Watermark Issue 27.03: Candy Crush by Watermark Publishing Group

Tampa Pride announces celebrity headliner Former LGBT+ Center Orlando ED Terry DeCarlo passes away

Inside: Spring 2020

Arts Guide

RESHAPING THE FACE OF HIV SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2020 THE RITZ CARLTON, SARASOTA GALA CHAIRS: SUSAN MALLOY JONES TERRY MCKEE JAMES AMATO

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departments 7 // Bureau Chief’s Desk 8 // Central Florida News 10// Tampa Bay News 12// State News 13// Nation & World News 19// Talking Points 41// Community Calendar 43// Tampa Bay Out + About 45// Central Fl Out + About 46// Tampa Bay Marketplace 48// Central Fl Marketplace 53// Wedding Bells/ Announcements 54// The Last Page

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We definitely stand with LGBTQ students and parents … we will not be contributing again until more inclusive policies have been adopted by all participating schools to protect the sexual orientation of all our students. – Fifth Third Bank announcing it will cease donations to Florida’s school voucher program

On the cover

page From Green to Mean:

page CANDY CRUSH:

Watermark Issue 27.03 // Feb. 6 - Feb. 19, 2020

10 Central Florida and Tampa Bay singles too sweet for words.

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Queer actress Mary Kate Morrissey talks defying gravity in “Wicked” and bringing the first tour of “Mean Girls” to Florida.

Gone too soon

It’s Raining Pride

Mama Bearings

Sister, Sister

page Central Florida community champion Terry DeCarlo passes away.

page Tampa Pride announces inaugural Pride at Night headliner.

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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

Viewpoint columnist Sylvie Griffiths talks the name game.

Central Florida dancers step into sisterhood for “Cinderella.”

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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tampa bay

bureau chief’s

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

Desk

’ve never had a particular

affinity for cars. I’ve always been grateful to own the ones I have, of course – from my first, a 1991 Ford Thunderbird to my current, a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt – I’ve just never been one to covet the latest make or model to move about town.

That likely began with my Thunderbird, graciously gifted to me by my parents in the early 2000s. It was far from new, though its James Bond-esque keycode entry was clearly ahead of its time, but I was thrilled to have it. All it needed were regular oil changes and a cassette tape adapter for my portable CD player. With the help of modern technology, state-of-the-art skip protection and a few trips to the mall to forage FYE, my ride was pretty cutting edge. It blasted the best music money could buy, from Destiny’s Child to *NSYNC, at least until the engine bid me “Bye, Bye, Bye” after years of ignoring its check oil light.

My stepdad didn’t help me buy my second car, a difficult but necessary lesson in the importance of automobile management. He did help me inspect it, however, and insisted that I steer clear of the deeply discounted 2004 Pontiac Grand Am an acquaintance was selling. Sure, it had a busted radiator, but what did he know after decades of driving and working on cars? I’d already run one car into the ground, so I obviously understood what not to do. I bought it, a difficult but necessary lesson in the importance of purchasing an automobile. Shortly after, my then-boyfriend cosigned for my third car, a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant direct from the

first dealership willing to work with a creditless kid in college. The loan outlasted our love, a difficult but necessary lesson in the importance of relationship boundaries, but after four years I had successfully paid off my first car. That’s when I realized how much I loathed car payments. I vowed to drive it for years, even using it for my trek down the country when I moved from Ohio to Florida. I was more diligent than ever when it came to upkeep, but the road to a payment-free life is paved with good intentions. Even with its pristine radiator and years of timely oil changes, there was no salvaging that car after a distracted driver ran a red light and plowed into it. Thankfully everyone involved was fine, but once the dust and disputes had settled it was back to the bank. Enter my 2009 Cobalt, which I successfully paid off quite a few years ago. That’s pretty evident between normal wear and tear and some untimely denting, but I’ve rededicated myself to a car payment-free existence. In the last two years alone and under the expert guidance of YouTube, I’ve replaced air filters, door handles, headlights and a number of other parts myself. In other firsts, I’ve scheduled comprehensive tune-ups and purchased four all-new tires in lieu of “gently” used replacements. In my efforts to better prepare for the unexpected, and because I was fortunate enough to be a in a position to do so, I even opted to add roadside hazard protection. Since then, including one inopportune lunch hour during our last press cycle, I’ve happened upon two flats. The insurance that I begrudgingly added to my tire tab covered the cost of repairs each time, more than paying for itself rather quickly. Like the construction-heavy streets of

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downtown St. Pete to my tires, when it came to planning ahead, I’d totally nailed it. Affinity for them or not, I have a newfound respect for showing cars some much-needed tender loving care. A number of folks throughout Florida are looking for a little TLC themselves, which is the focus of our third annual Most Eligible Singles issue. We present 10 sweethearts from throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida who are looking for love. There’s plenty of it to go around in Tampa Bay news; love is love as we check in with our multiple Pride celebrations. As Tampa Pride announces the inaugural Pride at Night, welcoming “It’s Raining Men” diva Martha Wash,

The loan outlasted our love, but after four years I had successfully paid off my first car.

St Pete Pride details the impessive economic impact it had on Pinellas County last year. Orlando’s LGBT+ Center welcomes LGBTQ civil rights icon Cleve Jones in Central Florida news. The city also mourns community champion Terry DeCarlo. In Arts & Entertainment, queer actress Mary Kate Morrissey – Janis in the first national tour of the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” – talks being fetch in Florida ahead of the show’s Tampa and Orlando premieres. Orlando Ballet dancers Matthew Cunningham and Adam Boreland of “Cinderella” also detail their special sisterhood. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors SYLVIE GRIFFITHS

is a proud, minivan-driving mother of four with a degree in behavioral health and Master’s in Business Administration with a nonprofit concentration. She loves art and horror movies. Page 19

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 53

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. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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central florida

bureau chief’s

Jeremy Williams cfl bureau chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

t’s the beginning of February and

that means it’s time for Hollywood’s biggest night and one of my favorite times of the year — it’s the Oscars! I’ve written in this space before why I love The Academy Awards, so I won’t go into the 30-year love affair Oscar and I have had, but before the stars walk the red carpet Feb. 9, I wanted to take on the ceremony’s biggest award — Best Picture — and let you know how I would rank the nine nominees since that is how the voting members of The Academy do it. I want to say right off the bat that I don’t think any of these were bad films, and while my list does not put this film at the top, I do think it is likely “1917” will take home the Oscar. Let’s jump right into it. No. 9 is “Little Women.” It was a nice enough film, but it has been done before — there are at least half a dozen movie adaptations — and honestly the 1994 version with Winona Ryder is better.

No. 8 is “Marriage Story.” It was a tossup between “Little Women” and this one for the bottom of the pile but I liked this one a bit more because of Laura Dern. She rocks in this movie. The rest of the cast annoyed me. A quick bit of trivia: The directors of my two least deserving films here, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, have been a couple for nearly a decade. Neat. No. 7 is “The Irishman.” This is an old school Martin Scorsese gangster film and it would rank higher for me if it wasn’t so long. At three-and-a-half hours, it is the longest Best Picture nom and Scorsese could have told a cleaner, more focused story if it was kept under two-and-a-half hours. No. 6 is “Ford v Ferrari.” Technically speaking this is a

beautiful film, but ultimately it is a forgettable movie that no one will remember a year from now. No. 5 is “1917.” This is another one that is technically well made but for me didn’t pack that emotional punch you usually get from war epics. Props to director Sam Mendes for making this war drama appear to be filmed in one continuous shot, and that will probably be enough to get it the win (it worked in 2015 for “Birdman”), but it wasn’t the best of the best for me. No. 4 is Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.” This love letter to making movies suffers from the same ailment of “The Irishman,” at nearly three hours it is way too long. It also could have benefited from having about 30 minutes or so cut out. Why it ranks higher than “The Irishman” for me though is because when it works it works very well. This is one of two films that may upset “1917” and win the Oscar. Tarantino has the benefit of having the only nominated film about Hollywood and they love rewarding movies about themselves. No. 3 is “Jojo Rabbit.” This is probably the most controversial film of the noms and that is saying a lot since several of the nominations are seen as divisive. “Jojo” is a World War II comedy about a boy who is a member of the Hitler Youth. Oh, and also his imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler. The film, directed by Taika Waititi, carried a lot of heart and is very emotional for a comedy. One of my favorites this year, but has little to no chance of winning. No. 2 is “Parasite.” This international film from South Korea starts off as a dark comedy and takes a wild turn becoming a Hitchcockian thriller about class structure and entitlement. Director Bong Joon-Ho did an amazing job fleshing out the characters and building tension. Of all the nominees, “Parasite” has the best shot to take the Oscar from “1917.”

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If it does, it will be the first time a foreign language film has won the top prize. And my No. 1 film nominated, and my top flick of 2019, is “Joker.” As someone who has been a huge fan of DC Comics and the Batman franchise for as long as I can remember, this should come as no surprise. What is surprising to me is how much I loved this movie. From the tone to the score to all the performances, led by Joaquin Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime, this was for me the best in cinema from the past year. There’s my list, don’t @ me. So tune in to the 92nd Academy Awards, you know I will, and let’s see who takes home the big prize.

Tune in to the 92nd Academy Awards, you know I will, and let’s see who takes home the big prize.

Didn’t get enough of lists in this column? Have no fear, because we have another one for you in this issue — our annual list of the 10 Most Eligible Singles for 2020. Also in this issue, we chat with one of the stars from the national Broadway tour of “Mean Girls,” coming to Tampa and Orlando, as well as two male dancers who will be taking on the roles of the Stepsisters in Orlando Ballet’s “Cinderella.” In news, we remember the late Terry DeCarlo and his work at the LGBT+ Center Orlando, get filled in on Pride happenings in Tampa Bay and take a look at companies pulling their funds from the Florida school voucher program due to anti-LGBTQ policies.

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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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors SYLVIE GRIFFITHS

is a proud, minivan-driving mother of four with a degree in behavioral health and Master’s in Business Administration with a nonprofit concentration. She loves art and horror movies. Page 19

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 53

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

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central florida news

LGBTQ activist icon visits The Center, calls on Central Florida to vote Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | LGBTQ activist icon Cleve Jones visited the LGBT+ Center in Orlando Jan. 29 for a meet & greet and book signing of his 2016 memoir “When We Rise,” but also took the opportunity to declare a call-to-action to the Central Florida LGBTQ community to get out the vote this election year. “I’m 65, I’ve been politically conscious and aware since I was very young and I think nobody would argue with me that this is the most critical election in our lifetime,” Jones said to the crowd. “So much hangs in the balance for our country, and indeed for the entire world, as we look at the challenges facing the world today. We need an America that can lead with principal, be responsible and be a good ally and a good neighbor, and help us address the extraordinary challenges of climate change, income inequality and all of these other grave threats.” Jones addressed the importance of encouraging democratic voters in the I-4 corridor to show up to the polls in the general election, saying that Central Florida will be the area to decide if the state goes blue. “We know the south [of Florida] is blue, we know the north [of Florida] is red,” Jones said. “This area could save the country and, really it’s not an exaggeration, save the whole damn world.” Jones also recalled to the crowd stories from his early days of being an LGBTQ rights activist in the 1970s. He expressed how at age 15 he had planned to kill himself by collecting pain pills and sedatives from his parents. “My mom and dad both had medical issues,” he said, “and I started stealing [pills] one by one very carefully so I wouldn’t get caught and I pulled up part of the carpet in the corner of my bedroom and hid them under the floor.” Jones abandoned his plan after reading about the gay rights movement in LIFE magazine, flushed the pills and headed to San Francisco, where he met Harvey Milk. “I wanted to make films,” Jones said. “Harvey told me I have no talent [for film] and to change my major.” Jones enrolled in San Francisco State and studied political science. Milk arranged for Jones to come work with him at City Hall. “And then on the night that [the LGBT+ Center Orlando] was founded, I found his body and I remember thinking it’s all over now,” Jones said. “How do we move forward? Our leader is dead.” Jones continued, saying that when it seemed over, the community marched. He spoke about how they marched after Milk’s death, during the AIDS crisis and then when Donald Trump was elected. Jones advised the crowd that the LGBTQ community is in a unique position to help unify the country. “We are black and brown and white, we are documented and undocumented. We come from all these different backgrounds. So let us be the bridge builders and the movement builders that take this country back and save democracy,” Jones said.

Community Champion:

Terry DeCarlo (right) with husband, Bill Huelsman, at Watermark’s WAVE Awards in 2018.

Photo by Hazel Jandick

Gone Too Soon Former LGBT+ Center Orlando Executive Director Terry DeCarlo passes away Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Terry DeCarlo, the former executive director of the LGBT+ Center in Orlando who headed The Center in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy, passed away after battling Stage 4 neck and face cancer. He was 56 years old. DeCarlo’s husband, Bill Huelsman posted the news to DeCarlo’s Facebook page Jan. 28. “This is Billy, It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to post this. But I need to let everyone know that I lost the love of my life last night. The cancer was just too aggressive for treatment,” Huelsman wrote. DeCarlo’s passing comes less than four months after it was reported by the Orlando Sentinel that DeCarlo underwent a 10 and a half-hour surgery Oct. 15 to remove the bulk of a tumor and to rebuild his face and jaw. DeCarlo first saw symptoms in June when he went to his dentist because his mouth began to bleed profusely after he brushed. His dentist sent him to a doctor immediately. DeCarlo began radiation

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and then chemotherapy treatment after the surgery. DeCarlo, as executive director of the LGBT+ Center in Orlando, was one of Central Florida’s LGBTQ leaders thrust into the national spotlight after the Pulse tragedy in June 2016. “I shared the worst moments of my life with this man, he was my rock and my friend,” wrote Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan on Facebook Jan. 28. “We prayed together the morning of June 12th, and we worked together to help our community. You will never be forgotten, Terry. Cancer only takes the best and brightest. So unfair. I will pray for you and Bill tonight.” DeCarlo became The Center’s chief communications director in 2017 when George Wallace became the nonprofit’s new executive director. DeCarlo left Orlando in June 2018 to head back to South Florida where he lived prior to becoming The Center’s director. “The Center family was sad today to learn of the passing of Terry DeCarlo. Terry helped the organization through its darkest times in 2016 and beyond. Our thoughts go out to his husband, Bill,”

The Center posted to its Facebook page along with a photo of DeCarlo at the Pulse memorial. During his time in South Florida, DeCarlo worked at organizations such as Care Resource and the Broward House where he helped ensure healthcare, medication, shelter and all basic needs were met for those in the community who needed it. He was also an integral part of South Florida’s White Party, AIDS Walk Miami, Dining Out for Life and the Smart Ride. Hundreds of people took to DeCarlo’s Facebook page to post condolences and to share memories, including members of the media. “Terry was such a wonderful passionate man. I called him my ‘go to gay,’” wrote CBS Miami reporter Ted Scouten. “He was so knowledgeable and connected in the LGBTQ community and a fantastic PR professional. He would get me in touch with whoever I needed to make sure we were able to accurately cover the news. Above and beyond everything he was a wonderful friend.” “I will never forget interviewing him that Sunday afternoon shortly after I arrived in Orlando from D.C.,” wrote Washington Blade reporter Michael Lavers. “It was immediately clear to me that he cared deeply for the community and would do everything in his power to help it heal from what happened.” A memorial is planned for DeCarlo at Lake Eola Park in Orlando Feb. 26.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay news

St Pete Pride proudly boasts $67.2 million economic impact Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride has released the economic analysis for its 2019 celebration, unveiling an impact of more than $67 million on the local economy last year. The 2019 St Pete Pride economic impact analysis was conducted by marketing firm Destination Analysts, Inc. on behalf of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, a member of both the U.S. Travel Association and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. Research data was collected utilizing three integrated survey techniques. The first was an intercept questionnaire of 338 Pride attendees, completed in-person from June 21-23, 2019. “Think people with clipboards stopping you and asking questions,” St Pete Pride President Chrys Bundy explains. “They were asked if they were local or visiting, how long they were staying and more.” To calculate the overall economic footprint on Pinellas County, additional information was subsequently collected via online surveys. A total of 49 sponsor/exhibitor surveys and one event organizer survey were included in the findings, based off of 157,845 unique 2019 attendees. St Pete Pride estimates a total attendance of 265,180, generated from local police reports and surveys. Based upon these figures, the impact analysis found that more than half of Pridegoers last year attended for the first time. “That means the word has gotten out,” Bundy says. “We have a gorgeous city, quality events, and people and businesses welcome visitors to the Sunshine City with open arms.” The findings indicated that on average, visitors from outside of Pinellas County who visited the area specifically for Pride spent $157.69. This generated $42,507,299 in new visitor spending, which was bolstered by event sponsors, vendors and exhibitors for an estimated impact of $44,286,248. According to the analysis, St Pete Pride 2019 also generated $49,508 in hotel room costs and an additional $15,226 in vacation/home share rentals. The weekend generated $2,339,694 in county taxes. “That spending begets more spending by workers and businesses due to increased revenue,” Bundy says, evident in the report’s final sum. After indirect and induced spending effects were estimated using industry standards, Pride 2019’s total economic impact reached $67,231,244. “Aside from being a safe space to gather and be who we are, it shows that because of our movement – because of Pride – businesses make more money and they hire more employees,” Bundy summarizes. The organization also recently discussed the matter with city officials. “We meet with the city every year,” Bundy says. “The economic impact was a natural part of that discussion. We’re extremely lucky to have an amazing mayor, deputy mayor and city council that support the LGBTQ community here in St. Pete.” The next St Pete Pride will be held June 26-28, 2020. For more information, including details about Taste of Pride on March 7, visit StPetePride.com.

DISCO DIVA:

Martha Wash will headline the sixth annual Tampa Pride’s inaugural Pride at Night March 28. PHOTO

VIA FACEBOOK

It’s Raining Pride Tampa Pride announces inaugural concert, celebrity headliner Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | The sixth annual Tampa Pride will feature an inaugural Pride at Night concert on March 28 from 6 p.m.-midnight at The Cuban Club, welcoming headliner Martha Wash. “Tampa Pride 2020 will be bigger than ever,” organizers have shared. “Our street festival will feature more room for community participation and our diversity parade will also be bigger, with more room for bands, floats, horses, music and much more. But that’s not all … this year’s star will be Martha Wash, performing ‘It’s Raining Men!’” Wash rose to fame as one half of the disco duo Two Tons O’Fun, formed in 1976 to sing backup for openly gay singer Sylvester, “the Queen of Disco.” Wash and Izora Armstead changed the band’s name to The Weather Girls in 1982 after releasing their massively successful single “It’s Raining Men,” an instant LGBTQ anthem. The group disbanded in 1988, launching Wash’s solo career. In recent years, she has appeared on a number of dance albums, including

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

RuPaul’s “Born Naked.” She released her latest solo album “Love & Conflict” on Jan. 6. “The LGBTQ community first embraced me back in the 70s,” Wash told Billboard Magazine in 2017, “and all these years later, the embrace is still strong. “It means the world to me when fans tell me they’ve followed me through the Sylvester years, or they came out to my music, or someone decided not to take their life,” she continued. “These are the people I sing for. So to all you beautiful people out there I say: stand strong, don’t give in and carry on.” “Martha Wash is a big icon in the community,” Tampa Pride President Carrie West says. “It’s going to be a wonderful concert and a lot of fun. We’re looking for over 60,000 people to attend Tampa Pride this year, so we needed larger entertainment for a larger crowd – when the parade’s over, they can come right to Pride at Night.” To accommodate attendees, Tampa Pride partnered with the Cuban Club in Ybor, which will serve as the new home of the official Tampa Pride stage. Organizers will utilize the venue’s parking lot

and first floor, highlighting partner organizations, vendors and sponsors while offering a variety of food options, liquor and beer. “The Cuban Club has been so accommodating with having the concert and everything we want to do,” West says. “Ybor City is kind of like a little family; we all work together.” In addition to Wash, Pride at Night will feature local and national performers. Fan favorite Tampa Bay DJs Greg Anderson and Power Infiniti will welcome entertainment including the 2020 Mr. and Miss Tampa Pride, who will be crowned at Southern Nights Tampa on Feb. 9. “It’s all going to be a lot of fun,” West says, “and it’s why we keep saying that Tampa Pride is the fun Pride. There’s going to be quite the variety and a lot of growth.” West adds that with Tampa Pride’s growth comes opportunity, noting that the celebration will be accepting sponsorships through the end of February. “A lot of corporations, companies, small businesses and organizations want to get involved with Pride,” West says. “Now is the time to do it.” “Come out and have fun,” he concludes. “That’s what it’s all about – celebrating our community.” Pride at Night is 21+ with no cover. It will be held March 28, 2020 at the Cuban Club, located at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba in Tampa, from 6 p.m.-midnight. For more information about Tampa Pride, including sponsorship opportunities, visit TampaPride.org.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Just a Little

a member of

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

state news

Companies pull funding from school voucher program due to anti-LGBTQ policies all our students. (And we will see you at the next [Orlando Pride]!)” Wells Fargo and Wyndham Destinations were the next major ifth Third Bank announced companies to join Fifth Third Bank. on Jan. 28 that they will no Wyndham Destinations released longer be donating to Florida’s a statement Jan. 30, saying they told voucher system if it continues to the program last year they would support schools that discriminate halt their funding if “concerns against LGBTQ students and about the voucher program were employees. not addressed.” Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith “As we have not seen any and Rep. Anna V. Eskamani called further action to address the bank out on social media for our concerns, we are today funding anti-LGBTQ policies, discontinuing our support and with Smith tweeting, in part, funding for Step Up For Students “Marching in [Orlando Pride] while and hope that the organization also funding anti-LGBTQ schools will quickly work with the Florida is NOT okay!” Legislature to immediately end The bank responded to Smith in any discriminatory practices a pair of tweets. existing within the voucher “We definitely stand with program,” Wyndham Destinations #LGBTQ students and parents. told NBC News. We have communicated with Wells Fargo announced it program officials that we will was pulling funding Jan. 29 in a not be contributing again until statement released to NBC News. more inclusive policies have been “We have reviewed this matter adopted by8662-115339 all participating schools PRINT - Dr. Brenton Priest Watermark Ad - Magazine carefully and have decided to to protect the sexual orientation of

Samantha Neely

SUMMERPORT

no longer support Step Up for Students,” Wells Fargo said. “All of us at Wells Fargo highly value diversity and inclusion, and we oppose discrimination of any kind.” Allegiant Air is the most recent major donor to pull funding from the voucher program. Speaking to Jacksonville’s First Coast News, the company stated “Allegiant has a strict policy of non-discrimination which is at the heart of our company’s culture, and we only choose to support programs which share our values. We sincerely hope that in the future the program can establish clear, strong policies against discrimination of any kind, and properly vet participating schools to ensure they meet those standards.” Smith and Eskamani have continued to voice their support for the companies who are withdrawing financial support until the voucher program1 is more Ad FY20 *RUSH Final.pdf 12/5/19 LGBTQ inclusive, with Eskamani

tweeting Jan. 30, “Thank you [Wyndham Hotels] for doing the right thing and standing with our kids & with equality by leaving Florida’s discriminatory anti-LGBTQ voucher program!” Companies began pulling out the voucher program after the Orlando Sentinel ran an investigation into the state’s Step Up for Students voucher system and exposed $129 million in school vouchers went to 156 private Christian schools with anti-LGBTQ views. The Sentinel’s story also discussed how companies were donating to the voucher program simply for a tax write-off. The state’s Step Up For Students program, which awards private school vouchers to Florida students in need, told First Coast News Jan. 31 that the Florida Legislature and the Florida Department Of Education are the only ones who have legal authority over the program and participating schools. 9:31 AM

“A withdrawal of donors means hundreds of low-income, mostly black and Hispanic students, half of whom live in single-parent households, will potentially be out of a scholarship next year,” a program representative said to First Coast News. “The loss of donations only hurts disadvantaged children who are innocent in this debate between adults.” Smith and Eskamani continue to call out companies on social media who are still donating to the program. They have called out companies on Twitter by name including Geico and Walgreens. “Publicly pressuring corporations that fund the tax credit program may be the best option for those who want to see changes in scholarship rules because the state’s GOP leaders seem uninterested in making changes,” Smith told the Sentinel.

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nation+world news

Utah bans practice of conversion therapy Wire Report

he discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it. Supporters navigated a winding path to passage and some dissent remains, but barring it in Utah could give a boost to similar efforts in other right-leaning states, said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “It’s really given people a lot of hope,” said Minter, whose group has pushed for bans around the U.S. The change in Utah comes after the state hammered out a regulatory rule that had the support of the influential Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Leaders had opposed a previous version because it didn’t have certain exceptions for clergy. “This is no longer a partisan cause, we all agree on how important it is to protect children from suicide,” said Cliff Rosky, a law professor who sits on the advisory council for the group Equality Utah during a news conference. He said he’s also been contacted by advocates in Iowa and Nebraska.

Republican Gov. Gary Herbert took the unusual step of calling on regulators after a proposed law was derailed after conservative lawmakers made changes to the bill. State officials confirmed the rule became final late Jan. 21. “Ultimately, I’m grateful to live in a state like Utah where we say you matter to everyone,” said Nathan Dalley, a 20-year-old student who underwent so-called conversion therapy as a teenager and has said it culminated in a suicide attempt. The original sponsor of the proposal, GOP Utah Rep. Craig Hall, applauded the rule going into effect, saying it prohibits dangerous practices while protecting healthcare professionals. “It will simply save lives,” he said. Conversion therapy is a practice used to try to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Many people who have been through it say it deepened feelings of depression and increased thoughts of suicide. The new rule bans licensed Utah therapists from subjecting LGBTQ minors to the practice that the American Psychological Association has said is not based in science and is harmful to mental health. The Utah

Psychological Association also spoke in favor of the rule. The ban has drawn push back. Opponents argued it would prevent parents from getting help for children with “unwanted” feelings and even keep therapists from taking on young clients for fear of accidentally breaking the rules if kids want to discuss feelings about sexuality. Supporters of the ban, meanwhile, say therapists can talk about issues of sexuality with young clients as long as they don’t try to change their orientation or gender identity. Utah’s predominant faith, known widely as the Mormon church, opposes same-sex marriage and teaches that intimate same-sex relationships are a sin. But it also urges members to be kind and compassionate to LGBTQ people. The church holds tremendous influence in Utah, where the majority of state lawmakers and nearly two-thirds of the state’s 3.1 million residents are members. The faith got behind the conversion therapy ban after supporters included assurances that church leaders and members who are therapists would be allowed to provide spiritual counseling for parishioners or families.

LGBTQ film star denied U.S. entry for premiere John Paul King of The Washington Blade, Courtesy the National LGBT Media Association

“J

osé,” directed by Chinese-born American filmmaker Li Cheng, won multiple awards internationally during 2018-2019 international festival circuit, including the prestigious Queer Lion award at the 75th Venice Film Festival. The Guatemalan film made its U.S. theatrical premiere Jan. 31, but its lead actor wasn’t allowed to attend due to U.S. travel restrictions The film is described in press material as “a nuanced and vivid look at being gay in Central America.” It follows the title character, a closeted 19-year-old who lives an impoverished life with his street vendor mother in Guatemala City – a

place dominated by conservative religious values. The premiere should be a joyous occasion for the film’s star, a young newcomer named Enrique Salanic, but instead it has become a senseless bureaucratic nightmare, the latest demonstration on the world stage of the current U.S. administration’s stance on immigration and travel – particularly when it comes to people from Latin American countries. According to a report in Screen Daily, Salanic has travelled with the film to many of its international screenings. He has twice been denied a non-immigrant travel visa by the U.S. embassy in Guatemala. The first application was made in November by Paul Hudson, head of the film’s U.S. distributor, Outsider Pictures. The embassy rejected it, arguing that Salanic could be a flight risk if he were to enter the U.S. Hudson then sought the aid of Congressman Ted Lieu, who wrote a

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

letter on behalf of the actor which was submitted with a second application. That request was also denied. According to the publication, a copy of the embassy’s original rejection letter states that a requirement of a successful visa application is a residence in a foreign country which the applicant “has no intention of abandoning.” It goes on to pronounce, “You have not demonstrated that you have the ties that will compel you to return to your home country after your travel to the United States.” Salanic was educated in the U.S.; he won a scholarship to study at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, which he did from Aug. 2011-May 2015. He now lives with his parents in Guatemala, but does not have a residence of his own – meaning he does not meet the necessary criteria according to the letter of U.S. policy.

in other news NY park to be renamed for Marsha P. Johnson East River State Park in Brooklyn, New York will be renamed after LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Feb. 1. “New York state is the progressive capital of the nation,” he shared during the Human Rights Campaign’s greater New York gala, “and while we are winning the legal battle for justice for the LGBTQ community, in many ways we are losing the broader war for equality.” Johnson died at 46 in 1992 and is considered a pioneer of LGBTQ rights. Witness accounts say she was a leader of the 1969 Stonewall riots. Johnson and fellow activist Sylvia Rivera also founded the youth advocacy group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries.

US sanctions anti-lgbtq Tanzanian official

The United States has sanctioned a Tanzanian official who announced plans for the East African nation to track and punish homosexuals. The U.S. statement Jan. 31 noted that Paul Christian Makonda, regional commissioner, is accused of “targeting marginalized individuals.” In a December travel warning, the U.S. said “individuals detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct could be subject to forced anal examinations.” The new statement advises the U.S. is deeply concerned with the deteriorating respect for human rights in Tanzania, whose first-term President John Magufuli has been accused by rights groups of widespread repression.

Court rules for indiana same-sex parents

A federal appeals court sided with a same-sex married couple Jan. 17 who challenged Indiana’s birth records law. The couple argued that it discriminates against them because birth certificates don’t account for same-sex spouses as parents. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision reaffirmed a lower court’s ruling in a 2015 case filed by Ashlee and Ruby Henderson that required the state to legitimately recognize their children as their own. “My first reaction was such relief and shock,” Henderson shared. “After such a long wait, it was such an indescribable feeling to finally have answers.” The Indiana attorney general’s office said the state was “disappointed” in the ruling and will consider its next steps.

S. Korea discharges transgender soldier

South Korea’s military decided Jan. 22 to discharge a soldier who underwent gender reassignment surgery late last year. South Korea prohibits transgender individuals from joining the military but has no specific laws regarding soldiers who undergo gender reassignment while in its service. It was the first time that an active duty member had been referred to a military panel to determine whether to end their service for that reason. Officials said that the decision went through due process and was based on a related military law on personnel changes, citing its provision that allows the military to discharge a member with physical and mental disabilities. The National Human Rights Commission said in a statement that referring the soldier to the military panel was an act of discrimination.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Sylvie Griffiths

mama bearings New Year, New Name

t’s hard to believe

that we’ve already entered the second month of 2020. Last year was full of big changes and a lot of learning for my family and me, and I’m constantly reflecting on that as we move forward.

I personally learned a lot from being single for the first full year in my adult life. My second marriage was over long before we separated at the end of 2018, but the end of any deep relationship hurts – and in my case, that relationship couldn’t be fully severed because we share children. That means we have to do whatever will keep us as sane and well-adjusted as possible in order to co-parent. It is much easier to type that sentence than it is to live it some days. In each of my marriages, I changed my last name, adopting my then-husband’s family name. It was something I felt I wanted to do at the time, but when those marriages ended, I had to decide what name I would keep or go back to. My four kids obviously have their father’s last names, but I felt it best to go back to my maiden name after divorce numero uno. I feel very differently about this divorce. My ex has been in a serious relationship since our split, and the chance that another person will adopt his last name is a real possibility. I was going to return to my maiden name until I had a better offer. In 2014, the salon I was working at hired an assistant, Chris Trevena. I had no idea when I met him that he would become one of the most important people in my life. In fact, my friendship with him has

been one of my greatest joys thus far. It’s been filled with love, and the fact that we both love men is just another thing we have in common. I know there are endless stereotypes and cliché terms that some would use to label or define our relationship, but it is so much more than that. I have not met my soulmate in the romantic area of my life, but I have met my soul-bestie. I thought many times that I had met my soulmate, hence my two failed marriages, but I was wrong. I know now that I was looking at my life incorrectly. While I’m a true romantic at heart, I wasn’t choosing people who were good for that heart. Last year opened my eyes to the fact that I was someone who based much of her happiness off of romantic relationships, something that was never beneficial to me. I was so focused on what I didn’t have and what didn’t work out that I took so much for granted. I was ignoring much of the amazing love that I had in my life to dwell on romantic failures. My eyes are fully open now to the idea that life isn’t just about meeting your one true love. I’m still a romantic, and I’m still open to romance, but admission is more of a VIP situation now. I will happily wait to meet the right one while I enjoy my fantastic children, family and amazing friends. All of those people love me and I am grateful for them all. Chris is very high on that list, and that is why I am taking his name when my divorce is finalized. I don’t recall the exact moment Chris said I should take his last name, but I was flattered. I hadn’t had an actual conversation with either of my ex-husbands about switching names, as is customary, but having someone ask you to take their name just felt different.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

This was coming from a man who respects, loves and values me 100%. We have been through so much in our friendship – failed relationships, health scares, losing parents, losing family members, job changes, moving, tragedies,

for countless adventures with me (“family time”) and without me (“mommy break time”), and so much more that only we will share. I’m sorry to report to any interested parties that Chris is taken, by his boyfriend and obviously by me. He is

Even if no one understood this event in my life I really wouldn’t care, however, thanks to my new outlook on life. The old me – with her old last name, old attitude and old mindset – would want everyone to be on board, but I left that lady

I have not met my soulmate in the romantic area of my life, but I have met my soul-bestie. successes – you name it. Chris and I have supported each other through it all. I haven’t had a man in my life treat me as well as Chris has. This 25-year-old human, my gorgeous inside-and-out soul-bestie, has backed a U-Haul into my driveway blaring club music while helping me move. He’s left bars to talk me through hysterical, crying panic attacks. He has even taken my kids out

my rock and he loves me just the way I am. I love him just the way he is in return. My new focus on living in the moment and being grateful for all that I have instead of dwelling on what I don’t has allowed me to be excited for my second divorce. When the ink dries on my divorce paperwork, I will become an official Trevena – something that even my own father thinks is great.

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back in 2019. Thank you for reading my last column as Sylvie Griffiths. Sylvie Trevena’s “Mama Bearings” will return in the Spring.

Sylvie Griffiths, soon to be Trevena, is a proud mom of four whose eclectic interests include hairdressing, horror movies, mental health, advocacy and writing. She holds a BS in Behavioral Healthcare and an MBA.

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points I will build a cabinet and senior leadership team that reflects the full diversity of America, including having at least 50% of cabinet positions filled by women and nonbinary people, [and] ensure representation of LGBTQ+ people across all levels of government, including in leadership roles.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race”

se ason 12’s

13 queens represent

—Democratic presidential candidate SEN. Elizabeth Warren in a post on Medium.com Jan. 21

Grammy Awards recognizes a handful of LGBTQ artists

he 62nd Grammy Awards aired live on CBS Jan. 26 and while the night belonged to Billie Eilish who swept the top four categories — Best Record, Best Song, Best Album and Best New Artist — several LGBTQ performers had a big night as well. For her remix of Madonna’s “I Rise,” DJ Tracy Young picked up the Best Remixed Recording Grammy, becoming both the first woman and the first lesbian to win this category. Lil Nas X continued his juggernaut trip through the year’s music awards by winning for both Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video for “Old Town Road” with Billy Ray Cyrus. Tyler, The Creator took home the Grammy in Best Rap Album for “Igor.” Brandi Carlile picked up a Grammy for Best Country Song as one of the writers of Tanya Tucker’s “Bring My Flowers Now.”

U.S. states: 5 from New York, 3 from California,

2 from Missouri and

1 each from Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin. —EW.com

Lilly Singh to host GLAAD Media Awards

illy Singh, the openly bisexual executive producer and host of NBC’s late night talk show “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” will serve as host for the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York March 19, the LGBTQ media organization announced Jan. 21. Singh is a multi-faceted entertainer, actress, producer, writer and creator, whose show premiered on NBC in September 2019. Besides being the only woman currently hosting a late night talk show on network television, she is also the first openly bisexual person and the first person of Indian descent to do so. GLAAD will honor actress Judith Light with the Excellence in Media Award at the ceremony.

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RuPaul to host ‘SNL’

uPaul will join the ranks of some of pop culture’s greatest icons when he takes the stage in front of a live studio audience in New York’s Rockefeller Center on Feb. 8 for his debut gig as host of “Saturday Night Live.” NBC made the announcement Jan. 21 along with naming the episodes musical guest as Justin Bieber. Though it marks RuPaul’s first appearance as host, it’s not the first time the 59-year-old star has been on “SNL.” In 1993, he appeared in a sketch during a show hosted by Charles Barkley. After NBC made the announcement, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” took to Twitter, posting “Start your engines … and live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!!! Can’t wait Mama.”

Hallmark CEO leaves after same-sex ad backlash

ill Abbott, head of Hallmark’s media business, is leaving the company after 11 years, just a month after its flagship Hallmark Channel faced an outcry over a decision to pull an ad with a lesbian couple kissing. No reason was given for his departure and no replacement was immediately named. In a statement, Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Cards Inc., said that with immense competition from TV networks and streaming services, it is important for the company to find “relevant new ways to grow our business.” In December, the Hallmark Channel’s decision to pull an ad featuring the same-sex couple led to an outcry online. The company later reversed the decision.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Topher Larkin

opher Larkin is living proof

that you can go home again. The Tampa native, who recently moved to St. Petersburg after living in Charleston, South Carolina for six years, returned to Tampa Bay with both purpose and poise.

In his role of community liaison and specialist for Zero Pinellas – an innovative partnership between Tampa Bay’s AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AIDS Institute, BayCare, Empath Health/EPIC, the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County and Metro Inclusive Health designed to reduce HIV infections in Pinellas County – Topher is a professional networker. He serves as a “kind of Switzerland,” he explains. “My position was specifically created to work on the initiative,” Topher says. “I get to see all of these collaborators in action and relay that message to the community, keeping everyone on the same page; keeping them informed and working toward that common goal.” Topher first learned of Zero Pinellas’ efforts while working for the Ryan White Wellness Center in Charleston in a role similar to the one he now occupies. He’d returned to Tampa to visit friends and family, his lifelines. “I was interested in the work they were doing and they were interested in the work I was doing,” he recalls, “so I kept in contact. When it came time for me to move back into town, I reached out. It was all serendipitous.” It’s his hope that his love life might follow a similarly happy path. “I’m freshly new back in town and I want to get to know my community,” he says. “I’m excited to see who’s out there.” Topher is eager to bring his personal and professional growth from recent years to his hometown. “I’m thrilled to be back,” he says. “I want to use my tools to hopefully make a difference. I need somebody who can do that with me – someone to go out, explore and have fun.” AGE: 38

HOMETOWN: Tampa, Florida

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

PRONOUNS: He/him/his

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SIGN: Capricorn

Doug Ba’aser

oug Ba’aser has been a part

of Orlando’s LGBTQ community for many years and has been involved in Central Florida’s entertainment industry for just as long.

“First and foremost I’m an entertainer,” he says. A self-professed jack-of-all-trades, Doug wears many hats as a part of the performing community including actor, comedian, voice-over artist and host, just to name a few. “I’ve had to be flexible as an actor because when work’s not steady, you have to do other things,” Doug says. One of those other things Doug does is tend bar. “I’ve worked in most of the bars around town,” he says. “I do whatever I am called upon to do.” One of Doug’s favorite things to do every year is co-host Central Florida’s Trash 2 Trends – a fundraiser that brings local artists together with the environmental community to create runway looks from items headed to the landfill – with the Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Maxwell. “I know it isn’t specifically an LGBTQ event but I’ve emceed it for the last six years and it’s just a fun, fun, fun event,” he says. Doug’s journey to becoming one of this year’s Most Eligible Singles began with an innocent remark on social media. “I jokingly made a comment on the Facebook post saying ‘I’m single’ and then I got a call,” Doug recalls. “So I said, ‘why not?’” Joking goes a long way with Doug who says that, above anything else, his ideal mate needs to be funny. “More importantly, they should think I’m funny,” he says. “I also like intelligent men who are physically short. I like short people and I love redheads, and Asians.”

AGE: 50s

HOMETOWN: Washington, D.C.

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

PRONOUNS: He/him/his

SIGN: Aries

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Photo by dYLAN tODD

Jim Nixon

Lolita Jerido

t. Petersburg is known as a city

of opportunity, where the sun shines on all who come to live, work and play. The city’s dedication to its growing LGBTQ population is evident year round, in large part because of leaders like Jim Nixon.

As the LGBTQ liaison for Mayor Rick Kriseman’s office, a position which Jim volunteered for long before the city could fund it, he proudly advocates for St. Petersburg and all of its residents. Those efforts extend to his role as the manager of the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center, where he oversees the inclusive hub for community members and city visitors alike. “Being gay and growing up in rural North Carolina, I found out early that it’s all about the life you make,” Jim says. “No one gets out alive – we all must make the best of everything we do!” That approach carries over into dating. “I have had very successful and fulfilling relationships in my life, and I find I am happy with who I am,” Jim says. “I am not looking for someone to fill a void, but rather to enhance the experience.” Perhaps the biggest hurdle in dating is free time, he says, because he keeps rather busy between work and support of local nonprofits. “I think in order to date someone they would have to be committed to community service in some way,” Jim explains, “and have a passion about the impact we have on our community. It would be good to find someone with passions that overlapped with mine.” That means that his special someone would need to feel as comfortable at a gala fundraiser as they would camping at Fort Desoto, all while having a special affinity for man’s best friend. “They must love dogs,” he insists.

AGE: 54

HOMETOWN: Greensboro, North Carolina

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

PRONOUNS: He/him/his

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

SIGN: Leo

olita Jerido lives by her three pillars of life: faith, philanthropy and family.

“That is what makes me the person that I am,” she says. “My father is Ethiopian and my mother is Bohemian, and family is very important in both of those cultures.” Lolita’s father was also in the U.S. Army so she moved around a lot as a child. As a military brat, family was the only consistent thing for Lolita growing up which is why it is so important to her and why it needs to be important for her future mate. “Family is everything and starts at the core,” she says. “Everything else is secondary.” A few of those secondary traits that Lolita – who describes herself as an exotic and free-spirited individual – is looking for include a person who is confident and has a sense of humor, as well as someone who is financially mature and stable. “I’m not going to say that the person I’m with has to make the same kind of money I make,” Lolita says. “It is more about what do you do with the money that you do make? Are you mature in your finances?” Someone who is passionate and happy with what they do for a living would make a good match for Lolita, as she loves what she does. She is the vice president of philanthropy for Shepherd’s Hope – a nonprofit, faith-based organization of volunteers that exists to provide access to healthcare for the uninsured. “Philanthropy is so important to me,” she says. So if you want to get to know Lolita better, she will have a few questions for you first. “What are you doing for your fellow mate? How are you giving back to your community, how are you investing in your community?” AGE: 42

HOMETOWN: Bahamas

IDENTIFIES AS: Bisexual female

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

PRONOUNS: No preference

SIGN: Scorpio

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Photo by dYLAN tODD

Nate Taylor

ate Taylor has lived

everywhere from Louisville, Kentucky to Yokosuka, Japan, but says nowhere has ever felt as much like home as Tampa Bay.

A self-described “military brat,” he spent his childhood following his father overseas. As an adult, he worked in education in college campuses across the country. “I’ve lived all over,” Nate says, “but this area was like home. It’s always seemed wide open; it feels a lot more comfortable and accepting.” The sense of community he felt led him to actively cultivate it, which he currently does as Metro Inclusive Health’s division director of community initiatives. “It is all about community connection and activation, of letting people see and understand what we provide and who we are,” Nate says of his role. “We offer more than 100 programs and services, so we have to be strategic in our messaging to raise awareness about that.” He also raises awareness as fan favorite drag entertainer Pheyonce Montrese, working with other activists throughout Tampa Bay to organize charity benefits, pageants and performances. “It is really just about giving back and doing things to make people happy,” Nate says, “and you do that through performing and also using your voice. “It’s that human connection piece of things,” he continues, “of making people smile or making them more knowledgeable. Knowledge is key.” Of all Nate’s roles, it’s his role as a father that is most dear. “Being a single dad is probably the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” he says. “My child is first and foremost.” Nate is seeking someone who understands that fact – a partner who can appreciate both family and fun. “My life is a lot,” he muses. “I’d like to find someone that is willing to take on everything that I take on. I’m looking for someone who’s looking to enhance their life, who wants to grow.” AGE: 37

HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

PRONOUNS: He/him/his

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SIGN: Sagittarius

Nick Smith

here are many words that can

be used to describe Nick Smith, but dull is definitely not one of them. Some of the words you would use to describe him include fun, creative and friendly.

“I just like to be a kid at heart and I would like someone who understands that,” Nick says. “I like my cartoons, my video games, my comics; so if someone can at least appreciate or understand that part of me then that would be great.” Nick is one of those driven men who wear many different hats. Besides being the creator of Downtown Orlando’s Sunday Funday – which includes Ember, Chillers and Latitudes – he is now a realtor and popular artist with quite a following. “I started doing more like fan art kind of stuff,” he says. “I wanted things to look original, not just like prints. I would add in 3D elements and create things that were really hard to recreate or mass produce. I was just doing it for myself originally and then people started showing an interest and then people started buying.” Nick’s art focuses on his passion for pop culture and involves combining characters painted on top of their own works whether it’s music sheets or pages from books, comics or screenplays. The care and attention Nick pays to his art are also traits he carries over to his volunteer work at the Zebra Coalition. “I’ve been volunteering there for several months now and it’s something I’m very passionate about,” he says. “I feel like I can relate on many levels to what they are going through. A lot of the things these LGBTQ youth are dealing with are things that us older ones have been through.” Nick’s ideal mate is adventurous, driven and supportive. “Someone that inspires me to be a better version of myself,” he says. Nick is also looking for someone who is funny and someone he can be totally random with. “Ideally if they play video games and they’re a nerd that would be great too,” he says. AGE: 34

HOMETOWN: Honolulu, Hawaii

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

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PRONOUNS: He/him/his

SIGN: Gemini

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. } BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

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(bik-TAR-vee)

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. } Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP LOVING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

h, r

ut t

AT’S es.

KEEP LOVING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

2/28/19 10:03 AM

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

TAMPA GALA FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 • 8 - 11

Armature Works • 1910 N Ola Ave • Tampa, FL 33602 Equality Florida champions the LGBTQ community throughout the Sunshine State. For more than 20 years, the organization has educated Floridians on LGBTQ issues and advocated for LGBTQ people in cities, counties, and at the Florida State Capitol. Join us at the 2020 Tampa Gala to learn about this progress and what’s ahead on the journey to full LGBTQ equality! Hosted by radio personality and Tampa attorney, Dominic Fariello, the evening will feature entertainment, open bars, catering by Puff ‘n Stuff, a silent and live auction, and an inspiring message from Equality Florida’s CEO Nadine Smith. Also during the evening, we’ll recognize outstanding individuals who have made incredible contributions to LGBTQ equality.

Tickets are $125 - R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets at equalityflorida.org/tampagala or call 813-870-3735

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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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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Photo by dYLAN tODD

Amy Dalzell

my Dalzell is always ready

to lend a helping hand, figuratively and literally. The St. Petersburg resident has worked as a message therapist for 16 years.

“When I started doing massage, it was quiet and peaceful – it took me into a different state of mind,” Amy says. “I have a lot of our community as clients and I love it.” The skills she’s developed to help others, utilized primarily during home visits throughout Tampa Bay, helped bring her into a happier, more serene state of mind. “I’m a bit empathic,” she says. “I definitely go by vibes and I can read people very well. I base a lot of my friendships on that – I always want to help other people before myself.” Amy says her friendships and ties to Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community have kept her grounded, leading her to donate her services to numerous causes. “I love shows and benefits,” she explains. “I donate massages every year. Seeing all of my friends coming out for one purpose is the best part about this community.” That community has also inspired her creatively. Just last year, she began writing again. “There were a number of years where I didn’t, but I think being in a peaceful place and being happy brings out my creative side.” It led her to participate in a spoken word night in St. Petersburg. “Last year was the first time that I had ever done spoken word,” she says, “and now I’m hooked. I’m going to be starting a night of my own. I’ve been itching to be into the community more.” As for who she’s looking to have by her side when she does it, it’s someone adventures, intelligent and strong. “I love a strong woman,” Amy smiles. “I always have. I want us to be equals.” AGE: 47

HOMETOWN: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

IDENTIFIES AS: Lesbian female

PRONOUNS: She/her/hers

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

SIGN: Cancer

Brandon Wolf

hile activism is his true

calling, Brandon Wolf came to Orlando 13 years ago the same way many of us do, because of a mouse named Mickey.

“I auditioned for Disney and they sent me to Florida,” Brandon says. “I thought being on the west coast they would send me to California, but when they called me back they said ‘we want you at Disney World’ and I thought, ‘you know what, Florida sounds nice.’” While entertaining brought him here it is a passion for his community that has provided him with his greatest rewards. “Once I started charting my own path I discovered what I was passionate about is the community that I live in and making life better for other people,” he says. Ways that Brandon is trying to make life better for others, and two things he is passionate about, is fighting against gun violence and helping create the nonprofit organization, The Dru Project. Both of which were born out of the Pulse tragedy, which Brandon was at and lost his best friends to. “I think the trait that stands out with me is that I’m always driven by what I’m passionate about. Everything I do, whether that’s pleasure or work.” That passion and excitement is what led Equality Florida to come calling on Brandon and name him their media relations manager. “I do lots of work lobbying for pro-equality issues in Tallahassee and fighting anti-LGBTQ things across the state,” he says. Brandon accepted his place on this list because he says it will provide an opportunity to connect with people and talk about what he is passionate about. “And who knows, if there’s a man in Central Florida that is passionate about the same things maybe this is the way I’ll meet him,” he says. AGE: 31

HOMETOWN: Portland, Oregon

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay Male

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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I'm always here with local advice you can trust.

Photo by dYLAN tODD

Michael Womack

s the communications manager

for Equality Florida, the state’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing equality for Florida’s LGBTQ community, Michael Womack advocates for change and for community.

In overseeing the organization’s communications department, he handles social media analytics and reporting. He also manages communication internships, builds statewide and municipal communications, works on special projects and with the organization’s political action committee. He also voluntarily attends the bulk of Equality Florida’s events in the Tampa Bay area, joining others across the state in support of their mission when he’s able. Most recently, that included Lobby Days 2020, where equality-focused advocates converged on the Capitol Building in Tallahassee. “I see change happen,” Michael says. “I go to work every day and I’m inspired by the people that I work with and by the work that we do. The hype is real – and I say that not just as a staff member, I say that as a as a person who belongs to this community and who belongs to the progressive community in general.” Michael says his role is an intersection of three aspects of his life. His public relations degree and communications background, his place in the LGBTQ community and his passion for politics. “When I came into this job, it was kind of the perfect storm of those three things,” he says. “I haven’t looked back since. It’s been a really, really great fit.” As for the perfect fit for his personal life, Michael laughs, it’s “a registered voter. That should go without saying, just right off the bat. I’m looking for someone that is worldly and knows what’s going on; someone that’s well rounded, loyal and passionate about some of the same things that I am.” AGE: 25

HOMETOWN: Tampa, Florida

IDENTIFIES AS: Gay male

PRONOUNS: He/him/his

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SIGN: Capricorn

Juleigh Mayfield

uleigh Mayfield is an actress by

trade, and it shows when you first meet her. Right out of the gate she is funny, charming and witty; all the traits you expect to see from an actress. After that the next thing you notice with Juleigh is her kindness.

“I have been told that my best quality is my heart,” she says. “I am a caring person and I speak the language of love, so I like the connection of touch whether I’m holding someone’s hand or touching their arm. Never below the belt though, not on the first date.” Along with heart and humor, Juleigh has also become a more vocal activist in the community. “I am much more active in my advocacy for the trans community and the intersex community,” she says. “I don’t feel like there’s a big representation of intersex in Orlando so I’m trying to get more information and education out about being XXY.” As an actress and an advocate, Juleigh splits her time between Florida and California. “I spend a lot of time out there during the year but I’m starting to look at being more focused on this front,” she says. “I’m at that age where I’m ready to settle down and I want to be in a relationship, and I know that demographic who I’m looking at and the kinds of people I want to meet pick up Watermark.” Those Watermark readers who are going to catch Juleigh’s eye are those who are “well rounded guys.” “I want to find a guy who is not only book smart but a little bit of a Boy Scout too,” she says. “If we get stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, I mean I know how to change it but I shouldn’t have to. And if we are lost in the woods he has to know how to operate a compass.” AGE: 44

HOMETOWN: Opelika, Alabama

IDENTIFIES AS: Intersex female

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

PRONOUNS: She/her/hers

SIGN: Gemini

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Mary Kate Morrissey talks ‘Mean Girls,’ ‘Wicked’ and queer representation

Ryan Williams-Jent

hen self-described tomboy

Mary Kate Morrissey walked into her audition for the musical adaptation of “Mean Girls,” begrudgingly wearing pink and a pair of heels, she wasn’t expecting to see Tina Fey.

Having dressed to mirror the production’s popular “plastic” lead Regina George, she also wasn’t expecting the comedy icon to insist she play the reclusive Janis Sarkisian on the show’s first national tour. “It was the craziest thing,” Morrissey says. “She’s a legend. I originally auditioned to replace Regina on Broadway and my agents told me, ‘Please, please, please go buy something pink and a pair of heels. If you wear your sneakers to this audition, it’s not going to be good. I was like, ‘Oh, fine,’ and I walk in and it’s Tina Fey. Right there.” “Saturday Night Live” alum Fey, who wrote and appeared in the 2004 classic which examines the delights and dangers of high school cliques and camaraderie, was joined by the musical’s entire award-winning team. Fey oversaw its book and Nell Benjamin of “Legally Blonde” fame its lyrics, with Jeff Richmond from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” composing and Casey Nicholaw of “The Book of Mormon” directing. “I do the material and Tina leans over to Casey Nicholaw,” Morrissey recalls, “and he goes, ‘Do you have the Janis packet?’ I didn’t and he asks, ‘Can you just cold read it?’ So I did – and then they offered me the part that day.” Continued on pg. 37

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Why is that so important for you?

| uu | From Green to Mean

People see a show and think that they know the person playing in it because they’ve just spent two and a half hours with them. It’s an amazing thing for them to go to social media and realize they’re actually a person. I think it can open some eyes, like a Southern mom’s in Birmingham, Alabama who maybe saw me play Elphaba and thought “Oh, she’s such a good singer,” and then sees that I’m queer. It can make people think about it in a different way. It gives different kinds of people access to knowing someone via social media so that they can empathize with them.

from pg.35

If it took nerve to blindly audition for Janis in front of the character’s creator, Morrissey got it from defying gravity. Prior to originating the role on tour, she starred as another fan favorite social outcast of the stage: Elphaba in the national tour of “Wicked,” inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.” Watermark spoke with Morrissey – who identifies as queer – about her authenticity on and offstage, from her days in Wicked Witch green to actually being not-so-mean. “Mean Girls” gets fetch in Florida at Tampa’s Straz Center Feb. 18-23 and Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center Feb. 25-March 1.

raise your right finger: Mary Kate Morrissey (far right) makes a stand as Janis against plastics (L-R) Megan Masako Haley, Mariah Rose Faith and Jonalyn Saxer in the first national tour of “Mean Girls.” photo by joan marcus

WATERMARK: Elphaba is quite a breakthrough role. What was it like leading the show across the nation?

MARY KATE MORRISSEY: It was awesome. It doesn’t matter what you do to prepare because that show will rock you no matter how strong you are. It was so unbelievably challenging … So coming to do “Mean Girls” is fun, because I already went through something that was kind of breaking. Our cast is very young, because we’re all playing teenagers, and so it’s cool to come back like, “I’ve been through this, let me help you.” I kind of feel like the tour mom in some ways. How did it prepare you for “Mean Girls?”

When you come back with that green badge, when you’ve played that role, people look at you differently. People are like, “Oh, you’re a workhorse. You didn’t die and you’re still singing ... we could probably trust you with any role; if you can do that you can do anything.” What’s it been like introducing the show to audiences on tour?

It’s interesting, because everybody knows “Mean Girls” for the most part, right? It’s such an exciting thing to see young people dragging their parents to the theater, and the musical is updated in a lot of ways. I think people who have seen the movie come in like, “these are the characters that I know,” but the reason you recognize them is because you knew those characters in high school, too.

So I’m not playing the Janis from the movie. My Damien is not playing the Damien from the movie. Some of the lines are in there, but we’ve been given a lot of room to be authentic with what we’re doing. It feels like people are responding really well to that. What makes it a must see for fans who are familiar with the movie and those who aren’t?

The musical is all of your favorite parts of the movie, just stuffed with musical theater. There’s every different genre of musical theater; there’s something for everybody in the musical theater world. For people who haven’t seen the movie, I think they can understand the redemption story of it all. They can get a little bit of a window into what it’s like to be a teenager now, or what their kids might be going through, and hopefully empathize with them a little bit better or open up a conversation. Like, “how is this for you?” or “which character on stage are you in your classroom?” Also, everybody knows mean girls. Maybe not the movie, but everybody knows the mean girls in their life, or mean boys or mean people. I think that you can understand and enjoy the show either way. What was it like cold reading for Janis in front of Tina Fey?

It was absolutely nuts! I thought they must not have thought too hard about it, but a couple weeks later, our music

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

director Mary-Mitchell Campbell was like, “When Tina wants somebody that’s who she wants, and you kind of just go with it.” I was like, “oh, man, that makes me feel so good.” Tina was there for rehearsals all the time, giving us notes and rewriting things for our cast that are different from the Broadway cast. She had a huge hand in a lot of what we did. Why do you think the film translates so well into a musical?

The story of the “Mean Girls,” the plastics, the queen bees and wannabes, is so true in any part of life. I think that you can recognize the people on stage immediately; you know the story you are about to be told from your own life. It also has a redemption story to it, one of “just be nice to everybody. Stop bullying everybody … just try not to care what people think.” Is that why you think it has resonated with the LGBTQ community?

It has for so many reasons. They get to see their experiences in high school, or what they would have wanted from their experiences in high school, and to see themselves in two starring roles. Our Damian sort of runs away with the show; he’s so incredibly lovable. They don’t really talk about Janis’ actual sexuality in the show, but there’s the situation where her friends say to her, “Hey, I think you’re gay and it’s making other people uncomfortable.”

I’ve been there for that. I feel like a lot of people have. I’m queer and I remember being in my first year of college and someone throwing a party asking my cousins, “Are you going to bring the lesbo with you?” I remember being so devastated by that in my formative, baby queer life. I think people see that and they’re like, “No, that’s not cool,” and that’s what the show says. It says let’s just live and let live right now. You get to see yourself on stage in a flattering way and not as a caricature, which I think is really cool in musical theater. Some members of the LGBTQ community struggle with the word “queer,” what are your thoughts?

I think that queerness opens up to more people who don’t necessarily fit into one of the letters. They know, “I am not quite the G. I’m not quite the T, I’m not quite the B,” but know “I fall somewhere in there. I know because of my same-sex attraction and because of my falling in love with women or with trans people or gender nonbinary people.” At least in my community and in sort of the young, radical New York City, the word has been lifted up; it’s so positive now. A lot of people identify as queer. It’s like a sexual identity signifier and a kind of political one. Right now I have the most amazing boyfriend on the planet, but you’d better believe that I’m still queer and I’m still fighting for queer rights. That’s always going to be a part of my platform.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Have you had any meaningful interactions that stand out?

People will write letters and say “the way that you’re living has influenced my life,” or “now I feel like I can walk through the world and XYZ because you go up on stage and do it.” It can break your heart, so I feel a pretty big responsibility. It’s been really eye opening to see how many people around the country don’t feel like they have a voice. Or that haven’t seen themselves on stage, or feel like they would not be able to do it because they don’t know anybody else like them who’s done it.

Do you think identifying as queer and having those experiences informs how you play characters like Elphaba and Janis?

Big time, yeah, for sure. You don’t need to have a love interest on stage to recognize queerness, or otherness, or sort of the way that you carry yourself. I think that’s something that I probably personally bring to these characters, but I also think a lot of times it’s written in; there are clues to it everywhere. I try to play just what’s on the page, but if I’m playing something, it’s going to probably be skewed a little more queer than not. (Laughs.) Representation matters, right?

Absolutely! I try to make sure that it’s a part of everything I do.

“Mean Girls” plays at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Feb. 18-23 and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Feb. 25-March 1. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StrazCenter.org and DrPhillipsCenter.org.

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Theater

Sister, Sister

Dancers Matthew Cunningham and Adam Boreland take on the Stepsisters in Orlando Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’

(above)

Half way there:

Adam Boreland (L) and Matthew Cunningham show off the before and after makeup for the Stepsisters in Orlando Ballet’s “Cinderella.” Photo courtesy Orlando Ballet

Jeremy Williams

ancer Adam Boreland knew that

he and fellow dancer Matthew Cunningham were going to play the Stepsisters in Orlando Ballet’s performance of “Cinderella” before they were even cast. “I had a dream a week before they even asked us that I was going to play one of the tepsisters along with Matt,” Boreland says, “and I went up to him the next day and told him about the dream, so when they told us we had the parts we were like let’s do this. By that point we were already discussing how we would approach the roles and I had worked my excitement up.” Casting men to play the Stepsisters is a tradition with Frederick Ashton’s version of “Cinderella.” Ashton first choreographed the ballet in London in 1948 with a score by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. While some interpretations of the Stepsisters have been to play them mean, Boreland and Cunningham will have less of an edge to their characters.

“I think because the roles are typically cast with male dancers they are often played as wicked or nasty, but we want it to be a little bit more playful in this one,” Boreland says. “They like to tease her rather than be spiteful with her,” Cunningham adds. “There’s very few moments where they’re very straight up mean to her. The poor dad though.” Ashton’s version of “Cinderella” has several differences from the Disney version most people are familiar with. One difference is that Cinderella’s father is still alive, and played by the Director of the Orlando Ballet School, Phillip Broomhead. “The Stepsisters aren’t that bad to Cinderella but they are so bratty to the father,” Cunningham admits. Some

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

other notable differences include scenes involving seasonal fairies, a jester and a dance that involves the Stepsisters and a pair of the Prince’s palace buddies. “As the Stepsisters we are still trying to win the Prince at the ball but his friends are there and they are our backups if that falls through,” Cunningham says. “They’re our plan B,” adds Boreland, “and our dance with them is hilarious. They’re lifting us, we’re lifting them and I have heels on and then I have a big wig. I’m going to be like seven feet tall.” The Stepsisters are a huge part of the comic relief in “Cinderella,” but that doesn’t mean you won’t see top-notch dancing from these professionals. “They’ve put some real technical steps in there that both of us do so that we’re not just a hot mess,” Boreland says. “The dances are crazy, we are in clunky heels and big wigs. We have pantaloons the whole show. The choreography is very demanding and it is fast, and if we don’t hit those marks and hit those beats then it won’t be funny.” The costumes and the dancing aren’t the only things the Stepsisters are putting on display. Cunningham will also be doing the stage makeup for the characters. “I have a drag persona and her name is Amanda Rydon,” Cunningham says. “I don’t really perform, mostly because I don’t have time. With ballet it’s not just a job it’s a whole lifestyle and it’s the same with drag, it’s very much a lifestyle as well, so when I had the opportunity to merge both art forms together I jumped at it.” While past shows have described the characters as “the ugly Stepsisters,” Cunningham wants to add some beauty and glamour to these ladies. “I don’t want to outshine a certain lead character,” he says with a laugh. “[Adam’s] more butch so I try to make him look as feminine as possible but it’s okay if the makeup isn’t perfect because it lends itself to his character. I’m much more meticulous on how I look but I still maintain that angular appearance. The important thing is keeping the makeup colors aligned with the costumes.”

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Something else Cunningham plans to do is have a different look for each show, and that is something both of them will do with each of their characters, add something new and different for each performance. “It’ll be the same choreography but each show will have something tweaked a little bit here and there with our characters,” Boreland says. “This is a dream role in the sense that they give us so much opportunity to do what we want.” Boreland — who is originally from New Port Richey, Florida — and Cunningham — born in Pleasant View, Utah — are both in their fourth season with the Orlando Ballet. “This company as a whole, we’re all very much family,” Cunningham says. “We all feed off of each other and are supportive with each other.” One of those fellow dancers they have a familial bond with is Anamarie McGinn, who will play the Stepmother. “When you put us three together the camaraderie is already there,” Boreland says with excitement. “Before we even started the choreography, the friendship and the relationship is there. We love working with her.” Orlando Ballet’s “Cinderella” has two female dancers playing the titular princess and two male dancers portraying the Prince in the various performances of the show. Cinderella is played by Kate-Lynn Robichaux and Hitomi Nakamura and the Prince will be played by Thomas Holdsworth and Andre Gallon. “I think it is amazing too that the leads are shared between different races and ethnicities, and we don’t mind if people think we have been typecast because we are more flamboyant,” Boreland says. “The more people who feel different have the chance to see themselves represented on stage the better the opportunity that they may say to themselves ‘If they’re up there then I can be too, that can be me on that stage someday.’” Orlando Ballet’s “Cinderella” will feature live music performed by the Orlando Philharmonic and will play five shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando Feb. 14-16. Look for special Valentine’s Day-themed makeup from Cunningham at the Feb. 14 show. On Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. the Orlando Ballet will perform a special family show. The one-hour condensed version will still feature all the most memorable moments from the classic tale and will be fun for families of all ages. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OrlandoBallet.org or DrPhillipsCetner.org.

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

community calendar

event planner arts+entertainment

Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Zebra Coalition’s 10 Year Anniversary/Dance Party

Kelly Richards Piano Bar Sing-A-Long, Feb. 7, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Girl The Party: Pick A Chick, Feb. 8, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Paws in the Park 2020, Feb. 8, Lake Eola, Orlando. 407-246-4484; Facebook.com/PetAllianceGO April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch, Feb. 9, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Community Sweat, Feb. 9, Rock Hard Fitness, Orlando. 407-802-4631; RockHardFitnessOrlando.com Academy Awards Viewing Party, Feb. 9, Savoy, Orlando. SavoyOrlando.com Miss Leading Lady Comedy Queen, Feb. 10, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com NAGLREP Love is Love Happy Hour, Feb. 12, World of Beer, Orlando. 407-270-5541; NAGLREP.com Bisexual Male Living, Feb. 13, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org The Barber Fund Charity Bingo, Feb. 13, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/ Orlando Jinkx Monsoon, Feb. 14, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Karaoke to End HIV, Feb. 14, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

Friday, Feb. 14, 7-10 p.m. Quantum Leap Winery, Orlando

Monsoon

Season “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 5 winner Jinkx Monsoon splashes into Southern Nights Orlando Feb. 14 and Southern Nights Tampa Feb. 15. Photo via JinkxMonsoon.com

Family Friendly Outing, Feb. 9, George C. McGough Park, Largo. 727-518-3047; ProjectNoLabels.org

Intimate Partner Violence Support, Feb. 14, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

Bingo Benefit for Team Florida 2019, Feb. 11, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996, HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

Roaring 2020’s, Feb. 15, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com LadyBoys of The PeekA-Boo Lounge, Feb. 20, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/ Orlando

LGBTQ Film Series: “Rafiki,” Feb. 13, Gulfport Public Library, Gulfport. 727-893-1074, MyGulfport.us

TAMPA BAY FatMarker Celebrates 3 Years, Feb. 8, Bradley’s on 7th, Tampa. 813-241-2723; BradleysOn7th.com Salty’s 7th Anniversary, Feb. 7, Salty’s, Gulfport. 727-592-4983; SaltysGulfport.com Iberian Rooster Drag Brunch, Feb. 8, Iberian Rooster, St. Petersburg. 727-258-8753; IberianRooster.com

Jinkx Monsoon, Feb. 15, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa All New Pride Skate, Feb. 15, SkateWorld, Tampa. 813-884-7688; Facebook.com/ PrideSkateTampa City Side Showcase, Feb. 15, City Side Lounge, Tampa. 813-350-0600; CitySideLoungeTampa.com

Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride 2020, Feb. 16, Casino Ballroom, Gulfport. 727-893-1070; GulfportPride.com Happy Tailz Cat Rescue Bingo, Feb. 18, Punky’s, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712, PunkysBar.com Out@The Straz Happy Hour: “Mean Girls,” Feb. 19, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Come OUT St. Pete Meeting, Feb. 20, Sensorric Therapy, St. Petersburg. 727-821-1110, ComeOUTStPete.org

SARASOTA Beneva Fruitville’s Drag Queen Bingo Brunch, Feb. 9, GROVE Restaurant, Lakewood Ranch. 941-893-4321; BenevaFruitville.com Suncoast Equality Connection, Feb. 13, The Reserve, Sarasota. 888-417-3737; EQFL.org

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

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Join Zebra Coalition for an unforgettable evening marking the organization’s 10-year anniversary and Valentine’s Day. Supporters 21+ will raise funds to ensure Zebra’s mission to assist LGBTQ youth lives on for years to come. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment led by Blue Star, libations, hors d’oeuvres and silent auctions. Tickets start at $75 per person and $140 per couple. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ZebraYouth.org.

Solar Bears Pride Night Sunday, Feb. 16, 3 p.m. Amway Center, Orlando The Orlando Solar Bears face the Atlanta Gladiators, benefiting the LGBT+ Center Orlando! Tickets are $15, with $5 from each ticket sold via the website Groupmatics.Events/Event/Center4 benefiting the organization in its mission to promote and empower Central Florida’s LGBTQ community and allies through education, advocacy and support. For more information, visit TheCenterOrlando.org and OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

tampa bay Mr. and Miss Tampa Pride Sunday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m. Southern Nights, Tampa Kori Stevens and Tampa Pride invite you to the crowning of the next Mr. and Miss Tampa Pride. The pageant is hosted by Kathryn Nevets, with music by DJ Mike Sklarz and additional entertainment from Aries Mateo Kelly, Kenya Black and Esme Russell. Contestants will compete in presentation, evening gown/formal wear, on-stage interview and talent, with winners receiving $500 cash and the coveted crown.

2020 Equality Florida Tampa Gala Friday, Feb. 21, 8-11 p.m. Armature Works, Tampa Join Equality Florida to celebrate Tampa’s LGBTQ community and learn about the organization’s latest pro-equality work across the state from CEO Nadine Smith. The gathering will include awards, a silent auction, a live auction hosted by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Tickets are $125 and available at EQFL.org/TampaGala. For sponsorship opportunities and additional details, visit EQFL.org.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

overheard

tampa bay out+about

30 YEARS STRONG

arasota Pride was held Jan. 25 at J.D. Hamel Park, the first January outing in the celebration’s 30-year history. Enthusiastic crowds and more than 40 vendors filled the downtown locale. The St. Petersburg-based pop/rock duo Halcyon and the Sarasota-based rock group Divine AF proudly captivated audiences, flanked by emcee Lindsay Carlton-Cline and fellow drag performers Anita Cox, Savannah Lynn and Grandma Pearl. “Sarasota Pride sends out a loud shout to the Sarasota community for the great support of Pride in the Park,” the organization subsequently shared via social media. “What a perfect day it was to celebrate our DIVERSITY. Thanks to Tropicana for sponsoring the awesome entertainment and to Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP and all their staff who volunteered to make Pride happen. To all of our sponsors who continue to support our Equality efforts and to our amazing lineup of vendors … .you ALL knocked it out of the park.” Organizers further urged supporters to stay tuned for its next date in 2021. Check out Watermark’s full gallery of photos from the 30th annual gathering at WatermarkOnline.com.

ARTISTS ASSEMBLE!

he LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gulfport Public Library has announced the fourth annual ArtOut. “Artists, get your creative juices flowing,” the organization shared. “The fourth annual ‘ArtOut: LGBTQ Artists in Gulfport’ is just around the corner.” Artists can expect details and registration to begin around April 1, and art will be collected for the exhibit during the week of May 18th. The exhibit’s opening reception is currently scheduled for May 30 to kick off Pride Month. “ArtOut is open to LGBTQ+ artists who reside in Gulfport, Florida, and to other Gulfport residents who are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and depict their support through their art using an LGBTQ+ theme,” organizers noted. “Similar artists who are non-residents, but have close ties to Gulfport may also participate.” For more information, contact GulfportArtOut@ gmail.com and visit MyGulfport.us/ LGBTQ-Resources/

save the date

mpath partners in care (EPIC) has announced dining out for life 15 will return to Tampa Bay April 30. “For 15 years, restaurants throughout Tampa, Gulfport, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Dunedin have joined together in support of EPIC so we can continue to be a force of change in the fight against HIV,” the organization shared. “Grab your family and friends and bring your appetite!” At least 25% of your breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or cocktail check from participating locations will be donated to support the work of EPIC. For more details, visit DiningOutForLife.com/City/ Tampa-Bay.

2 3

TAMPA PROUD: (L-R) Tampa Pride’s John Desmond, Nancy Desmond, Carrie West and Mark Bias talk 2020’s celebration with Watermark at Tampa Pride headquarters Jan. 22. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

GOLDEN GOALS: (L-R) Adriana Sparkle, John Shirley and Matthew McGee stay golden at the “Golden Girls Drag Diva Brunch” Jan. 26 at the Straz Center.

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN SHIRLEY

AHOY: Joshua Beadle (L) and Julius Arnade set sail Jan. 24 for the Pride Cruise in Sarasota Jan. 24. PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

GRAND OL’ GAL: Grandma Pearl models the latest issue of Watermark during Sarasota Pride Jan. 25. PHOTO BY

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

TEAM EFFORT: Tampa Bay queens volunteer their talents Jan. 26 for “Save the Bush,” a benefit at Enigma benefiting Australia.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

FOR THE CAUSE: Pasco Pride and Equality Florida participate in Lobby Days at in Tallahassee Jan. 27. PHOTO COURTESY PASCO PRIDE

BAY WATCH: (L-R) Gizzelle Cliche, Hazel Genevieve, Thiago Taylor, Olivia Rae Taylor and Brianna Summers dazzle at Brunch by the Bay at Neptunes Feb. 2. PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

DOG DAZE: Steven Lewis and Scott Tennant enjoy an evening at Dog Bar Jan. 25. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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8 7 February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

overheard

central florida out+about

Bliss CARES’ TRANSformation

liss CARES began its enrollment period for the next TRANSformation series with a kick-off party at its clinic in Orlando Jan. 30. TRANSformation, a six-part educational series focusing on aspects of gender transition with a goal of creating more leaders within the transgender community, first launched in 2017. TRANSformation 2020 will be Bliss CARES’ fourth time providing the series of classes to Central Florida’s transgender community. TRANSformation 2020’s registration period is open until Feb. 5 with classes set to begin March 12. Every member who attends at least five out of the six classes will graduate and qualify for TRANSformation to sponsor their legal name change. Transportation is available for those who live within 25 miles of Bliss CARES, located at 2901 Curry Ford Rd. in Orlando. For more information, contact Bliss CARES at 407-203-5984.

Straight Up Makeup

he Makeup and Creative Arts (MCA) will host their second annual “Straight Men, Real Makeup” benefit to raise money for the onePULSE Foundation on Feb. 15. MCA is a Central Florida studio that specializes in FX makeup, masks and props; and its event showcases straight men “stepping out of their comfort zones” and dressing in drag while performing routines for a live audience, all while raising money for a worthy cause. There will be three ways to donate during the event: at the door, by text-to-donate during the event or tipping the performers directly. The event will take place at Tin Roof in Orlando. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit MCA’s Facebook event page.

Rainbow Runners

he CommUNITY Rainbow Run isn’t until June 6 but that doesn’t mean you can’t save your place at the starting line now. Registration for onePULSE Foundation’s fourth annual 4.9K opened Feb. 1 and is in early bird sign-up until April 2. Registration in only $40 during that period with an increase to $49 starting April 3. Same day registration is $60. The event, which will take place at Wadeview Park in downtown Orlando, will also include a 1K kid’s fun run and a free CommUNITY Festival. The CommUNITY Rainbow Run is presented by Orlando Health in partnership with the UCF DeVos Sport Business Management Program and benefits the onePULSE Foundation. For more information or to register, visit CommunityRainbowRun.com.

Disney Arts: (L-R) Jorge Cordova, Andrew Lemin, Danny Garcia and Scott Phillips attend Epcot’s Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Feb. 2. Photo courtesy Danny Garcia This New House: (L-R) Miguel Naranjo Cortez, Marco Antonio Quiroga, Yasmin Flasterstein, Nicole Elinoff and Joél Junior Morales celebrate Peer Support Space’s anniversary and open house at its new location in Kissimmee Feb. 1. Photo courtesy Joél Junior Morales

Designer Trash: Stonewall’s James Costello (L) and model Divine Grace show off Costello’s winning design at the seventh annual Trash 2 Treads fundraiser at SeaWorld Orlando Feb. 1.

Photo courtesy James Costello

Reader’s Choice: LGBTQ icon Cleve Jones shows off his book and the latest issue of Watermark during his event at the LGBT+ Center in Orlando Jan. 29.

Full Circle Flashback: Musical trio Company B show of their A-game at the Ultimate 80s Party at Parliament House in Orlando Feb. 1. Photo by Bears in the City Bowl Buds: (L-R) Steve Yacovelli, Richard Egan, Joe De Matei and Andrew Lammes tune into the Super Boal with drinks at the District Dive in Orlando Feb. 2.

Photo courtesy Steve Yacovelli

I’M on the Big Screen: Suebee Laginess checks out her ad on the big screen at Hullabaloo 2020 at Lake Eola in Orlando Jan. 25.

Photo courtesy Suebee Laginess

For Drew: (L-R) Shawn Dean, Brandon Wolf and Sara Grossman represent The Dru Project, and their friend Drew Leinonen, in Los Angeles to raise money for scholarships Feb. 1.

Photo courtesy Sara Grossman

Photo by Danny Garcia

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8 February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Judy L. Hines, CQA, CPB, CPS, CAP We make people healthier.

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Accountant

Air Conditioning

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Read It Online! Head to WatermarkOnline.com and click on the Digital Publications link to a read a digital version of the printed newspaper!

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

C e n t r a l

Attorney

F l o r i d a

M a r k e t p l a c e

Counselors + Therapists

Financial Planner

DICTOR FINANCIAL, LLC Wayne S. Dictor, CEP President, CEO

Member Board of Directors - Orlando Gay Chorus

Practice Areas:

Office: 407-942-3366

Mobile: 941-320-4794 Wayne@DictorFinancial.com

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

801 International Parkway, Suite 500 Lake Mary, Florida 32746

Business Law

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPIC

Real Estate Probate Pre/Post-nuptial Agreements

Funeral Services Matt Rosenthal

ROSENTHALMEYER, PLLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW Offices in Lake Nona & Avalon Park

mrosenthal@rosenthalmeyer.com

407-435-9995

www.rosenthalmeyer.com 407-504-9725

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you information about our qualifications and experience.

Cleaning Service

Counselors + Therapists

Counseling

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CIT Y OA SIS

Full Service Interior Plantscaping Design & Maintenance Sales - Leasing - Maintenance

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

1214 N. Mills Ave. Orlando (407) 898 -8101

If this were your ad, thousands of readers

would have just seen it. Call for rates

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insurance

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Read It Online!

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February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

C e n t r a l

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Call 407-481-2243 for more information

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

Reach local LGBT communities across the nation. Start connecting with over a million loyal readers in print and online across the country. 212-242-6863 info@nationallgbtmediaassociation.com www.nationallgbtmediaassociation.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

wedding bells

Barbara and Morgan Banno, from Gulfport, Florida

Sage SRQ celebrated its first anniversary Jan. 29.

April 29, 2017

Salty’s celebrates seven years in Gulfport Feb. 7.

Wedding Date:

FatMaker Clothing celebrates three years in Ybor Feb. 8.

Oct. 19, 2019

Wedding Venue:

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa Bay Watch, Tierra Verde

Wedding Song:

“Everything” by Michael Buble

Coral and gray with a tropical feel

Florist:

Karen’s Florist

Officiant:

Angela Lagan

Caterer:

Milan Catering

Bakery:

A Friend Who Bakes

Dessert:

A dozen different mini desserts instead of a cake

Photographer:

Tropical Focus Photography

DJ/ Entertainment:

Mello Vibes Entertainment

Old Key West Bar & Grill celebrated five years in St. Petersburg on Jan. 19. The Hammered Lamb celebrated seven years in Orlando on Jan. 29.

Engagement Date:

Wedding Theme/Colors:

CONGRATULATIONS

Photo by Tropical Focus Photography

arbara and Morgan Banno

were friends before they ever started dating. In fact, Morgan was a regular at Barbara’s popular Gulfport restaurant, Stella’s.

When they first met, Morgan owned a shaved ice business with an ex. “We would try to frequent Stella’s to support local,” she says, “especially female-owned and operated businesses like the one I had.” Barbara was also in a relationship at the time, but the two became fast friends. When their previous relationships ended, they began hanging out more. Morgan says “it was the right place at the right time.” “We were spending so much time together, but I wasn’t really sure how she was feeling versus how I was feeling,” Barbara says. “I wasn’t sure she was on the same page.” About six years ago, she invited Morgan to dinner, intending for it to be a date, and laid her feelings out there. “I came to find out she was feeling the same,” Barbara recalls. Morgan, who now works at Stella’s, had always been

attracted to Barbara’s personality. “She’s so personable with everybody. Her laugh is absolutely contagious,” she says. “I can hear it from inside the kitchen and it makes me smile inside and out. She made me laugh all the time. That sealed the deal for me.” Barbara was drawn to her wife’s sense of adventure. “There was a piece of Morgan that was always challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone,” she says. “There was a sense of excitement and adventure missing in my life that she brought to it.” Their relationship was solid from the beginning and they knew that one day they’d get married, but they weren’t in a rush. “I knew she was the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with but there was always something going on that kept us from getting engaged,”

Barbara says. “We’ve been through a lot.” Once renovations to their home were done, Barbara knew it was time to propose. “We had this home that we had literally built together, and it just felt right,” she says. She proposed on Morgan’s birthday, April 29, 2017. Morgan handled most of the wedding planning duties. “I pretty much had my dream wedding in mind,” she says. “Wedding planning was a blast.” Barbara was happy to let her plan everything. “I joked a lot that we probably could have eloped, but I wanted to give her the wedding of her dreams,” she says. “Looking back on it now, there’s nothing like having an actual wedding and feeling so much love on one day. You’d never ever think you can feel so much love.” “Not just between us,” Morgan adds, “but all our friends and family who were there to celebrate. It was absolutely priceless to be able to share such an important day with everyone who loves and adores us.” —Tiffany Razzano

Fine art photographer Josh Garrick, photographer James “Cannonball” Bennett, former Watermark intern Kathy Ruiz, Tampa Bay realtor Derrick Dwyer (Feb. 6); Orlando attorney Barbara Leach, Orlando fitness guru Tony Edge, Central Florida photographer Albert Harris-Rusell, Real estate agent Eric Puzone (Feb. 7); St. Petersburg dance instructor Julia Meyerovich-Neighbors (Feb. 8); Hamburger Mary’s Orlando’s Mike Rogier, Old Key West owner Crystal Ellis-Faber (Feb. 9); Watermark columnist Melody Maia Monet, Creative Tile Design owner Tom O’Keefe, St. Pete hair stylist Ric Castro, Metro Inclusive Health’s Jesse T. Rivera, Macy’s HR manager Luis Fabian (Feb. 10); Stonewall’s Julian Bain, St. Petersburg attorney Bobby King, Tampa media specialist Bart Birdsall (Feb. 11); Tampa photographer Mark Danner, Tampa Bay socialite Mark Warden (Feb. 12); J. Meyer’s Insurance co-owner Cathy Meyers-Keene, USF Vegetarian Society President Mark Weber, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia Weiss (Feb. 13); Honey Pot co-owner Ernie Webb, Tampa Bay performer Jaeda Fuentes, UCF graduating senior Steven Hogue, Orlando banking guru Diana Cox, Tampa Bay realtor Ryan Thompson (Feb. 14); Gary Lambert Salon & Spa co-owner Shawn Hunt, St. Petersburg’s The Queen’s Head co-owner Darren Conner (Feb. 15); LGBTQ-friendly Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni, Central Florida performer Blue Star, Orlando man-about-town Nick Crush, Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus secretary Dave Cutler, Tampa activist Chris Goldsmith, Tampa Bay Bears president Keenan Rose, EQFL intern Prin Ocea (Feb. 16); Tampa Bay entertainer Iman, Downtown Arts District board member Ben Laube, Orlando playwright-actor John Ryan, Disney entertainment guru John Bearse, Punky’s cast member Monique Love (Feb. 17); Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant Ty Williams, Orange County arts hero Terry Olsen (Feb. 18); Owner of Crabtree Healthy Living Toni Crabtree, Stonewall Pinellas Democrat Rick Boylan, St. Petersburg artist Jay Hoff (Feb. 19).

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.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

the last page

Steve Brown

Hometown:

Lakeland, Florida

Identifies As:

CEO A c c e ss o T e c h n o l o g y G r o u p / C o - o w n e r Th e G l a ss K n i f e

Cisgender gay male

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Out Year: 2000

Profession:

Entrepreneur, Tech CEO

Professional role model: Steve Jobs

Autobiography Title:

“Life Is More Than One Chapter”

Hobbies:

Travel, reading and, of course, baking!

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 Steve Brown, CEO of accesso Technology Group and co-owner of The Glass Knife in Winter Park. Keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers of your community. What do you do professionally?

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

I am the CEO of accesso Technology Group where we provide ticketing, point of sale and guest experience solutions to theme parks, ski resorts, cultural attractions and the cruise industry. My partner Lance and I also own The Glass Knife, a pastry shop/café in Winter Park. What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?

The Community Calendar. It’s the “go-to” source for what’s happening. I always find something new and interesting. What is your favorite local LGBTQ event?

Come Out With Pride; I am amazed by how that team

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

continues to raise the bar in producing a series of events that foster our city’s sense of community and inclusiveness. What is your favorite thing about the local LGBTQ+ community?

In general, our shared experiences give us courage and empathy, but there is just something uniquely authentic about our community here in Orlando. It’s incredibly tight-knit. I don’t know that you find that same closeness elsewhere. What would you like to see improved in the local LGBTQ+ community?

That we continue to advocate for representation that genuinely reflects the complexity of our

community. I also feel that we can be our loudest when we listen and speak with our actions, not just our words. What would you like our readers to know about you?

My first professional job after college was as a news reporter at the ABC affiliate in Panama City, Florida. While that was short-lived, I am a big news junkie (and already miss Jorge Estevez!). Oh, and I am still upset that Hillary is not president. What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on trying something for which you have a passion. Focusing on the things you really care about is one of the best routes to a happy life. And, travel as much as you can. Experiencing other places is so eye-opening and inspiring. I wish I had done more of that in my younger years. Why did you want to open a cafe and bakery in Winter Park?

This idea has been brewing in my mind for probably twenty years, if not more. I have been inspired by, and long dreamt of, a way to share the memories of baking alongside my mother,

Jacque. She was a hobbyist baker whose talents transformed her culinary passion into a creative profession. I guess you could say that, along with my own food passions, is just a part of my DNA. As a long-time Orlando resident, I could feel the desire for a locally-owned and operated community gathering place. Something sophisticated, yet comfortable; a spot that encourages togetherness and celebration. A place where the offerings are made in-house, from scratch, each and every day. The ultimate goal is world-class food and exceptional service. What are your most popular items at The Glass Knife?

Anything with chocolate!

What is your personal favorite at The Glass Knife?

What time of day? The morning is a crème brûlée cortado and a Cheddar Biscuit sandwich. Lunch is the Roasted Turkey Club. But for that ‘any time of day’ treat, my go-to is our Oatmeal Cream Pie; It’s the ultimate combination of nostalgia and homemade goodness.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

February 6 - F eb rua ry 19, 2020 // Issue 27.03 wat e r m a r konline .com

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