Watermark Issue 27.15: Dry State by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

July 23 - August 5, 2020 • Issue 27.15

Dry State Central Florida and Tampa Bay LGBTQ bars, nightclubs share how they’re navigating a COVID-19 world

One Orlando Alliance begins search for new executive director Tampa officials, organizations paint permanent Pride mural

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

DO IT

AT HOME IT’S FAST IT’S EASY IT’S FREE

CANHIVTEST.ORG SCAN THIS CODE TO ACCES NOW

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

20 Min Results Walk-Ins Welcome

SHERIFF

JOHN MINA IS BUILDING A

FAIRER JUSTICE SYSTEM

TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES

SAFE

Election Day is August 18 Early Voting August 3 - 16 Return Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot Today PAID ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION PAID FOR BY KEEPING ORANGE COUNTY SAFE, POST OFFICE BOX 1701, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32302

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

departments 7 // Bureau Chief/ Editor’s Desk 8 // Central Florida News 10// Tampa Bay News 12// State News 13// Nation & World News 17// COVID-19 Resources 19 // Talking Points 30// Tampa Bay Out & About 31// Central Fl Out & About 32// Tampa Bay Marketplace 34// Central Fl Marketplace 38// Wedding Bells

page

The mandates basically wiped out our business. We’re mainly an entertainment place. When they let us open, we were fine … then they closed the bars. It’s terrible. – Parliament House owner Don Granatstein

On the cover

page Intersection of Pride:

page DRY STATE:

Central Florida and Tampa Bay LGBTQ bars navigate COVID-19.

Watermark Issue 27.15 // July 23 - August 5, 2020

Design by Dylan Todd

scan qr code for

WatermarkOnline.com

Permanent Tampa mural showcases equality, diversity and inclusion.

Leadership Call

Elder Care

Tru Ally

Prolific Poetry

page One Orlando Alliance begins search for new executive director.

page Empath Health earns first SAGECare LGBTQ credential.

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

Trulieve raises $50K+ for LGBTQ organizations across the state.

Central Florida poet Bryana Saldana shares her purpose.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Indulge

AZupka Counseling Let the Journey Begin

Into something...

Sexy, Classy and a location dreams are made of

SIR DAVID

ALL MALE GUESTHOUSE Greek, Mediterranean, and Vegeterian Cuisine

Alan Zupka

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA, NCC

LGBTQ+ Issues - Specializing in Individuals & Couples - Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Issues - Addiction - Anxiety & Depression - HIV Diagnosis -

727-900-2905 | SirDavidGuesthouse.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

407-986-2888 // AZupkaCounseling.com 3222 Corrine Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 AZupkaCounseling@gmail.com

WE HAVE A LOT TO THANK THE GREEKS FOR... MEDITERRANEAN BLUE IS JUST ONE MORE.

435 E. Michigan St.,Orlando, FL 32806 www.mediterraneanblue.net 407-422-2583

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Editor’s

Jeremy Williams Editor-in-chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

t started with a scratchy

throat. I didn’t feel sick, had just read a story about how the Giant Sahara Dust Cloud was in Florida and I’ve been extra careful about social distancing and wearing a mask whenever I left the house, so I didn’t think I had contracted COVID-19.

However, given the seriousness of the virus and a couple of health issues I have, I didn’t want to take any chances so I quarantined myself and scheduled a COVID rapid test at The Center. The test was relatively painless, just a finger prick and a little blood onto what looked like a pregnancy test and a few seconds later a negative test result. Super! I was instantly relieved. It wasn’t COVID but my symptoms were getting worse. My scratchy throat turned into a pain that felt like someone had their hand wrapped around my neck. I ended up going home and taking some medicine, thinking I would be fine with some rest.

My roommates are all essential workers, so they were concerned when I came home with symptoms but I assured them I tested negative and it was probably just a cold. I got into bed as my brother and his wife (two of my roommates) headed up to Georgia to say goodbye to our father, who was in his final days after fighting is own non-COVID illness. I had planned to go see him over the next weekend when I was feeling better. The next day I woke up in a pool of sweat, feeling like someone was standing on my back. I couldn’t catch my breath, my joints ached and my abdomen felt like I had been doing crunches for hours. I took my temperature, 100.1, and

I had this strange feeling of my body feeling so hot but my limbs felt ice cold. Another two days in bed and the symptoms got worse. The aches in my body became painful and it felt like my bones were crumbling into dust when I moved. I would wake every few hours, feeling like I was in a swimming pool. When it felt like a heart attack was coming I went to the ER. They quarantined me in a room, hanging a sign notifying passersby that it was dangerous to be around me. A nurse and a doctor, covered head to toe in protective equipment, entered the room and talked to me about my symptoms. They retested me. This time it was the swab up the nose. I was sent home with an inhaler and bag full of meds and told to quarantine until I heard from them. They called me the next day to tell me I was positive with COVID-19. I called my brother to tell him and asked how he was feeling. He had a cough. For safety reasons, both he and his wife had already been tested at one of the Orange County locations a week prior. They didn’t hear back about those results for nearly two weeks when they got a call saying the findings were inconclusive. They were retested and my brother eventually found out he was positive. Everyone who had visited my parents to say their goodbyes to my father all had to be tested. Some of them have gotten their results, others have been waiting for days and weeks. My mother, older brother and sister all are quarantined and sick. My mother’s results came back positive. My grandmother and aunts came back positive. They were being as safe and cautious as possible and it didn’t matter. My father passed away while I was quarantined. I didn’t get to see him before he passed and I didn’t get to attend the

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

Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Art Director: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

funeral. Several family members couldn’t attend. My symptoms slowly lessened. I started to feel stronger and could breathe better with each day. More than three weeks later, I am starting to feel normal again. I don’t know if this virus leaves permanent scars inside but it will definitely leave emotional ones. I don’t know where I got it but I have been to the grocery store and shopped near people who refuse to wear a mask. I use to get annoyed when I would see people online complaining about wearing masks, now I can’t watch them because they make me angry. I’m angry that someone can be so uncaring to put their neighbors

I don’t know if this virus leaves permanent scars inside but it will definitely leave emotional ones.

at risk and at the pure ignorance of these people claiming their freedoms are being infringed upon. I am a veteran. My father was a veteran. We fought for this country and your freedoms. Not wearing a mask is not you exercising your freedom; it is you endangering the lives of other Americans. In my eyes, that makes you a domestic terrorist. Wear your mask, socially distance and realize this world is about more than you and your “freedom.” In this issue, we look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our local LGBTQ bars and clubs in light of their recent shutdowns. Be safe out there and take care of yourselves and those around you.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • Ext. 303 Russ@WatermarkOnline.com Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer Tom@WatermarkOnline.com National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

1300 N. Semoran Blvd. Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

Tampa Bay Office 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Bryana Saldana

is a 25 year-old Afro-Latina poet born and raised in Orlando. She seeks to relate to issues surrounding the Black, woman and queer experience. Page 15

Edward Segarra

currently attends the University of Central Florida as a journalism major. Page 21

Tiffany Razzano

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 38

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.

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

tampa bay

bureau chief’s

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

Desk

veryone remembers their

first time. For me, it was brighter than I expected and a lot quieter, two surprises since my first introduction to the entire experience was Showtime’s “Queer as Folk.” Everything was more intense on the network’s late night lineup, making the U.K.-adapted series a perfect fit. Its five-season run became the first American drama to depict the LGBTQ experience on Dec. 3, 2000, my 16th birthday. It was quite the gift; an awakening for a young high schooler who’d only just begun his coming out process. I’d never seen anything like it and I was completely enthralled. I was also crafty, which I had to be to watch it. If you’re not familiar with the series, which turned 20 this year to remind me that I’m aging rapidly, it wasn’t exactly a topic of discussion for family dinner. I love my mother, but Debbie Novotny she was not.

I wasn’t quite ready to have those conversations with her, and so I had to intricately plan my viewing experiences. This was pre-DVR and prior to the death of its grandfather the VCR, truly the darkest of days, and so I would sneak out of bed to record the series on VHS tape, its late grandmother. Thankfully you could do so undercover with just the cable box and VCR. I would tune into Showtime ahead of each episode, turn the television off, press record and hope for the best. As long as my parents didn’t notice the VCR’s glaring “REC,” a threat which I obscured with our remote, I could return once it finished airing for a late-night

viewing party from the safety of my figurative closet. Nestled between whatever had aired immediately before and after each episode, those recordings meant the world to me. They captured a part of myself I’d never before seen represented on screen. After two years of watching and waiting, “Queer as Folk” unapologetically readied me for that first time I mentioned. I was thrilled to enter my first gay bar at 18. If you thought I was talking about something else, you were probably a fan of the show. But while it did introduce me to a lot of the intricacies involved with same-sex relations, albeit overdramatized, what stuck with me was the concept of LGBTQ safe spaces. The concept was completely foreign to me and yet there they were: LGBTQ folks living authentically while congregating together in bars, nightclubs and even comic book shops. I was so hungry for experiences like those, long before I understood they were possible, so just weeks after I became legal my best friend and I drove downtown to the only LGBTQ bar that would have us at our ages: Cincinnati, Ohio’s slightly seedy and now defunct Pipeline. I knew it was there that we’d have the best New Year’s Eve of our lives. I quickly learned that the show’s club Babylon was far from the norm and that gay time was a thing. We’d arrived at 9 p.m. to discover a well-lit, quiet dance floor with only a bartender to babysit us. Almost no one showed up until after our curfew, but the Sprite was great. It wasn’t what I’d dreamed of, but it was still a dream come true. We were in a space that didn’t simply welcome the LGBTQ

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

community, it celebrated us. Sitting there with my closest confidant changed my life. That’s what LGBTQ spaces like bars can do for our community. It’s what they’ve always done, pre- and post-Stonewall. They’re sacred ground. I’m thrilled that so many LGBTQ-friendly establishments exist now, we need them, but there’s still a difference between being invited and being celebrated. Sometimes that manifests itself in choosing to hold hands with the person you love, or explicitly knowing you shouldn’t. Other times it’s in what music you openly play or how comfortable you feel dancing to it. In today’s

There’s still a difference between being invited and being celebrated.

polarizing world, I firmly believe the LGBTQ bar is more important than ever. Those spaces are one of the many industries greatly impacted by COVID-19. That’s why in this issue we check in with Tampa Bay and Central Florida LGBTQ bars to see how they’re navigating this pandemic. In Tampa Bay news, Empath Health receives its first-ever SAGECare credential for its work with LGBTQ elders and in Central Florida, the One Orlando Alliance leadership announces forthcoming changes. In Arts and Entertainment, community advocates paint a permanent Pride mural in Tampa. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed 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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

1300 N. Semoran Blvd. Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

Tampa Bay Office 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Bryana Saldana

is a 25 year-old Afro-Latina poet born and raised in Orlando. She seeks to relate to issues surrounding the Black, woman and queer experience. Page 15

Edward Segarra

currently attends the University of Central Florida as a journalism major. Page 21

Tiffany Razzano

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 38

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

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

central florida news

The Center Orlando announces virtual Harvey Milk Breakfast Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center in Orlando will hold its eighth annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast & Awards virtually on Aug. 31. The event, which honors the legacy of Harvey Milk by awarding local LGBTQ leaders and businesses who have had a positive impact on the community, was originally going to take place May 20. It was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will air online on The Center’s Facebook page and YouTube channel starting at 10 a.m. With the ceremony being online, it will be a free event however The Center will be accepting donations during the program. Award recipients for the eighth annual ceremony were announced in February and pre-recorded acceptance speeches which will air during the virtual event. Those being honored are Congressman Darren Soto, Marco Quiroga, Jeremy Lanier, state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, the LGBTQ nightclub SAVOY and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The annual breakfast — along with Dining Out For Life — are The Center’s two largest annual fundraisers. Dining Out For Life, originally set for April 30, was also postponed.

For more information on The Center’s events or to make a donation, visit TheCenterOrlando.org.

Hope & Help moves to virtual appointments Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Hope & Help announced via social media July 14 that it would be closing its facilities due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Central Florida. The health care facility stated in its post that telehealth appointments will be available for most medical services and case management. The closure comes after Florida experienced record-high numbers of positive COVID-19 tests. Hope & Help reopened its facilities with limited appointments in June as Florida started moving toward opening businesses after initially closing all but essential businesses in March. At the time, Hope & Help also announced it would postpone its annual Orlando AIDS Walk.

Patients can call 407-645-2577 to schedule a telehealth appointment with Hope & Help.

Dynamic Duo: Jennifer

Foster (L) and Carlos Carbonell, the original conveners of One Orlando Alliance, celebrating Pride in Orlando in 2018. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Leadership Call One Orlando Alliance begins search for new executive director Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | The One Orlando Alliance will begin its search for a new executive director as the organization’s current director, Jennifer Foster, announces she will be stepping down from the role. In an announcement released July 21 to Alliance members, the board of directors stated that Foster’s departure “is aligned with the two-year agreement made when she stepped into this role.” “I stepped in to fill a role that was needed and I think I’ve done what I’ve set out to do. Now I recognize that it’s time for someone new to step in,” Foster says. Foster, along with Carlos Carbonell, were the original conveners of the Alliance which formed in 2016 following the shooting at Pulse. At the time, they pulled together 18 Central Florida LGBTQ organizations to help fill gaps in resources for those impacted by the tragedy.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“Carlos and I just jumped in and said, ‘what needs to be done?’ The first year was just us responding to the tragedy and making sure things were getting accomplished,” Foster recalls. “After that, we had these organizations formed, so we said, ‘What can we do with that? How can we continue to help?’” Foster became the Alliance’s first board chair, stepping in as the organization’s founding executive director in Oct. 2018. In that time she has built the coalition into a group consisting of 43 organizations, helped ensure the LGBTQ community has a seat at government, corporate and philanthropic tables and led the coalition in creating the Alliance Agenda — a “road map that identifies our community’s biggest issues and everything we work on together.” Foster says that because of each member’s commitment to the organization and the community, the Alliance has gotten to a place where it has built a solid foundation, creating a very strong culture within the organization.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

“Those are the things I’m good at,” Foster says. “Setting the table, bringing people to it and getting these conversations going; now we need someone in who has different skill sets than I do to take us to the next level.” “I have so many mixed emotions,” says the Alliance’s current board chair, Robin Maynard-Harris. “I’m certainly sad and at the same time so grateful for the time Jennifer has dedicated these past four years. She has an unbelievable way of collaborating and bringing people together.” The board’s focus now shifts to searching for a new executive director, and while details of the process have not yet been released, Foster says she will assist in the process in any way she can help, something Maynard-Harris has no doubt about. “We will collaboratively ensure a smooth transition. What I know for sure is that Jennifer has and will always have the Alliance’s best interest at heart,” she says. While Foster is stepping down, it doesn’t mean she will be stepping away. “This has been my heart and soul for four years, so I can’t just walk away from it,” Foster says. “I hope that I will always be involved in some way and we’ll have to figure out what that will look like. I will always be involved in some capacity.” Foster’s last day as executive director will be Oct. 8.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay news

6S Boutique to close St. Pete storefront, transition to online retailer Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | 6S Boutique will close its Central Ave. storefront July 31, transitioning exclusively to an online retailer of professional makeup, wigs and eyelashes. 6S Boutique has served Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community and its allies since 2010, opening its storefront in 2011. Owners and area activists Andy and Sasha Citino shared the news via social media July 15, citing the economic impact of COVID-19 in a video. “We thank all of our customers who have come into the store during the COVID-19 pandemic, doing their part to keep themselves and us safe,” Andy said in a video, available at WatermarkOnline.com. “It’s going to take all of us working together to get through this and we can – however, we are living in chaotic and unpredictable times. As small business owners we’re dealing with a combination of a challenging economic environment and uncertainty of a COVID and post-COVID pandemic world.” The Citinos shared that they explored all available options prior to making the difficult decision, noting that “we understand the effect this may have on our local community who come in not only to shop, but to be social, share, create and feel safe.” They subsequently discussed their forthcoming business model. 6S Boutique will move into corporate offices in the neighboring Pinellas Park. The Citinos will maintain the store’s online presence at 6SBoutique.com, offering “the same sassy, classy service you’ve come to know” with the lines of professional products customers have come to expect. “For Tampa Bay customers, we’re going to miss seeing you at our storefront but we’ll still be seeing you,” Andy added. 6S will share weekly product pick-up locations in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, potentially Tampa, and offer pickup at its corporate office by appointment. The owners also noted that new subscribers to 6S’ website will receive a 10% off coupon for their first order and that shipping remains free for orders $49.99 and up. Their website and social media channels will continue offering coupons, sales, announcements and more. “The storefront closure is a major change in our business model but change can be good,” the Citinos shared. “We are hopeful and excited for 6S’ future as an online retailer of professional makeup, wigs and eyelashes. “Thank you, stay fabulous, be kind, stay safe, wear a mask,” they concluded. “We love you all and thank you again.”

For more information about 6S Boutique, its products or to place an order, visit 6SBoutique.com. To view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage about COVID-19’s impact on Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

EPIC CARE: In

addition to Empath Health’s certification, its Empath Partners in Care has launched EPIC Generations to focus on LGBTQ elder care. PHOTO

COURTESY EPIC

Elder Care Empath Health earns SAGE’s highest LGBTQ care credential Ryan Williams-Jent

LEARWATER, Fla. | Empath Health has earned the highest level of certification from the cultural competency training program developed by SAGE, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ elders. SAGECare exists to create inclusive LGBTQ health care. The program has now trained more than 87,000 industry workers, offering four levels of certification. To achieve SAGE’s platinum credential, at least 80% of Empath Health’s 1,100 employees across its network of care were required to complete one hour of LGBTQ aging training. At least 80% of its executive staff had to complete four hours. “Due to a lifetime of discrimination, LGBT older adults are more likely to hide who they are because they are afraid of mistreatment and isolation,” SAGE explains. “It shouldn’t be this way. Our training tells real stories about real people to make LGBT older

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

adults familiar and human … They are people with careers, families, interests and problems – just like all of us.” The certification is just the latest example of Empath Health’s commitment to Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community. The nonprofit has supported patients facing chronic and advanced illnesses throughout the area since 1977 and its members include Empath Partners in Care (EPIC), which formed in 2016. Achieving SAGECare’s platinum credential was important to the organization’s leadership, which asserts it’s committed to the highest level of care for all. “We have a very strong focus here on cultural and lifestyle sensitivity,” Empath Health President and CEO Rafael J. Sciullo says. “We actually reach out to a variety of different cultures and lifestyles recognizing that we’re all about inclusion here. That’s really fundamental in our values.” Empath Health’s dedication to LGBTQ elders is also evident in its services, Vice President of Innovation and Community Health

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Stacy Orloff adds. The organization formed EPIC Generations in late 2018 to respond to the challenges facing LGBTQ elders throughout Pinellas County, and recently created a new role to ensure its success. “We have a 30-plus year history of serving the community,” Orloff explains. “Now we’re expanding our services to the LGBTQ community with this new position, a community support specialist, to offer more specific services.” EPIC Generations’ first offering, the Friendly Caller Program, is designed to combat social isolation among LGBTQ elders. It seeks to foster multigenerational connections by providing social and service referrals to aging adults through regularly-scheduled phone calls. “This is really in line with our SAGE certification,” Orloff says. “We’re very deliberate in the name EPIC Generations – we really believe that we are able to offer care throughout the age continuum.” Sciullo agrees. “We are constantly committed and looking for ways to provide more care and more service and outreach to the LGBTQ community,” he says. “We will always seek ways to increase that because it’s in our roots.” For more information about Empath Health or SAGE, visit EmpathHealth.org and SAGEUSA.org. For more information about EPIC Generations, visit MyEPIC.org/ Generations.

Your St. Pete / Tampa Bay Real Estate Team

Call Us Today! The Coastal Elite Group

(727) 685-8554

To See Homes NOW

Michael Reedy

Doug Parton

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

YOUR COWORKING COMMUNITY

LGBTQ+ OWNED AND OPERATED

433 CENTRAL AVE | 4TH FLOOR ST. PETERSBURG, FL INFO@RISINGTIDECOWORK.COM

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

state news

Trulieve raises more than $50K for Florida LGBTQ organizations Ryan Williams-Jent

ALLAHASSEE | Florida’s largest medical cannabis provider Trulieve announced July 8 that the company had raised $50,123 for LGBTQ-focused organizations in honor of Pride Month. Trulieve announced its initiative June 1, unveiling a limited edition strain of cannabis oil called Rainbow Sherbert, an accompanying rainbow vaporizer and Pride-themed “TruSwag” including T-shirts and more. A portion of sales benefited eight partner organizations from Panama City to Miami. According to the Office of Medical Marijuana, there are more than 360,000 active and registered medical marijuana patients. Trulieve consistently sells half of the state’s overall volume, the organization notes, striving to do so inclusively.

“Trulieve was built on the idea of investing in communities and in the people we employ and support, and we’re incredibly proud of how we’ve achieved these goals,” Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers said while announcing their LGBTQ initiative last month. The $50,123 raised will be distributed before the end of July and split evenly. Beneficiaries include 26Health, Equality Florida, the LGBTQ Center of Bay County, Metro Inclusive Health, the One Orlando Alliance, Pridelines, QLatinx and the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, all of which Trulieve notes “are focused on LGBTQ+ and diversity and inclusion efforts across the state.” “Trulieve is a company that stands for the rights and dignity of all people, and we strive to create spaces that are safe, comfortable and welcoming to all,” Trulieve Chief Marketing Officer Valda Coryat says. “For years, we’ve worked with

LGBTQ+-oriented organizations to support groups that are driving change and fostering diversity and inclusion in the communities we call home. “Our theme, not just for Pride Month but year-round, is ‘Be Tru to You,’” Coryat continues. “It is a statement we aim to embody daily as an organization. We are incredibly proud to support non-profits and other community-based organizations from Pensacola to Key West that are focused on creating a community of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.” The organization thanked supporters of the initiative for making their fundraising efforts possible on July 13, sharing a graphic with leaders from each nonprofit receiving funds. “With your help, we were able to donate over $50k to 8 different LGBTQ+ organizations across the state,” they wrote.

A number of the beneficiaries responded in kind via social media. “HUGE SHOUT OUT to Trulieve - and all the Truliever’s out there - who made Pride month so successful!” the One Orlando Alliance wrote. “Trulieve raised over $50,000 in June, as part of their #BeTruToYou program! They’re splitting that up between 8 LGBTQ+ organizations across Florida and we’re SO GRATEFUL to be one of their selected recipients!” “Thank you Trulievers, with your help Trulieve was able to donate over $50k to 8 different LGBTQ+ organizations across the state — through their Pride initiative,” the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber shared. “Thank you to all the LGBTQ+ organizations for continuing to strengthen our community, even in the most difficult times.” “Participating in Pride Month is important to us as it underscores

not only our commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, but also allows us to help ensure our partner organizations can continue to support, educate, and enrich their local communities,” Trulieve Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Lynn Ricci says. “Our dedication to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives involves creating a space that is welcoming to all people; paired with our compassionate core values, we’re thankful that our dedicated Truliever community came out in support to make this donation possible,” she continues. “These eight organizations are fostering powerful, progressive change throughout the state, and we’re honored to support them.” For more information about Trulieve, visit Trulieve.com. To learn more about each beneficiary, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

BJ MOTORSPORTS INC.

AU T O SA L E S & R E PA I R

407 201 5692 www.BJMotorSports.net

2430 Smith St. Unit J, Kissimmee, FL 34744

10% discount on ANY auto service repair

Conway Cleaners

Your FREE Pickup and Delivery Service TWiCe a Week PiCkuP aND DeLivery

Serving Orlando for more than 30 years Downtown Maitland Call Today to Sign Up! Orlando Lake Nona Winter Park Waterford College Park Lakes ConwayDryCleaner.com

407-275-0397

Conway Cleaners & Shirt Laundry • 4450 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, FL, 32812

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

nation+world news

Record number of LGBTQ candidates running Wire Report

EW YORK | The number of openly LGBTQ elected officials in the United States has more than doubled in the past four years — and those ranks could soon grow, thanks to a record field of LGBTQ candidates this year, according to new data from an advocacy and research group. The LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Out For America report, released July 16, tallies 843 openly LGBTQ elected officials across all levels of government at present, up from 417 in June 2016. The institute says a record 850 LGBTQ people are running for office this year, including several candidates with strong chances of entering Congress. Yet the institute’s president, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, says that despite significant progress, LGBTQ people “continue to be severely underrepresented in every state and at every level of government.”

She said LGBTQ people make up about 4.5% of the U.S. adult population, yet hold only 0.17% of the more than 510,000 elected positions in the U.S., ranging from Congress and state legislatures to city councils and school boards. To achieve proportionate representation, Parker said, LGBTQ people would need to win more than 22,500 additional positions. The Victory Institute data reveals a striking partisan divide. As of 2018, it counted 438 LGBTQ elected officials affiliated with the Democratic Party and only 16 Republicans. Among the LGBTQ candidates with solid chances of winning in November are several Democratic congressional contenders. One is Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran who nearly beat Republican incumbent Will Hurd in a southwest Texas district two years ago, and now is viewed as an even stronger candidate in the mostly Hispanic district because of Hurd’s retirement. In New York state, a gay, Black attorney, Mondaire

Jones, was declared winner of the Democratic primary for a congressional seat opening up in New York City’s northern suburbs. It’s an overwhelmingly Democratic district, so Jones has a strong chance of becoming a history-maker in Congress — it’s never had an openly LGBTQ Black member. Jones could have company in breaking that barrier. Gay New York City Councilman Ritchie Torres, who is Afro-Latino, also has a good chance of winning a congressional seat in the Bronx. Among other LGBTQ congressional candidates — all Democrats — are Beth Doglio in Washington state, Pat Hackett in Indiana, Alex Morse in Massachusetts, and Georgette Gomez in California. The Victory Institute says the number of LGBTQ Black people and Hispanic people holding elected positions has doubled in the past three years — from 92 to 184. During that same time period, the number of transgender elected officials rose from six to 26.

Tyler Adamson, a researcher who authored “The Global State of Conversion Therapy” report, said a global ban is important to the advancement of the recognition of LGBTQ people globally. He says the ban will eliminate the practice itself, while exposing the increased amount of conversion therapies that occur in the U.S. and other Western countries, as well as improve the broader reflection of how societies view LGBTQ people. The report by Adamson, in collaboration with the LGBT Foundation, Johns Hopkins University and Hornet, found around 5% of respondents indicated that government representatives employed conversion therapy techniques. The report also found 4% of reports involved school personnel, which Adamson said may put LGBTQ youth at further risk. The Trevor Project this month published a report that found LGBTQ youths who experience conversion therapy were more than

twice as likely to report having attempted suicide and having multiple suicide attempts. Adamson has high hopes a global ban will formerly pass, but said the process will most likely be slow. Many countries still allow conversion therapy, so getting a majority vote to pass this prohibition may be difficult, he said. “We have this archaic view that LGBT people are somehow changeable or different, viewed as less than or we completely devalue the existence,” Adamson said. “It’s the idea that something outside of the norm is somehow a bad thing.” Mental health providers, religious groups and medical professionals are the top practitioners of conversion therapy. Germany, Brazil, Ecuador, Malta and Taiwan have all banned the widely discredited practice. While many states, cities and counties have bans on the practice, there is no federal ban on conversion therapy in the U.S.

UN calls for global conversion therapy ban Kaela Roeder of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

he United Nations formally called for a global ban on so-called conversion therapy July 1. Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the independent U.N. expert on LGBTQ issues, compiled 130 submissions on practices and testimonies of victims who have experienced conversion therapy from civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, medical practitioners and individuals. These practices, which have been widely denounced by scientists, often result in long-term negative health effects that include suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and unemployment.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

in other news Colorado bans gay, trans panic defense Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed into law July 13 a bill banning the use of gay or transgender panic as a defense in the courtroom. The bill is one of four signed into law by Polis that are designed to protect the LGBTQ community. Colorado is now the 11th state to ban gay and trans panic defense after California, Illinois, Rhode Island, New York, Hawaii, Nevada, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey and Washington. Polis made history in 2018 when he became the first openly gay person to be elected as governor in the U.S.

Military ban on Confederate flags also bans Pride flags New guidance from Defense Secretary Mark Esper on flag displays at military installations is being hailed for prohibiting the display of Confederate flags — but the memo also bans the display of LGBTQ Pride flags. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed July 17 the guidance does prohibit LGBTQ Pride flags. The guidance issued by the Defense Department appears to get around Trump’s hostility toward removing symbols of the Confederacy — which he has called part of U.S. “heritage”— by restricting the kinds of flags on military installations. Permitted are the American flag; the flags of the U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia; military flags and those of allies. However, by not enumerating them, the memo effectively bans Confederate flags and LGBTQ Pride flags.

Sudan repeals death penalty for homosexuality Sudan has repealed a provision of its Penal Code that imposed the death penalty upon anyone found guilty of engaging in consensual same-sex sexual relations. Article 148 of the Sudanese Penal Code from 1991 said anyone who is convicted of sodomy three times “shall be punished with death, or with life imprisonment.” The Sovereignty Council also removed the “hundred lashes” punishment from Article 148. Consensual same-sex sexual relations in Sudan are still punishable by up to seven years in prison. Saudi Arabia and Iran are among the handful of countries in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.

Poland’s anti-LGBTQ president re-elected The anti-LGBTQ president of Poland won re-election July 12. Andrzej Duda defeated Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski by a 51.2-48.8% margin. The two men ran against each other in a runoff since neither received a majority of the vote on June 28. Activists have sharply criticized Duda — head of Poland’s conservative Law and Justice party — over his anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Duda last month said LGBTQ “ideology” is more harmful than communism. Duda on June 24 met with President Trump at the White House.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Bryana Saldana

Diary of a poet A Poet’s Story

s the rainbows

appear and dissolve, during the month of Pride and beyond it is reminder of how far our country has come.

Being an Afro-Latina, lesbian poet in this day and age you hold an unspoken responsibility to provide a narrative that is juxtaposed to the world outside. Poetry for me, similar to most poets, started as an escape from the world I had no understanding of. I was 10 years old. Three years prior I had found out the man I thought was my father was not and life just became insufferably complicated from there. I was lucky enough to have a fifth grade teacher that viewed me as more than just a student in her classroom. She saw light and greatness in me before I understood any of those things. In that classroom my journey started. We often delved into projects centering on poetry. We were given free rein to write about anything. I would write about my mom, often. She was the center focus of my poetry, for many years to come. I think the most memorable point in that classroom is when my teacher set up an after-school Poetry Slam. She built a stage for us and made it the most noteworthy experience. I and several others performed. The exact piece escapes me, but I remember feeling more powerful than I had ever been. As time went on, poetry became my only solace in the lonely world to come. I began discovering the depths of sexuality after suffering a sexual assault at the age of 12 and becoming a victim to men and women after. They were broken just as

I was, and I was the portal of brokenness for a long time. My poetry allowed me to express what was extraordinarily difficult to. I did not live in comfort, I lived in fear of who I was. I was not exposed to many people who were a part of the LGBTQ+ community, so to understand these feelings escaped me. My first same-sex relationship was via the internet. We never met in real life but were consistent figures to each other until about 14. She was a little older and pushed me to label who I was. I eventually gave in and labeled myself as a lesbian. I did not come out to my family until I could look at myself and not cry or feel ashamed. I had spoken about weddings with my mother from a young age, never to a woman. I held infatuations about male athletes to deter my mind from the deep love I had for women. Poetry was my voice. I would write about how hurt and lost I was, how desperate I wanted to be normal and feel real love. I was so lonely and no matter how many friends or relationships came and went, that hole of acceptance was greater than their presence. I came out to my mom at 15 and she was far more concerned with my pot, sex and porn problem than anything else. She did not reject me, she loved me no matter who I was. Despite this acceptance, I suffered because I never knew how the world could possibly love me if I couldn’t love me. My first high school was brand new, but the ways were not. I witnessed a race war on the front lawn of my campus. I felt like sinking into my turtle shell even more. It wasn’t until my mother decided it was time to move and I transferred high schools that I felt comfortable being myself. At my new high school, it was culturally diverse and I actually began seeing people who were a part of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

my community. I developed my first real-life relationship and she became the focus of my poetry. She inspired me in so many ways because she loved me passed my looks, seeing my heart and soul. Unfortunately, being young and discovering yourself was not a recipe for a successful

mists of chaos, the most beautiful words came out of me. I now call that moonlit chaos. It was patches of light in darkness that pulled at the essence of my being and was powerful. Fast-forward a few years after graduation and the tragedy of Pulse reignited

been that for three years and through her I have written love poems that are unmatched. My poetry continues to be the best way to express who I am and I’m finally loving every ounce of me. I learned, I’m still learning, that the secret to remain whole in

relationship. It was staticky due to me learning how to be a healthy partner and her learning as well. I would write her letters about a future I believed was possible. Poems dedicated in her honor and love laced in every line. She was the first love my poetry was for and it was effortless. Among the rubble of high school relationships, some of my unhealthiest, I created incredible poetry. In the

my poetic flame after I put it on the back burner for a handful of years. Pulse made me realize my purpose of existence, and that became the catalyst for my most prolific poetry. I expressed, in a piece via Huffington Post, the desire for my cause of death to not be because of my queerness, color of my skin or style of dress. Following that I began writing hundreds of poems. My greatest love has

the unbridled image the world tries to paint of our community is love, we are all love.

Pulse made me realize my purpose of existence, and that became the catalyst for my most prolific poetry.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Bryana Saldana (She/Her/They) is a 25 year-old Afro-Latina poet born and raised in Orlando. She had her first published poem through “For Women Who Roar” and seeks to relate to issues surrounding the Black, woman and queer experience.

SPECIALIZING IN • PERSONAL INJURY • AUTO ACCIDENTS • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS • RIDE SHARE ACCIDENTS

WITH RESULTS IN JUST 1 MINUTE!

Main office St. Petersburg

727-895-7932

Ian Gómez, Esq.

Lindsey Sheppy, Esq.

Robert W. Pope, Esq.

www.GBYAssociates.com OPENING FALL 2020

St. Petersburg ST. PETERSBURG 727-321-3854 TAMPA 813-232-3808

For more information, call or visit us online today!

(813) 280-3509

CLEARWATER 727-220-0550 NEW PORT RICHEY 727-494-7625

AmericanHouse.com/St-Petersburg Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

P S A B RO U G H T TO YO U BY WAT E R M A R K

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

ALF# Pending

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

AmericanHouse.com 19-AHMK-4583

COVID-19 resources

Tampa Bay

Central Florida

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

One Tampa Fund OneTampa.org | 1-833-872-4636

St. Pete Fighting Chance Fund StPete.org/FightingChanceFund

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

Tampa has expanded its efforts to help small businesses with emergency grants focused on essentials in its third phase. Officials plan to spend an additional $1.2 million to help those which previously didn’t qualify for aid. Critically impacted businesses which had to close or have experienced a significant reduction in revenue due to COVID-19 will receive $2,000 checks.

St. Petersburg has created an emergency grant for small businesses and individuals, initially allocating $6.8 million. Remaining funds have been matched with $550,000 in donations for Round 3. 60% will be allocated to home-based businesses, 30% to brick and mortar businesses and 10% to franchises. Applications are processed on a first come, first complete manner while funds remain.

The Pride Chamber’s Bounce Back Orlando is a directory of small businesses in Orlando and the surrounding metro that 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.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES 211 Tampa Bay Cares 211TampaBay.org | 727-210-4211 Call 211 from any phone or text your zip code to 898211 for help with housing, food, child care, suicide prevention, health care and more.

CAN Community Health CANCommunityHealth.org | 941-366-0134 Use computers or mobile devices to access health care services remotely. For detailed information about Telehealth and more, visit their website.

Feeding Tampa Bay FeedingTampaBay.org | 813-254-1190 Offering mobile pantries, meals, a market, senior grocery resources, homebound help and more. Hours, sites and locations vary.

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

Receive access to primary care, counseling, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP via Telehealth. To schedule an appointment, dial ext. 1575. For virtual programming, information about prescriptions by mail and more, visit their website.

TESTING LOCATIONS AFC Urgent Care | AFCUrgentCare.com COVID-19 and antibody testing is available for no charge at locations throughout Tampa Bay. AFC Clearwater offers testing by appointment only 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends. No appointments needed for testing 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at AFC Pinellas Park, 7101 U.S. Hwy. 19 N. in Pinellas Park; AFC Seminole, 11241 Park Blvd. Ste. A in Seminole and AFC Tyrone/St. Petersburg, 2241 66th St. N. in St. Petersburg.

BayCare| BayCare.org/Coronavirus 1-800-BayCare BayCare’s drive-thru sites serve patients with a doctor’s referral or those who are symptomatic to reserve limited testing supplies for those who are most at risk. Testing sites include Tropicana Field Lot 2 at 3rd Ave. S and 18th St. S. in St. Petersburg weekdays from 8-11 a.m.; Gulf High School at 5355 School Rd. in Port Richey weekdays from 8-11 a.m. and Bartow Regional Medical Center, located behind the hospital at 2200 Osprey Blvd. in Bartow Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-10 a.m.

CVS | CVS.com Appointments can be made at more than 1,400 testing sites at no cost to individuals. Visit their website for Tampa Bay sites and details.

Hillsborough County Government HillsboroughCounty.org |888-513-6321 Residents can schedule an appointment weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Appointments are required and testing hours vary. Testing sites include the Lee Davis Community Resource Center at 3402 N. 22nd St. in Tampa; the Plant City Community Resource Center at 307 N. Michigan Ave. in Plant City; Redeemer Lutheran Church at 701 Valley Forge Blvd. in Sun City Center; the SouthShore Community Resource Center at 201 14th Ave. SE

in Ruskin; Suncoast Community Health Center at 313 S. Lakewood Dr. in Brandon; the Wimauma Opportunity Center at 5128 Florida St. Rd. 674 in Wimauma and Tampa Family Health Centers, Inc. at 12085 W. Hillsborough Ave. Vehicles are not required for testing at any of these sites.

Mahaffey Theater COVID19.PinellasCounty.org 866-779-6121 Drive-thru is available regardless of symptoms Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at 400 1st St. S. in St. Petersburg. No appointment is required and no more than four people per vehicle. Check Twitter.com/HealthyPinellas for updates and availability.

Raymond James Stadium RaymondJamesStadium.com/TestSite 888-513-6321 This site is operated by the State of Florida and is located at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. Appointments are required and testing is drive-up only. Residents can schedule an appointment online or by calling the number above weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sarasota County | SCGov.net 941-861-2883 Drive-thru testing is available at the University Town Center Mall at 299 University Town Center Dr. Testing is conducted daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or until capacity is reached. No appointment needed. State-run, walk-up testing is also available at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex at 1845 34th St. The Dept. of Health in Sarasota will also have 100 tests available per day by appointment for those who are symptomatic. T41-861-2883 weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional details you can also text SRQCOVID19 to 888777.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF), CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com/Coron avirus-Support,800-757-4598 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. The online

application is the preferred method since paper applications could take longer to process. The CSCF has reopened with limited in-person appointments. The Seminole, Southeast Orange, Lake and Osceola centers are open. For your safety, masks will be required for all in-person appointments and temperature checks will be done. 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 Feed the Need Florida, Facebook.com/ FeedTheNeedFL Feed the Need Florida, a Central Florida food-aid group led by the 4Roots nonprofit and sponsored by 4 Rivers, is providing free drive-thru meals for all local arts, entertainment and theme park workers every Friday in July from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Plaza Live, located at 425 N. Bumby Ave. In Orlando.

Joy MCC, 407-894-1081 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. If you would like to help by donating funds or food, visit FeedTheNeedFL.org.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, https://bit.il/hcclinic, 352-509-9865 Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida is offering assistance with medical care document planning to qualified individuals including school workers, retail workers, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, cleaning staff and more. These documents provide peace of mind by telling others your final wishes. If you qualify for assistance, you will meet virtually with an attorney that will go over, and draft, the best documents for you. Service examples include designating a healthcare surrogate, designating a pre-need guardian and creating a living will. Services are by appointment only and participants must complete an eligibility screening.

TESTING SITES symptoms required to be tested at these locations. Testing is available Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Fri., 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Orange County Government, OCFL.net/COVID19 Orange County has a non-mobile testing site at the Orange County Convention Center daily, starting at 9 a.m. until the daily limit is reached with no appointment needed. Testing at this site is open to all Central Florida residents, no symptoms required. You must be 18 or older with a photo ID. Maximum of 5 people per vehicle, vehicle windows must be operational. Test type at this site is a throat swab. Antibody testing is available for free for the general public. Orange County also has testing at Barnett Park, located at 4801 W. Colonial Dr. in Orlando, by appointment only. Testing is free and no insurance is required. This site is for Orange County residents only. No symptoms required to be tested. You must be 18 years or older. Testing is available at the following health centers by appointment only: Community Health Centers located at 210 E. 7th St. in Apopka and 840 Mercy Dr. In Orlando. Call 407-905-8827 to make appointment at either location. Testing is only for those with COVID-19 symptoms. Testing is available at the following health centers as walk-in and by appointment: True Health Centers located at 6101 Lake Ellenor Dr. in Orlando, 5449 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando, 5730 Lake Underhill Rd. in Orlando and 11881-A E. Colonial Dr. in Orlando. No

City of Orlando, Orlando.gov/ COVID19Testing , 407-246-3104 The City of Orlando has mobile drive-thru testing every Wednesday, rotating to new locations each operating day. Locations will be announced on its website. Testing is free of charge and no insurance is needed; however, appointments are required. 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. Mobile testing sites are set up in several Walmart parking lots and are by appointment only. Schedule Online with Quest Diagnostics. These sites are 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. Locations are: -Walmart at 5991 Goldenrod Rd. Testing is Mon.-Sat. from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. -Walmart at 11250 E. Colonial Dr. Testing is Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-10 a.m. -Walmart at 8101 S. John Young Pkwy. Testing is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10 a.m.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Bundle. Save. Simple. E M P LOY M E N T O P P O RT U N I T Y:

TAMPA BAY

ADVERTISING SALES

Life can be complicated. I'm here to help simplify your insurance. Plus, the more you protect, the more you can save. Call or stop by today for a free quote.

Now you can be a part of the Tampa Bay team that brings the news to the LGBTQ community.

Are you motivated and outgoing? Are you a well organized self starter with great time management skills? Can you work well by yourself as well as with others?

Richard Dean Plummer II 941-999-3131

Full time entry level position, health insurance benefits & 401K options.

8441 Lorraine Road Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 rdplummer@allstate.com

Watermark Publishing Group is the premier media outlet for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Central and West Florida. Up to 20,000 copies of our biweekly newspaper are distributed every other Thursday throughout Central Florida, Tampa Bay and surrounding communities. Watermark also produces a collection of high-gloss specialty publications, and a web site with a rapidly growing online community.

Based on coverage selected. Savings vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Castle Key Indemnity Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. ÂŠ 2019 Allstate Insurance Co.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

10981861

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

PLEASE SEND A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO DANNY@WATERMARKONLINE.COM Incoming mailbox size limit is 10MB per email. Emails larger than 10MB will not be received. Please optimize attachments accordingly.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

19% 26%

talking points Being trans usually means facing closed doors to peoples’ hearts and minds. We face snickers, insults, fearful reactions and physical violations just for existing … I recognize that I am one of the fortunate ones, and my intention is to honor that as best I can. – Valentina Sampaio on becoming the first transgender model to appear in Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit Issue

transgender

people and

Javicia Leslie dons ‘Batwoman’ cape and cowl

lack, bisexual actor Javicia Leslie has been tapped by The CW to play the lead character on “Batwoman,” officially replacing Ruby Rose as the star. Warner Bros. announced the decision July 8. Leslie, known for the CBS’ “God Friended Me,” will portray Ryan Wilder, an out lesbian with a difficult past. “I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said. The CW’s decision to recast Batwoman with a new protagonist was prompted by Rose’s exit from the series after its debut season. “I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman,” Rose shared afterwards. “I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew.”

transgender

people of color

have become unemployed

due to COVID-19. The coronavirus has similarly

impacted 17% of LGBQ people and

12% of the general population. —The Human Rights Campaign’s economic impact of COVID-19 study

Body of Naya Rivera recovered

he body of former “Glee” star Naya Rivera was recovered by authorities in a California lake July 13. Rivera and her four-year-old son rented a boat on July 8 at the California reservoir Lake Piru. Her son later recounted to rescuers that they had gone swimming, but Rivera never managed to return to the boat. According to local Sheriff Bill Ayub, the 33-year-old actor “mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself” in a drowning accident. Rivera’s “Glee” role as lesbian cheerleader Santana Lopez was a part of the hit show’s groundbreaking LGBTQ representation. She won three American Latino Media Awards for the inclusive portrayal.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Halle Berry backtracks on trans role

cademy Award-winning actress Halle Berry announced July 6 that she would forgo playing a transgender man in an upcoming film. The actor discussed the role in an Instagram Live video in the days prior, expressing the desire to understand the transgender experience while Misgendering the character she was interested in portraying. Following backlash, she released a statement via Twitter. “As a cisgender woman, I now understand that I should not have considered this role, and that the transgender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories,” she wrote. “I vow to be an ally in using my voice to promote better representation on-screen, both in front of and behind the camera.”

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Pete Buttigieg to release new book

ormer Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who made history last year by becoming the first openly gay man to become a leading presidential candidate, has announced his next book. “Trust: America’s Best Chance,” scheduled for release Oct. 6, will combine history and personal reflections in an “urgent and soul-searching” exploration into creating a stronger democracy. “In order for our country to move forward in the years ahead, it will be more important than ever to build trust — trust in our institutions and leaders, trust in each other, and trust around the world in America itself,” Buttigieg said. His previous book, the memoir “Shortest Way Home,” sold more than 100,000 copies after he became a national figure.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Dry State Central Florida and Tampa Bay LGBTQ bars, nightclubs share how they’re navigating a COVID-19 world

Edward Segarra

hile the coronavirus pandemic

has brought disruption to the economy on multiple fronts, the bar and nightclub industry in particular has taken a sizable hit. On June 26, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) made the decision to suspend the consumption of alcohol in bars statewide, largely in response to a recent surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Florida. This comes after Florida’s initial shutdown in March before reopening businesses starting in early June. We caught up with nearly a dozen LGBTQ bars and nightclubs across Central Florida and Tampa Bay to see how they have been coping with this period of turbulence and economic uncertainty. Watermark reached out to Southern Nights Orlando, Quench Lounge, Cristoph’s and Southern Nights Tampa to get their perspectives, but they were either unavailable for comment or declined the opportunity to speak with us.

Barcodes Orlando

Barcodes Orlando has been a fixture of the Orlando nightlife scene for the past 11 years. However, back in March, owner David Schnyer was forced to close his bar. He briefly reopened for three weeks in early June but was forced to shut down again following the issuance of the DBPR mandate. During this time, he has had to lay off his entire staff. Schnyer and

Continued on pg. 23 | uu |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

St Pete Beach’s Newest Gay Bar,

NOW OPEN! New food menu available!

Where PRIDE is always on on Tap! www.ShadedKegPub.com Hours: Tues - Thur 5-10 * Friday 1-11 * Sat 11-11 * Sun 11-9

Framing Watermark readers since 2003

Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut to your specifications! Specialty Frames Available in Oval, Circle, and Shadowbox.

Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut To Your Specifications

All custom frame work is professionally crafted on-premises!!

TyroneFrame.com

Specialty Frames Available in Oval, Circle and Shadowbox

All Custom Framework is Professional Crafted on-premises!!!

2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete

TyroneFrame.com 2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete • (727) 344-1000

(727) 344-1000

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

City Side Lounge | uu | Dry State from pg.21

his partner Raymond Burton are currently running the Barcodes Orlando store – a gift shop that sells apparel and accessories – as a way to continue generating some form of revenue. The unprecedented nature of the pandemic and its impact on the economy are not something Schnyer has ever witnessed before during his time of working as an entrepreneur. “I’ve been self-employed since 1974 … and I’ve never ever seen anything even close to this. I’ve been through a lot of recessions and a lot of economic downturns and have always been able to come out the other side, but with the current business climate for bars, this is very, very, very frightening,” he says. And while Schnyer is sympathetic toward government officials because of his own experience as a former city councilman, he also believes that the core issues plaguing the bar industry stem from a lack of informed government leadership, as well as the absence of a consistent standards for safety protocol. “I don’t think any of our elected officials at the state, federal or county levels really know what to do,” Schnyer says. “I think they’re just all grabbing at the dark and I think that’s evidenced by the different requirements from region to region … Part of the confusion and probably part of the problem is that there are no uniform guidelines going all the way across the state or the country.” Barcodes has received some funding in the form of government aid. Schnyer applied for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and received less than 25% of the funding he originally requested. These funds went entirely toward covering payroll expenses. He also shared that the fact that he owns the building where Barcodes Orlando operates will ultimately allow him to stay in business, but he acknowledges that most bars are not fortunate enough to have this security.

The Barcodes Orlando store is open Mon.-Sat. from 12 to 5 p.m. For additional updates, visit Barcodes Orlando’s official Facebook page.

The Garage on Central Avenue The Garage on Central Avenue, a St. Petersburg bar, was opened in 2010 by Rai Persaud, a South

No more crowds: Stonewall Bar celebrates Come Out With Pride in 2018, hosting a huge crowd for Pride’s Block Party. Photo by Jeremy Williams American immigrant. Since the statewide closure of bars, Persaud has had to lay off his staff as he finds himself in a state of limbo. Persaud says that despite adhering to public health measures, this was not enough to keep his business open.

stimulus checks that he and his wife have received. However, he also pointed out that these funds are insufficient in covering his expenses in a long-term capacity.

For updates on The Garage on Central Avenue, visit its official Facebook page.

patrons. All employees are required to wear a face mask during work, while patrons must wear a mask and have their temperature checked prior to entering the establishment. One employee tested positive for COVID-19 and was immediately removed from the workplace to

There should be a state mandate for mask-wearing. Every scientist and every smart person in the world is saying that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19. — The Hammered Lamb owner Jason Lambert “We moved our tables six feet apart, made sure people wore their masks, thoroughly cleaned the bar, monitored our patrons and used plastic cups,” he says. “We did everything right … just to get a little business and then all of a sudden, they closed us down again.” Persaud is more than willing to work within the confines of public health measures in order to maintain business. He isn’t concerned with alienating customers who are unwilling to be health conscious. “I would open with 10 customers or 15 customers to get some business than to get nothing at all,” he says. “If you don’t want to abide by the restrictions, please do not come here. I don’t need your money; I don’t need your business. I don’t need to go to jail or be deported for not following the restrictions.” Persaud says The Garage has received some aid from the PPP and

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Stonewall Orlando Stonewall Orlando has been in business since 2007. The “all-inclusive LGBTQ bar” has been able to remain open because of its restaurant The Queerky Pickle, but owner Steven Watkins has been forced to postpone most of Stonewall’s social events and its popular specials. According to Watkins, Stonewall is currently averaging $600 a day in revenue. “We’re not doing any discounts because we’re not encouraging people to come out,” Watkins says. “If they are coming out, we’re making a safe environment, which requires more staff to do so and somebody at the door at all times to take temperatures.” Stonewall is taking all the health precautions it can in order to ensure the safety of staff and

avoid potential exposure. “We didn’t feel it was a risk worth taking,” Watkins says. “He has come back now after being tested and cleared. Nothing is ever certain, but we’re doing everything in our power not to contribute to the pandemic.” Stonewall received a little over $27,000 from the PPP, with these funds being allocated toward covering payroll expenses. All in all, Watkins says that he’s doing the best he can with the resources that are available to him and his team. “We have no choice at this time,” Watkins says. “Anything is better than nothing. We’re just doing the best we can to survive.”

Stonewall Orlando currently hosts a dinner-and-a-movie night every Monday and started holding a TV Guide viewing on July 14, hosted by drag queen Chachita Gift. For additional information on upcoming events, visit Stonewall Orlando’s official Facebook page.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Tampa bar City Side Lounge describes itself as a “premier LGBTQIA+ cocktail lounge, where good friends meet.” The bar has been a part of the local scene since October 1991. Owner James Encke acquired City Side Lounge in 2013 and since the coronavirus pandemic transformed the landscape of the bar industry, he’s been fighting to keep his business intact. With the statewide closure of bars, Encke has had to lay off his entire staff twice. According to Encke, the disruption caused by this abrupt upheaval has taken a significant toll mentally. “One moment you are working … bills are being paid — rent, insurance, utilities, payroll … and a small profit margin to cover next month’s bills, then it’s like the lights have just gone out and the rug from which you are standing on is pulled out from underneath you,” Encke says. The uninterrupted operation of restaurants despite the recent uptick in coronavirus cases makes Encke feel as though the bar industry has been singled out by state government. “It feels as if we are being targeted,” he says. “The state closed the bars to combat COVID-19, yet they keep restaurants open. All the state has done is transfer our customers to another location. The virus does not care if you are in a bar, restaurant, beach, mall or an outside picnic table; if you have a crowd gathered you run the risk of catching it.” Prior to being shut down for the second time, Encke and his staff employed numerous preventative measures to safeguard the health and well-being of City Side’s patrons. “Our bartenders, barbacks and cleaning crews worked tirelessly,” Encke says. “Anytime a customer left a table or a counter, my staff worked hard to ensure the area was cleaned and sanitized. We were also taking temperatures of all customers who came in, we ensured our occupancy levels were below the 50% maximum levels and we posted our COVID-19 actions on our web and Facebook pages along with posters.” Encke says that under the limitations of the current DBPR mandate, it’s virtually impossible for bars and nightclubs to sustain themselves financially. “It like telling the auto industry that you can stay open and pay all your bills, but you can’t sell cars. It just won’t work,” he says. Continued on pg. 24 | uu |

| uu | Dry State from pg.23

Encke is currently in the process of modifying his business model to try and remedy the economic drawbacks of the pandemic. He said that City Side can sell non-alcoholic products such as T-shirts, sodas and juice beverages. He also revealed that he’s working alongside the DBPR to find other viable solutions. “This second shutdown has been devastating, however, we are looking at other possibilities,” he explains. Encke is also in the initial stages of applying for government aid. He would like to see the state government set aside a series of grants for bars to apply for instead of loans. He also believes it’s the responsibility of state government to extend financial assistance to the bar and nightclub industry. “This is now a state issue,” he says. “They targeted us as the cause for the increase in COVID-19 and we were not, so damages were done to an entire industry. My mom once told me when I was a little boy that ‘If you go in to a store and you break something, you have to buy it.’ Gov. DeSantis and the DBPR basically came into our stores and broke everything, so ‘You break it, you buy it.’”

For additional updates on City Side Lounge, visit its official Facebook page.

The Hammered Lamb Jason Lambert opened his bar The Hammered Lamb in January 2013 in the indie-centric Ivanhoe Village Main Street District of Orlando. Following the onset of the pandemic, the self-described “friendly neighborhood pub” has had to make a number of adjustments to its daily operations in order to remain in business. All employees are required to wear a face mask while working and this requirement has been extended to patrons visiting the restaurant as well, with the exception of when they are seated at their table to eat. Parties with more than six people are split up into additional tables and some tables have been removed from the outdoor patio area to ensure six-feet distance between parties. The Hammered Lamb’s bloody mary bar has also been revamped with a plexiglass shield and bartender attendant to enforce social distancing and minimize community spread of the virus.

loving their lounge: City Side Lounge patrons enjoy the Tampa bar’s outside patio during a Watermark Wednesday fundraising event for the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in 2019. Photo by ryan williams-jent Lambert and his team have taken a strict approach when it comes to holding patrons accountable for upholding their new health practices. The noncompliance of some patrons in adhering to these protective measures has forced The Hammered Lamb to revise its hours of operations. Lambert believes that a state mandate would be useful in navigating this process.

In addition to these measures, The Hammered Lamb has enlisted a weekly disinfection service that fogs the entire restaurant with a disinfectant designed to kill the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus. They also recently performed an intense deep clean of the restaurant, according to a weekly update posted to their Facebook page. Although these practices may

are required to take a nasal swab test and, as of July 10, any employee who has not received their COVID-19 test results will be removed from the work schedule until their status can be confirmed. Lambert says the current plan is to test employees on a monthly basis. The Hammered Lamb has received aid from the PPP and Lambert says that these funds

This is now a state issue. They targeted us as the cause for the increase in COVID-19 and we were not, so damages were done to an entire industry. My mom once told me when I was a little boy that ‘If you go in to a store and you break something, you have to buy it.’ Gov. DeSantis and the DBPR basically came into our stores and broke everything, so ‘You break it, you buy it.’ — City Side Lounge owner James Encke “Overall, most people have been receptive to the new practices, but there’s always a handful that tries to fight the system and they’ve been asked to leave every time,” Lambert says. “The main reason that we started closing at midnight … was because it was just too difficult for our staff … trying to manage and corral late-night guests and keep them following the guidelines. There should be a state mandate for mask-wearing. Every scientist and every smart person in the world is saying that masks prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

present a set of additional costs, Lambert says that the health of his employees and patrons takes precedence. “The budget was thrown out the window a couple months ago,” Lambert says. “We knew that these cleaning services would help keep our staff safer and help keep the community safer … That’s just one more layer of protection for everybody.” An employee at The Hammered Lamb recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was immediately removed from the restaurant’s schedule. Now, all employees

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

were crucial in bringing economic stability to the restaurant’s continued operation.

The Hammered Lamb is currently open Mon.Fri. from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. For additional updates, visit its official website or Facebook page.

Bradley’s on 7th Located in the GaYBOR District of the Tampa neighborhood Ybor City, the LGBTQ bar Bradley’s on 7th prides itself on its inclusivity, designating itself as the place “where everyone is welcome.” Owner

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Bradley Nelson shared that prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Bradley’s only closed its doors once in its 11-year history — on Sept. 10, 2017, in observance of Hurricane Irma. Following the DBPR mandate, Bradley’s has had to shut down completely. Nelson said that the bar’s heavy reliance on the sale of liquor for profit has made it impossible to modify his business model and generate additional revenue. He also doesn’t think that alternatives like selling to-go drinks would be of much benefit. “I don’t think the profit on that would pay the electric bill,” Nelson says. Nelson believes that, even in a limited capacity, Bradley’s could manage to survive economically if given the opportunity to reopen again. “We did well when capacity was limited to 50%,” he says. “Even with the dancefloor closed, people appreciated that we were open again. We could have adjusted and made it work. Once the mask rule was first put in place by the mayor, sales dropped 67%. I wasn’t really surprised, as it was the initial reaction to the mask order and people didn’t know what to think. I was waiting to see what the second weekend under the mask order would be like, but bars were closed down prior to getting to the second weekend. I believe that we could be a viable business and prosper at 50% capacity.” Nelson applied for financial aid under the CARES Act and described the experience as “one of the most stressful processes I’ve been through” because of the application process’s impersonal nature. “I could write an entire article on the nightmare I went through applying for the benefits, just as my employees had the same experiences with unemployment,” he says. “I never had any human interaction … over the phone, by letter or email prior to receiving the checking deposit for the aid. Nothing. The entire process was literally like fumbling through the dark.”

For additional updates on Bradley’s on 7th, visit its official website or Facebook page.

Hank’s Orlando bar Hank’s – aka “the best little bar with the worst reputation” – was opened by Theresa Sullivan and her mother back in 1987. However, in mid-June, Sullivan felt compelled to put a pause on Hank’s 30+-year run

postponed events: LGBTQ bars and clubs are often locations for fundraising events in the community, like Babes in Bonnets (pictured, from 2019) at the Parliament House. Photo by Jake Stevens out of concern for the safety and well-being of her patrons and employees in light of the recent surge in coronavirus cases. “Until they get a grip on what’s going on, it’s best just to close the door,” Sullivan says. Sullivan also shared that during the brief period Hank’s reopened, many patrons were resistant to the enforcement of new public health measures, especially wearing a face mask. Sullivan says that this resistance had a negative economic impact, driving away customers who were wary of getting infected. “We tried to get them to wear masks, but most of them refused,” Sullivan says. “Our business dropped by half, people just not wanting to even come to the bar. They were just afraid of getting the coronavirus from those that didn’t want to comply.” Overall, the pandemic has placed a stranglehold on Sullivan’s ability to generate a sustainable profit for Hank’s. Sullivan revealed that even with the brief reopening, Hank’s wasn’t making enough revenue to get by. “I was wondering if we should just shut back down because we weren’t making enough to even pay the bills,” Sullivan says. Nearby the property that houses Hank’s, Sullivan has a handful of efficiency apartments, which she rents out. However, the economic fluctuation caused by the pandemic has compromised residents’ ability to pay rent, undermining this supplemental source of revenue as well. “They have no income coming in and what little bit that they do … they need it to feed themselves,”

Sullivan says. “We’re all just trying to work together to keep going.” Sullivan has not applied for any government aid because of the state of instability Hank’s is currently in. She is reluctant to seek any loans when it’s uncertain if Hank’s will be able to generate the profit necessary to pay them off. “How am I going to pay this money back if my business is closed?” Sullivan says. “If I’m making half of what I was making before, it’s very difficult.” In terms of financial assistance, Sullivan plans on reaching out to Hank’s landlord for an adjustment in her rental payments. “I’m going to … see if he can lower my lease to get me through until things go back to normal or as normal as they can,” she said. Despite the isolating nature of the pandemic, Sullivan says that the sense of community provided by Hank’s remains, even if it’s taken on a slightly altered form. “Patrons are reaching out, especially to my bartenders and the guy that does all my advertising,” Sullivan says. “Everybody’s checking on everybody. In that way, I think everybody is supporting everybody the best that they can.”

For additional updates on Hank’s, visit their official website or Facebook page.

Enigma Bar & Lounge The mission of Enigma Bar & Lounge, located in St. Petersburg, is to provide “the great people of the Tampa Bay area … with an exciting venue that feels like

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

central crew: Regulars of St. Petersburg bar The Garage on Central Ave. attend Watermark’s annual Swipe Right Party in Feb. 2020. Photo by dylan todd

home,” according to the bar’s official website. However, in June, owner Ed Gonzalez felt compelled to make the hard decision to keep the doors of Enigma closed, even though bars and nightclubs were allowed to reopen at the time. “Your well-being is far more important than any profit,” a June 3 post from Enigma’s official Facebook page stated. Gonzalez took into consideration the timeline of the coronavirus pandemic when making his decision and ultimately viewed reopening as potentially jeopardizing the health of patrons and staff, as well as exacerbating the spread of COVID-19. “It didn’t take a genius to figure out that this was not over,” Gonzalez says. “Opening right now is not going to do anything except expose my employees, expose my customers and add to the spread of COVID-19.” Gonzalez doesn’t believe that Enigma could operate effectively within the limitations of an ongoing pandemic. He cites the impracticality of wearing a face mask to a bar and the risk associated with patrons who don’t wear masks consistently in such spaces. “Who’s going to go to a restaurant or a bar and eat or drink with a mask? You can’t,” Gonzalez says. “And the moment you take it off, you’re exposing yourself or you’re exposing the people around you to the virus.” Gonzalez also referenced the impairment caused by alcohol consumption as an inevitable

hindrance in trying to maintain social distancing between patrons. “You might come in being very responsible and respectful of the guidelines during social distancing before you start drinking but three or four drinks in, your inhibitions are gone,” he says. “Social distancing in a bar, if it’s even possible, is extremely difficult.” Gonzalez says that the combined funds he’s received from government aid will allow Enigma to remain in business. This aid is currently being allocated to cover services such as cable, internet connectivity and CO2 carbonation. While these services are not being actively used by the bar at the moment, Gonzalez points out that their removal would be far more costly. “If I cut these services, the companies would take their equipment back and then if we were able to open at whatever time, it might take us months to get them to come out and put the equipment back,” he says. “There’s certain bills you can’t cut out, so we’re just paying those.” Gonzalez compared the impact of the sharp decline in revenue from remaining closed to opening Enigma for the first time, in that the bar will have to build up its financial stability from scratch when it does reopen. “When this is over, it’ll kinda be like reopening in the beginning,” he says. While Gonzalez acknowledges that the social isolation of the pandemic can be mentally unhealthy for most people, he also emphasizes that it can be particularly distressing for

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

employees of the bar and nightclub industry, who are accustomed to frequent interaction with others. “The norm for us is to constantly be around a lot of people in a very social atmosphere,” Gonzalez says. “This is a dramatic change to our lifestyle and what we know.” Apart from being able to reopen safely, Gonzalez wants to successfully reassemble the personnel at Enigma. However, he also recognizes that the uncertainty of the pandemic’s trajectory — and the economic instability it brings — may complicate the realization of this ideal. “More important than anything, I really want to be able to reopen with my entire staff intact,” he says. “Will I be able to expect them to hold on for another year? I don’t know.” For additional updates on Enigma Bar & Lounge, visit its official website or Facebook page.

Parliament House Parliament House is a central feature of queer nightlife in Orlando. The LGBTQ bar, club and hotel has been in business for 45 years and was named the most popular U.S. gay bar in 2019 by the Logo-affiliated LGBTQ news site NewNowNext. However, according to Parliament House owner Don Granatstein, the restrictiveness of state government mandates in the era of COVID-19 has compromised the core nature of Parliament House’s business model.

Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

4th Annual | 4.9 K

DYER&BLAISDELL, P .L. DYER&BLAISDELL, P .L. Attorneys at Law Attorneys at Law

In Partnership with UCF DeVos Sport Business. Benefiting onePULSE Foundation.

Join us for the Fourth Annual 4.9k CommUNITY Rainbow Run as we come together to celebrate a world of inclusion.

Saturday, September 12 , 2020 Wadeview Park 2177 S. Summerlin Avenue, Orlando, FL Registration Opens: 7:00 am Kids Fun Run: 9:15 am Race Begins: 8:00 am CommUNITY Festival: 7:00 am-10:30 am

Register online at www.communityrainbowrun.com VIP Experience | $149 Run and/or just enjoy the 26Health Patron’s Tent for unlimited Mimosa’s and other adult beverages, along with brunch provided by Hard Rock Café. 21 and older. ID required day of event. 4.9k General Run Registration | $49 Enjoy the run and CommUNITY Festival. Old Town Kissimmee Kids Fun Run | $5 A special run, just for the kids, includes CommUNITY Festival. PNC Bank Virtual Run | $49

Join us from anywhere in the world for our Virtual Run and receive an official T-shirt, medal and backpack. Presented by

Benefiting

In Partnership with

Experienced, Experienced, understanding understanding counsel on counsel on matters related matters related to family, estate, to family, estate, and beneﬁciary and beneﬁciary planning, including: planning, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Wills Wills Trusts Trusts Probate Probate Healthcare Healthcare Partnership Partnership and Parenting and Parenting Agreements Agreements • Real Estate • Real Estate

W. Thomas Dyer W. Thomas Dyer TDyer@DyerBlaisdell.com TDyer@DyerBlaisdell.com

Edward P. Blaisdell Edward P. Blaisdell EBlaisdell@DyerBlaisdell.com EBlaisdell@DyerBlaisdell.com

414 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 414 N. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32803 407-648-1153 • DyerBlaisdell.com 407-648-1153 • DyerBlaisdell.com

THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE DECIDE,ISASK TO SEND DECISION YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR AND EXPERIENCE. THE HIRING OFYOU A LAWYER AN US IMPORTANT THAT SHOULD NOT BEQUALIFICATIONS BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

| uu | Dry State from pg.25

“The mandates basically wiped out our business,” Granatstein says. “We’re mainly an entertainment place … When they let us open, we were fine. We put on shows with social distancing, everybody had to wear a mask to get in here ... then they closed the bars. It’s terrible.” In response to the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic, Parliament House has made several modifications to how it conducts its current business operations. A dine-in table service and to-go orders with food and drink are still available to patrons, though patrons are now required to wear a face mask at all times while inside Parliament House, with the exception of when they are eating or drinking. Granatstein says that patrons have been very compliant with this public health measure, as well as the practice of social distancing. With regard to personnel, all Parliament House employees have been tested for COVID-19, according to Granatstein. They are also required to wear a face mask while working and have their temperature checked on a daily basis. Granatstein also shared that there are plans to reincorporate some live entertainment into the sanitized ambience of Parliament House, although the layout of these performances has been adapted to prioritize the health of patrons. A dinner show is currently in the works and on July 19, Orlando drag queen April Fresh will return with her comedy brunch, minus the buffet-style setup. “The seating’s down to 50%,” Granatstein says. “Each group … is being served. Nobody’s allowed to take any food … Everything is being done to protect everybody’s safety and people will still have to social distance … We’ve got hand sanitizer everywhere, obviously, and our bartenders and servers are not allowed to touch anything.” The Parliament House hotel, on the other hand, has taken a hit economically in the wake of the pandemic. Granatstein says that the hotel is currently earning 20% of what it normally makes in profit and that this level of revenue is “not survivable.” Overall, Granatstein says that continuing to operate in such a limited capacity is not a viable solution for the future of Parliament

St. pete proud: Enigma staff catches its collective breath after St Pete Pride 2019, one of the hotspot’s busiest weekends each year. The annual celebration was postponed in response to COVID-19. Photo courtesy enigma st. pete pay the bar’s employees during the first shutdown. The bar currently has minimal overhead expenses and many of its employees have been able to find temporary work. Lucky Star also has a liquor store as a sister business and the profit being generated from the store is helping to keep the bar afloat financially during its closure. For the brief interval Lucky Star reopened, the bar’s seating layout was modified in order to adhere to the required 50% occupancy capacity. “If you weren’t in a chair, you either had to be on the front patio or the back patio,” Harris says. Patrons were generally receptive to the practice of social distancing, though Harris pointed out the difficulty of having to constantly manage people’s interactions. Apart from the PPP, some of the employees from Lucky Star have also received aid from the St. Petersburg Fighting Chance Fund, which awards grants to local small businesses in an effort to provide economic relief from the impact of “local COVID-19 orders.” For additional updates on Parliament House, Harris believes that the isolating please visit its official website or Facebook page. nature of the coronavirus pandemic has uniquely affected members of the LGBTQ community, who he Lucky Star views as being innately affectionate. Lounge “We are a huggy people,” Harris The St. Petersburg bar Lucky says. “You go to any bar or any Star Lounge, in business since 2008, restaurant and there’s a bunch of has been riding its own streak of us, then there are hugs and kisses luck in the midst of the pandemic, flying. It’s just in our nature.” according to one of its managers, Harris says that the sense of Daniel Harris, despite being forced community at Lucky Star serves as to close down mid-June. a source of motivation for getting The head of Lucky Star applied through the pandemic. for aid from the PPP early on and “For those two weeks we were the funds from this aid were used to open, our customers definitely House and points to the current disparity in staffing as an example. “We’ve got 100 people furloughed and we still have 40-50 employees working and it’s not feasible. That’s the honest truth,” he says. Granatstein acknowledges that the government aid that Parliament House has received has been vital in keeping his business afloat. “We wouldn’t have survived without them,” he says. “We’re ready for another aid package.” In addition to applying for government aid, Parliament House also filed for bankruptcy on July 2, according to a July 6 post on Parliament House’s Facebook page. This is the second time the resort has filed for bankruptcy in six years. However, Granatstein said that the Chapter 11 Reorganization filing has more to do with his desire to renovate Parliament House as a whole, rather than the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of what conditions he may face, Granatstein is confident in the longevity of his business. “We’ll be here forever,” he says.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

made us realize how much we were missed,” Harris says. “So, that’s nice. We know we have something to look forward to when we get out of this.”

For additional updates on Lucky Star Lounge, visit its official Facebook page.

SAVOY Orlando SAVOY Orlando has been open since August 2004, with its promise of “always offering something fun to enjoy, seven nights a week, every day of the year.” Since the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe and the recent DBPR mandate shut down Florida bars, the fulfillment of that promise has been notably interrupted. The bar went from closing at two in the morning every day to now only being open weekday afternoons for the sale of to-go drinks and to small groups who want to use the venue for private parties. Owner Brandon Llewellyn says that the closure of SAVOY’s bar has had a tremendous impact financially. Although, some profit is being made from to-go drinks, the total earnings from these products are insufficient in covering SAVOY’s expenses. “Unfortunately, that does not provide enough revenue to pay the bills,” Llewellyn says. And while Llewellyn is currently looking into ways to modify SAVOY’s business model, he also acknowledges that such changes are gradual and require the expenditure of resources. “All of those things take time, licensing and money, so unfortunately for the time being,

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

modifications will have to be put on hold,” he says. Llewellyn thinks it’s feasible for SAVOY to operate in a limited capacity, due to an outdoor patio area that the bar has that can be expanded to maintain social distancing. Although, ideally he would like to reopen the bar at full capacity, he is also unwilling to compromise the health of staff and patrons in the process. “I would much rather remain closed for as long as is needed than risk anyone’s health,” Llewellyn says. Prior to closing, face masks and temperature checks were required from patrons in order to enter SAVOY. Llewellyn says that the majority of patrons were accommodating to this transition. “Most people just accepted that this is going to be our new ‘normal,’” he says. For himself, Llewellyn is getting tested for COVID-19 on a biweekly basis and recommends the same approach to his staff. He also conducts temperature checks at the beginning of each employee’s shift: any employee with a temperature above 99.9 is immediately sent home. Llewellyn believes that many within the LGBTQ community are doubly vulnerable to the isolation of the pandemic, due to the emotional alienation they may already be facing in their own lives. He also views SAVOY as providing a refuge for these individuals. “Sadly, too many members of the LGBTQ+ community are already isolated from their families,” Llewellyn says. “They do not have the same support system that other people do. For some in the LGBTQ+ community, we are their family and support system. Be it SAVOY or wherever bar they patronize, they know the bartenders and other patrons. It may be their primary social activity…It is also our way of checking on them and their well-being.” With regard to the future, Llewellyn is hopeful that developments within the medical community, as well as people’s firsthand knowledge of living through the pandemic, will help restore a sense of normalcy. “My hope is that the rest of society can all resume our lives soon,” he says. “It is important that we remember and practice what we learned from all of this to prevent anything like this from happening again.” For additional updates on SAVOY Orlando, visit its official website or Facebook page.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

art

Intersection of Pride

Permanent Tampa mural showcases diversity, equality and inclusion

(above)

tampa proud:

Tampa organizations, officials and artists painted this permanent Pride mural June 27. Photo courtesy tampa bay lgbt chamber

Ryan Williams-Jent

hen Tampa commissioned local

artists to paint street murals in five popular intersections throughout the city June 27, they did so to cultivate the area’s already inclusive nature.

That’s the entire purpose of Mayor Jane Castor’s Art on the Block initiative, designed to make artwork accessible to all of Tampa’s citizens while bringing artists into each of its neighborhoods. The program launched in 2019 to encourage communication, seeking to foster visual literacy while reducing prejudices through dialogue surrounding art. Officials have worked with the private sector to produce murals, mosaics, sculptures and more ever since, partnerships which in less than a year have resulted in nearly 20 street murals. “When we looked at our next Art on the Block project, it was important for us to highlight the intersectionality

of what makes our community so diverse and special,” Castor explains. “What better way than with an intersection mural?” The initiative also supports Tampa’s Vision Zero mission, which seeks to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. “Intersection murals are effective tools for improving street safety,” officials have explained, “enhancing the livability of our streets, revitalizing public spaces and bringing communities together.” The city’s Art on the Block Mural Day project last month did exactly that. To inspire unity, city officials, organizations and waves of volunteers simultaneously completed five pre-planned intersection murals

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

in Downtown, East and West Tampa as well as in Westshore and Tampa Heights. The Tampa Heights mural, located on N. Franklin St. and W. Henderson Ave., was designed to represent LGBTQ Pride. It was cosponsored by the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber. The former cultivates partnerships to further the development of Downtown Tampa, advocating for its community with a number of programs and services. The latter represents businesses, groups and individuals in seven counties throughout Tampa Bay, working to advance the business interests of LGBT and allied businesses. The groups worked with visual artist Cam Parker to complete the LGBTQ piece, more widely known as Painkiller Cam. He says the name is representative of his desire to help alleviate hardships around the world, “visually if I can.” His vibrant murals have done that for fans throughout Tampa Bay for years, where many of his designs are prominently featured. His work has also been promoted by a number of his celebrity muses, the likes of which include Lady Gaga and Lizzo. The Tampa Heights mural incorporates the 11 colors featured in the Progress Pride Flag, a design which expands on the widely-circulated Pride flag’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. It includes black, brown, white, pink and light blue – representing the more marginalized members of the LGBTQ community, people of color and those who are transgender. The colors form a clenched, raised fist, a symbol of solidarity and support often utilized with the Black Lives Matter movement. “At a time when we need to come together, we celebrate our community with the Pride Mural, signifying the unity of the LGBTQ+ community with the Black Lives Matter Movement, people of color and our trans brothers and sisters,” Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber President Justice Gennari shared ahead its painting. “We honor each other and look to build a better future for generations to come.”

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

Creating a piece based on intersectionality in an actual intersection intrigued Parker, who says he was excited to participate in the project. While it marked his first foray into asphalt artwork, he says he leaned heavily on his own experiences as a Black member of the LGBTQ community to connect with the mural’s message. “I am very Black and very queer,” Parker asserts. “The LGBTQ community has damn near saved my life because they’re so supportive – my community is my chosen family. There was no way I could say no to doing this.” “Cam Parker did an amazing job of creating an image that would resonate with the community by incorporating elements of pride and the Black Lives Matter Movement to celebrate inclusion in all forms,” Castor reflects. “Seeing all the volunteers come together to bring this mural to life was truly special and a testament to the power of unity.” “Everyone worked so well together in representing this partnership to transform the space,” Tampa Downtown Partnership Director of Marketing and Design Ashly Anderson adds. “We had such a great set of volunteers who showed up, it was great. That’s our job, to enhance and celebrate in ways that touch every member of our community.” To mark the mural’s completion, participants held a ribbon cutting ceremony while adhering to COVID-19 safety measures. “It was truly a community project,” the chamber reflected afterwards. Parker hopes the mural’s community-based origins speak to Tampa visitors and residents alike, illustrating the city’s inclusivity and dedication to the arts for years to come. “That’s what murals are all about,” he says. “We’re not desecrating our city’s historic value, we’re improving it,” Parker continues. “I want people to be excited that this is our town and that these are our streets. I want them to feel like each one of us – no matter who we are or where we come from – are equal.” Tampa’s permanent Pride mural is located on the intersection of N. Franklin St. and W. Henderson Ave. in Tampa Heights. For additional photos, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

For more information about Cam Parker and to view more of his work, visit @PainkillerCam on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about the city’s Art on the Block project, the Tampa Downtown Partnership or Tampa LGBT Chamber, visit TampaGov.net, TampasDowntown.com and DiversityTampaBay.com.

announcements

tampa bay out+about

CONGRATULATIONS ALSO Youth awarded four scholarships to LGBTQ youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. Artist Chad Mize’s Mr. Sun design will be featured on PSTA’s forthcoming SunRunner bus line that will transport riders from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach. Project No Labels received a $5,000 grant from Vanguard Charitable July 13 to continue their work in making mental wellness attainable for all. Read about the program at WatermarkOnline.com.

CONDOLENCES

Tampa Bay educator and ArtsXchange artist Patton Hunter passed away July 19. She will be missed.

POSTPONEMENTS/ CLOSURES

MASKED MAN: Lucky Star Lounge manager Daniel Harris shares his Crown Royal creation July 17.

PHOTO COURTESY DANIEL HARRIS

Spooky Empire has cancelled its events for 2020, including its August gathering in Orlando and Halloween event in Tampa. Festivities will return in 2021, read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

6S Boutique will close its storefront July 31 and transition to an online retailer at 6SBoutique.com. See page 10 and WatermarkOnline.com for more information.

COURTESY CITY OF TAMPA

virtual events Balance Tampa Bay and Matthew McGee will host a sketch comedy show July 30 to help raise money for the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. The suggested donation is $10. Read more at BalanceTampaBay.org.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS St. Petersburg bear Bob Thayer, Watermark columnist Jason Leclerc, (July 23); “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and Tampa Bay alum Alexis Mateo (July 24); Sarasota bartender Noah Guminski (July 25); Auto Advisors St. Pete’s Jerry Dreckman, Prime Timers Sarasota’s Al Doty, Tampa Bay dancer Dustin Goracio Wethington (July 26); Tampa Pride and PFLAG community staple Nancy Desmond, St. Petersburg sun and bee lover Christopher Ruch, Tampa Bay drag jewelry designer Eric Roper (July 27); St. Pete Bears’ Buddy Chapman, Spring of Tampa Bay specialist Kayden Rodriguez (July 29); Fedex manager Kristopher Horn, American Stage actor Joseph Parra, Tampa realtor Jeffrey Niptuck (July 30); Metro Inclusive Health LGBTQ+ Division Manager Cole Foust (July 31); Tampa Bay actor Scott Daniel, Suncoast Softball League superstar Ron Frank (Aug. 1); St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman, Sarasota visual artists and AIDS activist George Box (Aug. 2); Zero Pinellas specialist Daniel Velasco (Aug. 4); former Watermark contributor Aaron Drake, St. Petersburg Starbucks supervisor Mark Mercado, JenSpa and Blush Beauty Center owner Jen Warden, Tampa scuba diver Nick Walters, Enigma St. Pete manager Sean Grover (Aug.5).

FACE THE FACTS: A Kyle Kilgore model wins “Best All-Around” for the city of Tampa’s social media #FaceTheFactsTPA mask campaign July 20. PHOTO

FAB FOUR: (L-R) Judicial candidate Liz Jack, King of Peace MCC Associate Pastor Gina Durbin, Senior Pastor Rev. Elder Dr. Candace Shultis and Ian Gomez, Esq. enjoy a St. Pete luncheon July 13. PHOTO COURTESY GBY LAW

SUN-SATIONAL: Chad Mize shares the spotlight with his Mr. Sun design as PSTA unveils its ShowRunner bus line July 8.

PHOTO COURTESY CHAD MIZE

NOW OPEN: St. Petersburg officials cut the St. Pete Pier’s ribbon during its opening ceremony July 6. PHOTO

COURTESY REP. CHARLIE CRIST

GAL PALS: Dinnertime divas and supporters safely dazzle at Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater July 16. PHOTO COURTESY

VICTORIA MICHAELS

Gear guru: Project No Labels board member Tammy Thomas reps the organization’s new gear at Starbucks July 17. PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT NO LABELS

DYNAMIC DUO: Sasha (L) and Andy Citino announce 6S Boutique will transition to an online retailer July 15. PHOTO

COURTESY 6S BOUTIQUE

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

central florida out+about

CONGRATULATIONS Central Florida Bureau Chief Jeremy Williams was named Watermark’s new Editor-in-Chief July 13. He began working for Watermark as a Central Florida sales account manager in 2013 and joined Watermark’s editorial team in 2015.

Virtual SHows Osceola Arts announced its production of the musical “Once on this Island,” originally slated for the live stage in March, will be filmed and streamed online at scheduled times from July 31-Aug. 9. For more information, showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit OsceolaArts.org or call 407-846-6257.

Cancellations 1

The Continental Pageantry System cancelled its Miss Continental Plus 2020 pageant due to COVID-19, extending Miss Darcel Stevens’ 2019 reign through April 2021.

Closures Wahlburgers closed its final Central Florida restaurant at Waterford Lakes due to the COVID-19 pandemic July 17. The burger joint closed down its downtown Orlando location last month.

POSTPONEMENTS 4

BABY MINE: Joshua Orsini-Collins (L) and Michael Patrick Huntington Orsini-Collins, aka Twila Holiday, introduce the world to their new baby, Addilyn Lee. Photo

courtesy the Orsini-Collins

2 7

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY: One Orlando Alliance members, in a partnership with The Salvation Army’s Orlando Area Command, load 200 boxes of fresh food to be distributed to the local community July 14. Photo courtesy One Orlando Alliance

LEADERS LEADING: (L-R) Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, City Commissioner Regina Hill and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando aat the painting of the Black Lives Matter mural June 26. Photo courtesy Patty Sheehan

KNOW YOUR STATUS: Roxy Santiago catches a selfie with Bliss CARES’ COVID-19 testing area at The Center in Orlando July2.

HEROES WEAR MASKS: Singer Billy Mick shows off his colorful Universal mask as he shops in Orlando July 17.

Photo courtesy Billy Mick

AWARD WINNER: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani with her Champion for Equality award from The Center Orlando for the 8th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, which went digital this year due to COVID-19, June 28. Photo

courtesy Anna V. Eskamani

VETERAN PRIDE: Orlando VA LGBT+ Veteran Care Coordinator Keri Griffin during the socially-distanced, drive-thru Pride Month celebration at the Vet Center in Orlando June 27. Photo courtesy Keri Griffin

VIRTUAL CONCERT: Brandon Martin speaks before the start of the Orlando Gay Chorus’ virtual livestream concert, “Rainbow Vision,” July 8.

Screenshot from YouTube

Winter Park Playhouse announced July 13 that its 2020 shows will be moved to 2021, making its next season’s start date Jan. 22.

Local Birthdays Echo Interaction Group founder and CEO Carlos Carbonell, ACLU communications manager Baylor Johnson (July 23); former Watermark intern Andrew Ramos (July 24); Bliss CARES executive director Juan Rodriguez (July 25); Watermark’s business manager Kathleen Sadler, Regional manager for Grey Goose vodka David Chase Harding III (July 28); House of Adonis’ Josh Walker, Dance instructor William Merchante, Former MBA president Nayte Carrick (July 29); Masks the People’s Bobby Hermida, PomPom’s manager Kerrie Finn, Watermark’s founder and guiding light Tom Dyer (July 30); Actress Elizabeth Murff, Orlando Realtor Danny Veal, Central Florida violinist Michelle Jones, Amazon’s Michael Vacirca, Savoy owner Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn, performer Donal Noonan, Real Entertainment 4 U CEO Kirk DaVinci (July 31); Stonewall Orlando bartender James Costello (Aug. 1); Central Florida performer Josh Roth (Aug. 2); dynamite derby girl Kiersten Taylor (Aug. 3); Sky 60-Niners slugger Donnie McCammon (Aug. 4); Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Mike Eghbal, Central Florida environmental activist Eric Rollings, Parliament House bartender Drew Bracker (Aug.5).

Photo by Roxy Santiago

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa

ba y

Accountant

M ar k etplace

financial services

community Join your local LGBT Chamber, as we are the premier advocates for the Tampa Bay Area’s LGBT business community.

ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. As a member of the LGBTQ+, I have a deep understanding of the financial challenges we face − and of the solutions that can help meet those challenges. Call me today and let’s discuss how you can meet those THEchallenges, UNIQUEtoo. FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE

ADDRESSING LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY.

Joe Patneaude

Advisor, PrudentialofAdvisors As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have a Financial deep understanding the financial Thehelp Prudential Company of America challenges we face — and of the solutions that can meetInsurance those challenges. Office: 813-520-4169 Call me today and let’s discuss howADDRESSING you can meet those challenges, too.NEEDS OF THE THE UNIQUE FINANCIAL Cell: 727-482-8891 LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY.

Joe Patneaude As a member of the LGBTQ+ I have a deep understanding of the financial Fax: community, 813-287-9336 challenges we face — and of the solutions that can help meet those challenges. Financial Advisor, Prudential Advisors Call me today and let’s discuss how you can meet those challenges, too. joe.patneaude@prudential.com The Prudential Insurance Company of America www.prudential.com/advisor/joseph-patneaude Joe Patneaude Phone: 813-520-4169 Financial Advisor, Prudential Advisors Fax: 813-287-9336 The Prudential Insurance Company of America Phone: 813-520-4169 Mobile: 727-482-8891 Fax: 813-287-9336 joe.patneaude@prudential.com Mobile: 727-482-8891 joe.patneaude@prudential.com www.prudential.com/advisor/joseph-patneaude www.prudential.com/advisor/joseph-patneaude

www.diversitytampabay.org

Prudential Advisors is a brand name of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries. Offering investment advisory services through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), doing business as Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to separate client agreement. Offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco, and an agent of issuing

Prudential Advisors is a brand name of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and itsPrudential, subsidiaries. investment services PrucoFinancial, Securities, (Pruco), doing business as worldwide. insurance companies. the PrudentialOffering logo, the Rock symbol and Bringadvisory Your Challenges are servicethrough marks of Prudential Inc., andLLC its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to separate client agreement. Offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco, and an agent of issuing 1015493-00002-00 insurance companies. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. 1015493-00002-00

Coworking

Attorney Immigration Law

framing

Attorney Alison M. Foley-Rothrock se habla Español!

Residential • Commercial

Offering All Types Of Immigration Services

Dan Fiorini 2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete (727)344-1000

Call today for your FREE CONSULTATION Offices in Lakeland and Ybor City, Tampa 813-424-0652 www.foleyimmigrationlaw.com

Crossroads Center next to Ross

hotels + Resorts

Attorney PROUD SPONSOR of the St. Pete LGBT Welcome Center SPECIALIZING IN: PERSONAL INJURY • AUTO ACCIDENTS ESTATE PLANNING

Lindsey Sheppy, Esq.

Main office St. Petersburg // 727-895-7932 // www.GBYAssociates.com

Community

financial coaching

FUTUREHOPE COACHING Live Your Ideal Values

Call today for a FREE Introductory Session! 702-521-7220 sarahshirley@gmail.com The Rev. Sarah Shirley Financial Coach & Spiritual Director

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

- Couples Money Communication - Debt Free Living - Financial Freedom - Designing Your Legacy

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa

ba y

Notary Services

M ar k etplace

Real Estate

Live. Really live.

We can show you where.

Rainbow Notary & Nuptials Network Florida Mobile Notaries & Officiants

PREFERRED PROPERTIES of Sarasota, Inc.

Lic. Real Estate Brokerage

notaryrainbow@gmail.com - Find us on Facebook! Orlando Tampa Bay Jacksonville St. Augustine

321-439-8141 702-521-7220 904-333-7311 904-566-9164

- Notarization of Important Documents - Personalized Wedding Ceremonies - Marriage Preparation Education - House, Pet & Boat Blessings

Bri Hays, Broker Kris Kesling-Hays, Broker (941) 321-7772 www.PrefHomes.net (941) 321-5638

photography

Recovery Services

Serving Manatee & Sarasota counties

Intervention Success SPECIALIZING IN LGBTQ ISSUES TA M PA B AY - O R L A N D O - M I A M I

A radical approach with proven success in dealing with addiction and co-occuring disorders:

stephen@interventionsuccess.com www.interventionsuccess.org

Stephen B Timmer JD, CIP, CAI-II

200 104th Ave., Suite 312 St. Petersburg, FL 33706

Director/CertiďŹ ed Interventionist

312-771-3664

Veterinarian

Fine Art | Portrait | Wedding | Commercial www.DylanToddPhotography.com info@DylanToddPhotography.com (727) 310-1212

youth services

/WatermarkFL @WatermarkOnline /WatermarkOnline

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Call 813-655-9890 for more information

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

C entral

accountant

F lorida

M ar k etplace

Aids organization

Attorney

TESTING AND TREATMENT MADE SIMPLE AND EASY 4122 Metric Drive, #800 Winter Park, Florida 32792 407.645.2577 hopeandhelp.org

We make people healthier.

accountant

Air conditioning

Cleaning

407-295-9231

www.4seasonsair.net

MARRIAGE & DOMESTIC PARTNER PLANNING PERSONAL/BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION, e-ﬁle QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED PROADVISOR®

The A/C Company you wish you called first.

We have the perfect deal on

Leah eah G. James, CPA, MSTax

Judy L. Hines, CQA, CPB, CPS, CAP 407.478.4513 • ContactUs@geckoCPA.com

PERFECT AIR for your home

Accountant

Personal Returns from

$89

Call for an appointment

407.923.4000

Stephen E. Roberts Professional Accounting and Tax Services 2180 N. Park Ave. Suite 220 Winter Park, FL 32789

FL License#: CAC056308

attorney

Up to $1700

in Rebates plus additional utility company incentives on qualified units.

Counseling

Individual, Corporation, and Partnership Put 30+ years of experience to work for you. Confidentiality Guaranteed. Tax Preparation Immediate appointments Taxes prepared while you wait!

If this were your ad,

thousands of readers

@WatermarkOnline

would have just seen it. Call for rates

/WatermarkOnline 34

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

407-481-2243 July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

C entral

F lorida

M ar k etplace

Furneral Services

Counseling

health + Fitness

Discount Nutrition Center Serving Orlando for 24 years

Funeral Services

.Vitamins .Herbs .Dietary .Sports

We will match or beat local prices!

407-207-0067 M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6 www.NMFbody.com

Crystal Lake Plaza 3074 Curry Ford Rd.

Between Conway Rd. & Bumby Ave.

Come see Dave, Ed & Staff for a Free Consultation! Home Improvement

Counseling

Garden + Nursery

CITY OASIS 407-435-9995

Your Downtown Garden Shop 407-898-8101 1214 N. Mills Ave. Orlando Mention Watermark and Save!

financial services

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

Member Board of Directors - Orlando Gay Chorus

OďŹ&#x192;ce: 407-562-1900

Mobile: 407-942-3366 Wayne@DictorFinancial.com

801 International Parkway, Suite 500 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Securities oďŹ&#x20AC;ered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPIC

Exterior and Interior Shutters Custom Blinds - Shades - Draperies

Exotic Orchids, Bonsai, Ornamentals, Tropical Plants

Julie Rose (407) 949-1969

Full Service Interior Design and Maintenance Free Estimates, Prices start as low as $99/mo

620 Douglas Ave Suite 1302 Altamonte Springs Fl. 32714 email: web:

jrose@SuperiorCustomShutters.com www.SuperiorCustomShutters.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

C entral

F lorida

Insurance

M ar k etplace

LGBT Medical

Optometrist

Medical

personal training

Are eligible to Are you eligible switch switch your your Medicare Medicare coverage? coverage? Kathleen Donnelly

Licensed Sales Representative

407-414-6133, TTY 711

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Insurance Company one of its affiliated Advantage organization withor a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with companies, a Medicare Advantage Medicare. organization with a Medicare contract. SPRJ27925A Enrollment in the plan depends on the Y0066_160721_094120 Accepted 0027FAF6

plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. SPRJ27925A Y0066_160721_094120 lawn Accepted care 0027FAF6

www.rockhardfitnessorlando.com

FREE TRIAL PASS 1 WEEK UNLIMITED CLASSES 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING 820 Lake Baldwin Lane p. 407.802.4631

photography

Legal Services

LIE DETECTION * TRUTH VERIFICATION * Corporate, Criminal/Civil, Immigration Exams Only Social Distance Testing Procedures in Place Orlando FL (407)583-4080 CJA Lie Detection Services

Tampa FL (813)902-3275 www.LieDetectionFL.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Fine Art | Portrait | Wedding | Commercial www.DylanToddPhotography.com info@DylanToddPhotography.com (727) 310-1212

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

C entral

Open 7 Days a Week!

BOARDING

DOGGIE DAYCARE

NEW WELLNESS CENTER

ES NG

YOUTH youth SERVICES services Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 25 years Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk counties

• Join • Volunteer • Donate

info@orlandoyouthalliance.org www.orlandoyouthalliance.org

READ IT ONLINE!

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

Proudly Caring for the Pets and People of the LGBTQ Community since 1955

Read It Online!

M ar k etplace

veterinarian

E T P L1601 A CLee E Rd. Winter Park (407) 644-2676

F lorida

Head to WatermarkOnline.com Call for Rates and click 407-481-2243 on the Digital Publications link to a read a watermark Your LGBTQ life. digital version of the

Drop in and get your FREE PASS today. Includes a full week of unlimited classes and a one-hour personal training session. NO CONTRACTS • NO HIGH-PRESSURE SALES • EVERYONE WELCOME

DROP IN OR CALL • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 407-802-4631 • 820 Lake Baldwin Lane ROCKHARDFITNESSORLANDO.com Five-Star Rating on Facebook, Google and Yelp

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

wedding bells

Bill and Jeremy Kody from St. Petersburg, Florida

Engagement Date:

Feb. 3, 2020

Wedding Date:

July 3, 2020

Wedding Venue:

Gay St. Pete House

Wedding Caterer:

Domino’s Pizza

Couple’s Song: Lauren Daigle, “You Say”

Reception Venue:

Old Key West Bar & Grill

Reception Caterer:

Old Key West Bar & Grill

Officiant:

Lisa Waters

Full Reception:

Spring 2021

hen Bill and Jeremy

Kody met in Michigan eight years ago, they knew immediately that they were meant to be together. They were so sure that they decided to move to Florida together on their first date.

“When you know, you know,” Jeremy says. Both had just ended relationships when they connected on a dating site. “We were looking for something serious and went to a serious dating site as opposed to other ones,” Bill recalls. Even before they met, Jeremy warned Bill that he had plans to head south. He had spent some time in the Kissimmee area as a child and dreamed of getting back to Florida. “I just loved it,” Jeremy says. “I had a great time there as a kid and I was done with winter. I was done with

Michigan. I wanted to wipe the slate clean and go where nobody knew me, where I had no history and could create my own history.” He adds, “And what turned out to be our history.” Bill was also ready for a change. In addition to his change in relationship status, he had also just lost his job. “I knew I could face some hardship in coming months, and I was in the right spot in my life,” he says. He had also, separately, been considering an out-of-state move, but hadn’t decided where. Then, he met Jeremy, who asked him

to consider moving to the Tampa Bay area before they had even finished their first meal together. Before they met in person, the pair clicked over text and knew they had a special connection. This feeling was solidified the second they laid eyes on each other. “Once we met, we were both kind of feeling it,” Jeremy says. “We both like similar things. Everything just kind of fit.” Bill adds, “When you can talk about ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Star Trek’ on the first date, it’s a good thing.” After that first date Aug. 28, Jeremy moved into Bill’s home as they planned their move. They left for Florida April 4, earlier than planned, because Bill hoped to find more work as a DJ there. In Michigan, the industry was impacted by the seasons and he was having difficulty finding gigs because of the bad weather. “My

expectations were that down here it was more year-round,” he says. They initially found a rental in New Port Richey but felt the pull of St. Petersburg. Not long after moving to the region, Bill was hired to DJ for The Birchwood’s grand opening in downtown St. Petersburg. This was a fortuitous gig for the couple. At The Birchwood, they befriended Brian Longstreth, owner of Gay St. Pete House, and others. Jeremy also stumbled upon a hiring event and went on to work for the hotel. They fell in love with St. Petersburg – its diversity, its independently owned shops and restaurants, its charm – and moved there once their temporary three-month rental in New Port Richey was up. For years, they lived happily in the Sunshine City as Bill built up his DJ business and they

involved themselves in the community. They stumbled a bit, though, and last year, they split for a period. Bill knew they would always get back together, though. “I always knew I still loved him,” he says. Jeremy adds, “Just like any relationship, we had our ups and downs.” They reconnected in mid-January and by Feb. 3 they were engaged to be married. They dreamed of marrying in front of at least 50 of their friends and family. However, weeks after they began planning their wedding the pandemic hit. Many businesses closed and large gatherings were forbidden as the economy came to a standstill. They scaled their wedding down – Bill’s daughter and a couple of close friends were ultimately the only ones on the final guest list – and they forged ahead. They were married July 3 in a quickie ceremony at the Gay St. Pete House. Afterwards, they put out an informal invitation for friends in the area to celebrate with them safely – outdoors and socially distanced – at the area’s Old Key West Bar & Grill. They plan to host a larger reception once the pandemic has passed. “It was very different,” Bill says. “I’m a wedding DJ. I’ve seen a thousand weddings and the neat thing about ours it that it’s very memorable. We were there at the Gay St. Pete House with our masks on, on top of a hot tub signing our paperwork, staying away from other guests. It was definitely memorable.” — Tiffany Razzano

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

July 2 3 - Augus t 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.15 wat e r m a r konline .com