Watermark Issue 28.24: HIV & COVID

Your LGBTQ Life.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 8, 2021 Issue 28.24

HIV & COVID

How the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting those living with HIV Trans woman murdered in Tampa

Arrest made in Pulse memorial fire

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

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A love big enough to share.

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If you are someone who is living with HIV – when it

DEPARTMENTS 7 // EDITOR’S DESK

page

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8 // CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

comes to COVID, number one get the vaccine, but also don’t neglect your preventive health care.

—DR. LUKE JOHNSEN, MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

12 // STATE NEWS 15 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 19 // TALKING POINTS 35 // EVENT PLANNER 37 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 39 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 42 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 43 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 46 // WEDDING BELLS ON THE COVER

page FOR THE LOVE

29 OF THEATRE:

page HIV & COVID: We

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look at how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting those living with HIV.

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WATERMARK ISSUE 28.24 // NOV. 24 - DEC. 8, 2021

ARSONIST CAUGHT

NOT FORGOTTEN

PERFECT 100

EVENT DAYS

page An arrest has been made in The Pulse Interim Memorial fire.

page Tampa Police, family seek answers in transgender woman’s death.

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Read It Online!

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

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Ten Florida cities score 100 on HRC’s Municipal Equality Index.

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Central Florida and Tampa Bay hold World AIDS Day events.

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11/15/21 4:38 PM

EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

A

DESK

S MORE PEOPLE GET VACCINATED

against COVID-19 and we slowly get “back to normal,” one of the things that I am most happy to again partake in is heading back to the movies.

I have been in love with the film industry for as long as I can remember. I had a subscription to Entertainment Weekly since I was a teen, I have spent entire weekends at the cinema seeing as many as six movies in one day and I even worked in a movie theater in Plant City, Florida, during my high school years.

Most recently I went to the Epic Theater down the street from me to see the latest Marvel film from Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao. Not the best in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe but not the worst either. What it did feature though was the MCU’s first acknowledged openly gay

superhero, as well as the series’ first same-sex kiss.

Disney and Marvel have teased same-sex relationships and LGBTQ superheroes before but it was always a minor character (“The Avengers: Endgame” featured a scene of a gay man in Captain America’s support group) or the hero’s sexual orientation was ambiguous (Valkyrie, Loki and Ayo, to name a few). But “The Eternals’” Phastos is a bonified superhero on a team of superheroes in a big superhero movie from Disney and Marvel.

The scene was touching and beautiful, and while it in no way makes up for all the LGBTQ teasing Marvel and Disney

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

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have done over the years, it is a pretty good start.

One thing that touched me more than the actual emotion of the scene was how no one in the theater seemed bothered by seeing two men kiss on the big screen. Now there may have been some pearl-clutching conservative or testosterone-fueled bro in the audience who wasn’t happy to see it, but no one recoiled in disgust, no one shouted homophobic slurs at the screen and no one got up and walked out. While that might seem uneventful to some, as reacting that way to a touching scene of two men kissing seems juvenile, it wasn’t too long ago that those were commonplace responses to seeing anything LGBTQ on the big screen.

In 2006, when I went to see “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” with some friends while I was stationed in South Korea, I had to sit and listen to grown men yell “fags!” at the screen when it is revealed in the film that Sacha Baron Cohen’s Jean Girard is gay and married to a man named Gregory.

In 2005, when me, my boyfriend and my sister wanted to go see “Brokeback Mountain,” we had to call around to several theaters before we could find one that was playing “that gay cowboy movie.”

And in 1997, the year I graduated high school and while still working at the Cinemark Theater in Plant City, I saw firsthand how mean and ignorant people can be when we played the Kevin Kline comedy “In & Out.” In the film, Kline plays a high school teacher who is engaged to a woman and gets is outed by an actor, and former student, while accepting his Oscar. Hilarity ensues as a gay journalist comes to town to write a story about it.

In a scene about 40 minutes into the film, there is a gay kiss.

Being a comedy, the scene is played for laughs so the kiss is,

as expected, over-the-top. But what wasn’t expected, at least from my manager at the time, was how angry people in the theater would get. People screamed homophobic slurs, they threw popcorn and they stormed out to yell at the first person they could find wearing a Cinemark red vest calling us perverts and pedophiles for showing such pornographic smut.

People wanted refunds and said they would never come back to this theater again, which was funny to us because at the time we were the only theater in Plant City, and may still be, so the likelihood that they would

One thing that touched me more than the actual emotion of the scene was how no one in the theater seemed bothered by seeing two men kiss on the big screen.

drive out of town to see a movie seemed unlikely to us.

The film played for only a short time in our theater and showed me that even if I was ready to come out at that time that Plant City was not the place to do it.

Some things have changed for the good in the 20+ years since that film, and unfortunately some things have not changed, but to see the differences in response between the two kisses, I felt like the work LGBTQ activists put in to changing hearts and minds might just be working.

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Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer

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Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

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CONTRIBUTORS DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 17

LORA KORPAR was

a journalism student who graduated from the University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark intern. Page 46

ABBY BAKER

is a writer, photographer and cat lover with a knack for news. She spends her days writing for her main schtick, The Gabber Newspaper. Page 33 SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

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

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

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

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

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

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

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EDITOR’S

Ryan Williams-Jent MANAGING EDITOR Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

T

DESK

HE ORIGINAL “GHOSTBUSTERS”

took the sci-fi scene by storm around six months before I was born, but the 1984 film still became one of my earliest obsessions. If nothing else, throughout my youth I always knew exactly who to call.

That’s because it quickly evolved into a franchise, launching an animated follow-up in 1986 and a sequel in 1989.

By then I was truly ‘fraid of no ghost, a preschooler with plenty of proof.

In a professional photo my parents had taken of me as a kid – which was pretty rare, so my look mattered – I’m proudly wearing a “Ghostbusters” uniform and holding a Slimer toy, my favorite green ghost. The property also ignited my penchant for collecting action figures.

My tastes in cinema soon evolved though. Tim Burton’s “Batman” was released a week after “Ghostbusters II”

and I quickly graduated into an elevated obsession with superheroes.

By the end of the year “The Little Mermaid” also became a part of my world, proving that there was no better time to turn five years old. I was all-in on Disney’s renaissance in the 90s, subsequently captivated by “Beauty and the Beast” in 1991 and “Aladdin” in 1992.

That was the year “Batman Returns” was released as well, Burton’s sequel that spawned its timeless cartoon. Not to be outdone, Marvel then changed my life with the premiere of “X-Men: The Animated Series.”

They may be an unlikely pair, but like “The Little Mermaid” before it the show’s five seasons had a profound effect on me as a child. They each taught me that every person has inherent worth with the right to seek more in life, a message I carry with me still.

All of the era’s entertainment helped shape me into who I am today, something it continues to do now. I’ve been considering that a lot lately as I get ready to turn 37 in December.

It’s as strange for me to think about as it is for me to write, in part because I almost never remember how old I am when asked, but also because of 2020.

After the year we all had I never got used to telling people that I’d turned 36.

What makes it weirder is that despite the passage of time, just about every form of pop culture that I’ve ever loved is more relevant than ever. Just a few weeks ago, incidentally on my five-year wedding anniversary, Disney announced the return of the animated “X-Men.” I can only assume it was a gift from my husband, because more than 25 years after it went off the air, “X-Men 97” will premiere on Disney+ and change my life again in 2023.

But until then there’s plenty more to love from my youth, like “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”

I went to the film’s opening night this month and really enjoyed it. It is a worthy sequel, but one of the things that really stuck with me was a fellow member of the audience.

Once the credits wrapped and the theater’s lights raised, I noticed a small child leaving with his parents. He clearly loved the film as much as I did, if not more, because he was ready to take on a few ghosts of his own.

Cool as a cucumber – which is something I say now, because I’m about to be 37 – he’d gone to

WATERMARK STAFF

Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Kyler Mills • Ext. 301 Kyler@WatermarkOnline.com

the film wearing almost exactly the same “Ghostbusters” uniform I did at his age. It was a real circle of (after)life moment for me.

It was also a clear reminder that time stops for no one, except maybe Cher. But while I’m not in a particular hurry to, I don’t mind getting older. I’ve always thought it beat the alternative.

Besides, not only am I able to enjoy new installments of “Ghostbusters,” “X-Men” and even “The Little Mermaid,” which has already filmed its live-action adaptation, Burton’s “Batman” returns next year in “The Flash.”

I get to experience all of that and more with someone that’s made sure my 30s have been the best

It was also a clear reminder that time stops for no one, except maybe Cher.

years of my life so far.

He entered them as my boyfriend, one who helped me hang action figures in our first apartment together, and just this year helped me do it again in our first house. My facial hair keeps getting grayer and 1984 keeps getting further away, but it’s hard to complain about turning 37 when it’s beside someone like that. So here’s one last happy five years to my love.

This December also marks the 34th World AIDS Day, so in this issue we examine how COVID-19 has impacted those living with HIV. We detail commemorations throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida and share the latest in news, entertainment and more.

Watermark stives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories.

Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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

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CONTRIBUTORS DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 17

LORA KORPAR was

a journalism student who graduated from the University of Central Florida and is a former Watermark intern. Page 46

ABBY BAKER

is a writer, photographer and cat lover with a knack for news. She spends her days writing for her main schtick, The Gabber Newspaper. Page 33 SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

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

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

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

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

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

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

7

central florida news

ARREST MADE IN PULSE MEMORIAL FIRE Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | The Orlando Fire Department’s arson investigations unit arrested the individual seen on security video footage in a wheelchair setting fire to banners hanging from the offering wall of The Pulse Interim Memorial, according to WFTV News 9.

64-year-old Mark Anthony Henson has been identified as the arsonist and is facing a charge of felony criminal mischief.

“We are grateful to the Orlando Fire Department for today’s arrest and are so appreciative of all of the first responders who work to keep our community safe,” wrote onePULSE on its Facebook page Nov. 9.

In the video, which was taken around 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 and posted online by onePULSE Nov. 6, a man rolls up in a wheelchair and sets one of the banners hanging on the memorial offering wall on fire with what appears to be a lighter. The fire burns for more than 15 minutes before someone wearing what looks like a drive-thru headset comes over and stamps out the fire. The onePULSE Foundation shared the security footage in hopes that someone would be able to identify the man in the video.

According to WFTV, no injuries were reported from the incident and police are not releasing additional information at this time, but in a statement, onePULSE advised the fire “damaged our offering wall” and that “Three Angel banners were burned along with other items within the affected area.”

Spectrum News 13 identified the man who put the fire out as Gary Pettyman, an employee of the Dunkin’ Donuts next door to the memorial. In an interview with Spectrum News 13, Pettyman said he smelled the fire before he saw it and went over to the memorial to check. When he saw the flames he went and got some water to put the fire out. “[I] came back and put this side out and I saw there was more burning around back, so I walked around back and put the rest of it out with my feet,” Pettyman said to Spectrum News 13.

Days after the arrest, onePULSE held a Veterans Day ceremony to unveil the site’s new flagstaff, which was installed to honor veterans Captain Antonio Davon Brown of the U.S. Army Reserve and Specialist Angel Candelario-Padro of the Puerto Rico National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, two of the 49 victims from the 2016 Pulse tragedy.

This past June, President Joe Biden honored those 49 lives lost by signing H.R. 49, designating the site as the National Pulse Memorial.

“We’ll never fully recover but we’ll remember,” Biden said as he signed the bill into law surrounded by family members of the victims, survivors and community activists.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

BOOK REPORT: Board member Jill Woolbright listens as fellow board member Cheryl Massaro speaks during a school board meeting on banning books. SCREENSHOT FROM FLAGLERSCHOOLS.COM

Banning Books Flagler County school board member files police report over Black LGBTQ book Skyler Shepard

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ALM COAST, FLA. | Jill Woolbright, a retired school teacher, sought for the memoir “All Boys Aren’t Blue” to be removed from Flagler County public school libraries after she deemed the book to be inappropriate for students.

The memoir, written by journalist and LGBTQ activist George M. Johnson, recounts his life growing up as a queer Black man in America.

The series of personal essays show readers Johnson’s life from adolescence to young adulthood as he covers topics like gender identity, toxic masculinity, sexual encounters and structural marginalization.

The book has been banned in several libraries in eight states across the U.S. and is now being challenged in Florida.

At a school board workshop meeting, Woolbright addressed the book with the Flagler’s superintendent and discussed the content of the material within the curriculum and a policy on banned books in schools.

In a 3-2 vote — in Woolbright’s favor — four copies of “All Boys Aren’t Blue” have been removed from

two high school libraries, pending review by the district.

Woolbright filed a report with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office claiming the book went against Florida Statue 847.012 — obscene or harmful materials for sale or distributed to minors. Woolbright believes whoever was responsible for the circulation of the books should be punished for exposing children to explicit material.

The investigation revealed two other complaints filed by other Florida residents who believe the book should be taken out of circulation.

Some Flagler County students and parents have voiced their discontent with the removal of Johnson’s book saying the school district is making unjust decisions. Flagler Palm Coast High school student Jack Petocz organized and held a protest in regards to the district’s decision during a school board meeting Nov. 16.

In an interview with CNN, Petocz said books like Johnson’s provide LGBTQ visibility for many queer-questioning students.

“When I read that book, I identified a lot with Johnson’s struggles, constantly having that

conversation brought up as a young kid — are you gay? and the fear of that resonated with it,” Petocz said.

The Sheriff’s Office concluded that after a thorough investigation — along with the assistance of General Counsel John Lemaster — the allegations of the memoir did not meet the legal requirements to be harmful to minors or any other criminal statute. They found that the case needs no further investigation and is closed due to lack of criminal activity.

This isn’t the first time Woolbright has taken on the LGBTQ community while serving on Flagler County’s school board. Last year, Woolbright and fellow board member Janet McDonald were the two votes against adding gender identity to the district’s nondiscrimination policy.

The vote passed 3-2.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” has been widely regarded as an enlightening and realistic guide for queer Black youth, even receiving praise and support from actress Gabrielle Union.

Union, an ally of the LGBTQ community, told People magazine why she felt this book should be adapted for TV audiences.

“What I love about this book is that it not only offers a space for queer kids of color to be seen and heard but it also offers those who see themselves outside of that standpoint to be held accountable and help them better understand what it takes to truly have acceptance with someone who is considered other.”

Union’s production company is working alongside Johnson to create a series adaption with Sony Pictures TV.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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tampa bay news

ALSO YOUTH LAUNCHES ALSO, JR. Ryan Williams-Jent

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ARASOTA | ALSO Youth has launched ALSO, Jr., a new program designed to support LGBTQ youth ages 10-12.

The nonprofit was founded in 1992 to serve LGBTQ youth ages 13-24 in Sarasota County. It expanded into Manatee County late last year, allowing the organization to provide events, programming and safe spaces for more youth than ever before.

After an extensive interview process, ALSO Youth’s board welcomed Mickey Stone as its new executive director in June. He entered the role with decades of experience as an educator and program director and quickly got to work, seeking grants to add one-on-one counseling services and launch ALSO, Jr. “I knew ALSO needed to be doing more than just offering group counseling,” Stone explains, “and when I first started here, I also got several messages from parents and family members with kids younger than the ages that we typically serve.

“It became a huge priority of mine to start a program for middle school students,” he continues. “That was my grant focus.”

On Oct. 26, ALSO Youth announced it had been awarded $23,920 from the James Franklin Warnell & Dorothy J. Warnell Fund and the McCauley-Brown Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support its counseling services. On Oct. 27, a $10,000 mental health initiative grant from the Here4Youth Initiative of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation followed.

On Oct. 28, $12,000 was awarded from the Bishop-Parker Foundations Fund and Manatee County COVID-19 Community Response Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The support allowed them to begin offering counseling for LGBTQ youth ages 10-24.

On Nov. 1, ALSO Youth was awarded $69,190 from the Greenfield Foundation to develop ALSO, Jr., which had begun holding monthly events. The grant allowed the nonprofit to create weekly, fully staffed programs for the younger group.

“The Greenfield Foundation is proud to support LGBTQ youth in and around Sarasota,” Greenfield Foundation President Mike Greenfield says.

“ALSO has been a front-runner in supporting LGBTQ people in Sarasota and Manatee for many years,” he continues. “This grant helps the underserved young LGBTQ population address mental health challenges that are too often ignored.”

“I can’t begin to express how much we appreciate the support we’ve gotten from these foundations,” Stone says. “Without that support, we wouldn’t be able to be offering the counseling services that we’re starting to offer and we wouldn’t have been able to start the ALSO, Jr. program and make sure it stays up and running. We couldn’t do it without their help.”

For more information about ALSO Youth, ALSO, Jr. and services offered in Sarasota and Manatee counties, visit ALSOYouth.org.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

SAY HER NAME: Tampa’s Jenny De Leon became the 46th known trans person murdered in 2021 this month. PHOTO VIA TAMPA PD

Not Forgotten Answers sought in De Leon’s death Ryan Williams-Jent

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AMPA | The Tampa Police Department is seeking assistance in solving the murder of Jenny De Leon, a 25-year-old transgender woman who was found dead Nov. 2.

Officials opened a homicide investigation after finding De Leon in the 8500 block of 9th St. N. near Fairbanks Ave. in Tampa. De Leon frequented the area.

“Officers found a 25-year-old transient woman, known in the Sulphur Springs area as ‘Jenny,’ dead around 6 a.m. in the 8500 block of 9th Street,” Tampa Police shared Nov. 8. “Detectives need tips to help bring the person or people responsible for her death to justice.”

Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay echoed the department’s call for assistance. Parties can anonymously contact the organization at 1-800-873-TIPS and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

De Leon had previously sought assistance from PFLAG Tampa, which has offered LGBTQ-affirming support, education and advocacy

to those in need for more than a decade.

“PFLAG Tampa is devastated to hear of the recent murder of Jenny De Leon,” the organization shared following the news. “Jenny, like many of the youth we encounter, attended our chapter meetings seeking support in the beginning of her transition, ultimately finding placement in a home through two PFLAG Tampa members. Jenny was an enigmatic, bright soul with enough energy to fill any room.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Jenny’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” they continued, noting that the news was shared just ahead of Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021. TDoR is the annual commemoration honoring lives lost in acts of anti-transgender violence each Nov. 20.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 47 transgender or gender nonconforming people have been murdered in 2021.

“We are heartbroken,” the organization’s statewide partner Equality Florida shared Nov. 11. “Jenny is the 46th known transgender or nonbinary person killed this year, marking 2021 as the deadliest year on record for

transgender Americans. This is a national epidemic – and Black and Latinx trans women continue to be disproportionately impacted by these fatal acts of violence.”

To help cover funeral expenses, De Leon’s sister Iriss De Leon launched a fundraiser. She shared that Jenny “was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul who touched the lives of those around her.”

St Pete Pride organized a vigil in Jenny De Leon’s honor Nov. 13.

Following the gathering, PFLAG Tampa and other organizers reflected on her life during TDoR vigils throughout Tampa Bay. HRC’s Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative also shared her thoughts.

“My heart goes out to Jenny’s family, our friends at PFLAG Tampa and Equality Florida, and all those who love and remember her,” she said. “The police indicated that she was experiencing housing insecurity, a sad situation that places far too many transgender people in danger.”

“All this has been really hard on me,” Iriss De Leon also told Watermark. “There are no words what Jenny was to me. I want justice for her.”

Anyone with information about Jenny De Leon’s death or suspicious circumstances in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, 2021 is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477 and reference Case #21-463329.

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state news

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RELEASES FLORIDA’S 20 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORES Ryan Williams-Jent

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he Human Rights Campaign released the results of its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index Nov. 18, revealing that 10 of the 20 cities scored in Florida received a perfect 100.

The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ people who live and work in the 506 cities across the nation rated. HRC determines the score based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and the city leadership’s public position on equality.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Municipal Equality Index, the nation’s premier benchmarking tool for municipal officials, policy makers and business leaders to understand how well cities across the nation

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are embodying LGBTQ+ inclusion in their laws, policies, and services,” HRC Interim President Joni Madison said in a statement.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve realized important progress for the LGBTQ+ community, including significant steps towards equality under the law as well as broader societal visibility and support,” she continued.

“From Alaska to Georgia, from small towns to major urban centers, LGBTQ+ people are seeing broader horizons of freedom and opportunity in the places they live, work and visit.”

Cape Coral, Coral Gables, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Hialeah, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Miami Shores, Miami, Oakland Park, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Port Saint Lucie, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, Wellington, West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors were each scored this year.

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Only 110 cities across the nation received a perfect score of 100, up from 94 in 2020. In Florida, they included Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Oakland Park, Orlando, St. Peterburg, Tallahassee, Tampa, Wellington, West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors.

A quarter of this year’s cities scored over 96, half scored over 67 and another quarter scored under 48. Cape Coral received 69 points; Coral Gables 95; Daytona Beach a 30; Gainesville 96; Hialeah 44; Jacksonville 85; Miami Shores 98; Miami 89; Pembroke Pines 77 and Port Saint Lucie 73.

This year marks the final score under St. Petersburg’s term-limited Mayor Rick Kriseman. Under his tenure, the city has received a perfect score for eight years.

“I am incredibly proud of how far we have come as a city,” Kriseman said. “Receiving a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index is a reflection not just of our values but of important

policy advancements as well. It is a beacon, recruiting people and businesses to our city.

“Even though my time as mayor is coming to an end, I remain committed to this work and ensuring that LGBTQ residents and visitors forever view St. Pete as a city of opportunity, where the sun shines on us all,” he continued.

Kriseman subsequently thanked HRC and St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon for their hard work.

In Orlando, Mayor Buddy Dyer reflected on the news via social media. 2021 also marks the city’s eighth consecutive 100%.

“Our work as a municipal government to help make Orlando a welcoming community for all must continue, but I am proud that the City of Orlando has again been recognized for our commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion,” Dyer shared.

The mayor then noted that “inclusion and equity will remain

at the forefront of all that we do as a community.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, the city’s first openly LGBTQ leader, also reflected on the news.

“In Tampa, we celebrate Pride everyday of the year by being a city that recognizes its diversity as one of our strongest assets,” she told Watermark. “This score reflects our mission to live-up to this value in practice.”

“We are grateful to these pro-equality municipal leaders and for the tremendous advocacy and leadership of our partners and the Equality Federation Institute and statewide LGBTQ+ organizations,” HRC’s Madison also noted, among them Equality Florida. “Together, we will keep working to create a world where every person can thrive, no matter their zip code.”

To view each city’s scorecard and the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 MEI report in full, visit HRC.org/MEI.

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nation+world news

184 LGBTQ CANDIDATES WON ELECTED OFFICE IN 2021 Los Angeles Blade Digital Staff, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

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t least 184 out LGBTQ candidates won elected office throughout 2021, more than in any other odd-numbered election year in U.S. history. The previous record was 169 candidates set in 2019. Transgender women won 63% of their races – the highest win rate of any gender identity – followed by cisgender women candidates, who won 51% of their races.

Of the 184 LGBTQ candidates who won, 112 were non-incumbents, and 73 of 89 incumbents won. When the newly elected officials take office, there will be approximately 1,038 serving out LGBTQ elected officials in the U.S. – surpassing 1,000 for the first time. There are currently 995 out elected officials serving.

Below are key findings of the out LGBTQ candidates who ran in 2021 – looking at sexual orientation, gender identity,

race/ethnicity, incumbency and endorsement status.

-46% of known out LGBTQ candidates won their races in 2021, including 59% of Victory Fund endorsed candidates; -Trans women had the highest win rates of any gender identity (63%), with 12 trans women winning their elections; -Lesbian candidates outperformed all other sexual orientation groups, winning 60% of their elections; -Cisgender women outperformed cisgender men by seven percentage points – 51% compared to 44%; -37% of LGBTQ candidates in 2021 were people of color and 37% won their races – with Asian and Pacific Islander candidates winning 58% of races; and -A historic number of nonbinary (16) and queer-identified people (53) ran, but their win rates were 28% and 35%, respectively.

“Trans women candidates were enormously successful at the ballot box – outperforming candidates of all other gender identities and further highlighting the disconnect between voters and the politicians who promote anti-trans agendas,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund.

“Beyond that notable exception, LGBTQ candidates who face the most structural barriers were often those who struggled most at the ballot box. But many are first time candidates who will run again and the experiences from this year will be invaluable in their next campaign.

“While more LGBTQ candidates won election in 2021 than in any other odd-numbered election year, the growth is modest compared to how far we are from achieving equitable representation,” Parker continued. “As anti-LGBTQ politicians introduce hundreds of hateful bills and extreme right-wing activists attack trans students in school board meetings, it is imperative we elect more LGBTQ people to counter their efforts.

There is no better weapon than an LGBTQ elected official who can humanize our issues and lives for their legislative colleagues and constituents.”

When the newly elected officials take office, LGBTQ people will hold just 0.2% of all elected positions in the United States, despite representing at least 5.6% of the U.S. population. Currently LGBTQ elected officials hold just 0.19% of positions.

time,” according to a statement released by InterPride. “More than 300 member organizations worldwide participated in the voting process, workshops, plenary sessions, regional and board meetings during the 8-day virtual event.”

In an announcement on Sept. 21 that it had submitted a bid to host World Pride 2025, Capital Pride Alliance said the event, among other things, would commemorate the 50th anniversary of D.C.’s first LGBTQ Pride event in 1975, which began as a block party near Dupont Circle.

“The Capital Pride Alliance congratulates Kaohsiung Pride on being awarded the opportunity to produce World Pride 2025,” said Capital Pride Alliance Executive Director Ryan Bos in a statement released by InterPride. “We extend

to them our heartfelt best wishes for a successful event.”

The decision to select Taiwan over D.C. for World Pride 2025 comes five years after D.C. and Guadalajara, Mexico, lost their respective bids to host the 2022 Gay Games, the quadrennial international LGBTQ sports event.

Like InterPride, the Federation of Gay Games, the U.S.-based group that organizes the Gay Games, said in its 2017 announcement that the selection of Hong Kong represented the first time that event would be held in Asia.

Gay Games organizers in Hong Kong have since announced they have postponed the event for one year, to November 2023, due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAIWAN TO HOST 2025 WORLD PRIDE Lou Chibbaro Jr. of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

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nterPride, the coalition of LGBTQ Pride organizations from throughout the world, announced Nov. 13 that it has selected the group Kaohsiung Pride in Taiwan over D.C.’s Capital Pride Alliance to host World Pride 2025.

Kaohsiung Pride and Capital Pride Alliance represented the only two cities that submitted bids to host the international Pride event, which draws thousands of worldwide visitors to the host city.

“With this monumental vote by InterPride members, a World Pride will be held in East Asia for the first

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

IN OTHER NEWS UTAH OKS NEW RULES ON TRANS KIDS IN SPORTS A panel of Utah lawmakers advanced new proposed rules for transgender girls to play on high school sports teams Nov. 17. Students would have to complete one year of hormone therapy and change the sex designation on their birth certificate before they could compete on girls’ sports teams. Republican sponsor Rep. Kera Birkeland had previously proposed a failed bill banning transgender girls from female sports teams. She said the new plan comes after months of negotiations with several groups, including Equality Utah. Current rules from the Utah High School Activities Association require a year of hormone therapy, but not a changed birth certificate.

VIRGINIA SCHOOL BOARD SETTLES WITH ANTI-TRANS TEACHER The Loudoun County school board has agreed to permanently reinstate physical education instructor Tanner Cross and pay part of his legal fees. Cross, who works at Leesburg Elementary, was suspended after he denounced the county’s transgender policy at a May school board meeting, declaring he would never use a transgender child’s pronouns. Cross sued in June, alleging officials violated his rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion. The school board agreed to remove the suspension from Cross’ personnel file and pay $20,000 to help cover legal fees.

SWITZERLAND MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAW TO TAKE EFFECT JULY 1 The Swiss government announced Nov. 17 same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in the country starting on July 1, 2022. The announcement comes less than two months after Swiss voters voted overwhelmingly in favor of the “Marriage for All” law.

Switzerland will join neighboring France, Germany, Austria and other European counties that have extended marriage rights to same-sex couples. “It’s a great achievement,” Maria von Känel, co-president of the “Marriage for All” campaign, said. “Our partnerships and families are now recognized equally and legally.”

THAILAND RULES AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled Nov. 17 that a law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman in the country is constitutional. The Foundation for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Rights and Justice, a Thai advocacy group, filed a lawsuit that challenged Section 1448 of the country’s Civil and Commercial Code, which does not extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. The Constitutional Court in its ruling said Thai lawmakers “should draft laws that guarantee the rights for gender diverse people.” Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch who focuses on Thailand, in a tweet said the decision makes the “government’s pledges to promote gender equality meaningless.”

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viewpoint

Dr. Steve Yacovelli

YOUR QUE E R C A R E E R :

WORK ADVICE FROM

THE GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE Excuse Me, Actually I have a Husband, Not a Wife

I

N HIS LATEST COLUMN, DR.

Steve Yacovelli, (a.k.a. The Gay Leadership Dude) shares his expertise on submitted workplace questions from members of the LGBTQ+ Community. Have a question? See below!

HEY GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE, I’M A GAY MAN MARRIED TO ANOTHER MAN. I WEAR A WEDDING RING. DURING A RECENT INTERVIEW, THE MAN WHO WOULD BE MY BOSS ASKED ME WHAT MY WIFE DOES. I FROZE AND CHANGED THE SUBJECT. WHAT SHOULD I HAVE DONE? —NOT-SO-SINGLE-OR-STR8 SEAN

Howdy No-So-Single. Uggh, the constant “coming out” drama so many of us face. It really can wear on you sometimes, right?

Hindsight can be 20/20 (Nooo! 2020!), and while you didn’t take immediate action to share your authenticity with your potential boss, let’s learn from this situation. We’ll address the legalities of the situation a little later. But first, don’t beat yourself up about it.

Things happen. Spending too much time doing the shoulda-coulda-woulda mental gymnastics doesn’t do you any good. Let’s focus forward.

Next, reflect on the context of the interaction and how we could address similar situations in the future when — and we all know this — an opportunity like this happens again. I know I’ve been in similar situations and sometimes it’s not going to necessarily matter to the relationship with that person or that sharing my authentic self could have put me in a potentially dangerous situation. So, educating that person in that moment isn’t the right thing to do. Or, in your case, asking about your marital status during a job interview is a legal

no-no, so responding with, “Thank you, but I’d prefer not to respond to that question” would have been completely in your right.

For the sake of argument, we’ll assume the context is fine and/or appropriate to educate the person you’re having that conversation with. When having a chat with someone who doesn’t know you well and they say something that indicates they’re assuming something about you (misgender your significant other, assume your gender identity, etc.), you’re given a golden opportunity to test the waters to see how inclusive and open that chatmate could potentially be and open their mind a little bit. When these opportunities arise, there are some quick and easy things to consider to make your point be known but also be respectful of the other person.

1. Don’t Straddle De-Fence.

Assume the person just made an honest mistake and most likely was acting from their own unconscious biases. Don’t lunge into defensive mode but assume their intent is good, they just screwed up.

And yes, I know it’s easier said than done when it’s the 1,000th time someone says something that assumes your identity incorrectly.

2. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Silly!) Your Response. Manage your correction and move on. Something as short as, “Actually my husband, not wife” or “My preferred pronouns are they/them” makes the error known but it’s not a massive deal. Your point is made, and the cadence of the conversation continues.

It’s not a stopping point just a speed bump.

3. Tone Up. Still leveraging #2 (K.I.S.S.), be sure to manage your tone. I can say (neutral tone) “What did you mean by that statement?” versus (bitchy, accusatory tone) “What did you mean by that statement?” and they send two VERY different messages.

Same holds true with your correction/response. Manage your tone and don’t let your emotions get in the way of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

your response, even if it’s again that 1,000th correction of the day. It’s hopefully the first between this person and you.

4. Stop-Watch-Hear. After your correction: stop, watch and hear. Let the person’s nonverbal cues and what’s being said, how it’s said and

little, “Oh you’re gay. I have a lesbian friend/sister/cousin/ stockbroker…” can come across as a sad attempt of support. We know there’s some closeminded folx out there and it can feel rather frustrating, especially depending on where you live and what your workplace

moments as an opportunity to shine a light on your authenticity and remember that you have a massively awesome community — both LGBTQ+ and straight allies — who support and love you. Teaching someone a little bit about yourself will make the world an itty bit

what’s not being said allow you to start and gather some information. An awkward silence may be a clue that this person isn’t as inclusive as we’d hoped. Big smile, head nod or even an “Oh, I’m so sorry!” can be good signals of a person who is or will be an awesome ally.

5. High Hopes, Low Expectations. Hope for the best reaction (yay!) but also be mentally prepared for some not-so-supportive ones, too (boo!). Even those

is like. But also remember there’s a lot of amazing allies and support out there too, so don’t let some unsupportive jerk cloud your day.

For many of us, having these small correction sessions is part of our everyday lives as a hidden minority. (And side note: there’s a blessing to me using the “The Gay Leadership Dude” title to do the “coming out” heavy lifting!). But Not-So-Single, try and look at each and every one of these

more inclusive. And hope that someday these types of corrections won’t need to happen.

Teaching someone a little bit about yourself will make the world an itty bit more inclusive.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR “THE GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE”? Submit @ www.

YourQueerCareer.com Please note the advice shared is for informational use only; it is not intended to replace or substitute any mental, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Full disclosure can be found at the website listed above.

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talking points I don’t know if it’s going to work … I was willing and eager to roll the dice to see and I feel proud of the piece. If it has a small viewership for one season, that is worth it – because someone might see it and change their mind about the Muslim family or the queer Black family. Even those few are wins.

– FILMMAKER AVA DUVERNAY ON NBC’S “HOME SWEET HOME,” HER FIRST UNSCRIPTED SERIES

OF

BROTHERS OSBORNE BRING INCLUSIVITY TO CMAS

LGBTQ ADULTS

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HE BROTHERS OSBORNE PERFORMED AT THE CMA AWARDS NOV. 10, bringing a powerful message for fans and anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. This year the award-winning duo has opened up about their private lives and personal struggles, with lead singer T.J. coming out as gay in February and guitarist John detailing his struggle with anxiety. The performed “Younger Me,” a reminder that it gets better. “The fact that we get to play a song that is so meaningful, particularly to myself, at a country music award show, it’s one of those things that just kind of transcends the awards itself, money itself, fame,” T.J. shared ahead of time. He and his brother also won vocal duo of the year; their fourth time taking home the prize. This year, however, T.J. shared a congratulatory kiss with his boyfriend Abi Ventura on national TV.

NETFLIX UNWRAPS ‘SINGLE ALL THE WAY’

N

ETFLIX HAS RELEASED THE TRAILER OF ITS SOON-TO-BE HOLIDAY CLASSIC “SINGLE ALL THE WAY,” a romantic comedy centered around the Christmas season that premieres on the streaming service Dec. 2. The film stars Michael Urie as Peter, a perpetually single gay man who frets over going home for the holidays because his nosey family is always asking about his romantic life. To keep them off his back this year, Peter asks his best friend, Nick (played by Philemon Chambers) to accompany him home and pretend they are in a relationship. Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer directs and the film also stars Kathy Najimy, Luke Macfarlane, Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Robertson and Jennifer Coolidge. Watch the trailer at WatermarkOnline.com.

SMITHERS FINDS LOVE ON ‘THE SIMPSONS’

A

FTER COMING OUT IN A 2016 EPISODE OF “THE SIMPSONS,” recurring character Waylon Smithers finally found love Nov. 21. “Portrait Of A Lackey On Fire” was written by co-executive producer Rob LaZebnik and his son Johnny, who discussed the episode’s importance ahead of time. “So often, gay romances are a subplot or alluded to or shown in some kind of montage or as a punchline,” he told the New York Post. “With this episode, we get to see … the beginning, middle and who knows how it ends of a gay relationship, of really getting into the nitty-gritty of how gay people date, how they meet, what it’s like.”

Openly gay actor Victor Garber voiced Smithers’ boyfriend.

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91% SURVEYED BY THE

HUMAN RIGHTS

CAMPAIGN WERE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST

SCHOOL POSTPONES CHAPPELLE HONOR

T

HE DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IN D.C. shared Nov. 12 that it has postponed its plan to rename a theater for comedian Dave Chappelle, one of its famous alum.

Officials said Chappelle’s stand-up special “The Closer,” which has been criticized as transphobic by LGBTQ rights groups and others, “contains controversial material juxtaposing discrimination against Black Americans with that against non-Black members of the LGBTQ+ community.” The renaming has been postponed for five months to allow them to address questions and concerns. “We have engaged in listening sessions with our students and have allowed space for diverse viewpoints,” school officials shared.

“We are committed to fostering a community where every individual feels both heard and supported.”

COVID-19, AROUND 30%

HIGHER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION.

ONLY 6% SAID THEY DO NOT INTEND TO TAKE THE VACCINE. – The Human Rights Campaign’s newly released LGBTQ+ Health Equity & COVID-19 Study

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HIV & COVID How the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting those living with HIV

M

Jeremy Williams

ARK PAWSEY IS A BOARD MEMBER FOR

the LGBT+ Center Orlando and a live entertainment producer throughout Central Florida. He is also a long-term survivor of HIV. “I contracted HIV in 1985 at the age of 20,” he says. “At that time it wasn’t called HIV but HTLV-3.”

Pawsey, who is British, was living in London at the time and while attending drama school he felt ill and developed a fever.

“What it turned out to be that is when I was seroconverting to HIV,” Pawsey says.

“I didn’t get better, then was sent to the Department for Tropical Diseases and they kept asking me questions about whether I had been to Africa.”

After being tested on three separate occasions by three different doctors without him even knowing what he was being tested for, Pawsey was told he tested

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

positive for HTLV-3 and should prepare for his last Christmas.

Pawsey is now 56 years old and on antiretroviral therapy. As most long-term survivors, he has not only had to be more health conscious than most but he is very much aware of how devastating a pandemic can be having been on the frontlines of the HIV/AIDS pandemic of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Which is why when a new pandemic was making its way around the world in 2020, he went into crisis mode.

“I was paranoid about getting COVID,” he says. “I had pneumonia two years ago and my chest was always the thing that freaked me out. I didn’t go anywhere if

I didn’t have to, I wore my mask all the time, everyone at work got vaccinated once they were available, I got vaccinated.”

In July, while running a board meeting, Pawsey started to feel weak and tired.

“I told them I had to go lay down, so I laid down and slept in the same place for an hour, no one could wake me,” he says.

“Then decided to go home and go to bed because I wasn’t feeling well. I booked a COVID test, this was a Tuesday, I booked one for that Thursday, but I didn’t think it was COVID because I had my taste and my smell, plus I had been vaccinated and everything.”

The test came back positive for COVID. Pawsey had a breakthrough infection.

“Somehow I caught it, and then it went from zero to one hundred really quickly,” he says. “I talked to my HIV doctor that I have here and put a plan together that if I deteriorated, I should go to the ER.” By that Friday, Pawsey was so ill he could barely pick himself up off

CONTINUED ON PG. 23 | uu |

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LGBTQ+ Premier Medical Care 22

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| uu | HIV & Covid FROM PG.21

the floor and was having difficulty breathing.

“I thought ‘should I call an ambulance?’ but I drove myself to the hospital. I don’t remember where I parked my car,” he recalls. “I remember crossing some field and then I couldn’t breathe. When I arrived at the ER, I remember being put in a wheelchair. They thought I was having a heart attack. As they took me to get an EKG, I remember telling everyone ‘I’m positive.’”

How and if COVID-19 effects people living with HIV differently is unknown right now. Last July, scientists, doctors and politicians from around the world gathered at the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science where the topic of studies on COVID-19 and its impact on those living with HIV took centerstage. The results were inconclusive.

What is conclusive is COVID vaccines are the most effective way to prevent a COVID-19 infection, says Dr. Luke Johnsen, medical director for Metro Inclusive Health in Tampa Bay, but adds that no vaccine is 100% effective.

“If you are someone who is living with HIV – when it comes to COVID, number one get the vaccine, but also don’t neglect your preventive health care,” he says. “The most important thing is for people to keep up with their medical care like getting the flu vaccine or pneumonia vaccine, get these vaccines when you are due for them, because if you were to contract COVID those things are going to help you and you don’t want to get COVID and the flu. Practice good general maintenance.”

Johnsen emphasizes that even in the middle of a pandemic, anyone living with HIV should still be continuing their medical care.

“I think what has been observed is people have delayed going to their doctor,” Johnsen says. “Because of the pandemic, people had barriers in their way and some of them weren’t seeing their doctor, and for some telecare wasn’t available.

A FIGHTER: After living with HIV for more than 30 years, Mark Pawsey faced another pandemic head on when he tested positive for COVID. PHOTO COURTESY PAWSEY Some weren’t going and having their labs done. It is vital to continue with care. The issue of immunosuppression in people living with HIV and COVID is an unsettled one because there are a lot of variables. Not everybody who is living with HIV is immunosuppressed in the same way as the next person.”

Johnsen goes on to say that those living with HIV, who are on antiretrovirals, that have a good CD4 count and are undetectable, that haven’t had AIDS-related infection in the last year or so show no evidence that they are any higher risk then others who have gotten COVID. “What is likely to effect you when it come to COVID is other health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, lung disease, chronic kidney disease,” Johnsen says.

“Another thing that plays a big factor is age. COVID is more concerning if you are living with HIV and of advanced age.”

With several COVID vaccines available in the U.S. and nearly 60% of the population being fully vaccinated, the conversation has shifted to a third dose of the vaccination and the groups who should be getting them.

“There are two categories basically, people who are severely immunosuppressed need that third dose of that vaccine — a third dose is

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

different than the booster,” Johnsen says. “Someone living with HIV but does not have advanced HIV, they are on medication and their CD4 count is good, don’t fall into the high-risk category for a third dose.”

As for the booster, the CDC is recommending it six months after the original series of shots for individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, who are over 18. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. The CDC is continuing to encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it was authorizing the expansion of boosters to all adults Nov. 19.

“The vaccine declines over time, it’s like the flu vaccine in that way,” Johnsen says. “It is great for the first six months but then it starts to be reduced. That is true whether you have HIV or not. But I think you should definitely get the booster if you are older than 50 or if you have other health problems that make you more susceptible to COVID.” Johnsen emphasizes that if you are living with HIV,

DOCTOR’S IN: Medical director Dr. Luke Johnsen. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD even if you are completely immunized, continue to maintain precautions.

“Wear masks, don’t go to big, crowded events,” he says. “And keep your doctor appointments, get your blood work done, get your labs. With many people working from home during the pandemic, they lost that routine they normally had which reflects in a decrease amount of compliance to their medication.

You know, maybe they were taking their pill in the morning before they went to work and now they are working from home, that routine has changed and now they forget to take it. So make sure if you are one of these people that you find ways to adjust.”

When it comes to COVID, another thing Johnsen would like everyone to do, whether they are living with HIV or not, is listen to the science.

“This is a new virus for everybody and I think what we know about the virus, what we know about the treatments, what we know about the vaccinations evolves very rapidly,” he says.

“I think what people perceive as deceitful information is just evolving information, and that makes it easy for people who have an agenda to utilize it to undermine other people’s care. And I think particularly in the HIV community there is

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a history there. If we go back to the beginning of the HIV epidemic, people believed that the medications killed people, AZT killed people. Well, that wasn’t true, but when people are living in a state of fear and there is little information, and there isn’t much available about COVID, it is a fertile ground for misinformation.”

That misinformation brings a stigma to those who become infected during a pandemic.

Something Pawsey experienced when he became HIV-positive and again when he was told he had COVID-19.

“It was really rough because they sat me in the emergency room, and there were people all around me, and I was positive with COVID and everyone who walked by me I would have to say ‘I’m positive with COVID,’ and they would run a way,” Pawsey recalls. “It was just like it was 37 years ago. I remember having sex with somebody and I told them I am positive and he put his clothes right back on and left. I lost friendships over it and everything. It was rough to have to revisit that.”

Pawsey was diagnosed with COVID pneumonia but was able to avoid being admitted to the ICU. Two weeks later he tested negative, and while he is better now, saying his HIV numbers are better than they have ever been, he is still dealing with lingering symptoms, often referred to as “long COVID.” “I’ve lived with [PTSD] my whole life. When I was first diagnosed [with HIV] everyone around me was dying. I know the guy who gave it to me, I had to tell him and he had no idea and nine months later he was dead.

You look at what happened to him and it’s the same virus, so why did it take him but not me?” he says. “Same thing with COVID, people in the same family, some of them get it and then others in the same house don’t. It’s like Russian Roulette. Until they get it and struggle with it, people are just blind to it.”

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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, 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_Hugo_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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HUGO LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

es

h r

ut t

m

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

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

6/16/21 8:18 PM

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A Johnson & Johnson sponsored study could be a breakthrough in HIV research

I

Skyler Shepard

N THE ONGOING FIGHT TO

combat the HIV pandemic around the world, a new study — partially happening in Orlando — could potentially hold the answer to a vaccine.

Mosaico is a study testing two experimental vaccines against HIV: referred to as the Ad26 vaccine and the protein vaccine. The vaccines are designed to create an immune response against not only common strands of the HIV virus found in the western world but also common strands from Africa and Asia as well, potentially laying a path for a vaccination that could be used worldwide.

The study is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, who is also supplying the study vaccines, and was developed along the HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. The study will involve cisgender men and transgender people— between the ages 18 and 60 — who have not been infected with HIV but are at high risk due to

their sexual relations with other cisgender men or transgender people.

The study is taking place at multiple clinics in Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Spain and the United States. Currently, 19 clinics across the U.S. are a part of the study, including two in Florida — the University of Miami’s ID CRU at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Orlando Immunology Center.

Dr. Charlotte Rolle, director of research operations at the OIC and the lead researcher for the Mosaico study in Orlando, broke down the process of the Mosaico trial.

“This is a four-dose vaccine strategy, the last

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two doses of the vaccine are actually given with an adjuvant. In this trial, it is aluminum phosphate,” Rolle says. “This is a very popular adjuvant used in vaccine studies, it boosts immune responses. The body recognizes aluminum is extremely foreign and so when a vaccine is attached to that it forces the body to make a powerful immune response.”

Only half of the participants will receive the preventative vaccine, while half will receive a placebo.

The study is designed to find out if the study vaccines actually work in preventing or fighting HIV. Finding active and willing participants had been difficult throughout the study. Rolle’s research team was actively seeking participants of color, in order to gather more research on how these vaccines actively affect those communities.

“It’s been very challenging selling the vaccine study to individuals in the community, especially when you think about the target population which is actually not only people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV but the Mosaico study has very specific racial and ethnic benchmark targets they were trying to meet,” Rolle says. “They did actually encourage us to only enroll patients from diverse backgrounds, which was a bit hard. We were asked to enroll MSM — men who have sex with men — and transgender individuals of color, specifically, individuals from Latinx or African American communities. That was sort of really tough because those communities are sort of traditionally not as engaged in the health care system in general, so

LEADING THE CHARGE: Dr. Charlotte Rolle, director of research operations at the OIC. PHOTO COURTESY OIC

finding them and talking to them about a vaccine study has been difficult.”

Rolle and the OIC team worked with a community advisory board, which was made up of the target community to gather their opinions and more information.

Though research had been done with the similar Imbokodo study with female participants in southern Africa, which was not found to offer protection against HIV, it was decided that although the two had similar vaccine regimens, the addition of a second component in the protein vaccine and participants’ genetic biology differed enough to continue with the Mosaico vaccine trials.

Researchers for the Mosaico study have heavily emphasized the fact that the vaccines are made from synthetic (laboratory-made) copies of HIV pieces and cannot cause HIV infection in participants. The study vaccine regimen is

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currently planned only to be used for research.

The study began enrolling participants in November 2019 and had been enrolling individuals throughout 2020 and 2021.

The full study has enrolled 3,800 participants, along with being between the ages of 18-60, participants tested negative on an HIV test, had to be in good health and could not be actively taking PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly 38 million people are currently living with HIV around the world.

If the Mosaico trials are successful it could potentially open the door for more comprehensive studies in the future.

The study is expected to take around four years to complete.

For more information on the Mosaico vaccine study, visit MosaicoStudy.com.

World AIDS Day events in Central Florida and Tampa Bay

W

ORLD AIDS DAY FIRST TOOK PLACE ON DEC. 1, 1988 as an international day to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. Today, it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Organizations and advocates hold annual events around the world recognizing World AIDS Day, and Central Florida and Tampa Bay are no exceptions. Below

CENTRAL FLORIDA

we have gathered information on some of the events happening during the week of Dec. 1 in our readership area. So if you can, get out, get tested and rock your red

ribbon at any one of these events to show your support for the HIV community.

TAMPA BAY

World AIDS Day 2021 - Together Again

Florida Dept. of Health World AIDS Day event

NOV. 30, 6-8 P.M. LAKE EOLA PARK, ORLANDO

DEC. 1, 7:30 A.M.-1 P.M. UNIVERSITY AREA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, TAMPA

Central Florida HIV Planning Council brings it annual World AIDS Day event back to Lake Eola Park’s Amphitheater for its 2021 in-person gathering. The event will start with the Orlando Gay Chorus and will include comments from guest speaker Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, as well as information on the status of HIV in the Central Florida area from planning members Andres Acosta Ardila and Gabriella Rodriguez.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County will be at Tampa’s University Area Community Health Center to honor World AIDS Day by offering free STI/HIV testing, as well as COVID and flu vaccines, PrEP education and more. This is a free event but FDoH is asking attendees to register if they plan to attend. Visit Hillsborough.FloridaHealth.gov for more information.

The event will also feature the AIDS quilt folding ceremony, live performers and the presentation of the Planning Council’s awards. For more information, visit Central Florida HIV Planning Council’s Facebook page.

HIV & Harm Reduction DEC. 1, STARTING AT 8:30-10:30 A.M. HOPE & HELP, ORLANDO Hope & Help hosts a World AIDS Day event featuring a panel discussion on prevention and treatment for people who use drugs and how using harm deduction can help end the HIV epidemic. The event is free and open to the public. A light breakfast will be provided. For more information, visit HopeAndHelp.org.

Day With(out) Art 2021 DEC. 1, 11 A.M.-8 P.M. SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AUDITORIUM, SARASOTA Sarasota Art Museum, presented with CAN Community Health, is proud to partner with Visual AIDS for Day With(out) Art 2021 by presenting “Enduring Care,” a video program highlighting strategies of community care within the ongoing HIV epidemic. The program features newly commissioned work

by Katherine Cheairs, Cristóbal Guerra, Danny Kilbride, Abdul-Aliy A. Muhammad and Uriah Bussey, Beto Pérez, Steed Taylor and J Triangular and the Women’s Video Support Project. This event will be a free, onehour program featuring seven commissioned video works. The films can be viewed in the Sarasota High School Alumni Auditorium at the following times: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-2 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.

DEC. 1, 1-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & EAU GALLIE SQUARE PARK, MELBOURNE

An evening program will tak place that night from 5-8 p.m. and will include musical performances by Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, film viewings of “Enduring Care,” guest speakers,and the opportunity to experience Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ “Untitled” (L.A.) in the Museum’s Wendy G. Surkis & Peppi Elona Lobby.

This event is free for all. For more information, visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Join Brevard County’s Health Department, Independent Medical Group, Project Response, Spektrum Health and Unconditional Love in Melbourne as they remember the last 40 years of the AIDS epidemic. There will be an art and history exhibit at Unconditional Love from 1-4 p.m. and then a candlelight vigil at Eau Gallie Square Park from 6-8 p.m. For more information, visit ProjectResponse.org.

World AIDS Day event w/ EPIC DEC. 4, 9 A.M.-4 P.M. ENOCH D. DAVIS CENTER, ST. PETERSBURG

World AIDS Day Virtual Remembrance

Empath Partners in Care will be participating in a World AIDS Day event on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Enoch D Davis Center in St. Petersburg. The first part of the event will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and will be a part of the Ujima Men’s Collective Conference featuring teachings and Q&A’s.

40 Years of the AIDS Epidemic

DEC. 1, 6-7 P.M. VIRTUAL Join the Central Florida HIV Planning Council, Maven Leadership Collective, QLatinx and other collaborating organizations as they bring the community together virtually to honor World AIDS Day 2021.

Find out more about the federal plan to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, learn more about what funding is coming into Central Florida to combat HIV and watch live as Brevard County streams its ringing of the bells ceremony. Organizers will also take you on a Tour of the Quilts, HIV/AIDS quilts displayed by various organizations throughout Orlando, which will be done virtually and can also be seen by driving through Orlando. To watch, tune into Contigo Fund’s Facebook page Dec. 1, starting at 6 p.m.

World AIDS Day at Stonewall DEC. 1, 9 P.M. STONEWALL BAR, ORLANDO Stonewall Bar Orlando will be recognizing World AIDS Day by joining with Impulse Group Orlando to offer free testing at the bar starting at 9 p.m. For more information on the organization, visit ImpulseOrlando.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

The second part of the event will be from 1-4 p.m. at the same location, and will include free food, performances, resources, testing and education. The event will feature guest speakers Rev. Dr. Tommie Watkins Jr., Rocky Butler, Leisha McKinley-Beach, Lorenzo Robertson. EPIC will also be providing free, Rapid HIV and Hep C testing. For more information, visit MyEPIC.org.

World AIDS Day: Unmasking the Stigma DEC. 9, 6 P.M. SPARTAN MANOR, NEW PORT RICHEY While nonprofit organizations like VARK Industries have made great strides to speak up and speak out about HIV/AIDS, a shadow is still cast upon those affected. The group hosts a World AIDS Day Event on Dec. 9 titled Unmask the Stigma that looks at the mental health impact on those living with HIV. This is a free event, however participants must RSVP. All CDC COVID-19 protocols will be enforced and face masks are required. To register, search Unmasking the Stigma on Eventbrite.com.

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Ending the HIV epidemic

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

FOR THE LOVE OF THEATRE American Stage’s Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj makes art and history

A

Ryan Williams-Jent

S AN ACTIVIST,

administrator, director and playwright, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj is no stranger to the stage. Not only has the New York native used his voice both on Broadway and off, he’s also captivated audiences in some of most celebrated regional theatres across the nation.

PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN STAGE

The openly LGBTQ storyteller is now doing so as the producing artistic director of American Stage, leading Tampa Bay’s longest-running professional theatre company.

It’s sought to tell meaningful, compelling stories with integrity since 1977 and welcomed him to guide that mission in July.

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American Stage shared the news after a national, eight-month search to replace its former CEO Stephanie Gularte. The company’s board of trustees enthusiastically welcomed Maharaj, calling him “a powerful artistic leader who will inspire the theatre’s next era.”

“We are confident that Rajendra will thrive in our rapidly growing and evolving community, continuing American Stage’s commitment to excellence while expanding the theatre’s regional and national footprint,” 2021-22

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THE BARBER FUND HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER

www.thebarberfund.org WE HONOR THEIR COURAGE. WE HONOR THEIR STRENGTH. WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT!

ONE LOVE!

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In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

| uu | For the Love of

Theatre

FROM PG.29

Board Chair Anastasia C. Hiotis shared at the time.

“I am committed to ensuring American Stage upholds its mission and values as it enters a dynamic new chapter,” Maharaj added. “During a time when there has been significant loss and pain for the theatre industry and the world, I look forward to charting a course for the future that positions American Stage as an institution that inspires meaningful civic change in its community and across the nation.”

Maharaj also promised to bring an ambitious and innovative body of work to the region, featuring “transformative, diverse artists and theatre-makers” while finding “continued opportunities for theatre-practitioners from across the country to develop their work at American Stage.”

That’s exactly what he’s done in the months since.

American Stage announced that nonbinary artist Paul Edward Wilt would serve as the organization’s newly created associate artistic producer in August. The position works closely with Maharaj to “ensure the highest quality productions, creation of bold new works and support the professional reputation” of the company.

The two had previously worked together in New York.

In September, Maharaj also updated American Stage’s 2021-22 mainstage season. In light of the ongoing pandemic, its “For the Love of Theatre” theme was designed to remind audiences “of the unique power of live theater to bring us together [and] to encourage everyone in our community to join in the life-affirming experience of live storytelling.”

The season officially began Oct. 27 with “The Odd Couple,” Maharaj’s replacement for “Around the World in 80 Days.”

“Dutchman” will replace “The Tempest” next year.

“To create a season that’s as encompassing as the city we live in, I’ve decided to update our upcoming season by offering two new productions,” Maharaj explained. “Laughter is something we can all use more of, so to lift the spirits of everyone ‘The Odd Couple’ will be our

SETTING THE STAGE: American Stage welcomes Rejendra Ramoon Maharaj to its staff. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN STAGE new opening play featuring multicultural casting.

“Then, in the summer, we are staging the prolific classic ‘Dutchman,’” he continued. “This timeless masterpiece about race and identity in America focuses on the political and psychological struggle between African Americans and White Americans

beloved American plays – that when they were introduced, didn’t reflect America in its fullest capacity – without changing the lines,” he says.

“If Neil Simon wrote ‘The Odd Couple’ today, certainly there would be queer people … there would be BIPOC representation,” he continues. “I knew that was

says the production will appeal to new and younger audiences as well as any fan of the classic Christmas tale.

“For the love of new stories,” American Stage will also hold its 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival Jan. 7-9 and 14-16. The company is seeking submissions of new multicultural work.

I walk into a building that’s called ‘American Stage’ ... that gives us the opportunity and more importantly the responsibility to really celebrate all of America.

– RAJENDRA RAMOON MAHARAJ … a story that is more timely now than ever before.”

“The Odd Couple,” presented “for the love of a classic,” played through Nov. 21. The celebrated Neil Simon comedy retained its classic premise but was brought to life through a new lens.

“Oscar is a slob. Felix is neat,” the production was described.

“Oscar loves his bachelorhood, and Felix is newly divorced. When the two decide to live together in the same apartment, how will they reconcile their differences?”

Modernizing the piece, particularly since American Stage’s audiences have traditionally enjoyed Simon’s work, was especially appealing to Maharaj. “One of the things that’s always inspired me about the theater is how we can use

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a conversation that I wanted to have at American Stage.”

Presented “for the love of gratitude and redemption,” American Stage’s holiday add-on “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” follows Dec. 8-Jan. 2, 2022. Tom Mula’s play adapts the Charles Dickens classic to detail Scrooge’s long-lost business associate.

“How did his haunting afterlife begin?” its synopsis asks. “In his version of the carol, Marley is escorted by a spritely creature along the pathway to redeeming his soul – by helping to save the one man on earth who was more greedy and sour than himself. We come to find that self-sacrifice can make a difference in the end.”

The production is set in the Punk era and will feel like a rock concert, Maharaj teases. He

“Revivals have a place in the theater, classics have a place, but the bloodline – how we grow – is new play development,” Maharaj says. “We’re looking for great American stories that uplift the moment we live in, that acknowledge the past and the present so that we can create a bright future.”

The Jocelyn Bioh-penned “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play” follows Feb. 2-27, presented “for the love of laughter and growing pains.” It takes place in an all-girls school in Ghana where “there’s a new girl in town, an American, who challenges the reigning queen bee.”

The production features parallels to the movie and musical “Mean Girls,” though it isn’t a

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direct adaptation. “In Africa and in the African American community today, people still wrestle with what is beautiful.

There is a misnomer in the world that if you have lighter skin, straighter hair and a thinner nose, that is true beauty … I think it’s really going to speak to young Black girls and young Black boys.”

American Stage in the Park will then present “Footloose” April 6-May 8, 2022. The iconic rock-n-roll musical will welcome audiences for an outdoor production, which American Stage has done since 1986. In addition to presenting the classic in a new light, the organization will spotlight the love of dance through on-site lessons in ballet, hip hop and more.

“Dutchman” closes out the season June 29-July 31, 2022, directed by Maharaj. It’s billed as a “provocative story [that] challenges us to think about the part we all play in America’s problems with race.”

“We could not come back after the Black Lives Matter movement and all the lives lost – particularly here in Florida, not too far from where it started with the death of Trayvon Martin – without acknowledging the conversations that are happening around kitchen tables and water coolers,” Maharaj says. The production will examine race, identity, sexuality, politics and more.

Maharaj notes that having those conversations are more important than ever, and the perfect fit for American Stage.

“As producing artistic director, and particularly at this moment in the theater’s history, I see my job as a curator of storytellers,” he says. “The artists that work here, all of the staff, we are in the business of telling stories that celebrate the power of the human spirit, that celebrate diversity and move us toward being a more inclusive environment.

“I walk into a building that’s called ‘American Stage,’” Maharaj continues. “So that gives us the opportunity and more importantly the responsibility to really celebrate all of America.

It’s a great time to remind folks that you can bend but you won’t break, and that the theater can help us heal.”

American Stage’s 2021-22 season is underway. To learn more about each production, the theatre and Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, visit AmericanStage.org.

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TELEVISION

Mellow Muse

Artist, ‘Tampa Baes’ star Melanie Posner talks filming season one The season finale of “Tampa Baes” even features Tampa Pride, which made its return earlier this year. The celebration welcomed more than 70,000 people to Ybor City on May 22.

Posner took a break from painting to talk to Watermark about the show’s recent premiere on Amazon Prime.

WATERMARK: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF FILMING?

TAMPA BAE:

Melanie Posner dishes on Amazon’s “Tampa Baes” with Watermark Nov. 7 in Ybor.

PHOTO BY ABBY BAKER

M

Abby Baker

URALIST AND REALITY STAR

Melanie Posner is the voice of reason on Amazon Prime’s docuseries “Tampa Baes,” currently streaming on the popular platform. The show offers an inside look at an “it crowd” of lesbian friends across Tampa Bay. While locals may know Posner from her pinup girl mural on the Hollander Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg, “Tampa Baes” viewers now know her as the peacemaker with a bigger-than-life laugh.

The 28-year-old Libra often stayed out of the show’s infighting and drink-throwing frenzies, but says filming wasn’t exactly peachy for a working creative.

“My anxiety during filming was up to the roof, my mental health totally depleted,” Posner explains. “It was very stressful and I will say, I love how the show came out, but at the time I was wary.

“With reality TV, you never know,” she continues. “They can always change things and skew them. There were great moments too though.”

The Pennsylvania native moved to Tampa eight years ago to study art therapy at the University of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Tampa and never left. She was a longtime bartender at The Honey Pot, Ybor’s now-shuttered LGBTQ club, an iconic community staple that Posner frequented with many of her castmates.

“We all knew each other outside of the show before filming. We went to parties together, bars together, events,” Posner says.

“The show definitely brought some of us closer together,” she continues. “I feel very close to some of the cast members and I’m so happy when I get to spend time with them.”

Amazon Prime’s series was filmed over 10 weeks in the midst of COVID-19 and features the girls laughing, fighting and having heart-to-hearts about loyalty at local favorites such as Caddy’s on Treasure Island, White Lie in Ybor and Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg.

Melanie Posner: Filming for 10 weeks … wow, the hardest part was dealing with all the drama from the girls. I’ve gotten so many questions about if the show was planned … or if they asked us to do anything but no, it was all organic and unscripted and it was a lot.

HAVE YOU DATED ANY OF YOUR CAST MEMBERS?

No. I never have and I never will because I don’t mix business with pleasure.

I don’t have a love interest on the show. I feel like I know a lot of the lesbians in the community but that also makes it hard for me. It’s like “I’ve seen you do this at my bar” or “I’ve already seen you with this person before.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY DEAL BREAKERS WHEN IT COMES TO DATING?

Honesty and communication are everything to me. I feel like if you’re shady, or have a f**ckboy mentality, then I’m over it. I find there is a lot of that mentality in the community.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST COME OUT?

I came out when I was 13. I was in love with – no, I lusted – so hard after this girl. My family thought I was crazy, that it was a phase, but I knew and I still know.

My entire room was collages of Victoria’s Secret models, so really they should have known too. Totally normal, right?

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONA ON “TAMPA BAES?”

I was very neutral. A lot of the drama was between the two couples of the show. I didn’t want to get

involved in the drama, I don’t like confrontation and I want everyone around me to be happy. The show really depicts my friendship with Olivia [Mullins], who gets a DUI. I was there for her a lot. And of course, I’m the artist of the group.

WAS THERE A VILLAIN?

Oh for sure. It’s [Brianna] Murphy. It’s a no brainer, she is a very rash person. In the show she gets into arguments with quite a few of the girls.

WHAT ABOUT AN ARGUMENT WITH YOU?

Not on the show. Outside of the show, yeah, spoiler.

WERE THERE ANY PARTS OF THE SHOW THAT YOU WERE NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO REWATCHING?

It was the DUI scene. Reliving that.

The show represented that really well and it was a lot. I had cameras on me for over 50 hours straight just with Olivia and us dealing with everything.

There were some great heartfelt moments. Those moments have continued to let the friendships grow.

“TAMPA BAES” RECEIVED SOME BACKLASH FOR A LACK OF DIVERSITY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

I was really upset when I started reading those initial comments online. There are two girls on the show that are biracial, and after what we went through last year it felt like people were undermining that because they are light skinned.

A lot of people are not aware that we are a pre-existing friend group, it wasn’t a casting call. They weren’t trying to get certain lesbians that have a certain look. I think that’s important to know.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE COMES OUT OF THE SERIES?

I think about “The Real L Word” and “The L Word’ and how that was amazing for the community years ago when it came out. I think it’s an honor we were a part of this. People can see the show and relate to us.

We talk about our coming out stories and our cultures, and the good and the bad. I think and hope the younger generation of gay women will feel heard and be inspired.

All eight episodes of “Tampa Baes” are now streaming on Amazon Prime. To learn more about Posner and her art, visit MelaniePosner.com.

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JJ GREY & MOFRO december 10

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA

World AIDS Day 2021: Together Again

Dining with the Divas Variety Show, Nov. 26, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

TUESDAY, NOV. 30, 6–8 P.M. LAKE EOLA PARK, ORLANDO

Amor Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 27, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando.

407-866-1191; AmoreEventsLLC.com Twisted Bingo, Nov. 30, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando Peek-a-boo in the LaLaLounge, Dec. 1, HAOS on Church, Orlando. 407-203-4099; HAOSOnChurch.com Untucked Wednesdays, Dec. 1, Mai Tai, Orlando. 407-286-2050; MaiThaiOrlando.com

BROADWAY’S BACK Touring shows continue their comeback Dec. 7, when “The Prom” opens at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center and “CATS” plays at Tampa’s Straz Center. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. PHOTOS BY DEEN VAN MEER AND MATTHEW MURPHY

World AIDS Day at Stonewall, Dec. 1, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

“Muppet Christmas Carol,” Dec. 5, Garden Theatre, Winter Haven. 407-877-4736; GardenTheatre.org

Drag Bingo Feat. Taffy, Dec. 2, Castle Church Brewing, Orlando. 407-635-9410; CastleChurchBrewing.com

“The Prom,” Dec. 7-12, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org

“The Nutcracker,” Dec. 3-5, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org

The Frogpig Christmas Album Live, Dec. 8, HAOS on Church, Orlando.

407-203-4099; Frogpig.

Ticketleap.com

HIDE Night, Nov. 28, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com Christmas at Tombolo with Roy Peter Clark, Dec. 1, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456; TomboloBooks.com Queens on Central, Dec. 3, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com

TAMPA BAY

“The Night Before,” Dec. 3-24, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com

Tree Lighting Celebration 2021, Dec. 3, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-246-2121; Orlando.gov

DRAGS-giving, Nov. 25, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

Basic Needs Toy & Food Drive, Dec. 4, Il Forno Italian Restaurant, Lakeland. 863-607-6030; IlFornoLakeland.com

Savage Saturday, Dec. 4, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

Kind Mouse Yard Sale, Nov. 27, Elks Lodge #1224, St. Petersburg. 727-575-7834; Facebook.com/KindMouse

Judy B. Goode Cabaret Show, Dec. 4, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com

Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show, Dec. 4, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

Drag Queen Bingo w/ Stephanie Shippae, Dec. 1, Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg. 727-202-6071; GrandCentralBrew.com

CHIC Live, Dec. 4, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg, 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

Thornton Park Movie Night: “Elf,” Dec. 3, Thornton Park, Orlando.

ThorntonPark.org

Martina McBride, Dec. 5, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com Sunshine State AAG Pageantry, Dec. 5, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa Russell Mania Comedy Nite, Dec. 7, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-235-9086; ShorelineDJ.com/GarageBar “CATS,” Dec. 7-12, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

SARASOTA World AIDS Day: Day With(out) Art 2021, Dec. 1, Sarasota Art Museum, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; SarasotaArtMuseum.org December G2H2 + Toy Drive, Dec. 2, Oasis Restaurant & Bar, Sarasota. 941-217-5082; Oasis-SRQ.com

The Central Florida HIV Planning Council will mark World AIDS Day 2021 with an in-person event at the Lake Eola Amphitheater. CFAP serves as a community voice in planning for the support of people living with and those at risk for HIV/AIDS in Florida’s Brevard, Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties and promises an evening of remembrance, reflection and celebration. For more information, visit Facebook.com/CentralFloridaHIVPlanningCouncil.

“Mamma Mia” Brunch SUNDAY, DEC. 5, 11:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M. MOTORWORKS BREWING, ORLANDO Fans of the hit musical “Mamma Mia” or ABBA won’t want to miss this! Event planner La Petite Fete presents a 21+ Broadway-inspired brunch at Motorworks Brewing, inviting patrons to bust out their best Donna and the Dynamos look to sing and dance their day away. Tickets are $40 and include bottomless mimosas. Search “Mamma Mia Tickets” on EventBrite.com to buy yours.

TAMPA BAY Toys for Tots 2021 VARIOUS DATES AND TIMES MULTIPLE VENUES, TAMPA BAY Kori Stevens presents her annual Toys For Tots benefit and toy drive, collecting unwrapped toys throughout Tampa Bay for children in shelters, safe houses and hospitals. Events begin at Cristoph’s Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Stevens will be joined by Georgia Moore Dec. 7 at Punky’s Bar and Grill for a charity bingo from 7-9 p.m. and the final gathering will be held Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at Enigma.

Turkey Trot Fun Run 2021 LIDO KEY BEACH, SARASOTA THURSDAY, NOV. 25, 8 A.M.–12 P.M. Join ALSO Youth for the 11th anniversary of the Turkey Trot! This Thanksgiving morning fun run features entertainment and food for the whole family while supporting a great cause. Games, raffles, face painting, a scavenger hunt, a costume party and more are planned and registration for adults and minors is open. The race begins north of Lido Beach Pavilion. To register and learn more, visit ALSOYouth.org.

To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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St. Pete’s New Sexual Health Center EPIC’s Sexual Health Center offers essential sexual health and disease prevention services through education, support and resources empowering all people to achieve better sexual health and well-being.

Services include: STI diagnostic and treatment services, pregnancy testing and referrals, PrEP and PEP education and medication as well as sexual health education services and workshops with an onsite sexpert.

EPIC

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SEXUAL HEALTH CENTER 300 49th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33707 | (727) 328-6420

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SEXUAL HEALTH CENTER 36

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS ALSO Youth has expanded its services and launched ALSO, Jr., a new program designed to serve youth ages 10-12 in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Read more on p. 10.

Tampa Pride held Pride Zoo-La Nov. 12, crowning Tampa Bay entertainer Galaxy as its newest representative.

Learn more at TampaPride.org.

The City of St. Petersburg extended its official relationship with St Pete Pride through 2026, Mayor Rick Kriseman and organizers announced Nov. 17. “As our organization quickly approaches its 20th birthday in 2022, we’re deeply grateful to Mayor Rick Kriseman for providing St Pete Pride with a five-year City contract,” St Pete Pride shared. “We thank him and the city of St. Pete for the ongoing support and collaboration with the LGBTQ+ community!”

Participants in the SMART Ride’s 18th year raised $1,225,979 for HIV/AIDS service organizations in Florida.

Riders from throughout Tampa Bay completed a two-day, 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West Nov. 19-20.

CONDOLENCES Hinks Shimberg died Nov. 16. He will be missed.

Tina Marie Vitek died Nov. 17. She will be missed.

Jenny De Leon was found dead Nov. 2, the Tampa Police Department shared Nov. 8. Anyone with information about her murder or suspicious circumstances in the early morning hours of Nov. 2 is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477 and reference Case #21463329. Read more on p. 10.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS St. Petersburg nurse Ed Briggs (Nov. 26); St. Petersburg actor Ken Basque (Nov. 27); Tampa Bay chef Paege Chafin (Nov. 28); St. Petersburg actor Kris Doubles, Tampa softball bear Bubba De, St. Petersburg celebrity chef Jeffrey Jew, Delta flight attendant Trey Orihuela (Nov. 29); Tampa hairstylist Marc Retzlaff, former Sarasota Pride board member Mary Hoch, Watermark contributor Deb Kelley, TIGLFF mainstay Mariruth Kennedy (Dec. 1); St. Petersburg socialite Todd Wilber, Tampa trendsetter Cameron Williams (Dec. 2); City of Sarasota Human Rights Board member Michael Shelton, former Tampa bowler Dave Bauer, Watermark’s Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent (Dec. 3); Bambu the Eco Salon co-owner Joshua DeBlock, St. Petersburg staple Ron Diana (Dec. 4); Opera Tampa assistant conductor Luis Gonzalez, Spathouse’s Scott Durfee, Cider Press Cafe owner Roland Strobel (Dec. 5); Sarasota actor and Venice Theater’s Director of Diversity Kristofer Geddie, Tampa Bay actor Daniel Harris, Quench Lounger Theresa McGivern (Dec. 6); St. Petersburg psychiatrist Tom Young, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa’s Red Herring Ltd. expert Ivan Moros (Dec. 7); uOwn Real Estate founder Sean Frank, St. Pete free spirit Miranda Colette (Dec. 8).

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BROWARD BOUND: U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (L) and Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith attend the organization’s 2021 Broward Celebration Nov. 13. PHOTO COURTESY EQUALITY FLORIDA

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WHERE IT BEGAN: Beneva Fruitville reps Project Pride at Stonewall in New York Nov. 12. PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

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QUEEN ME: Tampa Bay entertainer Galaxy is crowned Miss Tampa Pride Nov. 12 at Pride Zoo-La.

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PHOTO COURTESY TAMPA PRIDE

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‘TIS THE SEASON: Tampa Pride President Carrie West (L) and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor make the spirits bright at lighting of the Ybor Christmas tree Nov. 17.

PHOTO COURTESY MARK BIAS WEST

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COMMUNITY COMMITMENT: (L-R) St Pete Pride President Tiffany Freisberg, Mayor Rick Kriseman, St Pete Pride Secretary Molly Robison and LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon present the city’s renewed agreement with the organization Nov. 18. PHOTO

COURTESY ST PETE PRIDE

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RECORD YEAR: Riders from CAN Community Health, this year’s title sponsor, celebrate SMART Ride’s record amount raised Nov. 20 in Key West. PHOTO COURTESY

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CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH

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ON THE ISSUES: The Hillsborough County Young Democrats host a transportation panel Nov. 17. PHOTO COURTESY HCYD

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WHY WE MARCH: PFLAG Tampa Co-Founder Nancy Desmond details the organization’s mission at Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon campus Nov. 16. PHOTO

COURTESY PFLAG TAMPA

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Winter Park bakery, The Glass Knife, celebrated its fourth anniversary Nov. 10.

Andrea Montanez was honored by Hope & Help with the 2021 Hope & Help Hero Award Nov. 12.

Se7enBites owner Trina Gregory-Probst announced Nov. 12 that she will be joining Guy Fieri in Miami Beach for a special live “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” at SOBEWFF Food Networks South Beach Wine & Food Festival happening Feb. 24-27.

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Comic shop Gods & Monsters celebrates its sixth anniversary, and the fourth anniversary of its geek-themed craft beer bar VAULT 5421, Nov. 14 After nine years serving on the LGBT+ Center’s board of directors, Joanne Grant received a proclamation from the city naming “Joanne Grant LGBTQ+ Ally Day” on Nov. 15.

Central Florida’s Southern Craft celebrated its fourth anniversary Nov. 16.

Bros in Convo Initiative founder and executive director Daniel Downer was named to POZ Magazine’s POZ 100, a list of 100 HIV/AIDS advocates who are fighting against the virus, for 2021.

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CONDOLENCES Raymond “Leon” Hill passed away Nov. 5. Leon was a lover of the arts and an avid reader who enjoyed traveling around the country. He will be missed by all who knew him. Keon was 47.

RESEARCH STUDY Three of the nation’s largest blood centers — Vitalant, OneBlood, and the American Red Cross — in partnership with the LGBT+ Center Orlando are seeking participants to join a new groundbreaking FDA-funded study in Orlando to consider new approaches for determining blood donation eligibility for men who have sex with men. If you are a gay or bisexual male between 18-39 years old and interested in becoming a blood donor, you may be eligible to participate. The study looks to enroll 250–300 gay and bi men in Central Florida who meet the study eligibility criteria.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Orlando lawyer Ed Blaisdell, drag legend Rich Kuntz, AKA Gidget Galore (Nov. 24); Savoy bartender Max Morris, USA Today reporter Christal Hayes (Nov. 26); former HRC president Joe Solmonese (Nov. 28); Orlando Bisexual Alliance founder Sarah Wissig, Orlando actor MJ Lewis (Nov. 29); Orlando Gay Chorus founding member David Schuler (Nov. 30); Orlando-based writer Jim Crescitelli (Dec. 1); Zebra Coalition executive director Heather Wilkie, Orlando realtor Jeff Earley, derby volunteer wrangler Cynthia “Cynfully Vicious” West (Dec. 2); Watermark freelancer Kirk Hartlage (Dec. 3); “Flame On” podcast host Bryan Pittard, Osceola Arts COO Jeremiah Krivinchuk, Bites and Bubbles entrepreneur Eddie Nickell (Dec. 6); Orlando Theatre goddess Beth Marshall (Dec. 7); Come Out With Pride President Jeff Prystajko, Orlando Fringe’s Brian Sikorski, Mainframe Real Estate founder and CEO Sean Frank (Dec. 8).

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COMMUNITY FOOD: The team from Kroger supermarkets delivers food to the LGBT+ Center Orlando to help restock the food pantry Nov. 6. PHOTO BY PAT MICHAELS

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BOARD ALLY: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (R) presents Joanne Grant with a proclamation naming Nov. 15 as “Joanne Grant LGBTQ+ Ally Day.” PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

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DRAG TUESDAY: (L-R) Pom Moongauklang, Danny Garcia and Kerrie Finn at Savoy Orlando for the Savoy vs.

The Center Employee Turnabout Nov. 9. PHOTO BY PAT MICHAELS

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STRASSENFEST: Steffen Brandt (L) and Reiner Wolf attend the German-American street festival in Winter Park Nov. 14. PHOTO

COURTESY REINER WOLF

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COFFEE TALK: Ida Eskamani (L) and Andrea Montanez grab a selfie at Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega in Orlando Nov. 12. PHOTO

COURTESY ANDREA MONTANEZ

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REBEL FIGHTERS: Billy Mick (L) and Brian Villa take on the Sith at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride at Walt Disney World Nov. 9.

PHOTO COURTESY BILLY N BRIAN

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TURN ABOUT: George Wallace (L) and Taitana Quiroga are done up to the nines at Savoy Orlando for the Savoy vs. The Center Employee Turnabout Nov. 9. PHOTO

COURTESY GEORGE WALLACE

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HONORING THE VETS: (L-R) Rep. Anna Eskamani, Barbara Poma, Earl Crittenden and Vivian Rodriguez attend a Veterans Day memorial service at the Pulse Memorial in Orlando Nov. 11.

PHOTO BY SKYLER SHEPARD

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WEDDING BELLS

Robin and Melanie Daily from Orlando, Florida

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Sept. 28, 2020

WEDDING DATE:

Sept. 28, 2021

OFFICIANT:

Rev. Brian D. Mills

VENUE:

Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada

COLORS:

Pink

WEDDING SONG/ ARTIST:

“Imagine”

by Ben Platt

R more.

Lora Korpar

OBIN AND MELANIE DAILY TIED the knot in September after a reignited 10-year friendship became something

The couple first became friends while in recovery, having mutual friends also in recovery and attending some of the same events.

“When we met 10 years ago, we both kind of knew there was something there,” Robin says. “But for whatever reason, nothing really took off.”

They remained friends, but lost touch for a few years. In the summer of 2020, Robin threw a party to commemorate 15 years sober. Melanie came to the party, where the two reconnected.

“It kind of came full circle,” Robin says. “As soon as we saw each other and started talking again, we both knew there was something there. And it just took off from there.”

The two were engaged not too long after, in September 2020. After knowing each other for a decade, they knew they

were ready to spend even more years together. And they didn’t want to waste any time.

“We realized there was something special between us — something that had always been there,” Robin says. “We knew we could not let that slip by again.”

Melanie and Robin got married on Sept. 28 at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas.

A highlight of the trip for Robin was being able to stay at the city’s famous Venetian Resort.

Though their limo was 10 minutes late to pick them up for the ceremony, the rest of the day went smoothly.

“When I saw Melanie in the dress for the first time — stunning,” Robin says. “Took my breath away.”

After the ceremony, the couple and some friends who came to Vegas with them had a

mini reception at Bouchon, the Venetian’s French restaurant.

“We tried all kinds of amazing food,” Robin says.

“It was just an over-the-top wonderful end to the day.”

Though they enjoyed their Las Vegas celebration, they also wanted to celebrate with their friends in Orlando, so they held a reception at Miss Heidi’s Tattoo on Nov. 14.

Miss Heidi has been friends with Robin for over 15 years, so they set up the tattoo shop with food and a photo booth.

“It was beautiful and kind of unconventional,” Robin says.

A handful of Robin and Melanie’s close friends were at the reception, where they shared stories and enjoyed each other’s company.

Going into married life, Robin and Melanie say to trust your gut and follow your heart.

“Teamwork makes the dream work” is their motto.

“I feel like the luckiest person in the world, you know?”

Robin says. “She’s the love of my life.”

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

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