Watermark Issue 29.07: Rainbow Refugee by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ News Source.

March 31 - April 13, 2022 • Issue 29.07

GayDayS sold, set for June return EPIC cycles toward SMART Ride 19

Rainbow Refugee IRQR founder Arsham Parsi comes to Florida advocating for LGBTQ refugees

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // EDITOR’S DESK

page

8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 13 // STATE NEWS

Iranian LGBTQ refugees; they are being killed, they are being discriminated against on a daily basis and we need to do something for them. This is our social responsibility. – ARSHAM PARSI, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL RAILROAD FOR QUEER REFUGEES

15 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 21 // TALKING POINTS 37 // EVENT PLANNER 39 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 41 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 42 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 43 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 46 // THE LAST PAGE ON THE COVER

page FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL:

page RAINBOW

REFUGEE: IRQR founder Arsham Parsi comes to Florida advocating for LGBTQ refugees. Photo by Morteza Ranjbar Illustration by Ky Vian

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20 LGBTQ films coming to the festival’s 31st outing in Orlando.

WATERMARK ISSUE 29.07 // MARCH 31 - APRIL 13, 2022

COMING BACK

SEEKING SUPPORT

ON HOLIDAY

LAST PAGE

page

page Empath Partners in Care cycles toward SMART Ride 19.

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

GayDayS, Inc. is sold as it makes its return to June this year.

Karloe Foreman is Billie Holiday in freeFall’s “Lady Day.”

We check in with Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, new ED of Hope CommUnity Center.

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EDITOR’S

Ryan Williams-Jent MANAGING EDITOR Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

F EVERYTHING I THOUGHT I

might write about in this issue, my personal thoughts on swimming were nowhere near the top of the list. I’ve never been that great at it and as far as my interest in the sport goes, it’s always ended at Tom Daley. In fact, my interest in most sports stops there. More power to those who do, but annual Pride Nights aside I’ve just never been a big fan of watching folks prove they’re athletically inclined. That’s probably in part because I never have been, though I’m pretty good at video games and hate watching people play those too. Of course I don’t carry as many psychological scars from PlayStation as I do Sportsball. Even at 37 years old I have the occasional nightmare about sixth grade gym. An obviously gay, asthmatic kid in Husky jeans and a “Star Trek” T-shirt was just never going to excel at baseball, but despite that likelihood – and instead of showing a little LGBTQ solidarity – my lesbian P.E. teacher made me strike

WATERMARK STAFF

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

out three times in a row. That’s nine swings and nine misses in front of every bully on the bench, a tragic tale for another time. My childhood trauma and aversion to athletics aside, I was still happy to learn LGBTQ history was made March 17 during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division championships. That’s when University of Pennsylvania student Lia Thomas, who in the weeks prior Sports Illustrated called the “transgender swimmer dividing America,” became the first trans woman to win an NCAA Division I title. I’ll admit I had to google what an NCAA Division I title was, but since it was such a cool thing for our community I knew right away that

I was #TeamLia. LGBTQ people are everywhere and do everything, so representation everywhere and in everything matters. Some very vocal folks on the internet have disagreed in the weeks since, most disappointingly among them members of the LGBTQ community. From the safety of their keyboards, sudden swim fans have declared Thomas had no right to compete. It’s all been a page ripped right from J.K. Rowling’s spellbook. Critics have argued that being assigned male at birth gives humankind an inherent advantage in competitive sports, something I – along with anyone who attended my middle school – can assure you isn’t the case. But the fact remains that Thomas didn’t break a single record during the championship. From what I’ve read, it’s never been about that for her. “I just want to show trans kids and younger trans athletes that they’re not alone,” Thomas has said. “They don’t have to choose between who they are and the sport they love.” That’s a message we should all be able to get behind, especially in Florida where LGBTQ youth are a favorite target for the Republican-controlled state legislature. In a lesson straight from Mar-a-Lago and with one eye on the White House, our governor even weighed in on Thomas and her victory to declare it void. In an actual proclamation, Ron DeSantis declared that her time of 4 minutes and 33.24 seconds didn’t best the championship’s runner-up, who came in at 4 minutes and 34.99 seconds. Talk about alternative facts. Trans women are women – not just when they’re fighting for LGBTQ rights at Stonewall and beyond or we’re obsessing over the cast of “Pose” – but always. That includes when they compete on a swimming team, and every member of our community should work to make that clear

for those who don’t understand or disagree. Thomas is more than a political pawn, she’s a person. It’s unfortunate that so many people in and outside of our community seem to have forgotten that, particularly as the world deals with much larger issues. We examine one of those at length in our new issue, highlighting Arsham Parsi ahead of his local speaking engagements. The activist is the founder and executive director of the International Railroad for Queer Refugees, an organization working to resettle LGBTQ refugees. He details how we can all help make a difference.

Trans women are women – not just when they’re fighting for LGBTQ rights at Stonewall and beyond or we’re obsessing over the cast of ‘Pose’ – but always.

In Tampa Bay news, an arrest is finally made in the murder of Jenny De Leon and EPIC cycles toward SMART Ride 19, their first ride as a beneficiary. In State news, DeSantis signs his latest anti-LGBTQ bill into law. In Arts and Entertainment, we gear up for the Florida Film Festival in Orlando. We also chat with Karole Foreman, who’s starring as LGBTQ icon Billie Holiday at freeFall Theatre. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

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

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CONTRIBUTORS NATHAN BRUEMMER

Nathan Bruemmer is an LGBTQ+ advocate and social justice warrior uplifting our youth and transgender community. Page 17

DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management, and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity.com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Page 19

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EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

S THE OLD ADAGE GOES: “SHOW

me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.”

I’m sure we have all heard that at some point in our lives from a parent, guardian or a teacher. But for those few who haven’t heard this phrase before, it means you are a product of those you surround yourself with and if you are surrounded by people who are hateful, mean and nasty, well that is how others are going to see you as well. Through most of my life, I have wanted to be a journalist. While I have had many in the profession I have looked up to, two of them stood out as individuals who, at least in professionalism, I wanted to model my own career after. The first was former host of NBC’s “Today” show Matt Lauer, who fell completely off the list of people I admire when it was revealed in 2017 that he allegedly sexually harassed and assaulted

several work colleagues. It was in the reporting of this story and the same type of allegations against Harvey Weinstein that led to me admiring the talent and reporting skills of Ronan Farrow. The other journalist I looked up to was Anderson Cooper. I was particularly in awe of Cooper because he was not only consistently one of the best journalists on CNN but, like me, he is also openly gay. Coming home from work and turning on CNN to watch “Anderson Cooper 360” became a nightly ritual all through college and even into working here at Watermark. While working as the Tampa Bay staff writer in 2017, I was given a chance to interview Cooper’s friend and New Year’s Eve co-host Andy Cohen for a road show the two had coming

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

to Tampa. As it is already known around the office, my chat with Cohen was not one of my favorites. Whether he was having a bad day or is always like that behind the scenes, Cohen was very curt, rude and seemed bothered that he had to do any interviews for the show. At one point during the phone interview, he stopped to snap at a passerby on the street and take a selfie. Not someone I would actively pursue for another chat. What is interesting is that after that interview, it was like the rose-colored shades were shattered and I started to see tones of Cohen in Cooper when I would watch him. I was also still surprised over his response earlier that year to Kathy Griffin and the infamous Trump head photo when he turned his back on his friend. Once seeing Cooper and Cohen on CNN’s New Year’s Eve show, they seemed like a pair of Mean Girls to me and I haven’t been a regular watcher since. The company you keep says a lot about you. That doesn’t just apply to people though. The same goes for companies, groups and organizations. You may preach support and acceptance but are your actions matching your words? That brings me to a recent announcement from one of Central Florida’s largest conventions, MegaCon. The pop culture convention is one of my favorite events that comes to Orlando. I am a geek to the core and love to gather with all my fellow geeks and nerds in a safe and fun environment to share in our love of superheroes, sci-fi, fantasy and more. Also as a member of the LGBTQ community, I reveled in how unapologetically MegaCon embraced its queer fans. So much in fact that the LGBT+ Center Orlando last year began hosting a safe space oasis at the convention. I was surprised to see MegaCon announce that “The Mandalorian” actress Gina Carano would be a part of this year’s convention.

Carano, who is a former MMA fighter and an extreme right conspiracy theorist, has been accused of being transphobic, racist and anti-Semitic because of her continually posting on social media comments, photos and memes that are transphobic, racist and anti-Semitic. Instantly, the online announcement started to get hundreds of comments which could mostly be broken into two categories: people concerned that her appearance will bring in close-minded, toxic fans and close-minded, toxic fans praising MegaCon for “owning the libs.” I’m all for having a diverse

MegaCon is supposed to be about having fun, being accepted, celebrating diversity & feeling safe to express yourself in whatever way you want to do that.

group of celebrities and fans attend. MegaCon — like all fan conventions — is supposed to be about having fun, being accepted, celebrating diversity and feeling safe to express yourself in whatever way you want to do that, but I would argue that by bringing in anyone who is known for sharing hateful misinformation and views that are insensitive to marginalized groups expresses that those values are not important to the host. Show us your friends and we can tell who you are.

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CONTRIBUTORS NATHAN BRUEMMER

Nathan Bruemmer is an LGBTQ+ advocate and social justice warrior uplifting our youth and transgender community. Page 17

DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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

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central florida news

THE CENTER ORLANDO PULLS OUT OF MEGACON Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Actress Gina Carano, best known for her role as Cara Dune in the first two seasons of the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” has been announced for this year’s MegaCon in Orlando as part of its “Star Wars” lineup. Carano was let go from the hit Disney+ series in February 2021 after several months of tweeting comments many called anti-trans, racist and anti-Semitic. She was also called out for tweeting what appeared to be support for several conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election. LucasFilm issued a statement Feb. 10, 2021 through The Hollywood Reporter after the hashtag #FireGinaCarano began trending on Twitter. “Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future,” a Lucasfilm spokesperson said in a statement. “Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.” Within minutes of making the announcement, MegaCon’s Facebook post was filled with comments from people both criticizing and commending the addition of Carano to the convention. The annual pop culture convention, the largest of its kind in the southeastern U.S., draws fans from all walks of entertainment life from TV, film, comics, anime and every corner of every fandom under the message of “discover, celebrate, belong.” Last year, MegaCon began working with the LGBT+ Center Orlando to provide an LGBTQ safe space at the Orlando convention, a space that was expected to again be offered at this year’s con. Dr. George Wallace, CEO of The Center Orlando, and members of The Center’s board spoke with representatives from MegaCon after Wallace said to the convention organizers via email that he was “troubled” when he heard they announced Carano’s appearance at this year’s convention. “While we are proud of serving the LGBTQ+ safe space at MEGACON last year, we feel it is counterproductive for the organization to book a celebrity with anti-trans sentiments. As you can see from the comments on the recent Facebook post made by MEGACON, several bring up safety concerns,” Wallace stated in an email to MegaCon. “This decision was not made lightly, but we will not be moving forward with our partnership this year but hope to continue the conversations. I hope that the executives can learn a valuable lesson, including that Orlando will not tolerate highlighting a person who has disparaged many marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.” Watermark reached out to MegaCon for comment but did not hear back from them.

MegaCon 2022 is scheduled for May 19-22 at the Orange County Convention Center.

PASSING IT DOWN: (L-R) New

GayDays owners Joseph Clark and Thomas Souriya with current owners Tommy and Chris Manley. PHOTO

COURTESY JOSEPH CLARK

Coming Back GayDayS sold, set for June return Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | After nearly 30 years, owners Tommy and Chris Manley are selling GayDayS, Inc. “Tommy and I have been doing this for about 27 years,” Chris Manley says. “He bought the domain name in ’94, we were volunteers at the first year’s event, and we’ve loved doing it but I’m going to be 65 this year and I feel it’s time to pass the baton.” The baton is being passed to Joseph Clark, the current VP of GayDayS, Inc., and his husband Thomas Souriya, both of whom have worked with GayDayS for the last 12 years. “It’s just an honor to be offered an opportunity to take over what these guys have worked so hard on for 30 years and both Thomas and I want to see it expand and get bigger because it has that potential to do it,” Clark says. “I can remember coming down to Orlando and attending my first Gay Days event, seeing the seas of red shirts at Disney and then going to the host hotel and seeing the parties, shortly after that is

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when I got involved with Chris and Tommy with Taste of Gay Days. As the years went on this GayDayS family has developed.” This will be Chris Manley’s final year as president of GayDayS, Inc. but that doesn’t mean he is done. “It’s time to hand it over but we will be involved in some manor for as long as they want us to,” he says. “We love the event and never just want to walk away from it but it is going to be in amazing hands.” GayDayS will also be making its return to the first weekend in June for the first time since 2018. The organization has had to cancel its events for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that in 2019, they had moved events to later in the summer, Manley says, after not being able to book the DoubleTree hotel they had held the events at before. GayDayS will be taking over the Avanti Palms Resort May 31-June 6. Clark says fans can expect GayDayS to continue their events on the first weekend of June moving forward indefinitely. One aspect of the weekend that is up in the air for many attending is whether or not to go to the Magic Kingdom for Gay Day in

their red shirts. Disney has been under fire due to their muted response to the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill with many choosing to boycott the House of Mouse. GayDayS will still recommend select theme parks for each day as they have in the past for those who still plan to take in the parks while in Orlando. “There will be the diehard Magic Kingdom fans who will go no matter what and if they are wearing their red shirts, that there is a statement,” Manley says. “That is saying gay to the world. We recommend if you plan on going to any of the parks, make your own red T-shirts and put “Gay!” on them, put something about the issue on your shirt.” Clark agrees, saying that while the first Gay Day at Disney happened at the Magic Kingdom, GayDayS has always encouraged guests to experience all that Orlando has to offer. He says that if you don’t want to do that, that’s OK too. You are more than welcome to spend the whole time at the hotel. “We are throwing an event that is all about inclusion so if you are one of those who are boycotting Disney parks then by all means, stay with us,” he says. “We have diverse events every day that are for everyone no matter who you are and what you do.” GayDayS will be at Avanti Palms Resort May 31-June 6. For tickets and more information, visit GayDayS.com.

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TAMPA POLICE CHARGE SUSPECT IN MURDER OF TRANSGENDER WOMAN Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | The Tampa Police Department has charged Damien Rashard Marshall with the murder of Jenny De Leon, a 25-year-old transgender woman who was found dead late last year. Officials opened a homicide investigation after finding De Leon in the 8500 block of 9th St. N. near Fairbanks Ave. in Tampa Nov. 2. De Leon, who was transient, frequented the Sulphur Springs area. Marshall has also been charged in the murder of Linda Harris, another woman whose body was found Sept. 27. “Damien Marshall was developed as a person of interest in both homicide investigations,” TPD announced in a press release March 12. “Through surveillance, DNA and various investigative techniques, detectives developed probable cause to charge Marshall with the murders.” Marshall, who is currently in jail, was arrested Nov. 16 for failure to register as a sex offender. Charges of First Degree Murder for De Leon and Harris were added to his case. De Leon became the 46th known transgender or nonbinary person violently killed in 2021, a number that grew to at least 57 to become the deadliest year on record. Area organizations reflected on her life before, during and after last year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, hosting vigils and raising awareness about her death. “There are no words for what Jenny was to me,” De Leon’s sister Iriss told Watermark at the time. “I want justice for her.” Jenny De Leon had previously attended chapter meetings of PFLAG Tampa, which has offered LGBTQ-affirming support, education and advocacy to those in need throughout Tampa Bay for more than a decade. “PFLAG Tampa is devastated to hear of the recent murder of Jenny De Leon,” the organization shared last year. “Jenny, like many of the youth we encounter, attended our chapter meetings seeking support in the beginning of her transition, ultimately finding placement in a home through two PFLAG Tampa members. Jenny was an enigmatic, bright soul with enough energy to fill any room.” According to pre-trial documents which utilize Jenny De Leon’s deadname, Marshall has denied committing either homicide. The suspect did admit to “engaging in sex acts … and being with the victim at the crime scene.” Watermark spoke with Iriss De Leon, who confirmed TPD has reached out to her family. “It brings peace to me that they found this man, but that’s about it,” she says. “It doesn’t bring Jenny back!” Marshall, 40, faces first-degree murder charges. According to Hillsborough County records, an arraignment will be held virtually April 1 and pretrial meetings for the suspect begin April 19.

EPIC RIDE: SMART Ride 18 participants in 2021. PHOTO COURTESY EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE

Seeking Support EPIC cycles toward SMART Ride 19 Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | Empath Partners in Care is seeking community support as the nonprofit cycles into its first year as a beneficiary of The SMART Ride, currently scheduled for its two-day, 165-mile bicycle ride in late November. Participants in the annual event, the only ride of its size to donate 100% of funds collected to its cause, have raised nearly $14 million for AIDS service organizations throughout Florida since 2003. EPIC was named as a beneficiary for this year’s 19th ride in January. EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim and others crewed SMART Ride 18 after the Tampa Bay region’s previous beneficiary opted not to continue in the role. “We are thrilled to have Joy and the EPIC team with us this year,” Weinzimer told Watermark in January. “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.”

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In appreciation for their efforts last year, SMART Ride also presented EPIC with a $60,000 donation. “It was an honor for our EPIC team to have participated as crew members during the 2021 SMART Ride,” the organization shared afterwards. “Thank you, SMART Ride, for making a BIG impact in the HIV community.” Winheim says the funds are being utilized to provide for patients in unique and exciting ways, from offering personalized client services to covering costs at EPIC’s Sexual Health Center. “We’ve been able to provide things that have no way of being covered by insurance,” she explains. “We get used to having to say no to clients and it’s allowed us to say yes.” In preparation for this year’s ride, EPIC has formed a new SMART Ride team. “We are EPIC” consists of 11 riders and three crew members, positions which are described as “the most important support system we have to keep our riders safe, physically fit and cared for” by organizers. They include licensed massage therapists, doctors, nurses and RNs, physical therapists, chiropractors, truck drivers and

first responders. Winheim says that while crewing can be more difficult than cycling, it’s a week you’ll never forget in either role. EPIC hopes to find at least 25 people to round out their team. “In our first year we just want to show SMART Ride how committed EPIC is to making sure we do our part to help raise money for agencies across the state,” Winheim says. Fundraising is well underway for SMART Ride 19, something representatives from “We are EPIC” and other local teams including the Tampa Bay Area Cyclists will discuss with potential participants April 16. The information session will be held at Inclusivitea in St. Petersburg from 10 a.m.noon, with other opportunities to learn more coming soon throughout Tampa Bay. “None of the teams care which team you join,” Winheim notes. “Just join us. SMART Ride is such an amazing event where people all come together. “If you think you can’t ride, you can,” she continues. “If you think you can’t crew, you can. If you don’t really want to do either one of those, join us for a fundraiser! It really is such a great cause to be involved in and an amazing week that you will not regret.” SMART Ride 19 will be held Nov. 18-19. To learn more about joining “We are EPIC,” email JoyWinheim@EmpathHealth.org. To donate funds and learn more about this year’s ride and EPIC, visit TheSMARTRide.org and MyEPIC.org.

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DESANTIS SIGNS FLORIDA’S ‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ BILL, LAW TAKES EFFECT JULY 1 Jeremy Williams

ALLAHASSEE | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557 – Parental Rights in Education, better known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, into law at a school in Spring Hill March 28. The controversial law will forbid discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in school classrooms for certain grade levels. It will also ban discussion on those two topics in any grade level if not deemed “age-appropriate,” although the law does not define what that means, and would allow a parent to sue a school district for violations. “We will make sure that parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination,” DeSantis said at the bill’s signing.

Equality Florida’s executive director, Nadine Smith said in a statement that DeSantis signed the bill “in the most cowardly way possible today.” “He hid his agenda from the media and the public until the last moment, skulking onto a charter school campus that is exempt from the law and away from students who would protest his presence,” Smith said. “He has attacked parents and children in our state by invoking hateful anti-LGBTQ stereotypes all to pander to his right-wing base as he prepares to run for President in 2024. “DeSantis has damaged our state’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place for all families, he has made us a laughing stock and target of national derision,” she continued. “Worse, he has made schools less safe for children. Equality Florida will defend the rights of all students to have a healthy environment to learn and thrive and for all parents to

know their families are included and respected. This law will not stand and we will work to see it removed either by the courts as unconstitutional or repealed by the legislature.” The bill passed in the state House Feb. 24 by a vote of 69-47 and then in the state Senate by a vote of 22-17 March 8. While supporters have stated it is meant to give parents control over what their children learn in school, opponents of the new law say that it is bigoted and does nothing but silence LGBTQ youth. “All children need and deserve supportive environments where the reality of [the LGBTQ] spectrum is embraced, taught, and discussed,” wrote the One Orlando Alliance in a statement. “As supporters of the Don’t Say Gay or Trans Bill continue their bigoted course of action and their appalling narratives about our community, One Orlando Alliance reaffirms our commitment to fight

for the belonging and thriving our LGBTQ+ community, families, and children.” Several members of the Florida House who opposed the bill reacted to its signing, including out Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Michele Rayner, as well as LGBTQ ally Rep. Anna V. Eskamani. “By signing #DontSayGay into law, DeSantis is attempting to censor and exclude an entire community of people from our public schools of his own political Gain,” wrote Guillermo Smith. “This law doesn’t solve any problem that exists.” “My heart is heavy, as it has been during the entirety of this legislative session and display of despotism,” Rayner wrote. “I am the first openly queer Black woman to be elected to the Florida House and it gives me comfort during this trying time to know there will be many after me.” “I want to be clear that identifying as LGBTQ+ and caring

about LGBTQ+ kids is not a ‘leftist agenda’ nor is it inappropriate for educators to acknowledge the fact that LGBTQ+ people are real and exist,” Eskamani stated. “The intent of this bill is to erase queer students and eliminate any programming that helps them feel safe and supported.” The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus also addressed DeSantis’ signing of the bill. “It’s clear where Ron DeSantis’ priorities are,” Caucus President Stephen Gaskill said. “Of all the challenges Florida is facing and bills passed during the legislative session, he jumped at the opportunity to demonize LGBTQ+ Floridians,” he continued. “His shameful bigotry is cynically designed for partisan gain and authoritarian rule at the expense of LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families. It’s not a political game though when lives are on the line.” The new law will go into effect July 1.

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

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nation+world news

THOMAS BECOMES 1ST TRANS NCAA SWIM CHAMP Wire Report

TLANTA | Lia Thomas took control in the final 100 yards of the 500-yard freestyle to make history March 17 as the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming championship. Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania senior who entered the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships as the top seed, had a season-best time of 4 minutes, 33.24 seconds. “I didn’t have a whole lot of expectation for this meet,” said Thomas. “I was just happy to be here and race and compete the best I could.” Virginia’s Emma Weyant was second at 4:34.99.

The race was close until the final 100 yards, with Weyant and Erica Sullivan of Texas pushing Thomas for the lead. The three swam in lanes three through five, adding to the drama, with Thomas in the middle. As was the case in a preliminary win, Thomas was stronger at the end. She won the preliminary race at 4:33.82. Sullivan was third at 4:35.92. Stanford’s Brooke Forde was fourth at 4:36.18. Thomas also was the top seed in the 200 freestyle March 18 and the 10th seed in the 100 freestyle March 19. Thomas has followed NCAA and Ivy League rules since she began hormone replacement therapy in 2019. The inclusion of the transgender swimmer created

controversy, even within the sport. There were fewer than 10 protesters outside the Georgia Tech facility, and some carried banners which read “Save Women’s Sports” in the stands. “I try to ignore it as much as I can,” Thomas said. “I try to focus on my swimming .. and just try to block out everything else.” Thomas spoke with ESPN immediately after the race but would not participate in the official news conference, as required by the NCAA. Since participation is required, possible action could come following evaluation by the NCAA’s swimming and diving championships committee. Tennessee’s Julia Mrozinski won the consolation final with a time of 4:37.35. Northwestern’s Lola Mull was second.

Soon after the 2015 Supreme Court decision in which same-sex couples won the right to marry nationwide, Davis, a Christian who has a religious objection to same-sex marriage, stopped issuing all marriage licenses. That led to lawsuits against her, and a judge ordered Davis to issue the licenses. She was sued by gay and straight couples, and spent five days in jail over her refusal. She was released only after her staff issued the licenses on her behalf but removed her name from the form. The state legislature later enacted a law removing the names of all county clerks from state marriage licenses. Davis, a Republican, ultimately lost her bid for reelection in 2018. Democrat Elwood Caudill Jr. is now the county’s clerk. Davis had argued that a legal doctrine called qualified immunity protected her from being sued for damages by couples David Ermold and David Moore as well as James Yates and Will Smith. The U.S. Supreme Court in October 2020 left in place a decision that allowed the lawsuit to move forward, declining to take the case. Michael Gartland, an attorney for the plaintiffs in the case, told WKYT-TV “they couldn’t be more happy that they’re finally going to

get their day in court and they’re confident justice will be served.” Liberty Counsel, the law firm that represents Davis, said the case could return to the Supreme Court. The group pointed to comments on the 2020 ruling by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, when he wrote for himself and Justice Samuel Alito. Thomas wrote that while he agreed with the decision not to hear the Davis case regarding the immunity claims in 2020, it was a “stark reminder of the consequences” of the court’s 2015 decision in the same-sex marriage case. Because of that case, he wrote, “those with sincerely held religious beliefs concerning marriage will find it increasingly difficult to participate in society without running afoul” of the case “and its effect on other antidiscrimination laws.” “Kim Davis is entitled to protection to an accommodation based on her sincere religious belief,“ said Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman. “This case raises serious First Amendment free exercise of religion claims and has a high potential of reaching the Supreme Court.”

JUDGE: DAVIS’ LICENSE DENIALS VIOLATED RIGHTS Wire Report

federal judge has ruled that a former Kentucky clerk violated the constitutional rights of two same-sex couples who were among those to whom she wouldn’t issue marriage licenses – a refusal that sparked international attention and briefly landed her in jail in 2015. U.S. District Judge David Bunning in Ashland issued the ruling March 18 in two longstanding lawsuits involving Kim Davis, the former clerk of Rowan County, and two same-sex couples who sued her. With the decision, a jury trial will still need to take place to decide on any damages the couples could be owed. Bunning reasoned that Davis “cannot use her own constitutional rights as a shield to violate the constitutional rights of others while performing her duties as an elected official.” “It is readily apparent that Obergefell recognizes Plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment right to marry,” the judge wrote, referencing the landmark same-sex marriage Obergefell decision. “It is also readily apparent that Davis made a conscious decision to violate Plaintiffs’ right.”

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IN OTHER NEWS LESBIAN JUDGE ALISON NATHAN CONFIRMED TO COURT OF APPEALS The U.S. Senate in a 52-45 vote on March 23 confirmed U.S. District Court Judge Alison Nathan’s nomination by President Joe Biden to become a judge on the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Nathan is only the second openly LGBTQ woman to serve on a federal appellate court. The first is current Second Circuit Judge Beth Robinson from Vermont. Nathan has served as a United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York since 2011. She previously served as Special Counsel to the Solicitor General of New York from 2010 to 2011.

ANTI-LGBTQ BILLS PASSED IN OKLAHOMA

The Republican-held majority Oklahoma State Senate has enacted passage of multiple anti-LGBTQ bills including a 37 to 7 vote on Senate Bill 2, which would restrict transgender girls from playing on school sports teams that match their gender identity. SB 2 now heads to Republican Governor John Stitt’s desk where, if signed, it would become the third anti-transgender sports ban enacted into law this year. In addition to SB 2, the Senate also passed two additional anti-LGBTQ bills, SB 9 and SB 1100 that continue to advance through the state legislature. If enacted, these bills would ban materials about LGBTQ people and topics in the classroom and restrict access to gender-affirming documents for nonbinary youth in the state.

HIGH COURT REJECTS CHRISTIAN GROUP, BISEXUAL LAWYER CASE The Supreme Court says it won’t review the case of Seattle-based Christian organization Union Gospel Mission that was sued after declining to hire bisexual lawyer Matthew Woods who applied for a job with the organization. A lower court let the case go forward, and the high court said March 21 it wouldn’t intervene. In 2016, the mission was looking for an attorney to help staff its legal-aid clinic. Woods, who had volunteered at the clinic for more than three years, planned to apply but was told that his application would be rejected because the organization’s “code of conduct excludes homosexual activity” leading Woods to sue.

WISCONSIN SENATOR CALLS TRANS WOMEN ‘CREEPY’ Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson said during a virtual town hall March 22 that he objects to transgender women competing in women’s sports and said it is “creepy” when trans women are allowed to use women’s bathrooms. Johnson is up for reelection in November. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry said banning trans women from competing in women’s sports is transphobic while Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, another Democratic Senate candidate, said if he’s elected he would fight to pass the Equality Act.

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viewpoint

Nathan Bruemmer, JD

KEEPING IT REAL Visibility, Hope and Action

T you.

HE 2022 LEGISLATIVE

session in Florida was . Go ahead, insert a word. I dare

Try to pick just one. I suppose the word might depend on what issues caught your attention or on what side of the issue you may fall. As the legislative session started earlier this year and last-minute bills were filed up to the deadline on Jan. 11, our local, state, and national advocacy organizations were at the ready. They quickly reviewed the long list of filed bills and set their legislative agendas – and as the proponents showed their hands through their talking points and tweets, the reality of this legislative session became quickly evident. Whether you only caught the headlines as you scrolled past social media posts, caught some highlights on the evening news, received emails from some of the many organizations leading the legislative fights, or even jumped on a legislative debrief call for the deeper analysis and sordid details – you couldn’t miss Florida politics under the spotlight this year. It was international news. Our phenomenal advocacy organizations, leaders and everyday citizens joined forces, rallied resources and pulled off an amazing feat to focus all eyes on the fight happening in Florida. After all, it was a fight that would soon be seen many other states. As the public rallying crescendo peaked, I realized I witnessed one of the most responsive calls to action I have ever experienced. Session came on fast and

furious, and so our collective response would need to be the same. I suppose you could reflect on the 2022 Florida legislative session with a few choice words, some strong opinions or some political armchair quarterbacking about the battles we lost. Some may even be experiencing a gnawing knot in their gut. Perhaps a deep abiding fear of what may happen next in our state? I’m certain I’ve moved through all these phases and predict I may experience some more. But I also reflect on something more from this legislative session – all the good news! Yes, there was good news. While some days the rhetoric and political theater used to fill campaign coffers and push an unwanted agenda of censorship and surveillance seemed to be the only news out of Tallahassee, I found on other days – on many other days – something else leading the news headlines. I’m talking about the people. While social media was all a-twitter, the response from the people on the ground in Florida was beautiful. Hundreds and thousands gathered in protest and in community in cities and towns across Florida. The State Capitol was a revolving door of citizen engagement as coalitions of organizations, parents, youth and pastors drove to Tallahassee week after week and let their voices be heard. The cheers, rallying and dancing that greeted our equality champions at the Florida House and Senate were amazing. Students across Florida led their own movements with protests and walkouts. Local community organizers, veterans, and more held protests large and small. As session ended March 11, I realized I was in for a couple of awkward weeks. I found my experiences had left me energized and in a bit of a political shell shock. As

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I realized that Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31 was fast approaching, the shock subsided, and the energy left me curious. What was it? I realized I walked away from this legislative session with something else. Something undefinable.

about being in the revered and hallowed ground that is the People’s house of Florida – our house – was uplifting. The students’ beautiful, brightly colored hair and chill fashion sense filled the usually dark-suited hallways and was a stark contrast to the ugly reality of why they

I reference isn’t the concerns of safety we must continue to respect. The danger is in the undeniable truth that our fight for equality continues and there are clearly many more young warriors stepping into the battle. Yes, this legislative

I also reflect on something more from this legislative session – all the good news! Yes, there was good news. Something positive. Something good. I could take the easy way out and call it hope, but it’s more than that. I was in awe of the students. I was inspired by those who organized locally, held events and even traveled hundreds of miles to the State Capitol. I admired their attempts to engage with bill sponsors or their staff on the very bills that meant to silence them. Their enthusiasm and smiles

were there. For many of the students it was their first time in Tallahassee – and while their youthful grins and many selfies marked a memory of a cool field trip, they came with a purpose. These students were visible. These students were unflappable. These students were fierce. This year, I reflect on how significant, powerful and dangerous visibility is and can be. The danger

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session brought me hope through the visibility of the people, especially the students. And while hope isn’t much without action, I believe hope can and did galvanize us into action. Let’s carry that action forward now. Together.

Nathan Bruemmer is an LGBTQ+ advocate and social justice warrior uplifting our youth and transgender community.

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viewpoint

Dr. Steve Yacovelli

YOUR QUEER CAREER:

WORK ADVICE FROM ‘THE GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE’ “Don’t Say Gay,” “W.O.K.E.” Advice for a tired advocate

N HIS LATEST COLUMN, DR.

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

Hello “Gay Leadership Dude,” I’m exhausted. Like you, I live in Florida and between the “Don’t Say Gay” fiasco and the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act” shenanigans in our state alone, I’m feeling frustrated and lost; like we’re going backwards. I try to promote equity both in our community as well as in my workplace. What do you suggest I can do to keep up my spirits and continue the fight, and not get frustrated and give up? — Annoyed Advocate Hey Annoyed: I completely hear you. The legislative attacks both here in Florida and in many other states against our LGBTQ+ community definitely are not changes in the right direction, and it has made me feel the same way as you: frustrated, sad, angry and a myriad of other emotions all mixed up in an icky, giant ball. Compound that with the ongoing pandemic, economic worries, unjustified wars, etc. and it’s no wonder people in our community (and beyond) are struggling to cope with it all. One of the things I do for a living is “change management,” or how to manage (usually workplace) changes. New business processes, a new software implementation, a company merger; these are all types of workplace changes that “smart” organizations think

about and strategically plan to adopt (and adapt). Sadly, some organizations just throw the change to their peeps with lots of drama and consequences. While learning the right way to implement change in an organization, I was exposed to the concept of “resiliency,” or how us humans adapt in the face of change, adversity, trauma, tragedy or significant sources of stress. While the concepts of being resilient involves simply “bouncing back” (or in some cases just surviving), it can also be an opportunity for profound personal growth. The good news: there’s a heap of strategies we can leverage to help facilitate that growth. If you search for “resilience,” you’ll find a ton of resources. For me, the Top 3 strategies to be resilient in times of change (like the time we’re facing right now) are: (1) Having a positive view of the world. Studies show that if we tend to look at the world in a more positive manner we tend to bounce back from adversity faster than those who have a more “doom and gloom” perspective. No, it’s not the “Everything is Awesome!” rose-colored glasses thing but being able to find those bright spots even when it’s a crappy time is the key. One trick from psychologists: create a “what went well” journal, where at the end of each day you find five things that went well for you. As you find those things, you’re rewiring your brain to look for those bright spots. (2) Having a healthy self-concept. Think back to your past: have you ever been in a “low” spot? We all have. Having a healthy self-concept means you don’t feel like a victim of changing times; you also know your actions influence those around you. To realize you have a healthy self-concept go back to a “low” point and ask yourself what got you from that lower point to that higher point? Yes, you’ve been in low points before and know that you WILL get out of any future ones as well.

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(3) Handling ambiguity. Finally, this is the hardest one for anyone in the throes of change. Humans by nature don’t like change; change is uncomfortable and hits our “safety” brains. However, when things start to get rough, we sometimes focus our energy where it does the

your control it goes in the dead center. Can’t control it but you can influence its outcome, next layer out. Finally, if it’s something where you have no control nor influence, that goes in the outer ring. 4. Take a step back and consider where your energy is

impact — even if just a little. The great thing about this fight is you are NOT alone: there are heaps of us trying to make a difference and we have a lot of allies who are trying, too. Stay positive, remember your value and focus your energy on that inner bullseye that we can indeed control,

least amount of good. Here’s a strategy that can help: 1. Think about a 3-ring bullseye. Now think of a current issue of significance to you in which you don’t know the final decision or outcomes. 2. After thinking about this issue, make a list of your biggest concerns. 3. Review your list. Plot each concern on that 3-ring bullseye. If it’s something in

being focused. 5. Make a plan to take action on the concerns you can control or at least influence. Look, I know an article with some “these are good tips” may not be enough to alleviate the frustration we’re all facing at this time but the best advice is to take one step at a time, one effort or action that we know will make an

and allow yourself time to rest in between the fight. We’ll all need it.

Stay positive, remember your value and worth, and focus your energy on the things in that inner bullseye that we can indeed control or influence, and allow yourself time to rest in between the fight.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR “THE GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE”? Submit @ YourQueerCareer.com. Please note the advice shared is for informational use only; it is not intended to replace or substitute any mental, financial, medical, legal or other professional advice. Full disclosure can be found at the website listed above.

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talking points

15 STATES

To anybody who has ever questioned your identity ever, ever, ever or find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.

ARE CONSIDERING OR HAVE

ALREADY PASSED

– ARIANA DEBOSE AFTER BECOMING THE 1ST QUEER WOMAN OF COLOR TO WIN AN OSCAR MARCH 27 FOR HER ROLE IN “WEST SIDE STORY”

LAWS

SAME-SEX KISS RESTORED IN ‘LIGHTYEAR’

HE UPCOMING ANIMATED FEATURE “LIGHTYEAR,” STARRING CHRIS EVANS in a titular role based on the “Toy Story” character Buzz Lightyear, will reportedly include a same-sex kiss that was initially cut. Variety reported March 18 the kiss between two female characters, including a lead voiced by Uzo Aduba, was reinstated after employee outrage. The news followed a joint statement sent to Disney from LGBTQ and ally Pixar employees March 9, which accused executives of intentionally censoring “overtly gay affection” in its features. The claims were made as protests over Disney’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” legislation mounted. “Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it,” the letter read. “Lightyear” will become the first Pixar film to open in movie theaters since 2019 on June 17.

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EAN GIRLS” AND “THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE” STAR JONATHAN BENNETT married television host Jaymes Vaughan March 19. The grooms, who announced their engagement in late 2020, were wed at the Unico Riviera Maya Hotel in Mexico surrounded by more than 100 of their loved ones. “When you’re part of the LGBTQ+ fam, not everything in the wedding space is for you yet,” Vaughan told People Magazine. “The whole purpose of our wedding is to come together and join the two of us together, join our families together and start a new family.” Bennett added that “as we were going through this process, we realized that our wedding is also more than just about us. It’s about the entire community.”

LGBTQ ARTISTS SET FOR GRAMMYS

HE GRAMMY AWARDS ARE BRINGING SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST POP ACTS to perform during the Las Vegas ceremony, scheduled for April 3. The Recording Academy announced its first slate of performers March 15, a list which includes Brandi Carlile, Brothers Osborne and Lil Nas X. Jack Harlow, Olivia Rodrigo, BTS and Billie Eilish are among others featured. The show will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS and Paramount+ with host Trevor Noah. Jon Batiste is the leading nominee with 11 nods in a variety of genres including R&B, jazz, American roots music, classical and music video. Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. are tied for the second-most nominations with eight apiece.

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LAMBDA LITERARY NAMES FINALISTS

ICTION BY LAUREN GROFF AND KRISTEN ARNETT, erotica by Samuel R. Delany and nonfiction by Daisy Hernandez are among this year’s nominees for the Lambda Literary Awards, known as the Lammys. The awards have been given for the year’s best LGBTQ books since 1989. Groff’s “Matrix” and Arnett’s “With Teeth” are nominees for best lesbian fiction. Delany is a finalist for his novel “Big Joe” while Hernandez’s “The Kissing Bug” is a finalist in the bisexual nonfiction category. “The modern movement to ban access to LGBTQ books for young people is horrendous, but we hope the publishing industry continues backing these remarkable works in volume to meet that resistance,” Lambda Literary shared in the announcement.

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Rainbow Refugee IRQR founder Arsham Parsi comes to Florida advocating for LGBTQ refugees

Jeremy Williams

LIREZA FAZELI MONFARED WAS

only 20 years old when he was murdered by family members in his home country of Iran in May 2021. Reports by LGBTQ organizations and press in the area stated Fazeli Monfared was kidnapped by his half-brother and two cousins who beheaded him and dumped his body under a palm tree near the city of Ahvaz. The men reportedly contacted Fazeli Monfared’s mother afterwards to tell her where she could find his body.

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Fazeli Monfared was murdered because he was gay. His half-brother learned of Fazeli Monfared’s sexual orientation through a military service exemption card that allowed Fazeli Monfared to skip the mandatory military duty required in Iran because they deemed his being gay a “mental illness.” Fazeli Monfared’s partner, activist Aghil Abyat, spoke with the online news source Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty telling them that Fazeli Monfared was due to travel to Turkey to join him just four days later.

“He had told me that he had been threatened by his half-brother,” Abyat told RFE/RL. Iran is one of about a dozen countries in the world that allow the death penalty as a punishment for homosexuality. Some of those, like Fazeli Monfared, are murdered before any government involvement by family members. They do so as a so-called honor killing, justifying killing a member of their family as the murderer feels they brought dishonor on the family name. CONTINUED ON PG. 27 | uu |

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| uu | Rainbow Refugee FROM PG.23

These laws, cultural and religious beliefs lead many LGBTQ Iranians to flee their homes and seek resettlement in a more tolerable country. Arsham Parsi is the founder and executive director of the International Railroad for Queer Refugees, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ rights in Iran and works to help settle LGBTQ refugees in Canada and the U.S. He understands the plight of being LGBTQ in Iran and the need to escape the country because Parsi, who is Iranian and openly gay, became a refugee when he had to flee his home 17 years ago. “I left on March 5, 2005 at 12:45 p.m., that’s when I crossed into Turkey,” Parsi says. “I was granted refugee status, I got asylum and then I came to Canada on May 10, 2006, which I call my second birthday.” Growing up in Iran, Parsi says it was difficult being gay because Islamic law and culture there teaches that being gay is against God, so resources are nowhere to be found. “We are growing up with nothing; no organizations, no books, no counselors, nothing for us to know more about ourselves,” he says. “In Iran, and even in the neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, we had to grow up and learn about sexual orientation in other ways. The first thing we learn is that we are sinners and we have to be executed. We have to be hanged, stoned to death. We have to be cut in half by a sword. That was the punishment for homosexuality. Imagine you are a young teenager and you feel that you are different and the first thing that you find out is the method of killing. We grew up with trauma.” Parsi got his first taste of LGBTQ community and activism in 2001 when he was 19 years old. “I always say Google saved me because the first time that I had internet I was told you can search anything on it, so the first thing I searched was ‘men.’ Then I searched another word, which was ‘gay,’” he says. “I learned all this new gay terminology and I found out that I’m not the only person in the world with these feelings because before that I thought it was only me.”

RAINBOW REFUGEE: Arsham Parsi, who is Iranian and openly gay, fled his home country in 2005 and resettled in Canada a year later where he founded the International Railroad for Queer Refugees. PHOTO FROM PARSI’S TWITTER Most of the information Parsi found about being LGBTQ was in English, so he started to translate it and launched an online support group for LGBTQ Iranians called Rangin Kamin, or Rainbow Group, that same year. “I found other people who were like me through chatrooms, and I found gay people in my town and even met some of them, which was a very scary feeling,” Parsi recalls. “Meeting in person is very risky and dangerous and you have to be super careful. That sense of community that we have in western countries, they don’t have that in Iran. “One of the friends I met killed himself when his parents found out about him, they caught him in the bedroom with his boyfriend,” he continues. “That was the saddest moment of my life. At 19, I made a pledge to myself that I have to do something in order to stop the abuse. On that day I didn’t know what I had to do, the only thing that was on my mind is something needed to be done.” Parsi’s Rainbow Group became the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization and later the Iranian Queer Organization, expanding to be more inclusive of members of the LGBTQ community and the various people of Iran.

In 2005, Parsi found out that several of his friends who had been working with him were taken by the local authorities and that they were looking for him as well. He says because of the danger of being an LGBTQ activist in Iran many of them, including himself, used pseudonyms. “They were looking for me but they were looking for me using my nickname,” Parsi says. “That gave me time to go. I decided that I needed to leave because I needed to keep the movement alive and I was trying to build a network of information we could share, and there wasn’t a way for me to do that in Iran now.” Parsi took a train from Shiraz to the Iranian capital in Tehran, and then rode a bus overnight to a town near the Turkish border. Parsi boarded a train in Tabriz and crossed into Turkey, becoming a refugee. “I just felt that I’m stepping into exile and I can’t go back,” Parsi, noting he was crying when the train left Iran and entered Turkey, said during a 2014 interview with the Washington Blade. “It’s such a difficult feeling that you have to go and you have no rights to come back. If you go back, they may kill you.” When Parsi resettled in Toronto, Canada about a year

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later, he continued his advocacy for LGBTQ refugees by launching the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees. The group’s name is meant to honor Canada’s part in the Underground Railroad, a network of people offering shelter and aid to escaped slaves from the South in the 19th Century and was the first Iranian nongovernmental organization in the world. The organization later updated its name to the International Railroad for Queer Refugees in 2016 when it became a 501(c)3 and the Canadian government asked them to expand their services to support non-Iranian LGBTQ refugees as well and since 2018 has been assisting LGBTQ refugees from several countries including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Parsi says the IRQR has helped about 2,200 LGBTQ refugees get into Turkey, a majority of who are granted refugees status by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, but are now stuck in limbo waiting to come to either Canada or the United States. “When President Trump took office, they stopped all of the refugee programs for five countries, including Iran, and that was bizarre for us,” Parsi

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says. “On one hand you disagree with the Iranian regime and you call them bad people, then on the other hand people who are trying to escape from that same regime that you say you hate, you say to them you can’t come to the United States.” On Jan. 27, 2017, then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order referred to by opponents as “The Muslim Ban,” that banned travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — and suspended the resettlement of all Syrian refugees. Several iterations on the order would go on to include countries in South America and Africa, and essentially killed any idea of resettling refugees in the U.S. during the Trump administration. “A lot of them had already processed their application when everything was stopped by the United States and they are still now stuck in a limbo situation,” Parsi says. “The UNHCR were not able to refer them to other countries because they were already referred to the United States and were not rejected. They received a referral and told to wait. Nothing happened. “There are a lot of refugees still waiting to be resettled in the United States, and the U.S. accepting them was a big factor for the U.N. to accept them,” Parsi continued. “There number was about 10,000 refugees a year from that region of the world and it is basically about a thousand right now.” With the Muslim Ban stopping refugee resettlement in the U.S., the IRQR turned to Canada to take in more. “The Canadian government increased their quota for refugees but it’s not enough,” Parsi says. “Immigration Canada is facing 1.8 million applications to review and they are basically asking us for solutions how they can overcome these backlogs, and the answer is very easy — hire more people, hire more immigration officers to do the work.” Parsi added that the rise of COVID on top of the U.S. ban and Canadian backlog is overwhelming the system. “COVID stopped everything and it’s become a new excuse for not doing the job,” he says. “I am told ‘because of COVID everything is delayed,’ yes but you have to

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REVERSING COURSE: President Joe Biden, on his first day in office, signed executive orders including one reversing the Trump Administration’s “Muslim ban” that restricted entry into the U.S. from majority-Muslim countries. PHOTO IN PUBLIC DOMAIN

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do something about it. COVID is the new excuse but we are not giving up, we continue to fight. We always try to maintain the level of emotional estate of the refugee and on the other hand ask the international community and governments to do more in order to save these people because we don’t’ want to lose them while they are in Turkey.” According to the UNHCR, there are more than 26 million refugees worldwide, with nearly 4 and a half million being asylum-seekers. Parsi says that LGBTQ refugees are some of the most vulnerable among them and need to be prioritized. “LGBTQ persons are not even 1% of the refugees,” Parsi says. “Turkey is a very conservative and religious country, so they don’t like the LGBTQ refugees being there. They don’t want them there. I try and tell the government, compared to the total amount of refugees, if you were to take all 2,200 of the LGBTQ refugees, it is basically nothing. But it doesn’t happen.” While not as conservative as the countries they came from, Turkey is far from being an accepting place for LGBTQ people and has been a hostile environment for refugees who identify as LGBTQ. Many have experienced discrimination, harassment and in many cases violence against them. “For four years they are in a limbo situation,” Parsi says. “For

four years they have had to pay rent, for four years they had to work and risk being arrested in Turkey because refugees cannot work there, they do not have work permits. Four years is a lot of days, a lot of hours not knowing what is going on. That is a lot. When Biden took office we were all happy that something may happen soon, something is going to change but still we don’t see a vivid change. Because it’s been ignored. They see there are refuges who are stuck and

calling for more to be done in the wake of the Muslim Ban reversal. “Those refugees have paid a political price and the U.S. has stopped, the Canadian pipeline is overwhelmed and then COVID happened,” Parsi says. “President Biden promised he was going to start it back up and we don’t see the tangible movement right now. They tell us that stopping the program is easier than starting it back up and that reinstating it will take time. I understand what they are saying but I disagree. If

WAITING FOR ACTION: Iranian LGBTQ refugees in Turkey are waiting for years in most cases to be resettled in the U.S. and Canada. PHOTO FROM TWITTER With the Canadian system backlogged and the U.S. system essentially nonexistent, the IRQR has started up an LGBTQ refugee sponsorship program in Canada. “This sponsorship program is something we can do within Canadian immigration guidelines,” Parsi says, “and it allows a private sponsor to bring over a refugee. We have to pay for the first 12 months of their expenses. So we fundraise, we raise money from friends, family and others, and we were able to

When they are sponsored ...

They are given a chance at a life. they say ‘oh we are so sorry about this.’” When President Joe Biden took office, one of the first things he did was reverse The Muslim Ban enacted by the previous administration. On Jan. 20, 2021, Biden issued a proclamation “ending discriminatory bans on entry to the United States” and refugee advocates rejoiced. But now more than a year later, little is being done to start the process back up. In February, more than 100 immigrants’ rights, civil rights and civil liberties, and community-based organizations committed to protecting the rights of Muslim, African, Arab, Iranian, Middle Eastern and South Asian communities signed on to a letter to the Biden Administration

there was an executive order to stop refugees processing then there should be able to be an executive order to immediately start it back up and begin the process. “He was put in office in part to fix this and I’m sure that the Americans who voted for him, especially those who are LGBTQ, one of the reasons they did was the refugee crisis,” Parsi continued. “There’s a lot of U.S. organizations that work with refugees, they have to be prioritized. Especially the LGBTQ ones. I’m not an American citizen, but if I was I would be asking President Biden, ‘What happened to my issues?’ So I ask all Americans to hold your politicians accountable.”

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— ARSHAM PARSI

sponsor about 70 refugees, and all but about 20 of them have come to Canada in the last two years. The rest are in process. “Right now, if we have 23,500 Canadian dollars, which is about $19,000 U.S., we can bring someone from Turkey to Canada,” Parsi says. “This fund is for their first 12 months of expenses. 23,500 dollars for saving someone’s life. When they are sponsored over, they are given a residence to live and they get a work permit so they can work. They have health care. They are given a chance at a life.” Parsi is coming to Florida for a lecture series to discuss his activism and the work of the IRQR, as well as raise awareness about the refugee situation and the sponsorship program. He will

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be at New College’s Sanier Hall in Sarasota April 5 at 6:30 p.m. and Rollins College’s Bush Auditorium in Winter Park April 6 at 6 p.m. For those who want to help, Parsi says there are several ways that you can get involved. “The easiest thing someone can do to help is keep asking your senators, your representatives for help; tell them they need to do something,” he says. “Demand that the government, on any level, do something. Petition, hold events to raise awareness, hold your politicians accountable. If you are able to support the sponsorship program, then donating is a big way to help. Even if you don’t have the financial means to bring a refugee over safely, they can start fundraising. Talk to other people, friends and family about helping.” Parsi adds that in order to get LGBTQ refugees to safety, it’s going to take action and support from a lot of dedicated people but it is something we all have to be a part of. “Iranian LGBTQ refugees; they are being killed, they are being discriminated against on a daily basis and we need to do something for them,” he says. “This is our social responsibility. Our social job isn’t to share something we saw on social media and then we are done. We have to roll up or sleeves and do more than just these things online.” Arsham Parsi will be at New College April 5 and Rollins College April 6. For free tickets, go to SarasotaWAC.org. or Rollins. edu/RMA/Events.

EXPO

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL 20 LGBTQ films coming to the festival’s 31st outing

Jeremy Williams

HILE A BUNCH OF POLITICIANS

in Tallahassee may be afraid to say “gay” and “trans,” the Florida Film Festival will be shouting it from the movie screen with nearly two dozen films that explore stories about sexual orientation and gender identity in its 31st annual film fest.

The Florida Film Festival, hosted by the Enzian Theater since the festival’s inception in 1992, will be April 8-17 and will screen 167 films representing 37 countries. Of the selected films, 145 have premiere status, 24 of which are world premieres, and 20 of them are LGBTQ-themed.

“This year’s lineup includes 84 women and 8 nonbinary filmmakers — the most in our 31-year history and 55% of our total programming — and their voices will be represented throughout every part of the festival,” said Matthew Curtis, Florida Film Festival

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programming director, in a press release. The 19 features and 59 short films in the American Independent Competition will be eligible for up to three awards each: a Grand Jury Award for best film in that category, a Special Jury Award given at the jury’s discretion for exceptional achievements and an Audience Award determined by audience votes for Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Best Short Film. International films are also eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature and Best International Short, and an Audience Award will be given for the Best Midnight Short as well. CONTINUED ON PG. 32 | uu |

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T. Morales was given when he was a high school student. Told in collaboration with Morales, his daughter/star/co-writer Victoria Leigh (Liz), and her friend/star/co-writer Bridget McGarry (Stacy), the film — which is making its Southeast premiere — is a sweet, funny and smart teen comedy that provides an authentic and representational voice, while exploring the differences between being a teenager over 25 years ago, in contrast with what younger generations actively experience today.

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The Florida Film Festival also holds the distinct honor of being one of only a handful that are Academy Award-qualifying in all three Oscar shorts categories: Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Documentary Short Subject; meaning any short film that is in competition that falls into any of the three categories and wins a grand jury prize is automatically eligible to be nominated for an Oscar the following year. The festival isn’t just about watching movies (although that’s a big part of it), it is also about celebrating film. The festival’s opening night party will be April 8 starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Winter Park Events Center’s Tiedtke Amphitheater and Belvedere and the Awards Bash will be April 16 starting at 8 p.m. at Artisan Motorcars. In between you can celebrate at the festival’s block party during their brunches, take in live music at Eden Bar and more. To help you get your festival plan started, we have gathered information on this year’s LGBTQ-themed films including showtimes, brief descriptions of the films, competitive status and more. To check out the full schedule for the 31st annual Florida Film Festival, get more information on other festival events and to purchase tickets, go to FloridaFilmFestival.com.

“Beautiful They”

DIRECTED BY CLOUDY RHODES AUSTRALIA | 2021 | 11 MIN. APRIL 16 AT 2:30 P.M.; APRIL 17 AT 5:45 P.M. Violet and Blue bond over an early morning toke in this lyrical, soul-stirring, queer surf-romance that flows along the waves of gender nuance and the sanctuary of truly being seen. “Beautiful They” is a part of International Shorts #2.

“Broken Wing”

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN SUTAK U.S. | 2021 | 56 MIN. APRIL 10 AT 6:15 P.M.; APRIL 13 AT 1 P.M. Adonis, an injured black vulture with a broken wing, is a local hero in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His survival depends on Jayne Lakhani, a waitress and artist who develops a special bond with Adonis. If you have never seen a vulture excited to

“Generation Wrecks” is a Competition Narrative Feature.

“Girls & The Party”

DIRECTED BY PALOMA LÓPEZ U.S. | 2021 | 5 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 4 P.M.; APRIL 13 AT 8:30 P.M.

LGBTQ FILM: (Top L, clockwise) Stills from upcoming LGBTQ festival films “Up Close,” “F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K,” “Neptune Frost” and “Fanny: The Right to Rock.” PHOTOS COURTESY FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL see someone, it’s surprisingly joyful and moving to witness. Years ago, Jayne’s life was derailed when she was also seriously injured in an accident. She has a fondness for caring for people and animals who may be seen as “broken.” She takes in Ann, an 80-year-old, formerly homeless Brit, who is quite the character and presents another challenge for Jayne. However, Jayne’s kindness, empathy and charm rarely fades, even when she recounts her own traumatic past and her emotions around her LGBTQ identity. Jonathan Sutak, who last directed “Dons of Disco,” returns to the festival with a very different kind of film. “Broken Wings,” which is making its Southeastern premiere, is a quirky yet intimate story about finding love, friendship and community in the most unlikely of places. “Broken Wings” is a Competition Documentary Feature and will be preceded by the film “Dad Jokes.”

“cosboi”

DIRECTED BY GOSHA SHAPIRO U.S. | 2022 | 15 MIN. APRIL 10 AT 4:30 P.M.; APRIL 14 AT 7 P.M. Inspired by cosplay advice videos on TikTok, a genderfluid teen uses rideshare trips to try on different personas in a quest to determine their own identity. “cosboi” is making its East Coast premiere and this year’s festival is only the film’s second U.S. screening. “cosboi” is a part of Shorts # 4: “I’m Free.”

“Ever Wanting (For Margaret Chung)”

DIRECTED BY TINA TAKEMOTO U.S. | 2022 | 6 MIN. APRIL 16 AT 10 P.M. Inspired by San Francisco’s first Chinese American female physician, “Ever

Wanting (For Margaret Chung)” is a found-footage film from the director of “Wayward Emulsions” that envisions the euphoria and despair of Margaret Chung. “Ever Wanting (For Margaret Chung)” is making its East Coast premiere and this year’s festival is only the film’s second U.S. screening. “Ever Wanting (For Margaret Chung)” is a part of Sunspots: New Visions of the Avant Garde.

“F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K” DIRECTED BY HARRIS DORAN U.S. | 2022 | 13 MIN. APRIL 10 AT 4:30 P.M.; APRIL 14 AT 7 P.M.

A Baltimore rapper accidentally gets high after a show and, knowing the vindictive supervisor at his civil-servant workplace intends to “randomly” drug test him, he attempts extreme detoxification to keep his job. “F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K” is making its East Coast premiere. “F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K” is a part of Shorts #4: “I’m Free.”

“Fanny: The Right to Rock”

DIRECTED BY BOBBI JO HART CANADA | 2021 | 96 MIN. APRIL 11 AT 4:30 P.M.; APRIL 14 AT 9:30 P.M. Sometime in the 1960s, in sunny Sacramento, two Filipina American sisters got together to play music. Little did they know their garage band would evolve into the legendary Fanny—the first all-women (and partially queer) band to release an LP with a major record label (Warner/Reprise, 1970). Despite releasing five critically acclaimed albums, touring with some of the greats and amassing a dedicated fan base of music legends including

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David Bowie, Fanny’s groundbreaking impact in music was written out of music history. With incredible archival footage of the band’s rocking past — intercut with its next chapter, recording a new LP in their late ’60s — the film includes interviews with a large cadre of music icons, including Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Bonnie Raitt, The Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine, Todd Rundgren, The Runaways’ Cherie Currie, Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian, The B52’s Kate Pierson and many more. Fighting early barriers of race, gender and sexuality in the music industry — and now ageism — the incredible women of Fanny are finally ready to claim their hallowed place in the halls of rock ‘n’ roll fame … and it’s about time!

“Generation Wrecks”

DIRECTED BY KEVIN T. MORALES U.S. | 2021 | 112 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 4:45 P.M.; APRIL 12 AT 9:15 P.M. Set in 1994, “Generation Wrecks” follows 11th graders Stacy and Liz, who were best friends until the seventh grade when a mysterious event drove them apart. Stacy joined the popular crowd and Liz fell in with the freaks and became a goth. After years of antagonizing each other, Stacy is moved to repair the friendship when Liz experiences a family trauma. Featuring supporting turns from Emily Bergl (“Shameless,” “Mindhunter,” “Desperate Housewives”) and Heather Matarazzo (“Welcome to the Dollhouse,” “The Princess Diaries,” “Scream”) and a kick-ass alternative soundtrack featuring The Pixies, Beastie Boys, The Flaming Lips, Blind Melon, Beck and many more, this John Hughes-esque coming-of-age movie is a unique story based on a homework assignment that director Kevin

Between boy talk and makeup, a young woman navigates her blossoming attraction for her friend. “Girls & The Party” is making its Florida premiere. “Girls & The Party” is a part of Shorts #2: “Come See About Me.”

“Homebody”

DIRECTED BY JOSEPH SACKETT U.S. | 2021 | 75 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 11:30 A.M.; APRIL 14 AT 6:45 P.M. Nothing is quite as special as a child’s relationship with their babysitter, and nine-year-old, genderqueer Johnny is obsessed with theirs, Melanie — so much so that they’ve transmitted their spirit right into her body. But when mom comes home early, Johnny must navigate the world as an adult woman (clothes, make-up, would-be boyfriends, witnessing childbirth as a doula). The result is a visually playful and emotionally resonant take on high-concept body-swap movies like “Freaky Friday” and “Big” that digs more deeply into the beauty and complexity of queer childhood and nascent gender expression. Starring Colby Minifie (“The Boys”), Maria Dizzia (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”), Whitmer Thomas (also appearing in this year’s feature film “The Civil Dead”) and newcomer Tre Ryder as Johnny, this feature debut from Joseph Sackett (“Dominant Species”), inspired by his own genderqueer childhood (except for the body-swapping part, we think), is a sweet comedy-fantasy that’s sure to be fun for the whole family. “Homebody” is making its Southeast premiere.

Note to family audiences: This film contains mild profanity and a birthing sequence. While not rated, it is comparable to a PG-13.

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“Homebody” is a Competition Narrative Feature.

“I Won’t Let You Get Lost”

“Up Close”

DIRECTED BY SAM GURRY U.S. | 2022 | 3 MIN. APRIL 16 AT 10 P.M.

DIRECTED BY DAKOTA RENÉE U.S. | 2021 | 10 MIN. APRIL 16 AT 12:30 P.M.

A tactile exploration of earthly hungers using animated domestic objects. From the director of “Winner’s Bitch,” “Up Close” is making its world premiere.

A UCF student’s personal experience in coming out as a bisexual trans man to their mother presents in a series of interviews that take place in both subject’s cars. Through the combination of these interviews, we witness a very personal coming-out experience from two distinct perspectives. “I Won’t Let You Get Lost” is making its world premiere.

“Up Close” is a part of Sunspots: New Visions of the Avant Garde.

“Valentine”

DIRECTED BY BECK KITSIS AND CHRIS MCNABB U.S. | 2022 | 10 MIN. APRIL 10 AT 1:30 P.M.; APRIL 14 AT 4:30 P.M.

“I Won’t Let You Get Lost” is a part of Sunshine & Swampland: New Florida Shorts.

“My Parent, Neal”

DIRECTED BY HANNAH SAIDINER U.S. | 2021 | 8 MIN. APRIL 13 AT 6:45 P.M.; APRIL 15 AT 8:30 P.M. In this sweet documentary rendered in a watercolor visual style, the director interviews her parent about coming out as transgender, the process of transitioning and what it has meant for their relationship. “My Parent, Neal” is making its Florida theatrical premiere. “My Parent, Neal” is a part of Shorts #5: Animated Shorts: “Tell Me Is It True.”

“Neptune Frost”

DIRECTED BY ANISIA UZEYMAN AND SAUL WILLIAMS U.S./RWANDA | 2021 | 105 MIN. APRIL 15 AT 10:45 P.M. Multi-hyphenate, multidisciplinary artist Saul Williams (star of “SlamNation”) brings his unique dynamism to this Afrofuturist, queer, experimental, sci-fi musical. Co-directed with his partner, Rwandan-born artist and cinematographer Anisia Uzeyman, the film takes place in the hilltops of Burundi, where a group of escaped miners form an anti-colonialist computer hacker collective. From their camp in an otherworldly e-waste dump, they attempt a takeover of the authoritarian regime exploiting the region’s natural resources — and its people. When an intersex runaway and an escaped miner find each other through cosmic forces, their connection sparks glitches within the greater divine circuitry. Executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and set between states of being — past and present, dream and waking life, colonized and free, male and female, memory and prescience — “Neptune Frost” is an invigorating and empowering direct download to the cerebral cortex and a call to reclaim technology for progressive political ends. “Neptune Frost” is in English, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Swahili and French with English subtitles.

DON’T MISS: (Top L, clockwise) Stills from upcoming LGBTQ festival films “Valentine,” “My Parent, Neal,” “Beautiful They” and “Warsha.” PHOTOS COURTESY FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL

“Poser”

DIRECTED BY NOAH DIXON AND ORI SEGEV U.S. | 2021 | 87 MIN. APRIL 11 AT 6:45 P.M.; APRIL 14 AT 9:15 P.M. Lennon (Sylvie Mix) is a disconnected loner who starts a podcast to interview musicians and narrate the story of her local music and performance art scene. As she transitions from being an outsider fan to the close friend of the hip front woman of Damn the Witch Siren (Bobbi Kitten playing herself), Lennon’s intentions take on more a sinister and obsessive spirit. Set in the real-life underground music scene of Columbus, Ohio, and featuring the actual musicians, “Poser” provides an authentic chronicle of a burgeoning arts scene while transforming it into the setting for a Single White Female-style suspense thriller. “Poser,” the feature debut of music video directors Noah Dixon and Ori Segev, wowed audiences at its Tribeca premiere, took home the Grand Jury Prize at the Nashville Film Festival and is now making its Florida premiere. This film is a phenomenal example of the kind of regional filmmaking that is hyper-focused in time, place and setting, yet is universal in its themes of identity and loneliness. “Poser” is a Competition Narrative Feature.

“Sirens”

DIRECTED BY RITA BAGHDADI U.S./LEBANON | 2022 | 78 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 9:30 P.M.; APRIL 13 AT 9:30 P.M. In every band’s lifetime there comes a critical moment when the big question is “can we keep this going?” Slave to Sirens is at that moment. Based in Beirut, Lebanon, the Middle East’s first all-female thrash metal band must deal with civil unrest, a failing electrical grid, economic

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instability and—the most dangerous menace of all—the crumbling relationship between their guitarists, Lilas and Shery. Defying family expectations of early marriages and gender norms, the pair discovered heavy metal, formed the Sirens and explored a romance before backing away. Now they wrestle with an uncomfortable detente, united mostly by gigantic riffs and the age-old hope that music will be a road to somewhere else. Can they keep this going? Director Rita Baghdadi, who shot the footage herself for several years, captures something much deeper than a behind-the-music band doc. This is a coming-of-age story for people who understand they might not be alive tomorrow. Just as Beirut itself must find a way to survive amidst endless street protests and explosions, Lilas and Shery must wrestle with friendship, sexuality and destructive tendencies if they’re to succeed in their pursuit of becoming rock stars together. “Sirens” is making its Southeast premiere. “Sirens” is in English and Arabic with English subtitles and is a Competition Documentary Feature. This film will be preceded by “Stranger Than Rotterdam with Sara Driver.”

“Surviving Pulse: Life After a Mass Shooting”

DIRECTED BY ALEXA SHEEHAN U.S. | 2022 | 73 MIN. APRIL 11 AT 6:15 P.M.; APRIL 16 AT 1:15 P.M. On June 12, 2016, Pulse’s weekly “Latin Night” was in full swing on S. Orange Ave. Just over 300 patrons were dancing and laughing as last call rolled around 2 a.m. Moments later a terrorist attack shattered the seemingly “safe space” of one of Orlando’s beloved gay bars.

When the madness subsided, 49 beautiful souls were lost, dozens more injured and a community of thousands was left broken. In the aftermath, blood was donated, memorials were held, millions of dollars raised, fingers pointed and some politicians offered hopes for change, while others offered little more than lip-service, but Orlando is strong and somehow got through it. But what has happened since that night to the survivors — the ones who lost friends and lovers, who are bonded together by an unthinkable act of violence? This powerful and amazingly hopeful testament gathers together many of the people who hunkered down in bathroom stalls and behind the bar (many of whom have never spoken before) and allows them a space to share the details of that night and the ongoing effects of living through a “national tragedy” from an incredibly intimate perspective. How have their lives changed and what struggles remain? “Surviving Pulse” is making its world premiere.

“The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” DIRECTED BY FAWZIA MIRZA U.S./CANADA | 2021 | 11 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 1:30 P.M.; APRIL 12 AT 6:30 P.M.

From the writer/director/star of “I Know Her,” a queer Pakistani Muslim woman brings her Puerto Rican partner home for the first time on the family’s annual game night. “The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” is making its Southeast premiere. “The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” is a part of Shorts #1: “Keep on Moving.”

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Directors Beck Kitsis (“The Three Men You Meet at Night”) and Chris McNabb explore the unexpected complications that arise, with gender and identity in flux, as Corey and Mia struggle to redefine their relationship. “Valentine” is making its world premiere. “Valentine” is a part of Shorts #3: “You Just May Be The One.”

“Wake Up, Leonard”

DIRECTED BY KAT MILLS MARTIN U.S. | 2022 | 72 MIN. APRIL 9 AT 9:45 P.M.; APRIL 13 AT 7 P.M. Leonard (co-writer/producer Nigel DeFriez) is a young gay man with a patchy beard and clip in his hair. It’s the eve of his birthday, and he’s moving into a new place and getting some advice along the way from his sister and his mom as he prepares for a date with his ex. Part comedy, part self-help nightmare, “Wake Up, Leonard” follows one man’s quest for wellness while failing miserably to stay on his vibe. “Wake Up, Leonard” is making its Florida premiere. “Wake Up, Leonard” is a Competition Narrative Feature.

“Warsha”

DIRECTED BY DANIA BDEIR FRANE/LEBANON | 2022 | 15 MIN. APRIL 15 AT 4:30 P.M.; APRIL 17 AT 2:45 P.M. A Syrian migrant volunteers to work the highest and most dangerous crane at a construction site, if only for a moment of peace and freedom. Winner of the Short Film Jury Award for International Fiction at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. “Warsha” is making its Southeast premiere. “Warsha” is in Arabic with English subtitles and is a part of International Shorts #1.

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THEATER

On Holiday

Karole Foreman brings ‘Lady Day’ to freeFall Theatre revivals from the Ebony Repertory Theatre, the only African American professional theatre company in Los Angeles. It’s currently being presented at St. Petersburg’s freeFall Theatre through April 24. Watermark spoke with Lady Day herself, star Karole Foreman, about Billie Holiday’s authenticity, legacy and more.

WATERMARK: WHY IS LIVE THEATER STILL SO IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY WHEN TELLING A STORY LIKE BILLIE HOLIDAY’S?

PHOTO BY CRAIG SCHWARTZ

Ryan Williams-Jent

ILLIE HOLIDAY’S IMPACT ON

modern music is undeniable. Known for her innovative and improvisational style, the American jazz pioneer’s voice has captivated audiences across the world since the 1930s.

Also known as Lady Day, the entertainer was a Black, openly bisexual woman who was unabashedly herself on and off the stage, characteristics the era seldom celebrated. Despite the odds, she enjoyed mainstream success throughout the 40s. With that spotlight came scrutiny, however, and Holiday – who struggled with substance abuse – was targeted by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics for lending her voice not just to song but to injustice in the South. Holiday’s hits included “Strange Fruit,” a song protesting the lynching of Black Americans. She began singing it in 1939 and never publicly stopped, even after

the federal government sent her to prison on drug charges and until her untimely death at 44 in 1959. In the years since, Holiday has been celebrated as the cultural phenomenon she was, inspiring films like “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and Lanie Robertson’s 1986 play “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” “The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death,” it’s officially teased. The show has taken on new life since its premiere, from productions starring Broadway legend Audra McDonald to award-winning

KAROLE FOREMAN: Gathering together as groups is just one of the most primal things that we as human beings need. It’s how we connect with our tribes. I think art can open up those spaces for us and it’s a necessary part of how we’re evolving. It’s an indication of where we are as a culture and what we value – and as for Billie Holiday, this play that Lanie Robertson has written, it’s loaded. It’s not only a look at Lady Day as an artistic figure, but what I appreciate about it is that Lady Day isn’t remembered as a victim or a drug addict. Even though she was victimized, even though she had issues with substance abuse, we remember her because of her artistry. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Her voice is singular, there’s not been a voice like it with the range and the depth she had. But it’s also a look at our history as Americans, as Black people in America, and how she was treated. I imagine how different her life would have been if she wasn’t singled out by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. If she had gotten treatment for her substance abuse. If they hadn’t taken away her cabaret card, which gave her the ability to make a living in New York City after she was in prison. Would she still be alive now? What kind of music would she had been making with other artists? So to me, in spite of the circumstances of her life … it’s incredibly triumphant, her story.

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It’s a chance to look back, like we’ve all done these past two, almost three years now. We have really been coming to terms with racism in America and how it has stymied all of our lives. DO YOU THINK THAT’S WHY HER STORY HAS SEEN SUCH A RESURGENCE?

Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Because there’s more information out there. But even in the play Lady Day talks about agents coming to her midnight shows and arresting her because they felt like maybe she was on something. For singing “Strange Fruit,” a protest song. She was singing about people who were hanging, lynching, murdering Black bodies, right here in America through the 50s. You know, an anti-lynching bill just passed [March 8 in the U.S. Congress] – it just passed. So we’re well aware of the stain of bigotry and racism, and yet in spite of that, we still have the emergence of great artists like Billie Holiday. To me, it’s a way of celebrating her brilliance, celebrating her humanity. It’s a triumphant story, because in spite of that we still have this gift of her artistry and her music, which is timeless because she is brilliant. WHY DO YOU THINK LGBTQ AUDIENCES CAN CONNECT WITH THE PLAY?

Because she tells the truth. I think those of us who come up marginalized, we don’t have time for the BS or the social construct of avoidance. Of “we don’t like that, so we’re not going to talk about it” or “That makes us uncomfortable, so we don’t even want to acknowledge that exists.” She was openly bisexual, it wasn’t something that she hid. She was with a socialite at the time by the name of Louise Crane, and also Tallulah Bankhead … and in the FBI reports, they labeled her “a sexual deviant,” which of course was alluding to her bisexuality. I think that was another reason why she was targeted. It’s not

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directly addressed in the play, but I don’t think she needed to necessarily identify herself. When you saw her on stage, that’s who she was, and that’s what I’ve also come to love about her — the courage she had to be herself in that time, to live authentically and be who she was. WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME FAMILIAR WITH HOLIDAY?

As a young child, my dad was a big jazz fan. I remember, when I was younger, I think it’s “Lady in Satin,” which was one of her last recordings. He put it on and I had to leave the room because I had never experienced such sadness. I didn’t understand it as a young person. Lady Day, I didn’t really start investigating her music until my 20s. I was listening to Nancy Wilson, who was my first influence, to Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald and only peripherally knew about her story going around, that she was a heroin and drug addict that died tragically at 44. That was all I knew about Lady Day, and then of course Audra McDonald did this show. I began to read about her and then my director approached me almost four years now about the role. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO PLAYING HER?

To me, Lady Day is an onion. Every time I find out something about her, there’s something new, there’s something deeper. What is also striking to me was her sense of humor. She tells these tragic stories and then she finds something just so ludicrous about it. She had a remarkable ability to tell the painful truth about her situation, then find the absurdity in it and still have the ability to laugh at it and about it. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR AUDIENCES?

Come for the music, come for the joy. Come back to theater! Netflix and streaming will be there when you get home. This story is a celebration. I think people will be inspired, uplifted and encouraged. We’re excited to come to St. Petersburg. Come out and see us!

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” runs most Wednesdays-Sundays through April 24 at freeFall Theatre, located at 6099 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit freeFallTheatre.com.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

UCF Celebrates the Arts

“CATS,” March 29-April 3, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Greggie and the Jets – The Ultimate Elton John Experience, April 1, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford. 407-321-8111; WDPAC.com Kimora Blac, April 1, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando We Will Rock You!: The Music of Journey & Queen, April 2, The Springs, Longwood. OrlandoPhil.org Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, April 2, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org 33rd Annual Fiesta in the Park, April 2-3, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. 407-855-0606; FiestaInThePark.com Henry Rollins, April 7, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org Miss Coco Peru is Bitter, Bothered & Beyond, April 7, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Popcorn Flicks in the Park: “Black Panther,” April 7, Central Park, Winter Park. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org Trixie and Katya Live, April 9, Hard Rock Live. Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/Live/Locations/ Orlando Ballet Ball: A Night with “The Great Gatsby,” April 9, Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org Justin Bieber: “Justice,” April 11, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7900; AmwayCenter.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 5-SATURDAY, APRIL 16 DR. PHILLIPS CENTER, ORLANDO

TRUE BELIEBER Justin Bieber brings his “Justice” tour to Tampa’s Amalie Arena April 9 and Orlando’s Amway Center April 11 after its 2021 postponement. PHOTO VIA BIEBER’S FACEBOOK

Be Kind To Your Mind, April 12, The Stafford House, Orlando. 321-926-1336; CommunityHealing. Eventbrite.com

Drag Queen Bingo w/Adriana Sparkle, April 1, Speakeasy Central, St. Petersburg. 727-329-9915; SpeakEasyKavaBar.com

Winter Park Wine & Dine 10-Year Celebration, April 13, Winter Park Farmers’ Market, Winter Park. 407-800-9110; Facebook.com/ WinterParkEvents

Judy B. Goode Cabaret Show, April 2, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com

Bare Bard: “Henry IV,” Part 2, April 1324, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

TAMPA BAY 6th Annual Sunlit Literary Festival, April 1-3, Tampa Bay. 727-798-4530; SunLitFestival.org St. Pete Game Night, April 1, Inclusivitea, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7212; MetroTampaBay.org First Friday w/ DoubleMband, April 1, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 727-329-9994; Facebook.com/SaltyNun

Kimora Blac, April 2, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa 1K Walk and Write (Or Read), April 3, Downtown Waterfront, St. Petersburg. 516-906-2140; WordierThanThou.com Grand Opening Celebration, April 3, Sergeant Mike’s Getup, St. Petersburg. 727-739-5340, SergeantMikesGetup. MySalonOnline.com Bonnie Plumtree Celebration of Life, April 4, Crowbar, Tampa. 813-241-8600; CrowbarYbor.com

“Little Shop of Horrors,” April 6-May 1, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org EPIC Generations: Elders Out on the Town, April 9, The Mahaffey, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org/ Generations Drag Queen Bingo benefiting St. Pete Junior Woman’s Club, April 12, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com Jennifer Real Live, April 14, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com “HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis,” April 14, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com

SARASOTA 24th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, April 1-10, Sarasota Venues and Virtual. 941-364-9514; SarasotaFilmFestival.com

The University of Central Florida returns with its 8th annual UCF Celebrates the Arts at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando April 5-16. This year, the event is bigger than ever, with a multi-day production of an award-winning, family-friendly musical, concerts in the new Steinmetz Hall, lectures and discussions, multimedia events, chamber music, an expanded visual arts presence and more surprises to delight you. Learn more and purchase tickets at Arts.UCF.edu.

LGBTQ+ Community Leader Turnabout TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 7-140 P.M. SAVOY, ORLANDO Come watch local community leaders compete in a drag competition to see which nonprofit can raise the most funds. Hosted by the LGBT+ Center Orlando’s George Wallace and sponsored by Watermark and Savoy, see representatives from The Center, Zebra Coalition, One Orlando Alliance, Contigo Fund and Come Out With Pride try and lip synch for their lives. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP. The event is for 21 and up, and don’t forget to bring plenty of dollars for tipping. For more information and to get tickets, go to The Center Orlando’s Facebook page.

TAMPA BAY Alan Cumming SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 7:30 P.M. STRAZ CENTER, TAMPA LGBTQ icon Alan Cumming returns to the Straz Center for an evening of story and song! “Cumming has performed in concert halls across the globe and onstage he’s played God, the Devil, Hitler, the Pope, a teleporting superhero, Hamlet and more,” the show promises. “Spend an intimate evening with a truly remarkable performer.” Get tickets at StrazCenter.org.

Pride & Passion 2022 SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 8 P.M. TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART, TAMPA Now in its 16th year, Pride & Passion returns with “Vogue, A Glamour Ball!” Attendees are invited to werk, slay and strike a pose at the Tampa Museum of Art fundraiser, inspired by Hollywood’s golden age and the effervescence of LGBTQ ballroom culture. Tickets begin at $90. Learn more and purchase yours at TampaMuseum.org/Pride.

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

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Empath Partners in Care has formed “We are EPIC,” a new SMART Ride team that will participate in the event’s 19th ride from Miami to Key West in Nov. Read more on p. 10. State Rep. Michele Rayner’s U.S. congressional campaign announced March 22 that the candidate has been endorsed by multiple leaders throughout Pinellas County in the race to represent District 13. The list of supporters includes St. Petersburg City Councilmembers Lisa Wheeler-Bowman and Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith, Gulfport City Commissioner Paul Ray, Former State Rep. Ed Narain and Former St. Petersburg City Councilmember Steve Kornell. Learn more at MicheleForFlorida.com. The LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library announced March 18 that the nonprofit has been awarded a $10,000 Florida Humanities grant to support LGBTQ programming. The funds will be used to support SpeakOut, a series of public discussions led by authors and humanities scholars examining the intersections between LGBTQ identity and aging, faith, law and literature beginning April 21. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. ALSO Youth’s ALSO Prom returned for LGBTQ youth March 26. Read about the event at WatermarkOnline.com and at ALSOYouth.com Tampa Pride returned for its eighth celebration March 26, welcoming supporters to Ybor for a full day of entertainment and activities that began earlier that week. View the official Tampa Pride Guide and our full gallery of photos from various events at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Sarasota paralegal Richard Furlow, Tampa Bay server John Reed Replogle (April 1); Tampa Bay-based Concept Bait’s Frank Clemente (April 2); St. Pete airman Kevin Parker, Tampa Bay-based flight attendant Trenton Ferris (April 3); Sarasota actor Matt Craft, Disco Donnie Presents production manager James Dinnan (April 4); Tampa banker Jeff Baker, St. Petersburg nurse Brian Feist, St. Petersburg entertainer Michael Jones, Tampa MCC activist Mac McGowan, Sage Sarasota’s Jordan Rose, St. Petersburg director Eric Casaccio, Largo City Vice Mayor Michael Smith, Shear Excellence owner Denny Newton (April 5); C2Q›s Donny Hill, Public accountant Joel Schmitz (April 6); Sarasota real estate e-marketing director Ken Demmons, Cristoph’s Tampa owner Jacqueline McRay, All Hallows aficionado Nick Okeson (April 7); St. Petersburg HIV/AIDS activist Joe Dobson, Avidchick Design president Jennifer Carter, Tampa Bay entertainer Star Hayes, Project Pride SRQ co-founder Katie McCurry, Sarasota entertainer Grandma Pearl (April 8); Metro employee Mike Hollis; Community Oasis owner Mandy Keyes, Tampa Bay performer Susan Haldeman, Equality Florida staple Jennie O’Leary (April 11); PFLAG Riverview president Faith Moeller, Tampa MCC’s facility manager Mac Williams (April 12); Watermark mom Sama Bender, St. Petersburg ROTC twirler Scott Heli, Tampa Bay internet guru Jordan Butterworth, Tampa Bay entertainer Esme Russell, Florida Paradise Weddings owner Steven Russell (April 13).

2 3

MAGIC HOUR: The St. Petersburg Chamber shares March 23 that its 2022 Leadership St. Pete Class experienced some wonder at the Zubrick Magic Theatre. PHOTO COURTESY

ST. PETERSBURG CHAMBER

VIP TREATMENT: Ryan Sullivan (L) and Nicholas Catania celebrate Tampa Pride’s VIP Sponsors Party ahead of the main event at Hotel Alba March 24. PHOTO BY RICK TODD

SUPER SQUAD: Superheroes from Metro Inclusive Health save the day at Tampa Pride’s health and wellness fair during this year’s festival on March 26. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

FOR THE YOUTH: Project Pride welcomes Prom participants to the March 26 return of ALSO Prom by ALSO Youth. PHOTO

COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

IN SERVICE: PFLAG Tampa leadership receives the Interfaith Service offering at MCC Tampa March 21. PHOTO COURTESY PFLAG TAMPA

MAY THE PRIDE BE WITH YOU: The Tampa Bay Squad Florida Garrison of the 501st Legion takes to the streets for Tampa Pride’s Diversity Parade on March 26. PHOTO

BY CHRISTINA LUCIANA

FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host a “Thank You For Being A Friend” trivia night and bingo at City Side Lounge March 24. PHOTO COURTESY TAMPA BAY SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE

FILM FANS: The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival screens its A-List Monthly Film Series at Green Light Cinema March 20.

PHOTO COURTESY TIGLFF

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS David Rodriguez and Aaron Treat are engaged. The couple made the announcement on social media March 12. Maryah Beary was crowned Miss Rose Dynasty 2022 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando March 20. Venus Envy and Bobby Pins were crowned Miss Lady and Mister Comedy Queen 2022, respectively, during the chairty pageant at Southern Nights in Orlando March 22.

Mr Ms Adrien was crowned National Miss Comedy Queen 2022 at the pageant held March 24 at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando. Vivan Rodriguez retired as U.S. Rep. Darren Soto’s Outreach Director March 25. “I will always treasure many of the wonderful memories that I had working for one of the most dedicated and hardworking members of congress, Congressman Darren Soto FL-09,” Rodriguez wrote on Facebook.” It was an honor to serve the constituents of Congressional District 9.” Rodriguez says she will remain active with the Florida Democratic Party and Democratic National Committee.

The LGBT+ Center Orlando raised nearly $7,000 for the inaugeral Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts during its Singhaus Oscar Party at The Abbey in Orlando March 27. Orlando drag icon Ginger Minj will appear alongside other “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni Kahmora Hall and Kornbeard “The Snack” Jeté in the highly anticipated Disney+ film “Hocus Pocus 2,” premiering this fall.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS XL106.7 radio personality Sondra Rae, Orlando performer Doug Ba’aser (March 31); DJ Lindsey Leigh, Big Bang BOOM! cabaret boss lady Gams D’Vyne, Central Florida musician Melissa Crispo, DJ Twisted Dee (April 1); Former cover model Aaron Sanford-Wetherell, Orlandobased flight attendant James Sparkman (April 2); Darren Charles aka Bridgette Galore, Bowled Over Promotions’ Karyn Bell, Orlando’s Didi Panache (April 3); Orlando playwright David Lee, SOLE Orlando leader Kate Murray, burlesque performer Kissa Von Addams, Bowled Over Promotions’ Dawn Kallio, Orlando bear-tender Sean Wiggins (April 4); Orlando Front Runner Scott Feneck, Miss Florida Bearded Queen Anthony Chiocchi aka Bearonce Bear (April 5); Orlando accountant Leah James, Opera Orlando’s Sarah Purser Bojorquez, Former PFLAG Orlando president Pat Padilla (April 6); Graphic designer Jason Donnelly, Intrepid traveler Jon Taylor, Rollins College costume studio manager Seth Schrager, Applied Veterinary Solutions owner Jean-David Parlier, ally and owner of Dictor Financial Wayne Dictor (April 7); Orange County Mayor’s LGBTQ liaison Marc Espeso (April 9); Orlando lovebird Bobby McCall (April 10); Orlando Fringe performer John Michael (April 11); Equality Florida’s Joe Saunders, Orlando Log Cabin Republican Patrick Howell, Orlando dentist Elena Puig (April 12);Florida Hospital’s Stacy Pease, Former OGC director Aubrey Connelly.

FIRST DAY: New executive director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is welcomed by the Hope CommUnity Center team in Apopka March 28. PHOTO FROM SOUSA-LAZABALLET’S FACEBOOK

FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Watermark Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams and Publisher Rick Todd check out the 2022 Florida Film Festival Program Announcement Party at Enzian Theater in Maitland March 16. PHOTO BY WILLIAMS

LEADING THE WAY: (L-R) Maia Monet, Tatiana Quiroga and Andrea Montanez attend a PNC lunch celebrating Women’s History Month at the Citrus Club March 23. PHOTO FROM

MONTANEZ’S FACEBOOK

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT: Singer Billy Mick (L) with entertainer Tony Orlando after Orlando’s show at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center at The Villages March 23. PHOTO FROM MICK’S FACEBOOK

BITTERSWEET FAREWELL: U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (L) celebrates Vivian Rodriguez as she retires as the Congressman’s Outreach Director in Kissimmee March 25. PHOTO FROM

RODRIGUEZ’S FACEBOOK

BEHIND THE SCENES: Trixie Deluxxe (L) and Detox backstage during the final night of the National Miss Comedy Queen pageant at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando March 24. PHOTO BY ED BOHANNON-DOBSKI

BRING ME SPIDER-MAN!: Mr Ms Adrien, with the help of Kelly Stewart, goes full Sinister Six with her fabulous Doc Ock costume during the National Miss Comedy Queen pageant at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando March 24. PHOTO

FROM PADRON’S FACEBOOK

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…: Gidget Galore hosts The Singhaus Oscar Party at The Abbey in Orlando March 27. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

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ATTORNEY Attorney Alison M. Foley-Rothrock se habla Español!

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHER

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

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C E N T R A L

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MEDICAL The Experts in HIV Care Are Here For You • HIV/STI Care • Hepatitis C Care • PrEP

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THE LAST PAGE people in Central Florida. This means building solidarity-based coalitions and a united front because our communities deserve nothing less than full justice and a true opportunity to thrive.

HOMETOWN:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

IDENTIFIES AS:

Queer and Nonbinary

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO READ IN WATERMARK AND WHY?

PRONOUNS:

He/ Him/They/Them

I am a hopeless romantic, I love reading about people’s weddings and their love story.

OUT YEAR: 2008

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ EVENT?

PROFESSION:

Executive Director, Hope CommUnity Center

PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL:

Maria Rodriguez, former executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition

AUTOBIOGRAPHY TITLE:

“Dreamers, Dream Big!”

HOBBIES:

Crossfit, working out, going to the beach, hiking trails, appreciating nature, hanging out with my beautiful husband Luis Sousa-Lazaballet and our puppy Cosito.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR, HOPE COMMUNIT Y CENTER

HE LAST PAGE IS DEDICATED TO

individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. This issue, we check in with Orlando’s Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, new executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka. Keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers of your community. WHAT DO YOU DO PROFESSIONALLY?

Recommend People to: Central Florida Editor Jeremy Williams at: Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent at: Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

I am the executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center. This incredible organization has existed for 50 years serving farmworkers and immigrants in Apopka and others across Central Florida. Additionally, Hope is an intersectional organization championing issues in the intersections of LGBTQ+, gender and racial justice. I am the former LGBTQ+ Liaison for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. I am committed to continuing my advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity in

my current capacity in Apopka, Orlando and across our region.

HOW DO YOU CHAMPION FOR THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

I am an LGBTQ+ immigrant myself. I know firsthand the experiences faced by so many such as discrimination, family rejection and social exclusion. I have come to find out the impact of unjust laws designed to oppress people like me. Everywhere I go and in every position I have occupied I bring those very personal painful moments with me. They do not demotivate me, on the contrary, they have lit a fire in me to push for true change. This means mentoring new and upcoming LGBTQ+ activists, focusing our efforts on fighting against transphobia and pushing for laws that speak to the full lived experience of all LGBTQ+

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

This is a hard call. it’s a tie between Come Out With Pride and One Magical Weekend. I love Come Out With Pride because it gives me so much joy to see our community out in Downtown Orlando in full force and unapologetically living their truth and expressing themselves. And One Magical Weekend will always have a piece of my heart because that was the event that reconnected Luis, my husband, and I. After we reconnected there our relationship flourished, and I am so incredibly lucky to have him as my rock and life partner. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

I came to Orlando to work on our community’s healing in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy. Although those were extremely difficult moments in my personal and professional life, I saw firsthand the true meaning of a community coming together under the banner of love and compassion for one another. Since the moment I arrived, I was embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, and in return, I worked hard to make sure their voices were heard in our local government. I truly love Orlando and I am thankful for the opportunity the LGBTQ+ community has given me to serve, grow and bring about change for us all. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED IN THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY?

Our community has grown significantly, and it has learned a lot about the intersections of race, gender and much more. But we still need to continue growing to build a community that truly speaks to the needs of every member of our LGBTQ+

community. As an LGBTQ+ immigrant, I still haven’t seen enough discussion on the impact of homophobia and transphobia in the lives of immigrants here in Central Florida. This is one of the reasons why I have taken on this new role as executive director for the Hope CommUnity Center. I am looking forward to working together with our LGBTQ+ leaders in Central Florida to shed light on our common struggles and find ways to create a pathway that leads to freedom for us all. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Before anything, I am a dreamer. I am not only a former undocumented immigrant, I didn’t have immigration status in the United States for 15 years of my life, I am also a person who dares to dream big. I do dream of a day that our community will be seen internationally as a haven for LGBTQ+ people of every background. I do dream of a day that Florida will become a state where our voices matter in the ballot box, in our culture and in every sector of our society. I dream of the day, that young LGBTQ+ undocumented immigrants can learn about their unfiltered history and can stand proud and say “GAY! GAY! GAY!” in their schools and see themselves in books in their school’s library. I dream of the day that our collective resilience is celebrated and seen as true strength. We have a lot of work to do to achieve these big dreams. But I am also a believer and a doer. I believe in our strength to fight, and I am committed to doing my part to make this a reality. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Keep your head up high, stand tall and don’t give up on your dreams. When I came out, I was rejected by my mother, and I became homeless for four months. That was one of the most painful moments in my life. I felt alone and I tried to commit suicide, I almost died. I found love in my chosen family who helped me arrive here today and I have repaired my relationship with my mother. It is possible to overcome great adversity, but I wouldn’t be here without every person who crossed my path and opened doors once closed for me.

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Beauty doesn’t have a shape, size, or color. Beauty is about being you! Avita wants to empower everyone to discover, love, and care for your whole self, inside and out. You are beautiful, so BE YOU. @av

itapharmacy @jasonnaylo

Avita, a provider of expert, affirming pharmacy care, partnered with award winning Brooklyn based street artist Jason Naylor to bring BEYOUTIFUL to life.

Avita will be taking the BEYOUTIFUL campaign to Prides across the country in 2022. We hope to see you there!

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watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

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