Watermark Issue 27.11: Virtual June by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 • Issue 27.11

LGBTQ Pride Month is coming to a screen near you

LGBT+ Center Orlando vandalized

St Pete Pride 2020 cancelled

D A Y T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • T A M P A • S T . P E T E R S B U R G • clear w ater • S A R A S O T A

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

The June 12 Pulse Annual Remembrance Ceremony will look

departments 7 // Bureau Chiefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desk

page

8 // Central Florida News 10// Tampa Bay News

a little different this year as we work to keep our community healthy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. - Scott Bowman, onePULSE Foundation chief communications officer

12// State News 13 // Nation & World News 17// COVID-19 Resources 19 // Talking Points 31// Tampa Bay Out & About 33// Central Fl Out & About 34// Tampa Bay Marketplace 36// Central Fl Marketplace On the cover

page Equality Focused:

page VIRTUAL JUNE:

LGBTQ Pride Month heads to a screen near you.

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Florida leaders, Biden campaign discuss commitment to equality

Watermark Issue 27.11 // May 28 - June 10, 2020

Hate Speech

Safety First

Music Man

Stream On

page LGBT+ Center Orlando vandalized.

page St Pete Pride cancels 2020 celebration.

page

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

Orlando singer Billy Mick releases debut album.

Tampa Bay theaters navigate COVID-19.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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central florida

bureau chief’s

Jeremy Williams cfl bureau chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

t’s getting harder to avoid all

the negativity flying about these days. It hasn’t always been a basket of delights while watching the news, scrolling through social media or answering the phone but in these days of isolation and social distancing it’s getting harder for people to see that light at the end of the tunnel or take comfort in those silver linings.

I was noticing even I was quick to anger or irritation much easier than before. I started unplugging over the weekends — taking time not to open my Facebook or Twitter apps and banning CNN and MSNBC from the TV — to just find new things to do or watch that give me enjoyment. So I thought instead of ranting about the idiocy of certain politicians or whether or not you should go sit in a restaurant masked up and order an adult beverage and some potstickers, I would list off a few things that have given me joy and happiness over the last few months in these horrid times.

watermark staff

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

I enjoy watching ASMR videos on YouTube. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and it basically is this pleasant, tingly sensation some people get when listening to someone speak in a low or whispered voice or make sounds such as tapping, clicking and popping. If it sounds weird that’s because it is, but if you get “the tingles” like I do then you deal with the weird. Since social isolating got my anxiety tingling again, I have been watching more ASMR videos to try and relax and came across one of

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

my new obsessions — tiny cooking! It’s as weird, and wonderful, as ASMR and involves people making miniature versions of food in tiny kitchens with tiny pots, pans and bowls. Some videos feature tiny cakes being baked in tiny ovens, while others feature tiny ravioli and lasagna all made from scratch on tiny cast iron stoves. I love everything about these videos, from the elaborate kitchen set ups to the details in the cakes to the tingles that I get from the step-by-step directions. Two of my favorite YouTube channels are Cookin’ Little and Miniature Cusina. If the lack of sound doesn’t float your ASMR boat, there are some tiny cooking videos that put a jaunty tune over them. Another one of my quarantine obsessions is TikTok, which I have been told by several people on the app and in my real life that I am too old to be on. All I have to say to that is haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate; so I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it off, shake it off. That’s what the kids say, right? TikTok is a “video-sharing, social media network” that allows people to create short-form content a la Vine. I personally do not make any videos — yet! — but I do spend many hours vegging out on my couch, scrolling through my For You Page and marveling at how creative people can be in a matter of 30 seconds. Some videos are dance challenges or lip syncs, some are comedy sketches or daily diary entries about how people around the world are handling isolation. For those of you who are Gen X or older Millennial like me, TikTok feels like what YouTube felt like when it first launched. It is sometimes hilarious, sometimes cringeworthy, and sometimes emotional; but it is always entertaining and a great way to kill some time when you have nothing to do and nowhere

Regardless of what you do to get through, just make sure you aren’t doom and glooming it 24/7.

out if you haven’t already: “Upload” on Amazon Prime, “Hilary” on Hulu, “Defending Jacob” on Apple TV+, “Hollywood” on Netflix and “Watchmen” on HBO. If you don’t have any of these streaming services, then make friends with someone who does and borrow their account. Regardless of what you do to get through, just make sure you aren’t doom and glooming it 24/7. Show a little self love and take care of you. In this issue, we look at how you can celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month from the comfort of your own home with our guide to Virtual June. In other news, we bring back our A&E section with a look at some local entertainers, The Center Orlando gets vandalized and St Pete Pride announces it won’t hold any events until 2021.

Orlando Office

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

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to go. Some of my favorites that I check in with daily are @ adamrayokay, @iamtabithabrown, @yungjackinnanen and @ ben_brainard. Like most people, the main thing that I have done during quarantine — besides using DoorDash and UberEats to order all of my food — is binge watching. Prior to lockdown, I had never seen an episode of “Schitt’s Creek” but I managed to watch all six seasons within four days and I have to say: What the hell was I waiting for? It is the best thing I have seen on television in a long time. If you haven’t checked it out, do so immediately. Other shows you should check

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Camille Barbone

is a coach and consultant with 25+ years of entertainment business experience. She has worked for major companies including Sony, Universal, Warner Chappell and others and has developed and managed high-profile artists such as Madonna, produced major concerts and provided music for major motion pictures. Page 15

Edward Segarra

currently attends the University of Central Florida as a journalism major. They enjoy writing about pop culture and hope to work in entertainment journalism upon graduating from college. Page 27

Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

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

distribution LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, Vanessa Maresca-Cruz CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations. WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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tampa bay

bureau chief’s

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

Desk

’ve always considered myself

an extroverted introvert, both someone who can thrive as the center of attention and someone who desperately wants to avoid the spotlight. It’s all about context.

The years I spent as a corporate trainer for a medical company are a prime example of that. I was drawn to the role for the same reason I love being a journalist: I have a strong desire to inform. It made training a fantastic fit. Watching people with a longing to learn come to understand something is incredibly rewarding – I loved helping them grasp the unknown and could easily lead a presentation for hundreds without breaking a sweat. I still could, depending on the situation. I could easily discuss the importance of the free press, particularly its battle against tyranny on Twitter or why LGBTQ outlets like Watermark

are essential. Likewise, I could share a dissertation about how easy it is to wear a mask in public or to only walk one way down an aisle at Publix. It’s all about preparation. The unexpected spotlight is what paralyzes me. It’s why I’ve always hated audience Q&As after live theater and have spent years avoiding drag queens with microphones. The prospects of being called on stage or asked an impromptu question have always horrified me. Like the rest of the world, it’s not an issue I’ve had to dread for several months now. The mounting death toll resulting from COVID-19 has crippled communities and out of necessity,

brought the majority of social interactions to a standstill. For the most part I’ve leaned heavily on my introverted side. I’ve completed a puzzle that was collecting dust, devoured a novel I instantly longed to read and after two decades rediscovered my rad love for rollerblading. I even started baking, which has resulted in fewer falls. While I’m more of a Cheez-It guy, the relaxation from making sweets from scratch has been a surprising delight. I’m finally putting the Kitchen Aid I bought my husband a few years ago to use and since he’s practically the Cookie Monster, he’s enjoyed it too. C is for Cookie and that’s good enough for marriage. Of all the joys I’ve managed to find or hold onto in these troubling times, the one I’ve valued the most has been virtual conferences with loved ones. From chatting with my mom in Ohio to game nights with our friends-turned-family in Florida, my husband and I have been fortunate enough to stay connected with those we love, some of whom we’ve seen more regularly as of late. I’ve tried not to forget how fortunate we are to have that option, and it was through our chats that I realized I’d begun taking something for granted. Their sustainability. About a month ago, a friend who works in the medical field raised a point that my introverted side hadn’t yet begun to consider. He shared that we may need to return to the real world before we’re necessarily ready to do so, as society has in the face of other life-threatening pandemics. Long before COVID-19’s eradication, we would have to learn to live with it. I now believe we’re nearing that time – and as various stay-at-home orders are lifted across the country, there are

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

others who feel they’re already living in it and more who feel they’re nowhere near ready to begin. It’s critical that we find a way to move forward with these different perspectives together and the best way to do that is with a little empathy. Business owners aren’t reopening to hurt the people who are reluctant to patronize them, and those who aren’t yet ready to venture out don’t want those businesses to fail. Be kind to one another. I’m not sure what our new normal will look like going forward, but I know it doesn’t involve never seeing our loved ones in person again. I also know it doesn’t involve this

The unexpected spotlight is what paralyzes me.

summer looking anything like last year’s. The science tells us that it shouldn’t – and thankfully our community is listening, which is the focus of this issue’s in-depth coverage. As we enter June, we examine a new kind of LGBTQ Pride month, one that’s just as proud but without the crowd. Organizations from around the world share details about numerous virtual events coming to a screen near you. In Tampa Bay news, we check in with one of those organizations as St Pete Pride postpones in-person festivities this year. In Central Florida, the LGBT+ Center is vandalized and in arts and entertainment, we chat with Tampa Bay theaters and Orlando singer Billy Mick. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you stay safe and enjoy this latest issue.

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

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Camille Barbone

Edward Segarra

currently attends the University of Central Florida as a journalism major. They enjoy writing about pop culture and hope to work in entertainment journalism upon graduating from college. Page 27

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

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central florida news

2 injured in shooting near Parliament House Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Orlando police are investigating a shooting that occurred near the Parliament House hotel May 15 that left two men injured. According to the police report, officers responded to a call from Parliament House security who contacted the police after seeing an individual pointing a rifle at a vehicle. The caller provided no other information. When police arrived they were advised by security that multiple gunshots were heard near the lake on the west side of the hotel just before 8:30 p.m. Police found nine 9mm shell casings in front of one of the hotel rooms that faces the lake and found the two victims — Albert Antonio Williams, Jr. and Lorenza Morris, Jr. — in another room located in a different area of the hotel. According to police, the victims ran to the hotel room after sustaining their injuries. According to the report, Williams suffered injuries to both of his feet and Morris had more serious injuries to his left leg as a result from the shooting. The report states that Williams and Morris are cousins. Both victims were hospitalized and are expected to survive. No arrests have been made at this time.

Calvin Klein supports onePULSE Foundation

RLANDO | Fashion brand Calvin Klein is supporting onePULSE Foundation’s mission of LGBTQ+ equality this Pride season with the unveiling of their latest collection, according to a press release from the onePULSE Foundation. #PROUDINMYCALVINS features an assortment of Pride-themed apparel for customers to choose from and is branded as “a celebration of self-love and the full spectrum of identity.” Calvin Klein and its parent company PVH Corp. donated funds to the onePULSE Foundation, including a $1 million grant by the PVH Foundation, according to a Calvin Klein spokesperson. The money from the PVH grant supports the construction of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum, as well as a scholarship that honors the life of Pulse victim and former Calvin Klein manager Frank Hernandez. In addition to fashion, the collection showcases queer visibility by telling the “the powerful narratives” of LGBTQ+ public figures through a series of interviews. The content series accompanying the collection aims to celebrate “shared themes of love, family, coming out, allyship and identity” and will run throughout the year. The series can be found across Calvin Klein’s digital platforms.

Patriot Front sticker found attached to The Center.

Photo courtesy George Wallace

Hate Speech LGBT+ Center Orlando vandalized with white supremacist propaganda Jeremy Williams

Edward Segarra

Hate Group: A

RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center in Orlando experienced several acts of vandalism during the month of May — including cut internet lines, graffiti and white supremacist propaganda — which has resulted in a financial gift from Johnson & Johnson toward repairs and security. The Center’s first incidents of vandalism occurred when staff members discovered graffiti on the building May 11 and had their internet and phone lines cut May 12. The Center’s Executive Director George Wallace says he was alerted to another incident of vandalism by a Facebook message received May 14. “We got this message that said ‘Hey, I was taking a picture of the mural and noticed this sticker so I pulled it down and threw it in the trash can. When I got home I Googled the website and realized it was a white supremacist sticker so I wanted to bring it to your attention,’” Wallace says.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

The messenger posted the photo on the website Reddit on the r/ orlando page. User pauliebleeker wrote that while eating tacos, they wanted to take a photo of the Pulse memorial painted on the side of The Center and noticed something covering the Pulse logo. “I walked up and it was a sticker of a man with a gun and an American flag type background. Under it gave a website for the group Patriot Front. I was upset someone would vandalize the mural, ripped it down and threw it away, didn’t think to take a photo of the sticker,” they wrote. Patriot Front is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as “a white nationalist hate group that broke off from Vanguard America in the aftermath of the deadly ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, of August 12, 2017.” “When I read the message I thought I should walk around and make sure there’s no cracked windows or anything around the building,” Wallace says. “When I walked to the side of the building where the graffiti tag was, I noticed on the electric meter that there was

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

another white supremacist sticker. So there were two on our building.” Orlando police collected the sticker as evidence and took photos of the graffiti. Cameras at The Center have footage from the front entrance and lobby of the organization but The Center’s parking lot camera was not working at the time of the incident due to prior water damage. Another camera located at the rear of the building does not cover the alley way where the second sticker and graffiti was found. Since those incidents, The Center has seen an increase in messages of support and donations, says Wallace; however, that did not stop the stickers from re-appearing. Another pair of Patriot Front stickers were found on one of The Center’s entrance doors May 18. One covered the Human Rights Campaign sticker on the door and the other covered the Orlando Police Department Safe Space decal. In response to the vandalism, Johnson & Johnson made a $5,000 donation to The Center through its Care With Pride initiative. “With these funds, we’ll be able to cover mural re-paint as well as increased security for our staff and clients,” The Center posted to its Facebook page, announcing the contribution, May 20. “Johnson & Johnson stands strong with the Center in declaring that there is no place for hate and discrimination in Orlando — or anywhere else.”

Join us Friday, June 12, 2020 | 7 p.m. Four-Year PULSE Remembrance Ceremony Every year during our Annual Remembrance Ceremony on June 12, we have been blessed by the presence of a rainbow over Orlando. We know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our 49 Angels joining us in their celebration of life. This year, even though we cannot gather together physically at the Pulse Interim Memorial, we can all still come together as a community and Be the Rainbow. Please join us at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12, online at www.onePULSEFoundation.org/remembrance for our Annual Remembrance Virtual Ceremony. We will not let hate win.

onePULSEFoundation.org

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay news

TIGLFF launches virtual screenings with new program director Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) launched its virtual screening platform TIGLFF Online May 14 with its new program director Derek Horne. Virtual programming is a first for TIGLFF, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Horne, a Sarasota native who lives in Los Angeles and Maryland, has worked with film festivals for more than two decades. He follows the nine-year tenure of KJ Mohr, who left to spend more time with her family. “We’ll miss her, but we understand and wish her all the best,” newly-minted TIGLFF President Rob Akins says. Akins assumed TIGLFF’s presidency ahead of this year’s 31st outing but is no stranger to the festival. He first became a board member in 2004 and actively returned in 2018. “Derek has an exciting vision for the future of TIGLFF programming, where we will showcase fun, exciting, touching, raucous, meaningful and even some edgy LGBTQ cinema,” TIGLFF shared May 10. Akins says the festival’s new virtual programming is a key part of that. “With the many changes to movie watching in recent years, virtual screenings are something we’ve discussed, but now with the COVID-19 pandemic we quickly made the move in order to continue providing LGBTQ cinema,” he explains. “We’ll be able to provide a variety of films to entertain our diverse audience more frequently. Now people can watch where and when they like.” That began with a retrospective of short films called “Laughter in Lockdown” via TIGLFF Online, which featured a video introduction from Horne. “I’m here in Maryland but look forward to joining you all real soon,” he shared. “We’re on this weird, strange journey together into the unknown – we’re just going to follow the currents and see where it takes us, whether that’s upstream or downstream or anywhere but the mainstream.” “I am excited to be joining TIGLFF at this time of huge societal change and explore the creative possibilities,” Horne tells Watermark. “The TIGLFF board has given me the bandwidth to experiment and the new board president Rob Akins has been a great partner.” He adds that TIGLFF Online, streamed utilizing Eventive, provides the festival with flexibility while being user-friendly. He views “Laughter in Lockdown” as a gift to the community and “an appetizer to the main course.” “We are just whetting your appetite for a year-round schedule of screenings,” Horne teases. For more information about TIGLFF, its 31st festival and to complete its patron survey, visit TIGLFF.com.

ST PETE PROUD: St Pete

Pride supporters enjoy its 2019 parade in downtown St. Petersburg. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO

Safety First St Pete Pride cancels in-person 2020 celebration, looks to 2021 Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride has cancelled its in-person 2020 festivities in response to COVID-19. The 18th annual outing was originally scheduled for June 26-28. Organizers initially postponed this year’s celebration until the fall to work with city officials on securing new dates. “After careful consideration and thorough exploration of alternatives with the city of St Petersburg, the Board of St Pete Pride has made the difficult decision to cancel all large in-person events,” the organization shared May 21. “The initial hope was to postpone these events,” St Pete Pride’s statement continues. “However, the level of uncertainty and lack of clear guidance from experts prompted the decision to cancel as the Board deemed the health and safety of our community, both near and far, most important.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

More than 265,000 people are estimated to have attended St Pete Pride 2019, creating an economic impact of $67.2 million on the city of St. Petersburg. Mayor Rick Kriseman, one of the celebration’s earliest supporters, shared that he understood the decision. “While I am saddened by the cancellation of this year’s St Pete Pride, I respect the decision made by the event’s organizers given the inability to plan such events in the face of this unprecedented uncertainty,” he said. “Our shared focus and most important job is public safety. St Pete Pride certainly recognizes this. “St Pete Pride is one of the best and biggest LGBTQ+ events in the nation and will certainly outlast any challenges that come its way,” Kriseman continued. “Working with St Pete Pride and other organizations and individuals in our community, we will find ways to celebrate this year’s pride month safely and collectively. I hope that all residents of St. Pete remember that while we may be separated due to COVID-19, we are never alone and that we

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

should continue to embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ residents and allies every day for their efforts in helping the sun to shine so brightly on us here in St. Pete.” The St Pete Pride board also thanked the community and its supporters for their understanding and patience while it determines safer ways to celebrate Pride. They also stressed that the organization will continue to develop its Community Grants Program, which supports nonprofits throughout Tampa Bay at events throughout the year. Sponsorships, registrations and advertisements for St Pete Pride 2020 will automatically be credited to all sponsors, advertisers and registrants for the parade and festival for 2021’s celebration. St Pete Pride noted that it appreciates the continued support. “The leadership of St Pete Pride is laser focused on our mission, our community and our supporters as we are adapting to our new reality of social distancing during the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic,” they concluded. “We will continue to be visible through our website, our newsletters and in the community as we all work together through these difficult times.” For more information about St Pete Pride, this year’s cancellation and more, visit StPetePride.com. For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage at WatermarkOnline.com.

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

state news

Biden campaign, Florida leaders discuss equality Ryan Williams-Jent

ormer Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign hosted an LGBTQ engagement call with Florida leaders May 14 to discuss the candidate’s commitment to equality. The virtual gathering was led by Biden for President LGBTQ+ Vote Director Reggie Greer and Florida State Rep. Shevrin Jones. They welcomed representation from Equality Florida, the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, the One Orlando Alliance and more. Jones could become Florida’s first openly-LGBTQ state senator if elected this year. He began the call by discussing the importance of supporting the former vice president against Donald Trump this November. “The stakes are too high for any of us to sit on the sidelines at this time – far too many LGBTQ people are facing discrimination and violence simply because of who they are and who they love,” Jones shared. “Our community cannot afford four more years of Donald Trump and Mike Pence.” He subsequently stressed the importance of the LGBTQ vote, calling Florida the epicenter of the election. “It’s up to us, all of us and the millions of equality voters across the state of Florida to make sure Joe Biden is our next president,” Jones shared. Greer began by thanking Jones and the organizations present for their commitment to equality, taking a moment to reflect on the work of the late Terry Fleming. The prominent and longtime Florida LGBTQ activist, who most recently served as co-president for Gainesville’s Pride Community Center, died April 28 at the age of 58. “When we get Vice President Biden elected he will be the most pro-LGBTQ president that we’ve had walking into the White House,” he said. “We can walk hand in hand with a presidential candidate in a way in which we know our community, even the most marginalized, will be protected; their rights defended.” Greer discussed the pillars of Biden’s LGBTQ plan, which the campaign previously shared with Watermark directly. He noted that as president, Biden will protect LGBTQ youth, strengthen transgender protections, pass the Equality Act, ensure the U.S. is a global leader in LGBTQ equality and much more. Jeff Trammell, a D.C.-based, native Floridian who worked on the presidential campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore and Secretary John Kerry, succinctly summarized the campaign’s call to action. “We hold the veto power of a second Trump term,” he said. “We deserve a voice again in Washington,” Greer added.

For more information about the former vice president’s campaign and to read his full plan to advance LGBTQ+ equality, visit his JoeBiden.com/LGBTQ

Westlake virtually passes protections for lgbtq residents in statewide first Ryan Williams-Jent

ESTLAKE, Fla. | The Westlake City Council unanimously passed a Westlake Civil Rights Ordinance (WCRO) to protect LGBTQ residents May 11 by virtual vote, a first in the state of Florida. Westlake is Palm Beach County’s newest and smallest municipality, with 531 registered voters and a city council of five. According to the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC), plans exist to add 4,500 homes, 2 million square feet of commercial space and more, making it the “fastest growing city in Florida.” The PBCHRC was founded in 1988 and touts itself as Florida’s oldest, independent, nonpartisan, political organization dedicated to ending LGBTQ discrimination. They proposed the city’s WCRO as a part of their “Palm Beach County: You’re Welcome!” campaign. The WCRO will take effect June 11 following a final reading. It will prohibit discrimination throughout

Westlake in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, as well as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status, pregnancy, marital status or genetic information. “The U.S. Congress and the Florida Legislature have failed to enact any civil rights laws protecting gay, lesbian and gender nonconforming individuals,” PBCHRC President and Founder Rand Hoch shared in a statement. “Therefore, the responsibility to prohibit discrimination rests on the elected officials in Florida’s counties and municipalities.” PBCHRC Board Member Tamara Sager detailed the organization’s efforts and stressed the importance of the WCRO during the city council’s virtual session, held via the video conference platform Webex. She subsequently addressed its passage in a statement. “While our country is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Westlake City Council Members found no reason to delay moving

forward with the civil rights ordinance,” she reflected. “That shows true leadership.” “The enactment of the Westlake Civil Rights Ordinance will help attract more homeowners to our city,” Vice Mayor Katrina Long-Robinson added. “In addition, the ordinance will help bring jobs, revenue and resources to Westlake.” Westlake joins a growing number of Florida municipalities which have enacted LGBTQ-inclusive civil rights ordinances and policies, including Orlando, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and more. Late last month, the neighboring Boynton Beach voted to make city-owned restrooms gender neutral in another victory. “Sadly, 55 counties and 381 municipalities in Florida have no laws protecting LGBTQ Floridians from discrimination,” Hoch also noted. “A great deal of work on civil rights remains to be done in the Sunshine State.”

(CD-7), Rep. Darren Soto (CD-9), Rep. Val Demings (CD-10), Rep. Charlie Crist (CD-13), Rep. Kathy Castor (CD-14), Rep. Alcee Hastings (CD-20), Rep. Lois Frankel (CD-21), Rep. Ted Deutch (CD-22), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (CD-23), Rep. Frederica Wilson (CD-24), Rep. Debbie Murcarsel-Powell (CD-26) and Rep. Donna Shalala (CD-27). “We are proud to endorse Florida’s Democratic members of Congress for reelection,” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill said. “All 13 Representatives have furthered the cause of equality for LGBTQ+ Floridians and we thank them for their strong support of our community. “Our work is not done in the

struggle for equality,” he continued. “We need their voices in Congress fighting for us.” “We’re making these endorsements because we know we can always count on them to support LGBTQ+ equality,” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Campaign Director Susan McGrath added. “From passing the Equality Act to allowing patriotic trans service members to serve openly to blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to enshrine discrimination in federal regulations, Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation will do what’s right, fair and just.”

For more information about the PBCHRC, visit PBCHRC.org.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus releases first round of 2020 election endorsements Ryan Williams-Jent

elray Beach, Fla. | The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus released its first round of endorsements in the 2020 election cycle May 18, backing 13 candidates seeking reelection throughout the state. The caucus represents the interests of LGBTQ Floridians as an arm of the state’s Democratic Party. It currently has 21 statewide chapters. The endorsements were made after “a careful review of statements, support and Congressional records,” the caucus shared. The organization is supporting Rep. Al Lawson (CD-5), Rep. Stephanie Murphy

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

For more information about the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, additional statewide endorsements and more, visit LGBTQDems.org.

nation+world news

Court won’t hold up trans inmate surgery Wire Report

OISE, Idaho | The U.S. Supreme Court won’t put an Idaho transgender inmate’s gender confirmation surgery on hold while a lawsuit over the procedure moves forward. The order on May 21 means Adree Edmo can continue getting pre-surgical treatments and potentially even gender confirmation surgery this year while Idaho officials wait to hear if the high court will consider their appeal. Edmo has been housed in a men’s prison facility since she first began serving time on a charge of sexually abusing a child younger

than 16 in 2012. She’s scheduled for release in July of 2021. She sued the state three years ago, contending that prison officials’ refusal to provide her with gender confirmation surgery causes her severe distress because she has gender dysphoria. Attorneys for the Idaho Department of Correction and private prison healthcare company Corizon have agreed that Edmo’s condition has caused her distress. But they contend her prison doctors have determined the surgery isn’t medically necessary and would do more harm than good because it could exacerbate her other mental health conditions. Idaho Gov. Brad Little has also said Edmo shouldn’t have access to taxpayer-funded surgical

procedures that other Idahoans can’t get covered through their own insurance. But Edmo’s attorneys say prisons don’t get to pick and choose which people to treat, and they’re required to provide medically necessary care to incarcerated people. Edmo has so far prevailed at both the federal district and appellate courts. The state’s attorneys asked the Supreme Court to consider the case earlier this month, and the high court hasn’t yet decided if it will do so. The order denying the stay was given by Justice Elena Kagan without explanation, but it noted that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito would have granted the state’s request.

The 18-member collective that operates the club announced May 20 that they had decided to close the bar, though they will look for a new location. “Because of a lack of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic bar will be announcing that they are permanently closing their location and will be holding a drag funeral to honor the end of an era of LGBT nightlife,” said one of the owners, Honey Mahogany, in a news release.

It’s at least the second time the 54-year-old bar has faced the prospect of full closure. But previous situations were due to gentrification in San Francisco, now one of the nation’s tech hubs. In 2016 The Stud’s current location was sold, and the bar’s then-owner was notified that monthly rent for the 2,800-square-foot space would leap from $3,800 to $9,500. A cooperative group of 18 owners then bought the bar to keep it running.

Iconic San Francisco gay bar to shutter Wire Report

AN FRANCISCO | One of the nation’s most celebrated gay bars is being forced from its home amid the financial fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. The Stud is the longest continually running gay bar in San Francisco and known throughout the country as one of the bohemian, gender-bending, anything-goes institutions that made San Francisco into a gay mecca.

Hungary bans recognition of trans citizens Wire Report

UDAPEST, Hungary | Hungarian lawmakers approved legislation May 19 banning the legal recognition of transgender citizens. Amendments to the law on the birth, death and marriage registry, approved mostly by deputies from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, will prevent transgender or intersex people from legally changing their gender to match their gender identity.

The bill changes the “sex” category in official documents like birth certificates to “sex at birth,” defined as the “biological sex determined by primary sex characteristics and chromosomes.” Once determined, the birth sex category can’t be changed. The amendments were part of a large legislative package submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, head of the Christian Democratic party. The legislation has come under strong criticism from rights groups, which are asking Hungary’s president to refrain from signing

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the bill into law and send it for review to the Constitutional Court. Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, earlier asked Hungary’s Parliament to reject the amendments, calling on authorities to “ensure that transgender people have access to expeditious and transparent procedures for changing their names and gender or sex in the civil registry, and on identity cards, passports, educational certificates and other similar documents.”

in other news 2 Missouri cops accused of assaulting trans woman A Kansas City, Missouri grand jury indicted officers Matthew Brummett and Charles Prichard on one misdemeanor charge each of fourth-degree assault related to a May 24, 2019, physical assault, the Jackson County prosecutor’s office announced May 15. A video, recorded by a passerby, shows the officers kneeing Breona Hill, a 30-year-old transgender woman, in the face, torso and ribs and forcing her arms over her head while handcuffed. Hill has since died after being shot in October at a Kansas City home, and a man has been charged in her death. Brummett and Prichard maintain that they used reasonable force.

Congressional LGBTQ Equality PAC endorses Biden The Equality PAC, the political action committee lead by openly LGBTQ members of Congress, has thrown its support behind Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. In a statement to the Washington Blade, Rep. David Cicilline said the Equality PAC, which he co-chairs, is backing Biden because he “has been a strong leader on LGBTQ issues over his career and as president will continue to be a champion for our community.” “Too many LGBTQ Americans can still get fired from their jobs or kicked out of their homes just because of who they are,” said Cicilline. The endorsement was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the U.S. House’s passage of the Equality Act.

Navy grants first-ever waiver under trans military ban The U.S. Navy has granted the first-ever waiver under the transgender military ban to an individual who had sued to remain in the service. The waiver was granted to the Jane Doe in the case against the transgender military ban filed in March. The anonymous Navy officer faced discharge because she’s transgender. The ban requires the discharge of any service member diagnosed with gender dysphoria and bars the enlistment of any individual who has received transition-related care, but the policy has an exemption to allow trans service members to continue serving if they came out when serving openly was instituted in 2016.

Albania bans conversion therapy LGBTQ rights organizations welcomed a decision May 16 by the governing body of psychologists in Albania to prohibit the practice of conversion therapy. A statement from the country’s main LGBTQ organization said the decision “places the Order of Psychologists in Albania in the forefront of the institutions respecting LGBTI rights.” All registered therapists in Albania must be members of the Order of Psychologists. Albania passed an anti-discrimination law in 2010 that grants legal rights to homosexuals.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Camille Barbone

Covid-19 and the Community

ll the world’s a

stage, but COVID-19 has robbed entertainers of the chance to perform on the majority of them. From super-stars to fledgling performers, LGBTQ and ally artists are trying to figure out how to deal with all the lost income.

Live performance is big business, $30 billion dollars globally, and it has grounded to a screeching halt. For entertainers, the internet has become the primary performance platform and income producer for the foreseeable future. Digital service providers like Spotify and iTunes rely on musical content to attract traffic, which attracts advertising dollars from companies promoting products and services. Conversely, each time a song is streamed or downloaded digitally, they’re legally obligated to pay a royalty to the music’s rightsholder. Sony earned more than $1 billion in the first quarter of 2020 on digital music, a portion of which belongs to the artists and rightsholders of the music. In the past, artists, composers, music publishers and other rights holders were not paid for content, but 2018’s Music Modernization Act changed that. It added income from digital streaming and downloads to traditional royalty streams such as terrestrial radio airplay, live performance, “elevator” music and jukebox plays. Performing rights organizations collect performance royalties and identify the rightsholders through a process called audio fingerprinting, a system of codes and registration numbers linked to the songs. Every day over 40,000 songs are added to an existing global catalogue. If the audio fingerprinting information is incorrect or incomplete, digital service providers cannot identify rightsholders and pay royalties. The

“orphaned” revenue, known as black box royalties, is held in special accounts in the hopes of finding the owners. According to the collection organization Songtrust, current black box royalties total a growing $250 million globally. Some collection agencies attempt to find the rightsholders, but most give up after a few feeble attempts because trillions of bytes of data must be reviewed to identify content owners. There are a number of ways to earn royalties and licenses are issued for the different uses, including for songs used by drag and other performers who lip sync on social media. A sync license must be issued for each song that’s performed, entitling the rightsholder to a negotiated fee whenever the video is played. It isn’t enough for a performer to share disclaimers that they don’t own the rights to the music. Social media platforms will still block or remove the videos, something that’s enforced by record companies. They simply see that the drag performer did not write or record the vocal. Without a license, they’re infringing on the copyright and the rightsholder is not being paid for the use of their intellectual property. So, how can rightsholders collect royalties? Strict adherence to the digital fingerprinting process. Artists must secure the right codes and registration numbers, assigning and embedding them in their songs while working with a collection management organization. This creates a path for royalties to flow from digital service providers to collection

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

management organizations before distribution to performers, composers, music publishers, record companies, producers or other entities owning and controlling the copyrights. The system is based on a rather old and convoluted process that was used to collect radio airplay and live performance royalties. For sound or master recordings you must register your master with

signing up. If artists work through a music distributor, they will assign and embed the codes on their behalf. The actual composition, the song, music and lyrics, requires a different code. An ISWC code establishes ownership of its copyright, ensuring that all composers are paid a performance royalty each time a song is streamed or downloaded.

you will be paid for the use of your music. Don’t contribute to the ever-growing black box royalty account. Claim what is yours and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Be prepared and positioned to earn. Be ready for success with all its perks, problems and responsibilities. If you need help, reach out to an industry expert; entertainment business coaches, music publishers, client service reps at the performing rights agencies, or artist managers can help. Get the information you need and start earning.

Claim what is yours and enjoy the fruits of your labor. the Library of Congress, using the assigned number each time you upload a song to any digital service provider. This allows royalties to be paid to featured artists, master owners and non-featured performers. A well-respected performance rights organization known as Sound Exchange collects and pays out this type of revenue. Artists must also secure an ISRC code for their sound recordings, the equivalent to UPC codes for physical products. The code is embedded into the actual master recording and scanned each time the song is played, streamed or downloaded. The embedding process is usually done in the studio. ISRC codes are acquired by visiting ISRC.org and

When artists sign up with a performance rights organization, like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, they will assign ISWC codes for you. You can secure ISWC codes through ASCAP without being a member, but it is very difficult if not impossible to collect performance royalties on your own. Thousands of sites must be monitored. Sound recording copyright registration numbers, ISRC codes, ISWC codes and a membership in a performance rights agency will keep you on track to receive royalties you have earned globally. Simply put, it’s all about making sure you take an active role in establishing ownership of your intellectual properties. The process is tedious and sometimes confusing, but it is the only way

Camille Barbone is a coach and consultant with 25+ years of entertainment business experience. She has worked for major companies including Sony, Universal, Warner Chappell and others and has developed and managed high-profile artists such as Madonna, produced major concerts and provided music for major motion pictures.

Her coaching practice provides guidance and structure to individuals and companies aspiring to success in the entertainment industry. For more information, visit CamilleBarbone.com or email Office@CamilleBarbone.com.

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

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

COVID-19 resources

Tampa Bay

Central Florida

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Relief Now, Rise Together Fund, OneTampa.org

St. Pete Fighting Chance Fund, StPete.org

The city of Tampa is seeking to help small businesses and individuals with emergency grants focused on rent and essential utilities. Round two begins June 1 for a 5-day pre-application period and individuals/families may receive up to $1,000 for rent or mortgage and up to $250 for utilities. Small

The city of St. Petersburg has created an emergency

businesses may receive up to $4,000 and $1,000.

Pinellas County CARES Small Business Grants, PCED.org/Cares Pinellas County is providing emergency financial support for qualified small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 due to orders to close or limit operations with a June 1 application deadline. One-time $5,000 grants are available to help offset significant, temporary loss of revenue.

grant for locally-owned and independently-operated small businesses and impacted individuals. Businesses may receive up to $5,000 and individuals may receive up to $500 from an allocated $6.8 million.

Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund, PinellasCF.org/TBRF Area organizations have partnered with nearly $1 million of funding assistance available to nonprofit 501(c) organizations and governmental agencies. It supports organizations in DeSoso, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES

Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, OneOrlandoAlliance.org/donate

The Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, launched by Contigo Fund, is meant to assist Orlando area LGBTQ+ community members who are most in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This grassroots effort is led by LGBTQ+ community members, nonprofit leaders and allies including the One Orlando Alliance and the LGBT+ Center Orlando.

Bounce Back Orlando, BounceBackOrlando.com 321-800-3946

Launching May 1, The Pride Chamber’s Bounce Back Orlando will be a directory of small businesses in Orlando and the surrounding metro that will encourage residents and visitors to patronize our local small businesses. If you own a small business in the Greater Orlando Metro area you can register your business at the website free of charge.

26Health, 26Health.org/ CopingWithCOVID-19, 321-800-2922

Feeding Tampa Bay, FeedingTampaBay.org, 813-254-1190

Call 211 from any phone or text your zip code to 898211 for help.

Offering mobile pantries, meals, a market, senior grocery resources, homebound help and more. Hours, sites and locations vary.

26Health is offering a number of its weekly support groups virtually. A full schedule is available on the website. Most services are being offered through virtual care; however they are offering emergency

Love the Golden Rule, LoveTheGoldenRule.com, 727-826-0700

Joy MCC, 407-894-1081

Use computers or mobile devices to access health care services remotely and manage health care needs.

Offering primary and specialized care regardless of the ability to pay. Call for more details.

EPIC Food Pantry, MyEPIC.org

Metro Inclusive Health, MetroTampaBay.org, 727-321-3854

To schedule pickups or donations, call 727-328-3260 in Pinellas County or 813-237-3066 in Hillsborough County.

Receive access to primary care, counseling, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP via Telehealth.

TESTING sites BayCare, BayCare.org, 1-800-BayCare Pre-screening is necessary before accessing a COVID-19 testing site and is available via virtual visit at BayCareAnywhere.org. For patients without insurance, tests are $85 at any BayCare facility but not due at testing. BayCare is working with governmental agencies to secure funding. For patients with insurance, the federal government has noted all payors should cover tests. Contact your insurance company for more information. BayCare Urgent Care (Carillon) tests 8-11 a.m. on weekdays at 900 Carillon Parkway, Ste. 106 in St. Petersburg. Gulf High School tests weekdays from 8-11 a.m. at 5355 School Rd. in Port Richey.

Hillsborough County Testing, HillsboroughCounty.org, 813-272-5900 Pre-screening and registration are required, visit their website or call to make an appointment. Testing will be administered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. There is no charge and sites include Raymond James Stadium at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa; Lee Davis Community Resource Center at 3402 N. 22nd St. in Tampa; Plant City Community Resource Center at 307 N. Michigan Ave. in Plant City and SouthShore Community Resource Center at 201 14th Ave. SE in Ruskin. Raymond James offers drive-thru only.

Community Health Centers Testing, CHCPinellas.org, 727-824-8181 Testing is available via same day walk or drive up but appointments are highly recommended to decrease wait times. Call the number above and select option 0 to schedule. Tests are available Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Testing sites are located at 707 E. Druid Rd. in Clearwater, 7550 43rd St. N in Pinellas Park, 1344 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg and 5175 45th St. N. in St. Petersburg on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sarasota County Testing SCGov.net, 941-861-2883 Testing is available by appointment only in North Port, Venice and Englewood for symptomatic individuals or those who work in a health care. Call the number above to schedule an appt. Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. No appointment is necessary for drive-thru testing from the county, Florida Division of Emergency Management and DOH at University Town Center Mall at 140 University Town Ctr. Dr. Testing is available daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Walk-up testing is also available at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, located at 1845 34th St. daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. or until capacity is reached. Call the number above or text SRQCOVID19 to 888777 for details.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

CSCF is providing virtual reemployment assistance for those who have lost their job due to COVID-19. CSCF can assist you in filling out the Department of Economic Opportunity application online. You can also take advantage of the CSCF’s virtual services such as career guidance, resume review, workshops and online learning free of charge.

United Way of Central Florida (UWCF), UWCF.org, 2-1-1

The United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is assisting those impacted by COVID-19 with food needs, paying bills and other essential services. Call 2-1-1 to speak to a UWCF representative who can help you if you are in need.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES

211 Tampa Bay Cares, 211TampaBay.org, 727-210-4211

CAN Community Health, CANCommunityHealth.org, 941-366-0134

CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF), CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com/Corona virus-Support,800-757-4598

support services. Joy MCC, located at 2351 S. Ferncreek Ave. in Orlando, is offering food assistance to those in need due to the pandemic. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call ahead to verify hours has not changed and food availability.

Orange County Public Schools, OCPS.net

Grab-and-Go meals are available for students in need. On both Mondays and Wednesdays, two days of meals will be distributed; and on Fridays, three days of meals will be distributed. Meals are available for pick-up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays. Site locations can be found on their website.

Osceola County School District, OsceolaSchools.net

The district’s School Nutrition Services Department will provide FREE breakfast and lunch to children 18 years and under during the extended school closure. Meals will be available for pickup between 9:30 a.m.12:00 p.m. at each location. FSite locations can be found on their website.

Seminole County Public Schools, SCPS.k12.fl.us

Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) will be providing FREE Breakfast and Lunch meals for its students (18 years old and younger) during the extended school closure period. Meals will be available for pick-up between 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Pine Crest Elementary 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) in the car loop of each school site. Site locations can be found on their website.

TESTING SITES Orange County Government, OCFL.net/COVID19

Orange County is offering free mobile testing, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., by appointment only. Testing is free, for those 18 or older and available to Orange County residents only. Call 407-723-5004 to make your appointment. Visit the website to find which mobile testing site is closest to you. Orange County’s non-mobile testing sites are available at the Orange County Convention Center daily, starting at 9 a.m. until the daily limit is reached with no appointment needed; and the Walmart parking lot at 5991 Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando Mon.Sat. from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. by appointment only. Visit OCFL.net/COVID19 to schedule an appointment. Orange County’s non-mobile sites are drive-through sites and open only to individuals with respiratory symptoms, preexisting conditions, first responders, heath care workers and those who believe they have had close contact with someone who tested positive.

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City of Orlando, Orlando.gov/ COVID19Testing , 407-246-3104

The City of Orlando has testing at the Rosemont Neighborhood Center, located at 4872 Rose Bay Dr., on June 2 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Testing is free of charge and no insurance is needed; however, appointments are required and can be book online or by phone. Testing is available to Orlando residents who are 18 years of age or older and you do not have to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested. UCF, in partnership with AventusBiolabs, has a non-mobile testing site available by appointment only at its main campus. For more information, visit AventusBiolabs.com. There is also a non-mobile testing site at UCF’s Lake Nona Cancer Center. Testing is by appointment only and requires either an order for a test from your health care provider or requires you to be a patient at UCF Health. UCF employees may also be tested at this site. For more information, visit UCF.edu.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points

17% of

LGBTQ people polled

lost their

jobs 13%

Today I joined the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. My son Beckett, who was just 21, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it today. —Melissa Etheridge, revealing on Twitter that her son had passed away May 13

Ruby Rose won’t return for ‘Batwoman’ season 2

uby Rose will not return to play the titular character of “Batwoman” when the series returns to The CW, the actress announced in a statement May 19. The reason for Rose’s departure was not addressed in her statement. Rose did thank those who gave her the opportunity to star in “Batwoman,” which became the first TV series to focus on an LGBTQ superhero with an LGBTQ star in the lead. Although the show’s star has now departed the series, Warner Bros. and The CW released a joint statement along with the producers of “Batwoman” to say that there will be a season 2, with a new direction, “including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community.” An announcement is expected in the coming months.

because of COVID-19,

compared to of

the general

population. —Human Rights Campaign and PSB Research

Randy Rainbow takes on Trump with ‘Fiddler’ parody

andy Rainbow is back with another hot taking on President Donald Trump’s recent distractions. The latest video borrows a tune from the iconic Broadway musical “Fiddler On The Roof.” “So how does an unprepared, reality TV host pretending to be the president deal with such an unprecedented crisis?” Rainbow questions in the video. “I can tell you in one word.” Rainbow goes into a full production of his “Tradition” parody called “Distraction!” This isn’t Rainbow’s first “Fiddler” parody. In 2017, he took on Trump spokesperson Kellyanne Conway with a “Matchmaker” parody titled “Fact-Checker, Fact-Checker.” You can watch both of Rainbow’s “Fiddler On The Roof” parodies at WatermarkOnline.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Disney’s ‘Gargoyles’ featured gay character

isney’s animated series “Gargoyles” featured a gay protagonist, series creator Greg Weisman has shared in a new interview. The 90s cult classic follows the adventures of a heroic group of medieval creatures, including one named Lexington, after they awaken in modern New York City. In the interview, Weisman was asked if the series would play differently for a 2020 audience which led the creator to discuss Lexington’s sexuality. “One thing I’ve talked about with fans is that [Lexington], one of the gargoyles, was gay,” he said. “But of course in those days, we couldn’t say that. So we just tried to write him consistently as a gay character.” “Gargoyles” originally aired from 1994-97 and can currently be seen on Disney+.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

‘The Umbrella Academy’ season 2 date announced

etflix announced the release date to the second season of its superhero series “The Umbrella Academy” with the help of its cast May 18. Cast members Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher and Justin H. Min helped to re-create the popular dance scene from season 1 in a video while self-quarantining. In the video, as in the original scene, the seven adopted siblings dance separately to Tiffany’s 1987 pop classic “I Think We’re Alone Now.” In the video, Min holds up a card with the show’s season 2 logo and a release date of July 31. Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy” is based on the Dark Horse Comic of the same name.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

LGBTQ Pride Month is coming to a screen near you

Jeremy Williams

une is a busy time for the LGBTQ community around the

world. The month has always been a time of celebration, remembrance and activism due to the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City during the month in 1969. Since the first Pride marches the following year on June 27 and 28, 1970, it was unofficially the time of the year the community would celebrate.

The first official recognition of the month came 30 years after Stonewall on June 11, 1999 when then-President Bill Clinton issued the first national proclamation in honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. He would issue another the following year on June 2, 2000. The next proclamation wouldn’t come for nine years, when then-President Barack Obama declared June LGBT Pride Month in 2009. He would go on to do so each year of his two terms. The LGBTQ communities in Central Florida and Tampa Bay have also shared huge celebrations in June — from Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday of the month to the state’s largest Pride parade and festival with St Pete Pride during the last weekend. It has also been marked with tragedy with the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando on June 12, 2016. It is a time enriched in LGBTQ history and a time when we gather by the thousands, and in some cases the millions, to honor and celebrate who we are. That changed earlier this year with the COVID-19 pandemic.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

The National LGBTQ Task Force’s Winter Party Festival in Miami hosted more than 10,000 members of the community March 4-10. By the end of the festival news broke that a festival attendee tested positive for COVID-19, then more positive test results started to surface and then reports of attendees dying. Pride parades and festivals were at first postponed, then cancelled until 2021. Clubs and bars were ordered closed, and still remain mostly shut down, and shows in theaters and concerts were halted. The country, state and the community all stopped. As the cases grow and social distancing and quarantining look to be practices that will carry on through the summer, LGBTQ event planners are looking for new and inventive ways to bring Pride Month to the masses. From Pride organizations and party promoters to LGBTQ entertainers and remembrance ceremonies, June 2020 is shaping up to be a virtual LGBTQ Pride Month

Continued on pg. 21 | uu |

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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that will be coming to television, computer and smartphone screens near you.

In the beginning St. Petersburg looks to kickoff LGBTQ Pride Month on the gulf coast with an event that will cover the city in rainbow colors. “Light Up with Pride” is an initiative from the city’s LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon. It celebrates Pride by encouraging local buildings, landmarks and monuments to display the rainbow colors in some way on June 1. “In light of the news that St Pete Pride is cancelling its events for 2020,” says Nixon, “I wanted to do something that shows this city’s Pride as we begin LGBTQ Pride Month.” The day will begin with a private event at City Hall to raise the rainbow flag in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month. The event is not open to the public due to the need for social distancing to help combat COVID-19. Nixon says that nearly 20 locations have already been approached to participate and he hopes for more to join in. While the initiative states to display the rainbow for June 1, Nixon says he will encourage participants to display them throughout the month. “There is no city better to show our Pride in than St. Pete,” Nixon says. “I love that we can recognize the importance of our local LGBTQ community and the diversity that makes us a welcoming community.” Further inland, Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the centerpiece to a weeklong LGBTQ celebration in the beginning of June that pours tens of millions of dollars into the Central Florida economy. This year would have been the event’s 30th anniversary and with parties, vendor fairs and days at the parks planned from the likes of GayDayS, One Magical Weekend, Girls in Wonderland, Tidal Wave Party and the KindRED Pride Foundation, there was sure to be a sea of red shirts flooding Central Florida. The need to social distance however left some of the groups postponing to dates later this year — Girls In Wonderland announced its 2020 events will take place Oct. 1-5 and

streaming Pride: (Top L; clockwise) Magic Kingdom during #RSPD in 2018; “Pose” star Dyllón Burnside hosts “PRIDELAND”; Equality Florida presents “From Here”; St. Petersburg raises the Pride Flag. disney photo by Jeremy Williams; Burnside photo courtesy Courtesy of Taylor Miller/Buzzfeed News; “From Here” photo courtesy Equality Florida; Flag photo by Dylan Todd

GayDayS is moving its events to Oct. 27-Nov. 2, over Halloween weekend. Some, like One Magical Weekend and Tidal Wave Party, are simply looking ahead to June 2021 for its next events. The KindRED Pride Foundation also announced its next We Are One benefit concert and the inaugural Pride Cup will move to June 2021, but that doesn’t mean there will be no KindRED Pride on the first Saturday of June 2020. “One of our main missions is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gay Disney by sharing with the world the ‘kindred spirit’ created by the very first ‘Gay and Lesbian Day at Magic Kingdom’ in 1991,” says Billy Looper, president of the KindRED Pride Foundation. “The small group of Disney castmembers and friends that braved being ‘out’ in 1991 at Magic Kingdom sparked one of the most iconic LGBT+ events in the world.” KindRED Pride is looking to spread that “kindred spirit” with the virtual Take the RED

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Shirt Challenge. From now until Saturday, June 6, KindRED Pride is asking everyone to take a photo or video of themselves in a red shirt and share it on their social media accounts, tagging 30 family members and/or friends in honor of the 30th anniversary of red shirts at Disney. “Now more than ever, we need to unite the world with a simple, free and COVID-19 compliant social connection,” Looper says. When posting your photos, use the hashtags #RSPD and #TakeTheREDShirtChallenge. KindRED Pride will also team up with Pride Radio and One Magical Weekend to stream a virtual Red Shirt Pride Day celebration around the world. More details to be released soon on what you can expect, but Looper says you can anticipate a full day of One Magical Weekend’s international DJs along with special local and national performances. KindRED Pride has a collection of official RED T-shirts and masks featuring local and

national LGBTQ nonprofits and organizations’ logos available on its website at Store. KindREDPride.org, including Watermark’s. Whichever shirt or mask you purchase, a portion of the proceeds are donated back to the group.

Pride TV

PBS will celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month virtually with a digital series and televised special examining LGBTQ life in the American South. “PRIDELAND” is a six-episode, short-form series that will be available to stream on PBS Voices, a documentary-focused YouTube channel, starting with episode one on May 26. PBS will release a new episode every Tuesday after that through the month of June. The series follows “Pose” star and series host Dyllón Burnside as he journeys across the South to see what modern day life is like for the LGBTQ community in the traditionally conservative part of the U.S.

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“Being a queer boy raised in the South, I had distinct memories of feeling like I could never be my authentic self there, so I left seeking acceptance and affirming communities. But I never left my southern roots,” Burnside said of his Southern upbringing. “I wanted to go back as an adult and see if things had changed, and I’m proud to report that they have.” Burnside continued, “Although there are still many challenges for queer folks in the south, which is home to more LGBTQ+ adults than anywhere else in the U.S., I’m in awe of everyone I met who are creating change in their communities. I believe that authenticity is a superpower, and these queer heroes and allies are truly inspirational.” Burnside will also host a “PRIDELAND” presentation on PBS June 12. The one-hour special will highlight more LGBTQ individuals and their stories from the American South including a lesbian rodeo champ from Texas and a black mayor ally in Alabama. “PRIDELAND” will be available across all streaming platforms, PBS.org and the PBS video app. Along with “PRIDELAND,” PBS will also celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month with LGBTQ-focused programs including a film from its “American Experience” series entitled “Stonewall Uprising.” An episode of “American Masters” will also examine the life and works of the late Terrence McNally, the openly LGBTQ, Tony Award-winning playwright. The St. Petersburg native died from complications of COVID-19 in Sarasota March 24. PBS will also feature an encore presentation of the celebrated film “The Lavender Scare.” The documentary – based off of Tampa historian David K. Johnson’s book – details the U.S. government’s witch hunt for gay and lesbian workers in the McCarthy era. For more information on PBS’ Pride programming and schedules, visit PBS.org. The “OUTLOUD Pride Artist Showcase” also premiered just before June. Initially conceived as a live, LGBTQ concert to be held at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March to support a handful of Pride organizations in the U.S., it was changed after SXSW was cancelled due to COVID-19. Continued on pg. 23 | uu |

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

donate to Equality Florida’s #HonorThemWithAction campaign.

| uu | Virtual June from pg.25

“We have a longstanding history with SXSW and they approached Jeff [Consoletti, founder of JJ|LA, the event production and entertainment firm] and I about producing the first-ever Pride event at SXSW this year,” says Artie Kenney, a business partner of Consoletti. “There’s been LGBTQ events at SXSW before but there wasn’t any official Pride events, so this was going to be the first one. “Then COVID happened and SXSW was cancelled,” he continues, “and we had all these artists, all these Pride organizations, and we went back to SXSW and said, ‘Do you have any ideas on how we can keep this going?’ They introduced us to the LGBTQ team at Facebook and we partnered with them to create a web series.” JJ|LA’s “OUTLOUD Pride Artist Showcase” became “OUTLOUD: Raising Voices,” a 10-episode virtual concert series scheduled to air on Facebook over a five-week period. Each episode will focus on one Pride organization from across the U.S. and will feature Houston Pride, Phoenix Pride, Los Angeles Pride, D.C.’s Capital Pride, NYC Pride, Chicago Pride, Boston Pride, Atlanta Pride and two Florida-based Pride organizations — Fort Lauderdale Pride and Orlando’s Come Out With Pride (COWP) — over the course of the series. Two episodes will air per week, with each one’s runtime coming in under 30 minutes. “Each episode has a host who does an introduction, then there are about two performances, then a message from the Pride group and a little clip showcasing the city, followed by one or two more performances and a guest speaker,” Kenney says. The first two episodes aired May 26 and 27 and were hosted by “Grey’s Anatomy” star Jake Borelli. The May 26 show, which benefited Houston Pride, featured appearances by Betty Who, Ryan Cassata, Bang Bang Romeo, pineappleCITI and Pabllo Vittar. The May 27 show, benefiting Phoenix Pride, featured appearances by Madame Gandhi, Flavia, SWSH and Ariel View. Future episodes — which will air every Tuesday and Wednesday through the month of

Global Pride

Honor the angels: Christopher J. Cuevas (L) and Lance Bass speak during the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony at the Pulse interim memorial in 2018. Photo by Jeremy Williams

June — will feature appearances and performances from an array of talent including Kesha, Margaret Cho, Candis Cayne, Morgan McMichaels, Allie X, Vincint, Greyson Chance, The Aces, and Wrabel. “Every episode we try to touch on all aspects of the rainbow, so the list of performers in each episode is going to be a good

honor those who we lost four years ago during the Pulse nightclub tragedy. “As you can imagine, the June 12 Pulse Annual Remembrance Ceremony will look a little different this year as we work to keep our community healthy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Scott Bowman, onePULSE Foundation’s chief

Along with the pre-recorded ceremony, a virtual tour of the Pulse Interim Memorial is being made available at onePULSEFoundation.org. Those whose lives were affected by the tragedy are encouraged to share their remembrances on social media using the hashtag #WeWillNotLetHateWin. Equality Florida, Florida’s

There is no city better to show our Pride in than St. Pete. I love that we can recognize the importance of our local LGBTQ community and the diversity that makes us a welcoming community. — City of St. Petersburg’s LGBTq liaison Jim Nixon mix of diverse performers and representation,” Kenney says. The COWP-focused episode will air during the week of June 12 with the show’s host, speaker and performers to be announced in the coming days. “OUTLOUD: Raising Voices” will air on the LGBTQ@Facebook and the OUTLOUD and JJ|LA Facebook pages every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST through June 24.

Pulse - 4 years later

The global effects of this virus are also impacting how the LGBTQ community will be able to mourn, remember and

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

communications and government relations officer. The fourth annual remembrance ceremony will be pre-recorded and air June 12 at 7 p.m. on the onePULSE Foundation Facebook page and YouTube channel. The program “will honor the 49 Angels whose lives were tragically taken, survivors, first responders, trauma teams and all the lives affected,” Bowman says. It will feature the reading of the 49 names by family members, as well as remarks from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, onePULSE Board Chair Earl Crittenden and onePULSE CEO Barbara Poma.

largest LGBTQ organization, will remember those lost at the tragedy with a video presentation of “From Here,” a musical inspired by writer Donald Rupe’s own experiences in Orlando surrounding the Pulse tragedy. The musical, presented in its entirety, was filmed during its world premiere at Central Florida Community Arts earlier this year. It is a part of Equality Florida’s annual #HonorThemWithAction campaign. “From Here” will be available, free of charge, starting on June 12 at 9 p.m. EST and will remain available until June 28 on FromHere.com and EQFL.org/FromHere. Viewers are encouraged to

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InterPride, the organization behind the World Pride events including last year’s massive Pride event in New York City for Stonewall’s 50th anniversary, looks to bring June to an end with a worldwide virtual event called Global Pride 2020. Global Pride will be a 24-hour stream of content that “reflects and celebrates the beautiful diversity of LGBTI+ people everywhere.” It is scheduled to air live on June 27. The Washington Post reports that nearly 350 Pride organizations have indicated they would like to participate in the event. “InterPride likens its concept to New Year’s Eve broadcasts, which cycle through time zones with fireworks and fanfare,” the Post stated, “allowing organizers to spotlight queer hot spots like Sydney, Tel Aviv and Rio de Janeiro, as well as less-covered events in Africa, Latin America and Asia.” “As a proud member of InterPride, we will be inviting everyone to watch along with us on June 27 when the world celebrates with Global Pride 2020,” St Pete Pride President Chrys Bundy tells Watermark. Little is known about the virtual celebration just yet, but InterPride’s website indicates the stream will feature musical and artistic performances; speeches from activists and campaigners; and addresses from public figures. Cathy Renna, communications director for the National LGBTQ Task Force and a Global Pride organizer, tells the Post that organizers plan to incorporate a relief fund into the event to benefit harder hit LGBTQ communities as a year without Pride could devastate smaller organizations. NYC Pride and D.C.’s Capital Pride have indicated that they will be participating in Global Pride. Local Pride organizations including Come Out With Pride, Tampa Pride and St Pete Pride are expected to share additional details about if or how they will participate. Visit GlobalPride2020.org to stay up-to-date on event announcements.

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

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

music

‘Just B’ Yourself

Central Florida singer Billy Mick talks first album, his personal journey and staying true to one’s self

(above)

‘Just B’ing Me:

Billy Mick releases his debut album just in time for LGBTQ Pride Month.

Photos courtesy Billy Mick

Edward Segarra

hile most children his age

would spend their free time playing outside, Central Florida singer-songwriter Billy Mick had different interests.

“I literally would lay my head in front of my stereo speaker and play my records. That’s what I would do all day,” Mick says. Mick’s debut album “Just B,” out June 5, has been a lifetime in the making. In 1992, a year after moving to Orlando from his hometown in Jacksonville, the then 19-year-old Mick began making demo recordings of his early songs. However, he was quickly put off by the pressures to conform to an image that wasn’t authentic. “Everyone I tried to interact with to further my career wanted to make me someone that I wasn’t and

that’s just something that I couldn’t do,” he says. This commitment to individuality and personal authenticity would become Mick’s main inspiration in creating “Just B.” “I really wanted this entire album to completely express myself,” he says. The turning point for Mick came in August 2018 when he attended Manchester Pride, a UK-based LGBTQ+ festival. The camaraderie displayed by festival goers and performers inspired him to release his own music. “Everyone was in the streets together,” Mick says. “To see all of these musical artists there

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

and being so well-received and appreciated, this really seems like the perfect time in history to come out with my music.” Mick’s music is rooted in themes of positivity, ranging from personal resilience to finding compassion for others. One of the songs on “Just B,” “Imitation of Life,” was brought about by Mick’s journey to recovery after a three-month hospital stint in 2012. “Flesh and Bone,” the album’s first single that was released last year, finds Mick singing about “accepting and loving everyone for their individuality and who they are.” “I have always been of the mindset [that] when things…happen that it is just life giving you an opportunity,” Mick says. “You can either take it and learn from it or you can sit and you can wallow in it, and I have never been someone to sit and wallow in it.” When it comes to his album, Mick wants to impart listeners with a spirit of hopefulness. “If there’s something that is bringing them down [or] if there’s something that is bothering them, I hope they walk away from [the album] feeling like maybe they can overcome some of those obstacles,” he says. The release of “Just B” comes at a time when many are navigating the daily obstacle of living amid the coronavirus. However, the global pandemic has not slowed down Mick. “Strangely, quarantine has actually been pretty good for my career so far,” he says. For the music video of his song “Imitation of Life,” Mick sent the song’s lyrics to friends and family and asked them to “video themselves in quarantine living their best lives.” Mick is also taking advantage of the performance opportunities facilitated by technology. “I love being able to stream live,” Mick says. “That’s really kind of exciting [to] get to places that I would not necessarily be reaching right this second, especially in a live capacity.”

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

And while Mick wants to reach audiences of all kinds with his music, the LGBTQ+ community is a significant audience for him in particular. “If I could do anything right this second, I would just tour all of the Pride festivals around the globe,” Mick says. “To me, that is ultimately who I want to relate to my music.” As an openly gay artist, Mick understands the impact that his visibility and queer representation can have on members of the LGBTQ+ community. “That’s something that kids…and struggling adults need to see,” Mick says. “To know that you can be an out queer person and do anything you wanna do.” Ultimately, Mick’s ideal of success isn’t tied to ambitions of chasing down fame and fortune. “I don’t need to be rich,” he says. “Being able to sustain myself with my husband [and] with my family and just make my music – that should always be the ultimate goal.” When it comes to the overall impact of his music, the pro-unity message of his song “Flesh and Bone” succinctly captures what Mick wants to convey to the world as an artist. “We should all be caring for each other,” Mick says. “There’s no place in this world for hate.” Although “Just B” has yet to be released, Mick has already embarked on the next chapter of his musical career by starting work on his sophomore album. “I’m moving forward, I’m not looking back,” Mick says. Mick recently released a song from this project entitled “London Calling.” The song details the singer’s love for the British city. “It felt like home to me,” he says. “I felt so comfortable in my skin when I was there…, walking through the city [and] interacting with people.” “London Calling” is available for streaming and purchase across various platforms. “Just B” will be made available for streaming and purchase on June 5.

Mick will perform as a part of One Love Live!, Q Review’s 3-day virtual queer music festival featuring LGBTQ performers from Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. May 29-31. For more information, visit QReview.ca/One-Love-Live For additional updates on Mick, visit his official website or follow him on social media.

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

Stage

The Show Must Stream On Tampa Bay theaters American Stage, freeFall look to the future

(above)

until we meet again:

freeFall Theatre and American Stage in St. Petersburg are keeping the virtual lights on while navigating COVID-19 closures. Photo courtesy freefall theatre

Ryan Williams-Jent

tages across the world have

gone dark in response to COVID-19, but some lights won’t dim. American Stage and freeFall Theatre, two of St. Petersburg’s most beloved theater companies, are shining examples of that.

American Stage has dedicated itself to storytelling since 1977. Showcasing stories with integrity and professionalism, it is Tampa Bay’s longest-running professional theater company. freeFall has sought to pursue art’s greater purpose by harnessing the power of theater to build community since 2008. American Stage announced the launch of its virtual programming May 12 in an effort to educate and connect with the community. The organization paused programming in mid-April, promising to return with powerful stories, boldly told. Its new

launch includes a virtual stage and virtual academy. “While the current pandemic crisis has closed our doors to live events indefinitely, we have had the opportunity to consider the core of our mission and determine how to move forward in a time of such great uncertainty,” American Stage CEO and Producing Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte says. “Ultimately, underlying all of our work is the goal of uniting our community through the shared human experience via stories and classes that promote connection and empathy. Our virtual programs will allow American Stage

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to continue to provide a sense of community unity and to help keep us all connected.” American Stage’s virtual efforts seek to educate and connect with the community. Its “stage” promises “powerful stories, virtually told” as artists present a collection of live performances and videos that audiences can view from home. June will showcase a “Shakespeare Lite Festival” and July will offer a 10-minute “New Short Plays Festival.” In August, they will present “Living Room Plays,” celebrating favorite scenes from its 43-year history. Its virtual academy will offer educational summer camps June 8-July 31. Professionals will provide theatre training in a positive and inspiring environment. freeFall Theatre, which suspended its operations in mid-March, has maintained its connection with audiences in other ways. The company began hosting weekly video conferences with supporters in April to discuss the London-based National Theatre’s “National Theatre at Home.” The theatre began streaming free, high profile productions each week via YouTube. Performances have included “One Man, Two Guvnors” with James Corden, “Frankenstein” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, “A Streetcar Named Desire” led Gilian Anderson and more. freeFall Theatre Community Outreach Director Matthew McGee says the virtual discussions have been a success. He’s joined weekly by Artistic Director Eric Davis and other staff members to discuss details with patrons new and old. “When we did ‘Frankenstein,’ we couldn’t keep up with how many people were on the chat,” McGee says. “There’s nothing that can really replace theater, being together in a room, but we’ve found those to be very rewarding both for us and for the patrons because we can have that connection with them.” McGee expects additional virtual content moving forward, made possible by supporters. The company launched its COVID-19

May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

Recovery Challenge in April to raise essential funding. “freeFall Theatre is faced with great financial and creative challenges as a result of event postponements and performance cancellations,” the organization shared. “Your support is needed now more than ever before. This is merely an intermission for us – a pause to reflect on what’s important, analyze our values, and anticipate what’s to come. The future is bright for freeFall Theatre.” As a part of the challenge, supporters were given the opportunity to double their impact until May 30. A small group of donors agreed to match gifts dollar for dollar up to the $75,000 until that date. As of press time, freeFall had nearly reached that goal. “Our patrons have been such a great support,” McGee says. “We’ve really seen people coming out of the woodwork to help us get through this and we can’t thank them enough. We can’t wait until we see them all again, because those really are the people that we’ve missed the most.” It’s part of what led the company to create a tribute to supporters. “A gift from the heart from your friends,” they shared a video via social media May 20. “Of all things we miss now, there’s one we miss the most… “We miss you,” it summarized, showcasing their desire to reconnect. The video presents stills from previous productions and is framed with an excerpt from “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.” The award-winning show is written by acclaimed author Jane Wagner, the wife of its celebrated and original star Lily Tomlin. The excerpt is read by Davis and details the importance of audiences. “I like to think of them out there in the dark, watching us,” he reads. “Sometimes we’ll do something and they’ll laugh. Sometimes we’ll do something and they’ll cry. And maybe, one day we’ll do something so magnificent, the whole universe will get goosebumps.” While freeFall and American Stage can’t account for the entire universe, each company is working diligently to make sure the show goes on in St. Petersburg. Donations to each nonprofit can be made to ensure they touch Tampa Bay audiences with live theater for years to come. For more information about American Stage or to donate, visit AmericanStage.org. For more information about freeFall Theatre and to donate, visit freeFallTheatre.com.

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

tampa bay out+about

Congratulations Nathan Bruemmer, Susan McGrath and Michael Womack were elected May 22 to serve as Joe Biden delegates for the DNC Convention.

Cancellations Manatee Pride was cancelled and will return in 2021. St Pete Pride was cancelled and will return in 2021.

Reopenings Imagine Museum reopened May 9.

The Florida Aquarium reopened May 15.

6S Boutique reopened its storefront May 20. Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties’ reopened its ReStore locations May 18. Donations and pickups are suspended through June 30. The Queen’s Head reopened May 22. ZooTampa at Lowry Park reopened to the public May 29. The Tampa Museum of Art reopens to the public June 1 after a member and sponsors-only weekend May 30-31.

Virtual Shows freeFall Theatre continues its National Theatre at home discussions Wednesdays after premieres. American Stage will offer virtual stage performances beginning in June. The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) has launched TIGLFF Online to stream favorites.

Local Birthdays Tampa Bay director Jonathan Van Dyke (May 28); St. Pete photographer Laurie Ross, St. Pete theater supporter Jon Hughes, Dunedin stylist Corey Judge (May 29); St. Petersburg Target specialist Joe White, Former St Pete Pride grand marshal Cheryl Hawkes (May 31); Lakeland tri-athlete Andy Orrell, St. Pete artist Logan Joseph, Tampa Bay entertainer Te Monet, Purple Rhino owner Bob Donaldson, City of Gulfport employee Jon K. Ziegler (June 1); Tribeca Salons owner Brandon Wagner, St. Pete Twirling Project’s Harry Correa, Watermark freelancer Gregg Shapiro, Swiftie superfan Jeremy Russo (June 2); Tampa Bay bartender Chris Hannay, Brandon Pride founder Mark Ferguson-Nokham, marketing director Timothy Evans, Jedi-in-training Derek Bailey (June 3); Pom Pom’s St. Pete owner Tom Woodard (June 4); Sarasota derby icon Krista DiTucci, Tampa Coldwell Banker realtor Steve Wessels (June 5); VHA Nurse Steven Frost, Massage practitioner Ed Halleran (June 6); Florida Cane Distillery owner Pat O’Brien (June 7); Tampa Bay photographer Nick Cardello, Sarasota performer Lindsay Carlton-Cline (June 8); Tampa Bay chiropractor Joshua Carreiro, Computer Measurement Group VP Whitney Rousseau-Brundage, Tampa Bay EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim (June 9); Former Watermark rep Daniel Lancaster, AAA Director Julio Soto, Hillsborough Community College teacher David Usrey, Tampa Bay lawyer Scott Bird, Ybor store owner Sharon Rose, Tampa Bay cowboy Roger Bell, St. Pete life saver Richard Recupero (June 10)

QUEEN’S LAD: Taylor Pruett stands ready to serve at The Queen’s Head in St. Petersburg May 22.

PHOTO COURTESY TAYLOR PRUETT

DRAG DEALER: Andy Citino opens 6S Boutique’s doors for drag and more May 20. PHOTO

COURTESY 6S BOUTIQUE

FOR THE CAUSE: Balance Tampa Bay gathers after donating $2,500 to Feeding Tampa Bay May 22. PHOTO

COURTESY BALANCE TAMPA BAY

HAIR PAIR: Carey Hinrichs (L) and Chris Kiss welcome patrons back to Bambu the Eco Salon May 20. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

ST. PETERS-BIRD: St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman (L) accepts Sunken Gardens’ “Beaker the Macaw” plush from LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon May 21. PHOTO COURTESY JIM NIXON

HERE WE GO AGAIN: Events Coordinator Molly Robison (L) and Executive Director Joy Winheim usher in guests to EPIC’s “Mamma Mia” drive-in fundraiser May 23. PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

MARAUDER’S MASK: (L-R) Holly O’Connor, Scott Tavlin and Miguel Fuller share their Harry Potter masks from a fan on the “Miguel & Holly Show” May 20. PHOTO COURTESY

THE MIGUEL & HOLLY SHOW

TEQUILA TWO: Joshua Leonard (L) and Mike Sklarz prepare for guests at Tequila’s May 22. PHOTO COURTESY MIKE SKLARZ

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8 7 May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

central florida out+about

Congratulations Beth McMillen and Vivian Rodriguez were elected to serve as Joe Biden delegates for the DNC Convention.

Reopenings Universal’s CityWalk and Disney Springs are now open with limited capacity. Hamburger Mary’s Orlando reopened May 8 with limited seating. Drag Queen BINGO with Miss Sammy and Taffy will be May 29 and Sunday’s Broadway Brunch shows restart June 7. Please call ahead and make reservations.

Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria reopened May 8. Gatorland reopened May 23. Boomerang Thrift Shop reopened on May 27. Art and Museums – Maitland reopened May 28. The Orlando Museum of Art reopens June 2. Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay reopen June 5.

Virtual Shows The quarantunes version of “Singin’ at Savoy” with Erica Roberts, featuring Rebekah Piatt and Chris May at the keyboard, streams live May 29 and June 5. Eden at Enzian reopened May 8; however, the theater is syill closed. Enzian is offering Enzian On Demand which allows you to stream arthouse films at home. For more information, visit Enzian.org. One Orlando Alliance kicked off a virtual version of its annual “Acts of Love and Kindness” movement April 25. From now until June 12, OOA encourages individuals to safely perform simple acts of love and kindness and post about them using the hashtag #ActLoveGive.

Local Birthdays Orlando behind-the-scenes theater guru Bill St. Yves (May 29); Fairvilla peddler DC Bulla, Orlando-based photographer Jim Barrett (May 30); Orlando restaurant magnate Nicholas Olivieri (May 31); Ranger’s Pet Outpost founder Rick Merrifield, JJ’s Grille owner J.J. Paredes, Southern Nights Orlando performer Kitana Gemini (June 1); Impulse Group Orlando’s David Rodriguez, Parliament House bartender Jason James, Orlando realtor Bobby Mills, Physical therapist Rob Ryan, Watermark freelancer Gregg Shapiro (June 2); Former Equality Florida public policy director Mallory GarnerWells, MojoMan owner Lane Blackwell, Parliament House bartender Joel Gran (June 3); Former Watermark intern Felicia Ivy Roopchand (June 5); Central Florida banker Luis Lazaballet (June 6); Orlando artist and realtor Nick Smith (June 7); Orlando drag performer Addison Taylor (June 8); KangaGirl Productions diva Margaret Nolan, Freedom for All Americans’ Hannah Willard (June 9).

courtesy Bobby Hermida

Thornton Park District

Love You 3,000: (L-R) Austin Bristor, Sam Graper and Bobby Hermida celebrate May 25 after helping to make 3,000 masks for underserved essential workers in Orlando’s airport area. Photo

Fresh Cut: Michael Thomas models his new do after visiting Gary Lambert Salon in Winter Park May 12. Photo courtesy Gary Lambert Salon

Mask 4 Mask: State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (L) and husband Jerick Mediavilla take a stroll around Lake Eola in Orlando safely May 24. Photo courtesy Carlos Guillermo Smith

Seeing Red: Tom Christ shows off his official #RSPD mask from KindRED Pride Foundation May 26. Photo courtesy Tom Christ

Wear Protection: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (R) assists the Thornton Park District as they hand out PPE to local businesses like JINYA Ramen Bar (pictured) May 21. Photo courtesy the

Safe Distance: John Panaghi social distances while visiting Disney Springs May 20. Photo

courtesy John Panaghi

Seeing Double: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (L) and twin sister Ida V. Eskamani celebrate turning a total of 60 on May 20. Photo

courtesy Ida V. Eskamani

Be Prepared: Se7enbites’ Trina Gregory-Propst gets all her ingredients ready May 15 for her appearance on Food Network’s new take-out edition of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Photo

courtsy Trina Gregory-Propst

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com

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