “Not only that we are here, but that we are here as active, responsible and contributing members of the community,” Miller elaborates. “We want to make our community a better place.” “I was overwhelmed by the support and sponsorship at last year’s event with over 40 businesses and organizations and overall attendance of about 500 individuals and families,” Wilson shares. “Some traveled from as far as Tampa and Ft. Myers and other areas of Florida. In the spirit of Pride this festival will commemorate the strides of the LGBTQ community and is especially important now, as some are trying to undermine our successes.” “It feels like we met our goals with the inaugural Pride to bring the community together and let people know that there was an LGBTQ community here,” Miller says. “This year is really a celebration of us being present, being connected and a being part of the community.” The festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Venice Pride leadership will be joined by elected officials and other LGBTQ advocates from throughout the area to welcome attendees. The organization’s second annual pet blessing and pet Pride parade will follow at 1:30 p.m. “We really felt like that was a big hit last year,” Miller says. “It brought a lot of excitement and fun to the event.” Miller hopes this year’s newly-added children’s corner will do the same. “Kids will be able to participate in crafts and fun events,” she says. “We’ve really tried to gear this as a family event that’s suitable for children. We’re encouraging people to bring their kids and their pets.” Entertainment will run throughout the day, led by D.J. Oliver Dill. Local entertainers include ALSO Youth, Gracie Cespedes, Sarasota’s Diversity Chorus and drag duo Georgia Moore and Rockell Blu. Sheena Brook of NBC’s “The Voice” will also perform. “I think the message of inclusion, love and acceptance is always a relevant message,” Miller says. “Our hope is to bring a diverse group of people together and continue to spread messages of hope, joy, acceptance and love for everyone.” The second annual Venice Pride will be held Nov. 2 at SunCoast MCC, located at 3276 E. Venice Ave. in Venice. For more information, visit VeniceFLPride.com.

HAPPIER DAYS: Hamburger Mary herself greets guests at Mary’s Brandon in Feb. 2019 before its closure. Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent

Mary’s v. Florida Hamburger Mary’s Tampa files suit against Dept. of Health Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | Former Hamburger Mary’s franchise owner Kurt King is suing the Florida Dept. of Health (DOH) in Hillsborough County and Director Dr. Douglas Holt for discrimination after the closure of his Brandon, St. Petersburg and Tampa restaurants. King is seeking damages in excess of $15,000. He alleges that in Oct. 2018, the DOH and Dr. Holt falsely reported a positive case of hepatitis A in a Hamburger Mary’s Tampa employee—a highly-contagious liver infection—because the establishment was LGBTQ-owned and operated. The DOH alerted the media and provided vaccinations for employees and diners that frequented the Ybor location Oct. 4-20, 2018. King subsequently announced its permanent closure Nov. 6, 2018. “We, along with our management team and dedicated staff, have done our best to keep Mary’s doors open for nine years, but the latest challenge over the last couple of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

weeks has proven to be too much to overcome,” he shared at the time. King publicly alleged homophobia contributed to the closure in Jan. 2019, pointing to Dr. Holt’s discussion with area ABC affiliate WFTS. “If you’re going to fish, you need to go where the fish are,” he advised the outlet. “Half of [Hepatitis A patients] report having drug use. The others would be a mixture of homelessness, and particular sexual activities. The classic category is men having sex with men.” It was then that King also noted the employee in question had tested non-reactive for hepatitis A. He provided Watermark with lab results conducted by Tampa General that showed a non-reactive test result, though with no name. “There’s absolutely no doubt that the individual had hepatitis A,” DOH Public Information Officer Kevin Watler told Watermark Jan. 24. “We are limited in what else we can say about the case due to health privacy laws.” He further noted that the DOH had “taken no homophobic views in response to the Hamburger Mary’s incident.”

“I closed down Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor and I was trying to keep Brandon and St. Petersburg going,” King recalls. “I thought I was doing the right thing by exposing [the DOH] and thought maybe it would help me keep the other ones open.” It didn’t. “It affected the other business in Brandon and St. Petersburg,” he asserts. “I just couldn’t recover from it—they put it in everybody’s mind that we served hepatitis at Hamburger Mary’s.” The Brandon and St. Petersburg restaurants announced their closures in Feb. 2019. “Both locations have suffered sustained losses from the continuing effects of the slanderous assault on Mary’s good name,” King shared, “which forced their sister locations in Ybor City to close.” “Even at the end of the day, if my employee had hepatitis, I didn’t deserve that,” King says. “How can I control what somebody else does? … At the end of the day, what they still did to me was wrong. “I closed down after a couple of weeks of being bashed and the sales dropped to nothing,” he continues. “I tried to save my other two restaurants and mind my own business.” King notes that he isn’t filing the lawsuit just for himself, but also for his 200 former employees and entertainers. “They were my family,” he says. “I’m trying to fight for all of them.” Watermark reached out to the DOH which was unable to comment on pending litigation.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

state news

fort lauderdale hosts lgbtq leadership forum John McDonald of South Florida Gay News

ort Lauderdale, Fla. | Equality Florida and Our Fund Foundation will present an LGBTQ Leadership Forum in Fort Lauderdale. Equality Florida is a longtime LGBTQ advocacy organization. Our Fund Foundation is a top LGBTQ philanthropic organization. Scheduled for Nov. 11 on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, the two organizations intend to bring leaders together to discuss LGBTQ equality. The forum features Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE; Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality and more. On Nov. 9, Equality Florida will also hold its 17th anniversary Broward Gala. Zach Dishinger, a teenage cosmetics entrepreneur, is being given the Youth Voice award. Nikki Fried, Florida’s Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will also receive the “Voice of Equality” award for demonstrating courage, passion and unwavering commitment.

Miami-Dade Votes to Create LGBTQ Advisory Board Jason Parsley of South Florida Gay News

IAMI | Last month the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved the creation of an LGBTQ Advisory Board. The initiative was sponsored by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5. The vote was unanimous. “While progress has been made for the LGBTQ community, we know there is much work left to be done,” Higgins said in a prepared statement. “This new board is a great way to have engaged residents advising the County on issues that are most pressing to our LGBTQ community. For Miami-Dade, it means a significant impact on economic development in our county.” According to a county press release the newly created board “will serve to address quality of life issues and propose policy recommendations to address social, economic, cultural,

and political problems facing the LGBTQ community.” Each county commissioner will get to appoint one board member, while the county mayor will get to appoint two members. Equality Florida, Florida’s statewide LGBTQ rights group, applauded the county commission’s decision. “This is a turning point in building a stronger relationship between the LGBTQ community and our county government,” Equality Florida Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer said in a press release. “We are working together for a future where meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, including youth, seniors, people living with HIV, and the transgender community, is always a part of the conversation.” SAVE, Miami-Dade’s LGBTQ rights organization, also welcomed the decision. “This is common-sense legislation that will continue to make Miami-Dade one of the most

welcoming, inclusive and diverse metro areas in the world. We are thrilled to have such strong support from the Miami-Dade Commission and Commissioner Higgins leadership on this issue,” said Orlando Gonzales, Executive Director at SAVE. According to Equality Florida, they along with a slew of other local LGBTQ rights groups, have worked for months with Commissioner Higgins to pass the “landmark” ordinance. Arianna Lint, a local trans activist and founder of Arianna’s Center, said she’s hopeful the new board will be inclusive of the trans community. She plans on meeting with Commissioner Higgins soon to discuss trans representation. “We hope to meet with the other commissioners so they know our stories and everything about local black and brown trans people,” she said. “We believe in the importance of our voice being present at the conversation table. We will soon see the changes and true inclusion for our entire community.”

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

nation+world news

Rep. Katie Hill resigns amid ‘revenge porn’ posts Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

ep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.), the only out bisexual in the U.S. House, is set to resign her seat amid a growing scandal that includes “revenge porn” of nude images of her posted online and an admission to having an “inappropriate” relationship with a campaign staffer. Hill made the announcement on her Twitter account Oct. 27, where she posted a formal letter dated the same day to member of Congress. “It is with a broken heart that today I announce my resignation from Congress,” Hill wrote. “This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community and our country.” Politico was first to report the news of Hill’s resignation, which will likely be disappointing to LGBT advocates and progressives who were hoping she’d be among the new wave of Democratic leaders in Congress. Hill doesn’t cite a formal resignation date in her letter, but

Politico reported Hill could “step aside as soon as Nov. 1.” The House Ethics Committee announced last week it was investigating an alleged relationship Hill had with her legislative staffer, Graham Kelly. Having a sexual relationship with a staffer in Congress is against House rules. Hill has denied the relationship. The troubles for Hill, 32, started earlier this month when RedState, a California-based conservative media outlet, published evidence she was engaged in a “throuple” with her husband she’s now in the process of divorcing and a female campaign staffer over the course of the 2018 election. Among the images RedState posted was a redacted nude photo of Hill combining the hair of the campaign staffer. Last week, Hill admitted to having an “inappropriate” relationship with the campaign staffer, acknowledging that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate. Hill also blamed the RedState posts on Republican operatives and an “abusive husband” whom she’s in the process of divorcing, which she echoed in her resignation letter. RedState subsequently reported on Hill’s alleged relationship with her legislative staffer, posting an

apparent text message exchange with her husband saying he was aware of the affair. Hill consulted with Democratic leaders, which lead to the House Ethics Committee investigation. The House Ethics Committee statement only mentions the relationship with the legislative staffer, not the campaign staffer, which would fall outside of the committee’s jurisdiction because it occurred before Hill took office. Although many progressives disappointed in Hill’s resignation placed the blame squarely on “revenge porn” posts, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in a statement solely mentioned “errors in judgment” from Hill. Things went from bad to worse for Hill as the week progressed. The Daily Mail, a conservative U.K.based outlet, published another redacted nude photo of Hill smoking a bong. Attorneys for Hill sent a cease-and-desist order to the Daily Mail after the publication. Hill’s resignation opens up a seat in a traditionally “red” congressional district in Orange County, Calif. It wasn’t immediately clear whether a special election will follow under California law in the 25th congressional district.

by Uganda’s ethics minister, Simon Lokodo, to introduce a bill that would punish gay sex with death. Uganda’s penal code currently punishes sex acts “against the order of nature” with up to life in prison. Lokodo this month said lawmakers were being mobilized to show strong support for an anti-gay bill when it is introduced in the national assembly. The bill would punish activities including the “exhibition” of homosexuality, he said. The government spokesman denies such a plan exists. Lokodo has long called for the introduction of tough new legislation after a panel of judges nullified an anti-gay law enacted by President Yoweri Museveni in 2014 amid international condemnation. That law, invalidated because it had been passed by lawmakers during a session that lacked a quorum, prescribed lengthy jail terms

for those convicted of “attempted homosexuality” and “promotion of homosexuality.” The original version of that bill, first introduced in 2009, included the death penalty for what it called aggravated acts of homosexuality. Health experts say a new bill targeting homosexuals would harm efforts against the spread of HIV in the East African country. “Criminalizing LGBT people and other key populations is utterly incompatible with the mandates of an effective HIV response,” the International AIDS Society said in a statement Oct. 23. “In 2018, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers and transgender people, together with their partners, accounted for a majority of new HIV infections, underscoring the need for governments to work with, not against, these communities who are most vulnerable to HIV.”

Ugandan police detain 16 men for being gay Wire Report

gandan police have detained 16 men on suspicion of homosexuality and human trafficking, a rights group said Oct. 24, as activists fear an increase in targeted attacks against LGBTQ people. The arrests took place in a neighborhood just outside the capital, Kampala, on Oct. 21 as the men were being hosted by another rights group, said Diane Bakuraira of Sexual Minorities Uganda, the country’s most prominent LGBTQ rights group. A police officer confirmed the arrests, saying the men were detained following a “complaint from the public.” He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Activists say attacks against LGBTQ people are increasing amid efforts

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in other news Delaware lawmaker apologizes for bashing opponent’s drag fundraiser Delaware state Rep. Earl Jaques apologized Oct. 23 for criticizing his primary opponent, Eric Morrison, for hosting a campaign fundraiser in the form of a drag show. Morrison is a human resources project manager at JPMorgan Chase. He is openly gay and has performed as a female impersonator for years. Jaques had said that the fundraiser was “so far off-base for our district, it’s unbelievable.” He questioned whether churches in northern Delaware would approve. Jaques said his comments were “insensitive, hurtful and simply wrong.”

Ohio lawmakers introduce bill prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill to forbid employment and housing discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. The latest iteration of the Ohio Fairness Act was introduced by Democratic Rep. Michael Skindell and Republican Rep. Brett Hillyer. The bill’s unveiling comes about two weeks after a request from minority Democrats to extend employment protections to gay House employees was denied by House Speaker Larry Householder.

Dallas man who attacked transgender woman convicted of assault A man charged with felony aggravated assault in the beating of a Dallas transgender woman has been convicted of misdemeanor assault. Dallas County jurors deliberated about four hours Oct. 21 before convicting Edward Dominic Thomas of the lesser charge in Muhlaysia Booker’s beating. Thomas was sentenced to 300 days in jail, including time served since his April arrest. That leaves a little more than four months left for him to serve. Police say Thomas admitted beating Booker on April 12 outside a Dallas apartment complex after he was offered $200 to do so. Booker was found shot to death in May on a Dallas street. Kendrell Lavar Lyles awaits trial on a murder charge.

Lesbian elected mayor of Colombian capital A Colombian senator became the first lesbian and first woman elected mayor of her country’s capital city Oct. 27. Sen. Claudia López, who ran on the leftist Green and Alternative Democratic Pole party ticket, won with slightly more than 35% of the vote. López is the first openly lesbian woman elected mayor of a Latin American capital city. López’s partner is Colombian Sen. Angélica Lozano, an openly bisexual woman who in 2018 became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the country’s Senate.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

SUNCOAST CELEBRATION

PRESENTED BY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2019 • 6 - 9 PM

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection • 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 Equality Florida continues to lead in advocating for LGBTQ people in the Sunshine State. Join us at the 2019 Suncoast Celebration to connect with leaders in this movement, and learn what is ahead for us in this work. This year, we will take a look back at the decade in which Equality Florida was founded. Our theme, Come As You Are: A Night of 90’s Music and Freedom of Expression, captures the essence of Equality Florida’s work: creating a space where people are free to live their authentic lives. We will have music and food, and open bars, all at the beautiful Art Ovation in downtown Sarasota. And, we will hear from Equality Florida’s CEO Nadine Smith in addition to honoring individuals who have been leaders in the fight for LGBTQ equality.

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$125 in advance $150 at the door

R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets at equalityflorida.org/suncoastcelebration or call 941-266-7653

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 and include complimentary Gala tickets along with a number of other benefits. To become a sponsor visit equalityflorida.org/suncoastcelebration or contact Jarred Wilson at jarred@equalityflorida.org

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. All net proceeds directly benefit Equality Florida Institute, a tax exempt 501c3 non-profit organization. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM O R B Y C A L L I N G T O L L- F R E E W I T H I N F L O R I D A ( 1 . 8 0 0 . 4 3 5 . 7 3 5 2 ) . R E G I S T R AT I O N D O E S N O T I M P LY E N D O R S E M E N T, A P P R O VA L , O R R E C O M M E N D AT I O N B Y T H E S TAT E . R E G I S T R AT I O N # C H 7 9 9 2 .

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viewpoint

here’s a scene in one

of the “Harry Potter” books where the character’s mentor Professor Dumbledore spars with a bad guy, releasing magic from his powerful wand to block out evil forces. Even though I grew up in a religious household where my grandmother wanted nothing to do with the books because they were witchcraft in her eyes—and that’s the devil. I always read that scene and thought about her.

She was always a powerful but quiet force of nature who knew exactly what was going on. When she spoke, people listened. People moved. That was the grandmother I knew while growing up. In mid-October I attended Atlanta Pride. It’s like a mini reunion for my college friends and me; we all travel back for the annual celebration. The trip this year had a double meaning for me, however—after wrapping myself in rainbows, drinks and celebration, I was going to see my grandmother. In the mid-90s, when I was in middle school, she had a severe stroke that left her paralyzed on the right side. She’s not been in great shape recently; a couple weeks prior she had several strokes that affected the left side of her body.

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I can only hope that she’s at peace with the wonderful life she’s lived. Will I be able to be at peace? Will you? We are living in a crazy time right now. We can’t afford to put off the things we want to do in life—time is unforgiving and it doesn’t stop for anyone. I want to remember

baby morning show radio personality in Panama City, Florida. I watched as the drag queens beat their mugs in the dressing rooms, stuff themselves into exquisite high heels before going on stage to completely slay it for a crowd of people that hung onto every death drop, twirl and leg shake. I always said, “One day I’ll finally do it, but right now I can’t.” I still haven’t.

one day and said I want to be a governor or president one day. I just wanted to be involved in the lawmaking process somehow. I still haven’t. I could go on and on about the things I said I’ve always wanted to do in my life. We all have those lists of projects. As I think about my grandmother sitting in that wheelchair and what’s going on inside her brain,

and always keep that close to my heart so I can think about what it’s going to be like when life slows down and my loved ones are coming to see me.

We can’t afford to put off the things we want to do in life—time is unforgiving and it doesn’t stop for anyone.

Dumbledore and Decisions

In college I had a Political Science professor that inspired me to go into politics one day. She was a lawyer and her husband was a state legislator. I would stay after class and pick her brain about the lawmaking process her husband went through and how she would craft cases. I sat in her office

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I wish I would have done? In that moment I decided that I did not want to be in that wheelchair one day and not do the things I’ve always wanted to do, like living fearlessly. For all of my adult life I’ve gone to drag shows. I’ve hosted a lot of drag shows in my 20’s when I was a

Miguel Fuller

My boyfriend stayed with me and we were going to spend a few days just sitting with her. To be honest, I didn’t want to go. Remember, my grandmother was the Dumbledore-like character in the story of my life. Powerful. Strong. Mighty. I didn’t want to see her in her current state. As my boyfriend and I walked into the facility where she is going through speech and physical therapy, my stomach knotted up. There were seniors sitting on rocking chairs just blankly staring at what seemed like nothing. In that moment I knew I made the wrong decision to visit. We walked into her room and waited for her to come back from speech therapy. As we waited with my mom, she informed me that my grandmother had no clue we were coming to visit—and all of the reasons why I didn’t want to be there started building up in my head. Then a nurse wheeled my grandmother into the small room and she scanned the area to see who all was in it. When her eyes locked on mine and she realized it was me, a smile instantly popped on her face. I knew I made the right decision. After the hugs, smiles and pleasantries were out of the way, my grandmother settled back down in her wheelchair and I really got to see what time has done to her aging body. This was not the grandmother I knew growing up; this was a woman who was tired. This is when my mind started to wander. At 80-something years old, what is going on inside my grandmother’s mind about herself? Is there anything she regrets doing or not doing? Anything she wishes she would have done differently? My mind started spinning with questions and thoughts about life. Why did it take me so long to come out to her? If I were sitting in that wheelchair, what regrets would I have? What would

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viewpoint

Maia Monet

Trans of thought Dying to be seen

few weeks ago, the

very first National Trans Visibility March was held in Washington, D.C. As described in their call to action, the purpose of the march was to bring attention to “the social structures that have oppressed us and disenfranchised our communities.” Thanks to the One Orlando Alliance and generous sponsors, about 50 transgender people, including myself and a few allies, made the road trip to our nation’s capital to participate. It was without a doubt a profound and inspiring experience for all of us who went, but perhaps not as successful in making our issues more “visible” to the cisgender, queer community.

On the long bus ride north, I reflected on how I had come to learn of the trans march during the Stonewall 50 Commemoration Rally at World Pride in New York City back in June. At one point during the innumerable speeches, I heard distant shouting down a side street and got nervous it might be anti-LGBTQ protestors looking to disrupt the rally in these contentious times. I looked around to see if anybody else was concerned, but most everyone seemed intent on ignoring the noise. It was then that a group of transgender people, fists in the air and carrying a very large banner between them announcing the trans march in D.C., broke through the crowd. They held station directly in front of the stage, completely blocking our view, but the speakers continued on as if nothing was happening. In an ironic twist, throughout the program, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were praised as transgender Stonewall pioneers, but no one acknowledged the living examples

of transgender women of color protesting at Stonewall in the present; not even when they left and came back later. No one mentioned the National Trans Visibility March. They might as well have been invisible. In retrospect, I can think of no better analogy for how many transgender people feel the rest of the queer community regards our little corner of the LGBTQ. That is we are noisy and annoying, but if we are ignored we will go away; presumably, along with our problems. Overall, I don’t think that is true, but it does have a disturbing kernel of truth. It hasn’t gone unnoticed by trans people that the news of trans women being murdered doesn’t inspire nearly as much of an outcry as stories of gay men attacked at South Beach Pride or lesbians attacked on busses in the U.K. They are all awful and deserve attention, but that isn’t happening equally. Indeed, despite the attempts at in-your-face marketing at Stonewall 50, attendance at the National Trans Visibility March by cisgender allies wasn’t exactly overwhelming. With estimates of between 1,5003,000 people, I’ve seen much larger turnouts at Lake Eola. Still, it was a respectable first showing and more than made up for quantity with quality and sheer star power including speakers Geena Rocero, the recently named first transgender Playboy Playmate in history, and Angelica Ross of “Pose” fame. I even managed to grab a quick selfie with an incognito Carmen Carrera. However, as amazing as those moments were, it was the address by Alphonso David, the new president of the Human Rights Campaign, which made the 27-hour roundtrip bus ride worth it. He made a point to acknowledge how the cisgender queer community needed to do more when he said, “We have to stand up for the transgender community and stand up for them as if

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they are our family because you are our families.” The unspoken reality being that isn’t happening enough. It was nice to hear that acknowledged out loud by a cisgender gay man instead of in cynical conversations between trans people. Of course, he also announced

Clearly, a lot of healing work needs to be done. It seems that most of my columns can be distilled to “cisgender gay people, stop being terrible to trans people,” which hurts my soul because I am trans and a lesbian. I love being both, but as a friend once told me, the

a crisis response, instead of being met with the apathy Republicans usually reserve for climate change evidence or presidential treason. And I shouldn’t need to keep writing columns like this one. Until that day happens, expect transgender people to keep grabbing the mic

a trans justice initiative that didn’t seem to have any input from trans community leaders, dozens of whom signed an open letter to HRC admonishing David to listen to trans people and to stop the co-option of a trans liberation movement that predates HRC. Yet again, we were being “annoying” by insisting our voices be heard.

opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, and too often I feel that from the gay community I also call home. Trans people shouldn’t need to carry “We Are Dying” and “Do Something” signs at the LGBTQ Democratic debate. Itali Marlowe, the 21st trans person to be murdered so far this year, should be a household name to all LGBTQ people and motivate

and speaking truth to power whether it is Sylvia Rivera in 1973 at the Christopher Street rally or Blossom Brown in 2019 at the CNN town hall. We won’t be ignored and we won’t be silenced.

I am trans and a lesbian. I love being both, but as a friend once told me, the opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, and too often I feel that from the gay community I also call home.

Melody Maia Monet has her own YouTube channel where she answers lesbian and transgender life questions you are afraid to ask. You can find it at YouTube. com/MelodyMaia.

viewpoint columnist

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points

Nearly 9 million LGBTQ adults are registered and eligible to vote in the

2020 election.

50% 22% 15%

Black and Lantix trans women should not have to protest to have voice in spaces created for the LGBTQ community. We want to make clear that we are deeply committed to making sure all members of our community have a seat at the tables we set. –Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David addressing protests that the organization’s CNN town hall excluded trans women of color.

Netflix’s ‘She-Ra’ adds first nonbinary character

ender nonconforming entertainer Jacob Tobia has joined Netflix’s “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” as the animated series’ first nonbinary character. Netflix’s reboot, a modern take on the 1980s classic “She-Ra,” was nominated for a GLAAD Award earlier this year for its LGBTQ inclusivity. Tobia will play Double Trouble, a shape-shifting mercenary who joins forces with the villainous Horde in the show’s fourth season. The character is able to transform themselves into any person they see. Tobia shared the news via social media, musing that “functionally, I’m playing myself.” They added that “fantasy has always been so vital to me because as a nonbinary person, it’s a way of escaping the confines of the world we live in. It’s the way of building other realities and imagining the world as it could be, not as it is.” The fourth season of “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” streams Nov. 5.

are Democrats,

are Independents,

are Republicans and 13% have another or no party affiliation. –The Williams Institute’s 2020 LGBT Vote Study, Oct. 2019

Adam Lambert applauds LGBTQ artists’ success

dam Lambert, who entered the music scene after placing second on the eighth season of “America Idol,” says he’s happy to see that more LGBTQ artists are finding mainstream success. “I think it’s less taboo to be queer in the music industry now because there are so many cases you can point to like, ‘Oh, it worked for him. It worked for her,’” he said. “I think 10 years ago, it was a lot different … Now, people aren’t as scared. They’re not as fearful.” Lambert, who has over the years toured with legendary rock band Queen, released his EP “Velvet: Side A” in September, his first new project in four years.

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Student Academy Awards honor trans film

he Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held the 46th annual Student Academy Awards Oct. 17 to spotlight student filmmaking. “Miller & Son,” about a transgender woman who runs her family’s auto shop in rural America during the day and expresses her femininity at night, was among the ceremony’s winners. It “was an important project for me to make because I wanted to see this film,” director and writer Asher Jelinsky shared. “As a genderqueer person and member of the LGBTQ community, I have an interest in seeing authentic, dimensional portrayals of trans and gender nonconforming characters on screen.” All 16 winners are eligible to compete for Oscars next year.

Edie Windsor’s posthumous memoir released

dith “Edie” Windsor, the lead plaintiff in the 2013 Supreme Court case which overturned a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, left behind her unfinished memoir when she died at the age of 88 in 2017. With help from co-author Joshua Lyon, who has ghostwritten several New York Times bestselling and award-winning LGBTQ memoirs, Windsor’s “A Wild and Precious Life” has now been completed and is available wherever books are sold. The work is described as “a lively, intimate memoir from an icon of the gay rights movement.” It details Windsor’s “life in 1950s and 60s New York City and her longtime activism which opened the door for marriage equality.”

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

Patty Sheehan for Orlando City Council District 4 Thank you to my community and friends for stepping up when I needed you most. For doing 6 months of campaign work in 30 days, and for helping me reach my dreams! I am now the longest serving elected official in Orlando! Join us at Quantum Leap on November 5th from 6-8 pm for our election celebration.

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

the long road back I

Holly V. Kapherr

t’s been 46 years since

the American Psychological Association removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses, yet the pseudoscientific practice known as “conversion therapy,” as well as other socio-religious theories intended to change homosexuals into heterosexuals still exist.

The American Medical Association says plainly that the theories behind the ideas that sexual orientation and gender identity are malleable are “not based on medical and scientific evidence.” They go on to assert that conversion therapy and other similar practices can cause “significant psychological distress,” including increased rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Yet, the “Pray the Gay Away” philosophies persist. Continued on pg. 23

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October 31 - Oc tob er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

| uu | The Long Road Back from pg.21

In my own journey to becoming a staunch LGBTQ straight ally, I learned of Stuart Matis, my college best friend’s cousin, who committed suicide on the steps of his Mormon church building. Before Stuart’s death, he wrote a note referring to the Mormon Church’s suggestion that homosexuality is a choice, and members “struggling with same-sex attraction” could overcome that struggle. He wrote, “The Church has no idea that ... there are surely boys and girls on their callused hands and knees imploring God to free them of their pain. They hate themselves ... God never intended me to be straight. Hopefully, my death might be a catalyst for some good.” Conversion therapy is currently banned in 16 states, as well as various counties and cities that have acted independently of their states. Purple-state Florida’s history on banning conversion therapy is pockmarked and marred by fits and starts. On Sept. 3, 2015, State Rep. David Richardson (D-113) filed a bill to ban conversion therapy against minors. It died in subcommittee in 2016. A similar bill died in 2017. As of May 2019, several counties and cities have passed bans on the use of reparative therapies in minors, including Broward County, Palm Beach County, Alachua County, as well as in the cities of Miami Beach, Miami, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Gainesville and others. Tampa’s 2017 conversion therapy ban ordinance was recently challenged by Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal advocacy group. The city spent four hours in federal court in September defending the ban. On Oct. 4, Judge William Jung struck down the ban, stating that the law conflicted with a patient’s right to privacy and a parent’s right to choose healthcare for their child. An appeal is pending, once the city consults with outside counsel to determine a course of action. The City of St. Petersburg, long known as a bastion of safe spaces for the LGBTQ community, has no ban on conversion therapy but

Living his truth: Nickolas Terinova now works with clients throughout Tampa Bay who, like him, are healing from the trauma of their conversion therapy experiences. Photo courtesy of Nickolas Terinova

passed a resolution in Aug. 2017 denouncing the practice on minors. Orange County’s commissioners are currently hearing testimony for a potential ban on conversion therapy being used on minors. An event bringing awareness to the practice was held in September at Stonewall Bar on Church Street in downtown

homosexuality would exit her body as an orange mucous. “It took me a long time to be able to heal from the … abusive things I was told about who I could be as a woman and how I could…positively express my sexuality,” Sheehan told Truth Wins Out in the interview. Watermark spoke with two survivors of conversion therapy in Central Florida: David

told us right off the bat that ‘God doesn’t make gays.’” Terinova grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in north New Jersey, where bullying was rampant and it was common in town to gossip about the men seen going into the only gay bar in the neighborhood, Danny’s. “I knew when I was five years old that I was gay,” says Terinova.

When I was 14, I tried to commit suicide because I felt that I would never be ‘normal’ and could likely never have love. — Nickolas Terinova Orlando. Orlando activists Andrew Chang and Eric Rollings started the petition to ban the practice in Orange County. If enacted, the ban would specifically protect LGBTQ minors from conversion therapy by licensed therapists. Similar counseling by religious organizations, however, would continue to be protected under religious freedom laws. In a recent interview with nonprofit organization Truth Wins Out, Commissioner Patty Sheehan came out as a survivor of an anti-gay church’s conversion therapy ministry, called Elutheros. In her sessions, she was told that

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Olson of Orlando, and Nickolas Terinova of Tampa Bay. Through their stories, they hope to bring a deeper awareness to the long-lasting effects of conversion therapy in an effort to extirpate the practice from society. Olson and Terinova have very parallel stories. Both became aware of their homosexuality at a time when it was an unacceptable lifestyle. Olson was “in and out of the closet” for years before he stepped foot in his first conversion therapy meeting. “We were told that we were broken,” says Olson of his first experience in group conversion therapy. “There was something wrong with us. They

“When I was 14, I tried to commit suicide because I felt that I would never be ‘normal’ and could likely never have love. It took me four decades of trauma and abuse to learn that I was capable of loving and being loved.” They both felt the pressure of society on their shoulders. In the 1970s, Olson was working as an entertainer on Orlando’s Church Street Station. He says, “As a single guy in my 20s with no girlfriend or wife, and no children, there was always that feeling that everyone was thinking ‘what’s wrong with you?’” He says there was so much guilt attached to being

gay; he didn’t want to accept or acknowledge it. Both felt the scourge of AIDS acutely. As “in vogue” as being gay was in the 1970s, in the 1980s, when Terinova and Olson both found the anti-gay Christian ministries peddling conversion therapy, gay men became the pariahs of the nation. Olson says, “We were told very plainly that AIDS was the judgment of God on gay men.” If there was a way to stop being gay and avoid death from AIDS, Olson says, he was all in. Terinova was living in the gay enclave of West Hollywood, working as a vocalist and vocal coach and living what he describes as a “half-conservative, half-decadent” lifestyle. At the time, AIDS began to take its toll on the community, and fear was everywhere. It was also the threat and fear of AIDS that first pushed both of them into conversion therapy. Terinova heard an ad on the radio for a Christian anti-gay ministry called L.I.F.E. Ministry, founded by Ron and Joanne Highley. The ministry is still in existence today. “It was a huge ministry in New York City, so I left Los Angeles and dove head first into everything they were teaching,” says Terinova. “It was a wonderful experience at first. I finally felt as if someone could help me.” Olson saw an ad on television for an anti-gay ministry called Be Whole, founded in Washington, D.C., by Russell Paxton. The group met in different churches, and ran similarly to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. “I was involved with the ministry for about 10 years. I completely removed anything in my life that could associate me with being gay,” says Olson. “I quit my job and stopped being an entertainer. The only people in my life were those from the ministry. I got rid of anything in my life that could tempt me into the homosexual lifestyle again.” For both Terinova and Olson, the relationships they lost as a result of entering conversion therapy were the most heartbreaking. “I cut off all my friends who were gay,” says Olson. “I have tried to repair those friendships over the years, but many just aren’t interested. It was too hurtful for

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Continued on pg. 25 | uu |

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| uu | The Long Road Back from pg.23

them. I lost some very good friends, and permanent damage was done.” Terinova was in a relationship with another man when he moved back to the New York metro area to enter therapy. “My partner at the time came to visit me in New York while I was at L.I.F.E. Ministry,” says Terinova. “I thought it was abhorrent that he stay with me, so I watched as he walked into the YMCA and my heart just broke. Two years later, he died from AIDS.” Both Terinova and Olson stayed in the anti-gay ministries for a long time after their first experience in therapy. They both refer to having been brainwashed by the organizations, completely engrossed in the teachings and fearmongering they were exposed to. Both felt the pressure to prove that they were “cured” of their gayness. Terinova finished his degree in psychology at New York University during his work with L.I.F.E. Ministry, and eventually moved to Florida to practice therapy with a group called Straight Ahead. “They wanted me to keep a photo of a woman and children on my desk,” he says. “I was always subject to suspicion. It wasn’t enough to work for and believe in the mission of the ministry. I also had to lie to my patients about having a marriage and a ‘normal’ family life,” he says. Terinova says it felt like a scarlet letter on his chest. For Olson, to prove that he was no longer a homosexual, he dated and eventually married a woman from his Bible study group. “I finally felt like I had arrived,” he says. “We had a son and a daughter. I loved my family life.” But things began to unravel. They started fighting constantly. One night, Olson found himself outside a gay bookstore and met a man. He ended up having a tryst in the man’s hotel room. “The whole time, I just kept thinking, ‘This is not what I want. I want my family,’” says Olson. “I thought I would do what any good Christian man should do and that is to confess to my wife. I figured she would forgive me and that would be it.” But that’s not what happened. His wife packed up the children and left. “I was devastated. I felt like the world fell apart. It is still, to this day, the hardest thing I have ever gone through.” Olson stayed in the conservative churches. He didn’t want to show his ex-wife that she was right, and wanted to be a good example for his children. Both Terinova and Olson came to turning points in their experiences that turned them away from the anti-gay Christian ministries and toward living true to themselves. When Olson heard Exodus International’s leader, Alan Chambers, come out and plainly tell the world that conversion therapy was a hoax and

didn’t work in the long run, after all the damage done, Olson felt validated. He says, “I started asking myself, ‘why have I lived my life for other people?’” He immediately went online and started looking for affirming Christian churches and found many. Every Sunday, he went to a different church. He met other Christian people who also identified as gay. “Something I thought never could happen, that you could be gay and Christian, came into focus,” he says. “If you look around in nature, God is a God of diversity. If there is so much diversity in the world, how can we say there’s only one form of sexuality or attraction?” Since then, Olson has immersed himself in Christian service while living true to himself as a gay man. “I came out at age 55. There’s a lot of psychological baggage I’m carrying around. It’s hard to find a partner at my age,” he says. But he also feels that his experience has made him a better person, and doesn’t feel any resentment toward the people in the anti-gay ministries that he was involved with. “I have had to learn forgiveness,” he says. “Unforgiveness is like a cancer. It’s like ingesting poison and expecting the other person to die.” In Terinova’s case, it was 1997 when he decided to completely rethink his practice and remove any hint of Christianity from his. “I needed to relearn everything,” he says. “I thought of myself like an embryo.” Terinova says it had to do with a survival instinct. He took new trainings, became a licensed hypnotherapist, and in 2003, came out as a gay therapist, not just a gay-friendly one. Now, he works with clients who are also healing from the trauma of conversion therapy experiences. “I still feel resentful toward the people who put me through conversion therapy,” says Terinova. “I’m Sicilian,” he laughs. Terinova no longer identifies as Christian, and says that the moment he didn’t have to lie to his clients anymore was the most freeing time of his life. He had his first long-term relationship seven years ago, which changed his life and finally showed him his capability to love and be loved. For those who are looking to heal from trauma, whether from conversion therapy experiences or any other, Terinova says, “Develop trust with a therapist—that should be your first goal. Find someone who understands what you’ve been through on a personal level and look to them to develop trust with you. “You can rediscover your true self and have a rebirth just like I did,” he continues. “You are so many things, and so many beautiful things emanate from you. Accept the possibility that you are a beautiful, wonderful person.”

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

Ryan Williams-Jent

hether your personal

nightmare is a right-wing religious bigot with a knife, a mongoloid mutant slugspawn in overalls or a low thread count, independent filmmaker Jaymes Thompson has the perfect B-movie for you. Assuming you like comedic horror. Thompson is the writer, director and producer of MoDean Pictures’ 2007 cult classic “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror,” in which he also co-stars. His independent production company exists to make films by, for and about the LGBTQ community in all genres, from comedic romances to science fiction. “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror” was the company’s first feature length film. Thompson deliberately chose the horror genre in response Continued on pg. 29

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October 31 - Oc tob er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

| uu | The B-Side from pg.27

to the “psychotic events leading up to and occurring from” the 2004 presidential election of George W. Bush. “It’s that extra special twist that puts the horror in an already frightening story,” the company explained ahead of the film’s release. More than a decade since, the cult classic— which touted year-long runs on Logo TV and Netflix and is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video—is enjoying a renaissance thanks in part to Thompson’s move to Tampa Bay. The California native, who holds a Masters in Film, Television and New Media, recently published the film’s manuscript via St. Petersburg’s Breaking Rules Publishing. He will also share genre-specific secrets at Spooky Empire 2019 Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Tampa. “When I got into film, the LGBTQ community was so grossly under-represented, or represented as monsters,” Thompson recalls. “I wanted to make genre films with lead gay characters and so that’s what I’ve done in my career.” “Gay B&B,” as Thompson calls it, is a clear homage to the late night, low budget, 1950s horror movies he’s always loved—many of which were popularized on camp queen Elvira’s television series “Movie Macabre” in the 1980s. “The film has elements of every bad horror movie,” he says. “Which is great, because I wanted to interject gay characters into the genre; instead of the stereotypical horror characters, they’re all very cynical, gay archetypes.” The film follows five traveling groups on the eve of the biggest LGBTQ party weekend of the year, all of whom are forced to make accommodations at The Sahara Salvation Inn outside of the city. The “small slice of paradise” is an LGBTQ-friendly bed and breakfast in the middle of the desert, or so they think. It’s run by Helen and Luella, a Republican and God-worshipping mother and daughter “who happen to make Mincemeat muffins and run a charming if not a bit faded Bed and Breakfast Inn.” Their ill-fated guests are led by Thompson’s “Leather Daddy” Dom and his drag queen boyfriend Alex. They’re joined by “lipstick lesbians” Deborah and Gabby; “yuppie” power couple Mike and Eric who are traveling with their straight best friend Lizette; Starr and Brenda, a struggling folk singer and tough-talking tomboy and “the sugar daddy and ‘personal trainer,’” Rodney and Todd. The campfest is rounded out by Manfred, “a homosexual-eating Republican mutant child.” “What should have been the biggest gay party weekend of the year quickly turns into every gay and lesbian’s worst nightmare,” the film’s official synopsis reads. “As the guests check in, they slowly come to realize (and some too late!) that The Sahara Salvation is not all it appears to be.

“What evil lurks up in the darkness of the attic? Be careful not to disturb Manfred,” it continues, “perhaps the most horrifying create ever created for film! Who can escape and who will survive?” “The second George W. Bush election fueled the religious right element of the film,” Thompson explains. “We had our villains and we just needed something to fuel them a little more.” He says that with the election of Donald Trump in 2016, it’s an ironic and extreme representation that remains relevant today. “It’s still current,” Thompson notes. “You can watch the film and easily implant what’s happening in politics now. As much as everything changes for the better, it’s like one step forward, two steps back.” There are stark differences between today and 2007 when the film was released, however, including LGBTQ representation on both the small and silver screen. “When the film came out we were able to fundraise for it because so many people liked that it was different,” Thompson says. “It was a big deal. “One of the things we did, which sounds like nothing now, was within 10 minutes of the movie starting we had most of the couples kiss each other,” he explains. “Many audiences hadn’t seen gay characters kiss so early in a movie—it was usually just before they would die or something.” “Gay B&B” soon became an official selection of LGBTQ film festivals around the world, including 2008’s Orlando Gay Days Film Festival and Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. It screened in more than 30 cities around the world during its initial film festival tour and nationwide theatrical release. “I’ve been all over the world and all over the country with it,” Thompson says. “I went to London, Wales, Italy, Switzerland and places where I couldn’t physically go before I went to New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Michigan, Chicago and Florida. It was just all over; it was pretty great.” He says the film was well received domestically and abroad when LGBTQ-focused content rarely crossed over for mainstream audiences, likely because of its roots in comedic horror. “It’s not Shakespeare or anything,” Thompson laughs. “It’s a cheesy horror film; it’s just meant to be fun and have genuinely scary moments.”

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Check into the “The Gay Bed & Breakfast of Terror” with Jaymes Thompson Oct. 31-Nov. 3 during Spooky Empire 2019 at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St. The filmmaker will be selling signed copies of his film’s manuscript and DVD and participating in panel discussions. Visit SpookyEmpire.com for more information and to purchase tickets. You can stream the film via Amazon Prime Video or purchase its manuscript at BreakingRulesPublishing. com. For more information about Thompson, visit JaymesThompson.net.

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

Showtunes

Piano Pals

(above)

Friday Fun:

Erica Roberts (L) and Rebekah Piatt are ready to help you bring on the weekends with some piano play. Photo courtesy Erica Roberts

Lora Korpar

rlando community members can

belt out their favorite show tunes every Friday night at the city’s first drag queen piano bar experience thanks to Central Florida drag queen Erica Roberts and local gay bar SAVOY Orlando.

Roberts started the piano bar night over the summer and pianist Rebekah Piatt joined the team in September. Piatt has a vast repertoire of Broadway show tunes that guests can choose from. Guests can either walk in and pick from one of the songs or they can submit sheet music by the Wednesday before for Piatt to learn. Roberts said the piano bar is for people of all experience and skill levels. “It’s totally non-judgmental,” Roberts says. “Whether you sing in the shower or sing on the

stage, everybody can come have a great time.” Ever since they began performances on July 5, Roberts said crowds have been growing more every week. “One of the things I love seeing about this group is as it continues to grow even more, they truly have become a family,” Roberts says. “No matter who’s singing, no matter if they are a completely fully trained singer, if they’re someone who just loves a song and wants to get up there, if they’re looking at the words on their cell phone because they’re not sure if they know them — after

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

each and every song, everyone just provides so much love and support and applause and cheers. And that’s such a great bringing-together moment for everybody.” Roberts has been in the entertainment industry all his life, having studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. There, he met and befriended Michael Feinstein, a singer and pianist who is known for “bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world.” Feinstein was a prominent figure in the piano bar scene. Roberts says it became popular for Broadway singers to visit clubs Feinstein was playing at to sing with him during their free time. Feinstein now has clubs in both L.A. and New York City, where notable performers such as Ben Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Patti LuPone and more have sung. Through his friendship with Feinstein, Roberts became interested in piano bars too. “When I came to Orlando, I knew that was the one thing that was missing,” Roberts says. “There’s not a lot of opportunities for that and it’s such a great chance for anyone who just loves music to come out and have a great time, so I decided I’d start one up.” Since opening, “Singin’ at the Savoy” has welcomed not only singers, but piano players, guitar players and even a flutist onto their stage. The show begins with an opening number from Roberts, then a sing-along to warm up guests’ voices. After that, they begin to take people’s requests, with Piatt at the piano. Self-proclaimed “music nerd” Piatt first became involved after her mother made “an obscene deal with a six-year-old.” Piatt’s mother played piano for six years when she was young, so when Piatt was six years old, her mother said that she would have to go through the same thing. “I think I went through four piano teachers my first year and my mom just about literally hogtied me to the piano bench,” Piatt says.

“It was a nightmare scenario, but I stuck with it.” She truly started to enjoy playing music when she was in college. She majored in music and was in band and chorus. Now, Piatt teaches music and had just started to do performances as a gigging musician a few months ago, which is how Roberts discovered her. “Singers are some of the most brave musicians that exist out there because they don’t have anything to protect them from the audience,” Piatt says. “So I think to be able to sit there as a piano player who supports vocalists for a living and watch these people come out of their shells and make mistakes and be able to laugh about it and know that they’re still supported, it’s just been so much fun.” Roberts’ performing career also began when he was very young. Despite having “the worst case of stage fright you’ve ever seen in your entire life,” Roberts was cast in a production of “The Music Man.” On opening night of the show, the theater was completely sold out. As Roberts prepared to go out on stage, one of the girls in the show took his hand and asked “Bobby, are you scared?” “I was shaking my head ‘yeah,’” Roberts says. “[The girl] said, ‘Okay, this is what you do. This is an old theater tradition. When you go out for just a moment, drop that fourth wall and look at the first person you see in the front row and imagine that they’re sitting there in their underwear and you’ll be just fine.’ and I said ‘okay.’ So I went onstage, looked down at the person in the front row, and it was the minister from our church. So needless to say, I was fine from then on.” Roberts has stuck with acting for the past 50 years, having done theater productions across the country and worked at Disney World for 12 years. Since retiring from Disney, Roberts has been doing drag performances in clubs all around Orlando. Roberts and Piatt say that they hope “Singin’ at the Savoy” will only continue to grow and be a safe space for people to perform. “Music is such therapy in these crazy times that we all are living in,” Roberts says. “It really is a moment that we all get to come together to just have a great time.” “Singin’ at the Savoy” with Erica Roberts and Rebekah Piatt is every Friday evening from 8-10 p.m. at SAVOY Orlando. For more information, visit SAVOYOrlando.com.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE GREATER

ORLANDO GALA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 • 8 - 11 PM

PRESENTED BY

Orlando Museum of Art • 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 Our Steering & Host Committee have planned an incredible Gala and we hope you will be there! Join us for a night of live music by Silkee Smoove band, the beautiful violin sounds of Jose Navarro, a silent art auction, delicious hors d’oeuvre, and a full open bar. The year’s program will feature a state of the state address by Equality Florida founder and Executive Director Nadine Smith. We will honor Ashley Figueroa, Project Manager for Bliss Cares and local activist, with this year’s Voice for Equality Award. She is the first member of the transgender community to receive this honor at the Greater Orlando Gala. We will also celebrate Jason Lambert and The Hammered Lamb, this year’s Equality Means Business Award honoree.

Tickets are

$100 in advance $125 at the door

R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets at equalityflorida.org/orlandogala or call 971-678-5707

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 and include complimentary Gala tickets along with a number of other benefits. To become a sponsor visit www.equalityflorida.org/orlandogala or contact Brandon Wolf at Brandon@equalityflorida.org or 971-678-5707

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

community calendar

event planner arts+entertainment

Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA

2019 Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala

Bianca Del Rio: “It’s Jester Joke,” Nov. 1, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com “Vampire’s Ball,” Nov. 1-3, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Clara San Miguel Latin Saturdays, Nov. 2, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com GenderQueer Community Group, Nov. 4, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World,” Nov. 5, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando. 407-839-0119; VossEvents.com

Saturday, Nov. 2, 8-11 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando

Rescheduled road Elton John returns to Tampa’s Amalie Arena Nov. 4 for his rescheduled “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour stop. Photo courtesy Amalie Arena

Ask a Lawyer, Nov. 6, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

Rainbow Democrats Meeting, Nov. 13, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

Tampa Pride Community Meeting, Nov. 5, Hampton Inn & Suites, Tampa. 813-247-6700; TampaPride.org

Hillsborough LGBTA Dem. Caucus Meeting, Nov. 13, Bistro Italia, Tampa. 813-998-2265; HCLGBTADC.org

Y Diversity & Inclusion Matter, Nov. 6, YMCA of Central Florida, Orlando. 407-351-9417; YMCACentralFlorida.com

Bears Night Out, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

Drag Queen Bingo, Nov. 6, Caddy’s, Gulfport. 727-592-2842; Caddys.com

Julie Andrews, Nov. 13, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

Drag & Hookah, Nov. 6, Cloud 9 Hookah Time, Orlando. 407-504-0746; Cloud9HookahTimeOrlando.com Laganja Estranja, Nov. 8, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando EDC After Party Weekend, Nov. 8, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Soul Brunch Saturday, Nov. 9, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com Community Sweat, Nov. 10, Rock Hard Fitness, Orlando. 407-802-4631; RockHardFitnessOrlando.com

Kelly Richards Piano Bar Sing-Along, Nov. 15, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

TAMPA BAY State of Elections in Pinellas County, Nov. 1, Allendale UMC, St. Petersburg. 727-527-6694; VotePinellas.com Venice Pride 2019, Nov. 2, Suncoast MCC, Venice. 941-484-7068; VeniceFLPride.com Elton John, Nov. 4, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

Sweater Weather, Nov. 8, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com Laganja Estranja, Nov. 9, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

SARASOTA Gay Group Happy Hour, Nov. 7, Tamiami Tap, Sarasota. 941-500-3182; G2H2Sarasota.com

Victoria Works Central, Nov. 9, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

Moxie Productions: Originals, Nov. 13, The Gator Club, Sarasota. 941-366-5969; Facebook.com/ MoxieProductionsSRQ

Revenge of the Club Kids, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

Julie Andrews, Nov. 14, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

Pride Skate, Nov. 11, United Skates of America, Tampa. 813-876-5826; UnitedSkates.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Equality Florida welcomes supporters to the Orlando Museum of Art for its annual Greater Orlando Gala. The evening will feature a beautiful silent art auction from Central Florida’s art community and beyond, an open bar and a program that will celebrate incredible voices within the community working to make Central Florida equal for all. Tickets are $100 in advance, $125 at the door. For more information, visit EqualityFlorida.org/OrlandoGala.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:45-8:30 p.m. UCF Downtown, Orlando Join the One Orlando Alliance as they explore the issues the LGBTQ community faces in navigating healthcare. A resource fair will be held from 6:45-7:30 p.m., an expertled panel discussion will follow from 7:30-8:15 p.m. and an interactive Q&A will close out the evening from 8:158:45 p.m. Attendees will learn about available resources and solutions. For more information, email Volunteer@ OneOrlandoAlliance.org or visit OneOrlandoAlliance.org.

Central Florida Pride-Zoo-La Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30-10:30 p.m. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa Tampa Pride returns to ZooTampa for “Wild Carnavale,” their second annual Pride-Zoo-La fundraiser. The evening features food, drinks, dancing and entertainment by De Delovely, Adriana Sparkle, the Tampa Bay Pride Band and a “Pose”-inspired runway show assembled by Power Infiniti. Participants will also enjoy a silent art auction, wild animal encounters and feedings. Tickets are $55 in advance and $75 at the gate. Visit TampaPride.org to learn more.

Metro Cocktail Party ft. Deborah Cox Saturday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Metro Inclusive Health, St. Petersburg LGBTQ ally and multi-platinum recording artist Deborah Cox headlines Metro Inclusive Health’s annual cocktail party. The fundraiser benefits the organization’s essential health and community services offered throughout Tampa Bay. Tickets begin at $60 and include open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a brief ceremony followed by an intimate 30-minute performance. Meet and greet and preferred seating available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MetroTampaBay.org/ CocktailParty2019.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

overheard

tampa bay out+about

THANK YOU FOR BEING AT STRAZ

icture it: Tampa, 2019. That’s when the Straz Center for the Performing Arts added “That Golden Girls Show! A Puppet Parody” to its upcoming season. “Get ready for an evening of cheesecake, laughter, jazzercise, shoulder pads, sex and the elegant art of the quick-witted put down,” the Straz’s press release reads. “Join the Girls from Sophia’s get-rich-quick schemes to Rose’s tales from St. Olaf, Blanche’s insatiable hunt for men and the Fountain of Youth and Dorothy’s daily struggle to make sense of her life.” Fans of the show will fondly reflect on the beloved sitcom, but the Straz added that it’s also first-timer friendly. “This will be a joyful introduction to the brilliance of that television series,” they advise. The puppet parody will thank you for being a friend Jan. 26, 2020. Tickets are now on sale for $35.50$45.50 and are available at StrazCenter.org.

DIAMOND DELAY

he Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce (TBDCC) announced Oct. 29 that its annual awards gala Diamonds in Diversity has been moved to 2020. Originally scheduled for March 1 of this year, the celebration was postponed until Oct. 18 to focus on welcoming the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) to Tampa Aug. 13-16. The conference was the largest gathering of LGBTQ business leaders and allies in the world. “That the NGLCC chose to come here because of Tampa’s economic empowerment and growth speaks volumes of Florida and we should all be proud,” TBDCC President & CEO Justice Gennari shared with Watermark. “It’s our job to utilize this conference to put Tampa on the map as an LGBT organization; an inclusive city that welcomes everyone to work, live and play.” The conference accomplished that goal. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced Aug. 14 that the city of Tampa would formally recognize LGBT-certified businesses in contracting and procurement opportunities. “We recently celebrated 35 years this year, and what better way to celebrate a huge milestone than to host an international conference,” Gennari reflects. “We were honored to host the 2019 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference.” Diamonds in Diversity’s 2020 postponement allows the organization to focus its resources, planning and full commitment on the gathering. Its regularly scheduled networking socials, Breakfast ’n Learns and additional programming will continue as scheduled. “We are working hard planning for 2020—we will be doing more than ever before,” Gennari says. “We are excited to announce an additional seven programs at our luncheon on Jan. 17 at the Centre Club. “We are dedicated to doing all we can to building trusted connections and to expanding economic opportunities for all!” he concludes. “We thank all our members for their ongoing support of the Chamber.” For more information about the TBDCC and its ongoing events, visit DiversityTampaBay.org.

2 3

DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL: (L-R) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s Keenan, Lindsay and Phillip greet potential bigs during their Sip & Share social at Metro Inclusive Health Oct. 17. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

FOR ASGARD: James Watson (L) and Jamarcus Mosley share a mythical evening at the Bryan Glazer JCC on Oct. 19 for All Hallows Ball.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

POISONS IVY: Juno Vibranz (L) and Justin Geleta go green at Enigma Oct. 20. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

OZ-SOME PAIR: Lila Grace (L) and Paul Smith-Rodriguez travel over the rainbow to Seaworld Oct. 19.

PHOTO COURTESY DANNY GARCIA

SOUTHERN CHARM: “Drag Race” alum Blaire St. Claire (L) and Bridget from Rehab strike a pose at Southern Nights Tampa’s Dante’s Inferno Party Oct. 26. PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHERN NIGHTS TAMPA

PIERFECT TOUR: Members of the St. Pete LGBTQ Marketing Committee including Watermark tour the city’s new pier.

PHOTO COURTESY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

BE THE VOICE: Yarelis Rios (L) and Nina Borders walk to #StopSuicide with Pasco Pride at Sims Park Oct. 26.

PHOTO COURTESY PASCO PRIDE

WHY SO SERIOUS: James Prichard (L) and Thomas Reilly clown around at Dog Bat St. Pete Oct. 25.

PHOTO COURTESY DOG BAR ST. PETE

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

overheard

central florida out+about

LGBTQ healthcare discussion coming to UCF

ne Orlando Alliance will be coming to the University of Central Florida’s Downtown campus in November to host a panel discussion on the challenges members of the LGBTQ community face when receiving healthcare. The discussion will be Nov. 7 at 6:45 p.m. at UCF Downtown’s Communication and Media Building. One Orlando Alliance is a group of 36 organizations dedicated to helping the local LGBTQ community. Member organizations include the LGBT+ Center Orlando, Peer Support Space, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Zebra Coalition, Watermark and more. One Orlando Alliance members will be tabling at the event’s Resource Fair. The purpose of the fair is to inform attendees of the mental health, physical health and LGBTQ resources that are available to them around the Orlando area. After the fair, there will be a panel discussion with representatives from various One Orlando Alliance organizations and a Q&A session. Peer Support Space Executive Director and Co-Founder Yasmin Flasterstein said the alliance does a variety of community discussions on topics important to the LGBTQ community. They decided on healthcare this time because a lot of LGBTQ people have trouble receiving “culturally competent” care. To register for the free event, visit the One Orlando Alliance’s Facebook page.

OYES brings fun and education to LGBTQ youth

he City of Orlando, Zebra Coalition and LGBTQ organizations across Central Florida celebrated LGBTQ youth with the fifth annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit at Valencia College’s West Campus on Oct. 19. Dozens of LGBTQ youth, parents, guardians, community leaders and local educators spent the day learning about topics such as queer history, politics and health services to name a few. LGBTQ organizations including Equality Florida, Hope & Help, QLatinx, UCF’s LGBTQ+ Services, GLSEN, One Orlando Alliance and more held a information fair providing information to the youth on what each of them do for the community. After a lunch provided by Second Harvest, attendees participated in a Lip Sync Battle and were treated to entertainment from violinist Jose Navarro, a powerful drag performance from Sorcha Mercy, spoken word by Kathryn Ross and stand-up comedy by Brianna Rockmore. The Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit launched in 2014 from the City or Orlando to focuses on educating LGBTQ youth, ages 13-24, on a variety of topics such as healthcare, LGBTQ history, intersectionality, consent, religion, overcoming bullying and more. For more information on the summit, visit OrlYES.org. Go to WatermarkOnline.com to see all the photo’s from the day’s event.

Empowering the Youth: (L-R) Ian Siljestrom, Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez, Fausto Cardenas and Christopher J. Cuevas at the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit at Valencia College’s West Campus on Oct. 19. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Wonderland Fun: Joan Rodriguez (L, as Alice), The LGBT+ Center Kissimmee’s Tommi Prichett (R, as The Mad Hatter) and Liam (as the Caterpillar) at Downtown Kissimmee’s BOO! On Broadway Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of Joan Rodriguez

Breakfast Champs: Jerick Mediavilla (L) and Jose Luis Dieppa attend Two Spirit Health’s name change breakfast announcement at 1010 West in Orlando Oct. 24. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Scary Marry, Part 1: Orlando Black Haüs entertainers Demetrio Mark Asciutto (L) proposes to Rock Alexander Kelly at the Rob Zombie Scare-Zone during Universal’s Halloween Horror Night Oct. 21. Photo courtesy

Don’t Dream It, Be It: The cast of “The Rocky Horror Drag Show” perform on stage at Parliament House in Orlando Oct. 26.

Photo by Drew Sizemore

Saucy Costumes: Pom Moongauklang (L, dressed up as off-brand Sriracha sauce) and Jonathan Fuller (as The Mountain from “Game of Thrones”) battle at Parliament House’s Halloween party Oct. 26. Photo by Danny Garcia

Scary Mary, Part 2: April Grotzinger (center) poses with the Broadway Brunch Bunch after their Halloween-inspired show at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando Oct. 27. Photo courtesy Josh Roth

Night of Laughs: Earl Brown, Jeff Jones and Tim Millican at Drafts & Laughs Comedy Night at Celery City Craft in Sanford Oct. 17.

Photo courtesy Tim Millican

Demetrio Mark Asciutto

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

wedding bells

Ruth George, and Liz Lopez, from St. Petersburg, Florida

Wedding date:

October 31, 2015

Officiant:

David Shaddock

Photographer:

A Stunning Match Photography

Venue:

Heartwood Retreat Center

Caterer:

Seven Continents Catering

Wedding Cake: Red Velvet from Wright’s Gourmet House

Florist:

Redman Steele Floral Design Studio

Music:

DJ Dutch

Wedding Songs:

“Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last; “When You Wish Upon a Star” by Mary J. Blige (Featuring Barbara Steisand); “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

Honeymoon:

Walt Disney World Orlando

Photo by A Stunning Match Photography

or Liz Lopez, networking is a

way of life. The Keystone Mastermind Alliance co-founder loves connecting with new people.

That’s why when Arizona native Ruth George moved to St. Petersburg in Sept. 2011 and joined a meet-up group geared toward professional lesbians, she was the first to reach out. The two met face-to-face a few weeks later. Sparks didn’t initially fly between the pair but they parted on friendly terms and kept in touch. George began regularly joining her group of friends for outings. When George’s company Feld Entertainment presented “Disney on Ice,” Lopez joined her. “Usually, we were out with a mixed group,” Lopez says. “We had a really nice dinner, great conversation … That night was a deepening of our friendship.” A few weeks later, the pair met for dinner at Queens Head. “I don’t think either of us called it a date, but it was a date,” Lopez recalls. “That night changed things,” George adds. “When you’re with someone you really want to be

with, it feels right. It felt like I was standing there at home.” By Nov. 2011, they were dating exclusively and moved in together in Jan. 2012. “It was not quite a U-Haul,” George says. “But close,” Lopez muses. On Aug. 7, 2012, they became legal domestic partners in St. Petersburg, donning rings and celebrating over breakfast at the Hangar Restaurant. As more and more states began legalizing same-sex marriage, they knew they would eventually wed. “We always craved that deeper commitment and, of course, the protections that come with it,” Lopez says. When same-sex marriage was legalized federally, they aimed for an Oct. 2015 wedding. Oct. 31 was the only available date at their venue, the Heartwood Retreat Center in Bradenton, and a Halloween wedding sounded fun to the

couple, who enjoyed the holiday in different ways. “I was more fall, witches, pumpkins and cats,” Lopez notes. “She’s more skeletons, scary movies and Day of the Dead.” Halloween had also been important to George since she was a child. “We were the house on the street that put speakers in the upstairs window and blasted scary music, and kids trick-or-treating would cry, ‘No, mommy, I don’t want to go to that house,’” she says. They decided to plan an elegant wedding, allowing the children attending to dress in costume and set up trick-or-treating. The couple opted for fall colors and George created the centerpieces for each table, which were given different Halloween themes: Disney villains, “The Addams Family,” “Harry Potter” and “Hocus Pocus.” “It was a beautiful evening,” Lopez says. “Everything I’ve ever wanted.” —Tiffany Razzano

Local Birthdays

Bungalower’s Brendan O’Connor, Sarasota HIV/ AIDS activist Michael Kehoe, State Farm agent John Psomas, Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Shelita Cra-k, Tampa boating enthusiast Jamie Paul, Ashley Furniture store manager Brian Fenn, Former Watermark editorial assistant Samantha Rosenthal (Oct. 31); St. Pete bear Wendell Wilson, Tampa Bay entertainer Reggie Gatewood, Comic connoisseur Julian Jabbar Hills (Nov. 1); Miracle of Love’s Angus Bradshaw Jr., Fitness guru Jennifer Mae, Tampa organizing coach Tracy Miller, Orlando bartender Juan Miller, St. Pete salesman Toby Browning, Orlando Gay Chorus’ Chip Reif (Nov. 2); LGBT+ Center’s Director of Operations Joel Morales (Nov. 3); Gulfport everyman Daniel Hodge, Massage therapist and framer at Framing of Central Florida Kirk Johnston, St. Pete Pride volunteer Rich Runyan, St. Petersburg cowboy Winston Haws (Nov. 4); Orlando drag entertainer Robert Crane aka Erica Roberts, Orlando realtor Cindy Gregory, Tampa Bay DJ Duane Cook, Orlando Verizon Wireless employee Ryan Lopez (Nov. 5); Tampa signing interpreter Steve Hammond, St. Pete Bears founder Grahame Harte, Former TIGLFF programming director Kelly Fry, Equality Florida’s Michael Farmer, Women In Film & Television Florida President Robin Wright, TIGLFF supporter Timothy Thomas, Metro Inclusive Health founder Bob Pope, Spooky Empire’s Denna Beena, Nikki Fried’s finance director Jon Stewart, Pinellas Park massage therapist John Waldorf (Nov. 6); Lakeland lad Kenneth Elliott (Nov. 8); Special F/X master Alan Ostrander, Modern Gents Premier Barbershop & Bar’s Nicholas Medina, Tampa Bay socialite Sterling Powell (Nov 9); J Meyers Insurance’s Lori Williams, Park Avenue salon owner Gary Lambert (Nov. 10); Margate, Fla. video gamer Scott Keener, former Tampa resident and book author/activist Steven Reigns, writer Mike Halterman, Tampa leather bear Brooks Davis, Watermark contributor Dr. Steve Yacovelli, Sarasota merman Andrew Cortner, Orlando emergency services expert Alan Harris(Nov. 11); Sarasota actor Brian Craft, Tampa Bay tangler Justin Geleta (Nov. 12); Orlando writer Liz Langley, Orlando piano man Kelly DeWayne, St. Pete Pride board member Jay Aller, LGBT+ Center’s director of Operations Joel Morales, Sarasota opera singer Ron Rispoli, Tampa networking guru Vincent Papaleo, Orlando performer Miss Aiysia Black, DJ Joanie Stanco, Orlando softball expert Anthony Andreala (Nov. 13).

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.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

the last page Hometown:

Beardstown, IL

Identifies as:

Queer/Pansexual and Transgender/ Genderqueer/ Genderfluid

Pronouns:

They/Them/Theirs

Out Year:

Abbie Rolf

2016 as Genderqueer

Profession:

Mental health private practice owner; Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Professional role model:

I don’t know that I have one particular professional role model. I strive to be knowledgeable and compassionate. If at the end of the day I can say that’s what I’ve been, then call that a success.

Title of your autobiography:

“Well, That Was Entirely Unexpected!”

Hobbies:

Reading and spending time with my partner and our dogs.

Recommend People to: Central Florida Bureau Chief Jeremy Williams at: Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief Ryan Williams-Jent at: Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

pr i vate health pract i ce ow n er / P res i de n t of pflag S t . P ete

Photo courtesy abbie rolf

he Last Page is dedicated to

individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. This issue, we check in with Healing Village owner, mental health counselor and PFLAG St. Pete President Abbie Rolf from Tampa Bay. Keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers of your community. What can you share about your work as the owner of Healing Village?

Healing Village is an intimate mental health private practice in Largo, where I practice as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. I serve my transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender diverse siblings, the LGBQIAP+ community, those who are consensually non-monogamous and those who practice BDSM/kink. More information can be found at HealingVillageTherapy.com. How do you champion for the local LGBTQ community?

Education, advocacy and being a visible part of the local community to show young people and their parents that queer and transgender people can grow up and not only survive, but thrive. I also co-facilitate the parent and youth support group TransParent, Jr. at Metro Inclusive Health.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?

Watermark’s Wedding Bells. I always enjoy seeing the love and devotion within our community. What is your favorite local LGBTQ event?

St Pete Pride. My first Pride celebration was here in St. Pete and while it was overwhelming, the energy and feeling of community was so powerful. What is your favorite thing about the local LGBTQ community?

My favorite thing so far is that it seems committed to supporting local businesses, especially queer and transgender owned businesses. What would you like to see improved in the local LGBTQ community?

One opportunity for growth I’ve observed is the need for greater understanding and inclusion for transgender people in the local

community, especially the inherent respect for each individual person’s experience of their identity. What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t make yourself smaller or feel the need to be less in order to make yourself less likely to be rejected. Being all of your authentic self is the greatest gift you can give yourself. What was your coming out process as a member of the LGBTQ community?

I didn’t have a big “coming out” in terms of my sexual identity. I found the term bisexual in 1999 and pansexual in 2004. I first met another transgender person in 2004, but didn’t come to begin exploring my own gender until 2015. In 2016 I came out as genderqueer and genderfluid and began using they/them pronouns in Nov. 2017. It took a lot of soul searching and filtering through “you’re not trans enough to call yourself transgender” before I was comfortable and confident enough to also say “I am transgender.”

What are some of the rewards and challenges of your work?

My greatest reward as a therapist was the day a former client told me “If it wasn’t for you believing me that day, I wouldn’t be alive today.” As therapists we don’t often hear the depth of our impact. Each session I spend with a client,

I’m gifted the chance to witness a moment in their journey. I have the privilege to be present through their struggles and their joys. It is absolutely an honor to be present through a client’s gender transition, whatever that may mean for each individual. One challenge for me as a therapist is the unknown; what happens with my clients when I’m no longer seeing them. Whether they transfer to another therapist, suddenly stop coming to sessions or terminate services successfully I often think of them and hope they’re well and living their best life. Another, more protective challenge I experience is the struggle to educate and inform therapists who claim competence to serve our community, without additional training, of the harm and trauma they may inadvertently cause. This is especially true for my transgender and gender diverse siblings.

What community organizations do you belong to?

I was recently elected as the president of St. Pete PFLAG. PFLAG was an incredibly important support to me in my young adult years and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to give back. I’m also a member of a few professional organizations including WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), TPATH (Transgender Professional Association for Transgender Health), GLMA (Gay & Lesbian Mental Health Association) and ALGBTIC (Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling). What’s it like working with PFLAG?

Fantastic so far! I was completing my student internship at Metro Inclusive Health and it was brought to my attention that [founders] Nancy and John “Lefty” Desmond were looking to step-back a bit from PFLAG St. Pete. The person who brought this to my attention thought I would make a great candidate and I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get involved in another capacity. Nancy and Lefty have been incredibly supportive and left very large shoes to fill! Nearly the entire Board of Directors is new this year and I’m excited for what’s to come … we always love to see new faces.

October 31 - Nov emb er 13, 2019 // Issue 26 . 22 wat e r m a r konline .com

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