Watermark Issue 27.20: Backing Biden Harris by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

Oct. 1 - 14, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Issue 27.20

WE BACK

The National LGBT Media Association unanimously endorses Democratic ticket

Special Edition Inside: Official Come Out With Pride Guide 2020

“A C H A N G E O F L AT I T U D E WO U L D H E L P M Y AT T I T U D E” Missing that feeling of freedom and exploration you can only access through air travel? As Your Florida Airport of Choice®, Orlando International Airport hears you loud and clear. Quite honestly, we are in the same boat as you. But we’d rather be on the same plane.

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

departments 7 // Publisher’s Desk

page

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

In all of the battleground states, LGBTQ activists and our progressive allies are on the ground working to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris … None of us should wake up Nov. 4 wishing we had done more. — Paul Schindler of Gay City News on behalf of the National LGBT Media Assoc.

12// State News 13// 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 On the cover

page 31 days of halloween:

page BACKING

BIDEN-HARRIS:

The National LGBT Media Association unanimously endorses Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president and vice president.

scan qr code for

WatermarkOnline.com

An entire month’s worth of safe and spooky ways to enjoy the haunted holiday in 2020.

Watermark Issue 27.20 // Oct. 1 - 14, 2020

Authentic Self

Diverse Democracy

Queen’s Cause

#lovehandlin

page Florida grants intersex woman’s gender marker change.

page League of Women Voters St. Pete launches LGBTQ initiative.

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

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ favorites help Floridians vote.

Jerick Mediavilla reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month in his latest column.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Publisher’s

Rick Claggett PUblisher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

atermark doesn’t do

political endorsements. I know that news is shocking to some and upsetting to others, after all Watermark is a newspaper and endorsements seem to be a biannual ritual of publications.

Instead what has become commonplace every other year is for me to proclaim that Watermark will not be endorsing any candidate for said political season and leave it at that, offering no explanation. This year I will make the same statement, but I will also offer why. Watermark is an LGBTQ niche newspaper. Our founding directive was to provide a voice for this underserved community and we carry that mission through to today. Our purpose is to tell the story of the local LGBTQ community and to inform and advocate for the advancement of LGBTQ issues. Our tagline is “Your LGBTQ Life.” For those on the LGBTQ spectrum that’s literal. We talk about what matters to you. For non-LGBTQ people, “Your LGBTQ Life” could refer to the relationships they have with

LGBTQ people in their lives or the community as a whole. Watermark has broad appeal to the entire community, as it relates to issues facing the LGBTQ community. It’s an outdated term, but we used to call it the “Gayngle.” If a story was pitched it had to have a strong gay (referring to the community as a whole) angle or appeal. Our coverage of politics is no different. How do a particular candidate’s policies affect the LGBTQ community? It’s our job to tell you and that’s what we do. If LGBTQ rights are an important topic to you, then I would hope this scorecard would prove beneficial in making your choices. In the overwhelming majority of non-primary elections it will be pretty obvious which candidates support our mission and which

don’t. Mostly, it’s obvious who I think we should all vote for. Sometimes the scorecard gets more complicated. When you have multiple candidates with the same stance on LGBTQ issues, who should you vote for? That’s going to depend on what else is important to you; whether it be taxes, education, the environment or one of thousands of other topics. Watermark exists to inform you on the intersectional LGBTQ issues as they relate to all members of our community. Look for our scorecard in the coming weeks when we cover the elections across Central Florida and Tampa Bay. In the meantime, please enjoy this endorsement from The National LGBT Media Association for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The NGMA is a newspaper association made up of 12 legacy publications across the United States. These are privately-owned, LGBTQ-owned papers with a minimum of 25 years in operation for their respective communities. As early voting begins, this organization stands up for Joe Biden. As a member of this organization, Watermark stands proudly with them. It is simply not enough to vote in this election. You must do so and encourage others to do so. I believe in honesty, integrity, decency, empathy and honor. A leader with this skill set will do right by all American people, including the LGBTQ community. This is why I support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. This election cycle adds an almost unbearable amount of stress to an already destructive year. There has been too much loss and angst, and I long for a time when we can heal and move forward. Reading of the passing of Erica Franco’s father was heart crushing. She is a former Watermark account manager who lost her father to COVID. I read every Facebook post Mike Halterman wrote as he took us on his journey

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

with his brother’s COVID diagnosis. It was devastating to wake up and read his brother ultimately lost that battle. Central Florida said goodbye to the iconic Marcy Singhaus and the world said goodbye to Justice Ginsburg; two extraordinary women whose impact will stretch far beyond their years. I was recently informed of another passing in Central Florida, that of Mike Ames. Mike was the Business Manager at Watermark when I started back in 2002. He is

I believe in honesty, integrity, decency, empathy and honor.

the one who hired me, who made me fall in love with my job and who introduced me to the importance of volunteering. I was in awe of his strength and his ability to adapt and learn. I recall a time where we bought a handful of computers on eBay for the sales team. When they arrived they didn’t work, so Mike cracked them open, looked at me and said, “Let’s fix them.” We hadn’t done it before, but we made them work. He taught me a lot about what to do and what not to do and for that I will be forever grateful. Anytime I hear someone yell my name out, I will fondly think of Mike calling for me to come into his office and help him figure something out. RIP Mike. In addition to the National LGBT Media Association endorsement of Biden/Harris and local news stories, in this issue we introduce you to 31 days of Halloween. The team has pulled together a comprehensive list of events you can enjoy this spooky season. 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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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Jerick Mediavilla

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

Scott Swenson is

the owner of Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC, which creates, writes and produces shows and events for entertainment and educational facilities worldwide. He also hosts and co-hosts podcasts. For more information, visit ScottSwenson. com. Page 19

Tiffany Razzano

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

Pride releases event details Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Come Out With Pride (COWP) released details for its reimagined, socially-distanced 2020 Pride celebration. While many events, celebrations and Prides have cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, COWP announced in July that the annual Pride celebration in Orlando would continue; however it would look different than in years past. “Pride puts a spotlight on our community and greatly increases our visibility,” Come Out With Pride Board President Jeff Prystajko said in a press release Sept. 28. “Without Pride we risk losing our momentum to educate others about the issues still affecting us. Pride allows our collective voices to be heard. Although Come Out With Pride takes place a different way this year in order to keep our community social-distanced and safe, we will not be silenced.” One change this year, no week of events. Unlike the past few years, COWP will hold events on just one day, Oct. 10. Two events have been planned; “Pride in the Streets,” a vehicle procession throughout the streets of Orlando, and “Pride in the House,” a virtual showcase of Pride streaming online. “Pride In The Streets,” which is presented by Truist, will be a 15+-mile route through downtown Orlando that starts and ends at Parliament House. It will pass by many LGBTQ businesses and hot spots including Savoy, The LGBT+ Center, Zebra Coalition, Southern Nights, the Pulse Memorial, Stonewall Bar, Hamburger Mary’s, the future site of Haos on Church and around Lake Eola. The vehicles in the procession will be decorated for Pride and will spotlight this year’s community grand marshals — Charlotte “Cha-Cha” Davis, Mike Nemcheck and Chantel Reshae. With COWP’s overarching theme this year reinforcing the importance of avoiding large gatherings due to COVID, its “Pride In The House Virtual Extravaganza,” presented by 26Health, will be an online event focusing on connecting the community. Viewers are encouraged to gather in small, safe groups with family and/or close friends, go all out with Pride-themed decor, food and drinks and enjoy the show. “Pride in the House” will feature a mix of interviews, performances from local artists and more. The evening will be headlined by recording artist Robin S., as well as performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alums Detox and Roxxxy Andrews. “Pride in the House” will stream live on COWP’s Facebook page and YouTube channel starting at 8 p.m. with pre-show entertainment airing throughout the afternoon. Along with COWP’s “Pride in the Streets” and “Pride in the House,” several local organizations will host official events for Pride. The Orlando Gay Chorus will present an online performance and forum Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. called “We Shall Overcome: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Diversity,” Zebra Coalition is hosting its annual Drag Race 5K in virtual form and Bowie Bakery is holding a popup bakery fundraiser.

For more information on events and to get official Come Out With Pride merchandise, visit ComeOutWithPride.com.

Setting Precedent:

Juleigh Mayfield’s court ruling is the first ever in Florida to cover intersex individuals. Photo by Dylan Todd

Documented History Florida judge grants intersex woman gender change request Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Six months after a Central Florida judge denied her petition for a gender marker change, actress and intersex activist Juleigh Mayfield has been granted the change request in a South Florida court. Judge Samantha Ruiz Cohen of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida granted Sept. 17 Mayfield’s request for a gender change on all her legal documents, including her birth certificate. “Because of everything going on, we were all on Zoom and it only took 10, 15 minutes,” Mayfield says. “They swore me in, I met the judge and we had a nice conversation.” The process was quicker and much easier this time, Mayfield says, compared to earlier this year when her request was denied by Judge Michael Kraynick of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. “It being a re-election year for him, I can only assume that he felt that it would be detrimental to his career to rule in my favor,” Mayfield says.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Mayfield, who is intersex, was born 47XXY, meaning she has an additional chromosome attached to each pair of her chromosomes. This left Mayfield neither completely biologically male nor female, but both. Raised male by her parents, Mayfield transitioned to female after having to be placed on estrogen due to health problems and to save her life. Dr. Irene Pons, an associate lecturer at the University of Central Florida and friend of Mayfield, and her class assisted Mayfield in her initial petition to the court after her birth state of Alabama refused to change the sex on her birth certificate unless she could prove she had transitional surgery. “I explained to them that I didn’t have to have surgery because I was born both,” Mayfield said in a Watermark interview in January. After Kraynick denied Mayfield’s request, she and Pons started working with Simone Chriss of the Southern Legal Counsel on the appeal process. “Simone got together with some of her colleagues, discussed my case and they said we think instead of

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

appealing the judge’s decision, you should re-file the initial petition in another part of Florida that is less conservative than the ninth judicial circuit,” Mayfield says. Mayfield’s case was taken on by Miami attorney Elizabeth Schwartz and filed in Miami-Dade County. After months of waiting, Mayfield got the call and she appeared before the judge via a Zoom call. “[Judge Cohen] looked at me in the camera and said congratulations, welcome to being a woman,” Mayfield recalls. “I was shocked and just started to cry. I’m blessed that Elizabeth had done her due diligence in educating the judge about intersex people. She told me ‘Florida supports it and we’ll sign off on it’ and now Alabama will be required to follow suit.” The ruling is the first ever in Florida to cover intersex individuals. Mayfield says she is thankful to everyone who helped her along the way. “I had moments where I stopped and cried because I thought this really is making a difference for our community and I couldn’t have done it without the help of Irene, Elizabeth, the students of UCF and everybody that kind of championed me along the way,” she says. “On one end I should be happy for myself, and I am, but I’m more excited about what it means for the community and what it means for everybody else that may really be struggling with trying to quantify their identity and existence.”

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

tampa bay news

LGBTQ Resource Center, Gulfport Votes 100% partner for outreach Ryan Williams-Jent

ulfport, Fla.| The LGBTQ Resource Center has announced its partnership with Gulfport Votes 100%, the nonpartisan initiative working to increase voter turnout in Gulfport’s elections. Housed in the Gulfport Public Library, the resource center serves as an inclusive space for Gulfport and Pinellas County’s growing LGBTQ population. It seeks to foster community advocacy, leading its board to unanimously approve the partnership earlier this year. “We felt very strongly that with such a strong LGBTQ presence in Gulfport that it was important,” LGBTQ Resource Center Board Member Greg Stemm says. “We’re a community-based organization and so we hope that all of Gulfport’s voices are heard.” The nonprofit called the collaboration strategic on Sept. 17, advising the Nov. 3 general election is “the most important election in our lifetimes.” Along with Gulfport Votes, they will register voters and encourage 100% voter participation throughout the area via socially-distanced events and more. That began with a registration drive outside of the Gulfport Public Library Sept. 22. “We were glad to be there,” Stemm says, noting several voters were registered. “We were visible and pushed people to vote. It was important to take part in it.” Registration events are a key facet of Gulfport Votes’ action plan. Following the 2018 election, they committed to increase turnout, build community connections and use metrics to inspire action. “Your vote is essential for Gulfport to achieve 100% voter participation,” the organization shared when they launched their 2020 efforts in March. “Why bother to vote in elections? Because the people and issues you vote for are likely to impact you most directly. Florida is an important player in the presidential elections.” The organizations will next partner Oct. 9 from 6-10 p.m. at the Gulfport Historical Society. Representatives will register voters and raise awareness during a socially-distanced gathering featuring entertainment, food, games and more. Volunteers living in and outside of Gulfport are requested to assist in their efforts. The groups will also be producing a nonpartisan video to encourage civic engagement. Organizers plan to mobilize supporters to form a conga line into the poll booth at Gulfport City Hall. “These are some great opportunities to get out of quarantine for little bit and help out with the election,” they shared. “Things will get back to whatever normal is going to be soon. Until then Gulfport finds a way!” “I think it’s reasonable and rational that Gulfport could get to 100% voter participation,” Stemm adds. “Gulfport’s voices are going to be heard.” For more information about the LGBTQ Resource Center or Gulfport Public Library, including volunteer opportunities, visit MyGulfport.Us/ LGBTQ-Resources. For more information about Gulfport Votes 100%, visit Facebook.com/GulfportVotes100.

ST. PETE STRONG: Artist John

Gascot (L) and League of Women Voters of St. Pete Operations Director Julia Sharp at the Diversity in Democracy mural Sept. 25. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

Democracy for All League of Women Voters St. Petersburg launches LGBTQ voter campaign Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | The League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area (LWVSPA) has launched an LGBTQ Equality Voters campaign to encourage civic participation from LGBTQ voters. The league is a nationwide, nonpartisan organization celebrating 100 years of encouraging active participation in government. Its 500-member St. Petersburg chapter was founded in 1939. While it doesn’t make political endorsements, officials assert that they “are wholeheartedly political and stand up for issues to protect democracy.” That includes LGBTQ equality, LWVSPA Operations Director Julia Sharp says. “Our priorities have long been a more general stance of human rights,” she explains. “Locally in St. Pete, we were looking at what it means to have a representative democracy. The political is personal. We need to be advocating for a more representative democracy.” That led the chapter to apply for an LGBTQ-focused grant from The Plus Project and Community

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Foundation of Tampa Bay. After it was awarded in July, Sharp says it allowed the league “to focus on what’s important to our members in our community.” The overall goal of their LGBTQ campaign is to popularize civic participation among LGBTQ youth. The LWVSPA wants them to see political engagement as a positive experience for all, which it will utilize three approaches to do. The first is their Empower the Vote youth initiative. Experts will provide interactive presentations to local organizations supporting LGBTQ youth throughout October. For their Turn Out the Vote project, the league enlisted fan favorite area artist John Gascot to paint an interactive Diversity in Democracy mural at 556 Central Ave. The vibrant piece will showcase that voting is for everyone. “St. Petersburg is very diverse and we don’t always see that represented in public art,” Gascot says. “I was excited to create this piece that that has a very obvious message: come out and get involved. Get registered and go vote.” Artist James Hartzell assisted him with the mural, which will also be

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

embedded with scannable PixelStix plaques, technology that will link to voter resources provided by the league. Once visitors download the free PixelStix app, they’ll be able to view voting-related public service announcements from and for members of the LGBTQ community. “It’s a really beautiful piece and will be a great resource for mural visitors,” Sharp says. The LGBTQ Equality Voters campaign will culminate Oct. 30 from 7-8 p.m. with a virtual Drag Out the Vote event detailed on page 33. The “Hocus Pocus”-themed gathering will be livestreamed via the LWVSPA’s social media channels. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Sharp says, “a nice balance of entertainment and education with some of our favorite local drag performers.” Each facet of the campaign will rely heavily on the league’s nonpartisan, national voter resource guide. It allows voters to view their ballots, finding their polling or ballot drop-off locations and more at Vote411.org. “In every election we’re making a choice,” Sharp says, “whether you go out and vote or you sit it out. Voters really do have all of the power – we want to make it as easy and fun as possible for them to know that. That’s the goal here.” View more photos of the Diversity in Democracy mural at WatermarkOnline.com. For more information about the LWVSPA and its LGBTQ Equality Voters campaign, visit LWVSPA.org. To utilize their nationwide election resource guide, visit Vote411.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

state news

South Florida LGBTQ organizations seek to impact election Steve Rothhaus, South Florida Gay News

n the final weeks of 2020 campaign, South Florida’s largest LGBTQ political groups are pushing hard to make sure LGBTQ voters and their allies are registered, and know how to cast their ballots. “Vote like your life depends upon it,” says Nik Harris, vice president of the Dolphin Democrats political club. “A ‘no’ vote is a vote. That’s the truth.” Both partisan and nonpartisan rights groups say they are working hard to ensure a high turnout this election by LGBTQ voters and their allies. “It’s important not to assume that people are registered to vote. And even if they’re registered, how do we get them out?” says Harris. Florida voter registration for the general election continues through Oct. 5. Vote-by-mail requests end Oct. 24 and all ballots must be returned to county elections departments by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Early voting dates vary throughout Florida, but must run at least eight days. The Black Lives Matter movement will also be a big factor in driving this year’s LGBTQ voter turnout, Harris says. “Ordinarily, we take Black Democrats for granted. And I’m a Democrat — a proud Democrat. We are the most reliable Democratic bloc. Suddenly Trump has challenged that,” she explains. “I don’t think that Dems have ever spent as much money as they are today on Black media,” Harris continues. “Not that they’re going to vote for Trump, but just stay home. And never have I seen as many Black people in positions of power leading campaigns as I have in this election cycle.” SAVE and Equality Florida, two of the state’s top nonpartisan LGBTQ-rights groups, are focused on turning out equality voters who support like-minded candidates. “We’re building teams to encourage friends and families to vote,” SAVE Executive Director Orlando Gonzales says. “The research is showing that peer-to-peer influence is more effective than general communication. Social media fits into it. SAVE can do a blast and that’s good. And we’re depending on individuals to share the message with their own communities. It goes back to the friends-and-family approach to peer-to-peer outreach.” Gonzales adds that this election cycle, “instead of focusing on the issues, we’re focusing on the candidates we know we can depend upon to get those laws passed.” Equality Florida this year raised more than $1 million to elect LGBTQ and ally candidates and to defeat politicians who’ve been against LGBTQ rights, according to Joe Saunders, the organization’s senior political director. They are also heavily focused on voter turnout and “winning the country’s largest swing state,” Saunders says.

For more information about the Dolphin Democrats, Equality Florida or SAVE, visit DolphinDems.org, EQFL.org and SAVE.lgbt.

Equality Florida endorses Biden for president Ryan Williams-Jent

quality Florida Action, Inc. endorsed Joe Biden for president of the United States Sept. 22, the organization’s first federal endorsement in its 23-year history. As the state’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ Floridians, Equality Florida has previously focused on electing pro-equality candidates in municipal and statewide races. The endorsement was unanimously voted upon by its board of directors “in the face of the existential threat posed by the Trump administration and the potential for a Supreme Court nomination that endangers LGBTQ civil rights.” “Our endorsement of a Biden-Harris ticket is a testament to the grave stakes of this election,” Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement. “The Trump-Pence Administration has been catastrophic for LGBTQ Americans, an onslaught of the brand of bigotry that Pence has become synonymous with.

“Giving them another four years in the Oval Office would put the most marginalized among us in danger and decimate the progress we’ve earned,” she continued. “The time is now to mobilize our community, turn out in record numbers and elect a President who will shepherd the fight for full equality instead of wage war on it. The time is now to elect Joe Biden and we are ready to deliver him a win in Florida.” Equality Florida’s presidential endorsement follows the organization’s largest voter mobilization program in its history. Launched in June, it targets 500,000 pro-equality voters at risk of not casting a ballot to contrast the Trump administration’s assault on LGBTQ equality with the Biden-Harris ticket’s commitment to expanding LGBTQ protections. “In a state whose election outcomes live on a razor’s edge, LGBTQ voters in Florida and their allies will determine the results on election night – and the country’s course for generations to come,” Equality Florida shared. “The choice could not be clearer or the election more consequential,” Smith added. “The country cannot withstand another four years of hate,

bigotry and an assault on the rights of all Americans to live authentically without fear of violence. In November, pro-equality voters in Florida will chart the path forward from this nightmare.” Following the endorsement, Equality Florida also released its official 2020 General Election Voter Guide. “This is the most important election of our lives,” Senior Political Director Joe Saunders shared Sept. 24. “Your vote is so critical at both the national and local level. From D.C. to Tallahassee, we’re locked in a battle like never before.” Citing attacks on adoption rights, health care, the transgender and nonbinary communities and more, Saunders noted that “elections have real consequences and our future hangs in the balance.” The organization also noted that volunteer opportunities to text or phone bank for pro-equality candidates are available for supporters. “Your volunteer hours could literally make the difference between hate or love in the White House AND the Supreme Court,” Equality Florida shared.

to vote for citizens with prior felony convictions. More than five million Floridians approved it, but Gov. Ron DeSantis opposed its implementation. This led the Republican-controlled state legislature to pass a law requiring affected Floridians to complete “all terms” of their sentences prior to voting. This included full payment of any fines, fees or costs resulting from the conviction, which voting rights advocates challenged in court. On Sept. 11, a federal appeals court ruled that the fines must be paid. “Thousands of formerly incarcerated people in Florida will not be allowed to vote this November based on a recent court ruling they can’t cast their ballot until they’ve paid off all their fines to the state,” VH1 shared Sept. 18. “This is being challenged in court – but it won’t be fixed before

the upcoming 2020 election,” they continued. The network subsequently encouraged supporters to donate to We Got The Vote. Fan favorite “Drag Race” entertainers Alexis Mateo, Vanessa “Vanjie” Mateo and Latrice Royale, all previously or currently based in Florida, echoed the network Sept. 25. Royale, also known as Timothy Wilcots, has long discussed his own previous conviction in Florida. Following Amendment 4’s passage in 2018, he told Watermark that “it means everything just to feel like a human. To feel like my debt is paid. Now I can participate!” While announcing its initiative, VH1 also noted that fines can range from $200 to $1,000.

For more information about volunteering or to view Equality Florida’s election guide, visit EQFL.org.

‘Drag Race’ stars raise funds for Florida voters Ryan Williams-Jent

H1 and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” entertainers are raising funds for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), the organization working to restore the right to vote for Floridians who have been convicted of a felony. VH1 announced a $250,000 donation to the FRRC with fellow ViacomCBS networks Comedy Central and MTV Sept. 17 as a part of their We Got the Vote project. Fundraising efforts continue to “pay the fees and fines that are standing in the way of returning citizens voting in November.” The FRRC is dedicated to ending discrimination against people with convictions. The organization sponsored Florida’s Amendment 4 in 2018, which was designed to automatically restore the right

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

For more information about the FRRC or to donate, visit FloridaRRC.com and WeGotTheVote.org. See videos from the entertainers and VH1 at WatermarkOnline.com.

nation+world news

Trump selects Barrett for Supreme Court Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

onald Trump has selected Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate judge and a favorite among religious conservatives, as his choice to replace progressive champion Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. Trump announced his selection of Barrett, who currently serves on the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, at a White House Rose Garden event Sept. 26, calling for a “straightforward and prompt confirmation.” “For the last three years, Judge Barrett has served with immense distinction on the federal bench,” Trump said. “Amy is more than a stellar scholar and judge; she is also a profoundly devoted mother. Her family is a core part of who Amy is. She opened her home and her heart, and adopted two beautiful children

from Haiti. Her incredible bond with her youngest child, a son with Down Syndrome, is a true inspiration.” Barrett in her remarks acknowledged Ginsburg upon her passing, but also the late U.S. Associate Justice Antonin Scalia with whom she worked as a law clerk and who was renowned for his anti-LGBTQ dissents. “I clerked for Justice Scalia more than 20 years ago, but the lessons I learned still resonate,” Barrett said. “His judicial philosophy is mine too: A judge must apply the law as written. Judges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold.” Barrett is Trump’s third pick for the Supreme Court after the appointment and confirmations of U.S. Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Senate Republicans have signaled they intend to hold a confirmation vote on the nominee, despite objectives from Democrats who say the chamber should hold off given Election Day is less than two months away.

LGBTQ rights groups, wary of Barrett’s writings asserting a judge’s obligation is to place faith about the law, were quick to denounce the choice after the news was made. Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement the nomination is a slap in the face to Ginsburg’s legacy. “If she is nominated and confirmed, Coney Barrett would work to dismantle all that Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for during her extraordinary career,” David said. “An appointment of this magnitude must be made by the president inaugurated in January. The Human Rights Campaign fervently opposes Coney Barrett’s nomination, and this sham process.” In contrast to Ginsburg, who joined each of the major decisions in favor of LGBTQ rights from the Supreme Court, Barrett has expressed a judicial philosophy suggesting she may undermine LGBTQ rights or rule on the side of religious freedom when it comes into conflict with LGBTQ non-discrimination policy.

Grenell defends progress in global initiative to decriminalize homosexuality Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

ichard Grenell, the former director of acting intelligence who has become the face of LGBTQ outreach to re-elect President Trump, defended Sept. 21 the progress of the global initiative he led in the Trump administration to decriminalize homosexuality. Grenell, in a rare interview with the LGBTQ media with host Cyd Zeigler on the OutSports podcast, initially shifted blame to the Obama administration when asked about criticism on the effort to decriminalize same-sex relations in the 69 countries where it remains illegal amounted to nothing. “Well, first of all, I find very ironic that political types, partisan types will suddenly say that in the last

couple of years, we were supposed to make progress on the 69 countries that criminalize homosexuality after eight years in the Obama-Biden administration,” Grenell said. “They did very little if anything to highlight this problem.” The Obama administration did work to address human rights abuses against LGBTQ people overseas. Former President Obama in a United Nations speech in 2011 said “we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere,” eight years before President Trump told the U.N. General Assembly his administration would work with countries to decriminalize homosexuality. Rooting the problem in Islamic beliefs, Grenell also said the decriminalization of same-sex relations across the globe is an “incredibly difficult problem,” citing not only laws, but “ties to majority-Muslim countries who believe religiously in denying basic rights to gay and lesbians.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

One challenge, Grenell said, is “there’s a big healthy debate” in the diplomatic community on whether or not the United States through its embassies “should speak up and confront say in the Middle East countries who criminalize homosexuality and do it from the U.S. embassies.” For his part, Grenell said he’s been fighting within the State Department and the diplomatic community to say, “that’s a crazy idea” and the United States should be leading at the forefront of the issue. The focus of the OutSports interview was Iran’s recent execution of athlete Navid Afkari, who reportedly was killed after denouncing the Iranian regime despite an international campaign to save his life. Grenell recently became senior adviser to the Republican National Committee for LGBTQ outreach and is a co-chair of Trump Pride.

in other news National LGBTQ Task Force ED to step down The National LGBTQ Task Force announced Sept. 23 long-time executive director Rea Carey will step down in early 2021. A press release notes the Task Force’s board of directors has unanimously chosen Deputy Executive Director Kierra Johnson to succeed Carey, who has been with the organization since 2003. “It has been a remarkable ride,” said Carey. “Just to be alive during a time of such progress over the last many years has been astounding, and to serve the LGBTQ community in my 17 years at the National LGBTQ Task Force has been the joy and honor of a lifetime.”

California to house trans inmates by gender identity Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Sept. 26 requiring California to house transgender inmates in prisons based on their gender identity -- but only if the state does not have “management or security concerns.” The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation houses men and women in separate facilities. Transgender inmates are often housed based on their sex assigned at birth. Advocates say this is dangerous, particularly for transgender women housed in facilities for men. The new law says officers must ask inmates privately during the intake process if they identify as transgender, nonbinary or intersex. Those inmates can then request what facility they would like to be placed.

Germany apologizes for past discrimination Germany’s defense minister is apologizing for decades of discrimination against gay servicepeople in the military until a change of policy in 2000. A study commissioned by the defense ministry and presented Sept. 17 documented “systematic discrimination” in the Bundeswehr — the military of West Germany and since 1990 of reunited Germany — from 1955 until the beginning of the new millennium. “I very much regret the practice of discrimination against homosexuals in the Bundeswehr, which stood for the policy of that time,” Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said in a statement. “I apologize to those who suffered because of it.” Kramp-Karrenbauer said she wants to advance legislation to rehabilitate those affected.

Nobel laureate refuses honor over Poland’s LGBTQ ‘rift’ Nobel Prize-winning writer Olga Tokarczuk has declined an honorary citizenship from the region of Poland where she lives because she would have had to share the honor with a Roman Catholic bishop who has made hostile comments about the LGBTQ community. Tokarczuk said in a tweet Sept. 25 that while she appreciated being considered, she “sadly” couldn’t accept Lower Silesia’s honorary citizenship. She said that receiving it at the same time as Bishop Ignacy Dec would highlight the “painful rift” in Poland over LGBTQ rights.

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Jerick Mediavilla

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Poder Hispano

here is nowhere else

where diversity makes such a tremendous impact on society as Orlando does. For me, and many millions more, we have found so much strength in our diversity here, which interestingly has never excluded us but rather brings us even closer together.

This time of the year marks the celebration of all the tastes, colors and sounds that we bring to this land, showcasing our pride in our customs, traditions and language that is key to our heritage. Hispanic Heritage Month is traditionally celebrated starting Sept. 15 and running through Oct. 15, marking the observation of Columbus Day. It starts on that date because it was this day that the territory that today comprises the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, among others, finally gained their independence from Spain in 1810. So, for Hispanic-Americans, even if some of their countries of origin could have a different independence day celebration, it is generally observed as a celebration of our cultural heritage as one powerful unit. The allyship we have built upon years of relationships with non-Hispanics in the United States tells the story of how little our differences are, and how much we, as a country, are steered towards equality, respect and freedom for all. The bonds of fellowship and camaraderie are fruitful in Orlando, and right after the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub took the lives of mostly Hispanic, Black and people of color, the community grew even tighter as an example of the relationship we all should maintain regardless of our upbringing and country of origin. Hispanics have struggled immensely but — even through pain and sorrow, attacks and disdain — we remain faithful to this nation whose people are the real heroes and inspiration to follow. In this column, aside from taking pride in celebrating my own Hispanic heritage, the feats our fellow Latinos have accomplished and the voice we have come to use, I also want to elevate the work of those Americans and Orlandoans

who truly understand the power of solidarity and the strength that lies in lending a helping hand. Of the many working communities Hispanics represent in Central Florida a vast majority are farm workers. Day after day, these staunch individuals work under the sizzling Florida sun to bring food to your table, literally. Their hands know no language of hate, for to sow and reap fruitfully, your heart must be full of love. In this fashion, Orlando sees the work of Sisters Cathy Gorman, Gail Grimes and Ann Kendrick, founders of the Hope Community Center in Apopka, who have provided and advocated for fair wages, housing, social and economic justice for farm workers for nearly four decades. Today, they also help provide legal counseling for those wanting to stay in the country, by way of citizenship workshops and even English courses, providing hundreds of Hispanic workers a dignified pathway to citizenship. Within the LGBTQ community, Hispanics continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence, homelessness and HIV and STI transmissions due to a lack of healthcare options, which ultimately affect their function as active and necessary members of our society. In the aftermath of the shooting at Pulse, a rainbow of organizations and leaders rushed in to help support the unattended needs of the families affected who were mainly of Puerto Rican descent, a group that has been battered by systemic oppression and disenfranchisement. The City of Orlando, Orange County Government and Heart of Florida United Way created the Orlando United Assistance Center whose services include cultural and language-competent services to the survivors, their chosen family and families of those impacted by the tragedy.

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Given the lasting effects in the mental health of survivors of violence and their families, community-based organizations like Hispanic Family Counseling provided families with Spanish-speaking treatment and intervention, bringing their healing process as close

and people of color, with special emphasis on the transgender community — a group disparaged by a chasm of institutionalized racism and outright discrimination. In their clinic, patients and individuals can cover all their healthcare needs, including general medicine,

because they don’t see us as just a minority, but the people they want to learn from and work with. Our power as a Hispanic community keeps growing, and that power lies in our gratefulness and our historical memory. As Election Day draws near, we will not forget the

to home as possible. Around the confounding topic of healthcare, many organizations stepped ahead to offer their multi-dimensional approach to holistic and integral care. In this respect today, 26Health (then TwoSpirit Health) has actively being involved as one of the lead providers of affordable healthcare to LGBTQ, Black

gynecology, mental health and even pharmacy, with little to no cost to the patient whatsoever; all in a highly confidential, inclusive and safe place for our LGBTQ family. These are only a handful of organizations, companies and leaders that have demonstrated that they actually care for our welfare and success in this country,

allies and accomplices who have fought alongside us and not only shared our voices, but actually brought us to the table. We want to say Muchas Gracias for making us feel heard and cared for, and as we continue to occupy more space in the conversations of power, dignity and freedom, I hear all of you chanting with me: ¡Pa’lante siempre!

Hispanics have struggled immensely but — even through pain and sorrow, attacks and disdain — we remain faithful to this nation.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Halloween Safe suggestions to celebrate the season

alloween is easily

one of the most inclusive holidays of the year, so much so that several of my friends refer to it as “Gay Christmas.” Everyone gets the chance to be someone else, to live out their fantasies or to face their deepest fears.

Sometimes it’s all three at the same time, behavior that is not only accepted, it’s encouraged. Throughout our lives we have explored this celebration of free expression in many ways, from Trick-or-Treating to working far too many hours on a killer costume we’ll only wear once. It’s a part of American culture that nearly everyone celebrates in their own way. That’s particularly true of the LGBTQ community. Now that 2020 has reared its ugly head and COVID-19 has changed all of the rules, how can we possibly celebrate everyone’s favorite “Come-As-You-Aren’t” party safely? Things looked pretty bleak for Halloween revelers earlier this year, with many haunted attractions and theme park festivities choosing not to open their doors this season, but there are still many ways for Halloween lovers of all ages to get our creep on, including kids. When I was little, my favorite thing in the world was to dress up and run down my street begging for candy, which is what Trick-or-Treating really is. This concept has morphed over the years – into “Trunk-Or-Treating,” where families all gathered in a parking lot and passed out candy from the trunks of their cars and even into Trick-or-Treating in malls. Gatherings like these aren’t 100% safe this particular Halloween, so Trick-or-Treating will evolve again. Several theme parks which closed their late night events have shifted their focus to physically distanced candy distribution. This could be an

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You won’t even have to all be in the same city and you can change costumes throughout the night. You can hold a costume contest by giving each party guest 30 seconds to show off their ensemble and then have everyone vote via a private chat message to the

your visit. Since capacity will be monitored very carefully, your evening might even feel more exclusive. Another trend that is popping up around the country is attractions that you experience from the safety of your car, an idea that started in Japan and

is curious to see how these new attractions will work, myself included. However you decide to celebrate Halloween, remember that it will feel different. The world has changed – and none of us know for how long. Don’t worry, you can still get

host. I realize it’s not the massive killer parties we are used to, but it’s still a party! While many of the larger Halloween haunted attractions have chosen not to open this year, many smaller independent attractions have adapted to the changing restrictions. So if you’re looking to scream in terror, this means that you may need to make a timed reservation and wear a protective mask throughout

spread to the UK before appearing this year in the US. These events fall into two basic categories; those you drive into and park and those you drive through. The “drive into” events range from basic drive-in horror movies to large theatrical productions. “Drive through” events seem to be more like old-school haunted houses with several scenes that work together to tell a linear story. Everyone

treats, get dressed up or get scared. The basic freedom to fly our freak flags, even for just one night, hasn’t been taken from the LGBTQ community. We just have to be creative.

However you decide to celebrate Halloween, remember that it will feel different.

Scott Swenson owns Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC, which creates, writes and produces shows and events for entertainment and educational worldwide. He also hosts “A Scott in the Dark: Periodic Podcasts for Haunters.” For more information, visit ScottSwenson.com.

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Scott Swenson

option for mask-wearing munchkins, or there’s even more physical distance in Trick-or-Treating online. The Mars candy company has launched “Treat Town,” a virtual neighborhood where participants can buy candy vouchers to distribute to the children who knock on their virtual doors. Treat-Town.com has all the sweet details. More mature Halloween celebrations usually involve gigantic costume parties, which I love. You can learn so much about people based on what costume they choose: be it a sexy postal worker, a shirtless zombie or just jeans and a T-shirt reading “This IS my costume.” It was one Halloween in college when I, like so many others in our community, decided to experiment with drag for the first time, though my look was nowhere near glamorous. I went as a bag lady, filling my purse with dried leaves and passing them out to other party guests. Since many in-person plans are just as withered this year, where can the bedecked and bejeweled go to celebrate? There are still some exclusive Halloween parties scheduled, with reduced capacities, which may sell out quickly. If you live in the appropriate climate, this might be the year to hold an outdoor “MASK-querade Party.” I’d recommend the only requirement being that the appropriate personal protective equipment be incorporated into each costume. There are so many options: bank robbers can wear bandanas, belly dancers can wear veils over their masks and mummies can just keep their mouths and noses under wraps. If you really want to stay safe, issue everyone a yard stick when they enter to ensure appropriate physical distancing. If you’re still not ready to abandon “safer at home,” why not try a Zoom costume party?

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

COVID-19 resources

Tampa Bay

Central Florida

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Pinellas Cares Fund PCED.org/Cares | 727-605-2944 Pinellas County is providing relief for individuals, families and businesses. Financial assistance for overdue rent, mortgage and utility bills up to $5,000 per household for those who lost their job or significant income is now available. Text COVIDCARES to 898211 or call 211 to begin the process. Applications will be processed weekdays from 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3) R3.HCFLGov.net | 866-538-2926 Hillsborough County is accepting applications to assist local small businesses and county residents directly impacted by the COVID-19. Financial assistance was created by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to direct funds to provide immediate relief, long-term community health and stability, and a full and robust economic recovery. Call weekdays for assistance from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

FOOD/HEALTHCARE/SERVICE RESOURCES 211 Tampa Bay Cares 211TampaBay.org | 727-210-4211

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

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.

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.

TESTING Sites AFC Urgent Care | AFCUrgentCare.com 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. weekdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends 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 Ruth Eckerd Hall at 1111 McMullen Booth Rd. in Clearwater Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-10 a.m.

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 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg on Wednesdays. 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 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 University of South Florida Health Therapy (MDT) Building at 3515 E. Fletcher Ave.

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. Call weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional details you can also text SRQCOVID19 to 888777.

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Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund OneOrlandoAlliance.org/COVID-19 The Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund is meant to assist Orlando area LGBTQ+ community members who are most in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact the fund’s Steering Committee at LGBTQReliefFund@gmail.com. You can also visit the website above to review the relief fund’s resource guide — available both in English and Spanish — for more information on navigating the crisis.

Bounce Back Orlando BounceBackOrlando.com 321-800-3946 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 free of charge.

CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) CareerSourceCentralFlorida.com/ Coronavirus-Support |800-757-4598

CSCF is providing virtual reemployment assistance for those who have lost their job due to COVID-19. CSCF can assist you in filling out the Department of Economic Opportunity application online. The CSCF has reopened with limited in-person appointments. For your safety, masks will be required for all in-person appointments and temperature checks will be done.

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

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES 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.

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.

Feed the Need Florida Facebook.com/FeedTheNeedFL

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida | https://bit.il/hcclinic 352-509-9865

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.

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.

TESTING SITES Orange County Government OCFL.net/COVID19 City of Orlando | Orlando.gov/ COVID19Testing | 407-246-3104 Orange County has a non-mobile testing site at the Orange County Convention Center daily, starting at 9 a.m. until the daily limit is reached with no appointment needed. Testing at this site is open to all Central Florida residents, no symptoms required. You must be 18 or older with a photo ID. 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 be announced on a rolling basis. Testing is free of charge. 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.

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Testing is available at the following health centers by appointment only: Community Health Centers located at 210 E. 7th St. in Apopka and 840 Mercy Dr. In Orlando. Call 407-905-8827 to make appointment at either location. Testing is 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. Testing is available Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Fri., 8 a.m.-12 p.m. UCF, in partnership with AventusBiolabs, has a non-mobile testing site available by appointment only at its main campus. For more information, visit AventusBiolabs.com. OneBlood is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. For more information, visit OneBlood.org/donate-now.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points

765

of more than

1,700 health care facilities

requested nationwide participated in the HRC

Healthcare

Equality Index.

495

received a top score of 100;

including 3 locally: Moffitt Cancer Center, VA James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and

VA Orlando Medical Center. —HRC

We feel great ... it was not pleasant but we got through it. We have antibodies and are feeling good and want to make sure everyone’s doing their best to slow this down every way possible. - Neil Patrick Harris revealing he and his family’s COVID-19 diagnosis

Ellen DeGeneres addresses ‘toxic work environment’ in season opener

llen DeGeneres kicked off the 18th season of her hit talk show with a virtual audience Sept. 21, addressing allegations that she had fostered an atmosphere of toxicity at the show. Eleven employees from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” described the atmosphere of the show’s set as a “toxic work environment” filled with racism, intimidation and fear. Following these allegations, WarnerMedia conducted an internal investigation which led to three producers “parting ways” with the show. “I learned that things happened here that never should have happened. I take that very seriously and I want to say I am so sorry to the people that were affected,” DeGeneres said. “I know that I am in a position of privilege and power and I realize with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show. This is ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’ I am Ellen DeGeneres.”

‘Schitt’s Creek’ has big night at Emmys

“S

chitt’s Creek” made history at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 20 when it swept all seven of the major comedy categories. The show not only set a record for the most Emmys for a comedy series in one year but also became the only show — comedy or drama — to win in every acting category within the same year. Show creator Dan Levy won a total of four Emmy Awards himself for outstanding directing, writing, supporting actor and best comedy series. Levy accepted best comedy series with father and outstanding lead actor winner Eugene Levy, both of who produced the series. Series stars Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy won outstanding lead and supporting actress, respectively. “Schitt’s Creek” won a total of nine Emmy Awards for its final season.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Madonna to direct, co-write biopic about herself

biopic about Madonna has found a uniquely qualified director: Madonna, herself. Universal Pictures announced Sept. 15 that the studio is developing an untitled film about the pop star that Madonna will direct and co-write with “Juno” scribe Diablo Cody. “The focus of this film will always be music,” said Madonna in a statement. “Music has kept me going and art has kept me alive. There are so many untold and inspiring stories and who better to tell it than me. It’s essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision.” The film will be produced by Amy Pascal, the former Sony Pictures chief who produced “A League of their Own,” the 1992 film co-starring Madonna.

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Takei wins American Book Award

graphic memoir based on actor George Takei’s childhood in a U.S. internment camp for Japanese Americans was among the winners of the 41st annual American Book Awards. Takei worked with writers Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott and illustrator Harmony Scott on “They Called Us Enemy,” in which he remembers being forced into a camp at age 4, during World War II. The awards were announced Sept. 14 by the Before Columbus Foundation, which champions diversity in literature. Ocean Vuong’s novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” and Yoko Ogawa’s “The Memory Police,” a National Book Award finalist last fall for best translated book, were among the other books awarded. The winners will be formally recognized during an online ceremony Oct. 25.

#GetTested

SARASOTA 1231 N. TUTTLE AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34237 (941) 366-0134

NORTH PORT 14243 TAMIAMI TRAIL NORTH PORT, FL 34287 (941) 888-2144

CLEARWATER 2349 SUNSET PT. RD. #405 CLEARWATER, FL 33765 (727) 216-6193

ST. PETERSBURG 3251 3RD AVE. N. #125 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33713 (727) 498-4969

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

ORLANDO 1301 W. COLONIAL DR. ORLANDO, FL 32804 (407) 246-1946

YBOR CITY 1315 EAST 7TH AVE. TAMPA, FLÂ 33605 (813) 769-7207

PALMETTO 408 7TH STREET WEST PALMETTO, FL 34221 (941) 803-7939

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For Joe Biden, push relentlessly until November 3

Paul Schindler, Gay City News Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

mong the many compelling reasons to make

sure that Donald Trump and Mike Pence are not reelected on Nov. 3, perhaps the 26 most compelling are the transgender Americans — most of them trans women of color — known to have been murdered this year. We needn’t be simple-minded in making this argument. Trump and Pence did not pull the trigger, and those who did must, of course, bear the consequences for their horrific acts. But the all-too-toxic environment which too many of our transgender siblings have endured in

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

their lives has gotten immeasurably worse over the past four years. For this reason and many more, in a historic move, the 12 newspapers of the National LGBT Media Association (NGMA),which represents the nation’s

Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

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4th Annual | 4.9 K

Presented by Orlando Health, in Partnership with UCF DeVos Sport Business, Benefiting onePULSE Foundation

to our sponsors and vendors for your generous support in making the 2020 CommUNITY Virtual Rainbow Run a success!

ÂŽ

Regions Bank; South Beach Tanning Co.; YMCA of Central Florida; Fortress Information Security; Central Florida Home Boys Realty; Cornerstone Hospice; Orange County Tax Collector; Planet Smoothie; Marriott; Orlando Business Council; Skanska USA Building; Dunkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brands; Spirit Airlines; Tijuana Flats 26

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

| uu | For Joe Biden from pg.25

oldest and most established LGBTQ publications with a combined circulation of more than one million readers, are issuing this joint endorsement of the Joe Biden/ Kamala Harris ticket this week. From the start, Donald Trump has used the trans community as a punching bag to prove his toughness to his socially conservative base hungry for a strongman willing to turn back the clock. He has denied trans folks the ability to serve openly in the military, sought to strip them of nondiscrimination protections in healthcare, worked to rob trans youth of dignity in their schools and battled to take away the right of student athletes to compete in sports. And against the trans community as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans, Trump’s administration fought tooth and nail to prevent the pivotal advance we won at the Supreme Court in June — the recognition that we enjoy employment nondiscrimination protections thanks to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Still, Trump and his see-no-evil GOP Senate allies refuse to move the Equality Act, which would extend those nondiscrimination protections across the board in areas like housing and public accommodations. For them, the nation’s most embattled minority are bigots who want to enshrine their right to discriminate under the cloak of “religious liberty.” As in every other aspect of this endorsement, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris offer a stark and redemptive alternative. After Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denied President Barack Obama federal judicial appointments in his last year in office, he and his colleagues have rubber-stamped an unprecedented number of judges — many of them viciously right-wing, others lacking in even the most elementary judicial qualifications —whose influence will last for decades to come. The cornerstone decision in protecting reproductive freedom — Roe v. Wade — may already

Dynamic Duo: Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris have shown themselves to be the most LGBTQ-friendly presidential ticket in the 2020 elelction. Photo by Adam Shultz, Courtesy Biden for President

be doomed by the Trump court’s configuration. Give him another chance or two to name a member to the high court and the ball game will definitely be over. Trump’s governing has

in overtly racist terms, and their children have been caged. Muslim newcomers to America have also been stigmatized where they have not been blocked outright. The damage is not limited to the newcomers.

the 2017 neo-Nazi invasion of Charlottesville, but he’s been snide in reacting to the Black Lives Matter movement, telling Bob Woodward, in response to a question about why he can’t bring himself to empathize

In a historic move, the 12 newspapers of the National LGBT Media Association (NGMA), which represents the nation’s oldest and most established LGBTQ publications with a combined circulation of more than one million readers, are issuing this joint endorsement of the Joe Biden/ Kamala Harris — Paul Schindler, Gay City News ticket. been much like his court appointments — where he is not cruel, he is merely incompetent. Mexican and other Latin American immigrants have been slurred

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Latinx and Muslim-American citizens have faced increasing levels of hostility and hate crimes. Trump saw “very fine people, on both sides” during

with African American citizens, “You, you really drank the Kool-Aid, didn’t you?” The coronavirus’ most recent surge — in the Midwest — and the wild fires raging through

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

wide swaths of the West are only the most calamitous indicators of Trump’s refusal to accept the basic facts of science, a posture at one with his hostility to fact-based discourse on almost any public policy issue. It’s no surprise that the nation’s free press and the unfettered right of Americans to vote — the twin jewels of American democracy — are, in his mind, enemies of the people. Meanwhile, Trump is most at ease with fellow authoritarian figures around the globe, whether Russia’s Putin, North Korea’s Kim, Turkey’s Erdoğan or Brazil’s Bolsonaro. Since Hillary Clinton lost the presidency in 2016 even while winning almost three million more votes than Trump, the Democratic Party has undergone an internal battle of sorts for its soul, pitting insurgent, left-leaning candidates, many of them young newcomers, against more moderate establishment figures — on issues from racial justice to healthcare policy, economic inequality and climate change action. Those are all areas on which debate is legitimate, indeed needed. But here’s the thing: With four more years of Trump, there is no real consequential venue for having those debates. Trump and his enablers are draining the oxygen out of our democracy. Debating between left and center in the House of Representatives is no substitute for regaining the White House and the Senate. Only then can we have our debates, lick our wounds and set a course for a better tomorrow. This election will be decided in a small number of states — perhaps as many as a dozen, more likely just a handful. In all of the battleground states, LGBTQ activists and our progressive allies are on the ground working to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Especially in a year when much of the campaign will be carried out on the air and online rather than in person, all of us — everywhere across the nation — can pitch in to help in those states where a boost for Biden is most needed. Grab a bucket, adopt a state and dive in to the battle. None of us should wake up Nov. 4 wishing we had done more.

www.fusionfest.org/Join-us

entry Deadline: August 1

Event: thanksgiving weekend, 2019

is a project of the Downtown District Government FusionFest is a project of the Downtown Arts District FusionFest withÂ support from OrangeArts County with support from Orange County Government and the Orlando Downtown Development and the Orlando Downtown Development Board, at the Dr. Phillips Center. Board, at the Dr. Phillips Center.

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Jeremy Williams and Ryan Williams-Jent

f we have said it once we have said

it a million times, 2020 has been a weird year. It has impacted every aspect of our lives, including how we are celebrating the holidays, and Halloween is no eerie exception.

This year’s festivities won’t have the usual packed parties, costume contests at bars or huge events at theme parks, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. That’s why we have summoned 31 days’ worth of socially-distanced Central Florida and Tampa Bay events, virtual gatherings and enter-at-your-own-risk celebrations that will let you practice safety guidelines while enjoying the LGBTQ community’s favorite holiday. No matter where you go and how you celebrate, make sure you are doing it with everyone’s health in

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

mind. Wear masks, socially distance, adhere to safety precautions provided by local officials or the businesses hosting events. Remember that all events are subject to changes or cancellations. Be sure to visit every website listed and check for safety measures, restrictions and cancellation policies. Be safe, enjoy yourselves and from all of us Watermark ghosts and goblins, have a Happy Halloween! Continued on pg. 30 | uu |

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| uu | 31 Days of Halloween from pg.29

’

LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat, Winter Haven

Treat Town Halloween, virtual

Start your month off by joining Treat Town, a virtual trick-or-treat experience. Sign up at Treat-Town.com or through the Treat Town Halloween app and create a profile. Then help your kids decorate their virtual door and create spooky avatars. Starting Oct. 1, buy candy credits for virtual trick-ortreaters that can be redeemed for real candy like M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, Twix and more. Enjoy safe trick-ortreating with your family around your neighborhood, or virtually visit friends and relatives across the country.

Sanford Ghost Tour, Downtown Sanford

LEGOLAND’s family-friendly Brick or Treat returns this October with spooky, kooky fun. Enjoy neighborhoodstyle trick-or-treating from 1–5 p.m. with contactless candy distribution throughout the park. You can also celebrate with monster-themed LEGO characters, The Groovin’ Graveyard and A Candy-Coated Curse Show, Brick or Treat LEGO Builds and more. Brick or Treat events run Saturdays and Sundays throughout October and are included as part of your daily tickets, Awesome, Awesomer and Awesomest annual passes. For event schedule and park ticket prices, go to LEGOLAND.com.

Kid-friendly movie night, streaming online

Gather your favorite snacks, pop some popcorn and stay in for a fun, kidfriendly Halloween movie night. Some streaming recommendations: Disney+ offers the ‘90s classics “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus” as well as the “Halloweentown” series; HBO Max has both live-action “ScoobyDoo” films as well as the recently released animated “Scoob!”; and Netflix has an entire library of family Halloween offering including “Goosebumps 2,” “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” and “Monster Family” to name a few. If you don’t mind spending a few bucks, two of our personal favorites — “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” — can be rented for $2.99 on Amazon, Google Play, VUDU and YouTube.

’

Enzian ‘s Popcorn Flicks in the Park, Winter Park

Ghosts and Gruesomes Walking Tour, Downtown Sarasota

Take a guided walk through downtown Sanford and hear tales of ghostly encounters, visit historical landmarks and learn about the nearly 150 year history of the city. The 90-minute walking tour culminates with a walk to an actual haunted building. Groups are limited to 12 people. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at ExperienceSanfordFL.com. Tours are available every Friday and Saturday in October except Oct. 24.

’

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Plant City

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is an outdoor, haunted experience featuring three haunted trails, an escape game and laser tag. Sir Henry’s also offers live entertainment, food vendors and merchandise. Tickets are $25-$35 depending on the night and must be purchased in advance online at SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trails are open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during October, except for Oct. 4.

Explore the “spirited” side of Sarasota with Ghosts & Gruesomes’ ghost and murder walking tour. Hear stories of paranormal activity and unsolved murders as you stroll through the downtown Sarasota theater district after dark. Tickets are $17.95 and must be reserved in advance. The 75-minute walking tour is available twice a night every Thursday, Friday and Sunday and once a night every Saturday in the month of October. Tickets can be booked at SarasotaSuncoastTours.com.

’

Gatorland’s Gator Night Shine Tour, Orlando

Busch Gardens’ - Howl-O-Scream, Tampa

Tampa Bay’s premier Halloween event is preparing to return in a whole new way this fall with the 21st annual Howl-O-Scream. This year’s modified production, themed “The Fear In Your Eyes,” will be unlike any other, including significantly enhanced safety and health measures at the core of the event. The event will be modified to feature 10 open-air scare zones, limited-capacity admission with reservations required and physical distancing. Howl-OScream runs every Friday-Sunday in October and is a separate ticketed event from standard park admission, tickets start at $39.99. Reserve a spot now at HowlOScream.com.

UNDead in the Water III:: Operation Decon,

Tampa

Enzian Theater, as part of its Popcorn in the Park series, brings you “Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man” on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Central Park. Watch this classic with up to six people in your own 10x10 socially distanced viewing space. Admittance is free but advanced registration is required to reserve a spot. If you can’t make it to Central Park, Enzian’s Popcorn in the Park returns Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. to Ward Park with the film “Hocus Pocus.” RSVP for either or both flicks at Enzian.org.

The American Victory Ship presents Tampa’s nautical haunted attraction, “UNDead in the Water III: Operation Decon.” Traverse multiple decks of this historic WWII cargo ship and avoid being eaten by the infected zombie stowaways. Survive the chaos as the ship struggles to stay afloat. Tickets are $15-$20 depending on the night, military discount available. All tickets must be purchased online. UNDead in the Water III runs every Friday and Saturday during the month of October as well as Thursday, Oct. 29. Visit UNDeadInTheWater.com for tickets.

Armed with only a flashlight and gator food, bravely make your way along the winding wooden walkways of Gatorland’s Alligator Breeding Marsh. Sounds of the night come alive around you as the rustle of feathers overhead and the splashing of water nearby signal that you are not alone. Turn your flashlight towards the water to see hundreds of hungry, glowing, red eyes slowly making their way closer. Tickets are $24.99, tours start at dusk and last 60-90 minutes. Tours are every night except Mondays and Thursdays. Get tickets at Gatorland.com.

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SeaWorld Spooktacular, Orlando

Get the costumes ready for the kids and kids at heart, because SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is back with all-new safety procedures. The trick-or-treat trail is stocked with candy and adventure. Kids can enjoy not-so-spooky fun with their Sesame Street friends and even join Count von Count for a special Halloween breakfast and do a little cookie decorating with the Cookie Monster. You can also pick up some Halloween-themed SeaWorld merchandise, visit the park’s amazing animals and ride the thrilling coasters. SeaWorld’s Spooktacular runs every weekend in October from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are available at SeaWorld.com.

Fathom Events presents the 60th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”

‘

’ ’ Fathom Events brings you the film

that changed the horror genre forever, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” Join the Master of Suspense on a chilling journey as an unsuspecting victim visits the Bates Motel and falls prey to one of cinema’s most notorious psychopaths — Norman Bates. Back in select theaters for its 60th anniversary for two nights only, Oct. 11 and 12. Visit FathomEvents.com for theaters, showtimes and ticket information.

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Movie Series: “Friday The 13th,” Clearwater

‘

’

Go back to Crystal Lake where it all started. One of the longest-running horror film series began with this gory shocker 40 years ago. Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Bilheimer Capitol Theatre presents “Friday The 13th,” a one-night engagement on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Come early for fun pre-show trivia, games and prizes. Tickets are $10 each or $30 for a Family 4-Pack. Luxury Boxes, with seating for up to four people, are available for $50. Get your tickets at RuthEckerdHall.com.

Check out Central Florida’s first contactless, drive-thru Halloween theatrical event. The Haunted Road immerses you in the middle of twisted creatures and bloodcurdling encounters all from the comfort of your own vehicle. You drive from scene to scene and, once your car is in park, watch the story come to life all around you. Sounds from the terror around you are piped in through your car radio. Nighttime rides last 40 minutes and daytime, family-friendly rides are approximately 30 minutes. Tickets start at $15 per person with shows running most nights in October. Family-friendly, daytime shows are weekend only. Visit TheHauntedRoad.com for dates, times and tickets.

Orlando REP’s Haunted Halloween Makeup Master Class, online

’

Use your makeup skills to create the best Halloween look ever. This online master class will help your technique reach the next level. Find your inspiration, sketch designs, create a character and then get hands-on with the application. Open for grades 6-12, this course runs Oct. 12-15. Tuition is $175 and includes a student makeup kit and supplemental supplies that are available for pickup at Orlando REP prior to the start of class. Register online and check out some other Halloween-themed courses and activities available online at OrlandoREP.com.

15‘

Corn Maze Orlando“Mission To Mars,” Orlando

’

Corn Maze Orlando, located at Painted Oaks Academy, helps you get some space with its socially-distanced “Mission To Mars” corn maze. Outside of the maze, you can have fun with live music, a fun park, hay rides, ducky races and more. Tickets are $15 for GA, $12 for UCF students and $10 for kids 3-17. Tickets into the Pumpkin Patch are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. All tickets must be purchased online at CornMazeOrlando.com. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are open 7 days a week.

The Haunted Road, Orlando

touring tampa: Ybor City’s Ghost Tour tells the scarier side of Tampa’s history with personalized haunting experiences available for small groups every night of the week. Photo courtesy Ybor city ghost tour’s facebook page

’

ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night, Tampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Halloween event, Creatures of the Night, returns this October with spooky scares and unforgettable eerie frights for ghouls and goblins of all ages. The mostly outdoor, family-friendly event is themed around campfire tales and features several new outdoor Halloween experiences, including The Realm of the Spider Queen. Tickets start at $24.95 with events running every Friday and Saturday in October, as well as Thursday, Oct. 29. To purchase tickets and reserve your spot, visit ZooTampa.org.

Iberian Rooster’s BOOobies & BOOotys, St. Petersburg

’

Join Iberian Rooster for its premier event celebrating the reopening of Subcentral Speakeasy with one of its most popular shows, Burlesque Revue presented by Exquisite Entertainers, just in time to kick off the Halloween season. Featuring five frightening burlesque performances. Two shows each night, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on Oct. 16 and 17. Each show is limited to 20 guests. Tickets are $50 for GA and $150 for VIP. VIP includes admission for two people, a bottle of bubbly and dinner upstairs before the show. For tickets, go to IberianRooster.SimpleTix.com/e/58320.

Phantasmagoria XI “Plague Tales,” video streaming

‘

’

Phantasmagoria comes to you with “Plague Tales,” a brand-new show for Halloween 2020 and for the first time ever it is all virtual. Five newly told tales of terror — featuring haunted storytelling, “Phantastical” dance, explosive stage combat, puppetry, projections, fire dancing, aerial arts and more — combine to create a tapestry of elegant and whimsically macabre horror. Viewings are available Oct. 15-18 in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Other dates available throughout Florida during October. Tickets are $22 per household/ device. To purchase and for more information, go to Phantasmagoria’s Facebook page.

Ybor Ghost Tour, Ybor City

Virtual ghost stories with friends, online

Hear spine-tingling stories about real people, history, folklore and the ghosts that have made Ybor City, one of the most haunted towns in the U.S., their playground. Hear true-life tales of villains, buccaneers, bandits and gangsters. Tours take approximately two hours, occur every night in October and are an easy walk with frequent stops along the way. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids. Select nights offer special $20 pricing. For tickets, go to YborGhostTour.com.

Take this campfire classic and give it a virtual spin. Gather your friends on a Zoom call or in a Facebook room, light a candle or grab a flashlight, turn off the lights and take turns trying to get the most screams with a scary ghost story. Pour a drink (or two) and also play Halloween-themed online versions of Wink Murder, Never Have I Ever and Truth or Dare.

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

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CELEBRATE PRIDE!

PRIDE IN THE

OCTOBER 10 2020

ORLANDO

OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE WILL STILL BE HEARD!

HOUSE!

PRIDE pride STREETS! Virtual Extravaganza!

streets! 18 Mile Vehicle Procession

GET INVOLVED! LEARN MORE!

COMEOUTWITHPRIDE.COM 32

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| uu | 31 Days of Halloween from pg.31

- Scream-AGeddon, Dade City

Scream-A-Geddon returns with six attractions in one location: enter Ravenhill Asylum and Blackpool Prison, two interactive attractions; experience the terror of Demon’s Revenge, Rage 3D and Deadwoods; or hunt the undead with Zombie Paintball Assault (requires an additional ticket price). Also enjoy Monster Midway, the hub of ScreamA-Geddon featuring fire pits, an array of monsters, drink, food, games and Bonzo’s Beer Garden. Open every night in the month of October. Tickets start as low as $21.95 depending on the night and can be purchased at ScreamAGeddon.com.

-MrMs Adrien presents “The Rocky Horror Drag Show,” Orlando

Universal Studios Haunted Houses, Orlando

While Halloween Horror Nights is a no go this year, Universal Studios is offering two haunted houses Oct. 3-Nov. 1 during regular park hours — “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” and “Revenge of the Tooth Fairy.” Guests must sign up for the virtual queue in the Universal Orlando Resort app to be able to visit the houses. Visitors can also partake in the Scarecrow Stalk, a scavenger hunt for scarecrows throughout select retail locations in the park. Costumes are allowed in the parks and at Islands of Adventure, visitors who are 12 and under can go trick-ortreating at select retail locations. For tickets, prices and more details, visit UniversalOrlando.com.

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‘

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with MrMs Adrien’s “The Rocky Horror Drag Show” at the Parliament House’s Footlight Theatre. Do the time warp with Orlando’s freakiest cast of characters in this fast paced, 90-minute revue to the greatest cult classic ever made. Only three nights to catch this event; Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, if any seats remain. Curtain is promptly at 8 p.m. and your ticket gets you into the rest of the parliament House for the night. Tickets are available to purchase through the Parliament House’s Facebook page.

Forum of Fear presents The Dark Seance, Orlando The Dark Séance is a dining and theatrical experience that will leave you on the edge of the seat. You are escorted to a secret Victorian Séance Room where you will be seated at your own private table and treated to four course, five-star gourmet, meal befitting a last supper. While enjoying dinner, your host will share stories of some of the most notorious and nefarious souls to ever walk amongst the living. Once the séance begins, your skilled Medium will open the gateway to the “beyond” allowing the dearly departed to engage for an unbelievable and unsettling experience. Forum of Fear also brings you its Tunnel of the Damned, a haunted maze featuring 20 masked actors scaring you through 480 feet of horrifying madness. Throughout the season, Tunnel of the Damned will change to City Overtaken and conclude with Apocalypse. The Dark Séance runs every night in October except Mondays and tickets are $87.50 per person. Tickets for Tunnel of the Damned start at $17.95 and the event runs every night, from 6 p.m.-2 a.m., in October. Visit DarkSeance.com or TunnelOfTheDamned.com for tickets and information.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Throw a micro or virtual Halloween Party, in-person or virtual While COVID-19 has left large Halloween parties of the table this year, that doesn’t mean there is no party to be had. If you typically throw a large party every year, have several micro parties with no more than 6-7 guests each. Either divide your friends into groups based on interests or put all of their names in a bowl and draw for each party for random groupings. If you don’t have the space in your home to keep a safe distance between guests, try a virtual Halloween Party where everyone can dress up and show off their costumes online.

27 virtual

Virtual pumpkin carving with friends/family, -

Of all the traditional Halloween festivities, pumpkin carving may be the easiest one to do online. Set a time that works for everyone, buy your pumpkin, decorations and carving tools and set your camera up. It’s that easy. Have a stress-free night of creativity and at the end of the carving, have everyone vote on their favorites.

Scary Movie Night, virtual

Put the kids to bed early, get out your favorite adult treats, grab a blanket to hide under and enjoy a good old scary movie. You can even watch with friends online using synced viewing with apps like Movies Anywhere, Google Chrome extensions like Netflix Party and YouTube With Friends or websites like Watch2Gether. Streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime have entire libraries of films collected into a Halloween category. The hardest part will be everyone deciding on one movie.

Walt Disney World’s Halloween Entertainment, Lake Buena Vista

Halloween candy scavenger hunt

It’s Halloween night and traditional trick-or-treating is a big no no this year. Instead, try inventive ways to get some delicious candy treats to the kids. Steal a tradition form the Easter holiday and hide pre-wrapped candy throughout the yard and have the kids hunt for it themselves. Either organize it for your own kids or if your neighborhood has trick-or-treaters roaming the streets, this is a way to give them candy but keep them at a safe distance. If you don’t feel like hiding the candy, place a big bowl at the end of your walk way or drive way and let the kids grab on their own.

’

While the pandemic has caused the traditional Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to be cancelled, Disney is still celebrating the holiday all October long. Main Street, U.S.A. is still getting decorated for the fall and look for special Halloween cavalcades popping up throughout the day with characters dressed in Halloween costumes. Speaking of costumes, for the first time ever, Disney is allowing all park guests to wear costumes. All parks will also have special Halloween treats and at Hollywood Studios, Minnie’s Halloween Dine is still a go, albeit without the usual buffet. Check it out all month long. For ticket prices, dates and more information, visit DisneyWorld. Disney.go.com.

‘

A Little Hocus Pocus to Drag* Out the Vote,

’

online

Hosted by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, tune in for a little hocus pocus magic to “drag” out the vote with Tampa Bay’s very own Sanderson Sisters — Daphne Ferrero, Kathryn Nevets and Chi Chi Lalique. Have some spooky fun while getting informed on the importance of voting. The event is free and will stream live on League of Women Voters St. Petersburg Area’s YouTube channel on Oct. 30 from 7-8 p.m. Read more on page 10 and at WatermarkOnline.com.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Tables of 4 can be purchased by calling the Box Oﬃce at 727-587-6793 or visiting LargoArts.com COME OUT ST. PETE

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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CONGRATULATIONS The Garage on Central Ave. celebrated 9 years Sept. 26. Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw celebrated five years as senior pastor of MCC Tampa Sept. 20. Oasis Restaurant & Bar opened in Sarasota Sept. 22. The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup Sept. 29. Pasco Pride will hold a series of events throughout October in lieu of this year’s festival. Visit WatermarkOnline.com and PascoPrideFestival.org for more details as they’re made available.

CONDOLENCES

Dog Bar St. Pete OG wooferee and dog whisperer Nikki died Sept. 17. She will be missed.

REOPENINGS Pinellas Arts Village’s 4th Saturday Art Walk resumed in Pinellas Park Sept. 26. Food trucks have returned to Dog Bar St. Pete daily except Tuesdays.

VIRTUAL EVENTS The 31st annual and first virtual Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is streaming feature films statewide and shorts collections nationwide Oct. 2-18. Read all about it at WatermarkOnline.com and TIGLFF.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS St Pete Pride VP Nathan Bruemmer (Oct. 1); TriggerMouth Tee’s Luis Balaguer, Tampa Bay entertainer Darnell Bradley aka Crystal Reigns, Nurses Choice Inc. president Steve Sika (Oct. 2); Spectrum News 9 traffic expert Chuck Henson, Sarasota photographer Samantha Ponzillo (Oct. 4); St. Pete weather goddess Edith Lewis-Allen, St. Pete sprinter Gabe Michael, Tampa Bay nurse Daniel Ravioli (Oct. 5); Tampa realtor Mike Reedy, Gomez Law Firm of St. Petersburg’s Ian Gomez (Oct. 7); Tampa Bay photographer Robert Castelli, Allendale United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Andy Oliver (Oct. 8); Southern Nights Tampa manager Michael Wilson (Oct. 9); Tampa Bay entertainer Victoria Michaels aka Bambu the Eco Salon co-owner Chris Kiss, St. Pete data specialist Stephen Gillin, Pasco Pride President Nina Borders, Freelance writer J.D. Cerna (Oct. 10); King of Peace MCC pastor Candace Shultis, Grand Central District Executive Director David Foote, Tampa Bay entertainer Lady Janet (Oct. 12); Tampa Pride’s Mark ‘Tea Cup’ West-Bias, WellCare Manager Michael Clouse, Former Tampa Bay bartender Jeff Beadle (Oct. 13); Freelance writer Michael Kilgore, Ybor City Barbering Co. owner Lisa Ann Harmon, GaYbor entertainer Joey Brooks (Oct. 14).

TEA-RIFFIC: Zero Pinellas Community Specialist Topher Larkin participates in Dining Out for Life Tampa Bay Sept. 17 at Pom Pom’s St. Pete. PHOTO COURTESY ZERO PINELLAS

SISTER, SISTER: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence film a public service announcement about wearing a mask in Tampa Sept. 20, available on their Facebook page. PHOTO COURTESY tb sisters

RISING LEADER: Rep.elect Michele Rayner (L) stops by Rising Tide Innovation Center Sept. 16 to discuss small businesses with Thompson Davis Kellett. PHOTO COURTESY RISING TIDE

DIVERSITY DUO: Artists John Gascot (L) and assistant James Hartzell take a break Sept. 25 from the League of Women Voters’ Diversity in Democracy mural in downtown St. Pete.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

CHARITY GALS: Miss Closet Ball 2020 Alexis DeHaven (R) joins bingo bestie Georgia Moore (C) and Loc Robertson (R) Sept. 24 to raise funds for the Barber Fund at Punky’s Bar and Grill.

PHOTO COURTESY CLOSET BALL

IN IT TO WIN IT: The Pinellas County Young Democrats canvas throughout St. Petersburg’s District 70 Sept. 27 to raise awareness for equality-focused candidates.

PHOTO COURTESY pcyd

REUNITED: Tampa Pride’s Mark Bias West (L) celebrates the reopening of Bradley’s on 7th with security Sept. 23. PHOTO COURTESY BRADLEY’S ON 7Th

DINE TIME: EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim (L) and Ryan Young kick off Dining Out for Life Tampa Bay Sept. 16 at Brew Bus Brewing.

PHOTO COURTESY EPIC

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

central florida out+about

Thank You Christopher J. Cuevas is stepping down as executive director of QLatinx after four years in the role. Cuevas is a co-founder of the advocacy group created in the weeks following the Pulse tragedy to help raise the voices of the local LGBTQ and Latinx communities. Watermark joins the community in thanking them for their contributions to the community and wish Christopher the best of luck in

their new chapter.

Congratulations Se7enbites celebrates7 years in business Oct. 1.

Reopenings Southern Nights Orlando re-opened Sept. 16. Southern will continue to all safety measures including masks and temperature checks.

Sunday Fundays’ Situation Sundays at Latitudes and Runway Sundays at Chillers started up again Sept. 27. Ember’s Sunday Surrender was relaunched Aug. 16.

Virtual Events Congressman Darren Soto will host a Coronavirus Crisis Town Hall Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. examining the pandemic response, unemployment, housing and food assistance with panel guests CFL Health Care CEO Ann Claussen, Community Hope Center Reverend Mary Downey

and Second Harvest Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson. You can watch on Facebook Live through Soto’s Facebook page.

Local Birthdays Parliament House’s Niki Ames, Central Florida drag queen Tora Himan (Oct. 2); Local musician Taylor Bulloch, “The Money Coach” Tammy Lally (Oct. 3); The Milk District Executive Director Zac Alfson, Orlando bartender Tracy Thomas (Oct. 5); Lighthouse Realty broker/owner Mike Trexler (Oct. 6); Orlando Youth Alliance CEO Michael Slaymaker, graphic designer Jocelynn White, Central Florida radio host Loc Robertson, Former Watermark designer Katie DiBenedetto (Oct. 7); Orlando Meltdown coordinator Kyle Garther, D’Squared Productions’ Douglas White (Oct. 8); Mad Cow Theatre’s Mitzi Maxwell, Libby’s Legacy founder Robin Maynard-Harris (Oct. 9); Parliament House’s Robert Arroyo, USAA BOLD Leadership’s Michael Paonessa (Oct. 11); Orlando DJ and magician VJ Nick Comis, Mills50 director Joanne Grant, Orlando Health’s Tim Leddy (Oct. 12); Old Town Kissimmee’s Todd Larkin, Watermark freelancer Jerick Mediavilla (Oct. 13); Pink Flamingo Group Trips

Fresh Queens: John Panaghi (Center front) gets a photo with the queens of April Fresh’s socially-distanced comedy show at the Parliament House Sept. 20. Photo

courtesy The REAL Orlando Parliament House Fan Page

Lunch Buddies: Yasmin Flasterstein (L) and Bobby Hermida grab some lunch at Peer Support Space in Kissimmee Sept. 15. Photo courtesy Bobby Hermida

House Party: Come Out With Pride’s board meets on Facebook Live to make event announcements Sept. 27. Screenshot from Facebook

Love Tee: Kevin Voeltz grabs a selfie in his Love is Love T-shirt in Orlando Sept. 28. Photo

courtesy Kevin Voeltz

coordinator Dan Warren(Oct. 14).

Team Biden: Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan shows off her Biden-Harris 2020 mask Sept. 28. Photo

courtesy Gina Duncan

Play Chat: Cole NeSmith (L) and Donald Rupe talk over Zoom about their upcoming walking play in Orlando, “Bright Young Things,” Sept. 29.

Screenshot from Facebook

Repping Orlando: State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (center) with his team of volunteers doing no-contact literature drops at Blanchard Park Sept. 27. Photo courtesy

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith

Birthday Bash: Watermark Publisher Rick Claggett (front) celebrates Genevieve Kunsch’s (center) birthday with Jennifer Kunsch and Christine Cembrook in Orlando Sept. 26. Photo

courtesy Jennifer Kunsch

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

wedding bells

Steph and Kim Savage-Fleming from New Port Richey, Florida

Engagement Date:

June 4, 2019

Wedding Date:

April 24, 2020

Wedding Venue: Plaza Beach Resorts, St. Petersburg

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Photo by Melissa Lauren Images

ong before they ever started

dating, Steph and Kim Savage-Fleming were coworkers at a Pasco County medical office. There, Steph was the office manager while Kim worked as a physical therapy assistant. The two were “fast friends,” Kim says. “Sometimes you meet someone and you just know you’re going to be friends.” Steph says there was “no inkling” of what was to come, though, and they both eventually moved on to other jobs and lost touch. Though they remained connected on Facebook, they never chatted other than the occasional “like” of a post. It took eight years for the social media algorithms to align. In 2017, they reconnected and the conversation never stopped. “It was just easy,” Kim says. “It felt natural.” They were both dealing with major life changes. Steph was in the middle of a difficult divorce and Kim was also going through a bad breakup. They were also both looking to move out and find a new place to live on their own. As they rekindled their friendship, they thought it would be smart to rent as roommates. “We thought it would be easier to have somebody to be around,” Steph recalls. “We decided to move in

together to help each other out … we bonded over difficult situations.” Their relationship evolved from there. “We like the same things,” she explains. “There was easy conversation and a lot of laughter. It naturally progressed to the point where there was no denying there was more than just friendship.” Their relationship felt right from the start, but they did face some “social obstacles” along the way, Steph says. She had never dated a woman before, and her family, including her two teenage children, wasn’t immediately accepting. “It was a little bit of a shock to them,” she says. “It took them some time to come around.” But they were largely surrounded by supportive friends and coworkers who encouraged their relationship, allowing their love to grow. It wasn’t long before they began talking about marriage. It was a mutual decision, but Steph wanted to make it special for Kim, who had never been married before.

“I wanted to make sure that she knew that my intent was serious, and I was wholeheartedly in the decision,” Steph says. She began the “nerve wracking” experience of shopping for a ring. Then, she planned an overnight trip to Sarasota on June 4, 2019. She told Kim she hired a photographer for a couple’s photoshoot on the beach. Though Kim knew at some point they’d get formally engaged, she didn’t see the proposal coming. She looked around the beach for the photographer and when she turned around, Steph was on one knee with the engagement ring. Kim immediately said yes. Before the engagement, Steph had been laid off from her job. She had concerns this happened because she was in a relationship with another woman but felt it wasn’t worth pursuing. As they began planning their wedding, they also heard horror stories from other LGBTQ couples about discrimination from different vendors. Though it was uncomfortable, as they sought vendors for their own big day, Steph says they found themselves asking, “Do you accept people like us?” Kim adds, “You shouldn’t have to ask that on what’s the happiest occasion of your life with your tail between your legs, worrying whether they’d say yes or no.” Steph had already been trying to figure out a fulfilling career path after losing her job. Wanting to prevent others from facing discrimination and at Kim’s urging, the couple

launched their own wedding planning company last summer: Pride Wedding Ceremonies. Kim, still a physical therapy assistant, helps Steph run the company, which has grown significantly over the past year. “It gave me insight and it helped me to understand what so many people have faced and what the world is really like out there,” Steph says. “A lot of time you’re not aware of things because you’re not part of it.” As for their own wedding, they wanted a small event. Most of their family doesn’t live in Florida and they didn’t want to place the financial burden of travel on them. The pandemic ruined any plans of having even friends join them at their wedding. Ultimately, they married at Plaza Beach Resorts in St. Pete Beach in April with only Steph’s son, who lives nearby, in attendance. Kim also had a broken leg at the time of their wedding, which didn’t make walking on the beach easy. And knowing that she has “the luck of the Irish” she had a feeling it might rain during the event – which it did, torrentially. Luckily, she thought ahead and purchased a large white wedding umbrella. “Nothing was going to stop that wedding,” Kim says, not even the photographer’s cancellation. Fearing they had been exposed to COVID-19, they were unable to attend and sent a staff member in their place. “I think the beauty of it is the fact that everything [bad] you could think of – raining, being injured, the photographer didn’t show up – all those things happened and neither of us cared. Nothing slowed us down or killed the joy,” Kim says. Steph adds, “Everything we originally planned went out the window, but we worked around it all and did the best we could. It was still an amazing ceremony and experience. We wouldn’t go back and change a thing.” — Tiffany Razzano

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

October 1 - 14 , 2020 // Issue 27. 20 wat e r m a r konline .com

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