Watermark Issue 28.10: Its Raining Pride, Travel by Watermark Publishing Group

E D E SI IN L RID 1 IA EC A P 202 P SP E TAMGUID

Your LGBTQ Life.

May 13 - 26, 2021 • Issue 28.10

Tampa Pride returns with disco diva Martha Wash

INSIDE:

SPECIAL LGBTQ TRAVEL SECTION, PRESENTED BY VISIT PHILLY

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

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Your LGBTQ Life.

May 13 - 26, 2021 • Issue 28.10

The Center Orlando names Diversity Award recipients Tampa Pride returns to Ybor

Getting Back Out Into the World

Tips, tricks, and advice for LGBTQ travelers, presented by Visit Philly DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

#GetTested #endHIVstigma

SARASOTA

NORTH PORT

CLEARWATER

ST. PETERSBURG

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

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

ORLANDO

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

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

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

YBOR CITY

1315 EAST 7TH AVE. TAMPA, FL 33605 (813) 769-7207

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

PALMETTO

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

National Travel and Tourism Week takes on special significance

DEPARTMENTS

this year as we look ahead to recovery ... Across the country,

7 // EDITOR’S/TB BUREAU CHIEF’S DESK

we are recognizing travel’s value and the long-standing support

page

8 // CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS

of the LGBTQ community will help accelerate our rebound. – U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHAIR CHRISTINE DUFFY

13 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 18 // STATE NEWS 19 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 25 // TALKING POINTS 43 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 45 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 50 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 51 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE ON THE COVER

page IT’S RAINING PRIDE:

page BACK INTO THE

WORLD: Tips, tricks and advice for LGBTQ travelers, presented by

Visit Philly.

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Disco legend Martha Wash headlines the return of Tampa Pride 2021 on May 22.

WATERMARK ISSUE 28.10 // MAY 13 - MAY 26, 2021

DIVERSITY AWARDS

CAMPAIGN TRAIL

TARGETING YOUTH

STUD PASSION

page The Center Orlando to honor Rep. Demings, Mayor Deming.

page U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist announces bid for governor.

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

Gov. DeSantis supports bill targeting transgender youth.

Duo Yonk Trendsetta and Big Vision share their hip-hop passion.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Artwork elements have been moved and organized into: C:\Data\Editorial\Master Ad Folder\Customer Files\R\Romeo's Sensation\Artwork Elements I took the liberty of organizing the text-blurbs he sent over as best I could. You have full creative-license on this to help his business shine, and you're free to pick and choose from the information and images provided. Thanks Dylan! Company Name: Romeo's Sensation LLC Owner Information/Title: Romel Santiago, LCSW

Specializing in trauma, identity, and sex, Romeo’s Sensation, LLC aims to provide culturally competent, diverse, and afﬁrming services to all.

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We take insurance and offer sliding scales for folks who are unable to pay full cost out of pocket. We work with individuals, couples and consensually non-monogamous folks of all genders, races and backgrounds.

Sex Therapy | Trauma Therapy | Identity | Addictions

Additional descriptions from the owner: Specializing in trauma, identity, and sex, Romeo’s Sensation LLC aims to provide culturally competent, diverse, and affirming services to all. We focus on addressing the entire you – physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual. We offer English and Spanish services. We take insurance and offer sliding scales for folks who are unable to pay full cost out of pocket. We work with individuals, couples and consensually non-monogamous folks of all genders, races and backgrounds.

2430 Estancia Blvd., STE 106 Clearwater, FL. 33761

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

1210 Millennium Parkway, STE 1030 Brandon , FL 33511

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Romel Santiago, LCSW

531 Versailles Dr., STE 100 Maitland , FL 33685

EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

FTER THE HELL OF LAST YEAR

and the chaos of earlier this year, it is nice to be able to get back to doing some of the normal things we use to do and be able to relax that the world isn’t ending.

Most people in my life have gotten the vaccine and those who haven’t, the ones who have concerns about how quickly it came about or those who are worried about what is in it, I believe are starting to come around and will be getting it soon. Here at Watermark, we have had quite a few reasons to celebrate over the last month or two. Our business manager Kathleen Sadler and her husband Keith welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world in March. Our Tampa Bay Bureau Chief, Ryan Williams-Jent and his husband Wade just recently became homeowners in St. Petersburg. It’s the first home

for both and I can’t wait to get over there and see it. The newest member of our Watermark team, Ezri Ruiz just graduated this month from the University of Central Florida. Ezri is a part of Watermark’s design team and was an intern for us back in 2018. Anyone who knows me knows that I see our interns as my kids so I felt like a proud dad seeing her complete her degree and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to have her working here. And as you’ll read in a few spots in this issue, our publisher Rick and creative designer Dylan officially tied the knot and became the Todds. It was an exciting day to be a part of, first because it was the

first gathering of more than just a handful of people I’ve been to since the pandemic and it was nice to be able to see everyone again face to face, catch up and eat cake. Second, it was amazing to see two people in love get to express that love in front of us all. I love going to weddings. I come from a big Italian family who love throwing big weddings so anytime I get to attend one I don’t hesitate to go. While I have been to a lot of weddings in my life, this was only the third same-sex wedding I’ve attended and I gotta say they stand out as some of the best ones. The first same-sex wedding I attended was here in Orlando a few years ago when my friend Nicole married her wife Lisa. The moment Lisa arrived at the ceremony on a speed boat at Paradise Cove, I knew each LGBTQ wedding I went to would be something special. The next one was between two of the nicest people I have ever met, state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Jerick Mediavilla. They were married at The Venue in Orlando in 2019 and it was a beautiful ceremony officiated over by the Mayor of Orlando with many amazing people from the community in attendance. It felt like attending a celebrity wedding. I knew that Rick and Dylan’s wedding was going to be a one of a kind because I got to watch them plan it over the last year and it didn’t disappoint. The ceremony at Leu Gardens was beautiful and hilarious — like there was actual standup from the officiate, Barbara Leach — and then we were entertained by a cabaret show with amazingly talented local performers, including the fantastic Ginger Minj and Gidget Galore. You know it’s gonna be a good wedding when drag queens show up. But above all, each of these weddings were special because you could see they were rooted in

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • 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

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Ezri Ruiz • Ext. 301 Ezri@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Michael Wier • Ext. 105 Michael@WatermarkOnline.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

love. So thank you to all the above couples for letting me share in that love and if you haven’t been to a gay wedding yet, I highly recommend it. In this issue, as “things get back to normal,” we look at tips, tricks and safety measures to take as you get back out there and start traveling again. We also talk to some experts who think that LGBTQ travelers may be the key to tourism recovery. In Central Florida, the LGBT+ Center Orlando named who the organization will be honoring at the ninth annual Harvey Milk Breakfast & LGBT+ Center Diversity Awards, including recognizing Central Florida power

Here at Watermark, we have had quite a few reasons to celebrate over the last month or two.

couple U.S. Rep. Val Demings and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings with lifetime achievement awards. We also celebrate the LGBTQ filmmakers who won big at the 2021 Florida Film Festival. In Tampa Bay, we look at what you can expect at this year’s Tampa Pride, the first major Pride event since the start of the pandemic. We also check in with Equality Florida as they endorse Darren Rice for St. Petersburg mayor. In Arts & Entertainment, we speak with the legendary Martha Wash, who is headlining at Tampa Pride, and we also chat with Yonk Trendsetta and Big Vision, the rap duo known as Stud Passion, about being openly gay performers in the hip hop world.

ORLANDO OFFICE Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer

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

National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

TAMPA BAY OFFICE 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CONTRIBUTORS MICHAEL WANZIE is

an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area. Page 21

NATHAN BRUEMMER

is the president of St Pete Pride and former executive director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota. He was named one of Tampa Bay’s Most Remarkable People for his advocacy on youth issues. Page 23

LORA KORPAR was

a journalism student who graduated from the University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark intern. Page 48

SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ

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

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TAMPA BAY

BUREAU CHIEF’S

Ryan Williams-Jent TB BUREAU CHIEF Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

’VE WORN MY HEART ON MY SLEEVE

since I was little. It’s a fashion choice that’s gotten me into trouble a few times over the years, but one that’s ultimately served me well.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve just loved love – and since I’ve never had a poker face, it’s shown. Thankfully being transparent about my feelings has kept me pretty in touch with them, which I think helped me realize early on that I wanted to get married. I don’t know if it was because I “played house” with my friends too often as a kid – if memory serves, in an Oscar-worthy performance as the husband of a doting wife – or because I was born a hopeless romantic and Disney fan, but it always felt like something I wanted to do. I trust quickly and love wholeheartedly, so in true princess fashion the perfect place to do that seemed like a marriage. I felt that way before and after I realized I was gay, intending

to marry the right person at the right time even years before marriage equality became the law of the land. That’s because I always trusted that the work LGBTQ activists had done for decades would lead the country to make it possible one day. I leaned heavily on my occasionally naive optimism for that – another trait that’s gotten me into trouble at times – and thankfully the Supreme Court finally affirmed in 2015 what our community always knew: love is love. A year later I got to play house with a husband of my own, and this time the doting was mutual. Except we weren’t playing house as much as playing apartment. We were happy there, but not long after our wedding

we decided to double down to save money, build our credit and purchase a home. We set five years as a benchmark, which seemed far enough away at the time to calm my nerves about home ownership. It was never something I’d considered a possibility, perhaps because it was never one for my parents. They made several homes for me over the years but never actually purchased one. Nothing’s wrong with that, of course. They gave me everything I needed as a child, most often at their own expense, it’s just that a permanent residence never made the cut. I never felt it needed to, so as an adult I followed suit. At 18 I moved into a campus dorm and in the nearly two decades since, I’ve bounced between apartments. That changed this year. My husband and I were fortunate enough to close on a home in April and we’ll be moving in this month. We’re excited for a number of reasons, among them that we’ll finally prove to ourselves that we haven’t spent weeks prepping someone else’s property. Home ownership has been a surreal process thus far, one that began when our apartment complex asked us to renew in January. My husband was long past wanting to so we casually decided to apply for a home loan. In an unexpected twist, our years of hard work paid off and it was approved. Once we started looking, we quickly discovered what it meant to be a buyer in a seller’s market. If you’re not familiar with the term and you’re looking to buy, buckle up. If you’re looking to sell, congrats! There were plenty of ups and downs over the course of our search, and for us the fourth

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Ezri Ruiz • Ext. 301 Ezri@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Michael Wier • Ext. 105 Michael@WatermarkOnline.com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

contract was the charm. I can’t recommend enough that you pay for any home inspection that’s available to you and that you find an incredible realtor. Thankfully Tampa Bay has no shortage of them. We chose The Wilson Group’s Donna Knight and couldn’t have done it without her. She helped make the impossible a reality, all before our fifth anniversary to boot. I always knew I’d call myself a husband, but not a homeowner. I’ve never been so thankful to have found not only the man of my dreams, but someone who helped me realize another dream I didn’t even know I had. I think I’ll start wearing my heart on our house. While I’ve been focused on

I always knew I’d call myself a husband, but not a homeowner.

finding roots in Tampa Bay, LGBTQ travelers have been focused on the world around it. In this issue we focus on LGBTQ tourism as experts detail how to travel safely. You don’t have to go far to get back out there with Pride, however. In news, Disney shares its latest LGBTQ-focused collection in Orlando and we also detail Tampa Pride 2021, which returns to Ybor May 22 with disco diva Martha Wash. Finally, we celebrate the happily ever after of Watermark’s own Rick and Dylan Todd. The perfect pair for one another chose the perfect date to say “I do,” and we couldn’t be happier for them. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

ORLANDO OFFICE Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer

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

National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

TAMPA BAY OFFICE 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CONTRIBUTORS MICHAEL WANZIE is

an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area. Page 21

NATHAN BRUEMMER

is the president of St Pete Pride and former executive director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota. He was named one of Tampa Bay’s Most Remarkable People for his advocacy on youth issues. Page 23

LORA KORPAR was

a journalism student who graduated from the University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark intern. Page 48

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

central florida news

STEWART GETS FUNDS FOR ZEBRA, THE CENTER Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | State Sen. Linda Stewart got $2.275 million allocated for local projects in the 2021 budget bill, Stewart’s office announced in a press release April 27, including funds for Zebra Coalition and the LGBT+ Center Orlando. The largest cut of the more than $2 million goes to Zebra Coalition in the amount of $750,000 for the nonprofit organization’s Youth Housing Project for construction of transitional housing for LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Another $150,000 was allocated to the LGBT+ Center for the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC), which serves and supports the immediate family members of the 49 individuals taken in the Pulse tragedy and the survivors. The Center incorporated OUAC under its purview of existing services last October. The funds are specifically for counseling and case management services for victims affected by the Pulse tragedy. The rest of the funds are allocated to a handful of Central Florida organizations that provide services to victims of human trafficking, provide mental health assistance, education programs, natural trails, food assistance, COVID relief and more. The budget goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis for review and signature. All items in the budget are subject to line item veto.

DISNEY RELEASES ITS 2021 PRIDE COLLECTION Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Disney released its new Pride-inspired product line for 2021 ahead of LGBTQ Pride month in June. This is the fourth year that Disney created products for its “Rainbow Disney Collection,” celebrating the LGBTQ community, and this year’s collection features more items than ever before. The new collection features a variety of T-shirts, pins, hats, dolls and accessories, as well as a new set of rainbow Mickey ears, masks, a fan and more. This is also the first year in which Disney has expanded its rainbow collection into other Disney properties with T-shirts and pins for Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. In recognition of Pride month, The Walt Disney Company is donating funds to organizations from around the world that support LGBTQ communities. For more information and to purchase your Rainbow Disney Collection items, go to ShopDisney.com. To learn more about Disney’s commitment to assist LGBTQ organizations, visit RainbowDisneyCollection.com.

POWER COUPLE: U.S. Rep. Val

Demings (L) and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the LGBT+ Center Orlando in July. PHOTOS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

Diversity Awards The Center Orlando to honor Rep. Demings, Mayor Demings Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center Orlando announced May 5 that U.S. Rep. Val Demings and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings would both be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s ninth annual Harvey Milk Breakfast & LGBT+ Center Diversity Awards. “This is the first time we are honoring two people for this award in the same year,” says Dr. George A. Wallace, The Center’s executive director. “When the committee was selecting the recipient for the lifetime achievement award, they saw both of their names on the short list and said why not honor both of them.” Both have been vocal advocates within the LGBTQ community, Wallace says, highlighting Rep. Demings work in co-authoring The Science in Blood Donation Act of 2020 and Mayor Demings advocacy following the Pulse tragedy. Along with the Demings, The Center will recognize another

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

pair of leaders in the community with the same honor: Bros in Convo Initiative founder Daniel Downer and The Center’s Joel Junior Morales, who will both be honored with the Orlando Trailblazer award. “Daniel is doing so much for the HIV community, specifically people of color. He has really risen to the top in the last couple of years and been very active in the community and is just a charming guy and one of the most generous guys I’ve ever met,” Wallace says. “And Joel is a powerhouse. We’ve never selected someone internally before but this past year he has been instrumental in overseeing and acquiring the Orlando United Assistance Center and he has been fantastic to work with. Both of them are so deserving of this award.” Other leaders being recognized are state Sen. Linda Stewart, who will receive the LGBT Ally award and Vivian Rodriguez, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto’s outreach coordinator, will receive the Kissimmee Trailblazer award. “I think a lot of what comes out of Congressman Darren Soto’s

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

office is because of Vivian. She is a former New York City police officer and has been very involved in the community since the Pulse tragedy and is a genuine person,” Wallace says. “And when you talk about ally, Linda is one of those you just know when she is in Tallahassee she is fighting for equality. It’s always been something she has done.” The City of Orlando will also be honored with the Champion of Equality award. “The city continues to make strides to make sure ALL citizens are represented. I think the city is looking at inclusion, equity and diversity in new ways and it’s really exciting,” Wallace says. On the business side, Miracle of Love will be recognized with the LGBT+ Center Business Award Nonprofit, Green House Realty will receive the LGBT+ Center Business Award Small Business and State Farm will be honored with the LGBT+ Center Business Award Corporate. The Center will also announce the recipients of its inaugural scholarships during the event. The ninth annual Harvey Milk Breakfast & LGBT+ Center Diversity Awards will be held at the Sheraton North on July 21. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Individual tickets are $60 with VIP tickets available for $100. VIP includes premium seating and valet parking. All proceeds benefit programming at The Center.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

central florida news

LGBTQ SHORT FILMS WIN BIG AT THE 2021 FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | A documentary about a lesbian community, an animated film about two Steve Nicks-loving bears and a live action short about two girls working graveyard shift at a fast food restaurant took home prizes at the 30th annual Florida Film Festival. The Florida Film Festival, which screened 164 films April 9-22 at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, is one of the few Oscar-qualifying festivals in the world in all three shorts categories — Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Documentary Short Subject — meaning festival winners automatically qualify for consideration in those categories for next year’s Academy Awards. During the event, Matthew Curtis was recognized for his 25 years as the programming

director of Enzian and the Florida Film Festival by having the festival’s short film audience award renamed to the Matthew Curtis Audience Award for Best Short Film. The newly named Matthew Curtis Audience Award for Best Short Film was awarded to the film “No Man’s Land,” a documentary short about a lesbian community founded in rural Alabama in the 1970s. The film, directed by Anna Andersen and Gabriella Canal, made its world premiere at this year’s festival. The animated film, “The Shawl,” went on to win the Grand Jury Award for Best Animated Short. “The Shawl,” directed by Sara Kiener, tells the story of boyfriends Shane and Dusty, two Stevie Nicks-loving bears who discuss their relationship and a magical concert moment involving the original shawl from the “Stand Back” video. The

animated short made its Florida premiere at this year’s festival. “Wow, I’m so honored and so thrilled,” said Kiener in her filmed speech. “You know, you make a movie and you pour your heart into it for years and years and years, and then the whole world shuts down. So, the fact that … many of you got to see this film in person and embrace it with your heart means the world to me.” The Special Jury Award for Exceptional Narrative Filmmaking went to director David Janove’s dark comedy, “I Love Your Guts,” a live action short about two girls working overnight at a fast food restaurant while dealing with their relationship, a poorly-timed kiss and a drunk patron who turns violent. “This is such an incredible recognition,” said Janove in his speech video. “This is the capper to the journey that ‘I Love Your Guts’ has been on and I can’t

think of a better way for it to have ended.” The full list of the 2021 Florida Film Festival’s winners are: Shorts

Grand Jury Award for Best Animated Short – “The Shawl” (Dir. Sara Kiener)

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short – “When We Were Bullies” (Dir. Jay Rosenblatt) Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short – “Please Hold” (Dir. Kristen “KD” Dávila) Special Jury Award for Exceptional Narrative Filmmaking – “I Love Your Guts” (Dir. David Janove) Audience Award for Best Midnight Short – “Stuck” (Dir. David Mikalson) Matthew Curtis Audience Award for Best Short Film – “No Man’s Land” (Dirs. Anna Andersen and Gabriella Canal) Documentary Features Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature – “The Last Out” (Dirs. Michael Gassert and Sami Khan)

Special Jury Award for Non-Fiction Storytelling – “Two Gods” (Dir. Zeshawn Ali) Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature – “Holy Frit” (Dir. Justin Monroe) Narrative Features Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature – “Materna” (Dir. David Gutnik) Special Jury Award for Persistence of Vision – Kelley Kali for “I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)” (Dirs. Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina) Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – “I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)” (Dirs. Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina) International Audience Award for Best International Feature – “Riders of Justice” (Dir. Anders Thomas Jensen) Audience Award for Best International Short – “Masel Tov Cocktail” (Dirs. Arkadij Khaet and Mickey Paatzsch)

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“Eat, Drink, and be... Mary!” 10

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MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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tampa bay news

EQUALITY FLORIDA ENDORSES RICE Ryan Williams-Jent

S EQUALITY CHAMPION:

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist attends St Pete Pride in 2019.

WATERMARK FILE PHOTO

Florida for All Crist confirms 2022 run for governor Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist confirmed May 4 that he will run for governor, challenging incumbent Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. Crist currently represents Florida’s 13th congressional district, which covers Pinellas County from Clearwater through his native St. Petersburg, where he announced his campaign. The gubernatorial bid will be his third. The candidate previously served as governor from 2007-2011 as a Republican before running as a Democrat in 2014. While he lost the latter race to now-U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, he went on to serve in Congress in 2017 as a Democrat, flipping a Republican seat to do so. It’s within Congress that Crist championed legislation including the Equality Act, which most recently passed in the House Feb. 25. He advised Watermark afterwards that the vote was joyful for him, noting that “any chance to be on the right side of history with civil rights is an incredible privilege and honor.” “Our nation has not always gotten it right, we have not always

treated others the way we would want to be treated,” Crist explained. “But it’s our willingness to listen, learn and right the things we know are wrong that undergirds our true greatness as Americans. The freedom to be who you truly are is a bedrock of our values. That’s what we voted for.” Crist was also named a vice chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, which consists of 160 Democrats. It’s within that role that he’s worked to advance equality for all, something he hopes to do next as governor. “Florida should be a place where hard work is rewarded, justice is equal and opportunity is right in front of you,” Crist shared in his May 4 announcement video. “That’s a Florida for all – and that’s why I’m running for governor.” The video highlighted several of Crist’s achievements as the state’s 44th governor. The campaign noted that he “helped lower the cost of doing business and living in Florida, increase transparency in government, strengthen Florida’s economy and ensure the safety and world-class education of Florida’s children.” Crist has set himself apart from DeSantis in a number of ways in

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recent weeks, among them with the current governor’s support for anti-LGBTQ legislation. He vowed to sign Senate Bill 1028 April 30, which includes a last-minute amendment targeting transgender youth who play sports. “This cruel legislation is creating an issue where one doesn’t exist, picking on young people for political gain,” Crist shared after its passage. “Governor DeSantis should veto it immediately. I challenge Republican legislators in Tallahassee to imagine being a kid who is in this situation, what it says to them to be singled out by lawmakers in such a mean-spirited way. “I have a different message to every trans kid in Florida: you are welcome here and you are loved,” he continued. “And millions of Floridians feel the same way as I do – and we’re ready to fight for your right to play and live as exactly who you are.” Crist’s gubernatorial campaign echoed the need to lift up every Floridian during his announcement. “We can build a Florida for all Floridians,” he shared. “We can create a society that values every person. We can break the fever of division and hatred that has afflicted our politics.” To learn more information about Crist’s campaign, visit CharlieCrist.com.

T. PETERSBURG | Equality Florida Action PAC endorsed Darden Rice for mayor May 10, joining other LGBTQ-focused organizations in supporting the current city councilmember’s campaign. As the political arm of Florida’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, the PAC is dedicated to electing pro-equality candidates throughout every level of the state’s government. They cited Rice’s leadership on LGBTQ rights, reproductive freedom, gun safety reform and more in their endorsement. Rice announced her historic campaign to succeed the term-limited Mayor Rick Kriseman Jan. 12. If elected, she would become St. Petersburg’s 54th but first openly LGBTQ mayor in 2022. Rice was first elected to represent St. Petersburg’s District 4 in 2013, a seat she retained in 2017 with more than 72% of the vote. She also became the first openly LGBTQ candidate to run for public office in Pinellas County in 2005. “Councilmember Rice has been a progressive champion on the issues that matter most to the people of St. Petersburg since she was elected to her first term in 2013,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders shared. “We’re very excited about Darden becoming the first LGBTQ mayor of St. Pete,” he continued, “but what’s even more exciting is her vision for and plan to create a more equitable city for everyone.” “Equality Florida has been a lifesaver for the LGBTQ community in our state,” Rice responded to the news. “This organization has been on the front lines protecting people’s rights and standing up for the most vulnerable among us for years. “I can have the family I have today in part because of their advocacy work,” she concluded. “That’s why this endorsement means so much to me.” Shortly after announcing her campaign, Rice was also endorsed by the LGBTQ Victory Fund. As the nation’s only organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, the group stressed that “we must increase LGBTQ representation not because we desire power for its own sake, but because it leads to pro-equality policies that improve the lives of LGBTQ people.” LPAC, the only organization focused on electing LGBTQ women nationwide, followed in March. They seek candidates who advocate for LGBTQ and women’s equality, health and social justice, noting that Rice fit the bill for her “proven record of implementing progressive change.” Former State Rep. Wengay Newton, former Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch and others have also filed to run for St. Petersburg mayor, with a primary election scheduled for Aug. 24. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on Nov. 2.

For more information about Rice’s campaign, visit DardenRice.com. For more information about Equality Florida Action PAC, visit EQFLPAC.org.

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

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

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0369 04/21

BVYC0369_BIKTARVY_B_9-25X10-1_Watermark_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

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KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

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5/6/21 10:52 AM

tampa bay news

TAMPA PRIDE RETURNS FOR IN-PERSON, EXPANDED SEVENTH SEASON MAY 22, 2021 Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | Tampa Pride will return to Ybor May 22 for a full day’s worth of in-person events that organizers hope will safely reunite the LGBTQ community. The celebration’s last outing welcomed an estimated 60,000 people to Tampa in 2019, a record which officials expected to break March 28, 2020. Festivities were ultimately postponed until this year because of COVID-19. “After 26 months, it feels great to be back,” Tampa Pride President Carrie West says. “This has been one of the bumpiest rides ever trying to put on this event, but we understand with COVID and a lot of other organizations still putting events off. It’s just been unbelievable.” The Tampa Pride board maintained virtual communication throughout

the year to plan for the event’s eventual return. West says that he’s long been hopeful for a 2021 event, particularly as vaccines have become more available. He also points to Super Bowl LV, held in Tampa Feb. 7. The game welcomed 25,000 people to the game itself, with city-sanctioned events including a boat parade following. “A lot of events were still getting cancelled, but the city said to just move forward and plan as if it was going to happen, so we did,” West says. “We set course and set procedures, with Tampa General Hospital coming on board very much as our medical sponsor and partner.” The hospital has partnered with organizations throughout Tampa Bay this year through its Prevention Response Outreach program. The service offers the hospital’s expertise in infection prevention. “They’ve done wonders,” West says. “They’re

going to be furnishing masks for all of the vendors in the area and supply them for everyone that’s in the parade as well. There will be hand sanitizers and temperature checks and of course our other medical partner is Metro Inclusive Health. They’ve been with us from day one and we greatly appreciate the support of these two groups.” Other health partners will also be present. West notes that the celebration’s Health & Wellness Fair will return, featuring the Florida Dept. of Health in Hillsborough County, Moffitt Cancer Center and more. “That’s number one in our hearts,” West notes. “Keeping the community safe.” He adds that Tampa Pride is expecting at least a 40% reduction in capacity this year, given that large corporations won’t be participating and some individuals remain uncomfortable with in-person festivities. Even with fewer attendees, however, Tampa Pride will be

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bigger than ever – an expansion made possible in part by The Cuban Club in Ybor. The four-story structure was built in 1917 and has served as a unifying base of operations for those in need ever since. The club will serve as the new home of the official Tampa Pride stage, welcoming an impressive array of activists, politicians and performers throughout the day and into the evening both inside and out. Organizers will utilize its courtyard – which can welcome up to 4,500 people in its impressive 40,000 square feet – and its first floor, highlighting partner organizations, vendors and sponsors while offering a variety of food options, liquor and beer. Festivities will begin at 10:45 a.m. with a street festival, which in addition to the health and wellness fair will feature an Artisans Fair on 9th Ave. It will be held until 6 p.m., coinciding with

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appearances and entertainment at the Cuban Club and the Diversity Parade along 7th Ave. More than 140 floats and walkers will move along the route until at least 7 p.m., leading into the inaugural Pride at Night featuring headliner Martha Wash and more. Read our interview with the “It’s Raining Men” diva on page 37 and view the official Tampa Pride guide for more information about events and entertainment. “Be cautious and take this health incident as a major factor,” West says. “Be careful, wash your hands and wear a mask. But Tampa Pride is known as the fun pride and we want to continue that tradition, so come out and have fun. We’ll see you at Tampa Pride May 22, all day long!”

For more information about Tampa Pride, visit TampaPride.org. View the official Tampa Pride guide in Watermark’s Tampa Bay print edition or online at WatermarkOnline.com.

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state news

DESANTIS SUPPORTS BILL TARGETING TRANS YOUTH Ryan Williams-Jent

ALLAHASSEE | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vowed to sign legislation targeting transgender youth who play sports into law during an April 29 appearance on Fox News. While Senate Bill 2012 stalled in the Florida Senate April 20, leaving LGBTQ advocates to cautiously believe the anti-transgender measure would not move forward, Republicans resurrected its intent late April 28. They did so as a last-minute amendment to Senate Bill 1028, which deals with charter schools. The state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights group immediately denounced the action. “In the 11th hour of the 2021 legislative session, Florida lawmakers are still hellbent on passing this discriminatory bill,” Equality Florida Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan shared. “Despite hearing the voices of trans kids and their families time and time again, extremists in the legislature have made it their mission to make trans children pawns in their culture war,” she continued. “Now, instead of being open about their bigotry, they are negotiating the future of anti-LGBTQ discrimination in smoke-filled back rooms and attempting to attach this amendment to a completely unrelated bill.” DeSantis confirmed he would sign the measure into law during The Ingraham Angle. The governor appeared on a “Red State Trailblazers Town Hall” with anti-LGBTQ host Laura Ingraham. “We’re going to protect our girls,” DeSantis said. “I have a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old daughter. They’re very athletic. We want to have opportunities for our girls. “They deserve an even playing field,” he continued, “and that’s what we’re doing: what Mississippi did, what Florida did, what other states are going to do. So I look forward to being able to sign that into law.” The legislation stripped some of the most invasive elements from House Bill 1475, its counterpart approved by the Florida House April 14. According to the Associated Press, provisions requiring transgender athletes to undergo testosterone or genetic testing, as well as submit to having their genitalia examined, were removed. Instead, students would need to provide birth certificates to confirm the gender they were assigned at birth. Despite this, “the message that the bill sends is an ugly message of exclusion, telling trans kids that who they are is not OK and that they need to change who they are,” openly LGBTQ State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith shared. Equality Florida, calling the legislation the “most anti-LGBTQ bill since the 1990s,” immediately urged supporters to contact DeSantis and demand he veto the measure.

For more information about Equality Florida, the bill or to contact DeSantis, visit EQFL.org.

PRO-TRANS BILLBOARD RAISED IN WEST PALM BEACH John Hayden via South Florida Gay News

EST PALM BEACH, FLA. A billboard recently went up with the simple yet powerful phrase: “Trans Lives Are Precious.” Where the billboard is placed is as important as the message itself. It went up in West Palm Beach, just off of I-95 outside Mar-ALago, former President Donald Trump’s main residence. The project comes from FOLX Health, a medical company specializing in treatments for the trans and queer communities, and is the brainchild of their VP of Marketing, Rocco

Kayiatos and A.G. Breitenstein, the founder and CEO. It was put up in late March for Trans Day of Visibility, and they made sure it was visible to the former president. The Trump administration supported legislation or administrative rules to end protections for trans children in schools, banned trans people from serving in the military, ended some protections for trans prisoners and fought trans recognition in federal employment laws. The message is bigger than just one person. Kayiatos said that while it appears to be for an audience of one, it’s about reaching the entire Palm Beach County community. “The ‘precious’ language was used to get the attention of people

who prioritize money,” he says, noting that Florida isn’t very friendly to the trans community. e. In addition to making a statement, Kayiatos says he was inspired by all the community has been through over the past year; the pandemic, the election, and the overall political climate made it seem like everything was turning up the heat all at once. The response has been very positive. FOLX Health has gotten letters of thanks and encouragement for getting the message out, and Rocco says there hasn’t been much, if any, negative blowback.

have focused on creating a language that helps us to create this communication between the undocumented immigrant community and law enforcement, the state attorney’s office and the court.” Duberli spoke with the Blade roughly a week after the Biden administration began to allow into the U.S. asylum seekers who had been forced to pursue their cases in Mexico under the previous White House’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. Duberli shared that Survivors Pathway advised some of their clients not to apply for asylum or seek visa renewals until after the election. Duberli conceded “the truth of the matter is that the laws haven’t changed that much” since Biden became president. Survivors Pathway has worked with LGBTQ people in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in South Florida. American Civil Liberties Union National Political Director Ronald Newman in an April 28 letter it sent to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas called for the closure of the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, the Glades County Detention Center near Lake Okeechobee and 37 other ICE detention centers across the country.

Survivors Pathway has created a project specifically for trans Latina women who Duberli told the Blade don’t know they can access the judicial system. Duberli said Survivors Pathway works with local judges and police departments to ensure crime victims don’t feel “discriminated, or outed or mistreated or revictimized” because of their gender identity. Survivors Pathway also works with Marytrini, a drag queen from Cuba who is the artistic producer at Azúcar, a gay nightclub near Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Marytrini and Duberli are among those who responded to the case of Yunieski “Yuni” Carey Herrera, a trans woman and well-known activist and performer from Cuba who was murdered inside her downtown Miami apartment last November. Carey’s boyfriend, who had previously been charged with domestic violence, has been charged with murder. “That was an ongoing situation,” noted Duberli. “It’s not the only case. There are lots of cases like that.” Duberli noted a gay man in Miami Beach was killed by his partner the same week. “There are lots of crimes that happen to our community that never gets to the news,” he said. “We got those cases here because of what we do.”

FOLX Health serves the queer and trans communities in 15 states, including Florida. To learn more about their services, you can visit FolxHealth.com.

LGBTQ IMMIGRANTS TURN TO MIAMI GROUP Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

IAMI | The CEO of an organization that provides support to undocumented LGBTQ immigrants says the Biden administration has given many of his clients a renewed sense of hope. “People definitely feel much more relaxed,” Survivors Pathway CEO Francesco Duberli told the Washington Blade March 5. Duberli — a gay man from Colombia who received asylum in the U.S. because of anti-gay persecution he suffered in his homeland — founded Survivors Pathway in 2011. The Miami-based organization currently has 23 employees. Duberli said upwards of 50% of Survivors Pathway’s clients are undocumented. Duberli says that many are also survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking and victims of hate crimes based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. “Part of the work that we have done for years is for us to become the bridge between the communities and law enforcement or the justice system in the United States,” Duberli says. “We

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nation+world news

BILL TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY DIES IN PUERTO RICO SENATE COMMITTEE Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

Puerto Rico Senate committee killed a bill May 6 that would have banned so-called conversion therapy on the island. Members of the Senate Community Initiatives, Mental Health and Addiction Committee voted against Senate Bill 184 by an 8-7 vote margin. Three senators abstained. Amárilis Pagán Jiménez, a spokesperson for Comité Amplio para la Búsqueda de la Equidad, a coalition of Puerto Rican human rights groups, in a statement sharply criticized the senators who opposed the measure. “If they publicly recognize that conversion therapies are abuse, if they even voted for a similar bill in the past, if the hearings

clearly established that the bill was well-written and was supported by more than 78 professional and civil entities and that it did not interfere with freedom of religion or with the right of fathers and mothers to raise their children, voting against it is therefore one of two things: You are either a hopeless coward or you have the same homophobic and abusive mentality of the hate groups that oppose the bill,” said Pagán in a statement. Thursday’s vote comes against the backdrop of continued anti-LGBTQ discrimination and violence in Puerto Rico. Six of the 44 transgender and gender non-conforming people who were reported murdered in the U.S. in 2020 were from Puerto Rico. A state of emergency over gender-based violence that Gov. Pedro Pierluisi declared earlier this year is LGBTQ-inclusive. Then-Gov. Ricardo Rosselló in 2019 signed an executive order that banned conversion therapy for minors in Puerto Rico.

“These therapies lack scientific basis,” he said. “They cause pain and unnecessary suffering.” Rosselló issued the order less than two weeks after members of the New Progressive Party, a pro-statehood party he chaired at the time, blocked a vote in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives on a bill that would have banned conversion therapy for minors in the U.S. commonwealth. Seven out of the 11 New Progressive Party members who are on the Senate Community Initiatives, Mental Health and Addiction Committee voted against SB 184. “It’s appalling. It’s shameful that the senators didn’t have the strength and the courage that our LGBTQ youth have, and it’s to be brave and to defend our dignity and our humanity as people who live on this island,” said Pedro Julio Serrano, founder of Puerto Rico Para Tod@s, a Puerto Rican LGBTQ rights group, in a video. “It’s disgraceful that the senators decided to vote down this measure that would prevent child abuse.”

ANOTHER TRANSGENDER WOMAN’S MURDER SPARKS RENEWED OUTRAGE IN EL SALVADOR Ernesto Valle of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

AN MIGUEL, EL SALVADOR | A gunshot to the back on April 24 cost Zashy Zuley del Cid her life. The murder took place while she was working in an area in the city of San Miguel in which sex workers gather, according to the information that COMCAVIS Trans shared with the Blade. This fact outraged the organization, which is based in the Salvadoran capital, and Colectivo Perlas de Oriente leaders with whom del Cid was working.

COMCAVIS Trans, for its part, issued a statement in which it stressed LGBTQ people in El Salvador should enjoy the right to life, integrity and personal security. “We suffer attacks for the simple fact of having a different sexual orientation or gender identity, which each person expresses with different patterns and gender roles,” COMCAVIS Trans Executive Director Bianca Rodríguez told the Blade. “Zashy is one more victim of that prejudice and hatred of which we are victims.” The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has also condemned del Cid’s murder. Community leaders in San Miguel were more united during del Cid’s wake that lasted two days, but Rodríguez told the Blade the fact her family buried

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her with a masculine gender expression upset them. COMCAVIS Trans figures indicate more than 600 LGBTQ people have been reported killed in El Salvador since 1993. Statistics also indicate 151 LGBTQ people between 2018 and September 2019 said they were forcibly displaced from their homes. Trans women account for 67.5% of these cases, while gay men account for 17.2%. Del Cid’s colleagues will remember her as a woman who was committed to bettering herself with a business through which she could help other trans women get a job, but they will not forget their fear that her case will be another one in El Salvador that will be forgotten forever.

IN OTHER NEWS VERMONT BANS ‘GAY PANIC DEFENSE’ Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott signed legislation May 5 that bans use of the “gay panic defense” by criminal defendants. H.128, prevents a defendant at trial or sentencing from justifying violent actions by citing a victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. With the Governor’s signature , Vermont becomes the 14th state to enact a similar ban. The LGBTQ+ “panic” defense strategy is a legal strategy that asks a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is to blame for a defendant’s violent reaction, including murder.

TRANS MILITARY ADVOCACY GROUP ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT SPARTA, the nation’s leading transgender military service advocacy organization, announced May 1 that it had elected Bree Fram as its new board chair and president of the organization. She has been a member of SPARTA since 2014 and has served on the board of directors since April 2018, most recently as vice president. Fram is also a lieutenant colonel and astronautical engineer in the U.S. Air Force and will soon be recommissioning into the U.S. Space Force. She is currently a student at the U.S. Naval War College with a follow-on assignment to the Department of Defense at the Pentagon.

HOME OF SF’S 1ST SAME-SEX SPOUSES NOW LANDMARK The hilltop cottage belonging to a lesbian couple who were the first same-sex partners to legally marry in San Francisco has become a city landmark. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 4 to give the 651 Duncan St. home of the late lesbian activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin landmark status. The home in the Noe Valley neighborhood is expected to become the first lesbian landmark in the U.S. West, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Martin and Lyon bought the simple one-bedroom house, terraced up the hillside, as a couple in 1955, the same year they co-founded the Daughters of Bilitis, a political and social organization for lesbians.

PRESIDENT OF TONGA LGBTQ RIGHTS GROUP MURDERED The president of an LGBTQ rights group in Tonga was murdered May 1. Media reports indicate Tonga Leitis Association President Polikalepo Kefu was killed near their home in Lapaha, a village on the island of Tongatapu on which the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa is located. Deputy Tonga Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea said in a statement May 3 authorities have charged a 27-year-old man with murder. The Tonga Leitis Association in a statement described Kefu as “a selfless humanitarian and a tireless advocate for the rights of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.”

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viewpoint

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE What a wonderful wedding

N ADDITION TO ALL THE

crap related to COVID-19 that we have all experienced together, the past 12 months of my life have been punctuated with loss.

I won’t go into detail but suffice it to say that more than a half dozen souls of people with whom I considered myself close have left this Earth over the past year in addition to a dozen more folks whose work I applauded and/or whose talents I have enjoyed who have also moved on to the great beyond, whatever that may be. For a good portion of that same period of time we were saddled with the daily deluge of hate-fueled nonsense and outright lies from our most recently former President of the United States who proved himself to be no friend to the LGBTQ+ community. Then too, there was the daily body count of those shot to death is mass killings or of those murdered during the course of a routine traffic stop and the like. It’s been a lot to handle. So it was with a great deal of pent-up emotion and an earnest need for something uplifting that I was honored to attend the wedding of the publisher of this newspaper — formerly known as Rick Claggett, now Rick Todd —on Sunday, April 25 to this paper’s creative designer and chief photographer, Dylan Todd. Aside from the grooms’ obvious association to this publication, what makes this event worthy of mentioning in this forum is the fact that this legal marriage of these two same-sex individuals could occur in the first place and that the ceremony was held outside, in the light of day, in a public park for all passersby to see and witness — which they did — without registering disdain and without being disruptive to the ceremony; in fact, being very respectful of the proceedings. This is quite simply something I never believed I would live to see. For those of us of a certain age it seems like only yesterday that we were protesting on the steps of

Orlando City Hall demanding that we as LGBTQ persons receive fair and equal treatment from the Orlando Police Department. We came again to those steps to call for an end to the unwarranted arrests of those “perceived to be gay” in our public parks and to register our disgust with the elaborate entrapment tactics of the MBI, Metro Bureau of Investigation, which unbelievably was a joint effort of the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department created for the sole and specific purpose of ridding public parks and gathering places of the dreaded homosexuals. I mean not to single myself out with regards to those early protests, I was but one among many who stood gay and proud in the face of such widespread homophobia. There were legions of individuals who repeatedly stood up to and against the powers that be at the time, who were out and proud on behalf of those who felt it unsafe to be so. If you are reading this column and you were among those individuals, you should be proud of what you helped achieve. For those of you reading this column who have no touchstone to any of what I am referencing herein, try and take a moment and imagine an Orlando where simply being perceived as being gay could get you arrested in Lake Eola Park. Then imagine, if you will, what it is like for those of us who are old enough to have witnessed that to now drive by Lake Eola Park and see the colors of the gay pride rainbow permanently incorporated into the paint design of the Walt Disney Amphitheater. I honestly never thought I would live long enough to see marriage equality become a reality in this country. But it has and I’ve since attended many a gay nuptial and indeed officiated a number of

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same-sex marriages as well, and yet I still get completely choked-up at every such occasion of which I am privileged to witness. Rick and Dylan’s wedding was a beautiful occasion pulled off with just the right touches that make a gay wedding — dare I say it, dare I say it — so much more fun to attend than the

but smile at the number of children I saw pass by and my heart just swelled with the joy of knowing these kids would be growing up in a world where these types of weddings are commonplace. My heart was also warmed by witnessing these two dear friends, who are so clearly in love with one another, take their

was just plain luscious to drink in. The wedding of Mr. and Mr. Todd was the brightest of occasions that helped lift me, and I’m sure so many others, up out of the morass of the past year and gave all who attended not just something to celebrate but to savor. For all the setbacks related to the pandemic,

weddings of most straight couples. But it was also an unintended statement to all the passersby’s who were just out to enjoy a day in the park. These unsuspecting semi-participants were a witness to recently-made history playing out in front of their eyes. I couldn’t help

vows. But the fact that this same-sex couple was being married right in the middle of Leu Gardens with nary a protester or Klansmen to be found and with the unsuspecting John Q. Public passing by quietly out of respect for the ceremony

the marriage of Rick and Dylan Todd provided a much needed reminder of just how far we as a community have come and all that we have achieved. All my best wishes go out to Dylan and Rick on their marriage and to Orlando I say — well done!

For all the setbacks related to the pandemic, the marriage of Rick and Dylan Todd provided a much needed reminder of just how far we as a community have come and all that we have achieved.

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viewpoint

Nathan Bruemmer

KEEPING IT REAL

Lessons from Sports and Sport Bans T’S HARD TO DESCRIBE

how misguided the Florida legislature is in passing a transgender sports ban.

It is hard to describe how hateful this soon to be law is in its attempt to discriminate against children, and it’s hard to describe how exhausting this fight is for those in the trenches. Transgender children exist. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, to be allowed to be children and do all the things that children enjoy. They deserve to play. Playing sports with friends can be critical for childhood development as it allows kids to experience being part of a team. Or it can just be fun. Being part of a team builds confidence and connection and community. Teammates learn to put individual goals aside and direct their efforts towards a greater goal. (Yes, sports pun intended.) They learn to contribute equally and they learn to call out teammates that don’t pull their weight. Children can also learn to focus their passion and play hard. The impact this education makes over a lifetime is immeasurable. To be clear, by passing any transgender sports ban all children will be denied the full experience of lessons learned through play and sport because one group of children will be missing. The Florida legislature has chosen to prevent growth and education. Their choice is misguided, harmful, and hateful. While advocating in Tallahassee, I remember the legislators hyping their own sport successes in school as though it was a badge of honor. This former coach thinks they entirely missed the point of so many of the lessons of sports and team play. We have been advocating against this bill for months, but just two days before the end of session, the Senate pulled a procedural move in the shadows and adopted an anti-transgender amendment to SB 1028, an education related bill, and it passed. This bill now rests on Governor DeSantis’s desk and we continue to advocate against it. Kill the bill! We know

it’s an uphill battle. By the time you are reading this, we will know the final outcome. We choose to fight uphill battles. We have no choice. We must continue to advocate against discrimination because surrender would mean tragedy and despair for many children. We must continue to fight even when it is overwhelming and exhausting. I do not use those words lightly. Like Atlas condemned to hold up the celestial heavens for eternity, advocates are destined to hold back the waves of hatred and discrimination until those waves cease to pound the shoreline. We use education to combat a perpetual tide of fear in the hopes of creating understanding and space for all Americans to thrive. This time, we fight in the hopes of creating space for childhood. We fight to let every child play. We fight, but the exhaustion grows and despair takes root because the fight has changed. Within the last few years, transgender Americans like Laverne Cox have appeared on the covers of glamorous magazines and transgender voices have finally found some space in American culture. This should be a time of education, conversation and growth. We should be celebrating an important step closer to “liberty and justice for all.” Instead, the opposition has doubled their efforts to erase transgender Americans. Recently, they have employed guerrilla-style warfare to ambush advocates with bills that attack children. They use fear to create problems that do not really exist and attack the most vulnerable among us. They use misinformation to plant seeds of hate. Their ultimate goal is erasure. I’ve lost count of the hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills that have been under consideration in state legislatures across the

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country. Of those, about half directly target transgender people and many aim to specifically prohibit transgender children from playing sports. A few similar bills were passed, but they were unexpectedly defeated by a governor’s veto. These wins are important because

there have been some recent wins. In Texas, a similar bill that would prevent transgender children from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity failed to advance out of a House committee. In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a similar bill when it

team that aligns with their gender identity. Nonetheless, I write this today with Schrodinger’s cat on my lap as SB1028 is both alive and dead. Both well-supported and illegal. Acknowledging this means acknowledging that this particular fight is

they provide life-sustaining hope. We need hope because there is no respite, not yet. DeSantis’ decision about the bill will be known before this article is printed. Some say the outcome is a foregone conclusion; the bill is as-good-as-signed and this particular fight is over. But we refuse to yield so readily and we continue to advocate against it. There is still some time on the clock, and thankfully

reached her desk. And North Dakota’s Republican-led Senate sustained Governor Doug Burgum’s veto of a bill that also restricted transgender children from playing sports. Finally, the Department of Justice has already issued statements reiterating that Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex and guidance that this means transgender children can play on the sports

far from over. In fact, it’s time to rally. It’s time to overcome the exhaustion, focus our passion and support our equally exhausted teammates. Afterall, if we want to win, we must collectively recall the lessons of our youth: contribute equally, pull your weight and play hard.

Transgender children exist. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

IS ALCOHOL A PROBLEM? If You Want To Drink, That's Your Business

If You Want To Stop, That Is Ours

Nathan Bruemmer is the president of St Pete Pride and former executive director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota.

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

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talking points I also hope Congress will get to my desk the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ Americans. To all transgender Americans watching at home, especially young people who are so brave: I want to know your president has your back.

A MAJORITY OF

GAY

– PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN APRIL 28 DURING HIS FIRST JOINT SPEECH BEFORE CONGRESS

‘POSE’ BEGINS THIRD AND FINAL SEASON

AND

BISEXUAL

X’S GROUNDBREAKING SERIES “POSE” began its third and final season May 2, airing the first two of its seven episodes. The drama spotlights New York’s underground ball culture in the late 80s and boasts the largest recurring cast of LGBTQ actors ever included in a scripted series. To celebrate its final season, they gathered at the Lincoln Center in New York for a COVID-conscious event to discuss the premiere. Series co-creator Ryan Murphy called the show “a love letter to so many things” during the evening. “‘Pose’ to me was a very personal show … when I started off in my career in 1997, 98, I was not even allowed to have a single gay character because the networks were so afraid of that at the time,” Murphy shared. “I’m very proud of the legacy … it’s one of the things that I’m the most proud that I’ve ever done.”

TEENAGE BOYS

BORN BETWEEN

1998-2010

ITALIAN RAPPER DECRIES CENSORSHIP

TALIAN RAPPER FEDEZ RECEIVED A WAVE OF PUBLIC SUPPORT May 2 after decrying attempts by RAI state television to censor his planned remarks on homophobia during an annual concert. The performer prevailed and made the statement as planned, advising it was the first time he had ever been asked to submit his remarks ahead of time. He read homophobic statements by members of Italy’s right-wing League party. The rapper’s remarks were made in support of legislation that seeks to punish discrimination and hate crimes against LGBTQ citizens, which has stalled in parliament by right-wing opposition. LGBTQ rights groups including Italy’s Arcigay welcomed Fedez’s words. Gabriele Piazzoni, its president, said he “gave voice to millions of us.”

ACTOR OLYMPIA DUKAKIS DIES AT 89

ETERAN STAGE AND SCREEN ACTOR OLYMPIA DUKAKIS, who won an Oscar as Cher’s mother in the romantic comedy “Moonstruck,” died May 1 at 89 years old. Her Oscar victory kept the film roles coming, including her role as the sardonic widow in “Steel Magnolias.” Her recent projects included the 2019 revival of “Tales of the City,” in which she played Anna Madrigal for the fourth time, the transgender matriarch presiding over the series’ 28 Barbary Lane. The longtime LGBTQ ally was one of the only actors to appear in all of the saga’s iterations. While promoting “Olympia,” a documentary about her career, she noted that she’s long had “a mutual love affair” with the LGBTQ community.

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PAGE DETAILS ‘LIFE-SAVING’ HEALTH CARE

LLIOT PAGE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH care April 30 in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. The Oscar-nominated actor appeared on Apple TV’s “The Oprah Conversation,” detailing his personal experiences. “I want people to know that not only has it been life changing for me, I do believe it is life-saving and it’s the case for so many people,” he shared. Page said top surgery has given him newfound energy and is a “freeing, freeing experience.” He added that “I feel like I haven’t gotten to be myself since I was 10 years old.” Page came out as transgender last year, an announcement he told the host was “imperative” because of discrimination against transgender youth.

ARE OUT TO A PARENT. 66% HAVE COME OUT TO

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study, April 2021

Plan on anything but the same thing.

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LGBTQ TRAVEL

LGBTQ travelers to the rescue! Queers lead the way to tourism recovery

Ed Salvato

INCE THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF

9/11 and the abrupt halt to travel that followed, about every 10 years, the tourism industry is knocked back on its heels. The economic meltdown of 2008 and 2009 was even worse on the travel industry than 2001. And the pandemic is a once-a-century calamity exacerbated by the very things that make travel so enriching: large in-person events, meeting new friends at a hotel lounge, slaloming through a crowded bar in a far-flung city. The travel industry rebooted before, and it will bounce back again soon. And if history is any guide, LGBTQ travelers will be leading the way. Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the Washington, D.C.-based organization representing all

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segments of travel in America, says, “Gays lead, and the rest follow. They’re adventurous and like new experiences. They have a penchant for travel far greater than their heterosexual counterparts. They travel more and spend more when they travel. They’re the darlings of the travel industry when it comes to spending and dollars. “There are a lot of new areas travelers are going to explore,” he continues. “And the gay community will be there first.”

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Each year U.S. Travel sponsors National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrating the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being. Recognizing the Power of Travel, this year’s NTTW takes place May 2-8 across the U.S. There’s no better time to highlight the unique, unheralded role the LGBTQ community plays in powering travel, especially in times of great crisis. Recent history has demonstrated that LGBTQ travelers — especially those in dual-income-no-child households — are always among the first to travel after social and economic crises. Following 9/11 and again after the 2008/2009 financial crisis, destinations, hospitality companies and travel brands noticed that LGBTQ travelers were prioritizing tourism over other purchase decisions, helping fill airplanes, hotels and restaurants and animating destinations. So they began to market to this segment in earnest. Smart travel marketers will note that this is happening again now. We see — anecdotally and with the support of research

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| uu | LGBTQ travelers to the

rescue!

FROM PG.27

by Community Marketing, Inc., Harris Interactive and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association — that this segment travels in higher proportions and intends to book and execute travel in greater proportions than their non-LGBTQ counterparts.

THE POWER OF LGBTQ TRAVEL

BSENT THE ONEROUS OBLIGATIONS OF REARING AND EDUCATING children, queer travelers tend to have more disposable income and time to spend it, helping fill destinations and hotels, especially during the quieter periods when kids are in school. Being among the first to travel safely, this resilient segment grants permission to others that they can return to travel safely. The LGBTQ segment has always been disproportionately present in online platforms, which provide a safer way to meet and interact with others in an otherwise potentially anti-LGBTQ world. They also help achieve travel marketers’ goals by experiencing more, creating social media content and generating buzz. The segment displays intense loyalty to brands that welcome and include them. There are also surprising halo effects: By signaling welcome to this group, marketers send a sign of inclusiveness to other overlooked and marginalized segments, like Black and Latinx travelers, and the family and friends of queer people are also positively motivated by outreach to LGBTQ people. Finally, these messages resonate strongly with millennial and Gen Z audiences who plan their travel — as well as plot their careers — to destinations and at hospitality brands whose missions align with their more inclusive values. The segment has also demonstrated a strong affinity for cruises of all sorts, including all-gay or all-lesbian cruises, LGBTQ groups on mainstream cruises, and simply joining mainstream cruises as a same-sex couple or in small friend groups. While cruise vacations are still on a pandemic-induced pause in the U.S., cruise companies — including Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Uniworld and the brand-new Virgin Voyages — have all firmly established LGBTQ travelers as a core segment. “National Travel and Tourism Week takes on special significance this year as we look ahead to recovery following the most challenging year

this industry has experienced,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line and national chair of the U.S. Travel Association. “Across the country, we are recognizing travel’s value, and the long-standing support of the LGBTQ community will help accelerate our rebound. I know that for Carnival, we pride ourselves on an inclusive atmosphere where every guest is appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming them back as soon as possible.”

TRAVEL SAFETY EXPERTS

NE REASON QUEER TRAVELERS ARE UNIQUELY SUITED to help power the return of travel during this crisis has to do with their decades of experience living under the ever-looming shadow of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, during which they learned the importance of risk mitigation for the good of all. Wearing masks to protect yourself and others resonates with a community that understands the importance of condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). According to Randle Roper, co-founder and CEO of VACAYA Full-Ship and Full-Resort LGBT+ Vacations, “[Our] guests showed incredible resilience by traveling safely during the pandemic, and they proved they could adapt to live with health protocols that would keep each other and their loved ones back home safe.” Travel safety is organically entwined with the LGBTQ community’s DNA. In 70+ countries, many popular with LGBTQ travelers, homosexuality is criminalized. That includes 11 countries in which death is the punishment meted out for those convicted of homosexuality and other “crimes” of sexual and gender non-conformity. While travelers would be spared the harsh treatments locals may suffer, they nonetheless have a great deal to consider when traveling. Same-sex couples still receive awkward and uncomfortable service when checking into hotels with a single bed on the reservation or even simply existing in places where everyone’s assumed to be heterosexual. When a lesbian boards a plane with her legally-married wife and their legally adopted children, they could land in a destination where their marriage license is void and their legal guardianship of their kids is in question. Trans and non-binary travelers, especially those of color, may encounter challenges including lack of safe bathroom access, awkward encounters at TSA security and even

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outright hostility and worse in any public setting. In the face of all this, queer people still explore and have a lot to teach the rest of the world about how to travel with intent and joy while maintaining their own safety and that of the community around them. LGBTQ travelers can also show the world how best to support the tourism and hospitality industries in ways that also strengthen their own communities. “LGBTQ consumers have the power to make change and support LGBTQ-friendly companies and destinations by choosing to spend their travel dollars with those that support our community,” says Jeff Guaracino, co-author of the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality. “LGBTQ-owned hotels, bed and breakfasts, tour companies, bars and restaurants, festivals and destinations have been especially hard hit by COVID, and as a community, we can support LGBTQ-owned and friendly businesses and their employees by spending our travel dollars with them first.”

INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS

GBTQ TOUR COMPANIES AND TRAVEL AGENTS have a direct connection to queer travelers and report strong interest in and bookings of travel. According to Robert Sharp, co-founder and CEO of Out Adventures, “After [releasing] our entire tour schedule through the end of 2022, we saw our largest month of sales in our 12-year history.” Kelli Carpenter, co-founder of R Family Vacations, adds, “Our highest sales have come from our river cruise products and international tour business, showing that travelers are ready to explore the world again.” VACAYA’s Roper has seen extremely robust sales over the past several months — including selling out their Antarctica Cruise. “With a starting price of around $25,000 per room, that was our best sign yet that our community members are ready to break free from their cages and return to travel,” he says. Robert Geller, founder of FabStayz, agrees: “Pent-up demand is visible, palpable and quantifiable.”

New York City-based Ed Salvato is a freelance travel writer, instructor at New York University and the University of Texas at Austin’s NYC Center, and an LGBTQ tourism marketing consultant.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR MARKETERS INTERESTED IN THE LGBTQ SEGMENT

OU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN THE COMMUNITY to market to us, but you should do your homework. Here are a few tips. You can find much more insight in the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality (co-authored by this reporter). • Understand your opportunities and challenges and your brand’s strengths and weaknesses with this segment. • Prepare for a sustained effort and financial investment. • Hire an expert; don’t burden an LGBTQ colleague.

• Understand the needs, behaviors and concerns of this segment and avoid saying “Everyone is welcome” until you know that that’s true. • Apply marketing basics: Market the right product for the right segment at the right time. • Develop tailored content/social, communications strategies.

• Don’t go it alone: Work with LGBTQ business leaders, ERGs.

• Get buy-in from C-suite on down and avoid “the gay guy’s project” and losing institutional knowledge and continuity.

• Advertise support of employees and the community during Pride in local LGBTQ publications (and support the media you want to cover your business), but focus most of your marketing the other 364 days of the year.

• Educate employees, stakeholders and customer-facing teams on serving LGBTQ guests.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING QUEERS

GBTQ VISITORS AND GUESTS WANT THE SAME THING as everyone else: a safe and fun visit. You have to know the challenges confronting LGBTQ travelers in order to treat them with the same excellent welcome you accord all. Follow this guidance from Billy Kolber, founder of HospitableMe, which helps organizations with strategy and actionable training that drive equity and inclusion. The most successful organizations embrace these practices: • Focus on community first, profit second. Activities that start with a profit motive often backfire. Ask yourself, “How can we make our product or experience better for diverse customers and support their needs and their community?”

• Educate your people. You can’t provide authentic, personalized service if your team doesn’t understand who LGBTQ+ people are and feel comfortable engaging with them.

• Drive diversity in your own organization. Having diverse voices in the rooms where decisions are made is the only way to effect durable change. Ask why they’re not in those rooms, and what you can do to help get them there.

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Getting Back Out Into the World Safely

Must-know advice for LGBTQ travelers

Lawrence Ferber

S TRAVEL REBOUNDS AND SOME

international borders open to U.S. residents — especially, or exclusively, if you’re fully vaccinated— you’ll need to pack more than a suitcase to ensure safe trips during the pandemic’s latter days, and far beyond. After all, it’s not quite a COVID-free world yet, nor will it be for a while. Since the world packs travel hazards besides COVID-19 — from accidents to dangerous locals targeting queer tourists — here’s some advice and resources for LGBTQs to take into consideration. Bon safe voyage!

GET INSURANCE THAT COVERS COVID-19

BEFORE BOOKING THAT FLIGHT, CRUISE, HOTEL OR CAR RENTAL, SECURE A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY. Be sure it

covers COVID-19 related calamities, including hospitalization and cancellations on either your end or that of the airline, cruise line, hotel, tour company, etc. As many learned since March 2020, their policies did not. For several years before the pandemic hit, I took out an annual individual policy with Allianz (they’ve added COVID-19 benefits to some policies), which I made one claim on during early 2019 for a doctor’s visit in Singapore. The claims process was easy and paid out in a timely manner — a simple

urgent-care illness situation that included medication. When my husband joined me in Bangkok for just a week, I purchased a single trip policy from Travel Guard for him (which does not appear to cover COVID-19 as of now). LGBTQ-friendly insurance company Seven Corners, meanwhile, offers policies for both singles and same-sex couples, and can even ensure you stay together if a medical evac is required for one partner. You can check out the video about Seven Corners clients Daniel and Felipe on their LGBTQ landing page. Seven Corners also offers policies covering COVID-19. Lastly, if you have homeowners’ insurance, inquire whether your personal property is covered against destruction or theft while traveling.

GEOTAG EVERYTHING!

BE SURE TO ACTIVATE YOUR PHONE, PAD AND LAPTOP’S GEOLOCATION FEATURES.

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Worst-case scenario, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your iPhone’s been stolen if it’s suddenly five miles away from where you last left it on a table and can deactivate the device. Also, though: don’t leave your iPhone on a table. I’ve learned it’s an all-too-common practice for airlines to take bags off planes pre-departure if the vessel’s too weight-heavy or may excessively tax its fuel supply. They won’t always confess yours lost the lottery and where it’s chilling out, but Apple’s new tracking device, AirTag, will essentially spill the tea.

KNOW THE LGBTQ LAWS OF THE LAND

HOMOSEXUALITY IS STILL ILLEGAL AND EVEN PUNISHABLE BY DEATH IN PARTS OF THE WORLD. Some of these anti-LGBTQ laws entail toothless legislative holdovers, like Singapore’s Penal Code Section 377A, which remains on the books despite ongoing

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legal challenges and an open, even thriving local gay scene. As of April 2021, countries with the death penalty on the books for same-sex relations include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northwest Africa’s Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond the personal safety issue, there’s also the question of whether to spend money in places inhospitable to LGBTQs either socially or politically, like transphobic Arkansas, Jamaica and Poland, which continues to upset the rest of the European Union with its never-ending conveyor belt of anti-LGBTQ and anti-Semitic BS. I’ll admit, I like visiting Poland. I’m part Polish, although you’d never tell by looking at me. But one night, casually taking photos in a Kraków gay bar, a young gay Pole lunged at me from across the room (he actually dove underneath a table, like a submarine missile, to make a straight beeline), asking CONTINUED ON PG. 33 | uu |

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SAFE TRAVEL: You’ll need more than just a COVID vaccine to get back out there and travel the world as an LGBTQ person. PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION

| uu | Getting back out

into the world safely FROM PG.30

why I was shooting in his direction, both enraged and terrified. That was the last photo I took in a gay space. Alternately, to some, traveling to these places is a form of activism, visibility being a necessary part of change, while also supporting the local LGBTQ businesses and community. Human Rights Watch maintains a series of online maps of countries with anti-LGBTQ and anti-gender expression laws, plus those with age of consent disparities between same-sex versus heterosexual individuals. It’s worth a look. So is travel bloggers Asher & Lyric’s whopping 150-country list of best and worst countries for LGBTQ travel in 2021, while our own U.S. State Department boasts a fantastic information and resource page for LGBTI international travelers. There, you can find safety tips, how to reach U.S. embassies and consulates while abroad (“Consular officers will protect your privacy and will not make generalizations, assumptions or pass judgment,” it promises) and a TSA info page for transgender passengers.

SHOW RESPECT AND BE SMART ABOUT PDA LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS A GAY CRUISE OR A STRUT DOWN SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD. In some cultures, public displays of affection (PDA) between people of any gender or sexual identity are completely frowned upon and offensive, so look that up and, even better, look around you once you arrive. Watch — nonchalantly, not in some creepy way — how locals behave before indulging in PDA, and don’t be surprised to see men affectionately holding hands like “Sex and the City” girlfriends in Arab countries or India; it’s a cultural norm, despite the homophobia. Conversely, if you’re in a known gayborhood like Tokyo’s Shinjuku Nichome or Mexico City’s Zona Rosa, live out loud and flash those conservative locals the gayest smile you can.

WATCH OUT FOR THE CATFISH… AND SHARKS IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, Including home, but apps and hookup sites are swimming with scam artists. In some countries, apps are used by homophobes and zealous antigay police to entrap, jail and torture LGBTQs. In other cases, you could

get robbed, especially in second and third world countries where first world tourists represent an easy, even deserving in their eyes, mark. If you do meet someone online, take precautions. In countries where locals target tourists, five-star hotels will often require visitors leave their ID at the front desk and won’t allow them to retrieve it and leave until you give a sign-off by phone. If someone refuses to visit your five-star hotel that’s a red flag. And if you do have a new “friend” over, put those valuables in the safe first.

GOOGLE WHERE YOU’RE GOING BEFORE BOOKING TICKETS

GOOGLING YOUR DESTINATION AND “ANTIGAY” COULD PRODUCE UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS developments that may inform your plans. A Molotov cocktail attack on a Laguna Beach, California gay bar in mid 2020, for example, is a pretty clear “maybe not right now.” Egypt has long been an LGBTQ traveler’s fave, but the past few years have seen an increase in disturbing anti-LGBTQ violence, harassment and detainment by the police. Indonesia keeps seeing waves of political crackdowns

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

on and vilification of queers — including raids of Jakarta bathhouses and, just this past August, a private gay party — while Indonesia’s Aceh province is ruled by Sharia law and sees public lashings and life-destroying shamings. Indonesia’s island of Bali, however, is extremely LGBTQ-positive and tolerant.

BACK UP CRITICAL DOCUMENTS AND SEND TO A CLOUD SERVICE

I’VE NEVER BEEN PICKPOCKETED — AND PROBABLY JINXED MYSELF WRITING THAT — but if this ever happens or you misplace important documents or a wallet, have copies ready in the cloud, including booking numbers and, of course, travel insurance policy. iCloud, DropBox, whatever — just be sure it’s an encrypted service. Now you can more easily request replacements and access important numbers to cancel credit cards. If you’re legally married or partnered, also have copies and cloud backups of your marriage license and anything related to power of attorney and medical access, especially here in the good ol’ freedom-y U.S.A. Some nosy “Christian” nurse in an Arkansas or Texas hospital may attempt to refuse a same-sex spouse

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access to a hospital unless you’re packing legal documents and a winnable lawsuit.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MEDICATIONS ON YOU (BUT NOT RECREATIONAL DRUGS)

DON’T PUT YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN CHECK-IN LUGGAGE. I repeat: Do not put your prescription drugs in check-in luggage. Ever. If it’s medication you need daily, you’re risking missed doses should that bag get lost, and worse, if the drug isn’t readily available where you’re headed. Keep them in your carry-on only! Also, don’t bring recreational drugs into a country where you can go to jail for it. It’s a really wise use of 60 seconds on Google to look that up, because tourists will not be treated with leniency. It’s a lesson you don’t want to learn.

New York-raised entertainment and travel journalist Lawrence Ferber has contributed to publications including Entertainment Weekly, New York Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, The Advocate, NewNowNext, The NY Post and TripSavvy. He also co-wrote/ co-created the 2010 gay rom com “BearCity” and authored its 2013 novelization.

ASK US ABOUT: Repeat Guest Discounts Military & Veteran Discounts Spa Specials & Memberships Florida Resident Discounts & Student Discounts Call 1-800-818-1211 or visit thegrandresortandspa.com for information.

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5 essential tips for COVID-free travel

Jeff Guaracino

OVID-19 WILL MAKE TRAVEL A BIT MORE

WITH RESULTS IN JUST 1 MINUTE!

complicated this summer. Going to Europe? Taking a cruise? Visiting Hawaii, San Juan or St. Lucia? Or maybe you are planning a road trip? The rules for traveling responsibly during COVID vary greatly. Be ready to encounter a patchwork of confusing rules and requirements this summer.

Depending on what you choose to do for your well-earned escape, it is going to be necessary to educate yourself on what to expect; how to travel by the rules; and be ready to prove you have a negative COVID-19 test. (And it may cost you to prove it!) Trust, prepping for your trip in advance will pay off. Your health, safety, peace of mind and fun is an important part of the travel experience. Here are 5 essential tips to ensure you have a fabulous summer getaway. Research before booking your trip. Before you book your trip, be sure to understand how COVID-19 has changed the experience. Nearly everything about travel has changed due to COVID-19. Hotels, airplanes, trains, theme parks, destinations and resorts all have modified safety precautions in place. The good news is that you will likely find less crowds, more space and enhanced cleaning. You may also find limited services such as curfews with bars and restaurants closing early. A road trip within the U.S. likely will find less restrictions compared to an island trip. Make reservations and buy tickets in-advance. Before leaving for your trip, you should book your restaurant reservations and reserve your tickets to a museum or attraction. While you might not like having to plan out your vacation in advance, you will likely find it hard to do all the things you want to do by waiting. COVID-19 means capacity restrictions, so there is limited availability especially on weekends and during peak periods. You can always make changes when you are there. When flying give yourself extra time at the airport. Many stores and food establishments may still be closed or have limited service, so it will take longer to buy food and drinks. Most airlines have also eliminated beverage and snack service in coach, so be ready to “Bring Your Own.” If you are use to flying first class, be ready for a curtailed (i.e. downgraded) experience as well. Stay at a trusted hotel. Staying at hotel is perhaps one of the most important travel decisions you will make.

Most hotels have developed respected cleaning protocols to keep you and their employees safe. Among the hotel industry’s leaders is The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons has developed “Lead With Care” that includes both obvious hotel guest protocols and enhanced procedures behind-the-scenes including employee trainings. The Four Seasons also developed an app that provides guests with the high-standard customer service the luxury chain is known for while providing guests with privacy and limiting interactions with the team. COVID-19 has increased the cost for many hotels so it is important to stay with a trusted brand that you can count on to deliver on the safety measures promised. Proof of a negative COVID test. The most complicated and expensive part of COVID-free travel will be meeting a requirement, if needed, to prove you have a negative COVID test. Hawaii, San Juan, cruise ships and other travel experiences are requiring that travelers prove they’re COVID negative upon arrival at the destination or before starting your trip. Some destinations even require a mid-trip test to prove, again, that you are still COVID negative. Hawaii implemented a program that requires travelers to the islands to use a “trusted partner” (so you can’t use any test and vaccinations that are not accepted). You must create an account at travel.hawaii.gov, download an app and submit results upon arrival from a COVID test within 72 hours of arrival from a trusted partner. Coming from Philadelphia through Chicago, that means I had to order an expensive test from American Airlines that was sent to me by UPS. The test included a virtual call to prove my identity and a virtual assistant to show me how to properly take the nasal smear. Within a day of sending my test back via UPS, I had my results. I printed out my negative test, uploaded my results and also downloaded the QR code to my phone. Aloha! Are you negative? Mahalo.

Jeff Guaracino is the author of two books on LGBTQ travel, a syndicated travel columnist and an tourism executive with more than two decades in the industry.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Tampa Pride returns with disco diva Martha Wash

Ryan Williams-Jent

N ESTIMATED 60,000

people filled the streets of Ybor for Tampa Pride’s last outing, a record organizers planned to break during their sixth annual celebration in 2020. Legendary diva Martha Wash, one half of the duo responsible for disco hits like “It’s Raining Men,” was going to help.

PHOTO COURTESY FLOD LLC

Wash was set to headline the celebration’s inaugural Pride at Night, a concert at the Cuban Club featuring a full evening of local

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

and national talent. Instead, Tampa Pride’s festivities were postponed due to the ongoing pandemic. Thankfully both Tampa Pride and Wash, deemed the “most famous unknown singer of the 90s” by Rolling Stone, are safely making a comeback May 22.

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Watermark spoke with the Pride at Night headliner in a series of interviews more than a year apart. The singer detailed her longtime support for the LGBTQ community – from her start singing backup for openly gay “Queen of Disco” Sylvester to her years of collaborations with the queen of drag herself, RuPaul – and what fans can expect from Wash’s first time taking the stage in 14 months. WATERMARK: YOU’VE BUILT AN EXTENSIVE CATALOGUE OF WORK. HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?

MARTHA WASH: I sang all the way through school and then I became a background singer for Sylvester [with the late Izora Armstead.] We were known as Two Tons of Fun and recorded two albums for Fantasy Records.

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www.NationsLandscaping.com

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going to be weird for me after 14 months. (Laughs.) I was trying to make sure that I could get my [COVID-19 vaccine] shot in time to travel, to be safe. So, luckily, I got that ... you want everybody to be safe. Have a good time, enjoy yourself, but also stay safe.

| uu | It’s Raining Pride FROM PG.37

Then after that we changed our name to The Weather Girls because of the song “It’s Raining Men.” That was a huge hit. After it came out, we signed with Columbia Records. That started a new kind of career and we had some hits off of those couple of albums before I went out on my own. I have a new album now called “Love & Conflict” that’s on my own record label, which is called Purple Rose Records. It’s been an interesting ride all these years.

YOUR ALBUM “LOVE & CONFLICT” CAME OUT JUST BEFORE THE PANDEMIC. HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO PROMOTE IT?

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH SYLVESTER?

What I can say regarding Sylvester is, he was before his time. If he was alive today, I don’t think there would be any issue with him being a gay, Black man and an entertainer. Not today. It’s easier because you have a lot more artists who are openly gay now. At that time a lot of people were still in the closet and they were afraid to come out and be who they were. Sylvester for the most part did not care. You accepted him or you didn’t. That’s basically what it was: you accepted him or you didn’t, and he had fans – gay and straight – because they loved the music that he did. They didn’t care about his sexuality, they were all about the music. THAT VISIBILITY MATTERS.

Especially with gay entertainers who are Black as well. At the time you could not do that and be in mainstream entertainment. It was probably hard enough for the white entertainers, coming out, but the Black ones? You really couldn’t come out the way you wanted to, so in that sense he was a pioneer. We knew that they were gay entertainers then, mind you, but you could not be yourself. People probably did look up to him and say, “he’s going to do what he wants and be who he is.” Now we use the word “authentic,” that’s the word for it and he was. He was doing that back in the 70s. WHAT LED TWO TONS OF FUN TO BRANCH OUT?

I was young and singing background with Sylvester, who was doing his thing and our producer Harvey Fuqua suggested it. He said, “it’s time for you two to do an album.” So, who’s gonna turn it down? That’s how we started doing our own albums and it was cool because even though we

ONE YEAR LATER: Legendary performer Martha Wash returns to headline Pride at Night following Tampa Pride’s 2020 postponement. PHOTO COURTESY FLOD LLC were recording and had our first album out, we were still singing background with Sylvester at that time. But then as the first album began to grow, we started doing our own shows as well. Sometimes we would open up for him with our show, so that was fun. “IT’S RAINING MEN” WAS A BIG PART OF THAT. WHAT LED YOU TO CHANGE YOUR NAME?

Everybody thought there was a new group called The Weather Girls because in the beginning of the song, remember it says “Hi, we’re your weather girls.” A lot of the fans knew me and Izora and that it was Two Tons of Fun, but over time we decided to kind of start all over again under the new name. It really took off. WHY DO YOU THINK IT RESONATED SO WELL WITH LGBTQ FANS?

It’s an official classic now! I think it’s because it’s kind of a campy song. You know, wouldn’t you want men to fall on you? Just grab you and take you up? It’s just one of those fun songs – and over the years, it’s become classic to the point where everybody’s singing the song. It’s played everywhere and you have grandparents all the way down to grandkids singing it. AND WHO HASN’T SEEN A DRAG QUEEN PERFORM IT?

Oh, of course! Of course.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

SPEAKING OF, YOU’VE WORKED WITH RUPAUL A NUMBER OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS.

We started with “It’s Raining Men… The Sequel” [in 1998] and that was fun. I’ve always loved Ru and he’s such a great and very uplifting person. I’m so glad for his success over the years, he’s done a lot for the drag community and made it very, very mainstream, which I think is cool. Drag queens in my opinion have always been a part of the community and we’re all part of this world, where everybody should be celebrated and appreciated. We’re all a part of the human race – and everybody’s drag is different. You may not understand a part of somebody’s drag, but like Ru says, “honey, you’re born naked and the rest is drag,” which is true. WHAT’S ANOTHER MESSAGE YOU HAVE FOR YOUR LGBTQ FANS?

That I love them. Always have, always will. They’re no different from anybody else in the world. I’ve always said – and somebody could possibly get upset with me, but it’s how I feel – that when you do the Pledge of Allegiance, it says “with liberty and justice for all” at the end. That’s what this country should be about, liberty and justice for all. Because if it’s not, if we’re doing the pledge but it’s not being done, or realized, then I say the Pledge of Allegiance is a lie. I hope that they can come out and celebrate each other during

Tampa Pride, but you don’t have to do it just for one day. Be proud of who you are every day and share that happiness with others. TAMPA PRIDE WILL BE THE FIRST MAJOR LGBTQ EVENT IN THE AREA. WHAT’S THE LAST YEAR BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?

With Tampa Pride, this will be my first live show in over 14 months. It’s been strange, but I think it may have been kind of good for me in some ways. Artists are people who like to work, so the downside of it was not really being able to do the shows, whether they were Pride shows or doing my own live shows. Just none of that was happening whatsoever. ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT GETTING BACK OUT THERE?

I hope I’ve still got it after this 14 month hiatus! It’s going to be very, very interesting and I hope Tampa Pride will be kind to me. (Laughs.) It’s been crazy but we’re all going through it. Some people have been able to, in a way, not really miss a beat too much – but then there are others that just totally shut down completely. I feel for a lot of these people in different fields that have just been locked out. Especially with theaters, bars and restaurants being shut down. It didn’t bother me so much because I’m kind of a homebody, but on the other hand I’m used to traveling. Even getting on a plane is probably

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The promotion has basically been online, so that’s been good for keeping my name and the album out there. But as time goes on, hopefully before the year is out, I’d like to do a live show and promote it. I like all different genres of music; I’ve always said that I never wanted to be pigeonholed into one particular genre, so this album is more Blues/Rock/Pop/ Adult Contemporary with a hint of psychedelic. (Laughs.) It’s a whole different area in itself and I hope fans can follow along and enjoy it with me. IS THAT WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR TAMPA PRIDE PERFORMANCE?

I’m not tellin’! (Laughs.) I’m not tellin’. THEY HAVE TO COME SEE.

Exactly! Look, I think people are just going to be happy just to be out and about with other people. Saying, “Oh, I haven’t seen you in so long,” or “It’s nice meeting you for the first time.” I just want to say thank you to the LGBTQ community and my fans for being supportive of me over the years. It’s funny, because I’m getting a new generation of young fans, which is great. The younger people may not necessarily know who I am, or don’t know who Sylvester is, but some of the older ones are telling them. They kind of give them my resume, so that’s always nice to hear. When you add it all together, it makes it fun for people. That’s why I hope people will just come out and just enjoy the music, reminiscing on the old stuff while enjoying the new stuff. Martha Wash will headline Tampa Pride’s inaugural Pride at Night May 22 at the Cuban Club, located at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba in Tampa. Local and national talent will perform from 6 p.m.-midnight, with no cover for attendees 21 and up or $5 for those ages 18-20. For more information, read Watermark’s official Tampa Pride Guide and visit TampaPride.org. Wash’s “Love & Conflict” is available now wherever music is streamed or sold. Learn more at MarthaWash.com.

A MONTH OF C E L E B R AT I O N S

T PE

EP R I DE .OR

ALL ARE WELCOME - LGBTQIA+ AND FRIENDS!

Outdoor Adventure Week

June 7th - June 13th Signature Event: We Are Family: June 12th

Arts & Music Week

Taste of PrideFest Week

June 14th - June 20th Signature Event: Arts + Qulture: June 19th

Family Week

June 1st - June 6th Signature Event: Pride OUTside: June 5th

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 21st - June 30th Signature Event: Pride Picnic: June 26th

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MUSIC

Passion for Play

Yonk Trendsetta and Big Vision of Stud Passion are striking voices in the Florida hip-hop realm

(ABOVE)

DYNAMIC DUO:

Yonk Trendsetta and Big Vision are Stud Passion. PHOTO BY MICHELE RICHARDSON

Sarah Kinbar

S IT TURNS OUT, THE PANDEMIC HAS

been good for music. We’re all looking for silver linings everywhere, and this one is sterling.

Because Florida has been relatively open through the past year and we have the infrastructure to support music-making as well as venues for concerts big and small, Central Florida has been a hot spot for recording and performing. In the world of hip-hop, we had visits from major acts. Jack Harlow stopped by Tier Nightclub and put in some studio time while he was in town. City Girls did a show at Gilt Nightclub. Tyla Yaweh came home from Los Angeles to record and perform. DaBaby played the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Through the pandemic, another act, this one less known but on the come up, Stud Passion, was brewing. Yonk

Trendsetta and Big Vision both drove down from Gainesville to perform at Soundbar on West Pine Street in Orlando, but not together. They also did shows at Pegasus Lounge in Tampa, but not together. The merging of their talents was yet to happen as they independently released and performed their music through the pandemic. These two women live and breathe music. After being struck by one of Yonk’s YouTube music videos, Vision had an inkling that they might work well together. “She was rapping but I could just tell she can also sing. I just knew she had both in her. I told my friend I wanted to work with Yonk and she

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

shut me down. ‘She not gonna do a song with you, bro. She bougie.’ But I sent her a message anyway,” says Vision. With no response, Vision was persistent. She tried DMing on Instagram. But when you aren’t connected on social media, such messages are relegated to that other inbox. Eventually, Yonk saw a message from Vision inviting her to a show at Gainesville’s artist development and showcase venue Cypher House, and she responded. Yonk dipped her toe in tentatively. The Cypher House crowd gave her a lot of love, which was overwhelming. Pretty soon, Yonk was won over. Soon, she and Vision were recording together, and Stud Passion was born. The story of this grouping mirrors the women’s yin and yang dialectic. They both bring powerful voices, warm laughter and quick quips to the table, with Yonk pausing more to collect her thoughts, sometimes hesitating before sharing big stories. Vision puts it all out there immediately and forcefully. Neither misses a beat. Their recent release, “Eat Hoe,” is a brazen celebration of lust, borrowing from the bag of tricks you’ve heard in raps by men. The chorus is sticky and you may find yourself singing it in the check-out line at the grocery store, which could be awkward. Fuck it up You better eat hoe Ride out ride out ride Pussy popping in ya tip toes Ride out ride out ride Vision’s bold verse shines. The musicality in her rapping fuses with Yonk’s trademark melody ay-yay-yay-yay ringing in the background. Watermark asked Stud Passion if they’ve gotten any blowback in the hip-hop community for being openly lesbian. “Gay men have it harder than we do. Because we are women, personally I feel like men sometimes in their minds feel like sex is still, you know, a possibility,” explains

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Yonk. “If I were a man, they would be nasty-nasty to me.” For evidence of the differing situations experienced by gay male and female rappers, scroll through Miami native Sissy Rich’s Instagram (@sissyrich) followers and look for follows from established straight rappers in Orlando or elsewhere. While Sissy lived here during his core performance years, you won’t find those followers. In the early 2000’s, Sissy became known as the first gay male rapper to come onto the scene fully out. All these years later he’s still the poster boy for gay rap. We checked in with music industry executives and established rappers around the U.S. asking what they knew about the gay rap scene, and Sissy was the first name to come from their lips. While Lil Nas X is clearly the most famous gay rapper, somehow that doesn’t count in their books, because his music went viral before he came out. There seems to be resounding agreement that had he been known as gay, “Old Town Road” wouldn’t have been heard. Of course, none of the execs wanted to be quoted on the record, out of concern for being connected with the topic in any way. Conversely, look at Orlando-based Twissy’s Instagram following (@613_ Twissy_) and you’ll see the support the lesbian rapper is getting from the local industry. Their second single “Lied 2 Me” hasn’t officially been released, though it is in circulation because Stud Passion’s live performances have been captured and posted to YouTube. The song is a pained but steady-moving eulogy for a relationship gone wrong, voiced by a paramour who’s been duped. In the end, the singer learns that the woman whose affection she had enjoyed was secretly partnered with a man all along. “Eat Hoe” and “Lied 2 Me” are both winning fans wherever Stud Passion shows up. The duo is recording a foundation of songs, gearing up to trickle out a self-titled mixtape early this summer, even as they continue to pursue their individual projects. Yonk says, “I think we’ll put out one song at a time and build some momentum for Stud Passion, you know?” For details on upcoming Stud Passion live performances and releases, follow their Instagram accounts at @yonktrendsetta and @big_visionn.

FREE HIV Tests From the Comfort of Your Home EPIC is offering free, at-home HIV tests for individuals in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Test kits can be picked up at one of our offices, delivered to your home or mailed upon request. The test kit includes a simple oral swab and is processed in about 20 minutes. There is no need to mail the test back or wait weeks for results. A trained counselor will guide you through the process, explain the results and, if needed, connect you with the appropriate services.

Read It Online!

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

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

For more information or to request a test kit, call (727) 328-3260 and ask for a member of the Prevention and Outreach team.

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Enigma celebrated its seven year anniversary in St. Petersburg May 5. Cocktail held its grand opening weekend in St. Petersburg May 7-9. Levi’s Bar and Grill opened in New Port Richey May 7.

EVENTS Tampa Bay author Rob Sanders will virtually celebrate the release of his latest LGBTQ-focused children’s book, “Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America’s First Gay Wedding” on May 15 at 2 p.m. EST. The event will also feature illustrator Robbie Cathro, Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, America’s first legally married same-sex couple and book’s inspiration, as well as Anthony Ramos from GLAAD. Visit https://bit.ly/3f8AFjV to register for the free event. An in-person launch at Tombolo Books in St. Pete will follow June 8. Tampa Theatre has announced that it will celebrate 30 years of popular summer classics in a film series beginning with “The Wizard of Oz” on June 4. Tickets are most features are $10.00 at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or $12.00 online. For more information, visit TampaTheatre.org. Gulfport will host its inaugural Pride event on May 29, from 4-9 p.m. to benefit the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Tampa Bay super volunteer Jeremy Wade Neiman, Sarasota medical specialist Dr. Sporty Damon Paul Harper (May 13); St. Petersburg school teacher Bob Tencza, Largo media publisher Jeff Youngblood (May 14); Political activist Bryan Farris, Hillsborough Kids advocate Malachi Ortiz, Tampa Bay entertainer Amanda D’Rhod (May 15); Tampa Bay fitness instructor Bryan Lloyd, St. Pete ROTC leader Frank Hay, FOX 13 reporter Dan Matics, Kobe Steakhouse server Alex Quinto, Tampa artist Ric Moreir (May 16); Sarasota artist Ming “Troy” Ming, St. Pete staple Marc Calvillo, Sarasota helping hand Jennifer Chalfa, Dog-adoring Tom Singer (May 17); Tampa Bay director Trevor Keller, Sarasota Planned Parenthood’s Jarred Wilson, Theatre lover Trevor Keller (May 18); Tampa Bay activist Elliott Darrow, Tampa Bay bartender James Bailey, Wordier Than Thou founder and Watermark contributor Tiffany Razzano (May 20); Tampa Bay entertainer Josie Jay, St. Pete photographer Jamarcus Mosley, Tampa Bay bear Rick Grayson (May 21); University of Tampa professor Jack Crepeau, Sarasota University Club’s Peter McClain Jr., Harvey Milk Festival founder Shannon Fortner, Tampa Bay bartender Nikko Panagos (May 22); St. Pete photographer Tori Baird (May 23); Balance Tampa Bay’s Jason Fields (May 24); United Healthcare’s Alan Phillips, Tampa Bay entertainer Holly Louya, Tampa Bay bartender Kerissa Hickey (May 25); Tampa Bay entertainer Holly Louya, St. Petersburg karaoke star Javier Dones, Seminole personal trainer Chip Wright, St. Pete college student Charlie Bird (May 26).

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WERKSHOP: Diversity Arts holds an LGBTQ youth arts workshop May 8 at Studios at 5663. PHOTO COURTESY DIVERSITY ARTS

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS: EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim (L) and Director Dave Konnerth pick up The Studio Public House ft. Pom Pom’s for lunch May 7. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

LARGO PROUD: Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith (L) and School Board Member Caprice Edmond show their teacher appreciation at Largo High School May 7. PHOTO

COURTESY MICHAEL SMITH

STORY TIME: Pasco Pride royalty (L-R) Stephanie Stuart, Vyn Suazion and a special helper prep for their monthly Drag Queen Story Hour May 8 at Zenfinitea. PHOTO

COURTESY PASCO PRIDE

VENICE PROUD: Venice Pride presents the Spencer Stephens 2021 Scholarship to Talon Bottenfield May 7, $2,000 to attend the University of South Florida.

PHOTO COURTESY VENICE PRIDE

WARM WELCOME: The staff of Cocktail including owner David Fischer and GM Melvin Theriault (C) prep for their grand opening weekend May 3.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

YEARS STRONG: (L-R) Viktoria Sommers, Kathryn Nevets and Daphne Ferraro mark Enigma’s 7th year in St. Pete with a show May 7. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

WALKING THE WALK: Second Saturday Art Walk supporters snap a shot at Dylan Todd Photography’s photo booth May 8. PHOTO

COURTESY DYLAN TODD

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Rafael E. Pinero and the Pinero Preventative Medical Care team celebrate 15 years this month in Central Florida. HÄOS on Church was honored with the HOSPITALITY Golden Brick Award from the Downtown Orlando Partnership at a ceremony luncheon at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival May 11.

EVENTS

The 30th annual Orlando International Fringe Festival is back with an in-person celebration of theatre and the arts May 18-31 with venues at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Repertory Theatre as well as Bring Your Own Venue partners The Abbey Orlando and HÄOS on Church. Read up on the festival’s LGBTQ-themed shows on our website at WatermarkOnline.com. CityArts hosts pop art painter Jay Geeker as he presents “Young At Heart - A Precision Pop Art Show” May 20.

Opera Orlando presents “As One,” a chamber opera that tells the story of a transgender woman becoming her authentic self, at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre May 21 and 23. Space is limited so get your tickets early. Tickets are available at OperaOrlando.org.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Southern Nights bartender Sara Barone, Central Florida ally and artist Christie Miga, Server Seth Bradshaw (May 14); Orlando entertainer Craig Raymo, Central Florida straight ally Alex Copeland (May 15); Central Florida standup comedian Lee Cohen (May 16); Orlando muscle bear and trainer Migael Schieder, Orlando Ballet Dancer Alberto Blanco Perez (May 17); Central Florida photographer Julie Milford Textor, Central Florida drag performer Kai’ja Taylor Adonis, former Watermark intern Abigail Ruth Mercer (May 18); Senior pastor at Joy MCC Terri Steed Pierce, Central Florida ally Marianella Falbo (May 19); State House Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, Rep. Smith’s former legislative aide Ida V. Eskamani, Yow Dance owner Eric Yow, Olde Town Brokers realtor Brett Winters (May 20); 26Health Services’ David Baker-Hargrove, Orlando real estate agent Wes Miller, Vice-chair of the Human Rights Campaign board of directors John Ruffier, proud mommy Tanya Blasingame (May 21); Hunks Orlando Promoter Jeffrey Torres, Orlando artist Cake Marques, Nurse and spiritualist Bradley Gerik, Manager at Kings Dining & Entertainment Orlando Brittany Gayle, Central Florida photographer Tabitha Whidby (May 22); Orlando Realtor Alex Zweydoff, The Dru Project’s Sara Grossman, Ted Maines Interiors owner Ted Maines (May 23); Lowe and Behold owner Randy Lowe, Hammered Lamb resident Angie Rash (May 24); Watermark husband Keith Sadler, Brother to the beloved and departed “Miss P” Dave Wegman (May 26).

COFFEE BREAK: Bobby Hermida gets a photo with “The Simpsons” Chief Wiggum at Universal Studios in Orlando May 6. PHOTO

COURTESY BOBBY HERMIDA

OPEN THEATER: Billy Mick and husband, Brian, watch Orlando Shakes’ “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre in Lake Eola Park May 6. PHOTO COURTESY BILLY MICK

EAT FOR A CAUSE: Nikki (L) and Chelsey greet customers for Dining Out For Life at The Hammered Lamb in Orlando April 29. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

PLANET FRIENDLY: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani rides her bike to work in Orlando May 7 to help reduce her carbon footprint. PHOTO

COURTESY ANNA V. ESKAMANI

CARE BEAR STARE: Gidget Galore (front) and Ginger Minj dress as Care Bears to host Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando May 6. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

AWARD WINNER: The LGBT+ Center Orlando executive director George Wallace shows his Luminary Award presented to him by Orlando Gay Chorus during their concert at Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival May 7. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

SING OUT LOUD: (L-R) Jen Kunsch, Rick Todd, Gen Kunsch and Ginger Bentz attend the Orlando Gay Chorus concert at Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival May 7. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

GOLDEN LEADERS: Blue (L) and Jackie attend Downtown Orlando Partnership’s Golden Brick Awards, where HAOS on Church was honored, at Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival May 11. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

WEDDING BELLS

Rick and Dylan Todd,

from Tampa Bay and Central Florida ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Nov. 16, 2019

WEDDING DATE:

April 25, 2021

OFFICIANT:

Judge Barbara Leach

VENUE:

Harry P. Leu Gardens

COLORS:

Purple, blue and gray

WEDDING SONG/ARTIST:

“Grow As We Go” by Ben Platt

FLORIST:

Lee Forrest Design

CATERER:

Wedding - John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Catering. Rehearsal Dinner- Little Lamb Catering

CAKE FLAVORS:

Amaretto with hazelnut filling, red velvet with white chocolate filling, lemon with raspberry filling and pistachio with dark chocolate filling

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Taylor Moulton / Wombs to Weddings Photography

DJ/ENTERTAINMENT:

DJ Greg Anderson, Violectric

CABARET:

Hosted by Gidget Galore with performances by Ginger Minj, Kris Geddie and Gadiel

DAY OF COORDINATOR:

Simple Weddings Florida

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR MOULTON/WOMBS TO WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

ATERMARK’S OWN DYLAN

and Rick Todd hit it off as soon as they met at the Tampa Bay WAVE Awards celebration at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor March 2018.

Dylan was receiving an award for his business, Dylan Todd Photography, and Rick, as Watermark’s publisher, was working the event. Dylan offered to buy Rick a drink, then gave him his business card, noting that his cell phone number was on it. A few weeks later they went on a date to downtown St. Petersburg and spent the night walking around Old Northeast, talking and getting to know each other. “Dylan cracks me up,” Rick says. “It’s like he goes out of his way to make me laugh. Sometimes, when he tells a really good joke he laughs so hard and it makes my world complete. It was one of these moments when

I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.” Further into their relationship, Rick and Dylan would make fake marriage proposals to one another in funny places like Walmart to make each other laugh. So when Rick took Dylan on a walk retracing their first date, getting down on one knee when they reached the corner where they had their first kiss, Dylan wasn’t sure it was real. When Dylan had confirmed it was, in fact, real, he said yes immediately. The couple married at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. Judge Barbara Leach officiated, taking the time to interview the couple to make the ceremony as personal as possible.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” Dylan says. “Seeing our friends and family, the flowers, the arch – it was truly a dream wedding. I would have been perfectly content with eloping and this was much more than I could have imagined.” Rick and Dylan were proud to display the local LGBTQ community at their reception, with handmade signs with quotes from LGBTQ people on them and some about LGBTQ people at every table. They even held a cabaret featuring local talent like Gidget Galore, Ginger Minj, Kris Geddie and Gadiel. “We really wanted our wedding to showcase as much of the LGBTQ community as possible to honor the fact that we could even get married,” Rick says. A few months prior, Dylan got a Cameo video for Rick from John Cameron Mitchell, who played Hedwig in the 2001 movie “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” congratulating the couple on their wedding and singing the

beginning of “Origins of Love.” Ginger Minj created a whole performance around the video, completing the rest of the song. “Gidget and Ginger put so much into the show to make it beautiful, heartfelt and hilarious,” Dylan says. Many special moments for the couple also came from their wedding party, who showed their love and support, making their day all the more magical. “The most special [part of the wedding] was hearing the toast from the wedding party and how they all recognized what I feel everyday – how much I absolutely love Dylan,” Rick says. “During the toasts, my best lady, Tina, commented about how Rick makes me feel so calm,” Dylan says. “I struggle with anxiety, overanalyzing and fretting about everything. How Rick knows me, and how to just be there for me, is the greatest thing I could ask for in a partner.” — Lora Kopar

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

C E N T R A L

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CALL FOR RATES

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Living with HIV?

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MAY 13 - 26 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .10 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CHOOSE TO B.E. F.A.S.T. WHEN IT COMES TO STROKE.

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SAFE ACCESS TO YOUR

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