Watermark Issue 27.04: The Art of the Heal

Your LGBTQ Life.

February 20 - March 4, 2020 • Issue 27.04

The Art of the Heal 2020 hopefuls commit to equality ahead of Florida’s primary Pasco Pride seeks countywide HRO Parliament House not up for auction

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

departments 7 // Publisher’s Desk 8 // Central Florida News 10// Tampa Bay News 12// State News 13// Nation & World News 19// Talking Points 33// Community Calendar 35// Tampa Bay Out + About 37// Central Fl Out + About 38// Tampa Bay Marketplace 40// Central Fl Marketplace 45// Wedding Bells/

Announcements 46// The Last Page

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Having candidates who are reaching out to the LGBTQ community specifically with programs and plans shows that they want our vote.

They know that our community can contribute and that we can really make a difference in who is elected, which makes a difference in the direction of the country.

— LGBTQ+ Democratic caucus President Stephen Gaskill

On the cover

page

page The Art of the Heal: 2020 hopefuls

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commit to equality ahead of Florida’s primary.

Cover art courtesy Chad Mize.

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Louder than Ever:

Big Freedia bounces into Gasparilla Music Fest and beyond.

Watermark Issue 27.04 // February 20 - March 4, 2020

Here to stay

Eye on Equality

Dem Q&A’s

From Here

page Parliament House owner says the resort is not up for auction.

page Pasco Pride seeks countywide Human Rights Ordinance.

page

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The Democratic presidential candidates answer LGBTQ-focused questions.

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Donald Rupe expands his Pulse-inspired, Fringe musical for the stage.

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

Publisher’s

Rick Claggett PUblisher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

’m not a SWIFTIE. That’s to say I’m

not a fan of Taylor Swift’s music. In fact, I had to ask Google what her fans are called because I know so little about her. No offense to her or to her fans, it’s just not my bag and simply subjective. Also, consider the source: my favorite music is Air Supply.

Having said all of that, I can’t keep Taylor Swift out of my mind lately. “You need to calm down” has become the voice inside my head. This usually happens while I’m driving, and I drive a lot. I’ll be heading down I-4 at a nice 79 mph pace when a car driving at least 100 mph swerves around me. Suddenly I find myself snapping my fingers and singing, “You need to calm down! You’re driving too loud!”

Sometimes Swift’s lyrics come to mind when my dog is yelling at me or when I’m overwhelmed with work vs. volunteering, but mostly I think “You need to calm down!” when I’m on Facebook reading political opinions.

As of press time for this issue, we are two states into declaring a

watermark staff

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

Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential campaign. Before the Florida primary we will see two more states allocate delegates, then a handful more on Super Tuesday. Since the issue before the Florida primary is our WAVE award coverage, we decided to address the primary now before turning our focus to what is spectacular in our local community.

Watermark doesn’t endorse candidates. It was our policy not to do so in primaries, but now we have decided not to do so at all. I, of course, reserve the right to change my mind on that at any point. In 2016 Watermark strayed from its norm and elected to endorse Hillary Clinton as its choice to top the Democratic presidential ticket:

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

a decision that was not without its own controversy. I stood by our decision to endorse her and I do to this day.

Although Watermark the company may not dole out endorsements any longer, I still have an opinion as a publicly-conscious person. I am embarrassed to say that if the primary election were today I don’t know who I would vote for.

I used to believe the undecided voter was just not well enough informed, and now that’s me.

Maybe I do have a lot to learn about the candidates, but what I do know about all of them looks good.

All of the top contenders would make a great president and all of them are flawed.

I recently had the opportunity to hear LGBTQ rights activist Cleve Jones speak at the LGBT+ Center in Central Florida. He was moving, legendary. I remember thinking while he spoke: “It’s no wonder we have come so far in his lifetime, and it’s no wonder we have so far to go.”

What stood out so much to me was his description of Gilbert Baker and Harvey Milk.

He spoke about how amazing they were as friends and how dedicated they were as activists, but he also talked about how flawed they were as people. His point was that these heroes, those we put on a pedestal, were just everyday people. They had strengths and weaknesses just like all of us. How freeing it was for him to know that. Realizing these pioneers are everyday people means that we, everyday people, have the capacity to do great things.

We need to realize this about our political choices. They are all everyday people. They all have the capacity for greatness and they all have weaknesses. So let’s not put them on pedestals while tearing down their opponents. Your hero’s opponent just may be your nominee for president and you may

be the one who has to reconcile that in your mind. Mayor Pete may be too green for you and Bernie Sanders may be too Independent; Joe Biden may have the vernacular of an aging generation and Mike Bloomberg may have too much money; Amy Klobuchar might bore you and Elizabeth Warren may seem unrelatable to you, but you need to calm down. They are all on your side.

All of these candidates believe LGBTQ people should be protected federally. The current administration does not. All of these candidates believe our trans community should serve in the military. Our current administration does not. All of these candidates

By all means, fight for your candidate, just don’t annihilate the field in the process. believe children should not be subjected to conversion therapy.

Our current administration does not. Let’s not kid ourselves into thinking this election is a choice between the lesser of two evils.

This is a battle between good and evil, advancing rights versus removing rights, where the prize is the soul of this nation and the future of our community. By all means, fight for your candidate, just don’t annihilate the field in the process. If your candidate doesn’t move forward, then be a hero and fight for our community. We will all need you.

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

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Jason Leclerc

is a near lifelong resident of the I-4 corridor, currently in South Tampa. He publishes poetry online at PoetEconomist. blogspot.com. His first book, Momentitiousness, was published in 2014. His book, Black Kettle, was published in 2016. Page 15

Jerick Mediavilla

is a former journalist from Mexico City, an educator in Central Florida and an human rights activist for the LGBTQ community. Jerick is one half of an Orlando power couple with State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Page 17

Lora Korpar is

a journalism student at the University of Central Florida and a former Watermark intern. She plans to graduate in Spring 2020. Page 45

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.

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7

central florida news

The Center to host 8th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Samantha Neely

O

RLANDO | The LGBTQ+ Center Orlando will celebrate local LGBTQ leaders and businesses during its eighth annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Awards on May 20.

The event is in honor of the Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in California.

“LGBTQ history is really important,” The Center’s Executive Director George Wallace says. “I love using Milk’s name as a catalyst for education and not only that, but this is a fun event. We get to acknowledge local heroes and champions.”

The award for LGBTQ ally will go to Congressman Darren Soto.

“He has been a really outspoken representative as far as LGBTQ rights are concerned,” Wallace says. “He does at least three LGBTQ round tables each year where he invites members from the community in and really wants to work with us as well as his own passion for LGBTQ legislation.”

The Trailblazer Orlando award will go Marco Quiroga, program director of The Contigo Fund.

“He’s done a lot of work with undocumented migrants,” Wallace says. “He works for Our Fund, which oversees The Contigo Fund, and it was created following the Pulse tragedy. He works very extensively in the QLatinx community.”

The award for Trailblazer Kissimmee will go to Jeremy Lanier, President of Downtown Business Association Kissimmee.

“He is a mainstay in Kissimmee and has been with us throughout the whole process of moving offices,” Wallace says. “He has been a wonderful advocate in promoting The Center in Kissimmee and making sure that all of the merchants in the area are aware that we are there and what we are doing.”

The Champion for Equality award will go to state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani.

“When you go to her website, she prominently wears her Orlando ribbon,” Wallace says. “I think that that is so impactful that when people see that, they know she is an ally and she is also visible in our community. She is always speaking on our behalf and is a true champion of equality.”

The award for the Harvey Milk Business Award will go to the LGBTQ nightclub, SAVOY. “SAVOY is one of our longtime partners,” Wallace says.

“They host fundraisers for the Center. The owner had his birthday party and all of his proceeds, he donated back to The Center. They open their space not just for The Center but for any LGBTQ organization without hesitation.”

The Lifetime Achievement award will go to the Orlando Gay Chorus.

“The Orlando Gay Chorus, at the end of the day, is a grassroots organization that is vital to the community,” Wallace says. “It’s their 30th anniversary, which is a pretty big milestone for an organization of their size.”

The 8th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Awards will take place at the Sheraton North in Maitland May 20 starting at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are $60 for general admission and VIP is $100. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.

8

P House Parties: The

crowd gathers for a concert at Parliament House during Gay Days 2018. Photo by

Layla Ferris

Here to stay Parliament House owner says the resort is not up for auction Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Parliament House, Orlando’s longest running LGBTQ club and resort, will not be going up for auction at the end of the month. This according to Parliament House owner Don Granatstein.

Rumors that the more than four decades old LGBTQ resort was up for auction on Feb. 25 started to rise when court documents on the Orange County Clerk of Courts website stating as much began to circulate at the beginning of the year.

According to those court records, Lion Financial filed a judgment of foreclosure on Dec. 3 against Parliament Partners and its investors, as well as Granatstein, co-owner Susan Unger and two undisclosed individuals named in the judgment as John Doe and Jane Doe. The final judgment of foreclosure is in the amount of $4.7 million with the Parliament House, located at 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, listed as the property address. According to the documents, the property’s

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

assessed value is listed at just under $3.4 million.

Judge Lisa T. Munyon of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida granted Lion Financial’s motion for unpaid principal on the mortgage in the amount of $3.9 million as well as on interest and late fees in the amount of $806,341. The court ordered a lien on the property and, per the judgment, Parliament House is to be auctioned off on Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.

Granatstein says that while the Orange County Clerk of Courts does show the Parliament House going up for auction at the end of the month, it is only a formality and that a refinancing agreement is being worked on that will be completed before the Feb. 25 auction date.

Granatstein says that Lion Financial, the plaintiff in the court judgment, is aware of the refinancing agreement.

“The foreclosure action is brought

by Lion Financial. We have been dealing with them for many years on a very friendly basis,” Granatstein says. “Once mortgages are due they prefer to be landlords rather than mortgage holders. They did the exact same thing with The Gardens and we

end up leasing with an option to buy back at same amount as mortgage.”

In the deal Granatstein is talking about, Parliament House sold off five acres of land, which included The Gardens, to Lion Financial in 2017 to settle unresolved debts. Lion Financial is the same institution that holds Parliament House’s mortgage.

“We are days away from finishing a refinancing that will pay off all mortgages, allow us to renovate the Parliament House and build out The Gardens,” Granatstein says.

Rumors that Granatstein and Unger, who purchased Parliament House in 1999, were going to lose the resort spread in 2015 when similar court documents circulated on social media. Those documents, according to the resort’s bankruptcy attorney at the time, were part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy agreement.

The Clerk of Courts office verified with Watermark that even with a judgment of foreclosure that doesn’t necessarily mean the property will go up for auction, noting that a bankruptcy or refinancing agreement could prevent the property from being auctioned.

Watermark reached out to the attorney’s for Lion Financial but have not hear back as of press time.

The iconic LGBTQ nightclub will celebrate its 45th anniversary this year as a community hotspot, something Granatstein insists will continue for years to come. “[Parliament House] will be here forever,” he says.

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

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9

tampa bay news

Community Cafe, Drag Queen Story Hour find temporary home Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | Former Grand Central District restaurant Community Cafe, the home of Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) Tampa Bay, has found sanctuary at the LGBTQ-affirming Allendale United Methodist Church.

Owner Mandy Keyes opened Community Cafe in 2013 to become “your home away from home,” offering a full menu specializing in vegan and vegetarian options.

It served as a safe space in St. Petersburg’s traditional “gayborhood” until late last year.

Its unexpected closure was announced in early November. “We were informed by our landlord that they will not be renewing our lease ending November 30th,” Keyes shared Nov. 6. “This completely blindsided us, as we’ve been in discussions with them for over a year about expanding.”

She subsequently announced that an agreement had been reached to remain in the space through December.

Community Cafe held a final DQSH at the location Dec. 7, where it had done so since Sept. 2018, before welcoming supporters for a closing weekend Dec. 28-29.

Keyes has now announced that after nearly two months, Community Cafe will return with a limited menu for weekend pop-ups at Allendale beginning Feb. 21. Its first full weekend will also culminate with the return of DQSH Tampa Bay Feb. 23, featuring Tampa Bay entertainer Juno Vibranz.

“Hi Community! We miss you so much!” Keyes shared Feb. 10. “Life is so different without seeing your lovely faces building community together. We are not giving up finding our permanent home … but there have been a lot of roadblocks … some are due to Drag Queen Story Hour.

We’re still searching for our perfect space.

“In the meantime, Allendale UMC has welcomed us (and DQSH) with open arms,” she continued. “You’ll know them as the church that has all the super cool progressive signs on 38th Ave N. They’re all about social justice issues, making people feel welcome and building a community where everyone is valued. It’s everything we believe in!”

Keyes says that 27% of sales will go to Allendale to support their work in the community. The pop-up will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., be available on UberEats, and feature approximately half of the cafe’s fan favorite items.

“We’re working on finding our permanent location but we’re welcome as long as needed,” Keyes says, noting that the church has also embraced DQSH Tampa Bay. “It’s a wonderful partnership.”

“Drag Queen Story Hour is not controversial,” Allendale UMC Rev. Andy Oliver adds. “The true controversy is how members of this community are marginalized and oppressed by individuals and systems. Community Cafe is a perfect partner in Allendale’s desire to create space for people to gather no matter race, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or belief.”

For more information about Community Cafe and Allendale UMC, visit CommunityCafeStPete.com and AllendaleUMC.org.

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FOR THE CAUSE: Equality Florida and Pasco Pride, including Nina Borders (3rd from R) at Lobby Days 2020. PHOTO

COURTESY PASCO PRIDE

Eye on equality Pasco Pride seeks countywide HRO Ryan Williams-Jent

P

asco County, Fla. | Pasco Pride has launched a concentrated effort to enact a Human Rights Ordinance (HRO) in Pasco County to protect LGBTQ residents from discrimination.

The organization held its second annual festival last October. It exists to strengthen Pasco County’s LGBTQ community and sees the HRO as an extension of that mission.

“We’re trying to implement the first HRO in Pasco County because the LGBTQ community deserves equal protections,” Pasco Pride President Nina Borders says. “Under the current policies we are not a protected class and can be legally discriminated against.”

To raise awareness, Pasco Pride launched a Change.org petition to present to Pasco County’s five county commissioners, the local legislative and policy-making body.

The organization hopes to present the elected officials with specific examples of support from residents within the districts they represent.

More than 200 supporters have currently signed the petition.

To learn more about enacting an HRO, Borders says Pasco Pride has

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

leveraged the expertise of Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Pride joined the organization for Lobby Days Jan. 27-28, converging on the state capitol to advocate for LGBTQ Floridians alongside local leaders.

Equality Florida notes that 60% of the state’s population is covered by local nondiscrimination protections that include gender identity and sexual orientation. The organization has long sought the passage of the Florida Competitive Workforce Act, which would provide statewide protections, but notes that Republican leadership continues to block their efforts despite wide-ranging support.

The act currently has 66 bipartisan cosponsors across the Florida House and Senate, the organization advises. Supporters include Republican State Rep. Amber Mariano, whose district includes Pasco County.

Despite inaction in Tallahassee, Borders says she has met with county commissioners in hopes of receiving local support. “It’s all about dialogue,” she says. “An HRO is good for the economy. It’s good for business. It creates a diverse workforce and as Pasco County grows, bringing in younger families

and new businesses, those people need to be protected.”

Pasco County Communications Manager Tambrey Laine confirmed the meetings. “Pasco County Commissioners regularly meet individually with citizens to hear their concerns and to learn more about their initiatives,” she says. “Commissioners are aware of the request for a Human Rights Ordinance.”

Laine further notes that discussion and commentary on the HRO would be offered “if these matters are brought before the Board as a whole at a public meeting.” The meetings are typically scheduled for every other Tuesday at either New Port Richey’s West Pasco Government Center or Dade City’s Pasco County Courthouse.

“No one should be discriminated against for who they are or who they love,” Equality Florida Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer says.

“Nondiscrimination protections in Pasco County would help ensure the LGBTQ community is treated with the same fairness we expect for everyone.

“Leadership in the legislature continues to hold back statewide protections,” he concludes, “but the Pasco County Commission can make its priorities clear and ensure that Pasco is a safe and welcoming place for everyone to live, work and visit.”

To view or sign Pasco Pride’s petition, visit Change.org/PascoFL_HRO.

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

11

state news

Suspect calls cops on man he robbed, stabbed after being shot at Wire Report

B

OYNTON BEACH, Fla. | A suspect called police officers to report that a man he had robbed and stabbed was shooting at him as he got away.

Boynton Beach police officers said Victor Morel called them Feb. 8 to report that someone had shot at him twice.

According to the police, Morel had met the man through Grindr and knew from others that the unidentified man dealt drugs. Morel told officers that he went to the man’s apartment intending to “make some money off of him.”

WPTV reports that the men got into an argument at the apartment and the man grabbed a knife and chased after Morel. In the fight, Morel grabbed the knife and stabbed the man who had grabbed a gun.

The man fired two shots as Morel drove away.

Morel was charged with robbery and aggravated battery.

Fifth Third Bank reverses decision, will continue to donate to school voucher program Samantha Neely

T

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Fifth Third Bank has decided to reverse its original decision to pull out of Florida’s school program after it was reported that the money goes back to private schools that discriminate against LGBTQ students and employees.

The financial institution released a statement on Feb. 7 saying that after conducting a comprehensive review of the program, they decided that they could “continue to support it, while adhering to our core values.”

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith shared a link to the Orlando Sentinel’s reporting Feb. 7, along with a tweet reading “Corporations sent a loud and clear message that they want lawmakers to end discrimination against LGBTQ students. It has become clear

that companies are being given private assurances that change is happening … Let’s continue to work together to ensure those changes actually materialize to ensure voucher-funded private schools are open to all students.”

It is unknown what “private assurances” on changes in donations or program Smith is speaking about.

Fifth Third Bank was one of the first companies to publicly dismiss their support of the program after the Sentinel published its article detailing the state’s Step Up for Students voucher system and exposed how $129 million in school vouchers went to 156 private Christian schools with anti-LGBTQ views. They donated around $5.4 million a year and claimed they provided 2,500 scholarships for kids.

Some state representatives voiced their support online for Fifth

Third Bank’s decision to reinstate donations to the voucher program.

“I celebrate the announcement by Fifth-Third Bank, which will bolster education opportunities for those who need it most – low-income minority students,” Rep. Patricia Williams said in a tweet.

Rep. Wengay Newton also voiced support on Twitter.

“I want to thank Fifth Third Bank for once again participating in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program. Thanks for breaking the school-to-prison pipeline that has left far too many of our low-income black and Hispanic students with bleak futures,” he tweeted.

Allegiant Air, Rosen Resorts, Wyndham Resorts, Cigar City Brewing, Wells Fargo and ABC Fine Wines and Spirits have all pulled out the program since Fifth Third bank did so and have continued to not donate.

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

nation+world news

Swiss voters approve outlawing discrimination Wire Report Swiss voters approved by a wide margin Feb. 9 a measure that will make it illegal to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.

Switzerland’s parliament in late 2018 approved expanding the country’s existing anti-discrimination law to make it illegal to publicly denigrate, discriminate or stir up hatred based on a person’s sexual orientation.

Opponents of the move insisted it violated people’s right to freedom of opinion and gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue. Switzerland holds referendums several times a year that give voters a direct say in policy-making.

Voters supported outlawing anti-gay discrimination by a margin of 63.1% to 36.9%, an outcome roughly in line with pre-referendum expectations. Of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (states), only three — Appenzell-Innerrhoden, Schwyz and Uri — had majorities vote against it.

Under the measure, operators of restaurants, cinemas and public facilities such as swimming pools will not be able to turn people away because of their sexual orientation.

The revision expands the scope of a law in force since 1995 that bans discrimination on the basis of race or religion. The law allows fines and up to three years in prison for violations.

In its new form, it will cover sexual orientation but not gender identity.

Supporters said the addition is needed but that it would not stifle legitimate public debate as long as

the views expressed don’t stray into fomenting hate or discrimination.

Voters “are saying unmistakably that hatred and discrimination have no place in our free Switzerland,” Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said.

Opponents argued that protections against denigration were already enshrined in Swiss law. The nationalist Swiss People’s Party, the biggest single party in parliament, opposed the change and said the backers must now show it was “not a pretext for handing down politically motivated verdicts and silencing unwelcome opinions and voices.”

Keller-Sutter said “freedom of expression remains guaranteed.”

She added that courts have been “restrained” in their application of the existing law and “anyone who remains respectful need have no fear of being convicted.”

man accused of planning attack on LGBTQ bar and synagogue pleads guilty in las vegas Wire Report A self-described white supremacist pleaded guilty Feb. 10 in Las Vegas to collecting materials and planning to bomb a synagogue or office of the Anti-Defamation League, or shoot people at a fast food restaurant or a bar catering to LGBTQ customers.

Conor Climo, 24, stood rigidly answering, “Yes, your honor,” while U.S. District Judge James Mahan questioned him about encrypted internet chats with an FBI informant and his membership in Feuerkrieg Division, an offshoot of a U.S.-based neo-Nazi group called Atomwaffen Division. Climo said he possessed “materials required to make a destructive device, your honor.” He pleaded guilty to felony possession of an unregistered firearm.

Climo, a former security guard, was arrested Aug. 8 and remains in federal custody. He acknowledged that he now takes prescription medications but did not specify his diagnosis.

Climo could face between two and three years behind bars at sentencing May 14. He might have faced up

to 10 years and a $250,000 fine if convicted at trial. His court-appointed public defender, Paul Riddle, declined outside court to comment.

FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Aaron Rouse later declared Climo’s plea a success for “proactive enforcement” and cooperation among agencies.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich said Climo’s threats of violence were “motivated by hate and intended to intimidate or coerce our faith-based and LGBTQ communities.” He said authorities are committed to assessing threats and intervening “before mass violence can occur.”

Las Vegas experienced the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history when a gunman using military-style rifles rained bullets from a high-rise hotel into an open-air concert crowd in October 2017, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds. The gunman killed himself before police reached him.

The FBI’s Las Vegas-area Joint Terrorism Task Force began investigating Climo last April.

Climo spent several months telling the informant of detailed plans to firebomb a synagogue near his home, according to court documents.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

He told agents an attack would “uphold his ideology” and help get his message out, and that he wanted other people to join him to shoot people fleeing flames.

Atomwaffen Division has been linked to several killings, including the 2017 shooting deaths of two men at an apartment in Tampa, Florida.

The group “encourages, and may even commit, violent attacks on people of the Jewish religion, homosexuals, African Americans and federal infrastructures,” a U.S. magistrate judge wrote when she rejected Climo’s bid for release last August.

Climo also compiled a journal with sketches of attacks on a Las Vegas LGBTQ bar in the downtown Fremont Street tourist corridor and a McDonald’s restaurant, the magistrate judge said.

The FBI confiscated an AR-15 assault-style weapon and a bolt-action rifle from Climo’s home when he was arrested.

Agents reported finding hand-drawn schematics and component parts of a destructive device, including flammable liquids, oxidizing agents and circuit boards.

in other news N Ireland holds first same-sex wedding Two women were wed Feb. 11 in Northern Ireland’s first same-sex wedding after the region became the last part of the United Kingdom to legalize marriage equality. Care worker Robyn Peoples and waitress Sharni Edwards were wed near Belfast. The couple said they had not intended to be the first to marry, but were thrilled to become symbols of change. “We fought so long and hard for this opportunity to be seen as equal and now we are here and it’s just amazing,” Robyn shared. “Our love is just the same, it’s no different.” She and her wife both took the married name Edwards-Peoples.

Hawaii advances LGBTQ commission bill Hawaii legislators have preliminarily approved a bill that would create a commission to address LGBTQ issues.

A House committee voted 6-1 Feb. 5 to advance the bill that would create the LGBTQ Commission, which would identify issues such as discrimination or violence and ensure there are efforts to research, plan and advocate for members of the LGBTQ community. It would also recommend government actions to promote equal treatment and opportunities, and educate members of the community about their political rights, legislators shared. If it were to become law, supporters advised, it would be the first commission of in Hawaii.

First female, lesbian leads Michigan diocese The Michigan diocese of the Episcopal Church has named its first female and openly lesbian bishop. Rev. Bonnie A. Perry was ordained Feb. 8 during a ceremony in Dearborn. She said at the church that she is aware of what her election as bishop means to others. “If you look at scripture, Jesus said absolutely nothing about homosexuality,” she shared. “And over and over and over again, we see Jesus always being with people who were perceived by other folks to be on the margin, to be outsiders or less than or not worthy.” The Diocese of Michigan was formed in 1836 and has 75 congregations.

Canada raises gay Rights in Africa Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised Senegal’s criminalization of homosexuality during his visit to the West African nation Feb. 12, highlighting an impasse the United States, Canada and other Western nations have had in persuading most African countries not to jail gays and lesbians. Trudeau told journalists he was “a great defender of human rights” and had to raise the issue, while Senegalese President Macky Sall said “we’re comfortable with our laws.” Senegal is a predominantly Muslim nation where homosexuality is criminalized and punishable by up to five years in prison. Prosecutions are rare but discrimination runs deep. Sall added that his country respects human rights but emphasized that no changes are forthcoming.

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viewpoint

Jason Leclerc

The other side

of life

R

Fighting Deficits

esources are, by their

nature, scarce. In fact, value or price for a resource is derived from its relative scarcity: how much we have of something we need or want versus how much we need or want it.

We vote with our dollars. In America, we vote with our votes. This applies to fresh drinking water during a hurricane, watches and, apparently, presidential candidates. In a free (unfettered) market, the supplier of a resource produces as much of that resource as they expect to sell at a reasonable profit; the consumer of the resource will continue buying it until the price becomes prohibitive. This is equilibrium.

In reality, a “free (unfettered) market” is a fiction.

Markets are affected by irrational exuberance and hysteria: by fake news and propaganda. Markets are affected by taxes and regulations: collective actions that distort the costs of suppliers’ inputs.

Governments and institutions reallocate resources.

Wrapped in ideals like liberty, justice and opportunity, the main difference between Democrats and Republicans has traditionally been how and at what scale to reallocate those resources.

The reallocation of resources has costs, and we all agree that liberty, justice and opportunity are worthy of collective resource allocations. Thus, we pay taxes to provide common defense, to enforce contracts and to educate our future generations. We understand that there is a siphoning-off of resources to administer such collective activities. When they don’t swing wildly, we can include such costs in rational, sustainable plans. Greater uncertainty about costs cripples planning for the future.

When a government underpays by a trillion dollars for the resources it administers, the effects are myriad.

Not only have citizens agreed to the collective goals of liberty, justice and opportunity, not only have citizens accepted the institutional siphoning-off of administrative costs, not only have citizens agreed to have less water

during hurricanes, less Rolex watches and less healthcare, they are seeing the relative devaluation of liberty, justice and opportunity.

There exists a fundamental cognitive dissonance between growing the size of government – the institutions built to reallocate resources – and the preservation of liberty, justice and opportunity. This is, at its heart, irrational.

We accept it, as we plan, for predictable futures.

Since we can’t put a cost or price on liberty, justice and opportunity, we can do no better than to use approximate valuations based upon our collective buy-in to government budgets. We used to cede that power to our trusted elected representatives; leaders who found equilibrium in the quest to preserve the priceless on our behalf.

We had Republicans who fundamentally distrusted the siphoning-off, who wanted supply and demand to play a bigger part in the allocation of scarce resources. We had Democrats who didn’t mind the siphoning-off if it meant that the pro-cyclic forces of the market could be distorted just enough to make liberty, justice and opportunity more graspable – less priceless but more graspable at least.

We had Democrats and Republicans in equilibrium, throttling the relative supplies and demands of priceless ideals; Democrats and Republicans picking and choosing winners and losers; Democrats and Republicans leading a discourse centered around maximizing liberty, justice and opportunity. In this paradigm, progress was slow but steady.

Right now, we have no way to tell what we are paying, what we are giving up and what’s being siphoned-off.

We are in a dangerous and unsustainable, populist economic moment. We have Democrats and Republicans who are devaluing liberty, verging on authoritarian cults of personality; undermining justice, politicizing courts and reconstituting founding

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

documents; and ripping up opportunity, pitting winners against future-former winners.

Populism in the two parties has thrown off the equilibrium in our nation and we are suffering from a collective vertigo: hysteria, cynicism and irrationality.

In 2016, Populism seemed the rational reaction: throw

I, for one, will support rational, sustainable, optimistic equilibrium.

Whether it’s a trillion dollar Republican deficit or a trillion dollar Democrat deficit, it’s a trillion dollar deficit: an affront to liberty, justice and opportunity: a waste of our scarce resources, an unsustainable devaluation of

pricelessness into our devalued institutions.

I, for one, will support a leader who understands the rational tradeoffs between government and free market, who was not in Washington overseeing the current mess, and who’s personal dedication to liberty, justice and opportunity are proven in

out the leaders who oversaw the current mess. The recent commingled political domination of progressive and nationalist populists has proven that liberty, justice and opportunity are at constant risk. They are at risk now more than ever. Free markets and big government are not the ends, they are the means for the protection of liberty, justice and opportunity.

the priceless.

I’ll not equivocate: the deficits being promoted by populists on the Right and Left are not merely fiscal. We face moral, spiritual, civic and cultural deficits; we can’t simply raise taxes to cover these deficits. We can’t regain our equilibrium from these as quickly. We can’t simply run up deficits to reimpose

their personal and public lives.

I will support a former mayor (whose name begins with “B”) of a great American city who has the earnest audacity – or plain chutzpah – to stand up to populist demagoguery: who will fight for the priceless at any cost.

Whether it’s a trillion dollar Republican deficit or a trillion dollar Democrat deficit, it’s a trillion dollar deficit.

Jason Leclerc (@JLeclercAuthor) is chief economist and partner at Crescent Consulting.

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viewpoint

Jerick Mediavilla

#LoveHandlin

I

Oppression

n my previous

collaborations, I have navigated general topics with an underlying personal touch that speaks to how we can address a specific issue with love and compassion. These are, by no means, a way to simplify, much less minimize, how someone experiences different phases of their lives. On the contrary, one can only value more and more the intrinsic differences with which everyone can tell their own story about love, life, family, circumstances and letdowns; and that is a beautiful freedom most of us can share.

I say “most of us” because we can never be entirely certain that “everyone” has had the same privilege, freedom or experience that many of us have. It keeps bringing me back to one of Martin Luther King’s most memorable quotes: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

We hear, we talk, we may experience oppression — sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly — but somehow, during our friendly gatherings or professional spaces the topic of oppression is regarded as too controversial, set aside in the time-out corner along with politics and religion. Let’s face it, these are difficult topics to handle, especially if you have never done so in your own personal space. While I will not claim to fully comprehend all the nuances of every individual’s cultural identities, it is in my nature to make space for discussions about culture, including those concerning power, privilege and marginalization, and to learn as much as I can, to bring awareness and communication about these dynamics.

As my husband and I were enjoying our honeymoon trip throughout Europe this past holiday season, we

encountered many instances in which, in my personal experience independent from my husband’s, I felt gawked at; probably my own internalized phobia was coming across as others were looking at us. But this oppressive feeling, that so many LGBTQ+ have learned to live with, and even managed to suppress, was made very apparent as we walked around St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican. After we gazed upon the magnificence and awe inspiring beauty this religious institution has created over two millennia, we felt more in tune with the purpose of creation and human existence. The perfection of mind blowing brushes and picture perfect sculpted proportions, as one walks miles of height defying ceilings, chapels and laser perfect details, makes you understand the boundless character of humans. Until one individual decides that a selfie with your same-sex spouse while holding hands, as we made our way out of the city limits, is not accepted and warns you that you could be fined; yes, for holding hands in the public piazza. Now, remember that we can always #lovehandle this situation too.

As frustrating as it might sound (and feel!), this experience of institutionalized oppression is neither isolated nor moot to many of those who identify as religious and or spiritual around us.

Certainly, the story of this aggression from an individual on behalf of The Vatican was blatantly received as discriminatory by many, including one prominent priest who reached out to us after reading the tweet my husband put on social media, which (unsurprisingly) got plenty of traction.

It is not in my nature to fight fire with fire, but to understand what fuels it. When I go back to that moment, I cannot deny to have felt extremely insecure, a bit trembling and followed by judging eyes; sensations that should not be felt by anyone. But we must always be compassionate; always.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Whenever I need to kindle my compassion, I remember and put first those who I know are faithfully on the side of justice and equality. When meditating about what had happened, I thought of our friend Nancy Rosado and Father José Rodríguez and Mayra Alvear.

The three of them formed my

When oppression happens, we should allow ourselves to feel enraged, frustrated and raw, because those feelings stem from the primal core that makes us inevitably human and shake us to do something. Nevertheless, after we go through the feral responses, we must breathe

I was privileged enough to have been with my beloved Carlos during that time, and I know that after this story came to light, we were immersed in a massive hug coming from so many places around the world, and they came from so many theistic and nontheistic belief systems

vision of what a true religious person looks like in my heart, and I know that as faithful leaders as they are, they would have never allowed for this to happen. Suddenly, I felt hopeful; I felt the enveloping sense that so many like them were coming together to embrace us and lift us up.

and bring to our attention that face, that person, that inspiration that transports you to a space where you can take control of your body, mind and heart, and speak out. Never be scared to feel insecure and broken, because there is always someone who will remind you that you are not alone in this.

and spiritual paths. I leave you with this image in your mind and hope you remember it the next time you hold your loved one’s hand, freely, as it should always be.

I know that after this story came to light, we were immersed in a massive hug coming from so many places around the world, and they came from so many theistic and nontheistic belief systems and spiritual paths.

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talking points

If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.

In 2018, cases of

Chlamydia incre ased

2.9% and

cases of Gonorrhea

incre ased

5%

in the U.S.

Men who have sex with men are disproportionately

affected by both

diseases, with gay and bi men accounting for 54% of all syphilis cases.

—C.D.C.

—Billy Porter responding to conservative backlash over his “Sesame Street” appearance

NY state park to be renamed after trans advocate

A

New York state park in Brooklyn will be named after LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Feb. 1. Cuomo announced the renaming of East River State Park during the Human Rights Campaign’s greater New York gala. Johnson, who died in 1992 at age 46, is considered a pioneer of the movement for the rights of transgender people, although the term transgender was not widely used during her lifetime. Some witness accounts say Johnson was a leader of the Stonewall rebellion of 1969, when patrons of a Greenwich Village bar resisted a police raid and sparked the modern gay rights movement. Johnson and her friend Sylvia Rivera founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, which advocated for homeless gay young people. New York City officials announced last year that Johnson and Rivera will be honored with a public monument. Details have not been released.

Elton John wins second Oscar

T

wenty-five years after winning his first Oscar, Elton John picked up his second at the 2020 Academy Awards Feb. 9. John won his second best original song award for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from his biopic “Rocketman,” sharing the honor with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. John won an Oscar with Tim Rice for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the original “The Lion King” at the 1995 Academy Awards. John and Taupin beat out Diane Warren, Randy Newman, Cynthia Erivo and the husband-wife duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez to win the prize. John, 72, has won a Tony Award and five Grammys, and only needs an Emmy to join the elite clubs of EGOTs.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Sean Hayes plays female in new film

A

trailer dropped Jan. 31 for Sean Hayes’ upcoming film, “Lazy Susan,” in which the Emmy-winning actor dons a dress to play the title role. Heading off possible confusion over whether the “Will & Grace” star might be playing trans, the character is handily described in publicity materials as “a spectacularly unmotivated cisgender woman for whom doing nothing is exhausting.” Hayes co-stars in the “slice of life” comedy with Margo Martindale, Jim Rash, Allison Janney and Matthew Broderick. Hayes also co-wrote the film with Carrie Aizley and Darlene Hunt, who both also star, with Nick Peet directing. “Lazy Susan” opens in select theaters and on demand April 3.

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UK Starbucks ad takes on trans acceptance

A

new Starbucks ad featuring a transgender boy is making a push for trans acceptance in the U.K. The commercial is part of a partnership with a U.K. transgender youth organization, Mermaids. Part of the coffee chain’s “What’s your name?” campaign, the ad follows a trans teen named James as he goes about his day; repeatedly called by his deadname. At the end of the ad – which won the Channel 4 Diversity Award 2019 – he goes into Starbucks to place an order.

The barista asks him his name, and he responds, “It’s James,” as the employee writes it on his cup.

Starbucks is also selling limited edition mermaid cookies in an effort to raise funds for Mermaids.

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The Art of the Heal 2020 hopefuls commit to equality ahead of Florida’s primary

I

Ryan Williams-Jent

t’s been more than three years

since Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the United States, succeeding LGBTQ ally Barack Obama to become the nation’s 45th commander in chief.

It’s been longer still since he became the first Republican to acknowledge the LGBTQ community from the podium of the Republican National Convention. On June 21, 2016, he vowed to protect LGBTQ citizens from “violence and oppression” while accepting his party’s nomination.

The promise drew the immediate ire of journalist Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter who was credited as the co-author of “The Art of the Deal,” Trump’s bestselling biography. Schwartz shadowed and studied the real estate developer for nearly two years to write the 1987 memoir for him, which he says today he would name “The Sociopath.”

Schwartz denounced Trump’s LGBTQ promise moments after he made it via Twitter, the social media platform often associated with his presidency. “My stomach turns at Trump defending the LGBTQ community,” he wrote. “So entirely scripted. The Trump I know would never have said that in a million years.”

The nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization agreed. Following his election, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) began tracking what the organization calls “Trump’s Timeline of Hate,” a detailed list of the administration’s anti-LGBTQ actions, policies and proposals.

Continued on pg. 23

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| uu | The Art of the Heal from pg.21

“Since the moment Donald Trump and [Vice President] Mike Pence walked into the White House, they have attacked the progress we have made toward full equality for the LGBTQ community and undermined the rights of countless Americans,” the organization advises its supporters. “But over the course of their time in office, you haven’t stayed silent.

“Whether he meant to or not, Donald Trump and Mike Pence have awakened a sleeping giant,” HRC continues. “Never before have Americans been more eager to participate, advocate and fight back.”

That includes at the ballot box, where a historical 28 Democrats have sought to challenge Trump on the presidential ticket this year. As of press time, after one caucus in Iowa and one primary in New Hampshire, eight contenders remain.

They’ll face off in Nevada Feb. 22 and South Carolina Feb. 29 before “Super Tuesday” March 3, when the greatest number of primary elections and caucuses are held in the U.S. They’ll vie for votes in the Sunshine State two weeks later on March 17, where the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus has long advocated for a change in the White House.

THE STATE OF THE UNION

As an arm of the Florida Democratic Party, the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus represents the interests of LGBTQ Floridians. They do so with 21 statewide chapters, including in Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

The thriving organization works with local, state and national partners to promote the ideals of the Democratic Party, a cornerstone of which is defending civil rights.

“We’re in a different position than a lot of other statewide organizations in that we are a partisan organization,” LGBTQ+ Democratic President Stephen Gaskill explains. “We support Democrats and believe that it’s the Democratic Party that is advancing LGBTQ equality.

“What we’ve seen from the Trump administration is an

22

all-out assault on the LGBTQ community,” he continues. “The vice president is a longtime opponent of LGBTQ rights and the Trump administration has been attacking us from day one.”

Critics of the president point to a number of instances. After the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act in 2019, which would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the Trump administration spoke out against it.

The bill was “filled with poison pills that threaten to undermine parental and conscience rights,” the administration advised. To date, the Republican-controlled Senate has not advanced it.

The administration subsequently argued before

their goal – to slowly strip us out of public life.

“Any of the Democrats who are running for president are going to be a change for the better,” he says. “We have a number of candidates on the ballot who are pro-LGBTQ rights and equality; any of them are going to be more progressive than Donald Trump … it’s just a matter of identifying who you feel most closely aligned with.”

HIS STORY

For some Americans, if the presidential delegates required to receive the party’s nomination awarded thus far are any indication, edging out the other candidates is Pete Buttigieg. The former Indiana mayor received 13 in the Iowa caucus, becoming

Buttigieg has promised to usher in a new era for the LGBTQ community if elected as such, a commitment his campaign reiterated to Watermark. “To be LGBTQ+ in America today is to both enjoy freedoms hard-won by pioneers who came before us, and feel the urgency of unfinished promises of full equality under the law,” his plan reads. “LGBTQ+ people aren’t just bystanders in American history – they are drivers of it.”

He’s also noted that he’ll use his personal story and experiences to unite the country in the name of equality. He’s vowed to help others understand that LGBTQ freedoms are intrinsically tied to those of every other American.

“Across much of our country, discrimination and the ever-present fear of it continue

LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. My comprehensive plan to secure LGBTQ+ rights and equality will fight back against discrimination and make sure that no one feels unsafe because of who they are or who they love ... I’ll work to make sure our — sen. elizabeth warren government works for everybody. the Supreme Court that LGBTQ workers are not protected by federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The nation’s highest court, to which Trump has appointed two justices, heard arguments on the matter in Oct. 2019. Their decision is expected later this year.

Prior to this, the Trump administration implemented its ban on transgender Americans serving in the U.S. military, a policy originating by a Trump tweet. The Title IX guidance protecting transgender students in our nation’s schools was also rescinded.

“The vicious attempt to eliminate the transgender community from public life, whether it’s in the military or from having support and safety in public schools, is just appalling,” Gaskill asserts. “The next target will be another part of our community. It’s very clear that is

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the first openly gay candidate in U.S. history to do so. He subsequently earned nine in New Hampshire.

“The electability assumptions of political pundits are tumbling down all around us – with Pete showing in Iowa and New Hampshire that he can build broad coalitions in cities and rural areas and across the political spectrum,” LGBTQ Victory Fund President Mayor Annise Parker shared after the results. The organization, which has endorsed Buttigieg, exists to elect LGBTQ Americans.

“It shatters the notion that an openly gay candidate can win in only the most liberal hotspots and underscores Pete’s position as the best candidate to unite Americans in defeating Donald Trump,” she noted. “With enormous momentum heading into the upcoming primaries, it is clear America is ready to elect its first openly gay president.”

to govern aspects of LGBTQ+ people’s lives,” his plan reads.

“Which bathroom can I use safely?

Can I kiss my partner at this restaurant? Should I hold their hand in public? Will I be able to raise a family? Will I be harassed at school? Can I live here and be happy? Will I ever be accepted?

“When I’m president, I hope these questions will no longer haunt us,” it continues. “As president, I will use my story, our energy and the power of the presidency to tear down the walls that have excluded far too many LGBTQ+ people for far too long.”

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES

Half of the candidates seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for president hail from the U.S. Congress. Three are from the Senate – Senators

Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar – and the fourth is from the House, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. As such, the HRC has tracked their public commitments to the LGBTQ community while serving.

The organization’s latest congressional scorecard measures support for equality based on a range of key indicators, from votes to confirm what it calls anti-LGBTQ Trump-Pence officials and judicial nominees to co-sponsorships of and votes for legislation significantly impacting the LGBTQ community. Each of the four received a perfect score.

While the Senators have received 100% scores in the organization’s last three consecutive scorecards, the latest tracking is Gabbard’s first in recent years. In its 114th and 113th congressional scorecards, she respectively received an 88% and 92%.

In the delegate count thus far, Sanders currently leads behind Buttigieg; he received 12 in Iowa and nine in New Hampshire. His campaign tells Watermark that’s due in part to his commitment to all Americans.

“Bernie knows that the United States has made remarkable progress on equality in a relatively short amount of time,” an official shared. “But there is still much work to be done. In many states, it is still legal to fire someone for being LGBTQ+.

Incredibly, it is still legal to deny someone housing or service in the military for being transgender … We must end discrimination in all forms.”

Warren follows Sanders in the current delegate count, with eight in Iowa. “As president, I will work to root out the discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face throughout their lives,” she shared with Watermark. “The path to LGBTQ+ equality is far from over, but shoulder to shoulder, I will fight for LGBTQ+ equality in solidarity with the leaders and organizers who have been at the helm from the very beginning. Because when we organize together, when we fight together, and when we persist together, we can win.”

Behind her is Klobuchar, who received one delegate in Iowa and another six in New Hampshire.

While her campaign did not respond to Watermark’s requests for comment, her comprehensive commitment to LGBTQ equality is evident via her website.

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

“America is a nation founded on equality for all people and Senator Klobuchar believes that we must never stop fighting to advance that equality for the LGBTQ community,” it reads. “At a time when President Trump is trying to roll back LGBTQ rights, Senator Klobuchar continues to push for LGBTQ equality when it comes to health care, education and civil rights.”

Gabbard’s commitment to securing LGBTQ equality if elected as president is less detailed, though she has publicly apologized for previous anti-LGBTQ stances, as cited on her campaign’s website.

It also notes that “we must work side-by-side to stand up to bigotry, hatred, and violence against others because of their race, religion or sexual orientation. We must continue to fight for genuine equality and restore human dignity for all Americans.” It further references LGBTQ-inclusive quotes and legislation. As of press time, she has received zero delegates.

THE VEEP

Fourth in the delegate count, having earned six in Iowa, is former Vice President and longtime LGBTQ ally Joe Biden.

“It’s hard to forget Joe Biden’s historic 2012 ‘Meet the Press’ interview, when, without the consultation of the White House, he declared his support for same-sex marriage,” his campaign’s National Press Secretary Jamal Brown tells Watermark. “In that off script moment, Joe became the highest-ranking American official to state his support for same-sex marriage.”

Biden also declared LGBTQ rights as his top legislative priority, calling the passage of the Equality Act “the first thing I ask to be done.” While delivering a keynote address for an HRC gala last June, he promised equality for all.

He also vowed to continue that fight should he not receive the nomination. “As Joe made clear to the LGBTQ community in speaking before the HRC,” Brown notes, “‘I promise you, whether I am elected or not, I’ll be back as a private citizen to make sure I stand with you in this fight. It matters to my children.’ It’s why Joe made LGBTQ equality a key pillar of his work in private life

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: After the Iowa caucus on Feb. 3, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg became the first openly gay candidate in U.S. history to to earn presidential delegates. Photo courtesy pete buttigieg’s facebook page at the Biden Foundation and why he will be an LGBTQ champion as president.”

THE BILLIONAIRES

The two remaining candidates – former Mayor Mike Bloomberg and activist Tom Steyer – have yet to receive presidential delegates, though they have received criticism and praise for their financial status as billionaires.

They’ve also received and been clear about their LGBTQ support.

“Equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is threatened by Trump administration efforts to dismantle key protections, and a patchwork of state laws leaves millions of LGBTQ+ people at risk for workplace, healthcare and housing discrimination,” Bloomberg’s plan for LGBTQ equality reads. “Mike’s solution is to restore U.S. leadership on LGBTQ+ rights at home and around the world.”

His campaign also notes that “over the past three years,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the Trump administration has acted to dismantle federal protections and resources for LGBTQ+ Americans, including stripping transgender people of their recognized identities and civil rights and nominating judges and officials with strong anti-LGBTQ+ records.”

“To this day, far too many are still subjected to discrimination because of who they are or who they love,” Steyer advises Watermark. “From the Stonewall Riots to the AIDS crisis, through to Marriage Equality, grassroots LGBTQ activists have fought for recognition as equal citizens under the law … We must celebrate this progress, but as we do so, we must directly confront that the work is not finished.”

His civil rights plan further asserts that “our government must be of, by, and for the people,” adding that it “means all of us – not just some.” Steyer says “we must actively call out racism, white nationalism, LGBTQ and gender bias, as well as work to address the disparities

still defining too much of American life.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“Having candidates who are reaching out to the LGBTQ community specifically with programs and plans shows that they want our vote,” Gaskill summarizes. “They know that our community can contribute and that we can really make a difference in who is elected, which makes a difference in the direction of the country.”

Gaskill adds that the LGBTQ vote matters because “we’re a large part of every community,” pointing toward the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus’ 21 chapters.

They’re currently thriving throughout Florida, in both traditionally Republican and Democratic strongholds. “We can be the margin of victory in so many races,” he says.

That’s why Watermark reached out to each of the eight remaining Democratic

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presidential campaigns, as well as the president’s re-election campaign, to ask 10 questions focused on LGBTQ equality ahead of Florida’s primary.

Neither Trump’s campaign nor local chapters of The Log Cabin Republicans, the LGBTQ organization which has endorsed his 2020 race, responded to our multiple requests for comment.

Each Democratic campaign, with the exception of Klobuchar’s and Gabbard’s, responded directly.

Their answers follow.

Florida’s presidential preference primary will be held March 17, 2020, with early voting March 7-14.

To check your voter registration status and for details about your local polling place, visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

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CELEBRATE the winners

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Tampa Bay

Orlando

Thursday, MArch 5 • 7pm - 10pm 1510 E. 7th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605

Friday, March 6 • 7pm - 10pm 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32805

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

2020 primary election guide

A

head of Florida’s presidential preference primary March 17, Watermark contacted each presidential campaign appearing on the statewide ballot to ask nine

1

Do you support the passage of the Equality Act?

yes (Y) or no (N) and one open-ended question pertaining to LGBTQ equality.

Below, you’ll find the abbreviated answers of the remaining candidates, compiled via each campaign’s direct

3

2

4

response or website. If a U is indicated, Watermark was unable to discern the answer.

Please note that additional candidates appearing on the Democratic ballot for president have suspended their campaigns.

5

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Donald Trump’s re-election campaign did not respond to our requests to participate.

To read each candidate’s full LGBTQ commitment, visit PeteForAmerica.com/Policies/ LGBTQ; BernieSanders.com/ Issues/LGBTQ-Equality; AmyKlobuchar.com/ Policies/LGBTQCommunity; ElizabethWarren.com/Plans/ LGBTQ-Equality; JoeBiden.

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com/LGBTQ; MikeBloomberg. com/Policies/LGBTQ; Tulsi2020.com/Issues/ Human-Rights-Equality-All and TomSteyer.com/Policies.

You can read each candidate’s full responses at WatermarkOnline.com

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Do you support a nationwide Do you Do you believe Will your Will you Do you Will Will your Why should LGBTQ ban on conversion therapy, support blood donation administration reversE the U.S. believe Title your administration and ally voters which purports to change a LGBTQ-inclusive eligibility should be reinstate the Title IX military service ban administration VII of the Civil seek LGBTQ support your candidacy over public education determined by sexual guidance for for transgender Rights Act protects child’s sexual orientation or fight for LGBTQ community members your primary opponents and gender identity? curricula? orientation? transgender students? people?

LGBTQ workers? rights worldwide? for key roles? ultimately Donald Trump?

CANDIDATE

Pete Buttigieg

Bernie Sanders

Elizabeth Warren

Amy Klobuchar

Joe Biden

q1

y

y

y

y

y

Q2

y

y

y

Y

y

Q3

y

y

y

Y

y

Q4

y

y

y

Y

y

Q5

n

n

n

n

n

q6

y

y

y

y

y

q7

y

y

y

y

y

q8

y

y

y

y

y

q9

q10

y

“As a military officer serving under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and as an elected official in the state of Indiana when Mike Pence was governor … I had to wonder whether just acknowledging who I was would be the ultimate career-ending professional setback. I came back from the deployment and realized that you only get to live one life ... so I just came out ... I trusted voters to judge me based on the job that I did for them [and] they decided to trust me and reelected me with 80% of the vote. What I learned was that trust can be reciprocated and that part of how you can win and deserve to win is to know what’s worth more to you than winning. That’s what we need in the presidency right now. We have to know what we are about.”

y

“The principles of our government will not be greed, hatred and lies. It will not be racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and religious bigotry. The principles of our government will be based on justice: economic justice, LGBTQ+ justice, social justice, racial justice, disability justice and environmental justice. Together, we will tell the powerful special interests who control so much of our economic and political life that we will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of corporate America and the billionaire class – which has resulted in this country having more income and wealth inequality than any other major country on earth ... When the 99% stand together, we can transform society.”

y

“LGBTQ+ rights are human rights … We need a president who will lift up the voices of every gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, Two-Spirit and intersex person. My comprehensive plan to secure LGBTQ+ rights and equality will fight back against discrimination and make sure that no one feels unsafe because of who they are or who they love – and that means coming at this from all angles ... We’ve got to make sure everyone has a seat at the table and I will do that in a Warren administration … The path to LGBTQ+ equality is far from over, but shoulder to shoulder, I will fight for LGBTQ+ equality in solidarity with the leaders and organizers who have been at the helm from the very beginning.”

y

“Senator Klobuchar believes that we must never stop fighting to advance equality for the LGBTQ community. Her record demonstrates that commitment ... When she arrived in the Senate, she was one of the votes to finally pass the Matthew Shepard hate crimes bill. She also voted for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, was a co-sponsor of the bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act before the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land, and has long supported legislation like ... the Equality Act to combat discrimination against the LGBTQ community. At a time when President Trump is trying to roll back LGBTQ rights, she continues to push for LGBTQ equality when it comes to health care, education and civil rights.”

y

“It’s hard to forget Joe Biden’s historic 2012 ‘Meet the Press’ interview, when, without the consultation of the White House, he declared his support for same-sex marriage [and] became the highest-ranking American official to state his support for same-sex marriage … Throughout his career in public service, he has made it his mission to lead with empathy, which is desperately needed to stand up to a bully like Donald Trump and reunify our country. In our next president, we need someone with both the plans to create an America that works for all and the ability to actually get things done by working closely with Congress ... Joe will deliver, and not in the near future, but immediately.”

Michael Bloomberg

y

y

y

y

n

y

y

y

y

“I have been honored to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equality and justice, from New York, where we won marriage equality in 2011, to states across the country. That fight – true to our nation’s highest ideals – has achieved historic progress, but we still have a long way to go. As president, I will work to protect every member of the LGBTQ+ community from hatred, violence, and discrimination. We will close disparities in health care access and quality, stop violence against transgender people, and advocate for equal rights across the world. We cannot settle for anything less – and I won’t.”

Tulsi Gabbard

y

u

u

u

u

u

y

u

u

“Does the sky-rocketing rate of hate crimes alarm you? Do you feel like the color of your skin, sexual orientation or religion holds you back in modern America? We must work side-by-side to stand up to bigotry, hatred, and violence against others because of their race, religion or sexual orientation [and] restore human dignity for all Americans.”

y

“As president I will embrace and represent the vibrancy and diversity of the whole LGBTQ community – including LGBTQ youth, queer people of color, transgender folks, and intersex individuals – and defend equal justice under the law for every American.

Hand-in-hand with those who have been fighting for equality for decades, as president I will work hard to ensure that LGBTQ individuals have equal rights and cannot be discriminated against in the workplace, at the doctor’s office, in school, in search of support services and public accommodations, in tax policy, in the criminal justice system and in building loving families.”

Tom Steyer

y

y

y

y

n

y

y

y

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Big Freedia bounces into Gasparilla Music Festival and beyond

M

usic has always been an

escape for Big Freedia, the out and proud Queen of Bounce.

The New Orleans-based entertainer is a worldwide ambassador of bounce music, indigenous hip hop characterized

by Mardi Gras Indian chants, energetic call-and-response vocals, heavy bass and up-tempo beats.

Photo by brad herbert

Freedia, who grew up singing in church choirs and admiring artists like Patti LaBelle and the openly gay “Queen

of Disco” Sylvester, was first introduced to bounce music by drag entertainer Katey Red in the late 90s. Red is considered the first transgender emcee to rise to prominence in New Orleans and is credited with creating the LGBTQ-inclusive subgenre sissy bounce. She also welcomed Freedia as her backup dancer.

By 2003, Freedia released “Queen Diva,” her first studio album. By 2011, she was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award, and by 2016, she caught the attention of iconic mainstream artists like Beyonce and Drake. She was quickly featured on the former’s Grammy-winning single “Formation” and the latter’s “Nice For What.”

Her third studio album in 2018 welcomed rising artists like Lizzo and in 2019, she collaborated with superstar Kesha for

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

BOUNCING INTO THE BAY: Big Freedia will perform her hits new and old at the Gasparilla Music Festival March 7 ahead of her new album’s release March 13. Photo by brad herbert

| uu | Louder Than Ever from pg.27

“Raising Hell,” the lead single from the singer’s long-awaited, fourth studio album. In 2020, Freedia is virtually everywhere.

In January, Freedia was featured in a musical commercial during the Grammy Awards, music’s biggest night, where she promoted Facebook’s “More Together” campaign. The video focused on the benefits of Facebook Groups, highlighting the International Kazoo Players Association; an interest of the Bounce Queen’s.

It also showcased the title single from the forthcoming EP “Louder,” scheduled for release March 13. Freedia’s latest will feature a new collaboration with Kesha and welcome Swedish electropop duo Icona Pop. Ahead of its release, Freedia will perform at Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Music Festival March 7, a product of the Gasparilla Music Foundation.

The nonprofit supports and promotes music and education, seeking to create a long-term sustainable institution to benefit Tampa Bay, promote the region’s cultural heritage and enrich the

lives of the area’s underserved and impoverished children.

Watermark spoke with Freedia ahead of her bounce into Tampa about her music and more.

WATERMARK: Was your Facebook commercial as much fun to make as it is to watch?

BIG FREEDIA: Yes, it was! It was a great day of production.

Everybody from Facebook was super awesome, as well as the cast members that were in it. The National Kazoo Day group was super sweet. The background dancers, the photographers, the videographers, the 10 directors – it was amazing! It was quite a day to make the commercial.

I had a blast.

Do you have a favorite song to play on the kazoo?

“Louder” right now; “Louder” is the one. We all were playing. It’s stuck in our heads.

Your new release features two collaborations – “Pipe That” and the title cut – with Icona Pop. What do you like best about working with Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo Duo?

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

They’re super sweet and awesome to work with. It was fun day in the studio. We got to hang out and get to know each other.

The energy in the studio was up.

I love both of them. When they get together musically it’s a great thing to see.

I love the sample of “I’ve Got the Power” from Snap! on “Louder.” Why was that song chosen?

For me it was stepping up the production. The producers are the one to credit for coming up with the sound. The only thing I wanted to do was use the line “I’ve got the power,” with this being a powerful song lyrically.

I’m coming different with all my music moving forward, exploring new sounds and new rhythms and melodies. I’m excited about the new project as a whole.

“Chasing Rainbows” is your latest collaboration with Kesha, with whom you are also going on tour. What can you tell us about your creative chemistry with her?

Me and Kesha connected when I did the Kesha Cruise.

[The artist’s inaugural “Weird + Wonderful Rainbow Ride,” a musical vacation featuring

multiple artists and fans on the sea.] I was invited to do the cruise and we hung out and got to know each other.

Kesha told me about how she became a fan of mine. Her brother saw a show of mine a while back, maybe about 10 years ago. He told her about me and we did the cruise. We got matching tattoos, we exchanged phone numbers.

We started texting and talking.

Before we left the cruise, I said, “I’ve got a project I want you to get on.” She was like, “As a matter of fact, I’ve got something I want you to get on.” That’s where that process started. Next thing I know, “Raising Hell” is out and my song “Chasing Rainbows” is on the way!

In addition to touring with Kesha, you are also making the rounds of the festival circuit, beginning with the Gasparilla Music Festival. What can fans expect from your set?

Lots of energy, lots of ass, lots of fun times. Get ready to come and party. Let their hair down, wear comfortable clothes, because we’re going to turn it up and have a great time. Come loose and ready. Maybe stretch a little bit before you come. If not, you’ll probably be feeling

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

it the next day. (Laughs.) That’s what you see when you come to a Freedia show. (Laughs.)

Good advice! Brandi Carlile, another out musician, is on the Gasparilla schedule with you. How important do you think it is for LGBTQ artists to be represented at festivals such as Gasparilla, especially at this time?

We need to be seen and our voices need to be heard.

That’s very important. To keep representing for our community and let them know we’re here.

We’re coming louder and even harder. All artists should have equal opportunities and have a platform to express themselves musically and physically all across the board. We’re coming, 2020; more visuals, more sounds and better than ever.

The Gasparilla Music Festival will feature more than 40 acts across four stages March 7-8, 2020 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa. Big Freedia will perform March 7 from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. at the Ashley Homestore Stage. Festival tickets range from $40-200 and are available at GasparillaMusic.com. Big Freedia’s EP “Louder” will be available March 13 wherever music is streamed and sold. For more information, visit BigFreedia.com.

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Stage

Fringe Feature

Donald Rupe expands his Pulse-inspired, Fringe musical ‘From Here’ for the Orlando stage

(above)

Getting ready: The cast of “From Here” prepare to run lines.

Photo courtesy CFC Arts

T

Samantha Neely

he Pulse tragedy in 2016 had an

effect on every aspect of life in Orlando — socially, politically, spiritually — and for many, including Donald Rupe, it had a profound effect artistically.

Rupe, who is the Director of Theatre at Central Florida Community Arts, couldn’t get the idea of a musical surrounding Orlando, this tragedy that impacted the entire community and the way that community responded out of his head. That is how the award-winning show “From Here” was born.

“It was a difficult thing to do and a lot of people were skeptical about it, but what makes it okay is that I’m not trying to tell anyone’s story but my own,” Rupe says. “I try really hard not to talk about any specific people who were at Pulse that night. I try not to steal anyone else’s story out of respect and because it is not my story to tell.”

“From Here,” the story of a gay man named Daniel navigating life, relationships and the aftermath of Pulse — which Rupe wrote and

directed, made its debut at Orlando International Fringe Festival in May 2019. After its positive showing at the popular festival, he knew he had something special. Rupe decided to expand “From Here” from its Fringe-friendly 60-minute runtime into a full-length musical to play at Central Florida Community Arts.

Rupe added scenes and music, including eight new songs, doubling the show’s runtime. He also added new characters and expanded the roles of existing ones, such as the mother.

“One of the problems with the original version is that I didn’t have enough time to really develop the mother character, so she kind of came off two dimensional and mean in the first version,” Rupe says. “I tried to give her a little more development and try to show her side of the story a little.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Rupe says that when it came to writing the songs for both the Fringe version and the current version of the production, that part of it came naturally for him. Some songs only took 15 minutes for him to write; however, orchestrating the music was another story. Rupe enlisted local music director Jason Bailey to help him with that.

“I need a specific kind of person [when working on a musical] and Jason is that kind of person,” Rupe says. “He is patient with me. I might change my mind about something 4,000 times and he is always like, ‘Oh, okay yeah, we just worked on that for 40 minutes and now you want to cut it? Okay that’s fine.’”

Coming up with the songs for both versions of the show, Bailey says the process was always the same; Rupe would send him a recording of the song and he would figure out chord structure in the melody. He says he would try out different genres until they agreed on the best one and then they would find a hook for the song.

“It’s one of those things where sometimes it’s not always easy to tell what he is wanting from the song because it’s just a melody line and you can do all sorts of things with it, so it’s a lot of fun to hear a melody line and then think, ‘Okay how does that do?

Does it sound like it’s a driving beat?

Does it sound like it’s a more relaxed beat?’” Bailey says.

Bailey says he’s excited for the new songs they have created in the updated version of the show and to see what people think about them.

“We have a lot of good songs for this next one, some good what we call ‘torch songs,’ which are good powerful, emotional songs that are going to make people feel.” Bailey says. “And we are writing more fun and light songs.”

Returning for the full-length production is lead actor Blake Aburn, who plays Daniel. “[Daniel] is a character I originated, so I’m excited to dive back into it,” Aburn says. “There have been changes to the script, it has been extended a bit, so it’s nice to be able to get a different

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

side of Daniel that you didn’t see the first time.”

Aburn says he’s looking forward to taking the stage with the cast and crew again after growing so close with them during the show’s Fringe run.

“This is so special to me because my best friend wrote it. I felt like I was a huge part of the process of writing things and bouncing ideas off and it was really cool to be a part of the process from the beginning to where it is now,” Aburn says.

The show has already received high praise from the local community.

Bailey says he has talked to composers and music directors in town as well as people in Orlando who have seen and praised the show.

“People really enjoyed the show, they thought everything was really done well and thought that the topics, the Pulse moment, was done tastefully,” he says. “The feedback has been greatly positive. It has been nothing but strong support from the community so far. It will be interesting to see what happens now with a full show.”

Writing these new scenes and preparing for another run has Rupe thinking about the future of “From Here.” Despite the challenges of shopping a show around when it is not completely done, Rupe has hope he will see it in cities around the country, including New York.

“As much as I’m loyal and I love Orlando, this show literally is a love letter to Orlando, I do want to see this show produced elsewhere,” Rupe says.

“I am talking to some people about next steps. I think it’s a show where it’s a specific thing so many people have experienced, it is universal, and it says some important things.”

Bailey has also shared the same sentiments of wanting to see the show in other parts of the country.

“Honestly, I want this thing up in New York,” he says. “I think Donald has a great story, a great message, one that is just now getting to be told more in musical theatre as well.”

With this show, Rupe says he wanted to capture Orlando’s identity and how the city has changed, and he thinks it’s important that more art come out of Orlando, for more people to tell this story.

Overall, Rupe says he wants audiences to leave the theater feeling pride about living in Orlando and to understand how you can get through a tragedy — with people you love.

“From Here” plays Feb. 21-March 15 at Central Florida Arts Black Box Theatre. Tickets start at $15 on select nights, $18 for standard seating and $25 for premium seating. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CFCArts.com/FromHere.

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community calendar

event planner arts+entertainment

Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Beyond Binary

Outdoor Movie Night - “Dirty Dancing,” Feb 21, Southern Hill Farms, Clermont. 407-9865806; SouthernHillFarms.com

Tuesday, Feb. 25 and March 3, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Authentic Life Transitions, Winter Park

“From Here,” Feb. 21-March 15, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando. 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com/FromHere Downtown Food and Wine, Feb. 22, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2121; Orlando.gov Masquerade at the Edison, Feb. 22, The Edison, Lake Buena Vista. 407-560-9288; TheEdisonFla.com GOGO Invasion, Feb. 22, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Mardi Gras, Feb. 22-23, A La Cart Orlando, Orlando. 407776- 4693; AlaCartOrlando.com

So Fetch The National Broadway Tour of “Mean Girls” plays at the Straz Center in Tampa Feb. 18-Feb.23 and Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Feb. 25-March 1. Photo by Joan Marcus

Winter Park Bottomless Brunch, Feb 23, Pepe’s Cantina, Winter Park. 321-972 –4881; PepesCantina.com

Willam, Feb. 28, Southern Nights Orlando, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Feb. 22, Hell on Heels, Tampa. 813-498-2800; HellOnHeelsRHPS.com

Honey Pot Anniversary Main Event, March 2, Honey Pot, Tampa. Facebook.com/HoneyPot; 813-247-4663

“Dancing with the Stars Live,” Feb. 24, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.com

Rockin’ Robinson, Feb. 29, The Milk District, Orlando. 407-401-3003; TheMilkDistrict.org

Gladys Knight, March 3, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdhall.com

“Mean Girls,” Feb. 25-March 1, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.com

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, March 4-June 1, Epcot, Walt Disney World.407-939-2273; DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.com

Cinema At The MFA Presents: Make More Noise, Feb. 22, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667; MFAStPete.org

“Spamilton,” Feb. 25-March 5, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.com TV Land LIVE presents “Rozanne,” Feb. 27-March 2, Parliament House Footlight Theatre, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Absolute Queen – The Ultimate Queen Tribute, Feb. 28, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934 -2583; HouseOfBlues.com/ Orlando Flesh Friday featuring Beaux Banks, Feb. 28, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

Gladys Knight, March 4, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando.

844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.com Trixie Mattel, March 4, The Plaza Live, Orlando, 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

TAMPA BAY “Mean Girls,” Feb. 18 -23, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Men in Kilts Competition, Feb. 22-23, Bay Area Renaissance Festival, Tampa. 813-983-0111; BayareaRenfest.com

Chamber Night w/ NY Yankees, Feb. 24, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa. 727-755-8390; DiversityTampaBay.org Gina Chavez, Feb. 24, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Coffee Talk, Feb. 27, Trulieve, Tampa. 727-755-8390; DiversityTampaBay.org “The Office: A Parody Musical,” Feb. 28-29, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdhall.com Willam, Feb. 29, Southern Nights Tampa, Tampa.

813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

Miss Quench Pageant, March 1, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; quenchLounge.com

SARASOTA “Guys and Dolls,” Feb. 21March 22, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com “An Evening with The Stars” - The Edwards Twins, Feb. 28, The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota.

941-365-2494; ThePlayers.org “Les Misérables,” Feb. 28-March 1, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org ABBA The Concert, March 5, Van Wezel, Sarasota.

941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

A new support group hosted by Authentic Life Transitions and facilitated by Miro (they/them) is now being held in Winter Park every Tuesday. Miro is a nonbinary therapist-in-training from UCF and leads a trans/nonbinary group open to all gender identities and gender expressions. For more information, visit AuthenticLifeTransitions.com.

Terry DeCarlo – A Celebration of Life Feb. 26, 6:30-8 p.m.

Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park, Orlando Terry DeCarlo led The Center Orlando during and in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy. Join the City of Orlando, Commissioner Patty Sheehan, The Center’s Roxy Santiago, and Terry’s husband Bill Huelsman as they lead a Celebration of Life for Terry DeCarlo at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre at Lake Eola Park. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. with services beginning at 7:00 p.m. As a veteran of the U.S. military, representatives from MacDill Air Force Base will be present to honor Terry with the folding of the flag and the sounding of Taps.

Central Florida 2020 Equality Florida Tampa Gala Friday, Feb. 21, 8-11 p.m.

Armature Works, Tampa Hosted by Dominic Fariello, the annual EQFL gala will have entertainment, open bars, catering by Puff ‘n Stuff, auctions and a speech from EQFLs CEO Nadine Smith. They will also honor the Voice for Equality Award to Don Murray and Wayne Spiwak. For tickets, visit EqualityFlorida.org/TampaGala.

EPIC Drag Queen Bingo Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6-7 p.m.

Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg Come out to Punky’s Bar and Grill for an evening of Drag Queen Bingo supporting EPIC. EPIC is a nonprofit integrated network of care supporting those challenged by chronic and advanced illness in the Tampa Bay region. While the game is free to play, a donation is encouraged! Make a reservation by calling Punky’s at 727-201-4712.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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overheard

tampa bay out+about

debra missing

f

ashion designer michael kors will headline can community health’s second annual Red Ribbon Gala Feb. 22, replacing original headliner Debra Messing.

Messing was announced as the headliner Oct. 7 and is best known for her role on NBC’s “Will & Grace.” CAN Community Health shared she would be unable to attend via video message Feb. 17 after the actress suffered an injury.

“We wish you a speedy recovery! We are excited to welcome Fashion Icon and HIV Advocate Michael Kors this weekend,” organizers shared.

“I had a very bad fall and I ripped the tendon in my hip,” Messing shares in her message, “and I am therefore not able to travel to Florida. I’m so heartbroken I can’t be there.”

CAN Community Health’s Red Ribbon Gala will be held Feb. 22 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

‘TIS THE SEASON

T

he Straz Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2020-2021 Broadway season Feb. 7, detailing a wide array of new and returning fan favorite productions.

“We have a tremendous season ahead, truly a remarkable line-up of fantastic shows,” Straz Center President and CEO Judy Lisi said in a statement.

“When we say the best of Broadway, we mean it.”

In addition to the Straz’s eight-show Broadway series, which includes heavily-acclaimed recent hits like “Hadestown” and the LGBTQ-centric “The Prom,” the Straz will present return engagements of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Hamilton” and “Wicked.”

“The 2020-2021 season has brand-new hit shows that really electrified New York,” Lisi said. “Plus, we’re bringing several shows that are on people’s all-time-favorites list. The mix represents all that the musical can accomplish: from quieter, more thought-provoking stories to the rafter-shaking spectacle of blockbusters.”

For the full schedule of new and returning favorites, visit StrazCenter.org.

SARASOTA PROUD?

T

he City of Sarasota unveiled a seemingly LGBTQ-inclusive crosswalk just in time for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.

“COLORFUL CROSSWALK,” the city shared via social media. “Our Public Works crew painted this vibrant crosswalk overnight in the 1500 block of Main Street. It’s part of our ongoing effort to enliven downtown and make it more pedestrian friendly.”

City officials would not confirm it was painted for the LGBTQ community specifically, but noted they are a welcome and inclusive community.

The city also noted the crosswalk was painted with minimal cost for paint and supplies. “We just painted over an existing crosswalk and will be testing the durability of the special thermoplastic and street paint,” they responded to one resident’s concerns.

Visit WatermarkOnline.com to see the crosswalk.

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50 Strong: (L-R) Patt Fosnaught, John Scheffel and Jamie Hirsch Jenkins attend the opening reception for “50 Years of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts” at the Tampa Bay History Center, open through March 29. PHOTO COURTESY GFA

2

PEACE OF MIND: Equality Florida’s Pride team welcomes Rep. Jennifer Webb (far R) to Gulfport’s Peace, Love and Pride Fest Feb. 16. PHOTO

4

5

COURTESY EQUALITY FLORIDA

3

TIKI TWO: Lisa (L) and Kimberly Platt welcome supporters to The HONU’s tiki bar ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 4. PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

4

TAMPA PROUD: (L-R) Richard Owen, Dale Wilson and John Chambrone prep for Mr/Miss Tampa Pride at Southern Nights Feb. 9. PHOTO

COURTESY TAMPA PRIDE

5

FAMILY MATTERS: (L-R) Crystal, Victoria and Dixie Lynn Michaels strike a pose at Punky’s Feb. 8.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

6

SWEETHEARTS: Watermark’s Most Eligible Singles (L-R) Nate Taylor, Amy Dalzell and Jim Nixon mingle at the third annual Swipe Right Party at The Garage Feb. 6. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

6

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FAB!: Esme Russell takes flight during the Synapse Summit at Amalie Arena for FabStayz! Feb. 11.

PHOTO COURTESY FAB STAYZ!

8

DYNAMIC DUO: Brent Orlando Garza (L) and Te Monet cozy up at Enigma Feb. 14. PHOTO

8

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

overheard

central florida out+about

Garden Theatre hires first education director

T

he Garden Theatre in Winter Garden announced that Nick Bazo will be its first full-time education director, in a press release Feb. 13.

Bazo will be in charge of programming and implementing life-changing camps, classes and community partnerships throughout the year.

A south Florida native, Bazo has spent more than a decade in Boston working as the Director of Programs for The Theater Offensive as well as running the True Colors: OUT Youth Theater Program for LGBTQ Youth.

Bazo returns to Orlando after previously being a teaching artist and actor at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be coming home to Florida and joining the team at the Garden,” said Bazo in a statement. “I’m super excited to meet the community, especially the young people who have already made the programming so fun and vibrant.

I can’t wait to get started on this journey together.”

Garden Theatre’s education program has grown over the last three years from a handful of summer camps in 2017 to 25 weekly summer camps in 2020. The program includes year-round classes and workshops for all ages, as well as summer production camps for students seeking performance opportunities.

Garden Theatre is celebrating its 12th anniversary during this 2019-20 performance season.

For more information on the Garden Theatre, visit GardenTheatre.org.

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The 49 Fund is accepting scholarship applications

T

he 49 Fund, an initiative at Central Florida Foundation, is accepting applications for its fourth annual scholarship awards to honor those lost in the Pulse tragedy.

The fund will award up to 10 local LGBTQ students with a $4,900 scholarship to help pay for college tuition.

The scholarship was created in March 2017 by local attorney Barry Miller and the LGBTQ+ Center Orlando. Since its creation, 20 LGBTQ students have received scholarships and been awarded at a ceremony at Orlando City Hall.

In order to qualify for the scholarship, applicants must describe themselves as an “out” member of the LGBTQ community, attend a 2- or 4-year institution of higher learning, earn a 3.0 or higher GPA and demonstrate taking a leadership role within the local Central Florida LGBTQ community.

“I am proud of how our community came together after the shooting and it is great that we can send students to college to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Miller said in a statement.

Students can apply at The49Fund.org through Feb. 28. Individuals can also visit the website for more information on the organization and if they wish to donate.

1

Showstoppers: The Orlando Ballet’s (L-R) Adam Boreland, Hitomi Nakamura, Andre Gallon and Matthew Cunningham after a performance of “Cinderella” at the Dr. Phillips Center Feb. 15.

5

Kind Hearted: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani sports her Mr. Rogers shirt, and LGBTQ ribbons, in Orlando in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day Feb. 17. Photo courtesy Anna V. Eskamani

2 3

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Artistic Fashion: Jennifer Foster shows off her amazing jacket at the Zebra Coalition’s 10 Year Anniversary Valentine’s Day Dance at Quantum Leap in Orlando Feb. 14. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Police Pup: Orlando Police Department Chief Orlando Rolón (L) and The Ribbon Maker Ben Johansen, with new pup Hope, during the LGBTQ roundtable at the OPD headquarters Feb. 12. Photo courtesy Brandon Wolf

4

Rainbow Art: City Commissioner Patty Sheehan admires the angelic artwork at the Nude Night Art Show at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando Feb. 14.

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Photo by Jeremy Williams

3

Environmentalists: Eric Rollings (L) and Lisa Brown represent the Foundation for Florida Environmental Protection at Virginia Drive Live in Orlando Feb. 8. Photo courtesy Lisa Brown

7

Mingling Single: Pedro Aponte attends Watermark’s Swipe Right Party at District Dive in Orlando Feb. 6. Photo by Jeremy Williams

8

Selfie Artists: Elie and Grace Peek-Harris catch a selfie at Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts Feb. 16.

Photo by Grace Peek-Harris

Photo courtesy Patty Sheehan

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announcements

wedding bells

Erik Neinstedt and Stuart Whitfield, from Orlando, Florida

Ybor’s Honey Pot celebrates 13 years on Feb. 28.

BarCodes Orlando celebrates 11 years on March 5.

Engagement Date:

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

October 15, 2018

Wedding Date:

January 19, 2020

Officiant:

Jim Bowden

Venue:

Dr. Phillips Center

Colors:

Navy Blue / Slate Grey / Burgundy

Wedding Song/ Artist:

“I Am Yours” by Andy Grammer

Florist:

Lee James Floral Designs

Caterer:

Dr Phillips Center

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Bakery:

The Glass Knife

Photographer:

Olga Thompson and Ali Nasser

CONGRATULATIONS

Photo by Olga Thompson and Ali Nasser

E

rik Neinstedt described his

wedding to Stuart Whitfield as a whirlwind, with everyone from friends to family to coworkers, even a high school teacher, giving them a sparkler sendoff.

“Our officiant, Jim, told us at the beginning of the ceremony to look around and take in the moment,” Erik says. “I can clearly remember looking around to see all our family and friends’ faces and just feeling so appreciative they were there supporting us.”

The couple met at a friend’s Christmas party in 2012. At the time, Stuart was working as the pastry sous-chef at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest restaurant.

When a mutual friend asked Erik what he thought about the desserts at the restaurant, he replied “Eh, they were okay.” The friend then introduced Stuart as the one who makes them.

“I quickly tried to back pedal and change my review while Stuart tried with all his might to keep from pushing me into the pool,” Erik says.

Erik quickly changed his mind about Stuart’s pastries, with Stuart even designing

their three-flavor wedding cake, which Stuart’s sous-chef at The Glass Knife, Jade, made. Erik said cutting the cake was one of the highlights of the day.

“It’s always special to me when Stuart creates another amazing pastry or dessert and receives recognition for it,” Erik says. “It makes me very proud.”

Stuart says one of his favorite moments was walking down the aisle with his mother. While in the holding room, waiting for guests to arrive, he was nervous, but he said that changed when the ceremony began.

“At that moment, reality hit and it was finally time,” Stuart says. “But I finally felt calm when I got to the end of the aisle and could hold Erik’s hand.”

Before Erik proposed to Stuart while on a weekend trip to Seattle, he wanted to call Stuart’s mother for permission.

On the day he planned to propose, Erik made the call but

she didn’t answer, so he called Stuart’s sister instead, who immediately said yes.

Erik shared a special moment with his mother on the wedding day when he surprised her with “It’s Your Song” by Garth Brooks as the song they would be dancing together to.

“She recognized it right away and started crying,” Erik says.

“And I started tearing up as I reminded her that I told her back when I was in high school that I would dance with her to that song.”

The couple were grateful to be able to have so many of their closest friends and family with them on their special day.

When everyone went outside to get ready for the sparkler sendoff, Stuart and Erik stayed behind to have a moment to themselves and reflect on how amazing their day had been.

“I just remember how it turned out to be a beautiful day,” Stuart says. “I remember hearing the sounds of the city, a nice breeze and the setting-sun shining on us.”

Watermark husband Wade Williams-Jent aka performer Dixie Lynn Michaels, Tampa model and web site recruiter Michael Vought, Orlando realtor Sam Gallaher, Central Florida funeral director Sam Odom, Tampa Bay leather entrepreneur Billy Seablom, Lighthouse Credit Foundation founder David Crow, Tampa Bay actor Jay Goldberg, Sarasota realtor Michael Grady (Feb. 20); Orlando educator John Albritton (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant Bart Nagy, Rollergirl Jessy “Spikey” Wayles, TIGLFF superstar Renee Cossette, St Pete Pride Treasurer Stanley Solomons, Orlando photographer/ videographer Savannah Powell, Graphi-ko Gallery owner Wilmer E. Vergara Homez (Feb. 22); Orlando’s singing cowboy cub CiJay Bailey, The Hammered Lamb owner Jason Lambert, Central Florida realtor David Dorman, Sunrise Body Revival Chiropractic’s Dr. Travis France (Feb. 23); Metro City Realty owner Jon Sheehan (Feb. 24); Songbird Megan Monesmith, Geek Easy’s Oral Frier; Orlando graphic designer Lisa Buck, Framing of Central Florida co-owner Mike Van Der Leest, Tampa hairstylist Christopher Nejman, Tampa Bay’s FabStayz Robert Geller, Tampa Bay transgender activist Janice Carney, Regions manager Bob Sanders (Feb. 25); Come Out With Pride’s Matthew Riha, (Feb. 26);Tampa softballer Carlos Lopez, Sarasota Ballet marketing manager Mike Marraccini, A/V technician at The Social/Beacham Peter Smith, Orlando aesthete extraordinaire Jim Cundiff, Tampa massage therapist Eduardo Campos (Feb. 27); Orlando photographer J.D. Casto, Polk Pride’s Scott Guira, Disney Cruise Line’s David Baldree (Feb. 28); Fields Motorcars Orlando’s Russ Fowler (Feb. 29); Drag beauty Chrysanthe Mum (March 1); Former Joy MCC pastor Lisa Heilig, Indigo Hotel’s Tim Calandrino, Orlando community activist Heather Leibowitz, Tampa Bay bowler Carmen Aguilar, Girls in Wonderland’s Yesl Leon, Orlando designer Enrique Wiedemann (March 2) Tampa photographer Todd Montgomery, Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence DiDi Daytripper, Florida House Rep. and ally Fentrice Driskell (March 3); Tampa Bay songstress Judy B. Goode, Sarasota activist Mark Kidd, Club Orlando attendant Arthur Adams, Tampa mama Patty Cannon (Mar. 4).

—Lora Kopar

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.

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the last page What is your favorite thing about your local LGBTQ community?

Hometown:

That St. Pete as a city is inclusive and has so many businesses that represent their love/support for the LGBTIA+ community.

St. Petersburg

Identifies As: Gay

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Out Year:

1997

Chad Mize

What would you like to see improved in your local LGBTQ community?

I really can’t think of anything specifically that I would like to improve.

I love that we as a city embrace everyone.

I love that our city raises the Pride flag for the entire month of June. I love to see the rainbow banners up throughout the city. I guess I would like to see these actions more than just a few months of the year.

A rtist and G all e ry O wn e r

Profession (Job Title):

Artist/Multimedia Designer/MIZE Gallery Owner

Professional Role Model:

What would you like our readers to know about you?

Anyone proactive in our city and community.

I have a great partner in life who supports me 100%.

Autobiography Title:

“MAKE TIME”

Hobbies:

Art, walking my dog Cookie, beach sunsets, bike rides and dinner parties

T

What advice would you give your younger self?

he Last Page is dedicated

to individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay and Central Florida.

This issue, we check in with St. Petersburg’s Chad Mize, MIZE Gallery owner, multimedia designer and the artist who drew the cover for this issue of Watermark. 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

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I work as a professional artist creating fine art and murals. I have a lifestyle brand “CHIZZY®” which specializes in T-shirts, stickers and random products.

My most successful design is the “World Tour: Paris, London, Tokyo, St Pete” shirt, a design which I am celebrating 10 years of this year. I also did a “Gay Tour” version featuring San Fran, Key West, P-town, St Pete.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

I also run and curate MIZE Gallery, located at 689 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N in St. Pete, representing hundreds of artists each year. We curate an LGBTQIA+ exhibit each June to coincide with St Pete Pride.

This year it is called “DON’T ASK. DO TELL” and will feature LGBTQIA+ artists creating new works representing their voice.

How do you champion for the local LGBTQ community?

My art has messages of inclusion/pro gay life. I have

curated several LGBTQIA+ exhibits. I pride myself on being inclusive in my gallery space.

At any opening you will find a mix of patrons and artists from old to young, black to white, gay to straight. All are welcome.

What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?

Cover stories.

What led you to create the cover art featured on this issue of Watermark?

I create something (art/ design related) new each day and typically post on Instagram and social media.

This allows me to stay current with my art.

Usually it is a digital piece of what’s on my mind that day.

I created the art used for this cover, “DEMZ,” on the morning of one of the Democratic debates. My choice is Bernie!

What is your favorite local LGBTQ event?

Pride in June.

February 20 - M a rch 4 , 2020 // Issue 27.0 4 wat e r m a r konline .com

Stay true to yourself and your vision. What others think of you is none of your business. Dreams don’t happen overnight.

What challenges you as an artist?

Striving to be better every day. I never thought I would be doing large scale murals, and with each one I feel I gain more knowledge and confidence.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of operating mize gallery?

The most challenging is managing large group exhibits. The most rewarding is also managing large group exhibits – helping other artists present their work and making sales while exhibiting fresh talent.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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