Watermark Issue 29.02: Wigs & More/ Just Dance by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ News Source.

Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2022 • Issue 29.02

Wigs & More Leigh Shannon on his health, political career and 46 years in entertainment

Contigo Fund gives laptops to Central Florida nonprofits

Empath Partners in Care named SMART Ride beneficiary

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

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

page

8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

Many of the kids have never had this experience … if for one magical moment we can make them feel special, make them feel normal, we owe it to every kid. – HILLSBOROUGH CO. GUARDIAN AD LITEM OUTREACH COORDINATOR YVONNE MARRONE

13 // STATE NEWS 15 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 19 // TALKING POINTS 37 // EVENT PLANNER 39 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 41 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 42 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 43 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 46 // WEDDING BELLS ON THE COVER

page WIGS & MORE:

page JUST DANCE:

Organizations bring fashion and prom to LGBTQ youth.

Central Florida entertainer Leigh Shannon talks 46 years of performing.

WATERMARK ISSUE 29.02 // JAN. 20 - FEB 2, 2022

TAMPA BAY COVER PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD CENTRAL FLORIDA COVER PHOTO COURTESY LEIGH SHANNON

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MAKING HISTORY

page Contigo Fund partners with Telemundo to get laptops to nonprofits.

page Tampa Bay drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx dies at 73 years old.

page

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

Darden Rice reflects on eight years on St. Pete City Council.

Amy Schneider details historic “Jeopardy!” victories.

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PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

“I

DESK

HOPE THAT I CAN MAINTAIN

what I feel now,” William Shatner said after his historical flight into space. “I don’t want to lose it.” I thought that was a profound thing to say. On one level it speaks of the magnitude of such an impactful event, while simultaneously showing how fleeting every moment can be. I felt the same way at the end of 2021, albeit not as monumental as while traveling to outer space. A while back I had purchased tickets to see John Cameron Mitchell and his cohort, Stephen Trask, perform a concert version of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” I am such a fan of the show that I just bought a handful of tickets without regard to COVID, the fact that it was in Manhattan around New Year’s Eve or even whether I could make it or not. As the event drew closer, it’s almost as if the universe was telling me not to go. The first obstacle was housing. In late October my husband and I were

informed that our landlord in St. Pete would only renew our lease for two months. Theoretically, this would have us moving on the day of the show in NYC. We started looking for comparable rentals in our area and found that rent prices jumped $900 a month. We decided to change course and look at purchasing. Time wasn’t on our side. We had just three weeks to find a place, make an offer, have it accepted and get through the inspection. If we could do all of that, then we could still make the trip to New York. As fate would have it, and an excellent realtor, we were successful.

The second obstacle was COVID. On Christmas Eve we learned someone in our circle had tested positive for COVID. We did the responsible thing, cancelling dinner plans and masking up around the house to protect everyone and reduce risks. Since it was the holidays, and let’s be honest – Florida, testing didn’t seem likely to happen in time for our trip. We spent some time calling around for at home testing kits, but it was like the Hunger Games out there. I went to a few pop-up tents in Orlando where people were screaming at the technicians who had run out of rapid tests. Sadly, we cancelled our plans and released the hotel we had booked. Although we had received PCR tests, we didn’t see the results coming in time. I made my way to the West Coast to work out of Watermark’s St. Pete office the day before we would have flown out. I was explaining my disappointment to Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent, who after disappearing for 10 minutes reemerged with a box of at home rapid tests as if he was an angel sent directly from the COVID testing gods themselves. I quickly took one test and drove the other to possible patient zero in Orlando. Both were negative. The trip was back on. By the time we arrived in Manhattan we had received our negative PCR tests as well. I’ve been to New York many times and was lucky enough to have lived there for three years, but this trip seemed different. Everything was going our way. We landed in a nice hotel, got great tickets to see “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Moulin Rouge” – both very unexpected. We just wandered around and found the most amazing sandwiches and food. It was spectacular (“Moulin Rouge” pun intended). For the main event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it

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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would have John Cameron Mitchell and the music to “Hedwig,” but that’s about it. When we walked into the Town Hall theater I could tell right away it was going to be something special. The crowd was so diverse, from senior citizens to middle-aged housewives to young rockers who could not have been alive when “Hedwig” was first released. The show itself was incredible. The “Hedwig” creators sang the songs I loved so much, but they told the story behind them and the people who made such an impact on their lives. They took this story of strength and love and forgiveness and made it more meaningful. Before singing “Midnight

I hope we will all choose kindness, realizing we all have struggles. Radio,” the hit musical’s last song, John Cameron Mitchel dedicated it to his ex who had succumbed to alcoholism. He asked that audience be like his friend, who was kind because he realized everyone had struggles. As the song was in full swing I looked around the theater. The rockers were banging their heads, the middle-aged housewives had tears in their eyes and the senior citizens were tapping their hands to their knees. It felt like we were all one, brought together by peace and kindness in the chaos of blaring guitars and banging drums. I thought to myself, I hope I can maintain this feeling because I certainly don’t want to lose it. I hope we will all choose kindness, realizing we all have struggles. We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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

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CONTRIBUTORS DARDEN RICE is the

immediate past St. Petersburg City Councilmember for District 4. Page 17

DEBORAH BOSTOCK -KELLEY

reviews theatre for Broadway World and other outlets and runs The WriteOne Creative Services. She is an ally, wife, mom and Tampa native. Learn more at TheWriteOneCS. com. Page 21

TIFFANY RAZZANO

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 46 SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

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

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ

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

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central florida news

THE CENTER’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PROMOTED TO CEO Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Dr. George Wallace, the LGBT+ Center Orlando’s executive director, has been promoted to the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. In a press release posted to The Center’s Facebook page Jan. 10, the board of directors named Wallace as CEO during the board’s annual retreat, held Jan. 8, making him the nonprofit’s first ever CEO. “Almost every aspect of The Center’s growth can be attributed to George’s leadership,” said Pat Michaels, board president, in the release. “After the Pulse nightclub tragedy, The Center had to catch up with the breathtaking amount of responsibility and notoriety it garnered. George took control of the operation and has expanded the organization over the last couple of years.” Wallace became The Center’s executive director in 2017 after previously serving on its board of directors. During his time as executive director, Wallace has overseen The Center’s expansion of services and locations including opening a second community center in Kissimmee and incorporating the Orlando United Assistance Center into its existing health services. For more information on The Center’s programs and services, visit TheCenterOrlando.org.

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY Jeremy Williams

COEE, FLA. | David Dorman, a broker/ owner with CENTURY 21 Professional Group in Central Florida, received the CENTURY 21 GRAND CENTURION Producer award for his sales in 2021, announced in a press release Jan. 4. The national award is presented to sales affiliates of CENTURY 21 who transacts $38,000,000 in sales production or 195 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. “This is a goal I have been trying to achieve my entire career! I could not have done it without the amazing support of my staff and family. I do not take any of it for granted and am humbled by the recognition,” Dorman said in the release. Dorman has been in Central Florida’s real estate industry for the last 22 years and a sales affiliate of CENTURY 21 for the last 19. “The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like David Dorman who always elevate and give 121% to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate.

A DELL: Contigo Fund’s Joél Junior

Morales (L) presents the laptops to Divas in Dialogue’s (L-R) Mulan Montrese Williams, Beautifull Sallings and Mariah Morris. PHOTO COURTESY CONTIGO FUND

Access For All Contigo Fund and Telemundo get laptops to local nonprofits Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Contigo Fund partnered with Central Florida’s local Telemundo television station to give laptop computers to several nonprofits in Central Florida. The “Access For All” campaign got 20 brand new Dell laptop computers into the hands of seven LGBTQ organizations at the beginning of the year. The campaign started with Telemundo 31 contacting Contigo Fund. “Telemundo 31 reached out to Contigo Fund before the holidays to let us know that they not only have a donation of 20 laptops but they also wanted to donate them with 20 certificates for one full year of internet services for free,” says Andrés Acosta Ardila, community relations manager at Contigo Fund. Contigo Fund wanted to make sure that the donation could provide the biggest impact for the community as possible. “Several of our grantees and some of our community partners that are not grantees received

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the laptops with the expectations that they would be used to create services for the community,” Ardila says. The 20 laptops were given to the LGBT+ Center Orlando, Peer Support Space, Orlando Youth Alliance, HOME Inc., Divas in Dialogue, R.I.S.E Initiative and Hope CommUnity Center. The organizations and number of laptops each one received was determined based on need. “We looked at where these laptops could do the most good,” Ardila says. “We funded the LGBTQ immigration coordinator with Hope CommUnity Center because that individual does not have their own laptop so when they go out and do outreach with clients they often have to use their phone.” “Access For All” was launched to help combat the “digital divide” within Central Florida’s LGBTQ communities of color. The digital divide refers to the growing gap in access to technology between privileged communities and underserved and under-resourced communities. A divide, Ardila says, that has been made even more apparent as communities try to get

back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic left many without jobs. “A good example of that is Divas in Dialogue,” he says. “Mulan [Montrese Williams, founder of Divas in Dialogue] does a lot of outreach and sometimes the girls have to come to her house just to use her internet because you can’t apply for a job without having access to the internet. So we tell these communities you need to be employed and you need to move up in the world, you need to pull yourself by your bootstraps but they don’t have the access to even do the basics like applying for a job online.” Divas in Dialogue, a “sisterhood of trans women of color empowering, building and strengthening each other” that is “ensuring that we all have a seat at the table,” received three of the laptops — one to be used by a staff member and the other two to be used to create a learning library so community members will have computer access when needed. Contigo Fund is a nonprofit philanthropic group born as a result of the Pulse tragedy. They fund community organizations working to heal, educate and empower LGBTQ and Latinx individuals, immigrants and people of color.

For more information on their mission, visit ContigoFund.org.

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tampa bay news

EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE NAMED SMART RIDE BENEFICIARY Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA BAY | Empath Partners in Care has been named a beneficiary of The SMART Ride, the nation’s second largest and only AIDS bicycle ride of its size to donate the entirety of funds raised to service organizations throughout Florida. Participants have raised nearly $14 million since 2003 by completing a two-day, 165-mile trek from Miami to Key West, including $1.25 million in 2021. The totals were confirmed during the organization’s check distribution party in Wilton Manors Jan. 9. SMART Ride Founder Glen Weinzimer also announced that EPIC will serve as a beneficiary for SMART Ride 19 in November. A member of Empath Health’s network of care, the nonprofit has supported Tampa Bay patients since 1977. Executive Director Joy Winheim and others crewed SMART Ride 18 after the Tampa Bay region’s most recent beneficiary Metro Inclusive Health opted not to serve as such in 2021. “We knew it was a bike ride but we were not sure of what all went into the event,” Winheim recalls. “Glen actually invited us to begin coming to their production meetings … we started to learn about what SMART Ride was, what went into it and why people do it. Basically we were ‘auditioning’ this year.” Winheim says EPIC was incredibly moved by the experience. Among other duties, she served as a member of the Pitstop Closure Team, which monitors and assists riders to ensure their safety along the route. “We are thrilled to have Joy and the EPIC team with us this year,” Weinzimer says. “Joy has done an amazing job representing and being an advocate this past year on the ride and it was a unanimous decision to ask them to be a full benefiting agency.” To show their appreciation for EPIC’s support, organizers presented Winheim with a check for $60,000 during their Jan. 9 ceremony. Weinzimer noted it also served as a gesture to the Tampa Bay region, which hosts a number of active SMART Ride teams. “I knew that we were going to be invited to the check ceremony but I didn’t know what to expect,” Winheim says. “I was shocked at the amount, I really was ... The people that came together to put on this event and the riders and crew that went out there and tirelessly raised money, it’s all just amazing.” Discussions are underway for how the funds will directly benefit EPIC’s clients. The organization has also formed a team for SMART Ride 19 and is eager to work with Tampa Bay’s other cyclists. “I had no idea how exciting SMART Ride would be, just being able to meet so many different people and talk to them about why they do it,” Winheim says. “I love this thing and I can’t wait until November gets here again.” Learn more about EPIC and The SMART Ride at MyEpic.org and TheSMARTRide.org.

TAMPA ICON: Drag royalty Tiffani Middlesexx over the years. PHOTOS VIA TIFFANI MIDDLESEXX’S FACEBOOK PAGE.

Not Forgotten Drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx dies Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | Gerald J. Mayes, also known as local drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx, died Jan. 11 in his private residence at 73. Middlesex captivated audiences throughout Florida for decades, including as headliner of Rene’s Club Cabaret, one of Tampa’s pioneering LGBTQ safe spaces. She retired at 63 with a farewell performance at Bradley’s on 7th, where she returned last November for a 10-year reunion benefit. The performer remained active in the community in other ways as well, including as a congregant of MCC Tampa. Mayes had previously served as a board member for the LGBTQ-affirming church. MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw shared news of Middlesex’s passing via social media. “It’s hard to find the words,” he wrote. “Tiffani Middlesexx … has gone to be with God. And the amount that we all grieve is as big as the amount of love we have for her. So this hurts terribly.” Hero-Shaw noted that he received a call Jan. 11 and rushed to her home, greeting Tampa Police. “They let me go inside and sit with her, pray with her, and bless her with holy water,” he shared. “Tiffani died peacefully. She looked like she was resting. There were no signs of distress, no

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

signs of a fall. Just our girl, Tiffani, in her bed, her beloved dog, Piper, by her side. She was at peace.” The pastor also shared words of encouragement for those mourning Middlesexx. “To all who love her, I offer this: may the glitter of her love stick to you like all the glitter she’s left behind after church drag shows,” he wrote. “This magical person who changed our lives is in God’s embrace and her love still shines on us.” Central Florida entertainer Bob Taylor, the patriarch of the celebrated Haus of Taylor, was discovered by Middlesexx in 1986. He says his mentor “gave me the life that I have had for the past 35 years,” something he also reflected on via social media. “This is one of the hardest post that I’ve ever had to make,” Taylor wrote. “I am saddened to announce that the person who gave me my career and some of the best moments of my life died peacefully in his sleep last night. “On behalf of the House of Middlesexx we ask that you give us time to understand what has happened,” he continued. “There will never be another one like the legendary Tiffani Middlesexx!! R.I.P. Mama T. I love you and always will! My life will never be the same without you.” South Florida’s Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System also reflected on

Middlesexx, who won the pageant in 1980. “The entire Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry System mourns the loss of Miss Florida F.I. 1980, Tiffany Middlesex,” Pedro Perales shared in the system’s public Facebook group. “We are devastated and at a loss for words,” he continued. “Her most favorite thing was being a Miss Florida, and WE LOVED HER! Rest in peace sweet ANGEL!” Bradley’s on 7th owner Bradley Nelson also reflected on the news. “The entire staff and myself are sadden by the passing of a true legend, Tiffani Middlesexx,” he wrote. “I am so grateful that we were just recently able to hold a charity benefit for her, where she performed her last numbers on this earth. She was so happy that night. I am sure she is celebrating now with all the friends and legends who have gone before her. “If you knew Middlesexx, you would know she would not want us to be sad,” he added. “Life is for the living. And she lived her life to the fullest.” Tampa Pride, which is currently scheduled to return March 26, named the entertainer an honorary grand marshal. “Gerald was a pioneer in Tampa’s drag community and the Florida community at-large,” the celebration explained. “He has touched the lives of almost every local drag performer in one way or another and we are honored to have shared many memories with him.” Multiple celebrations of life are expected for Middlesexx, including at MCC Tampa Jan. 21 that will stream live. For more information, visit Facebook.com/MCCTampaFL.

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24-YEAR-OLD BLACK TRANS WOMAN KILLED IN JACKSONVILLE

LGBTQ ACTIVIST FOUND DEAD IN FL LANDFILL

Jeremy Williams

Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association Police in Tallahassee confirmed that the body of Jorge Diaz-Johnston, 54, who had been reported missing was found in a Jackson County landfill Jan. 8. Diaz-Johnston was last seen alive Jan. 3 in Tallahassee, more than an hour from where his body was found, according to a missing person notice released by police. Detectives are investigating his death as a homicide, a police spokesperson said. Diaz-Johnston was the brother of former Miami mayor and Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz. As an LGBTQ advocate he led the fight for marriage equality, he and his husband were plaintiffs in an historic 2014 lawsuit that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Miami-Dade County.

Detectives urge anyone who may have information to call 850-891-4200, or make an anonymous tip to Big Bend Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. | Duval Princess, a popular hairstylist and well-known member of the LGBTQ community in Jacksonville, was fatally shot at the Highland Square shopping center in the early morning hours of Jan. 2, according to a report from the Human Rights Campaign. First Coast News reported the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received a call from a security guard saying an individual was found unresponsive in a car. Family members have indicated Princess was at the shopping center to meet some she knew. According to a report from Action News Jax, a security video from a nearby business shows an individual waiting at the corner when a car pulls up which Princess

is in. The individual gets into the car and after around 10 minutes a flash is seen from inside the vehicle followed by an individual running away from the vehicle. Local news and some family members have been dead naming Princess in early reports; however, according to HRC, friends who knew the 24-year-old say she was in the early stages of transitioning and identified as transgender. “I have never known a pain like this and we just want answers,” Raschel Campbell, Princess’ aunt, said in an interview with Action News Jax. “This was a senseless act of violence; it was a hate crime.” Action News Jax reports that police are calling the incident a “suspicious death” and suspects “foul play” but have not listed the killing as a homicide. The community is coming off its most deadly year with 51

known deaths due to violence against transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, frequently women of color. Princess is the second reported trans death in the first week of 2022. Amariey Lei, a 20-year-old Black trans woman, was killed on New Year’s Day in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. Fundraisers on GoFundMe have been set up for both Princess and Lei to help with funeral expenses.

Anyone with more information about the killing of Princess is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. Anyone with information regarding Lei’s death is encouraged to contact the Allegheny County Police at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

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nation+world news

VETERANS CAN NOW IDENTIFY AS TRANS, NONBINARY ON VA MEDICAL RECORDS Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

eterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough announced Jan. 12 that his department added the options of transgender, nonbinary and other when veterans select their gender in medical records. “All veterans, all people, have a basic right to be identified as they define themselves,” he said in a statement. “This is essential for their general well-being and overall health. Knowing the gender identity of transgender and gender-diverse veterans helps us better serve them.” The statement also noted that the change allows health care providers to better understand and meet the medical needs of their patients. The information also could help providers identify any stigma or discrimination that a veteran has faced that might be affecting their health. Speaking at a Pride Month event last June at the Orlando VA

Healthcare System, McDonough emphasized his support for LGBTQ vets. McDonough said that he pledged to overcome a “dark history” of discrimination and take steps to expand access to care for transgender veterans. With this commitment McDonough said he seeks to allow “transgender vets to go through the full gender confirmation process with VA by their side.” In a survey of transgender veterans and active service members, veterans reported several mental health diagnoses, including depression (65%), anxiety (41%), PTSD (31%) and substance abuse (16%). In a study examining VHA patient records from 2000 to 2011, the rate of suicide-related events among veterans with a gender identity disorder diagnoses was found to be 20 times higher than that of the general VHA patient population. “LGBTQ+ veterans experience mental illness and suicidal thoughts at far higher rates than those outside their community,” McDonough said. “But they are significantly less likely to seek routine care, largely because they fear discrimination.

“At VA, we’re doing everything in our power to show veterans of all sexual orientations and gender identities that they can talk openly, honestly and comfortably with their health care providers about any issues they may be experiencing,” he added. All VA facilities have had a local LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator responsible for helping those veterans connect to available services since 2016. “We’re making these changes not only because they are the right thing to do but because they can save lives,” McDonough said. He added that the VA would also change the name of the Veterans Health Administration’s LGBT health program to the LGBTQ+ Health Program to reflect greater inclusiveness. Much of the push for better access to healthcare and for recognition of the trans community is a result of the polices of President Joe Biden, who reversed the ban on Trans military enacted under former President Trump, expanding protections for transgender students and revived anti-bias safeguards in health care for transgender Americans.

ask potential blood donors about their sexual orientation. “It’s a whole new relationship with the blood donor that we want,” said Véran. Greece on Jan. 10 also said it would allow MSM to donate blood without restrictions. Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris and Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga issued a decree that will become official once the Government Gazette publishes it. Greece and France are the latest countries to lift restrictions for MSM who want to donate blood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently allows MSM to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man for three months.

The American Red Cross, which supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, declared its first-ever blood crisis Jan. 11 because of the surge in COVID-19 omicron variant cases. “Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available,” the organization shared in a press release. “Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments,” officials also added. The declaration sparked renewed calls for the U.S. to allow MSM to donate blood without restrictions.

FRANCE, GREECE TO END BLOOD RESTRICTIONS Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

rance and Greece have announced they will allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood without restrictions. Têtu, a French LGBTQ magazine, noted men who have sex with men previously had to remain abstinent for four months before they could donate blood in France. French Health Minister Olivier Véran on Jan. 11 announced this requirement would no longer be in place as of March 16. Officials will no longer

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IN OTHER NEWS OHIO SWEARS IN 1ST OPENLY TRANS OFFICIAL Dion Manley made history Jan. 6 in Ohio when he was sworn into Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools’ board of education, becoming the first openly trans public official in the state. Manley was voted onto the school board, located in the Columbus suburb of Gahanna, in November. “I really think Gahanna deserves a lot of credit,” Manley told the Columbus Dispatch. “They’ve been inclusive and open as a district. I’ve seen that in the years I’ve lived here, and the voters choosing to be a voice for diversity and moving forward is really special.” He also noted that “People here that know that I’m transgender… I’m a great dad and that’s what they see and that’s what matters to them.”

AIKEN ONCE AGAIN AIMS FOR U.S. CONGRESS Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken announced Jan. 10 he’s running for Congress again in North Carolina, this time seeking to succeed the retiring U.S. Rep. David Price. Aiken, 43, has had a career in the entertainment industry for years in addition to political and social activism. “As a loud and proud Democrat, I intend to use my voice to deliver real results for North Carolina families, just like David Price has done for decades,” Aiken said in a news release. He would become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the South if he won in November

CANADA OFFICIALLY BANS CONVERSION THERAPY A law that banning the discredited practice of conversion therapy took effect in Canada on Jan. 7. Canadian lawmakers late last year approved the law that amended the country’s Criminal Code. The law took effect 30 days after it received royal assent Dec. 8. “As of today, it’s official: Conversion therapy is banned in Canada,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Our government’s legislation has come into force — which means it is now illegal to promote, advertise, benefit from, or subject someone to this hateful and harmful practice. LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.”

ISRAEL ALLOWS SURROGACY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES The Israeli government announced Jan. 4 that same-sex couples and transgender people will now be able to have children via surrogate. Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, who is openly gay, discussed the new policy during a Jerusalem press briefing with Health Ministry Director General Nachman Ash. “Today we are making history,” Horowitz shared. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled last July that the government must allow same-sex couples and single men to have a child via surrogate. The ruling directed the government to act within six months. The new policy, which includes single men, will take effect on Jan. 11.

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viewpoint

Darden Rice

ST. PETE PROUD Your City is Waiting

RECENTLY WRAPPED UP

my last day on St. Petersburg City Council after eight good years. I left brimming with gratitude, a full heart and a sense that the important work we do is never quite finished.

It depends on a cycle of good, elected people to carry and pass on the baton of city work. It has been quite a ride. When I ran for council in 2005 at the age of 35, I was the first openly gay person to run for office in Pinellas County. A true trailblazer, this was before the local Stonewall Democrats were even created. I nearly caught up with an incumbent in a decently close race for a newcomer, but I was attacked for being a lesbian along the way. More importantly, I was remembered for responding to the attacks with dignity and poise, turning the campaign back to the issues at hand – affordable housing, smart growth, public safety – and moving past the haters. While we have made much progress, I do not mean to suggest that we are free from the discrimination and violence from those who try to exploit and unravel our community. A few years later, I would be elected to the council in 2013 along with my colleague Amy Foster, and the two of us joined Steve Kornell as three openly elected members of the LGBTQ community in a council of eight. In 13 short years, our city went from attacking the novelty of gay candidates to electing three of us, almost as if it were no big deal. Was this progress? I definitely think so. But it was progress that came from the collective experience of the many LGBTQ folks and our allies who vote in local elections. What did it mean to have openly gay representatives in local government, and what does

it mean that there are none now? There is very real progress in that all elected officials carry the banner of equality, not just the gay ones. (Finally!) It would be difficult for any successful future mayoral or council candidate to be triumphantly anti-gay, but remember we only got to this point of progress with a lot of hard work. Let’s not take that progress for granted. We must be on guard not to dissolve into a “checking the box” insincerity and complacency at election time. We must be wary of gatekeepers who would perniciously sacrifice the gains and sacrifices of everyday LGBTQ people for their own benefit. Be on the lookout for political liaison positions that could migrate into ineffective posturing and tokenism. Be wary of organizations that now repeatedly endorse straight candidates over qualified gay ones. Fight with your last breath any racism and sexism within our own movement. Those are things that can metastasize into unredeemable decay. As we become a bigger city, those are the type of big city political problems with which we must contend, or we will lose the golden age of cooperation and progress we have worked so hard for. I encourage all young LGBTQ people who are interested in engaging with their communities on issues they care about to think about local politics seriously. Whether as a neighborhood leader, volunteer or aspiring candidate, city government is an excellent opportunity to shape smart growth, ensure public safety, work on equity, support the arts, advocate for transit and safe roads for all, and so many other relevant issues central to our everyday lives. Look at St. Pete as an example. Steve Kornell was known for his support of youth at risk. Amy

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Foster was a legend on homeless and housing issues. I pioneered our environmental progress and drove sustainability and health equity into the DNA of the city’s planning process. The representation of members of the LGBTQ community in and of itself

all, no matter who you are; the best and the brightest of all stripes can find a peaceful home and build a good life in St. Petersburg. I loved city council and I loved the work. Every single day. Even on the challenging days, and there were a handful of those.

Talk to your representatives about your life, your family and what you care about. They represent you and need to know you and know your story as a member of the LGBTQ community living and working in St. Petersburg.

speaks to the positive vibe of a growing progressive city that is forward looking, and we brought bigger dimensions to our work than just our sexual orientation and gender identities. As Equality Florida rightly points out, equality is also good for business because we shout from the rooftops that we welcome

The next council will have even bigger challenges. I encourage you to get to know and support your council members, who do a lot of work that is often unrecognized and yet integral to how city hall functions. Their successful work depends on large part with their connection to the community.

Stay connected. Be engaged. Your city is waiting for you and the best is yet to come.

It would be difficult for any successful future mayoral or council candidate to be triumphantly anti-gay, but remember we only got to this point of progress with a lot of hard work.

Darden Rice is the immediate past St. Petersburg City Councilmember for District 4.

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talking points The day after the book came out, I lost 11,000 people [on social media] … But I got 60,000 new followers the same day. It was funny. I know it was mostly straight older guys who just felt lied to, you know, I don’t know. So you can’t please everybody! —CASSANDRA PETERSON, AKA ELVIRA, ON THE BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE PODCAST

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R. SALLY RIDE, WHO BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN IN SPACE WHEN SHE BLASTED OFF ABOARD SPACE SHUTTLE CHALLENGER on June 18, 1983, will become the first out LGBTQ person to appear on a U.S. coin. The U.S. Mint announced last year the five women that would appear on the back of the 2022 U.S. quarters as a part of its American Women Quarters Program. The Mint will honor a total of 20 women, five each year over the next four years. This years series will honor Ride, author Maya Angelou, the Cherokee Nation’s first female principal chief Wilma Mankiller, New Mexico’s suffrage movement leader Adelina Otero-Warren and Chinese American Hollywood film star Anna May Wong. The Mint began shipping the first round of quarters, which feature Angelou on the back, Jan. 10 and will dispense the remaining shipments this year.

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RODRIGUEZ 1ST TRANS ACTRESS TO WIN GOLDEN GLOBE

HE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS, HOLLYWOOD’S SO-CALLED BIGGEST PARTY, was reduced to a live-blog Jan. 9 for its 79th edition. The embattled Hollywood Foreign Press Association proceeded with its awards without a telecast, a red carpet, a host, press or even a livestream. That didn’t stop the HFPA from making history as actress Michaela Jaé Rodriguez became the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe. Rodriguez won Best Actress in a Television Series, Drama for her role in “Pose.” “This is the door that is going to Open the door for many more young talented individuals,” Rodriguez wrote on Instagram. WITH LOVE. LOVE WINS.”

NASCAR PARTNERS WITH CAROLINAS LGBTQ+ CHAMBER

AROLINAS LGBT+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ONE OF THE LARGEST LGBT CHAMBERS within the Southeastern region, announced NASCAR will become the organization’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion partner for the 2022 term. This is the first time NASCAR has partnered with an LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s annual DE&I partnership funds and supports all of its training and programming in diversity, equity and inclusion. “[NASCAR] continues to be one of the most popular sports in the nation,” said Tiffany Keaton, the Chamber’s vice chair. “The distinct brand that NASCAR brings to the chamber validates their commitment to equality and non-discrimination both on and off the track.”

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LIL NAS X: MUSIC INDUSTRY WANTS ARTISTS TO SANITIZE IDENTITIES

N A RECENT INTERVIEW WITH CBS SUNDAY MORNING, LIL NAS X accused the music industry of forcing LGBTQ artists to “sanitize” their identities – something he refuses to do. “I feel like I’m definitely much more ‘out there’ with it,” he told CBS correspondent Tracy Smith. “It’s always been, ‘Okay, if you’re gay, this needs to be sanitized. Let’s not include anything sexual.’ It’s like, ‘Be gay without being gay.’” The Grammy-winner also spoke about coming out after his Billboard chart-topping song “Old Town Road” blew up, saying it felt like the “most authentic time.”

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LAURA REYNOLDS. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

Inclusive organizations bring fashion and prom to LGBTQ youth

Deborah Bostock-Kelley

HILE DRIVING TWO LGBTQ YOUTH FROM

their foster group home to Formally Yours in Tampa Bay, Jelani Brooks overheard them discuss their dreams of finding the perfect gown and suit for a dance. The two girls wondered out loud if they would be accepted by the organization.

As the activities coordinator for the Children’s Home Network, which works to provide compassionate services for at-risk children and families, Brooks was familiar with the organization. It was founded more than

four years ago to help teens in the foster care system and other underprivileged youth. The two girls, one a lesbian and the other transgender, had already suffered enough trauma in their young lives. The idea of

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being judged as they searched for evening wear in front of strangers had them on edge – but when they arrived at the shop in Temple Terrace, they discovered their fears were unfounded. The Formally Yours volunteers pampered them and the girls immediately felt accepted. “To have a place where I can take all my kids where they go through dozens of dresses and suits to find one that fits them is truly a blessing,” Brooks says. “Not only is everything free, but the convenience of it being a one-stop-shop to pick everything you need is great. “From when we got there to when we left, the staff was nothing but welcoming to the young ladies,” he continues. “They felt comfortable and didn’t push their views or ideas. They just said to them, ‘What is

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it you like? That’s what we will look for.’” The brainchild of co-founder Laura Reynolds and her team, Formally Yours began with a mass email looking for eveningwear, shoes and jewelry for teens preparing for prom, homecoming, military balls and other formal dances. Yvonne Marrone, the outreach coordinator for the Guardian ad Litem Program in Hillsborough County, happened to be one of the recipients. Marrone immediately wanted to volunteer with the new program. She and Reynolds detailed their needs via Facebook and were overwhelmed with positive responses from those willing to donate new and gently worn items. “We were asked by those in need for some prom dresses,” Reynolds recalls. “You know that you always need clothes – shoes, jeans, those sorts of things – but we didn’t think from the beginning that you would also need formal wear. We shared the email and it just blew up.” “It started to snowball,” Marrone adds. “People started calling to find out where to drop stuff off. It took off a little faster than we expected. It started with teens in care and we broadened it as we saw the need and as we got calls from other people in the community. “People are just so giving of amazing items,” she continues. “So many like-minded people are willing to donate their time and talents to make this happen. This is so beyond ‘it takes a village’ … Anyone who donates to Formally Yours is part of our family.” The team helps youth search through color-coded clothing and accessories, makeup, lotion, perfume and shoes to find precisely what they need for their special evenings at no cost. “We got to the point where we said, ‘Why are we just going to give them a prom dress?’ Why can’t we elevate this and give our teens a shopping experience, something that they might not get?’” Reynolds explains. “In talking to some of the teens that came in, a lot of them had never been shopping before.” As for the LGBTQ teens Brooks brought to the space, one searched through racks of

ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, SUPPORT, OUTREACH: ALSO Youth provides programming and much more for LGBTQ youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including an annual LGBTQ prom returning this year. PHOTO COURTESY ALSO YOUTH pressed suits while the other fantasized about finding her dream pink ballgown. “There was one hanging up,” Brooks recalls. “She didn’t like it, but we convinced her to put the dress on. That girl was in tears. She tried the dress on and fell in love with it instantly.” The gown fit like it was made for her. It’s just one example of Formally Yours working to provide a warm and welcoming space and service for LGBTQ youth.

dresses that were needed,” she reiterates. “There’s no judgment from us – it’s such a treat to watch these kids bloom. They walk in with their heads down, frowns on and not wanting to try on a dress or suit. We ask them questions and keep building a dialogue with them, giving them the possibility of trying something on. Before you know it, they’re in the dressing room making that big decision.” The staff works hard to push aside their tears, smiling when

all,” Reynolds stresses. “When they walk through these doors, there’s no judgement at all.” While their movement was beginning in Tampa Bay, a tragic death brought a nonprofit to life in South Florida. Out My Closet was founded by LGBTQ activist Michael Narain after a patient’s suicide in 2013. Narain had become the young man’s therapist while his patient was in a methadone clinic. As a child, his mother trafficked the patient in exchange for crack, and

We want to create a safe space at all times, especially when you’re talking about kids in the foster care system. We don’t ask gender, we ask ‘what do you want? A dress or a suit? What can we do to make you comfortable?’ — FORMALLY YOURS FOUNDER LAURA REYNOLDS “We want to create a safe space at all times, especially when you’re talking about kids in the foster care system,” Reynolds says. “We don’t ask gender, we ask ‘what do you want? A dress or a suit? What can we do to make you comfortable?’” More than 500 teenagers have benefited from the program since its inception. Marrone says Formally Yours has received donations from churches after red carpet events and tuxedo shops that have gone out of business. “That kind of community support has been incredible because we realized it wasn’t just

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recipients ask when they need to bring their formal wear and even makeup back. They don’t understand what they picked out is theirs forever. “Many of the kids have never had this experience,” Marrone explains. “They don’t understand the options that they have here. These kids were given such a horrible start in life – and if for one magical moment we can make them feel special, make them feel normal, we owe it to every kid.” “We understand that if we’re going to make a safe place for one, we have to make a safe place for

he became HIV-positive due to the assaults. To endure his childhood trauma and combat depression and anxiety as an adult, he got involved in drugs and pornography. The clinic was his attempt to get clean. Sadly, he took his life after the weekend of Pride. Narain regularly commented on and admired his patient’s fashion sense, which included a yellow Nike shirt he wore repeatedly. “He presented that ‘all is well, I’m fine,’ but … this young man wanted the same thing

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that everyone wants: love and acceptance.” While still processing the young man’s death, Narain received word about three gay teens in need of resources. He knew he had the skills and background to offer them counseling – but as someone close to their age, also had an excess of nice clothing he could donate to help. “I often kid that gays come out of the closet so we can have more room for our clothes,” he muses. Narain dropped off the first 30 articles of clothing and sat with the kids to listen to their stories. In that moment, he knew he wanted to do this more than once. An idea to honor his late patient and help the underserved LQBTQ community took flight. He would create a nonprofit that brings clothing and sets up a free popup shop at local organizations and shelters. “The idea developed, grew and got better,” he says. “From those 30 deliveries we have grown to 30,000 deliveries. We also have outfits, shoes, accessories, toiletries, makeup – the whole mobile popup shop experience.” Out My Closet gives guests the empowerment to choose for free what they like, what suits their style and body type, and what identifies with their gender expression. Their services are offered to LGBTQ teenagers to those in their upper 20s. While clothing donations are often not quality, Narain and the Out My Closet team inspect every piece of clothing to ensure the choices in the shop are suitable for the season and fashionable. What is most needed by the nonprofit is sponsorships and access to corporate sites to set up the popups. Not only do they provide everyday-wear fashion, but like Formally Yours they help furnish looks for prom, quinceaneras and other special events requiring evening wear. In November, the nonprofit also hosted a special event for trans women in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. “This day is to reflect on those that passed. We created a day that effectively honors this day but gives flowers to, honors and cherishes the living,” he says. “We called it Trans Day of Resilience, where we wined and dined and treated our

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transgender women of color. This is the population that is murdered endlessly and abused and targeted. They go through so much struggle.” Out My Closet set up racks of gowns and cocktail dresses for the evening. They featured heels and luxury bags by Kate Spade, makeup, jewelry and even photoshoots. “Then we ended it with a runway fashion show to celebrate our eighth anniversary with what the ladies obtained that day.,” Narain explains. “They had a great time. I would love to expand into Central Florida, but it all comes down to funding. My team is all in their 30s with other jobs and this is a volunteer process. The vision is Florida, New York and California.” As a youth himself at 16 years old, strong in his faith, a deacon told Narain that he would be a missionary and heal people. He didn’t initially pay much attention to the prophecy but later reflected on it given his founding of Out My Closet. “One day, I was driving home and thought, ‘We’re a mobile agency that goes to different organizations, and we bring hope, light and love to those that are lost and need these elements of support and resources,’” he says. “The word I was told was fulfilled.” Seeking to provide a safe space for LGBTQ teens was something a group of parents in Sarasota dreamed about in 1992. They were alarmed by the rising trend of suicide rates among gay teens. Today, data from The Trevor Project shows that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S. Wanting to create a haven for these young people to find love and acceptance, the parents formed ALSO Youth to cater to LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24. It stands for Advocacy, Leadership, Support and Outreach. “We have a place for them to come three to four nights a week and we have activities for them, play video games, eat, and socialize,” ALSO Youth Executive Director Mickey Stone says. Services are now offered in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. The organization recently started offering free one-on-one

INCLUSIVE EVENING: The Zebra Coalition in Orlando held its first-ever Youth Pride Prom at the Orlando Museum of Art for LGBTQ youth ages 14-20 in 2019, a successful event scheduled to return this June. PHOTO COURTESY THE ZEBRA COALITION counseling services with a licensed therapist at the counselor’s office, online at home or online at the center. They also reach out to the community by training Gay-Straight or Gender-Sexuality Alliances in schools and by giving presentations for the faculty on diversity and inclusion. Stone recently introduced ALSO, Jr. as a part of ALSO Youth as well. The programming caters to LGBTQ youth who are 10-12 years old.

“They wanted to have a place that was safe for them to talk about it.” ALSO, Jr. started as a monthly program in July 2020. Through a series of grants from the Greenfield Foundation and more, funding has allowed services to grow to once a week, offering the same resources and counseling available to ALSO Youth. “We skew the programming to talk about issues that they are dealing with, which may not be the same issues that a 16 or 17-year-old student is

looking for a place where they could go to prom the way they truly wanted to and with who they wanted to go with, where they may not be able to do that in their schools,” Stone says. The last celebration welcomed more than 250 teenagers. “It’s our biggest event of the year,” he adds. “We have a closet that we save dresses and suits. Kids are allowed to come in and pick up something to wear.” The prom is scheduled to return Feb. 12. Its theme is One

It was just so special to see these young people come to a dance where they felt completely accepted. — ZEBRA COALITION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEATHER WILKIE “Before I started working here, I was a middle school teacher for 19 years,” Stone explains. “One of the things I’d noticed over the past five years or so is kids are coming out of the closet earlier and earlier, especially with trans youth and kids trying to figure out their sexual gender identity and needing a place to go. “We’d gotten several phone calls and emails from parents of 10- to 12-year-olds who were looking for a place for their kids to go and hang out with others who were questioning like they were or who already figured out who they are,” he continues.

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dealing with. We try to make it more about self-expression and self-awareness, learning to be comfortable with who you are.” ALSO Youth has done that through a partnership with the Out-of-Door Academy for nearly a decade as well. Now in its eighth year, ALSO Prom is an annual high school prom for LGBTQ youth, friends and allies between the ages of 14 and 20. They’re encouraged to “come feel accepted, affirmed, and celebrated!” “We noticed that some of the LGBTQ youth in the community weren’t comfortable going to their own school prom, or they were

Magical Night and will feature a cottage core decor. Guests are encouraged to dress as they feel comfortable or in the cottage core style. “They can interpret one magical night in any way that they want,” he notes. “We’re going to decorate like a starry night outside this year. The Out-of-Door Academy has a big courtyard and a basketball court will be the dance floor. We’re going to decorate everything to make it magical.” A DJ will perform and the teens can vie for the title of “Best Dressed” and “Most Friendly,”

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categories attendees get to vote on to win prizes. “I love being able to have the effect on kids that we do,” Stone reflects. “I like being able to offer support and make these kids feel like they have a safe space, that they have people surrounding them that love and care about them and always know that there’s a place for them to be themselves. To me, that’s what’s most important.” Like ALSO Youth, Orlando’s Zebra Coalition was founded in 2010 to fill a need for services for young LGBTQ youth in need. The organization offers mental health support, a housing program with three different housing types and a drop-in center that provides basic needs of hygiene products, clothing, and food to the LGBTQ community ages 13 to 24. They also offer training in the community and work with the schools to ensure they are providing services for LGBTQ+ youth. While special events are regularly hosted at the drop-in center, what Zebra Coalition and its kids look most forward to is the annual Pride Prom. It began in 2019 in partnership with the Orlando Museum of Art. The organization donated the space for a prom for LGBTQ youth ages 14-20. 225 youth attended that evening. “We had people wanting to get involved from throughout the community. We had so much support that we were fortunate enough to be able to offer some catering,” Zebra Coalition Executive Director Heather Wilkie recalls. “It was such a fun night. The kids picked the playlist and we brought in some entertainment. “We had drag performers, speakers from the City of Orlando came in and read a proclamation and the Gay Officer Action League group provided security,” she continues. “It was just so special to see these young people come to a dance where they felt completely accepted. They could bring whoever they wanted to and they could wear whatever they wanted in that formal prom theme – semi-formal to formal.” Zebra Coalition assists a number of youth facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families and abuse and often works with the foster care system. Wilkie recalls one foster child with an affirming parent who attended the prom. CONTINUED ON PG. 29 | uu |

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

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for LGBTQ kids,” she continues. “This is just part of our mission to provide events where they feel safe and loved, and we can help them have a little bit of fun too. Wilkie adds that “I love the experience of the prom. Once you’re there, you get to see the fruits of your labor and these kids’ faces just beaming with joy and so much support from their parents. Everybody is coming together to advocate for these kids.”

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“She came up to us later and said it was one of the best experiences she had in her life,” Wilkie says. “I thought it was pretty heartwarming that her foster family would be bringing her to the prom. She stayed in touch with us and participates in our regular programming.” For its dance, Zebra Coalition partnered with local makeup artists and held a donation drive for dresses and suits. They also had a glam day on the day of their prom, where the kids could get dressed while getting their makeup and hair done. The prom is scheduled to return this year in June. Wilkie anticipates a high attendance due to a 2021 pandemic delay and the fact that invitations were sent out to Central Florida and all the GSAs they work with. “Last time, we even had people coming in from South Florida,” Wilkie says. “They heard about it through their friends. “The whole purpose of Zebra Coalition is that we provide safe, supportive and affirming places

Donations, sponsorships and volunteers are always sought by each organization to assist with operations. To support Formally Yours in Tampa, visit Facebook.com/FormallyYoursTampa or call 813-927-7117. To learn more about South Florida’s Out My Closet, visit OutMyCloset.org. ALSO Youth’s drop-in centers are located at 1470 Blvd. of the Arts in Sarasota and 501 5th St. E. in Bradenton. Call 941-951-2576 and visit ALSOYouth.org for details about their programming and services, including this year’s prom. Zebra Coalition is located at 911 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando, 17 W. Monument St. in Kissimmee and can be reached at 407-228-1446. Learn more about them and their 2022 prom at ZebraYouth.org.

PROUD AT THE PROM: LGBTQ youth enjoy a safe and unique prom experience thanks to efforts from Zebra Coalition in Orlando and ALSO Youth in Sarasota, events scheduled to return in 2022. PHOTOS COURTESY ZEBRA COALITION AND ALSO YOUTH

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Wigs & More

Leigh Shannon on his health, political career and 46 years in entertainment

Jeremy Williams

EIGH SHANNON HAS BEEN A DRAG

icon in Orlando for decades. After getting his start in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Shannon — whose real name is Martin Fugate — came to Central Florida and was given his first booking by drag legend Carmella Marcella Garcia at the Parliament House in 1980.

Shannon would work at Parliament House for years, as well as become a staple at Southern Nights, where he was show director for four years; La Cage in Kissimmee where he performed several celebrity impersonations; and now at Hamburger Mary’s, where Shannon has been going strong for the last 14 years with her cabaret dinner show. Along with entertaining sold-out crowds with his drag performances, Shannon has owned and operated Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, a boutique and wig shop that sells wigs, theatrical makeup, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories and more, but specializes in medical-grade wigs designed for cancer patients. After operating in the Mills50 District for more than 30 years, the

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MAKING THE MOVE: After more than 30 years in the Mills50 Disrtrict, Shannon moved Ritzy Rags Wigs & More to its new location in College Park in 2021. PHOTO COURTESY LEIGH SHANNON

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shop was moved to College Park last year in the same neighborhood Shannon has lived with his husband for 15 years. It is also the same district last year in which Shannon ran for, and eventually withdrew from, the city commissioner seat held by Robert Stuart. At the time, Shannon announced via social media that he was withdrawing from the race “due to unforeseen circumstances.” In an interview with Watermark in September, Shannon said it was because of a health scare. “I’m doing very well and I’m feeling fine,” he said at the time. “It’s nothing long lasting and it’s not going to kill me but it was scary in the beginning. It drained me for about five weeks and I lost major time from the campaign, major fundraising time, and plus it took a lot of my stamina.” Now as he prepares to celebrate his 46th year as a drag entertainer with an event at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando Jan. 29, Shannon sat down with Watermark to talk about his years

as an entertainer, what happened with his health and the future of his political career.

WATERMARK: HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR DRAG PERSONA LEIGH SHANNON AND THE IMPERSONATIONS THAT YOU DO?

Leigh Shannon: I developed Leigh Shannon because my drag mother, Peaches Le Pit. She told me “You look like this drag queen outta Texas named Shannon Lee, so let’s just call you Leigh Shannon.” I liked that because back then what would happen in Louisville is you’d be out at Zayre’s or Kmart and someone would be like, “Oh hey there, Ester T.” So at least with Leigh, if someone called to me, it was a generic name. Believe it or not, I was the dancer of the show. I was the character person. Always trying to do a little Annie Lennox or Dolly Parton when she came out with “Here You Come Again.” I just happened to put on a curly, blond wig and a purple dress and someone said, “You look like her.” When I got hired at La Cage I tried out as Dolly Parton and they said, “No, you don’t look enough like her. It’s nice but no.” So they hired me as a Patsy Cline

look-a-like, and I did look like her. Then they let me do Stevie Nicks in the show and they kept telling me, “We already have a Bette Midler but you really look like Bette Midler.” So I started doing Bette Midler just in the clubs and it actually stuck. Now I’m known for doing look-a-like shows.

HOW MANY CELEBRITY DRAG IMPERSONATIONS DO YOU DO?

Dolly Parton with a Kenny Rogers puppet. I do Stevie Nicks, I do Better Midler and Elton John currently. But back in the day when I was younger and slimmer, I would do a bunch of different ones. I still do Patsy Cline too.

IN AND OUT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY, YOU ARE AS WELL KNOWN FOR YOUR WIG SHOP AS YOU ARE YOUR DRAG PERSONA BECAUSE OF YOUR WORK SUPPLYING WIGS TO CANCER PATIENTS. HOW DID YOU COME TO OWN A WIG SHOP?

It was 33 years ago I walked into a store called Ritzy Rags on Mills Ave. and met this lady, Nancy Gillman, who was running this consignment shop. She had bought the business for her and her daughters, but they had walked out on her. She had a room

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DIVINE MISS M: Shannon’s celebrity impersonation of the legendary Bette Midler is one of his most popular. PHOTO COURTESY LEIGH SHANNON

in the back and we liked each other so I said let me put a few wigs and jewelry and dresses in the back and we called in Baubles by Leigh. It got popular and then we started getting cancer patients coming in, crying and they said a local place called Wigvilla was the only place to go and they were uncaring. So I told Nancy we needed to spruce the store up, so we dropped Baubles by Leigh and made the store nicer. She retired 15 years later and I took the store and made it Ritzy Rags Wigs & More. I got rid of most of the consignment and made it more boutique. We started to cater to a lot of cancer patients and it got very emotional. We became very popular also with the queens and the local art. The ballet — the Russian Ballet and the Orlando Ballet — we do their makeup and hairpieces.

ON TOP OF ENTERTAINING AND RUNNING A BUSINESS, YOU ALSO SOUGHT TO GET INTO POLITICS. YOU ANNOUNCED IN JUNE 2021 THAT YOU WERE GOING TO RUN OF ORLANDO CITY COUNCIL. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO GET INTO POLITICS?

About 10 or 12 years ago, I’m one of those people who love my

neighborhood and I like for it to gel, and I never felt like College Park was meant to be Lake Eola or New York City. I saw a lot of things happening and the growth wasn’t going properly. I talked to Mr. Stewart a lot and got to talking to neighbors and had been thinking about running. I almost ran in the campaign before his last one but I supported Asima [Azam]. I thought the last term would be Stewart’s last and he decided it wasn’t but I told him I’m not getting any younger and I want to do it so I decided to run. I knew the stigma of the drag queen entertainer and what that would mean to some but I thought before I dropped out of the race it was helping me in a lot of ways.

WHEN YOU MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT YOU WERE RUNNING, YOU LEANED INTO YOUR DRAG PERSONA.

I did because I thought what does it matter? That’s how many people know me. I was excited about running because I think it’s time we get new blood in there. I don’t think a commissioner should be in office four or five or six terms. I think it’s ridiculous, it’s not supposed to be a career job. You’re supposed to be a

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keeper of the district for a little while then hand it down. Stewart has promised me he is going to leave after this term. Now whether it is me who runs next time or someone else, there needs to be new blood in there.

I GUESS IT IS FAIR TO SAY YOU SUPPORT TERM LIMITS FOR ORLANDO COMMISSIONER SEATS?

Now I like [Orlando Mayor] Buddy Dyer, but including him. He’s done a lot of good but it’s time to go. It’s time to run for senate or governor or whatever, but I don’t care how good of a person you are after a while you start to feel entitled to things. Let’s say a local bakery gives you a free doughnut because you won, well after four or five years, you start to feel you are entitled to a free dozen. It’s just the way they think. “I’ve done so much good for the city so I deserve those doughnuts.” I think we all would get an ego doing that job for so long, so it is time to either step down or move up. I’d say it is time for four or five of those commissioners leave.

AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, DO YOU PLAN TO RUN AGAIN NEXT TERM?

If my health does well. So far they have found nothing wrong with me. On my heart, my carotid artery, anything like that. They told me it would take three to six months to get back to myself. It has been three months and three weeks and I’m a lot better. It was a struggle but I might. It depends who runs. I would have gladly supported Nicolette Springer [in the last race] but I feel like she was not telling everything she truly believed. She would slide around the issues. I want someone who is going to answer the damn questions. Tell us what you truly believe, doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything but at least let us know where you are coming from. At least with Stewart, I know where he is coming from. And he did say that I helped him change his vote on Rosemont. So at least I did some good running.

YOU MENTIONED YOUR HEALTH CONCERNS, WHICH IS WHY YOU DROPPED OUT OF THE COMMISSIONER RACE LAST YEAR. LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED.

I was working on the campaign with my husband at 10 p.m. at night. We have a guest house and I walked out the door there and he

READY FOR MY CLOSE UP: Shannon does his makeup as he prepares for another show. PHOTO COURTESY LEIGH SHANNON looked at me funny when I stood up because I kind of lost my balance and caught myself. So I sat down and asked him to grab me two aspirin. I took them and I was having vertigo, and I should have gone right to the hospital that minute. I went the next day. The first scan saw nothing but then they did an MRI and said

matter what anyone says, they think you’re broken. So I decided I wasn’t gonna tell a soul. The campaign was still going on. I took about eight days, I talked to some of my campaign people and they said you can’t even tell you had a stroke, you can still run. I had already lost a bunch of time not campaigning,

you go within four hours of having the stroke they have a shot that can reverse many strokes, not all of them, but that’s something I don’t think a lot of people know. If you have a pain late at night and you think I’ll just go to my doctor in the morning, it’s too late. If it’s a stroke or a heart problem, you’ve got to go now.

I felt if I told anyone, including the owners of Hamburger Mary’s, that I had a stroke that they would think — LEIGH SHANNON I was broken. that I had a stroke. That first week I couldn’t even write my name and I was thinking, “how am I gonna paint a face?” I was going through all of these emotions. I took two weeks off from doing my show and took a few nights practicing painting my face and I started being able to write my name again and everything has improved. I am about 95% back to myself. I didn’t tell anyone the details of what happened except close friends.

WHY DIDN’T YOU WANT TO TELL PEOPLE AT FIRST WHAT HAPPENED?

The emotional stress after it happened has been exhausting. I felt if I told anyone, including the owners of Hamburger Mary’s, that I had a stroke that they would think I was broken. No

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fundraising. I said, “no, I can’t lie to people.” It was the hardest decision because I worried people would say, “See, you were just doing it for attention,” “You weren’t serious about running” or “You couldn’t hack it.” So we just left it at I had a health issue. I started thinking about it over the last month or so and thought people deserve to know why and I don’t care that people know now. I have researched strokes and I was blessed that it was a minor one and I’m blessed that I didn’t have anything permanently wrong. I’ve decided to tell my story now and I’ll let people think what they think. I feel like a lot of people don’t know, if I had gone to the hospital that night they may have been able to reverse it with a shot. If

I live six blocks from the hospital; I should have gone.

PHYSICALLY YOU SAID YOU ARE DOING MUCH BETTER NOW. HOW HAS THE MENTAL HEALTH BEEN SINCE THE STROKE?

I was in a full-blown depression and I really kept most of that to myself.

EVEN FROM YOUR HUSBAND?

Yeah, mostly. Then finally, like six weeks in, I said to him “I’m struggling.” He’s a quiet guy and I think he thinks I’m Superman, but I blame myself because I always act like such a strong person. I was struggling. I’d wake up and I would just sit. I had a dentist appointment and I cancelled it twice because I would think, “why bother,

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you’re probably gonna die from the stroke.” I’d get a pain in my arm and automatically think I’m having a heart attack. I was sitting there, looking at a bottle of pills that I have been saving for the apocalypse and thought if you have a major one you better keep one hand handy. Those were things that were going through my mind but they were just thoughts I was having. For one thing I would never want to burden my husband ever. I don’t want to go into a home. I’m from the country where people kept their seniors at home no matter what. But it was a major depression that ended about a month ago. It was something I had to get through, every day. I’m still a go-getter but I make time for myself now, I take my time and I’m just gonna do it that way from now on. The biggest thing is I don’t want negativity in my life. I want it positive and I have no intention of going away. YOU HAVE A SHOW COMING UP LATER THIS MONTH TO CELEBRATE 46 YEARS AS AN ENTERTAINER, AND THE SHOW IS ALSO A BENEFIT FOR A LOCAL STROKE VICTIM.

I was very lucky to have a mild stroke, I can’t imagine what it would have been like if it was a massive one like Cherylann [Murphy Ponziano] had, who we are doing the fundraiser for. Part of the proceeds from my show for my 46-year anniversary will go to her. I also started a GoFundMe for her. I may also auction off one of my costumes. I want to see what ways I can help raise money for her. She is back working at Publix two days a week but she is struggling. And I thought if I did decide to tell people, what more do I want to do? When I do fundraising I like to do it personally for individuals. I like to give to people directly. She is right here, from our neighborhood, where I live, where I have a business, we both had strokes. I thought that would be a good way to raise awareness. She is doing better but she has a long way to go.

“Leigh Shannon Celebrating 46 Years in Showbiz” will be at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando Jan. 29 starting at 8 p.m. Call for reservations at 321-319-0600.

www.NationsLandscaping.com

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TELEVISION

Making History

‘Jeopardy!’ champ hits $1 million; talks fame, trans rights “I couldn’t be prouder if she were my own daughter,” the writer and Broadway star tweeted. Schneider, an engineering manager living in Oakland, California, recently talked with AP about her newfound fame, keeping her day job — but dreaming about an entertainment career — and being a voice for the trans community. Remarks have been edited for clarity and length. AP: ARE YOU HAVING PINCH-ME MOMENTS OVER HOW WELL YOU’VE DONE ON ‘JEOPARDY!’?

(ABOVE)

‘JEOPARDY’ CHAMP: Amy Schneider is among the most winningest contestants ever on “Jeopardy!” PHOTO FROM AMY SCHNEIDER’S FACEBOOK

Lynn Elber of The Associated Press

EOPARDY! CHAMPION AMY SCHNEIDER is adding to her list of bragging rights and admirers.

Already the highest-earning female contestant in the quiz show’s history and the woman with the longest winning streak, she became one of only four “Jeopardy!” players to reach seven figures in regular-season winnings. As of Jan. 18, she’s collected $1.14 million in 34 victories, solidifying her position on the list that includes Ken Jennings with $2.5 million; James Holzhauer with $2.46 million and Matt Amodio with $1.52 million. Poised and affable on TV and in an interview with The Associated Press, she doesn’t seem the gloating type. But she is tickled by the fact that she’s fulfilled a prediction made by her 8th-grade classmates in Dayton, Ohio: She was voted most

likely to be a “Jeopardy!” contestant, based on her geography and spelling bee prowess. More significantly, she’s the first transgender person to qualify for the show’s tournament of champions. In a series of tweets last November, Schneider said she’s proud to be a trans woman and wants people to know that aspect of her, adding, “but I’m a lot of other things, too!” Schneider’s “Jeopardy!” achievements have made her both an inspiration and a target for transphobic insults online — which she batted away with the same aplomb she displays on TV. Her deftness earned attention last week from Harvey Fierstein.

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SCHNEIDER: Absolutely. Just seeing myself on TV still is almost a shock, even though I was there when it all happened. I thought I could win some games but I didn’t think I would do this well. The other day, my girlfriend mentioned some famous people that had gone to her high school, and I was thinking, “I know there was somebody who went to mine.” I looked it up on Wikipedia and there I was, listed under notable alumni. That was a very weird moment to see that. YOU’VE MENTIONED ACTOR LAVERNE COX AND COMEDIAN NATASHA MUSE AS TRANS WOMEN YOU FIND INSPIRING. HAVE YOU HEARD FROM VIEWERS WHO SEE YOU AS A ROLE MODEL?

I have definitely heard from other trans people who have been sort of thrilled to see me out there. But one of the things that I’ve enjoyed the most is hearing from parents, and sometimes grandparents, of trans people, an older generation. There’s a lot of fear for their loved ones who are trans, and worry that they might be limited in life. To be able to go out there and show that I can be successful in a very mainstream type of way has, I think, made a lot of them feel better about the people in their lives. GIVEN THAT COX AND MUSE ARE BOTH PERFORMERS, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT TOUCHES A CHORD IN YOU? YOU’VE DONE ACTING, AND IS COMEDY SOMETHING YOU’RE INTERESTED IN?

I’ve done open mics around town, just for fun and not seriously pursued it, but I’ve been a performer my whole life. As I was struggling with the necessity of coming out, definitely one of the fears was, ‘Will I still be comfortable in public and will I still be able to perform after I transitioned?’ And seeing them definitely helped with that. IS A CAREER IN ENTERTAINMENT YOUR GOAL?

I’m dreaming of it. I don’t know exactly in what direction I would want to take that, and I don’t know what opportunities will be available coming out of this (the show). But I’ve been working on my writing as a field I might find some opportunities in. Beyond that, I’m just sort of riding it out and kind of seeing what may or may not come up as it goes along.

LAST MONTH, AFTER YOU GOT A TWITTER SHOUTOUT ON YOUR “JEOPARDY!” SUCCESS FROM DEMOCRATIC REP. TIM RYAN OF OHIO, YOU ASKED YOUR FOLLOWERS IN THE STATE TO CONSIDER THAT A VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN IN THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS WOULD MAKE YOUR LIFE HARDER. HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A STATEMENT THAT PUTS YOU ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF EXPOSURE?

I definitely thought about it, and I don’t want my social media to be a place where people are arguing about politics all the time. But at the same time, I can’t ignore the fact that there’s people out there threatening my brothers and sisters in the trans community. Here I have a chance to say something about it, and I can’t be completely silent. I don’t necessarily want to be super-activist about it and constantly banging that drum. But I can’t be silent either, when I know that there’s so many people in danger of real hurt and harm from political policies. YOU HAD A POLITE RESPONSE TO SOMEONE WHO TOOK YOU TO TASK FOR THE TWEET.

I grew up in a Republican household and a Catholic environment, and many people I love are conservative in various ways. I know them, and I know they’re not intentionally out there doing harm and that they have reasons for the positions that they hold. So I want to engage people from (across) the spectrum where that’s possible. But it has to be in a condition where my right to exist is granted, otherwise we can’t talk.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

DeLand Pride Annual Meeting

Damon Wayans, Jan. 21-23, Orlando Improv, Orlando. 407-480-5233; TheImprovOrlando.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26, 7 P.M. THE LOUNGE AT ARTISAN DOWNTOWN, DELAND

Jennifer Hudson & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jan. 22, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

THE VOICE

2022 DeLand Pride Pageant, Jan. 22, The Dreka Theater, DeLand. 386-232-8551; DeLandPride.org Sanford VW Car Show 2022, Henry’s Depot Food Hall, Sanford. 407-548-6981; HenrysDepot.com

Oscar and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform in the Dr. Phillips Center’s new Steinmetz Hall Jan. 22. PHOTO FROM DR. PHILLIPS CENTER

Gaelic Storm, Jan. 21, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Comedy Queens, Jan. 29, HÄOS on Church, Orlando. 407-203-4099; HaosOnChurch.com

16th Annual Cops ‘n Cars for Kids, Jan. 22, Oviedo Mall, Oviedo. 407-977-2401; CopsNCarsForKids.com

Science on Tap, Jan. 29, Loch Haven Park, Orlando. 407-514-2000; OSC.org

Joss Stone & Corinne Bailey Rae, Jan. 23, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Youth Coffee Social, Jan. 29, The Dreka Theater, DeLand. 386-232-8551; DeLandPride.org

“Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations,” Jan. 25-30, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Trevor Wallace: Are You That Guy? Tour, Jan. 30, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

TAMPA BAY

Mystery Science Theater 3000, Jan. 27, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Live & Local – Kyle Schroeder, Jan, 21, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Outdoor Cabaret – Michael Sndrew and the Sinatra Sextette, Jan. 27-29, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

June Jambalaya, Jan. 22, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

Dustin Sims, Jan. 28, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

Matt Nakoa, Jan. 24, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Drag Bingo benefiting Rose Dynasty Foundation, Jan. 25, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBarAndGrill.com Joss Stone & Corinne Bailey Rae, Jan. 26, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com EPIC Generations – Yoga and Fall Prevention, Jan. 27, Empath Partners in Care, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org Voices of the Community: HBCUs and their Cultural Impact, Jan. 27, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Randy Rainbow, Jan. 28, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2022, Jan. 29, The Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk, Tampa. 813-2513378; GasparillaPirateFest.com

Mystery Science Theater 3000, Jan. 29, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org “Dear Evan Hansen,” Feb. 1-6, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Jay Leno, Feb. 3, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

SARASOTA “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Jan. 14-Feb. 6, Venice Theatre, Venice. 941-488-1115; VeniceTheatre.org 2022 Van Wezel Foundation Inspiration Gala featuring Harry Connick Jr., Jan. 27, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-263-6799; VanWezel.org

DeLand Pride is holding its annual meeting at The Lounge at Artisan Downtown to discuss their goals and priorities for the upcoming year as well as DeLand Pride’s upcoming Love is Love Pridefest this March. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, go to DeLandPride.org.

Neighborhood Outreach w/ Rep. Eskamani SATURDAY, JAN. 29, 10 A.M.-12:30 P.M. DISTRICT 47, ORLANDO Join stat Rep. Anna V. Eskamani as she and her supporters knock on doors in District 47 to make sure Central Florida is ready to vote in 2022. The event will also include #TeamAnna swag for sale including yard signs, t-shirts and stickers. RSVP at Mobilize.us/AnnaForFlorida/event/428608 for meet up address and more details. You are encouraged to invite family and friends.

TAMPA BAY #WeLoveKoriStevens: A Benefit Show SUNDAY, JAN. 23, 8 P.M. ENIGMA ST. PETE, ST. PETERSBURG Enigma St. Pete hosts a benefit show for drag icon Kori Stevens who recently underwent a medical procedure. Hosted by Daphne Ferraro, the event will feature guest drag performances and more. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. For more information, visit Enigma St. Pete’s Facebook page.

Mr. & Miss Florida Royal Pride of Nations Newcomer SUNDAY, JAN. 30, 6 P.M.-2 A.M. SOUTHERN NIGHTS, TAMPA Southern Nights Tampa hosts the 2022 Mr. & Miss Florida Royal Pride of Nations Newcomer pageant. Join host Iman Travieaso as they honor the previous Mr. & Miss Florida Royal Pride of Nations Newcomer, Klemente Baez and Star Montrese Love, and crown a new couple. General admission is $15, Deluxe ticket is $20 and a VIP seat is $25. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information and to purchase your ticket, contact Imani Valentino on Facebook.

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

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JANUARY 20 - F EB RUA RY 2, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.02 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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JANUARY 20 - F EB RUA RY 2, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.02 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and City Council’s new and returning members were sworn in Jan. 7. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. Salty Nun, a new concept combining Gulfport’s celebrated bar Salty’s and breakfast staple Stella’s, announced Jan. 13 that it will open in The Grand Central District. Read more at Facebook.com/SaltyNun. Sarasota staple Sage SRQ celebrates three years of serving the community this month. Project Pride Board President Jordan Letschert received the Mayor’s Citation for his work in LGBTQ advocacy in Sarasota and beyond from Mayor Erik Arroyo on Jan. 18.

CONDOLENCES Gerald J. Mayes, who entertained as Tiffani Middlesexx, died Jan. 11. Read more on p. 10.

FUNDRAISERS

STORY OF MORE WOE: (L-R) Darius Autry, Martin Powers and Newt Rametta prepare to launch “Romeo and Juliet” at Jobsite Theatre Jan. 12. PHOTO COURTESY JOBSITE THEATER

Friends, family and fans are raising funds to support Tampa Bay entertainer Kori Stevens as the local legend recovers from surgery. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com

Empath Partners in Care was awarded $60,000 for its support of The SMART Ride 18 and named a beneficiary for this year’s ride on Jan. 9. Read more on p. 10.

METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

POSTPONEMENTS Sarasota Pride postponed its 2022 return from Jan. 22 to Oct. 22. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. Venice Pride postponed its Feb. 19 celebration to Nov. 12. Read more at VeniceFLPride.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Lakeland filmmaker Kevin O’Brien (Jan. 20); Sarasota stylist Dylonn Cole (Jan. 21); U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist’s LGBTQ Liaison Michael Batista, Tampa customer service rep Giovanni McFarlane Fitzpatrick (Jan. 22); St. Petersburg socialite Jack Robbins (Jan. 23); St. Petersburg performer Rolando Xavier (Jan. 24); Tampa Bay performer Ashley Smith, ABC7 meteorologist Trevor Hayes, Your Neighborhood Realty’s Jim Longstreth, The Wilson Group’s Donna Knight (Jan. 25); Tampa Bay guiding light Jan Flowers, Sarasota photographer Kaje Housman, Double M Band’s Mario Jooste, The Garage bartender Larry Wolf, Ybor City special events promoter Chucky Ruckus, Tampa Bay designer Sofia Banda (Jan. 26); Tampa Bay realtor Michael Scranton, Tampa Bay bartender Robb Weese, St. Petersburg pharmacy tech Kyle Richard (Jan. 28); Woodhouse Day Spa owner Mark Lettelleir, FSU grad and Ocala muse Bill Bondank, Tampa Bay artist Andrea Pawlisz (Jan. 30); Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, St. Petersburg massage therapist Emily Stone, Tampa Softball player Thomas Hale, Tampa darling Bryan Chant, Boutique stylist Jimmy Mac (Feb. 1); Tampa Pride president Carrie West, Enigma show director Daphne Ferraro, Gulfport theater addict Rob McCabe (Feb. 3).

STAY GOLDEN: Metro Inclusive Health salutes Betty White at Inclusivitea Jan. 15 ahead of what would have been her 100th birthday. PHOTO COURTESY

EPIC BENEFICIARY: Empath Partners in Care Executive Director Joy Winheim accepts a check for $60K from The SMART Ride in Wilton Manors Jan. 9. PHOTO COURTESY

EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE

COMMUNITY DAY: MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Jakob Hero-Shaw secures the church’s Black Lives Matter banner Jan. 8.

PHOTO COURTESY MCC TAMPA

AXE-WOMEN: Lindsey Burkholder (L) and Deidre Favero mark 7 years together Jan. 15 at the Hatch Hangout. PHOTO

COURTESY DEIDRE FAVERO

GIRL POWER: Rep. Michele Rayner is pinned as an honorary Girl Scout Jan. 14 during Girl Scout Day at the Florida Capitol. PHOTO COURTESY REP. RAYNER

GERSHWIN GAL: Trailblazing pianist Sara Davis Buechner warms up with The Florida Orchestra Jan. 7. PHOTO COURTESY SARA DAVIS BUECHNER

YES TO THE SUITS: Abe Gadikan (L) and Miguel Fuller pick up their wedding attire from Milano Exchange Jan. 10 ahead of their upcoming big day. PHOTO

COURTESY MIGUEL & HOLLY SHOW

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The LGBT+ Center Orlando celebrated its 23rd year at the Mills50 District location Jan. 8. Miracle of Love was awarded a check for $192,642.18 from The SMART Ride Jan. 9 to assist with its HIV/AIDS services in Central Florida. The Rainbow SemDems announced Jan. 13 its newly elected board members: Connie Stolp as president, Salvatore Vieira as vice-president and Emily Everetts and Claudia Thomas as board directors.

The Hammered Lamb celebrates its ninth anniversary Jan. 29.

RESEARCH STUDY Three of the nation’s largest blood centers — Vitaliano, OneBlood and the American Red Cross — in partnership with the LGBT+ Center Orlando are seeking participants to join a new 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. Learn more at ADVANCEStudy.org.

COVID TESTING SITES Orange County and the City of Orlando have four COVID-19 testing sites: Barnett Park, located at 4801 W. Colonial Dr.; Econ Soccer Complex, located at 8035 Yates Rd.; South Orange Youth Sports Complex, located at 11800 S. Orange Ave.; and Camping World Stadium, located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place. All four locations are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until capacity is reached. All locations are all offering Molecular PCR and Rapid Antigen (both nasal) tests at no cost. No appointments are necessary but online pre-registration is required. Go to PatientPortalFL.com to pre-register.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Central Florida artist Ben Van Beusekom (Jan. 20); Watermark Senior Orlando Account Manager Sam Callahan (Jan. 21); The Pride Chamber secretary Michael Deeying, Orlando actor Mike Van Dyke (Jan. 23); Orlando home inspector Paul Kusic (Jan. 24); The Bros in Convo Initiative founder Daniel Downer (Jan. 25); The LGBT+ Center Orlando board member Roxy Santiago (Jan. 26); CR insurance group agent Miguel Rullan-Calaf (Jan. 27); Orlando performer Ellen Jewell, St. Matthew’s Tavern co-owner Matthew Fassl, Orlando thespian Tim DeBaun, Faith Arts Village Executive Director Will Benton, Spooky Empire’s Gina Mongelli (Jan. 28); Central Florida photographer Jenna Michele (Jan. 29); Lightning fast jammer Haley Perry, Orlando performer Apple Teenee (Jan. 30); Orlando Wedding Bells writer Lora Korpar, Orlando drag legend Leigh Shannon, marketing pro Ken Kundis, Orlando Gay Chorus singer Holly CowdenFeld, Orlando juggler Dantei Grace (Jan. 31); Orlando softball hunk Jason Hamm, Southern Nights owner Rick Kowalczyk (Feb. 1); The Center Orlando board member Lee Kirkpatrick (Feb. 2).

COURTESY LOC ROBERTSON

ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER

ALL ABOARD: The cast of TVLand Live’s “Gilligan’z Island” get ready for their three-hour tour at the Clermont Performing Arts Center in Clermont Jan. 7. PHOTO

FREE TESTING: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer visits one of the city’s free COVID testing sites at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Jan. 12. PHOTO COURTESY

PHOTO COURTESY BRYAN DUBAC

COURTESY ORLANDO OTTERS RFC

SMART MONEY: Senior Prevention Program Manager Bryan Dubac with the check for Miracle of Love from The SMART Ride Jan. 9.

INCLUSIVE TEAM: The Orlando Otters RFC rugby team wrap up their second practice at Rose Park in Orlando Jan. 16. PHOTO

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

FOR BETTY: Lauren (L) and Max serve up drinks during the Betty White night fundraiser at Savoy Orlando Jan. 14. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA HIGH STAKES: (L-R) Billy Looper, Roxy Santiago and Tom Christ represent The KindRED Pride Foundation’s Pride Cup at the Compete Sports Diversity Awards + Conference in Las Vegas Jan. 13. PHOTO COURTESY THE

BIRTHDAY BOY: Publisher Rick Todd celebrates his birthday at Watermark’s Orlando Office with a balloon and giant cookie Jan. 13.

GIRL ON FIRE: Myki Meeks (center), with Callie Miller and Trevor Starr in Guy Fieri-inspired costumes, at Southern Nights in Orlando Jan. 11. PHOTO COURTESY MYKI MEEKS

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WEDDING BELLS

Jeff Multer and Eric Casaccio from St. Petersburg, Florida

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Dec. 25, 2020

WEDDING DATE:

Oct. 9, 2021

WEDDING VENUE:

First Congregational Church of Wellfleet, UCC in Wellfleet, Mass.

WEDDING THEME/COLORS:

All the colors of the rainbow.

FLORIST:

Sheila Kelley at Kelley’s Flowers

OFFICIANT:

Dr. Rev. Sheila Rubdi

CAKE BAKERY:

P.B. Boulangerie Bistro

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Tiffany Razzano

HEN JEFF MULTER MET HIS FUTURE

husband in Jan. 2019, he thought why not “try an awesome pick-up line?”

He and Eric Casaccio were chatting at Enigma after discovering they had mutual friends. He told him, “Oh, I’ve always loved the name Eric,” which was true, but there was miscommunication. Casaccio assumed Multer was already in a relationship because of a comment a friend had made. “I remember thinking, ‘Why are all the good ones taken?’” Casaccio says. He pushed Multer from his mind until a dating app reconnected them a few months later. Multer recognized him immediately and they had their first date that April, a dinner at the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg Beach. As time went on and they got to know each other better, though they didn’t talk about their careers much. “In the beginning of the relationship, we took it very slow and didn’t rush into anything. We wanted to really know each other organically,” Casaccio says. Eventually they found their lines of work meshed well. Both are in creative fields – Multer is a violinist and concertmaster with The Florida

Orchestra and Casaccio takes on various roles in the film industry, including directing, writing and producing projects. “I think it gave us a sense of, ‘Oh good, this person is on the same page,’” Multer recalls. “We’re both creative artists and give each other the space to do that. It can sometimes be a big, big problem in a relationship … I realized we had potential, not having that roadblock.” The first time Casaccio saw Multer perform, at a Tchaikovsky concerto, he was already feeling personally connected with the violinist. “It was outstanding, just outstanding,” he remembers. “For me it was like, ‘Wow, he can do that too.’” Multer wasn’t part of the second half of the orchestra’s performance and texted Casaccio to see where he and his friend were sitting. “I told him, ‘Congratulations, that was beautiful, but this is your night; don’t worry about us,’” Casaccio remembers. The row they were sitting in was sold out so there wasn’t space for Multer to join anyway, but the

violinist assured him the audience would make room. They were in awe and cleared the row for him, Casaccio confirms. “He sat next to me and held my hand. For the kid who was never picked in gym class, that was bullied, it was such a beautiful moment for me. I felt so loved and safe and so grateful. It was such a special moment.” During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they isolated together in the mountains of North Carolina. “It was just the two of us nonstop. There was nothing to do. We weren’t working. We were in a small house,” Multer says. “It made us both feel pretty comfortable. As many of our friends told us, no married people ever spend that much time together in the entire course of their relationship.” Casaccio adds, “We really got along famously during that time. That kind of demonstrated that we really have an alignment and an understanding of each other. It was probably one of most memorable times of our relationship.” Then, when Casaccio’s mother passed away last year, it was “a very big loss.” He says that “she was all the Golden Girls wrapped into one person. The gays loved my mother. She was a celebrity around St. Pete whenever she would come visit.” The couple began thinking more about their future after her death. On Christmas Day in 2020, they got engaged while visiting New England where they’re both from and have

loved ones. When they got to their stockings at the very end, Casaccio saw a wrapped box. “I thought it was a bracelet or something at first. When I opened it, I realized what it was,” he says. “I was in shock and asked, ‘Is this what I think it is?” Multer got down on one knee and asked Casaccio to marry him. “I just cried. We call it the Oprah Winfrey cry,” he muses. “Of course, I said, ‘Yes.’” With Casaccio’s family in New Hampshire and Multer’s family in Cape Code, they headed north for their wedding. They said “I Do” at the First Congregational Church of Wellfleet, UCC in Wellfleet, Massachusetts on Oct. 9. They were wed “in a beautiful service” in front of a small group, just 22 family members. Multer says that “Neither of us were into the idea of a big wedding.” The church has been “a big part of my family tradition for a long time,” he continues. While it has long been known as “open and affirming,” theirs was first same-sex wedding in the sanctuary. The couple plans to have a celebration in the Tampa Bay area at some point. “We’re kind of hoping that when we start to be able to have fun again without worrying about the next big COVID thing we’ll do a Florida party for all of our Florida friends,” Multer says.

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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