Watermark Issue 27.16: They Know Joe

Your LGBTQ Life.

August 6 - 19, 2020 • Issue 27.16

THEY KNOW

JO

Florida LGBTQ, ally delegates back Biden at virtual convention

The Center Orlando awarded $250K grant

Progressive Pride mural finished in St. Petersburg

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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20 Min Results Walk-Ins Welcome

SHERIFF

JOHN MINA IS BUILDING A

FAIRER JUSTICE SYSTEM

TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES

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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

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

departments 7 // Publisher’s Desk 8// Central Florida News 11// Tampa Bay News 14// State News 15// Nation & World News 21// COVID-19 Resources 23// Talking Points 37// Tampa Bay Out & About 39// Central Fl Out & About 40// Tampa Bay Marketplace 42// Central Fl Marketplace 46// Wedding Bells

page

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Joe Biden supports our LGBTQ youth from discrimination, harassment and bullying; he will protect approximately 75,000 LGBTQ Dreamers by reinstating the DACA program and he’ll work towards legal options for their families to remain together.

—LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Diversity and Inclusion Director Vivian Rodriguez

On the cover

page They Know

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Joe: Florida LGBTQ,

ally delegates back Joe Biden at this year’s virtual Democratic National Convention.

Image of 2012 DNC courtecy Democratic National Convention Committee Image of Joe Biden, courtesy Biden for President Design by Dylan Todd

In issue 27.15, “Dry State,” Stonewall Orlando was reported as removing an employee when he tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was actually removed from Stonewall’s schedule 11 days prior to testing positive due to the employee’s second job not requiring masks to be worn. This has been corrected in the online version of the story and we regret this error.

scan qr code for

WatermarkOnline.com

page Blended Festival:

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10 LGBTQ-themed films make their way to the Florida Film Festival’s reimagined fest.

Watermark Issue 27.16 // August 6 - 19, 2020

Pride Proposal

Inclusive Resource

Desperate Dosev

Michele’s Musings

page Come Out With Pride moves forward with a different kind of parade.

page Plus Project awards more than $50K in LGBTQ-focused grants.

page

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

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14

Cris Dosev uses transphobic attack ad in GOP House primary.

17

Michele Rayner talks about being a leader who will fight for everyone.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WatermarkOnline and Like us on Facebook. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

Publisher’s

Rick Claggett PUblisher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

’m exhausted. For weeks now I

haven’t felt rested. I can sleep for 10 hours and wake up feeling like I just shut my eyes. I thought maybe I had just overextended myself with some home improvement projects. A few nights of eight plus hours of sleep dispelled that theory. Then I thought maybe it was COVID.

After four negative test results I gave up on that idea. Shortly after I was reminded that I have an auto-immune disease and that probably plays a big role in my current situation, but I think maybe it’s more that this country has gone mad and I’ve just hit my limit.

I am an alcoholic and I’m grateful for every day I have been sober, the past 1,768 days as of press time to be exact.

I measure this success one day at a time because that’s the process.

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Although relapse is always a possibility, I’ve never been concerned that a catastrophic event would lead me there. I have

an ability to handle the big stuff, to remain calm and work toward a solution. I can’t change a pandemic so I focus on what I can do to keep a small business alive. If I fail I know I did everything possible. That’s the easy part.

The hard part is the little things that creep up, wearing you down time after time. I see it happening all around me. Depression, anger and anxiety seem to replace understanding and decency. Social media had become a necessary evil; necessary because it provides such an easy way to communicate in a time of isolation and evil because it’s become a breeding ground for disturbing behavior and vile

exchanges of words. I’ve turned into a virtual old man and Facebook has become my lawn. I scroll through my feed shaking my head as if to yell “get off my lawn!”

So what has me yelling today?

The biggest issue is Black Lives Matter. The acceptable response to the statement Black lives matter is yes, they absolutely do — because they absolutely do. That is all there is to it.

Saying Black lives matter does not negate the existence of other lives nor does it encourage people to hate the police. It’s a movement against police brutality and systemic racism. Yes, systemic racism does exist all around us. I just watched a video of a Conway-based Orlando woman screaming racial slurs at lawn care workers. It’s real. Why do we, as a society, pretend this is up for debate? Get off my lawn!

Why do we also pretend Donald Trump is fit to be president?

Are we seriously being asked to follow the words of a doctor who believes in demon sperm?

Why does his acceptance of this doctor not immediately negate his awesomeness from being able to recite “person, woman, man, camera, TV?” How does this not disqualify him from being our leader? He has now demeaned the expert advice of the doctors on his task force and defended the demon sperm doctor. I’m over it. I will not listen to this craziness anymore.

This is lunacy. He is a lunatic. Get off my lawn!

Mail-in ballots are used all the time. Two states allow for all mail-in voting. They seem to be doing just fine. Guess which party has more registered voters? Guess which party stands to lose more when more people vote? So who is the real fraud? Here’s a hint: it’s not mail-in votes. Get off my lawn!

Now it is important for me to mention I am not on the verge of a relapse and Watermark is not in

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

any more financial trouble than expected in a time like this. We are going strong. At times I feel the weight of the world but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. In the above mentioned video of the racist rant from a local Karen, there was overwhelming support coming to the lawn care workers from her neighbors. Rumor has it the woman broke a neighbor’s window and was arrested.

The brightest light is the possibility of a cultural change.

President Joe Biden will foster that change. Any day he will announce

I’ve turned into a virtual old man and Facebook has become my lawn.

I scroll through my feed shaking my head as if to yell ‘get off my lawn!’

his pick for his vice president, possibly before this article hits the stands. My hope for the election is that we will embrace his pick.

I hope she will become the 47th president of the United States. Stay hopeful. Stay on my lawn!

In this issue the Democratic National Convention goes virtual and we check in with the large number of local LGBTQ delegates casting their votes for the Democratic presidential nominee.

In Central Florida news we check in with Come Out With Pride and its plan for an amazing pride celebration. In Tampa Bay News the Project Plus grants nearly $55,000 to local LGBTQ non-profits.

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

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

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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

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Michele Rayner is

a community advocate and candidate for Florida House District 70. She has served as an assistant public defender and legislative aide. Pg 17

Gina Duncan is

Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality and currently chairs TransAction Florida’s Advisory Council and Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Initiative. Pg 19

Lora Korpar is

a journalism student at the University of Central Florida and a former Watermark intern. She plans to graduate in Spring 2020. Page 46 Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

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

distribution LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, Vanessa Maresca-Cruz CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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central florida news

GayDayS postpones events until 2021 Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | GayDayS is on the move again.

After initially postponing its scheduled June 2020 events to Halloween weekend due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual celebration is again postponed until June 2021.

“Our concern for the health and safety of our partners, guests, vendors, sponsors and staff is of utmost importance,” GayDayS President Chris Alexander-Manley said in a statement.

GayDayS, which announced in April that their events would be moved to Oct. 27-Nov. 2, will now host their events June 1-7, 2021 with the theme “GayDayS Disco Inferno 2021.”

The news comes days after Universal Studios announced that it would be cancelling its popular Halloween Horror Nights this year.

One Magical Weekend, Girls in Wonderland and Tidal Wave — three groups who also hold events on the first weekend in June in Central Florida every year — had all previously announced that they would be postponing their events until June 2021.

The Center Orlando awarded $250K grant Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center Orlando has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Orange County through the CARES Act. The grant will allow funds to be allocated to those within Central Florida’s LGBTQ community hardest hit

by COVID-19.

“Many of those we serve work in service jobs that have suffered large layoffs and furloughs,” Joel Morales, Director of Operations for The LGBT+ Center, said in a statement. “This can mean the difference for many of becoming homeless or not.”

The grant comes as The Center, Alliance for Safety and Justice, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, QLatinx, Bros in Convo, Contigo Fund and the One Orlando Alliance have been advocating for a portion of CARES Act funding to go to emergency service providers in the community.

In order to help meet these needs, The Center announced it would be hiring a temporary, full-time case manager to assist in housing, food, travel, legal services and scheduling mental health appointments.

The grant-funded position will run through December 2020.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion economic stimulus package passed by Congress last March in response to the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

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PAST PRIDE: Attendees

gather on the COWP parade route in downtown Orlando last year. Photo

by Dylan Todd

Pride Proposal Come Out With Pride moving forward with distanced parade Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Come Out With Pride (COWP) announced that this October’s annual Pride celebration would be a combination of socially distanced and virtual events. The announcement was made during a Facebook Live event July 23.

COWP board president Jeff Prystajko says that while the Pride parade will look very different, it is still going to happen.

“One of the things we said is that virtual events are great, and those are still going to be an aspect of what we’re doing this year, but I think a lot of us miss that feeling of unity from Pride that we’ve come to experience in the past,” Prystajko says.

This year’s Pride parade, scheduled for Oct. 10, will be a 15-plus-mile long car parade through Orlando.

“We saw a lot of this online over the past few months with birthdays, graduations and other types of events; so we said what if

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

we did that but then super-sized it?” Prystajko says.

While the specific route has not been revealed yet, Prystajko says the Pride caravan will go by a lot of LGBTQ establishments, local landmarks around the city and will pass through every neighborhood.

“We know it’s not going to be the same but we are still going to have a lot of decorated vehicles, a shared playlist so all the cars will be able to blast the same music, so people will know that we are still celebrating,” he says. “We want to make sure that Orlando knows that the LGBTQ+ community is visible and we are still in the fight for equality.”

The parade will still feature grand marshals, to be named at a later date, who will lead the caravan of cars and help to bring focus to several issues and causes that have been in the 2020 spotlight, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the transgender community, particularly Black trans women.

After the parade, COWP’s celebration will head online with what is being called a “Virtual

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

Super-sized Extravaganza.” While COWP has several “Stay In With Pride” virtual events under its belt, Prystajko says the COWP Extravaganza is going to be different from what we saw in those live streams.

“We are going to have a lot of surprises with this one so I can’t spill the beans too much,” he says.

“This one will be less of a live show and more pre-planned and pre-shot performances. We want to make sure that we are going out and including more people in the community, including more local personalities.”

The week of Pride events that COWP began a couple of years ago will continue, but just as with the parade and festival, they will be different than in prior years. “[COWP’s] focus, from an organizational standpoint, will be looking at what we are doing on that Saturday,” Prystajko says. “We will be partnering with other organizations for that week to bring more events to the community.”

It is still early in the process so many events are not confirmed yet, but Zebra Coalition’s popular Drag Race 5K will be back as a virtual run. Other possible events include smaller, socially-distanced gatherings and a drive-in movie night.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on COWP’s events, visit ComeOutWithPride.com.

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

tampa bay news

Progressive Pride street mural completed in St. Petersburg Ryan Williams-Jent

S COMMUNITY CARE: The Plus

Project board members at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay in Tampa. Photo

courtesy The Plus Project

Inclusive Resource Plus Project awards more than $50K in LGBTQ-focused grants Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA | The Plus Project announced the first recipients of its philanthropic efforts July 21, awarding $54,900 in grants to Tampa Bay nonprofits.

The grants were presented in partnership with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, which has awarded more than $230.5 million in funds since 1990. It began administering the Plus Project’s donor-advised LGBTQ fund after its official 2019 launch.

The $54,900 was collected from donors in a process that concluded for recipients earlier this year. The Plus Project invited nonprofits to apply for grants through April 30, seeking applicants “that are addressing or plan to address current, emerging and/or unmet needs with regard to the LGBTQ+ community.”

The first round’s recipients were revealed during a virtual presentation. Grants were given to Community Tampa Bay, Metro Inclusive Health, Equality Florida,

Youth Improvement Services, Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) and the League of Women Voters.

“The Plus Project is so grateful to the many donors – one time, ongoing and legacy participants, that have made this moment possible,” the organization shared.

“The timing could not be more relevant – the need more insistent.”

The ceremony began with Board Chair Larry Biddle, who reflected on the Plus Project’s purpose. “We’re delighted that we have such a great group of organizations,” he shared. “The Plus Project was created by and for the LGBTQ community. These awards will reflect our basic goals which are inclusiveness, impact and innovation.”

Vice Chair Jennifer Yeagley further detailed the work of the Plus Project Grants Committee, which chose recipients. “The Plus Project exists to provide funding to organizations that are serving folks in the LGBTQ+ community, and in particular, those individuals who may be particularly marginalized even within that community,” she said. “People who are Black and

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

brown, people who identify as transgender, youth, seniors and others who maybe aren’t always in the forefront or whose voices aren’t always amplified.

“We wanted to make sure that decision makers ... reflected those communities,” Yeagley continued.

“I’m very proud to say that our grants committee, who was empowered to make decision for where this funding would go, in fact is very representative of the community that we are serving.”

The Plus Project subsequently introduced representatives from each organization receiving a grant. Speakers included Community Tampa Bay Executive Director Tammy Briant, Metro Inclusive Health Director of Development James Keane, Equality Florida Grant Writer Hal Trejo, Youth Improvement Services Executive Director Deroll Barrett, EPIC Generations Program Coordinator Susan Talbott and League of Women Voters Operations Director Julia Sharp.

The representatives detailed their respective organization’s LGBTQ-focused efforts which will benefit from the grants. They include Metro’s virtual LGBTQ+ youth summer camp and EPIC Generations’ elder-focused Friendly Caller program.

Watch the full ceremony and learn more about each recipient at WatermarkOnline.com. For more information about the Plus Project and Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, visit ThePlusProject.org and CFTampaBay.org.

T. PETERSBURG | LGBTQ community activists, allies and artists completed the community funded Progressive Pride street mural July 29 in the Grand Central District.

The mural is located at 25th St. and Central Ave., the birthplace of St Pete Pride. The organization announced the project June 26, which would have marked its 18th annual celebration, and exceeded its fundraising goal of $7,000 just two weeks later on July 10.

A total of $7,690 was raised for the project, 100% of which covered the mural’s installation and will fund forthcoming maintenance. The design features the 11 colors featured on the Progress Pride Flag, which expands on the widely-circulated Pride flag’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet to include black, brown, white, pink and light blue.

The additional colors represent the more marginalized members of the LGBTQ community, people of color and those who are transgender. The installation began July 29 around 7 p.m. and was overseen by LGBTQ area artist Andrea Pawlisz of the Fresh Art Studio.

Pawlisz was joined by a small number of painters, a requirement to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions.

Fellow fan favorite artists including Thompson Kellett, Chad Mize, Bob Ribits and Jim Woodfield participated, as well as representatives from Come OUT St Pete and St Pete Pride.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, a longtime LGBTQ ally, also painted alongside St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon.

“It is important that we recognize the LGBTQ community and the Grand Central District for their contributions in making our city a diverse and welcoming community,” Nixon says. “But we cannot do that without recognizing the intersections within the LGBTQ+ community, honoring LGBTQ+ people of color – whose activism inspired the very first Pride – as well as different gender identities.

“The Grand Central District was the birthplace of St Pete Pride and the original Gayborhood in St Pete,” he continues. “Having a pride street mural at 25th Street and Central Ave. anchors its history and celebrates the vision that in St. Pete we recognize that our differences – what we look like, who we pray to, who we love – that’s what makes our country great. That’s what makes St. Pete shine.”

The City of St. Petersburg also shared a video of the street mural after its completion via social media.

“St. Pete is a city of love + inclusion,” officials wrote, “where diversity is celebrated! The LGBTQ+ community not only strengthens our city, they also make a huge contribution to life in our city. It is important for us to honor the rich diversity of that community.”

For more information about the mural and to view a full photo and video gallery of its installation, visit WatemarkOnline.com.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

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 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

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(bik-TAR-vee)

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

HUGO LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

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KEEP CONNECTING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

4/27/20 1:25 PM

13

state news

Florida police chief to retire after alleged homophobic remarks Wire & Staff Report

D

AVIE, Fla. | A South Florida police chief has announced his retirement months after an investigation into alleged remarks he made about the coronavirus death of openly gay Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Shannon Bennett.

Davie police Chief Dale Engle told town officials that he plans to retire on Sept. 3, the South Florida SunSentinel reported. He has been on paid leave for three months and will continue to be paid until he retires.

Engle was accused of saying Broward Sheriff’s school resource officer Bennett died because of his lifestyle. Engle told the SunSentinel July 21 he didn’t make the remark.

Engle was placed on leave shortly after the state’s Fraternal Order of Police filed a complaint against him.

He said Davie officials didn’t pressure him to retire and that he is leaving on his own with no pressure from the city.

Engle had been with the department for more than two decades. Officials asked retired chief Patrick Lynn to return to lead the department after Engle was placed on leave.

The announcement follows Equality Florida’s demand that Engle be terminated. The organization sent a letter to Broward officials July 8.

“Equality Florida is aware of the investigation of Davie Police Chief Dale Engle for his homophobic remarks during a patrol briefing on April 7, 2020.

Multiple sources report that in that briefing Chief Engle outrageously asserted Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Shannon Bennett died of COVID-19 because of his homosexual lifestyle,” wrote Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer.

“In these challenging moments, we need our leaders and public servants to be standing with us, not demonizing us,” he continued. “Deputy Bennett was a treasured member of the LGBTQ community and dedicated his career to ensuring the most vulnerable individuals in our society could find safety and support.

The offensive comments attributed to Chief Engle robbed Deputy Bennett, and all LGBTQ people, of the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The letter was addressed to Town of Davie Administrator Richard J. Lemack and copied Davie Mayor Judy Paul as well as city council members Bryan Caletka, Caryl Hattan, Susan Starkey and Marlon Luis.

Bennett was the first law enforcement officer in Florida to die from COVID-19. He had been in Chicago with friends to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day days before falling ill. He died April 3.

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House candidate uses transphobic attack ad Jeremy Williams

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ris Dosev, a Marine veteran running against state Rep. Alex Andrade in Florida’s District 2 Republican primary, released a TV ad July 21 filled with transphobic attacks and labeled Andrade as “Angry Alex.”

The 30-second TV spot states Andrade “constantly attacks veterans, bullies mothers and grandmothers and, worst of all, sponsored a gay rights bill that paves the way for men to play on girls’ sports teams and men to go in girls’ bathrooms.”

The “gay rights bill” Dosev’s ad is referencing is the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA) which would grant nondiscrimination protections in housing, employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity statewide.

“This outrageous transphobia is a desperate move, even for Dosev,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida Public Policy Director, in a statement. “Dosev is trying to score cheap political points off the backs of minorities because he’s being dogged by ethics complaints and allegations of violating federal trademark law for erroneously implying endorsement from groups that don’t support him.”

Complaints were filed earlier this month against Dosev with the Division of Elections and the state Ethics Commission. According to Florida Politics, a Destin resident filed a complaint stating Dosev failed to report interests in private businesses worth $184,465.

He also filed a complaint for improper signage.

The attack ad against Andrade’s support of the FCWA failed to mention, in the 2019 Legislative session, the bill had record bipartisan support. A 2019 survey

of conservatives in the state also found that more than half of likely Republican voters favor passing the FCWA. “Dosev is trying to scare voters into supporting him with tactics that are refuted by decades of data. He’s not just out of touch with Floridians; he’s far out of touch with his own voter base,” Maurer said.

Dosev first ran for political office in 2016 when he looked to become a U.S. House representative for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Dosev lost that Republican primary to Congressman Matt Gaetz.

The Florida primary race for the state House seat in District 2 between Andrade and Dosev will be Aug. 18. The winner of that race will face off with Democrat Dianne Krumel in the general election Nov. 3.

that the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization has recognized our race for Senate District 35 a highlight across the State of a Florida.”

Additional endorsements include State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and State Rep. Jennifer Webb, respectively running for re-election in House Districts 49 and 69. Guillermo Smith currently serves as Florida’s first openly-LGBTQ Latinx state legislator and Webb as the first openly-LGBTQ woman to be elected.

HRC also endorsed civil rights attorney Michele Rayner, who could make history as well if elected to represent HD-70. The candidate would become the first openly LGBTQ Black woman to serve in Florida’s State Legislature.

The full list of endorsed candidates in HRC’s first round follows: Shevrin Jones (SD-35), Joshua Hicks (HD-11), Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (HD-49), Rep. Jennifer Webb (HD-69), Michele Rayner (HD-70), Jasmen Rogers- Shaw (HD-95), Javier

Estevez (HD-105) and Ricky Junquera (HD-118).

“Right now, over 770,000 LGBTQ Floridians live in a patchwork of protections,” HRC Associate Regional Campaign Director Ryan Wilson said.

“Driving from Miami to Pensacola, an LGBTQ person would have different rights in every town, city or county they drove through.

“That must change, and while the Bostock ruling has provided some workplace protections, LGBTQ Floridians are still at risk of discrimination in housing, education, public accommodations or businesses,” he continued.

Jones, Rayner, Rogers-Shaw and Estevez have also been endorsed by Equality Florida. The organization’s Action Pac launched its pro-equality primary election voter guide July 22, available to view at EQFL.org/PAC. The organization’s endorsement list currently has more than 80 candidates from 30 counties.

More endorsements are expected prior to the primary election from both organizations.

Florida’s primary election is Aug. 18.

HRC announces first Florida endorsements Ryan Williams-Jent

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he Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced its first slate of endorsements for the Florida State Legislature July 22, eight pro-equality candidates who identify as LGBTQ. “Florida is one of 29 states in the country that lack explicit state-level protections for all LGBTQ people,” the organization shared in a press release. “Of the endorsed candidates, all identify as LGBTQ and all but two are people of color.”

The organization specifically highlighted State Rep. Shevrin Jones who is running to represent Senate District 35. HRC noted that he “would become the first Black queer person elected to the Florida State Senate after he made history becoming the first black queer person in the Florida House of Representatives.”

“The stakes in this race and across this country could not be higher,” Jones subsequently shared via social media. “We don’t have time to go backwards when it comes to equality. I am PROUD

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

nation+world news

Dems vow to push for equality in 2020 platform Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy the National LGBT Media Association

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ows to protect transgender health, pass the Equality Act and undo the anti-LGBTQ policies of the Trump administration are among the LGBTQ highlights of the party platform Democrats have proposed for 2020.

A copy of the draft platform made public in late July reveals the document affords entire paragraphs to addressing LGBTQ issues in addition to weaving LGBTQ people into other aspects of the document.

The Democratic Platform Committee met remotely July 27 to approve the document and adopt amendments, including additional language bolstering support for LGBTQ people. The next step is a vote by convention delegates during the voting period Aug 3-15.

One section with the header “Protecting LGBTQ+ Health” repudiates the recent rule change from the Trump administration enabling health care providers and insurance companies to turn away transgender patients.

“We condemn the Trump administration’s discriminatory actions against the LGBTQ+

community, including the dangerous and unethical regulation allowing doctors, hospitals and insurance companies to discriminate against patients based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,” the draft reads. “Democrats will reverse this rule-making and restore non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people in health insurance.”

It also calls for ensuring LGBTQ people have “full access to needed health care and resources,” including access to PrEP for HIV prevention, hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery. The language also recommits the federal government to beating the HIV epidemic by 2025, taking an implicit knock at the Trump administration for setting 2030 as the target date.

Another section titled “Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights” praises the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling which determined anti-LGBTQ discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, thus illegal in the workplace. It also calls for passage of the Equality Act to prohibit anti-LGBTQ discrimination more extensively.

“We will fight to enact the Equality Act and at last outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in housing, public accommodations, access to credit, education, jury service and federal programs,” the draft says.

Democrats also weaved into other aspects of the draft language

pertaining to the LGBTQ community.

Examples include a commitment to LGBTQ human rights overseas in a section on foreign policy, a nod to LGBTQ homeless youth in a section devoted to ending homelessness and recognition of Planned Parenthood’s care for LGBTQ patients in a paragraph committing to federal funds for the organization.

A detailed list of amendments adopted by the platform committee, as provided to the Washington Blade by the DNC, shows LGBTQ language was added more extensively in a series of amendments. Among the additions was language for a gay blood donation policy based on science, support for LGBTQ elders and recognition LGBTQ people suffer disproportionately from medical health disorders and substance abuse.

In contrast, the Republican Party has simply renewed its 2016 platform. It calls for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, supports widely discredited conversion therapy and repudiates transgender protections under the law.

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a video that the 2020 Democratic draft platform is “the most pro-LGBTQ agenda in the history of the Democratic Party,” but the real work lies ahead on Election Day.

EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli also addressed the news via social media. “EU values and fundamental rights must be respected” by the 27 member countries, she wrote.

Communities can obtain up to 25,000 euros ($29,000) under the EU’s Town Twinning program, which links two or more communities in different nations and supports their joint development programs.

Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro called the rejection decision “unfounded and unlawful” and urged the government to take steps with the EU Commission to reverse it. He argued that under the EU treaties, the national identities of its 27 members and the views of all

citizens should be respected by all European bodies.

Poland’s right-wing government has cast LGBTQ rights as a threat to the country’s traditional Roman Catholic values and national identity.

It opposes same-sex marriages.

Influenced by the positions of Poland’s ruling Law and Justice party, some local authorities have declared their communities “LGBT Free” zones or opposed to the LGBTQ rights movement. The declarations have no legal power or consequences but are seen in the EU as highly discriminatory.

“Discrimination of any kind can never be tolerated in the EU,” the bloc’s justice commissioner Didier Reynders responded.

EU witholds funding from anti-LGBTQ towns Wire Report

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ARSAW, Poland | Six Polish towns that declared themselves as “LGBT Free” zones or banned campaigning for LGBTQ rights had their requests for European Union community funding rejected, an EU spokesman said July 29.

At a news conference in Brussels, Adalbert Jahnz confirmed that the EU turned down six applications from Poland for a program that funds activities to build links between communities in different nations.

He refused to name the towns, citing an EU rule against identifying rejected applicants.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

in other news Rep. John Lewis remembered Officials and organizations reflected on the legacy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis in late July after his death at age 80. Lewis died during his 17th term serving Georgia on July 18 and his funeral was held July 30. LGBTQ rights advocates, who considered him a strong ally, reflected on his commitment to equality in ceremonies and more. “Future generations will learn how he faced down discrimination with courage and defiance, boldly challenging the United States to envision a future where every person, no matter their race, sexual orientation or gender identity, has an equal chance at the American Dream,” the Human Rights Campaign shared.

Anti-LGBTQ Chechnya ruler sanctioned The U.S. placed sanctions on the leader of Russia’s republic of Chechnya July 20 over human rights violations.

International human rights groups have accused Ramzan Kadyrov of abductions, torture and murder. Offenses include a sweeping crackdown on gays in recent years which resulted in more than 100 people arrested, subjected to torture and killed. Chechen authorities have denied the accusations. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed at “extensive credible information that Kadyrov is responsible for numerous gross violations of human rights dating back more than a decade, including torture and extrajudicial killings.” He encouraged U.S. allies to take similar measures.

Fired chief seeks reinstatement A transgender fire chief in Georgia is asking for reinstatement from the City of Byron after her firing June 4, 2019. Rachel Mosby argues that the city administrator had no authority to fire her because she was a department head, noting only the mayor and council can make such a decision. Officials cited Mosby’s failing job performance upon termination. In discrimination lawsuit filed in April and pending in federal court, Mosby alleges that she was fired because of “her sex, gender identity and notions of sex stereotyping.” In late June, city attorneys asked that it be dismissed, claiming Mosby’s allegations “mischaracterize key facts or are outright falsehoods.”

House votes to defund donald trump’s trans ban The Democratic-controlled U.S. House voted July 30 to approve an amendment to defund Donald Trump’s transgender military ban. The measure, introduced

by California Rep. Jackie Speier, was a part of defense spending legislation. Modern Military Association of America Executive Director Jennifer Dane said afterwards that undoing the transgender ban would foster an inclusive military. It marks the third time the House has voted against the ban. The chamber has approved a resolution introduced by Mass. Rep. Joe Kennedy III and a Speier amendment that would reverse it. Language doing so has yet to make it into a final packaged approved by the full Congress.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Michele Rayner

Michele’s

Musings Residents deserve a leader who will fight for everyone

S

urviving in a society

that views Black bodies as inherently violent and unworthy of safety means navigating your Blackness differently based on the circumstances and your environment.

The goal is to make it home safely each day, to ensure that no one sees you as threatening or inconvenient in a way that might leave you harmed.

While it’s a skill most of us have, each time you have to do it you’re minimizing a piece of your humanity to make someone else more comfortable.

Now, add being a woman living in a bigger body who is in a same-gender loving marriage to that equation. You can imagine all the hoops one must jump through just to stay alive and to access things like fair and equal wages, education and protection from law enforcement.

My candidacy in the race for Florida State House District 70 is an extension of my career as an attorney and advocate for social change. I often speak about how those experiences make me qualified to lead in a moment such as this, and I believe that’s true. My lived experiences as a Black queer woman living in Florida have prepared me to lead.

The most effective leaders are those who lead from a place of empathy and compassion – and there’s a particular kind of compassion and empathy that comes from being forced to dance through the

complexities of being queer, Black and a woman. You understand how systemic oppression compounds at the intersections, making people feel like they have to choose what pieces of them are worth protecting or advocating for. You become acquainted with the pain that arises when someone celebrates a part of you they feel is acceptable, while erasing the other pieces as though they had a right to make that decision.

When I started being more vocal about my relationship with my now-wife, someone whom I deeply respect and who touted my career as a civil rights attorney as a credit to our race, told me that “I had ruined my career and my life.” Just for posting about being queer.

After the initial sting wore off, I decided to never let anyone tell me what parts of me had to be erased and which were worthy ever again. I’m inherently worthy.

The full breadth and depth of my humanity matters, and I commit to being the kind of leader who will fight every single day to make sure that anyone living here knows that theirs does too.

Campaigning has illuminated just how far our community still has to go.

This summer, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that members of the LGBTQIA+ community cannot be discriminated against when it comes to employment. However, Florida still lags woefully behind when it comes to protecting queer and trans people, and to date has failed to pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. If elected, I will without question, sponsor or co-sponsor the legislation.

Many politicians have co-opted the language of movements for change and justice in saying that they’ll “center the needs of the most marginalized.”

But in reality that’s a cool

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

way of leveraging the lived experiences of those closest to systemic harms for political gain.

District 70 has a significant population of queer folks who are often overlooked and taken for granted, especially during election season when

shows that most Black trans women don’t live to see the age of 35 because they’re being murdered at alarming rates. We don’t have time to play games.

We need leaders who will act to keep all of us safe, but especially those experiencing the most harm.

politicians swoop in with empty promises and treat our community like the gay best friend in a sitcom. Far too many elected officials try and align themselves as allies, then don’t return until the next election cycle, leaving our communities to advocate for themselves.

We are living with the reality that Black trans women are under attack in this country and right here in our district. Data

Residents deserve a leader who will fight for everyone’s full humanity to be seen and respected.

It is not lost on me that if elected, I would become one of, if not the first, openly Black queer women elected at any level of government in Florida.

I would be honored to serve my community and my state, and would view it as a privilege to legislate from the value-rooted stance

that if Black lives – and specifically Black queers’ lives – are not free, then none of us in the LGBTQIA+ community are free. And if queer and trans folks of all races are not free, then no one is really free. I believe it’s my life’s purpose to work until that day is a reality.

My lived experiences as a Black queer woman living in Florida have prepared me to lead.

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

Michele Rayner is a candidate for the Florida House, District 70 and has served as an assistant public defender and legislative aide. She earned her B.S. in Political Science and International Affairs and M.S. in International Affairs from Florida State University and her J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law. She currently serves as local counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense fund, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Fred G. Minnis Bar Association. Learn more at MicheleForFlorida.com.

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viewpoint

Gina Duncan

Trans Equality Transgender Americans are being murdered. Does anyone care?

I

n the age of the

coronavirus global pandemic, another pandemic quietly continues to sweep our nation with deadly consistency — the killing of transgender Americans.

Each year for decades, 25 to 30 transgender Americans, usually Black trans women, are brutally murdered with regularity — and impunity. These murders are dismissed or ignored by the general population and a majority of state and federal lawmakers.

In 2018, Florida was the epicenter of trans murders. The state led the nation in these horrific crimes as five Black trans women were brutally murdered in Jacksonville, Orlando and Sarasota. So far, in the last three years, at least eight transgender or nonbinary identifying Floridians have been killed.

In the past month alone, a total of five Black transgender women — Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Draya McCarty and Bree Black — have been found dead in four states, bringing the national death toll to at least seven since the beginning of June, a month meant to be a celebration for the LGBTQ community across the country. And, despite numerous policy and protocol resources published by state and national LGBTQ advocacy groups and comprehensive guidance published by the Department of Justice, law enforcement consistently “dead-names” and misgenders the victims, demeaning them in death and impeding their own investigations.

The murder of Bee Love Slater, just outside of Clewiston, Florida, in late 2019 encapsulates the brutal nature of this public health crisis, law enforcement missteps and the complete breakdown of a legal system that is impotent in addressing this epidemic of violence.

Bee Love was reportedly shot multiple times, put in an abandoned car and the vehicle set ablaze. Love’s body was “burned beyond recognition,” said the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. Despite numerous attempts by Equality Florida to provide resources and guidance in reporting transgender murders, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office disregarded calls and emails from the organization

and released a flawed press statement that violated DOJ policy and disrespected the victim in death by using the victims “dead name,” and misgendering her with male pronouns.

When law enforcement commits these egregious errors, it disrespects the victim, erases their true gender identity and impedes their own investigation as the victim is known in the community as their authentic self. These flawed actions breed mistrust and discourage locals from coming forward with vital information. In Bee’s case, as with most others in Florida, the murder was not classified as a hate crime.

In fact, few have been solved and few perpetrators brought to justice. In most cases there is a perception of a lack of law enforcement engagement and energy to solve murders of a population that is often perceived as “less than” and having less human worth due to their gender status. As the sheriff of one of the largest agencies in the country put it, “The problem is, these people choose this lifestyle that puts their lives at risk.”

So, how do we stem the tide of this epidemic of U.S. transgender murders?

First, we must address the root cause of why our transgender sisters are forced into the extremist of measures to survive. And, just as important, we must deter trans violence by increasing the deterrent by codifying Hate Crime legislation in Florida. Many cases of transgender murders follow a similar path. Due to overt discrimination, a trans person falls off the grid. They become destitute and, as a result, often find themselves in harm’s way. Many end up brutally murdered in a desolate place in the middle of the night.

Work must be done to disconnect this cycle of violence by increasing awareness and inclusion of transgender people in the workplace so they do not face overt discrimination and dismissal simply for striving

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

to live an authentic life. We must create a support system during this difficult transitory life experience.

In addition, as a deterrent, we must strengthen the gaps in Florida’s Hate

individual victim. Transgender murders, in most cases, should be classified as hate crimes as they are motivated by hate and violence against a group of people. The HCPA gives the DOJ the power to investigate

and gender identity. Sadly, in Florida, transgender hate crimes are seldom reported due to insufficient training or lack of evidence.

Transgender advocacy groups are frustrated and deflated.

Crime Statute. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA) of 2009 defined that a hate crime occurs when the perpetrator of a crime intentionally selects a victim because of who the victim is.

Hate crimes impact the fabric of our society and fragment communities because they target an entire community or group of people, not just the

and prosecute bias-motivated violence, provides the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions and authorizes them to provide grants to state and local communities to cover the extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Furthermore, the HCPA requires the FBI track statistics on hate crimes based on gender

In this time of national racial unrest and at a point when LGBTQ advocacy is centered in denouncing systemic racism, the issue of trans violence must be an important part of the conversation. The murder of Black transgender women must end.

Black Transgender Lives Matter. But to whom?

[I]n this time of national racial unrest and at a point when LGBTQ advocacy is centered in denouncing systemic racism, the issue of transgender violence must be an important part of the conversation. The murder of Black transgender women must end.

Gina Duncan is Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality.

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

COVID-19 resources

Tampa Bay

Central Florida

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

One TampaFund 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

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

The Pride Chamber’s Bounce Back Orlando is a directory of LGBTQ small businesses in Orlando and the surrounding metro that are open. If you own a small business in the Greater Orlando Metro area you can register your business at the website.

will receive $2,000 checks.

complete manner while funds remain.

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, disaster planning and much more.

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. Some locations are closing without advance notice to adhere to regulations, call for up to date information.

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

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

Use computers or mobile devices to access health care services remotely and manage health care needs. For detailed information about Telehealth and more, visit their website.

Receive access to primary care, counseling, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP via Telehealth. To schedule an appointment, dial ext.

1575. For virtual programming, visit their website.

COVID-19 and antibody testing is available 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.

Testing sites include Gulfview Square Mall at 9409 U.S. Hwy. 19 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. A New Pinellas County site is coming soon.

Community Health Centers CHCPinellas.org | 727-824-8181 Testing is available a walk-in or drive-up only. It is available 5-8 p.m. at the Pinellas Park Center at 7550 43rd St. N. in Pinellas Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Clearwater Center at 707 Druid Rd. E. in Clearwater Thursdays and the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Center at 1344 22ndd St. S. in St. Petersburg. Visit their website for potential changes.

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

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

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 details.

Raymond James Stadium RaymondJamesStadium.com 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 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 CSCF has reopened with limited in-person appointments.

You can also take advantage of the CSCF’s virtual services such as career guidance, resume review, workshops and online learning free of charge.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, FeedHopeNow.org Residents in need of food assistance can visit Second Harvest Food Bank’s online food locator to find a list of feeding partners near their residency. Visit the Second Harvest website to verify location and hours, and call ahead before heading to the location.

SNAP assistance may also be available for you. Call 407-295-2777 Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for more information.

Feed the Need Florida, Facebook.com/ FeedTheNeedFL

TESTING LOCATIONS AFC Urgent Care | AFCUrgentCare.com

United Way of Central Florida, UWCF.org

to a UWCF representative who can help you if you are in need.

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.

For more information, visit FeedTheNeedFL.org or the group’s Facebook page listed above.

Aspire Health Partners, AspireHealthPartners.com, 407-875-3700 ext. 2 Aspire Health Partners is offering a dedicated line to assist residents with mental health concerns related to COVID-19. Residents can call the helpline to be connected with a mental health professional by calling the number above.

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. 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 locations 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.

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.

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 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.

City of Orlando, Orlando.gov/COVID19 The City of Orlando has mobile drive-thru testing every Wednesday, rotating to a new location in the city on each operating day. Locations will

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be announced on a rolling basis. Testing is free of charge and no insurance is needed; however, appointments are required and can be book online or by phone. Testing is available to Orlando residents who are 18 years of age or older and you do not have to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested.

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.

UCF, in partnership with AventusBiolabs, has a non-mobile testing site available by appointment at its main campus. For more information, visit AventusBiolabs.com.

A non-mobile testing site at UCF’s Lake Nona Cancer Center is open by appointment only. For more information, visit UCF.edu.

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843 openly LGBTQ

elected

officials currently

serve across

all 417

levels of government in

the U.S., up from

in June 2016. A record 850 LGBTQ people are running for office this year.

—LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Out For America report

talking points I do think the issue with trans lives — especially in the Black community — doesn’t necessarily lie within racism, but it does lie within prejudice and misogyny, specifically transmisogyny ... We need, in this world, cisgender straight Black men to stand up and say ‘trans lives matter.’

—Bob the Drag Queen in an interview on the podcast “Just the Sip”

Diversity of LGBTQ Characters in Films Declines

L

ast year saw record representation of LGBTQ characters in the 118 films released by major studios, according to a new study by GLAAD. But for the third straight year, the racial diversity of LGBTQ characters has waned and transgender characters again went unseen. GLAAD called the decrease in non-white LGBTQ characters “concerning.” In 2019, 34% of LGBTQ characters were people of color. That’s down from 42% in 2018 and 57% in 2017. For the third year in a row, trans characters were also absent from major studio releases. Overall, GLAAD found higher rates of inclusion than it has in the eight years it’s been tracking studio films. Of the 118 films studied, 22 (18.6%) included LGBTQ characters. That’s a slight increase from 18.2% in 2018. Screen time is also an issue. LGBTQ characters — when included — came and went. Only nine of the 22 films with an LGBTQ character featured one with more than 10 minutes of screen time.

Shea Couleé crowned winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5’

“R

uPaul’s Drag Race” season 9 contestant Shea Couleé has been officially inducted into the Drag Race Hall of Fame after taking the crown on the season finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 5.”

The finale of All Stars 5 aired July 24 on VH1. Couleé has described her drag as being “a love letter to Black women” and said that she wants to use her work as a drag artist to empower Black women.

Couleé is the third Black queen to receive a distinction from the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise in 2020. Jaida Essence Hall was crowned the winner of season 12, while contestant Heidi N Closet won the title of Miss Congeniality on that same season.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Billy Eichner working on Paul Lynde biopic

E

mmy-nominated actor Billy Eichner is currently developing and set to star in a biopic on the life of comedic actor Paul Lynde.

“Man in the Box” will explore the life of Lynde, who rose to prominence in Hollywood for his roles in “Bewitched” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” as well as for being a regular panelist on the game show “Hollywood Squares.” Lynde was never openly gay at the height of his success, but his flamboyant, onscreen persona made him a gay icon long before coming out.

While there is no release date set for “Man in the Box,” a script written by Edwin Cannistraci has been optioned for the film. Eichner and producer Tom McNulty are currently in pre-production.

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Disney+ remembers Howard Ashman in new film

D

isney+ explores the life of Oscar-winning playwright and lyricist Howard Ashman with the release of a new documentary on the streaming platform. “Howard” not only pays tribute to Ashman’s catalogue as a titan of musical theatre and film, but also pulls back the curtain to reveal other aspects of Ashman’s life, such as “his youth in Baltimore, his formative years in New York and his untimely death from AIDS.” Ashman’s collaborations with Alan Menken helped solidify the Disney Renaissance, bringing to life the worlds of “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin,” and winning him six Oscars. Ashman died at the age of 40 from AIDS-related complications.

“Howard” is available to stream on Disney+ starting Aug. 7.

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THEY KNOW

JO

Photo by adam schultz, courtesy biden for president

Florida LGBTQ, ally delegates back Biden at virtual convention Ryan Williams-Jent

T

he Democratic Party is the longest continually-running

political party in the U.S., one that today promises to fight for a better, fairer and brighter future for every American. From school boards to the Oval Office, its leadership works to elect ambassadors of equality during every election cycle throughout the nation.

Its efforts are officially governed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), likewise the longest continually-running committee of its type. It was formed in 1848 during the Democratic National Convention, presidential nominating ceremonies they’ve held every four years since 1832.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nearly 170 years after the committee began administering the conventions in 1852, the in-person gatherings serve as a culmination of the months-long presidential primary process

Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

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| uu | They Know Joe from pg.25

they facilitate, which in 2016 welcomed an estimated 50,000 people to Philadelphia.

Delegates from all 57 U.S. states and territories, including 248 from Florida, vote to officially nominate the Democratic candidate for president and work together to update the party’s platform; the ideas and beliefs which govern it as a whole.

“Democrats are the party of inclusion,” the party’s 2016 platform reads. “We know that diversity is not our problem – it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree. We do not merely seek common ground – we strive to reach higher ground.”

Doing so in 2020, which ahead of the virtual Democratic National Convention Aug. 17-20 has seen more than 158,000 Americans die after contracting COVID-19, meant first ensuring the safety of all participants.

That initially meant postponing the gathering, originally scheduled for July.

“In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds so we can best position our party for a safe and successful convention,” Democratic National Convention Committee CEO Joe Solmonese shared in April. “During this critical time, when the scope and scale of the pandemic and its impact remain unknown, we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of health care professionals and emergency responders.”

By late June, the DNC decided it would move forward in its unprecedented virtual manner. While still anchored in Wisconsin, the 2020 Democratic National Convention would be a “Convention across America,” working to engage and unite more Americans than ever before. That changed Aug. 5, when they opted to protect public health and refrain from traveling to the state.

coastal cause: District 9 delegate and LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Treasurer Beth McMillen (R) is joined by President Stephen Gaskill (3rd from L) and other Space Coast caucus members at Space Coast Pride 2019. Photo courtesy beth mcmillen

Broadcasts and curated content from satellite locations nationwide will culminate in the nomination of former Vice President Joe Biden for president, who secured the 1,991 delegates required to receive it in June. Supporters

the soul of this nation and build a fairer, more united country for us all.”

“From the very beginning of this pandemic, we put the health and safety of the American people first,” DNC Chair Tom Perez shared Aug. 5.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ supporters also campaigned to represent the presidential primary’s second-place finisher, influencing the 2020 platform in an effort to unify the party during this year’s convention.

The winners, 143

Unlike the current administration, Biden stands for the people as opposed to himself. He cares about people; he has empathy, which the current president does not have in any measure.

– central florida’s District 8 Delegate Beth McMillen will virtually join together to adopt the 2020 Democratic Party platform and begin the process for Biden to face Donald Trump in the presidential election Nov. 3.

“Vice President Biden intends to proudly accept his party’s nomination ... and take the next step forward towards making Donald Trump a one-term president,” Biden for President Campaign Manager Jen O’Malley Dillon shared June 24.

“This will be a convention for all Americans who wish to join our mission to win the battle for

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“We followed the science, listened to doctors and public health experts, and we continued making adjustments to our plans in order to protect lives,” he continued. “That’s the kind of steady and responsible leadership America deserves.

And that’s the leadership Joe Biden will bring to the White House.”

Florida’s 248 Democratic delegates certainly believe so, the majority of which ran campaigns within their congressional districts to formally back Biden. Similarly,

District-Level Delegates and 13 District-Level Alternates, were announced after an online election May 14-16. The state’s 47 At-Large Delegates and five At-Large Alternates, as well as 29 Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates, were selected by the party and campaigns May 30. Per Democrat guidelines, at least 15% of those who were elected or chosen openly identify as LGBTQ. “We are thrilled at the LGBTQ+ representation in the Florida delegation for our

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next president, Joe Biden at the convention,” Biden for President National LGBTQ+ Vote Director Reggie Greer tells Watermark. “LGBTQ+ and equality voters in Florida trust Joe Biden, know Joe Biden as a strong ally and will be a critical voting bloc to making sure Donald Trump is a one-term president.”

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus concurs.

The organization has 21 statewide chapters, including in Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, and represents the interests of LGBTQ Floridians as an arm of the state’s Democratic Party.

“The number of LGBTQ delegates elected, coupled with the interest shown by other LGBTQ candidates who ran, demonstrates that our community is organized and energized like never before,” they shared May 22. “LGBTQ voters are a key constituency that will help deliver the White House for Joe Biden and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020.”

While they won’t be leaving Florida to do it, a total of 14 caucus members will virtually join this year’s convention as Biden delegates. That includes Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill, who’s previously attended conventions but never in the capacity as a delegate.

“It’s exciting to be on the other side of it and to be a voting member that gets to help set the platform and the rules,” he says. “We’re just in uncharted territory with how it’s all going to play out.”

The virtual process won’t be the sole difference at this year’s convention. Gaskill says that Democrats coalesced around Biden as the presumptive nominee, one of 27 candidates, much earlier than they had in previous election cycles. He expects that will lead to less division while developing the party’s platform.

“It’s not a surprise that the 2020 primary election was crazy; that’s just where we are now in politics,” Gaskill reflects.

“We had more than two dozen candidates, most of whom were viable, and so many of them dropped out and backed Biden. I don’t think it played

Continued on pg. 29 | uu |

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| uu | They Know Joe from pg.27

out how people expected, but for the most part Democrats got behind him as the best choice to defeat Donald Trump in November.

“We were all pretty much heading in the same direction,” he adds. “I’m sure there are distinctions that will play out between the Biden and Sanders camps, but for the most part I expect they will be minor. Joe Biden is a clear contrast to Donald Trump.”

That contrast is why Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer ran to represent Tampa Bay’s District 13. In addition to his work with the caucus, he’s also the vice president of St Pete Pride, where he founded its annual TransPride March, and a board member of Equality Florida.

He says he’s been appalled by the Trump administration’s targeting of the LGBTQ community and wanted to make a difference however he could.

“I have been a public servant in one way or another for my entire life,” Bruemmer says.

“I hoped my beautiful and diverse community would want me to represent them and I am so honored that they did. The hatred, bigotry, homophobia and transphobia touted by this federal administration are likely the impetus for many LGBTQ Democrats in Florida to participate as delegates.”

Bruemmer had debated running to become a delegate for some time, having noticed very few transgender Americans had done so. The word transgender wasn’t even included in the Democratic Party’s platform until 2016, he notes.

“Marginalized communities often don’t have representation in positions of power or leadership,” Bruemmer says.

“Many problems we face as a nation have disparate impacts on marginalized communities.

When we discuss issues or policies, even benign ones, and no one is at the table to represent – consideration to the needs or potential impacts of a policy can be overlooked, assumed, or even worse, you may even end up harming the

cares about people; he has empathy, which the current president does not have in any measure.”

It’s just one of the many reasons she says the forthcoming election is critical.

“We’ve been fighting so hard, for so long, and so much progress has been made. We can’t watch it be swept away.”

“If Trump wins another term, and has no worries about going through another re-election, he will either push for a third term or there will be no holds barred,” McMillen continues.

“We’ve seen what he’s done so far – if he gets elected again, this is it. We have to vote like Biden is behind.”

That may be harder to do than ever before, LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Campaign Director Susan McGrath adds, which makes it even more critical. McGrath is also the president of the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, the immediate past president of the Pinellas County Democrat Party and joins Bruemmer on the St Pete Pride board and as a planning for victory: Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Campaign Manager Susan McGrath (L) and President District 13 delegate.

Stephen Gaskill attend the organization’s July 2019 conference in Tampa. Photo by kimberly defalco, courtesy stephen gaskill “This is a very scary time for us,” she says. “We’re in employment, housing, public for the Space Coast LGBTA very folks you are hoping to a pandemic and our focus accommodations, public Democratic Caucus. help. Representation at every education and more nationwide. is on the health and safety “I’ve always been very level matters!” of ourselves and our loved While the interested in civil rights and He expects that the party’s ones, compounded with the Democratic-controlled U.S. I have so many friends and principles will reflect that this unemployment and financial House passed the bill May 20, family members who identify year. “I’ve been working with crisis that the country is the Republican-controlled U.S. as LGBTQ,” she says. “This was the transgender delegates to dealing with. We cannot miss the opportunity to exercise our right to vote – because if we don’t have that right, we don’t have our voice. We have to do everything possible to make sure it’s heard.”

She believes that’s why the party easily met its at least 15% LGBTQ delegate threshold.

“Our community is very engaged,” McGrath says. “I think people who have to fight for protections that everyone else already has realize how crucial this is. We pay attention.”

McGrath points toward the – tampa bay’s District 14 Delegate Michael Womack platform of each major political party to highlight another Senate has yet to advance it. the year to step up. I just want provide feedback for the 2020 reason the LGBTQ community Since then, Trump has advised to do everything I can to make platform,” Bruemmer says. “It’s is so involved this year. While the Equality Act is “filled with their lives better.” been really enlightening to be a the Democratic platform seeks poison pills,” whereas Biden McMillen says that means part of the process.” to empower all communities has called it a top legislative actively working to defeat LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and constituencies in need priority, noting he will seek Treasurer Beth McMillen agrees, Trump, who opposes the of protection, she says, the to enact it within his first 100 Equality Act. Once signed into calling her new delegate role Republican platform does days as president. law, it would amend existing a bucket list item. She was the opposite.

“Unlike the current federal civil rights law to elected to represent Central As the two pertain to administration, Biden stands prohibit discrimination on Florida’s District 8, where the LGBTQ community, the for the people as opposed to the basis of sexual orientation she also serves as vice chair himself,” McMillen says. “He and gender identity in

It’s time to stop the nonsense, restore dignity to the Oval Office and deal with the real issues that Americans and LGBTQ people are facing.

Continued on pg. 31 | uu |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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29

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| uu | They Know Joe from pg.29

Republican Party opted to renew its 2016 platform. It calls for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, supports the discredited practice of conversion therapy and attacks transgender protections.

It’s a stark contrast to the forthcoming 2020 Democratic platform, a draft form of which was released July 21. It promises to protect transgender health care, pass the Equality Act and undo the Trump administration’s other anti-LGBTQ policies.

McGrath says that’s why it’s natural for members of the LGBTQ community to gravitate toward the Democratic Party, as well as participate in the delegate and convention process.

“I’m not saying we’re perfect because we all have work to do, but it makes me very proud to be a Democrat and to know that’s where my party stands,” she explains. “It’s one of the things I love about our conventions, you hear so much about the critical work being done in our movement.”

It’s a movement hungry for the LGBTQ-inclusive policies and protections of the Obama-Biden administration, LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Diversity and Inclusion Director Vivian Rodriguez says. In addition to having been elected to represent Central Florida’s District 9 as a delegate, she serves as the outreach director for Congressman Darren Soto, the executive director for the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida and more.

Rodriguez cites Biden’s experience and passion for the civil rights movements of all disenfranchised communities as some of the top reasons she’s eager to nominate him.

As one example of the former vice president’s commitment to the LGBTQ community, she points to his early support of marriage equality.

In 2012, Biden historically became the highest-ranking American official to publicly support same-sex marriage without consulting the White House. Rodriguez notes that “many others thought that the

dedicated delegates: (Left; clockwise) District 14 delegate Michael Womack greets Dr. Jill Biden at the Biden for President campaign office in Tampa ahead of COVID closures in March; District 9 delegate Vivian Rodriguez attends the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia; District 13 delegate Nathan Bruemmer attends the NBC-moderated, first Democratic debate of the 2020 primary cycle in Miami in June 2019. Photos courtesy womack, rodriguez and bruemmer time was not right to advocate for this civil liberty.”

It isn’t strictly Biden’s record that excites Rodriguez about voting for him, however, it’s also his promise to protect the LGBTQ community at large. “Joe Biden supports our LGBTQ youth from discrimination, harassment and bullying, he will protect approximately 75,000 LGBTQ Dreamers by reinstating the DACA program and he’ll work towards legal options for their families to remain together,” Rodriguez shares.

“He will reverse the transgender military ban for our LGBTQ military heroes who risk their lives serving this great country, support affordable health care for millions of Americans in great need and will protect the LGBTQ community from an increase of hate crimes attributing to violent assaults leading to death – especially against our trans women of color,” she continues. “It is

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

up to us – all Americans – to unite and save this country from another four-year Trump presidency.”

Tampa Bay District 14 delegate Michael Womack felt a similar call to action. “It’s time to stop the nonsense, restore dignity to the Oval Office and deal with the real issues that Americans and LGBTQ people are facing,” he says.

“At the same time this president – who is enabled by the Republican Party – is going on Twitter rants, golfing and pushing conspiracy theories, the coronavirus has claimed more than 150,000 American lives,” he continues. “It’s a failure in leadership.”

Womack works to combat that failure throughout Florida however he can. He does so as both the public relations officer for the Hillsborough County Young Democrats and the communications manager for Equality Florida. At least in part, the 25-year-old activist

was inspired to add delegate to his resume because of his age.

“It’s important to me that young LGBTQ people are in every room where important decisions are being made about our future,” Womack says. “At Equality Florida we talk all the time about how if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu.”

He believes the LGBTQ community has been targeted by the Trump administration since 2016, citing a number of the president’s anti-LGBTQ policies. Participating in the delegate process is a natural result for many LGBTQ delegates, Womack says.

“LGBTQ people are fed up and we’re not afraid of a fight,” he asserts. “It’s in our blood – and that’s why we’ve been involved at this process in a higher level than maybe in other elections.”

Womack traces it back to Trump’s failures. “Donald Trump failed to lead when he banned transgender people from serving in the military,”

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he says. “He failed to lead with the epidemic of transgender women of color being murdered. He failed to lead when he deleted protections that the federal government had previously enacted for LGBTQ Americans. It’s time for us to stand up and put a stop to it.”

The final leg of that process begins at the Democratic National Convention, when Gaskill, Bruemmer, McMillen, McGrath, Rodriguez, Womack and Florida’s other delegates solidify the party’s platform and cast their votes in support of a Joe Biden presidency.

Gaskill hopes the country is ready to follow suit.

“Joe Biden is meeting the moment,” he says. “We’re at a place now where we’ve seen what happens when you wish problems away or if you’re not serious about addressing them.

We’re at a place where the ineptitude and incompetence in American management has taken us to the brink.

“Our people are dying,” Gaskill stresses. “Our people are not working. The world thinks we’re crazy, and we’ve lost the ethical and moral leadership role that we’ve played since our founding.

That is having a real impact on the way voters are looking at this election.”

Even so, he adds that it’s incumbent upon every American to vote – and to encourage everyone in their lives to do the same.

“Every year, every campaign, every election cycle, we say that this is the most important election in American history,” Gaskill asserts. “I don’t think there’s anyone who could doubt that this one truly is. The fate of our democracy right now is in your hands.”

The virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 17-20 and hosted live at YouTube.com/ DemConvention. For more information, visit DemConvention.com.

Watermark reached out to the Republican National Convention for comment regarding its anti-LGBTQ platform and received no response. For more information about Biden’s pro-LGBTQ policies, visit JoeBiden.com/LGBTQ. For more information about the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and its officers, visit LGBTQDems.org. For more information about Equality Florida and its staff, visit EQFL.org.

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Film

Blended Festival

10 LGBTQ-themed films make their way to the Florida Film Festival’s reimagined fest

(above)

Modern Queen:

”Modern Family” actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson stars in the short film, “Island Queen,” making its worldwide debut at the Florida Film Festival.

Photos courtesy fff

T

Jeremy Williams

he 2020 Florida Film Festival

(FFF) will be moving forward at the Enzian Theater in Maitland Aug. 7-20, but just as with every event in these pandemic days, it is going to look different from previous festivals.

For the first time in the 29-year history of the FFF, there will be a virtual component to the festival.

Of the more than 175 films featured this year, 151 of them will be made available to stream online across the state of Florida Aug. 8-20.

“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to present these artists’ extraordinary work on both the big screen at Enzian and, for the first time, virtually as well wherever possible,” Matthew Curtis, FFF Programming Director, said in a press release. “More films than ever will be making their Florida debut at the festival, and we could not be

more thrilled about introducing these talented filmmakers and presenting such an entertaining and diverse group of films to our audience.”

The virtual pass — which will cost $40 — will give viewers access to five narrative features, five documentary features, more than 30 narrative shorts, more than a dozen films each in documentary shorts, animated shorts, international shorts, international animated shorts, Sunspots series shorts and midnight shorts, as well as nine films in the new Florida shorts series, special screenings

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of four more feature-length films, three spotlight films and one international showcase.

“We are excited that the virtual platform will allow a large amount of these official selections to be exclusively available to festival-goers across the state of Florida,” Curtis said.

For those who are planning to attend festival films playing theatrically at Enzian along with the virtual experience, theater management states they are taking all the necessary precautions needed to keep moviegoers safe and protected.

“If you choose to attend the festival, we want you to feel reassured by our practices in place, and of course, inspired by the movies you’ll see,” Enzian’s management said in a release addressing its theater’s COVID-19 guidelines.

“What does the COVID-19 version of our in-person festival experience entail? Expect a more relaxed FFF

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

– with no Opening Night Party and no Awards Bash this year, we’re focusing our attention entirely on the celebration of independent film and filmmakers. We’re also putting safety first.”

In its guidelines, Enzian states that face coverings will be required for every attendee and must be worn when entering and exiting the theater, as well as when interacting with staff. Masks are allowed to be removed at your seat when eating and drinking. Staff will also be taking the temperature of everyone who enters the theater. Staff members will also have their temperatures checked daily before beginning their shifts.

The theater itself has been reconfigured to allow a six-foot space between tables and in queue lines to allow for social distancing and to accommodate the required 50% capacity regulation. The theater will Continued on pg. 35 | uu |

33

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

different and must keep his true identity hidden for fear of being humiliated, beaten or worse. Nominated for awards at the 2019 Venice and London Film Festivals, along with three British Independent Film Awards, “Moffie” is an incredibly powerful drama and sobering look at vicious intolerance and toxic masculinity. This international feature film is making its east coast premiere and is only available to see at Enzian.

Aug. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

| uu | Blended Festival from pg.33

also be cleaned multiple times per day and staff will fog the theater daily with CDC-approved cleaning chemicals. QR codes are being utilized to allow for contactless ordering of food and drinks.

The FFF, which was originally scheduled for April 17-26 but postponed due to the pandemic, is one of only a handful of Oscar-qualifying festivals in the U.S. in all three of the Academy’s shorts categories: Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Documentary Short Subject.

Below we highlight 10 LGBTQ-themed films showing at this year’s FFF you don’t want to miss. Of the 10 films below, all but the international feature “Moffie” are available as part of the virtual pass.

“Practice” Directed by Moira Fett U.S., 2019, 10 minutes

Known lovers: Two women discuss mutual social circles after sex in “I Know Her.” Photo Courtesy fff

Animated Hurt: “Umbilical” explores a mother’s abusive relationship with her father. Photo Courtesy FFF

“Are You Hungry?”

“The Last Queen On Earth”

Directed by Teemu Niukkanen Finland, 2019, 12 minutes

Directed by Michael Shumway U.S., 2020, 16 minutes

An overprotective mother’s assumptions about her son’s sex life leads to a cascading series of calamities which put him seemingly in danger. This international short film is making its Florida premiere at this year’s FFF. Aug. 14 at 2:30 p.m.

A farmer wakes up one morning to an unexpected apocalypse. As the last man alive, he decides to throw caution to the wind and start living his very best life. This short film makes its world premiere at this year’s FFF. Aug. 17, 9:30 p.m.

“Egghead & Twinkie”

“Umbilical” Directed by Danski Tang U.S., 2019, 7 minutes

Directed by Sarah Holland U.S., 2019, 9 minutes

Egghead is in love with his best friend Twinkie. Twinkie is a closeted lesbian. And tonight, she is coming out to her parents in the most casual way possible.

Winner of the 2019 Brouhaha Grand Jury Award, this short film is making its southeast premiere at this year’s festival.

Aug. 15 at 11:30 a.m.

“Flesh”

Directed by Camila Kater Brazil, 2019, 12 minutes

Rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well done.

Through intimate stories, women share their experiences in relation to the body, from childhood to old age, in this international animated short making its southeast premiere.

Aug. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

A dystopian story of two young girls caught in a moment of sexual exploration by the cameras mounted on their prep school uniforms. This short film makes its east coast premiere at the FFF and will mark only its second public showing in the U.S. Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

closet war: ”Moffie” looks at the life of a closeted soldier in 1980s South Africa during apartheid. Photo Courtesy fff

“I Know Her” Directed by Fawzia Mirza U.S., 2019, 3 minutes

Lying in bed together as new romantic partners, two women discuss their mutual social circles and how close they really are.

This short film makes it Florida premiere at this year’s festival.

Aug. 9 at 3:30 p.m.

“Is That All There Is?” Directed by Chris Molina U.S., 2019, 6 minutes

In this bold and amusing documentary short, a young gay man breaks up with his boyfriend

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

and seeks the happiest place on Earth to relive his childhood and quell his sadness. It does not go especially well. “Is That All There Is?” makes its Florida premiere at the FFF. Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m.

“Island Queen” Directed by Zackary Grady and Jenn Harris U.S., 2020, 10 minutes

On the day a teenage hockey player plans to sneak away for figure skating tryouts, he gets trapped on a ferry boat in this hilarious short film featuring “SNL” alum Rachel Dratch and “Modern Family” star Jesse

Tyler Ferguson. “Island Queen” is making its world premiere at this year’s FFF. Aug. 8 at 2:45 p.m.

“Moffie”

Directed by Oliver Hermanus South Africa/U.K., 2019, 99 minutes

Nicholas, a 16-year-old boy, is drafted for two years of mandatory military service in order to learn and uphold the apartheid regime in 1981 South Africa. The threat of communism at the Angolan border and “the black danger” is viewed as a looming threat to South Africa’s way of life. However, going to war is not the only danger Nicholas faces. He knows he’s

August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

In this animated documentary, the filmmaker explores how her mother’s abusive relationship with her father shaped her own experiences and sexual identity while growing up and going to boarding school in China.

“Umbilical” makes its Florida debut at this year’s festival.

Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The 29th annual Florida Film Festival will play at the Enzian Theatre in Maitland Aug. 7-20. The Virtual Pass will stream Aug. 8-20.

You can read more about the FFF’s Oscar accreditation and see a full list of films scheduled for this year’s festival including dates, times and film descriptions at FloridaFilmFestival.com.

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

tampa bay out+about

CONGRATULATIONS The Plus Project and Community Foundation of Tampa Bay awarded nearly $55K in LGBTQ-focused grants July 22. Read more on page 11.

Salty’s Gulfport announced that it will remain in its original and current location Aug. 1, having signed a new 10-year lease.

CONDOLENCES Tampa architect Thomas Lamb, president of Thomas Everett Lamb Design & Development who designed the Humane Society of Tampa Bay building, died July 24. He will be missed.

POSTPONEMENTS/ CLOSURES Beneva Fruitville’s Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza shows at Sarasota’s McCurdy’s Theatre on Aug. 30 and Sept. 27 have been indefinitely postponed.

REOPENINGS

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DISTANT THUNDER: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor signs a glass pane in support of the Tampa Bay Lightning before they take the ice July 29. PHOTO COURTESY JANE CASTOR

The Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center reopened its doors with modified hours and precautions July 28.

Programming remains virtual.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Ybor staple Carol “Mama” Steen, Tampa nurse Leo Omar (Aug. 6); Hillsborough County ally Russell Patterson, GaYbor District Coalition board member emeritus Rich Kerin, Tampa showgirl Jamie Cole, Got Split Ends? stylist Mick Ferrari, Love The Golden Rule’s Dr. Bob Wallace (Aug. 7); St. Pete doctor Kush Patel, St. Pete realtor Doug Parton (Aug. 8); Sarasota actor Steve Warren, PFLAG St. Pete President Abbie Rolf (Aug. 9); St. Pete activist Karen Murray, St. Pete designer Raul del Castillo, Tampa health restaurateur Trent McAree, Largo beautician Jay Berwanger (Aug. 10); Community builder Kevin Johnson, GTE Financial specialist Jared Acuff, Florida Army National Guard commander Katie Mace, Salon Swank stylist Mikey Bessette, Tombolo Books’ Alsace Walentine, Pom Pom’s St. Pete’s Robbie Parks (Aug. 11); Tampa Bay leather bear Eric Siglin, former Hamburger Mary’s owner Kurt King, Stand Up Florida’s Bryan Arnette (Aug. 13); Sarasota activist Chuck Redding, Tampa mortgage VP Andrew Bolton, Tampa chef Andrew Bolton (Aug. 14); former Quench bartender CJay Tauber (Aug. 15); Tampa Bay entertainer Jay Miah, Tampa Bay photographer Josh Shipp (Aug. 16); St. Petersburg LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon, St. Pete photographer Jacie Ramsey, St. Pete interior designer Scott Velez, Tampa Bay entertainer Alexis De La Mer, photographer Kimberly DeFalco (Aug. 17); Tampa Bay performer Macaviti, Sarasota orthodontist Michael Radall, St. Pete realtor Dan Casper (Aug. 18); Lakeland singer Danny Pate, Tampa pastor Scott Manning, Former St. Pete ASAP ED William Harper, Tampa economics specialist LJ Sosa (Aug. 19).

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PIER-FECT OUTING: Deidre Favero (L) and Lindsey Burkholder share a day date at the new St. Pete Pier July 26. PHOTO COURTESY DEIDRE FAVERO

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PRIDE-RAISERS: Metro Inclusive Health accepts a fundraising check from Raymond James, sharing fundraising efforts July 22. PHOTO COURTESY

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METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

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SAYING FAREWELL: Owners Andy (L) and Sasha Citino say goodbye to their St. Petersburg 6S Boutique storefront before transitioning to an online exclusive retailer July 31.

PHOTO COURTESY 6S BOUTIQUE

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NIGHT SHIFT: St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon (L) and St Pete Pride Presidente Chrys Bundy prepare the Grand Central District for the Progressive Pride mural July 28.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRYS BUNDY

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PRIME PAINTERS: (L-R) St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and artists Thompson Kellett, Chad Mize and Andrea Pawlisz prime the Progressive Pride Street Mural in the Grand Central District July 29. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

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TEAM EDMOND: The Pinellas County Young Democrats hold a car parade for Caprice Edmond, running for Pinellas Co. School Board District 7. PHOTO COURTESY PCYD

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PUNKY’S PROUD: Punky’s Bar and Grill staff welcomes guests July 26. PHOTO COURTESY

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August 6 - 19, 2020 // Issue 27.16 wat e r m a r konline .com

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CENTRAL FL: 407-481-2243

announcements

central florida out+about

CONGRATULATIONS Savoy Orlando celebrates 16 years this August.

Southern Nights Orlando celebrates six years this August.

CONDOLENCES Marcy Singhaus — Central Florida theatre icon, award-winning costume designer and sister-in-law to the legendary Miss Sammy — passed away July 22 at her home in Orlando from ALS. She was 70 years old.

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VIRTUAL EVENTS Equality Florida will host its Orlando Equality Connection virtually Aug. 11 from 6-7 p.m. The event — which is free and open to all — will feature a panel of local leaders including The Pride Chamber’s Kellie Parkin, The Hammered Lamb owner Jason Lambert and Unite Here’s Emily Geary. Visit EQFL’s Facebook event page for more information.

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“Ladies of Eola Heights, Episode 6 – Zoom Reunion” premieres on the Wanzie Presents YouTube channel Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. ET and will be available for on-demand viewing through Aug. 29. For tickets, go to Wanzie.Eventbrite.com.

The Central Florida LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Network is hosting a virtual information session on the process of applying for aid through the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund Aug. 17 at noon. This webinar will review the updates to the application process, tips for preparing the application to be eligible for funding, a community conversation on the process of the fund to date and additional forms of aid offered through the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Network.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Orlando designer and “Project Runway” alum Jesse LeNoir, Orlando-based traveler of the friendly skies Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital manager Victor Daza, Orlando softball champion Scott Dunkle, Former Watermark intern Layla Ferris (Aug. 8); Equality Florida Development Officer & Media Relations Manager Brandon J. Wolf, Orlando accountant Rose Gamba, QLatinx executive director Christopher J. Cuevas (Aug. 9); Lady Boy of the Peek-A-Boo Longue “Sorcha Mercy” Lance Austin (Aug. 11); Orlando hair stylist Bobby Kantz, Rotten S’more’s Shiala Morales (Aug. 12); Central Florida singer Billy Mick, Regalia owner David Lang (Aug. 14); Orlando performer David Almeida (Aug. 15); Orlando entertainer Tod Kimbro, Tony Awardwinner Kenny Howard (Aug. 17); Orlando actor Chris Shepardson, Orlando lawyer Paul San Giovanni (Aug. 18); Orlando-based actress Daniella Sagona, Orlando performer Danielle Hunter, Orlando artist Steven McCune, Winter Park Playhouse’s Todd Long (Aug. 19).

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courtesy Pom Moongauklang

Refresh Monday: Darren Hill has himself a self care day - coffee, curlers and all - in Orlando Aug. 3. Photo courtesy Darren Hill

A Leg Up: Blue Star (L), with Dr. Dean Cole, shows off her balance after two hip replacements over the last few months at Advent Health Orlando July 27.

Photo courtesy Blue Star

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Black Queer Power: Bros in Convos Daniel Downer has mask in place as he is set to travel from the Orlando International Airport July 23. Photo courtesy Daniel Downer

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Clean Planet: Bowled Over Promotions’ Lisa Brown gets to work helping clean up The Milk District in Orlando Aug. 1.

Photo courtesy Lisa Brown

Tasty Times: (L-R) Angie Folks, Maria Mancia-Vayo and Pom Moongauklang at Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria in Orlando July 28 for Once Upon Orlando’s Tasty 20 event. Photo

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Birthday Boy: Bobby Hermida (R) celebrates his birthday with Yasmin Flasterstein at Fogo de Chao in Orlando July 30. Photo

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courtesy Bobby Hermida

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Vote Moira: Lynn “Moira” Dictor (R) passes out a “Vote Moira for Seminole Tax Collector” magnet to a supporter at a pop-up giveaway in Lake Mary July 26. Photo

courtesy Lynn “Moira” Dictor

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Reading Rainbow: State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith shows off his personalized copy of Chasten Buttigieg’s memoir he just received in the mail from the author himself Aug. 2. Photo courtesy Rep.

Carlos Guillermo Smith

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wedding bells

Danny and Alex Vega-Zweydoff from Orlando, Florida

Engagement Date:

Nov. 12, 2018

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July 07, 2020, their 11-year anniversary

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n the 11th anniversary of

their relationship, Danny and Alex Vega-Zweydoff tied the knot with an at-home wedding.

Though they were originally planning a big ceremony, they were unable to do so due to COVID-19.

But the couple made the best of it.

“A socially distanced wedding is really weird,” Alex says. “I wouldn’t change it, though. It was just nice to not have the stress of a big wedding. All that stress just went out the door and we were able to just be in the moment.”

Alex and Danny met at Revolution Nightclub (now Southern Nights Orlando), where Danny was working at the time.

Alex had lost his phone and Danny helped him find it.

“He definitely schemed his way into getting my number, that’s for sure,” Alex says. “He was sneaky and called himself from my phone

to get my number, then texted me like, ‘who’s this?’”

The couple got engaged in 2018 while Alex was in the hospital.

Danny popped the question when Alex had just come out of the ICU. Though he was still feeling delirious from the 27-day hospital stay, he gladly accepted.

They had just started planning their wedding when the U.S. began to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Though they considered postponing the wedding, they ultimately decided they really wanted to get married on their anniversary and didn’t want to wait another year to do so.

“We just wanted to get it done,” Alex says. “We were sick of being

together, living together, but having ‘a boyfriend.’”

The couple held the ceremony in their backyard in front of about 10 of their closest friends and family members.

“We were able to have the closest people to us that have been through our 11 years and that was the biggest part for us, to have those close people there and just finally have that moment,” Alex says.

An aspect of the ceremony that was special for Alex was that it was officiated by his boss, Maria Napolitano.

“Having my boss, who’s been with us for a long time, having her officiate was huge for us. Having that special connection with the officiant was big,” he says.

Danny and Alex wrote their own vows, which they read to each other at the ceremony.

“Our vows were probably the biggest moment,” Alex says.

“I turned into a big ol’ crybaby.

[Danny] did his first, then when I went to mine I sounded like I was going through puberty. My voice changed three octaves.”

Danny and Alex do plan on throwing a bigger party when it’s safe to do so, hopefully on their one-year wedding anniversary.

Though smaller than they had originally planned, Alex says that having a quarantine wedding was a nicer and much more relaxed experience than he thought it would be.

“You have these big weddings and you’re being pushed and pulled and prodded in every which way,” Alex says. “We took away all of that, which was nice. It was definitely an experience and it’s definitely a great story for years to come.”

—Lora Korpar

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.

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