Watermark Issue 29.18: LGBTQ Suicide Awareness

Community in Crisis

Suicide awareness, prevention and resources

Ben Platt coming to Orlando

Pete Buttigieg visits Tampa Bay

Todd PUBLISHER

LIFE ISN’T ALL SUNSHINE AND

rainbows. It’s been a running joke for a while now that I am grumpy. I pick up the occasional Grumpy T-shirt when I visit the happiest place on Earth, and I am usually donning my Grumpy mug during staff meeting Zoom calls.

Although right now, Sleepy is the chosen mug. I have a coffee mug for six of the “Snow White” characters so I can pick my mood, and honestly, does anyone ever feel Doc?

I never actually thought I was a particularly grumpy person, though. I use humor to get myself through almost any situation. Sometimes that humor seems sarcastic and the jokes don’t land. That’s when I usually steal a line from my favorite New York City piano bar piano man: “I’m here all night. They can’t all be gems.”

I like to think of myself as a Chandler Bing-type “Friends”

character, but I can guarantee at least two people on staff will read this and say to themselves, “No, he’s definitely a Ross.” Maybe this is the problem, I am a Generation X latchkey kid who grew up on sitcoms of ‘80s and ‘90s TV. Life was a series of one-liners. “ALF,” “Night Court,” “Cheers” and “Roseanne,” did I even stand a chance?

It wasn’t just television; I was a bit of a movie nerd too. When I was in high school, I used to work at the Plaza Twin movie theater. It was a second run theater near the corner of Bumby and Colonial in Orlando. It’s a

concert venue now, but in the early ‘90s it was my home.

I would sell tickets from the box office for a little while, then move to the concession stand until it was time to run upstairs and start the movie. I loved that job because I loved the movies. I used to cut off frames of movies I liked, usually just the cute guys like Keanu Reeves in “Point Break.” When “Beauty and the Beast” came through, I had memorized the timing of the musical numbers and would run into the theatre, stand in the back and sing along.

I was a sucker for a cheesy theme song. “Meet Me Halfway” from “Over the Top,” “Almost Paradise” from “Footloose.” My favorite though, James Ingram’s “Where Did My Heart Go?” from “City Slickers.” I was in that movie theater every time that sappy mess played, belting along in a mostly empty theater. Looking back now, I see that one of my favorite movies was about a man in a midlife crisis trying to find his smile.

Recently, I was having a conversation with a coworker in which I thought I was consoling them about a somewhat stressful moment when one of our systems was falling apart. It was a bit of a technical issue and deadlines were approaching. The closer the deadline, the more intense the conversations got. Mind you, I was not there for this so you can imagine my surprise in my failed attempt to lighten the experience I was told, “It’s okay Rick. We know you get grumpy.”

I immediately went to another coworker, my confidant, and he said, “You know what. It’s not so much that you are grumpy. You’re like that guy in ‘City Slickers.’

You just need to herd cattle for a week.” Right there in that moment, my childhood and my adulthood collided.

Usually now I would make a bunch of jokes about getting older and make fun of the fact that some people think I am heading for a midlife crisis, but I won’t. Instead I’ll take the time to acknowledge that what I think I am putting out in the universe is not what is being received by those I see on a daily basis. I spent two weeks defending myself, pointing out why things make me react the way I do. It all got a bit toxic.

I found my way to a meeting of alcoholics last night, something I should do more often. It was a refreshing reminder that I am not a higher power and I do not control the universe or those who

ANDRES ACOSTA

serves as the CDC Ambassador for Let’s Stop HIV Together, works as the community relations manager for Contigo Fund and is the director of respite operations for Peer Support Space. Page 17

NATHAN BRUEMMER

Nathan Bruemmer is an LGBTQ+ advocate and social justice warrior uplifting our youth and transgender community Page 19

TIFFANY RAZZANO

live in it. When I get busy and overwhelmed the world seems chaotic. Something as simply as reciting the Serenity Prayer helps me find my center. It reminds me to think about the person I want to be and do what that person would do. I can’t control the chaos, but I can control how I react. I thank my coworkers for helping me see that again.

In this issue of Watermark we talk about National Suicide Prevention Month, honoring the memory of those who have passed and offering resources to those who are struggling.

We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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

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

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 54

Right there in that moment, my childhood and my adulthood collided.

Rick

central florida news

KISSIMMEE POLICE LAUNCH SAFE SPACE PROGRAM

Jeremy Williams

KISSIMMEE, FLA. | The Kissimmee Police Department has launched a Safe Space program for the city’s LGBTQ residents who feel they are facing discrimination and or the possibility of a hate crime.

The program mirrors the Orlando Police Department’s LGBTQ Safe Place program established in 2016 and will provide decals “as a visible symbol of safety” for businesses to place in their store fronts “to mark and identify locations that are accessible to LGBTQ members.”

KPD has partnered with the LGBT+ Center in Kissimmee to provide specialized training for locations that choose to participate in the Safe Space program. In addition to dispatching officers to the Safe Space location if anyone needs assistance, the KPD LGBTQ liaison coordinator will be notified.

Kissimmee businesses that wish to participate in the program can fill out a form at the KPD website at Kissimmee.gov.

BLISS CARES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPPING DOWN

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | Juan Rodriguez, the executive director of Bliss Cares since 2016, has announced he is stepping down from his position.

Bliss Cares is a nonprofit organization established to help underserved patients obtain access to HIV, hepatitis and STD treatments and care.

“We strive to serve everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay,” Rodriguez says, echoing the organization’s mission statement.

Rodriguez came to Bliss Cares at the invite of Dr. Roberto Ortiz, the medical director of Bliss Health.

During his time at Bliss Cares, Rodriguez and his team have created the Bridge Program, providing access to medical care for the uninsured and underinsured; the Bliss Health Insurance Subsidy Program, which provides medical care to those with an STD but have no insurance coverage; Sweet Dreams Emergency Housing, a program providing a safe place for transgender folks to sleep; and TRANSformation, an educational program for the trans community that has had more than 600 participants since it launched in 2017.

“I am so proud and happy to say that TRANSformation has been the starting point for so many leaders in the transgender movement,” Rodriguez says.

Rodriguez will stay on until the board for Bliss Cares names a new executive director.

Royal Gay

India’s prince comes to Orlando

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | Coming out as a part of the LGBTQ community can be a difficult process, and it is a process made even more strenuous if you are the member of a conservative royal family.

Manvendra Singh Gohil, India’s openly gay prince, came out to his parents, the Maharana and Maharani of Rajpipla, in 2002. His parents did not take it well.

“I was a victim of conversion therapy by my own parents who wanted to convert me medically on religious grounds,” Gohil said while touring the Pulse Interim Memorial during a recent trip to Orlando. “I was subjected to a lot of public humiliation, shame, stigma and discrimination. My human rights getting violated by my own parents. As somebody who is the closest to you, that subjected me to this kind of pain, it was terrible.”

Gohil came out publicly four years later in 2006 and by doing so became the first openly gay prince in the world. In that time, he has become an activist for India’s LGBTQ community and has fought

to ban conversion therapy around the world. He appeared on several episodes of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” throughout the 2010s and was on an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

Gohil says he is grateful to have this platform to fight for change in the community, not just change publicly but change in his personal life as well.

“I like to say my parents’ homophobia is in transition,” he says. “My father has definitely changed and fully accepts and supports me. He is a full ally. My mother is still coming to terms with it.”

The 56-year-old prince was visiting Florida to see his husband of nine years, Duke DeAndre Richardson. Richardson, who is a U.S. citizen, moved to Fort Lauderdale at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic after India suspended all visas. While Gohil was visiting his husband in South Florida, the royal couple decided to come to Orlando to renew their vows at the Unity of Central Florida church.

“A friend introduced me to members of the church and we thought since we were celebrating

our ninth wedding anniversary it would be lovely to renew our vows while we were here,” Gohil says. “I was really impressed with the church because it was so inclusive and it was a wonderful experience.”

While in Orlando, the royal couple also took the opportunity to meet with members of the LGBTQ community, including Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and to pay a visit to the Pulse Interim Memorial to honor to 49 lives lost in the 2016 shooting.

“I told myself if I am able to get to Orlando I must go to Pulse and pay my respect,” Gohil says.

“I remember watching and how it brough people together from all backgrounds, from all cultures, whether you are LGBT, an ally or even if you don’t come from this community at all. I think it was a very important message that the community said that love will conquer everything; love conquers hate, love conquers phobia, love conquers hypocrisy.”

During his visit, Gohil has been accompanied by a film crew that is documenting his experience.

“I was a part of a panel discussion and Nicole [Wallace, NBW Studios] was watching the discussion and was impressed by my story and reached out and asked if I would be interested in being a part of a film to document my life and my story,” he says.

The film is expected to be released in June 2023.

PAYING RESPECT:

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil (standing) and Duke DeAndre Richardson visit Pulse in Orlando. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

BUILDING BACK

BETTER: U.S. Sec. Pete Buttigieg speaks at Port Tampa Bay Aug.

23. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Up First

Buttigieg tour begins in Tampa

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg kicked off his six-state Building a Better America Tour at Port Tampa Bay Aug. 23, highlighting a $12.6 million federal grant awarded to the organization.

Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port, handling more than 33 million tons of cargo each year. It supports nearly 85,000 jobs in Tampa Bay.

The $12.6 million was awarded through the Biden-Harris administration’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, made possible by President Biden’s infrastructure law.

Buttigieg was joined by U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson and Ken Williams, president of Teamsters Local Union 79. Each reflected on the funding’s impact.

Anderson began by detailing Port Tampa Bay’s plans. Two berths will be connected by a 1,025 dock, creating a 3,000-linear-foot area capable of simultaneously docking three of the largest cargo vessels able to navigate the channel. This will increase efficiency, create jobs and more.

“This project fully optimizes the supply chain economics,” Anderson said. “This project will also eliminate nearly 3 million truck miles annually and reduce wear and tear in nearby roadways and highways in the communities that this port serves.”

Mayor Castor spoke next. “As many of you know the foundation of our economic growth and quality of life here in the Tampa Bay region depends on a number of things,” she said. “But two of the most important elements are our infrastructure and the people in our community.

“This is a transformative project and we are very, very thankful for the bipartisan infrastructure bill and law that has allowed it to come to fruition in our city,” Castor said, pointing out that

Buttigieg is a former mayor. “No one understands this potential like our nation’s mayors, and I want to thank President Biden for appointing so many mayors to his administration.”

U.S. Rep. Castor highlighted her support for the infrastructure law as well as the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act next. Both laws are historic investments that will impact Tampa Bay and “put politics over people,” she said.

Buttigieg followed an address from Williams, who detailed the importance of local workers, and his deputy secretary who praised the RAISE program. He began by discussing the administration’s commitment to all.

“It’s easy to talk about all the issues and challenges that you have in American transportation,” Buttigieg said. “It’s harder to actually roll up your sleeves and get something done. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

“Tampa is just one of 166 communities across the country getting good news this month through this program alone,” he continued. “And this program –thanks to that legislation – is larger than it’s ever been before … I am thrilled to be here to celebrate the award to the Port Tampa Bay.”

Learn more about the tour at Build.gov and view photos from Buttigieg’s Tampa stop at WatermarkOnline.com.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: LGBTQ STUDENTS UNWELCOME

Ryan Williams-Jent

VALRICO, FLA. | Grace Christian School confirmed LGBTQ students are not welcome to attend the private institution Aug. 18, noting that “we do not hate students who are of a particular persuasion.”

Grace Christian School was founded in 1975. It bills itself as “a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school” serving students in grades K-12.

After obtaining an email sent to parents by Administrator Barry McKeen, NBC News reported Aug. 18 that the school would only refer to students by their sex assigned at birth and that LGBTQ students would be asked to leave. McKeen confirmed parts of the report in a public video that evening.

“There were many things in the article that were true,” McKeen said. “Our school and many schools like ours have a policy that does not allow students to be homosexuals or transgender or a number of other things.

“It is true that a student cannot come to our school, knowingly for us, and be transgender or homosexual. That is rooted in the scriptures,” he continued. “God has spoken on those issues explicitly, aggressively, and we have had these policies in our school since day number one in the early 1970s.”

According to NBC, McKeen sent the email ahead of the new school year. Its subject read “Important School Policy Point of Emphasis. … Please Read.”

“We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal dignity,” it reportedly reads. “Students in school will be referred to by the gender on their birth certificate and be referenced in name in the same fashion.”

It also noted that “We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, transgender identity/lifestyle, self-identification, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful in the sight of God and the church.”

The email also cited specific Bible verses. Students “who are found participating in these lifestyles will be asked to leave immediately,” it added.

NBC spoke to graduates of the school, who shared McKeen has previously asserted that “if you’re gay you’re going to hell.” The administrator denied the claim in his video, which other students corroborated in the report.

McKeen noted in his video that “a school that is standing for Biblical values is going to be discomforting to somebody who is not.” He also added that “my wife and I have friends who are homosexuals … we’re not hateful.”

Grace Christian School will not alter its policy regarding LGBTQ students. Its website notes that the school “admits students of any race, color, nationality and ethnic origin.”

View the school’s video and read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

FLORIDA DEMS CHOOSE CRIST TO CHALLENGE GOV

Wire & Staff Report

MIAMI | U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist won the Democratic nomination for Florida governor Aug. 23, setting him up to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall.

In selecting Crist, Florida Democrats sided with the 66-year-old LGBTQ ally who served as the state’s Republican governor a decade ago. He hopes to appeal to voters in Florida’s teeming suburbs as Democrats seek to reverse a losing pattern in a state that was recently seen as a perennial political battleground.

Above all, the Democratic contest centered on DeSantis, who views his November re-election as a potential springboard into the 2024 presidential contest. Given the stakes, Democrats across Florida and beyond expressed a real sense of urgency to blunt DeSantis’ momentum.

Crist decried DeSantis as an “abusive” and “dangerous” “bully” in his victory speech.

“Tonight, the people of Florida clearly sent a message: They want a governor who cares about them and solves real problems, preserves our freedom, not a bully who divides us and takes our freedom away,” Crist declared.

“This guy wants to be president of the United States of America and everybody knows it. However, when we defeat him on Nov. 8 that show is over. Enough.”

Crist won the Democratic nomination over Nikki Fried, the state agriculture commissioner. The 44-year-old cast herself as “something new” and hoped to become Florida’s first female governor. In a sign of the party’s meager standing in Florida, she’s currently the only Democrat holding statewide office.

“We are going to make Ronald DeSantis a one-term governor and a zero-term president of the United States,” she said as she conceded, calling on her supporters to unite behind Crist.

DeSantis won his first election by less than half a percentage point but soon became one of the most prominent figures in GOP politics. His hands-off approach to the coronavirus pandemic and eagerness to lean into divides over race, gender and LGBTQ rights have resonated with many Republican voters who see DeSantis as a natural heir to former President Donald Trump. He has signed a number of anti-LGBTQ bills into law during his first term, among them Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” legislation.

From a raucous ballroom in Miami, a fiery DeSantis declined to say Crist’s name and instead cast the general election as a contest against President Joe Biden and “woke” ideology.

“We will never ever surrender to the woke agenda,” DeSantis charged. “Florida is a state where woke goes to die.”

Democrats are entering the final weeks ahead of the midterms with a sense of cautious optimism, hoping the Supreme Court’s decision overturning a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion will energize the party’s base. But Democrats still face tremendous headwinds, including economic uncertainty and the historic reality that most parties lose seats in the first midterm after they’ve won the White House.

The dynamics are especially challenging for Democrats in Florida, one of the most politically divided states in the U.S. Its last three races for governor were decided by 1 percentage point or less. But the state has steadily become more favorable to Republicans in recent years.

For the first time in modern history, Florida has more registered Republicans — nearly 5.2 million — than Democrats, who have nearly 5 million registered voters.

DEMINGS TO CHALLENGE RUBIO IN SENATE RACE

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | U.S. Rep Val Demings will be the democratic nominee for the state’s Congressional Senate seat in November after winning in the state primaries Aug. 23.

Demings overwhelmingly won her primary race with 84.3% of the vote. Demings had three challengers — former state Rep. Brian Rush, immigration attorney William Sanchez and entrepreneur Ricardo De La Fuente — but none of them managed to even get 10% of the vote.

Demings will now meet incumbent Florida Senator Marco Rubio in November.

Rubio, who has held his senate seat since 2011, and Demings have been focused on each other since Demings first announced her senate run in June 2021. After her announcement, Rubio took to Twitter to share a video of himself calling the Congresswoman a “do nothing House member” and “a far-left liberal democrat.”

Demings kicked off her general election campaign with a bus tour across the state.

Speaking to WESH 2 Aug. 24, she said “This election matters. It matters because people matter, and I will be on this bus from the panhandle down to the Keys representing you. This will be our office. We’ll have meetings on this bus and in this space because it

really does belong to the people of Florida.”

Demings continued, saying that if elected she will help to pass legislation that directly impacts marginalized groups in the country, including the LGBTQ community.

“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Equality Act, the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women. Legislation that can protect people’s lives, sitting in the Senate waiting for a vote,” Demings said.

The general election will be Nov. 8.

‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ LAW CONFUSES SOME FLORIDA SCHOOLS

Wire Report

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. | Some Florida schools have moved library books and debated changing textbooks in response to a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” — and some teachers have worried that family pictures on their desks could get them in trouble.

As students return from summer break, educators are cautiously adjusting and waiting to see how the new law governing lessons on gender and sexual orientation will be interpreted and enforced.

The new law, championed by Florida’s GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, bans lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade as well as material that is not deemed age-appropriate. Most educators do not expect a major change in lesson plans — one of the key reasons critics cited in saying the law was unnecessary was that teachers do not cover such subjects in early grades anyway.

But some worry it sets a tone that will leave LGBTQ teachers and kids feeling ostracized.

“The messaging of this law is horrible. It’s toxic, it’s discriminatory,” said Gretchen Robinson, a lesbian high school teacher in Orange County. “It targets, very obviously, LGBTQ students, it ‘others’ them, and that is not OK.”

Workshops about the law that her school district’s legal team held over the summer caused confusion. Some staff said they were told teachers in kindergarten through third grade could not display pride flags or photos of their same-sex spouses. The district later said the law only applied to classroom instruction and that the photos were allowed. It apologized for offering bad guidance with a hypothetical discussion.

The law attracted widespread attention and condemnation earlier this year when it worked its way through the Republican-controlled Statehouse. Critics dubbed it “Don’t Say Gay or Trans,” though it contains no bans on specific phrases and doesn’t bar material on sexual orientation considered age-appropriate for grades 4 and above.

Opponents say the law would stifle classroom discussion, arguing that it doesn’t clarify what could be deemed inappropriate. It also establishes an enforcement mechanism that invites parents to file lawsuits against districts, potentially heightening tensions between conservatives and school officials.

The Florida debate reflects one that is playing out nationwide, with fights in school boards and state legislatures over what and how children learn about race, gender, sexual orientation and American history. DeSantis and other Republicans have argued parents should be the ones in control of teaching their children about sexual orientation and gender identity.

COURT RULES ADA PROTECTS TRANS PEOPLE

Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

Transgender people have additional protections from discrimination under federal law for having a disability if they experience gender dysphoria, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 16.

A three-judge panel on the Fourth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, determined the Americans with Disability Act prohibits discrimination against people with gender dysphoria — despite explicit language in the law excluding “transsexualism” and “gender identity disorder” as protected classes.

U.S. Circuit Court Judge Diana Gribbon Motz wrote in a 56-page decision gender dysphoria doesn’t fall under the those two

categories in the law because “gender dysphoria is not a gender identity disorder.”

“[T]he ADA excludes from its protection anything falling within the plain meaning of ‘gender identity disorders,’ as that term was understood ‘at the time of its enactment,’” Motz writes. “But nothing in the ADA, then or now, compels the conclusion that gender dysphoria constitutes a ‘gender identity disorder’ excluded from ADA protection.”

As a result, the appeals court remanded the case for additional review to the lower trial court, which had come to the opposite conclusion and determined transgender people aren’t covered under ADA.

The case was filed by Kesha Williams, a transgender woman with gender dysphoria who spent six months incarcerated in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Although she was initially housed in a women’s prison, she was transferred to a men’s prison when officials learned she was transgender.

Among the group advocating in the case for additional protections under ADA were LGBTQ groups, including GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Jennifer Levi, GLAAD’s transgender rights project director, said the decision is a “huge win” for transgender advocates because “there is no principled reason to exclude transgender people from our federal civil rights laws.”

The idea that transgender people are covered under ADA has been controversial even among transgender people. On one hand, reading the law to include transgender people gives them added legal protections. On the other hand, transgender advocates have been fighting for years to make the case that being transgender isn’t a mental disorder. The American Psychiatric Association removed “gender identity disorder” as a type of mental disorder with the publication of DSM–5 in 2013, replacing it with “gender dysphoria.”

VIETNAM: BEING LGBTQ NO LONGER ‘AN ILLNESS’

Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

The Vietnamese Health Ministry has announced it no longer considers LGBTQ people to be sick.

A directive the ministry issued on Aug. 3 directs health care providers “not to consider homosexual, bisexual and transgender [people] an illness.” The directive also contains the additional four provisions.

First, to enhance information propagation and dissemination so that the medical doctors, staff and patients at the medical examination and treatment establishments have a correct understanding about homosexual, bisexual and transgender persons.

Second, while administrating medical examination or treatment for LGBTQ patients, gender equality and respect must be ensured to avoid discrimination and prejudices against these groups.

Third, not to interfere nor force treatment upon these groups of patients. Finally, to enhance the works of internal review and inspection towards the medical examination and treatment establishments and practitioners to ensure compliance with the professional codes in medical services according to the law.

The directive also notes homosexuality cannot be “cured.”

“The Vietnamese Health Ministry’s recognition that sexual orientation and gender identity are not illnesses will bring relief to LGBT people and their families across Vietnam,” said Kyle Knight, senior LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch Aug. 18. “LGBT people in Vietnam deserve access to health information and

services without discrimination, and the Health Ministry’s new directive is a major step in the right direction.”

Human Rights Watch also noted Vietnam over the last decade “has made some progress on LGBT rights.”

The government in 2013 announced same-sex relationships are no longer “forbidden,” but LGBTQ and intersex couples still lack legal recognition.

Vice President Kamala Harris during a meeting with LGBTQ and intersex activists in the Vietnamese capital last August noted the Health Ministry “helped craft the draft — and draft — the transgender rights law” that took effect in 2017.

The State Department’s 2021 human rights report people “who have undergone reassignment surgery the right to register their new status,” but a bill “to implement this was pending as of year’s end.”

IN OTHER NEWS

US OFFERS PRIDE EVENTS EXTRA VACCINES

The U.S. is setting aside an extra 50,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine for places with upcoming Pride events, health officials said Aug. 18. The number of doses sent to each place will be based on factors like the size of the event, how many health workers will be available to give shots and how many of the attendees are considered at highest risk for catching the virus.

“More shots in arms is how we get the outbreak under control,” Bob Fenton, the White House monkeypox response coordinator, told reporters. He said the effort is an attempt to “meet people where they are.”

RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT ‘STILL IMPORTANT’

The White House said Aug. 25 that the Respect for Marriage Act in the U.S. Senate is still “incredibly important” to President Joe Biden. The legislation, which has passed the U.S. House, was left as unfinished business when the Senate adjourned for August recess. If passed and signed into law, it would codify same-sex marriage. Its future remains uncertain, however, as it requires 10 votes from Republicans to end a filibuster and receive a vote. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted Biden will “leave the mechanics of the Senate … and the leadership” while continuing to have conversations about its passage.

WORLDPRIDE 2025 TAIWAN CANCELLED

Organizers of WorldPride 2025 in Taiwan will not hold the event after InterPride refused to let them use the island nation’s name in the event title. It was initially to be hosted by the southern city of Kaohsiung after the Taiwan Preparation Committee had their bid accepted by InterPride. Organizers said InterPride “suddenly” asked them to change the name of the event to “Kaohsiung,” removing “Taiwan.” Co-Chair A-Ku said that “After careful evaluation, it is believed that if the event continues, it may harm the interests of Taiwan and the Taiwan gay community. Therefore, it is decided to terminate the project before signing the contract.”

SINGAPORE DECRIMINALIZES HOMOSEXUALITY

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Aug. 21 announced his country will decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations. Lee made the announcement during his speech at a rally that marked National Day, which commemorates Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. “Private sexual behavior between consenting adults does not raise any law and order issue,” the leader said. “There is no justification to prosecute people for it nor to make it a crime. This will bring the law into line with current social mores and I hope provide some relief to gay Singaporeans.” Lee also said his government will amend Singapore’s constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

SOUTHERN HIV/AIDS

Awareness Day was this past Aug. 20 and we as a community should take a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come.

In 1981, at the very beginning of the epidemic, we saw what was wrongfully being called GRID, or Gay Related Immuno Deficiency, ravish the gay community. At the time, the face of AIDS was a gay man in New York or San Francisco, and this stereotype allowed the virus to thrive. The more we thought it only affected gay men the more the virus proved us wrong by spreading into every community one person at a time. Our LGBTQ+ community rallied to fight this deadly epidemic, while the politicians and public health officials of the time turned a blind eye to our suffering. It would be years later, in 1985, that they would finally start to pay attention.

All it took was for a heterosexual, white teenager named Ryan White to contract the virus through a blood transfusion. Now I’m grateful for Ryan White and the lifesaving program that bears his name, however, I’m not blind to the fact that the decision makers of the ‘80s needed to see someone that looked like their children affected by this virus before they took action. The action resulted in the creation of the Ryan White system of care which offers treatment and wrap-around services to those of us living with HIV who don’t have insurance or the financial means to afford treatment. Ryan White is a payer of last resort that unfortunately is being used more and more every year, especially in Central Florida.

I was lucky enough to get a job straight out of college working for the Ryan White system of care as the coordinator for the Central Florida HIV Planning Council. It was this job that opened my eyes to the current crisis facing Central Florida. I was diagnosed HIV positive at 23 and for years I berated myself thinking if only I hadn’t done this or that but

working with the system and inputting the data of new infections taught me that I never stood a chance against this epidemic. The new face of HIV is no longer a gay man in New York or San Francisco. The new face of HIV is us, the communities of color in the U.S. South.

Last year we ranked in the top three for new HIV infections with 592 cases in the Orlando service area; of those cases 40% were Black and 34% Latinx. This is startling considering Blacks make up only 15% of the population in the Orlando service area and Latinx account for 28%. Across the south, the number of infections continue to rise, and much like Central Florida, it is our communities of color that are disproportionately affected by this epidemic. As bleak as this picture might seem, we had something to celebrate on Aug. 20. That’s because Orlando made progress in the way we are addressing the epidemic. Credit where credit is due a lot of this comes as a result of the funding received during the previous presidential administration and their Ending the HIV Epidemic, or EHE plan. This plan gave the Health Department what HIV activists have been asking for: funding with less barriers. Our area team put the EHE dollars to work creating opportunities for afterhours HIV testing, specialized services to our Black and Latinx communities, and new programming for youth affected by HIV.

This year also saw the introduction of injectable PreP, a shot every two months that protects people against HIV. Perhaps the biggest cause for celebration every year since 2018 for those of us living with HIV is the scientific validation of U=U, which stands for Undetectable Equals Untransmittable. This is the science that tells us that

viewpoint

those of us living with HIV who are on medication and undetectable are able to live a normal life without fear of spreading the virus to others.

Yes, all of these advancements — both locally and globally — are reasons to celebrate, but

futile when we don’t invest resources in our rural areas.

Another issue we continue to face is that of stigma. It’s easy to be ignorant and think that stigma is no longer an issue; however, HIV stigma still exists. It shows up in the way our state and many

resources on the Black and Latinx communities that are most in need, increase access to resources in our rural areas and join together to address HIV stigma. The south is the last stronghold for the HIV epidemic in the U.S., so as we celebrate the victories we have already

there is still a long road ahead. The U.S. south faces a particularly harsh challenge when it comes to stopping the spread of the epidemic due to the rural nature of the region. This means that for many, HIV services and testing sites are miles away. In our urban areas, we have more providers that do their best to handle the growing caseloads but their work is

southern state’s Legislatures are often unwilling to put more resources into fighting the HIV epidemic. Where New York and San Francisco have made PreP for all a priority we still struggle to get bills supporting the access to PreP through Tallahassee. HIV stigma keeps us stuck in the past as a community.

The road ahead will require us to focus our

had, I hope we don’t lose sight of the progress needed on the road ahead.

Andres Acosta is a gay Colombian immigrant, graduate of UCF and a U.S. Navy Veteran. He serves as the CDC Ambassador for Let’s Stop HIV Together, works as the community relations manager for Contigo Fund and is the director of respite operations for Peer Support Space.

All of these [HIV] advancements — both locally and globally — are reasons to celebrate, but there is still a long road ahead.

past, present and

road ahead

Make this summer worry free by making EPIC’s Sexual Health Center a part of your sexual health and wellness. everything you need to keep you sexually safe: condoms, lube, STI, HIV and pregnancy testing and more.

ANOTHER PRIMARY

season has come and gone. Time to get ready for the general election in November. Are you ready? Take a deep breath. I know I already have. Many times.

This year’s primary on Tuesday, Aug. 23 was at the beginning of a new school year and follows an extremely hateful and aggressive Florida legislative session. Most years, the memories from the 60 days of session would quickly fade into the background and my attention would turn towards the new possibilities for students starting a new school year.

Depending on my role: parent, teacher, LGBTQ+ youth center director, and as a student myself, the new school year was always full of nervous energy. Often, this energy was a volatile combination of optimism, hope, and shear fear – I’ll let you guess what role dictated which response.

But this year is different. This year, I can’t help but feel my usual hope overshadowed by the dark memories of the session. The hostile, false, anti-LGBTQ+ attacks have been relentless.

Unfortunately, more hateful legislation passed in 2022 than we would have hoped – and while we wait to see those legislative embarrassments litigated – we must stay focused on the current election cycle.

There are growing efforts to secure and protect LGBTQ+ rights in Florida and across this nation. Many of those efforts are now happening administratively –or within departments within elected administrations – at the federal and state level. Now, that’s not a very exciting process to observe, but it is fundamental to our government and wasn’t probably covered in most civics’ classes.

Federally, the U.S. Department of Education has proposed amendments to ensure Title IX regulations would include clarifying that the prohibition on discrimination based on sex also applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and

gender identity. The due date for comments is Sept. 12.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also issued a proposed rule on Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to revise nondiscrimination provisions to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in its regulations. The due date for comments is Oct. 3.

Typically, administrative rulemaking is a rather mundane process involving the submission of very technical documents from subject matter experts. Most Americans may never find their way to a website to learn about the rulemaking process or likely to ever attend a hearing relating to rulemaking.

However, Florida’s rulemaking this year has been weaponized to target the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically the transgender community. These administrative battles have been rife with misinformation and disinformation and, quite frankly, bigotry.

Since April, the DeSantis Administration has used three state agencies to attack transgender Floridians. DeSantis filled the Florida Department of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Administration, and the Florida Board of Medicine with political allies, and is leveraging that political power to proactively work to ban or limit transgender affirming healthcare for adolescents and adults in Florida.

Everyone should be outraged at the prospect of any limitation or ban on transgender-affirming healthcare. When medical care or a specific course of treatment is provided for some but denied to others merely because of who they are – it is discriminatory. These attacks on transgender Floridians are capricious and politically motivated. Denying best

practice medical care and support can and will be life threatening. And this fight is just beginning.

To date, only one change has occurred. As of Aug. 21, 2022, Medicaid has removed coverage for transgender affirming healthcare for adolescents and adults. That’s it so far. However, the Florida Board of Medicine is expected to take up rulemaking regarding transgender affirming healthcare. Whether that is before or after the November elections is unknown. We must stay vigilant and ready. The examples of bigotry in our government are far too prevalent. The shadow of 2022 still lurks. Thankfully, I have also witnessed our

community rising up. Many of us are becoming advocates in unexpected ways because this year demanded it from us.

We as LGBTQ+ people are everywhere. Our existence, presence and collective advocacy at the state capital, in our local communities and in media this year has created a phenomenal wave of truth telling and power. Many of the most powerful moments were led by students.

As I am now getting caught in the school zones again, I see long lines of yellow school buses and that nervous energy is back. I think about the LGBTQ+ students who protested this spring and I am proud. Their youthful advocacy energizes

me. And I am reminded that while these students go back to school to learn and grow through their fall semesters, it is in a way back to school for all of us.

The general election approaches. Soon, the ballots with bubbles to fill in will arrive. We must remember the lessons from our student days and fulfill our civic duty. There is homework to be done.

Our assignment is due on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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

Nathan Bruemmer

talking points

RUGBY CHAMPION COME OUT AS TRANS

ELLIA GREEN, ONE OF THE STARS OF AUSTRALIA’S GOLD MEDAL-WINNING WOMEN’S RUGBY SEVENS TEAM AT THE 2016 OLYMPICS, HAS TRANSITIONED TO MALE. Green, who has kept the same name, told The Associated Press it was the best decision of his life. Realizing that sharing his experience could be lifesaving for others, Green went public with his transition in a video shown to participants at an international summit on ending transphobia and homophobia in sport. The summit was held Aug. 16 in Ottawa as part of the Bingham Cup rugby tournament. The only other transgender or gender diverse Olympic gold medalists are Caitlyn Jenner and Quinn, who goes by one name and was part of Canada’s winning women’s soccer team in Tokyo last year.

MILLER ADDRESSES RECENT LEGAL ISSUES

AFTER A STRING OF ARRESTS AND ERRATIC BEHAVIOR THAT SPANNED HAWAII TO VERMONT, “FLASH” ACTOR EZRA MILLER said they have begun treatment for “complex mental health issues.”

The 29-year-old actor issued a statement late Aug. 15, saying “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment. I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.” Miller was arrested twice earlier this year in Hawaii for disorderly conduct and harassment and again in Vermont for felony burglary.

AND BALFOUR GET ENGAGED

JACOBSON

ABBI JACOBSON, CO-CREATOR AND CO-STAR OF COMEDY

CENTRAL’S

“BROAD CITY,” confirmed to PEOPLE magazine Aug. 7 that she is engaged to actress Jodi Balfour. Jacobson and Balfour began dating in 2020 and celebrated their first anniversary last October with selfies on Instagram. “One year with this incredible human. Don’t know how I got so lucky,” Jacobson wrote. Balfour replied, writing on her post “365 days of the best surprise of my life.” Jacobson can currently be seen on Amazon Prime’s “A League of Their Own,” which she is also co-creator, writer and executive producer. Balfour currently stars in Apple TV+’s science fiction drama “For All Mankind,” which just completed its third season last month.

This might not be the national anthem, but it’s our national anthem! They better not try to mess with gay marriage in this country!

—LADY GAGA, BEFORE SINGING “BORN THIS WAY” ON STAGE AT NATIONALS PARK DURING THE WASHINGTON, D.C. STOP OF HER CHROMATIC BALL TOUR

EMMY WINNER DAN LEVY WILL BE JOINING THE CAST OF NETFLIX’S “SEX EDUCATION” for its fourth season. Netflix confirmed Levy’s involvement with social media posts featuring photos of the “Schitt’s Creek” star along with several other cast members. “Sex Education” is a British dramedy series that streams on Netflix and was created by Laurie Nunn. The series follows the lives of the students, staff and parents of the fictional Moordale Secondary School as they contend with various personal dilemmas, often related to sexual intimacy. Levy will appear in a recurring role as Thomas Molloy, a tutor at an Ivy League college in the U.S. attended by one of the main characters. Netflix has not set a release date for “Sex Education” season four yet.

Community in Crisis

Suicide awareness, prevention and resources

Williams-Jent

This feature examines suicide in and outside of the LGBTQ community. Please utilize the resources included here if you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis.

MARI MACABENTA WANTED A

healthy husband, not a dead wife. The choice couldn’t have been clearer.

She still felt it was one her in-laws expected her to make.

Mari’s late husband Dreux had a long history of suicidal ideation – contemplations and preoccupations with death and suicide – and in 2015 had Baker Acted himself in a Tampa Bay facility for his own safety.

The Florida Baker Act allows individuals to be detained when

they’re determined to be a threat to themselves or others. Evaluations are made by experts to assist those experiencing mental health crises.

Mari and Dreux had been together for more than six years at the time, married for nearly two of those, and their relationship with his parents had long been strained. They’d

first failed to accept them as a lesbian couple, an identity Dreux felt was most readily available to him in 2008.

They were known as the Ashleys at the time, Mari still says fondly, having shared names assigned at birth. She adopted the moniker Mari when Dreux chose his name to help them both adjust to the change. She still uses it

in his honor.

In 2015, Dreux came out as the transgender male he always was. Mari notes that he readily shared these details and more before his death in 2020, and is confident that he would today.

Ryan

PHOTO

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Community in Crisis

“It was part of our story and he was proud of that,” she says. “He wanted people to understand us.”

Before coming out as trans, Dreux sought help through the Baker Act over concerns about familial rejection. Mari says his fears were warranted.

“My in-laws were never super excited about the lesbian thing,” she remembers. “They pushed back almost immediately and in 2008, he told his parents he was having strong mental difficulties and that he felt like he just wanted to disappear. Dreux was love personified and he couldn’t deal with not being able to love me out loud.”

The same was true in 2015, when Dreux could no longer afford not to fully love himself. Mari remembers visiting him while he sought treatment.

“He basically said, ‘I need to live out, I need to live as me,’” she recalls. “‘I can’t keep it a secret, I can’t. I need to do this.’”

Mari reluctantly involved Dreux’s parents, deciding

they should be apprised of his mental health, who she says “pushed back hard.”

“They looked at me and said, ‘you’re okay with this?’ and I told them ‘It doesn’t matter,’” Mari remembers. “Truly to my core it didn’t matter how I felt, because I would 100% rather have an alive husband than a dead wife.

“There was no question,” she continues. “I wanted him in my life. I married him, I made this commitment and I wanted to be with the person that I pledged my life to.”

While the Macabentas were more estranged from Dreux’s parents after that, they still sought to mend their relationship. That’s when they found PFLAG Tampa, which holds support meetings for families, friends and allies of the LGBTQ community.

It’s where they met Lucas Wehle, an LGBTQ activist who held regular support groups dedicated to detailing the trans experience he understands firsthand.

“Dreux struggled with his parents,” Wehle says. “His mom and stepdad really refused to accept him and so they came

to my TransParent groups a couple of times.”

The group – which Wehle still maintains today – is designed to help parents understand their transgender children.

“Dreux’s mom was very candid and talked to me a lot about my experience,” he remembers. “I thought we were going to get somewhere and unfortunately, we never did. His mom never did come around to accept him.”

Dreux’s story is one many in the LGBTQ community can relate to. The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, found in 2022 that suicidal thoughts are trending upward for the entire community.

In their 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, the organization surveyed 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13-24, finding 45% had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year and 60% who wanted mental health care were unable to access it. That crisis extends to LGBTQ adults.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention, which has worked to act against this leading cause of death since 1987, stigma, prejudice and discrimination the LGBTQ community feels can increase the likelihood of stress, depression and other mental health concerns. When people lack access to quality mental health care, they note, depression, anxiety and substance abuse can increase risk for suicide in and outside of the LGBTQ community.

Wehle says he’s experienced that impact in his work.

“The LGBTQ community suffers disproportionately from mental health concerns and has a much higher rate of attempting suicide,” he says. “One of our biggest barriers here is that there aren’t a lot of LGBTQ-competent, mental health resources for folks to get the care that they need.”

Crisis facilities are working to change that in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, partnering with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Many are part of the national network which provides free, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, accessed by telephone

in the U.S. 24/7 every day of the year.

The country transitioned from a 10-digit nationwide number to the dialing code 988 on July 16 after the passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020. It was described as a key part of President Joe Biden’s strategy to address the nation’s mental health crisis.

When people call, text or chat via the three-digit code, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the Lifeline network. They will listen and provide support, connecting them to resources as needed.

The transition to 988 followed a multi-year joint effort to reach those in need. The Biden-Harris administration also increased federal funding from $24 to $432 million, scaling up crisis centers and provide additional services nationwide.

“988 is more than a number, it is a message: we’re there for you,” U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced in July. “Through this and other actions, we are treating

TEAM PLAYER: Dreux Macabenta was a member of the Suncoast Softball League’s Tampa Heat D team for multiple seasons. He is now honored through the organization’s Field of Dreams memorial. PHOTO COURTESY MARI MACABENTA

TAMPA PROUD: Mari (L) and Dreux Macabenta proudly marched in Tampa Pride 2016, incidentally held on their anniversary. PHOTO COURTESY MARI MACABENTA

mental health as a priority and putting crisis care in reach for more Americans.”

“988 will be available nationwide for individuals in crisis, and their loved ones, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline more easily,” Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel added. “This cross-government effort ... comes at a crucial point to help address the mental health crisis in our country, especially for our young people.”

Heart of Florida United Way is one organization working to make an impact, which it does by operating 988 for Central Florida in addition to providing other services. They are the region’s largest supporter of health and human service agencies, focusing on creating long-term solutions for people in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties since 1939.

“The nationwide transition to 988 as a three-digit call, text and chat line is just the first important step in reimagining crisis support in the U.S.,” Senior Vice President Ashley Blasewitz says. HFUW answered more than 11,000 calls in 2021, which she notes equates to 30 suicide calls each day from their region alone.

“HFUW is committed to promoting equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ community,” she says. “Some of the ways we support our LGBTQ+ neighbors include our Ryan White program, which supports HIV/AIDS patients throughout Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties who are unable to afford sometimes costly

Orlando under the name Orlando United Resiliency Services, in which HFUW continues to invest. That’s because they recognize the community’s specific challenges.

“According to national research, LGBTQ young adults ages 18-25 have suicidal ideation at more than four times the rate of heterosexual young adults, and almost 2 million LGBTQ youth

the trans community is facing threats to gender-affirming care across the state.

“Heart of Florida United Way stands up for every person in Central Florida,” she stresses. “Every person.”

The same is true for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which handles the region’s 988 response. The organization

population know that we are a safe place for them to share their experiences and struggles and know that they will receive the help and support that they need and deserve.”

Reynolds also notes that COVID-19 greatly impacted the organization and others like it.

“As our community and beyond are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are feeling the impact in many ways,” she says. “There is a mental health tsunami currently in effect, with the need for mental health services increasing every day and exceeding the resources that are currently available.

— HEART OF FLORIDA UNITED WAY SR.

HID/AIDS treatments, as well as strategically investing in partner agencies who support LGBTQ+ people in need.”

After the Pulse shooting in 2016, HFUW also partnered with the City of Orlando and the Orange County Government to establish the Orlando United Assistance Center. It provides services and support to aid in the physical and emotional healing for those affected by the tragedy.

Those offerings are now provided by the LGBT+ Center in

aged 13-24 seriously consider suicide each year,” Blasewitz explains. “Members of the LGBTQ community deal with barriers exacerbated by a lack of support for substance use, transportation, housing and mental health.

“LGBTQ youth experience homelessness, suicide, and abuse at alarming rates,” she continues. “Members of the trans community experience disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination, especially trans women of color. In addition,

BLASEWITZ

marked its 50th anniversary this year and seeks “to be that extraordinary place where all people find help, hope and healing to make tomorrow better.”

“The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay serves over 160,000 individuals each year through all of our services, with many clients being part of the LGBTQ community,” President & CEO Clara Reynolds says. “No population is immune to crisis, and our team works to ensure that individuals in the LGBTQ

“Calls to our contact center rose in March of 2020 and still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, with many individuals disclosing that they are experiencing mental health issues for the first time in their life,” she adds.

988 has helped streamline the process for those in need.

“The Crisis Center is available for any member of our community needing help,” Reynolds stresses. “Our staff are available 24/7, 365 to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone, regardless of what that crisis may be.”

Dreux went to the organization for help in 2015 for that reason.

WELCOMING SPACE: The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has served the region for 50 years, welcoming members of the LGBTQ community and anyone in need to provide “help, hope and healing.” PHOTO COURTESY CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY

ORLANDO STRONG: Heart of Florida United Way proudly partners with Central Florida’s LGBTQ organizations and participates in Pride. PHOTO COURTESY HFUW

According to national research, LGBTQ young adults ages 18-25 have suicidal ideation at more than four times the rate of heterosexual young adults, and almost 2 million LGBTQ youth aged 13-24 seriously consider suicide each year.

VICE PRESIDENT ASHLEY

| uu | Community in Crisis

FROM PG.27

Mari says he experienced a personal high after leaving their care, having received proper medication and taken steps to live authentically as himself.

He became more heavily involved with local LGBTQ organizations, advocating for and with his community through local Pride events and gatherings. Mari lost track of how many people he hugged during Tampa Pride, Wehle still laughs at memories from St Pete Pride and Dreux made a name for himself in the Suncoast Softball League.

That’s where he met Teresa Noe, his coach and friend.

“My first impression was how outgoing and softspoken he was, and how passionate he got about what he did and loved,” she says.

One of those things was playing softball with his team. “He looked forward to it each Sunday,” Noe explains. “He was such a great player and kept everyone on the team going, making us laugh. Even off the field he was a person you wanted to be around – he always had a smile on his face and was an honest, genuine friend.”

Wehle agrees. He says “Dreux was probably the best guy friend I’ve ever had.”

“He was always willing to help other people,” he notes. “I don’t know anyone that Dreux didn’t get along with; he definitely didn’t have any problem making any friends.”

PFLAG Riverview President Faith Moeller was among them. Dreux and Mari attended the organization’s very first meeting in 2020 where she says “it was love at first sight for me.”

“During the first month of COVID I remember seeing a post on Facebook from Dreux,” Moeller says. “He had

just gotten home from a jog around his neighborhood, where he felt so much freedom running without his T-shirt on in just his binder. His courage made me want to know him even more.”

Mari remembers that triumph. “He was living for the confidence,” she says warmly.

Not long after – on April 14, 2020 –Dreux died by suicide. He was 28.

“It was my understanding that Dreux was having a really good week or two,” Wehle says. “He had gone on that run and seemed to be in a decent place.

“In his last few months of his life, I think we were really seeing quite a bit of confidence that we hadn’t quite seen,” he continues. “It was a quite shocking to learn that he was feeling differently.”

“Dreux struggled with his mental health,” Mari says. “It’s especially hard being in an intersectional place; I know that as a Black woman who is queer, and Drew was biracial. He was Filipino, a Pacific Islander, and Black. He was also trans.

“You’ve got all these different things where people are telling you that you are less than or you should fit into a certain box,” she continues. “And then when you finally get the courage to say ‘obviously I’m not doing well, I should get some assistance,’ either the resources aren’t there or they’re difficult to get and maintain.”

That’s part of why the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting stories like Dreux’s to spotlight suicide awareness, prevention and resources. National Suicide Prevention Week will also be recognized this year from Sept. 4-10, the last of which is also World Suicide Prevention Day.

“AFSP takes advantage of the full month to offer understanding and guidance for the public … to help

people know what they can do if they or someone they know is struggling, and how to have authentic, caring conversations about suicide and mental health,” the organization notes.

“Suicide prevention is important every day of the year,” they also say. “National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available and suicide can be prevented.”

Along those lines, the 988 Lifeline stresses that “we all have a role in preventing suicide.” Read how they say individuals can take care of themselves and others can help those in need in the sidebar to the right.

“Having the Lifeline changed to 988 is huge – I hope that it’s really going to change lives,” Wehle says. “If anyone is struggling, please reach out. There’s always someone who you can talk to.”

“Your life is worth so much more and there is someone out there that is willing to listen and help,” Noe adds. “Your life is so precious and valuable.”

More than anything, Mari stresses, “I would rather listen to you for however long you need than read your eulogy. We all just need to give each other a little grace, because you never know what others are going through. There are resources and support groups available out there, find what works for you.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Chat with a trained crisis counselor by calling/texting 988 or chatting at 988LifeLine.org. Learn more about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at CrisisCenter.com, Heart of Florida United Way at HFUW.org, The Trevor Project at TheTrevorProject.org and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at AFSP.org. Contact Wehle at LWehleConsulting@gmail.com for additional details about virtual and in-person TransParent meetings.

LGBTQ Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Courtesy of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

PRACTICING SELF CARE

Know you are not alone. There are resources where you can connect with other members of the LGBTQ community, available here and elsewhere.

Build a support network. Develop a support network in your life that will help keep you safe and that you can lean on if you feel depressed or suicidal.

Talk to someone. Don’t keep thoughts of suicide to yourself. Lean on your support network, find a therapist or a support group and utilize resources like the Lifeline.

Make a safety plan. Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe.

HOW TO HELP OTHERS

Be an ally. Publicly show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Ensure that you are supporting loved ones by affirming their identity, using their pronouns and being committed to providing a non-judgmental and safe space for all.

Know the facts. Over 80% of LGBTQ+ youth have been assaulted or threatened, and every instance of victimization in an LGBTQ+ person’s life more than doubles the likelihood of self-harming.

Ask and listen. Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct and ask. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Listen to their story without offering advice or judgment.

Link them to resources and remember to take care of yourself. Collaborate with your loved one to get them any help they might need. If you’re not sure where to start, the Lifeline is always available, both for crisis intervention and to support allies.

FINDING FAMILY: Mari and Dreux Macabenta (Middle Row, 4th and 5th from R) attended PFLAG Riverview’s first meeting led by PFLAG Riverview President Faith Moeller (Bottom Row, Center) in 2020. PHOTO COURTESY MARI MACABENTA

Daydream Believer

Jeremy Williams

BEN PLATT IS HITTING THE ROAD.

After more than three years of not playing live due to the ongoing COIVD-19 pandemic and then having to postpone his tour earlier this year, Platt will finally get to the take the stage in support of his 2021 album, “Reverie.”

“The Reverie Tour,” Platt’s 20-city tour with special guest opener Aly & AJ, will kick off in Seattle Sept. 3 and conclude in Florida with two performances — one at the Amway Center in Orlando Oct. 6 and then at the Hard Rock Live in Miami Oct. 7.

While he hasn’t played a full concert in a few years, Platt

has been keeping himself busy during the pandemic. He starred in the theatrical version of his hit Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hanson.” The stage version landed him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and an Emmy Award for performing “You

Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hanson” on “The Today Show.”

He was also named the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year in 2020 by the Hasty Pudding Theatricals society at Harvard University, joining an illustrious group whose recent additions have included Ryan Reynolds, Paul Rudd and Neil Patrick Harris.

Platt also spent the pandemic writing songs that would become his second studio album, “Reverie.” Platt was gracious enough to chat with Watermark ahead of his tour’s start.

Ben Platt brings ‘The Reverie Tour’ to Orlando

WATERMARK:

IS

SEPT. 3 IN SEATTLE AFTER HAVING TO POSTPONE EARLIER THIS YEAR. HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT IT THIS CLOSE TO THE TOUR STARTING?

I’m very excited, there’s still a lot of work to do but I’m excited. It’s been like three years since I’ve gotten to perform live and it’s such a part of my identity, since I was very young, and it feels strange not to have done it for so long, so I’m very hungry to do it again. So much was ruined and affected by the pandemic and one thing that is unchanging is the experience of singing live in a room with people, so I’m just excited to get back to that.

THE TOUR IS FOR YOUR SECOND ALBUM, “REVERIE,” WHICH RELEASED A YEAR AGO. THE ALBUM HAS AN ‘80S/’90S VIBE TO IT. IS THAT THE DIRECTION YOU HAD PLANNED TO TAKE IT?

Absolutely. I was inspired by Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, George Michael, even Springsteen and James Taylor, so certainly that kind of nostalgic, kind of classic beat was a big inspiration to me during the pandemic. It was a lot of what I was listening to when I wrote the record. To that end, it really is music that begs to be performed live.

THE TITLE OF THIS ALBUM MEANS TO BE LOST IN THOUGHT OR TO DAYDREAM. WERE YOU A BIG DAYDREAMER GROWING UP?

Totally, one of my favorite songs is “Finishing the Hat” from “Sunday in the Park with George” which is kind of all about fitting somewhat into your head as an artist and having difficulty being totally present because you’re always dreaming what might happen in the future, you know your passion is very distracting. I’ve certainly always felt that way. Then I think the pandemic, like many people, I felt really in need of an escape, you know, from the anxiety of those early months so the album really afforded me that place to go in my mind. Something to be really creative with and view it as one big daydream.

YOUR FIRST ALBUM, “SING TO ME INSTEAD,” IS SUCH A PERSONAL ALBUM. UP UNTIL THAT POINT, MOST PEOPLE ONLY KNEW

YOU FROM YOUR FILM AND STAGE ROLES, SO THEY DIDN’T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE. SO THE VIDEO FOR “EASE MY MIND” WAS REALLY YOUR PUBLIC COMING OUT, OTHER THAN BEING OUT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS PRIVATELY MANY DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE GAY. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME OUT IN THAT WAY?

It was a very unconscious decision in the sense that the main goal with the first album was to be as transparent as I could because, as you said, I had been playing lots of other characters and hadn’t had the opportunity to express my own perspective and my own experiences. So if I’m going to go down this path of recording my own music the only thing that would set me apart from those other mediums would be for me to be completely transparent about who I am, be my authentic self, and obviously my queerness is a really big part of that. There was never really a point where I considered not including that in the album and in the video because the stories I was writing about were queer stories and it never occurred to me to go in and edit those things.

The fact that it became this “official coming out” wasn’t something that I thought deeply about before it happened, I was just more concerned with being entirely authentic to myself, so it was just one of the more wonderful surprises of the experience of putting the album out, that it resonated so much

with so many queer couples and queer people, it’s all I can ask for.

I certainly looked up to a lot of other queer artists myself and any time you can see yourself represented or hear the right pronouns or hear details in a song that you can resonate with, especially ones that don’t make the song exclusive or exclude people whose experiences aren’t exactly the same but can have little Bat Signals if you will to queer people, I loved coming upon those things and now to be that for some young people is really, really special.

I love to be performing on stage, when I have the opportunity to tour, and there’s such a large section of the audience that is filled with queer people, it feels very special in a time when it feels a little bit frightening and sometimes despairing, it’s a really nice beacon of hope to be somewhere where queer people can congregate freely and have a good time.

YOU HAVE BEEN IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH ACTOR NOAH GALVIN FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS. HOW HAS THE RELATIONSHIP BEEN WHILE NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC?

Things are wonderful. I was friends with Noah for many years before we started dating so it’s really just the latest chapter in our relationship but they are great. He works in Vancouver for much of the year on “The Good Doctor” so with the long distance we wish we could spend more time together but we’ve gotten

pretty good at it and he’ll be able to come out and see me on tour a few times which will be very lovely. He’s just the best and he puts a lot of other things into a really positive perspective for me which I’m very grateful for.

LIKE A LOT OF US DURING THE PANDEMIC, YOU JOINED TIKTOK IN EARLY 2021. YOU USED IT TO ANNOUNCE YOUR OPENING ACT, ALY & AJ. ARE YOU ENJOYING THE WHOLE TIKTOK EXPERIENCE?

I think the internet in general is really frightening but I do think that TikTok is very content forward and very easy to get from it what you want. I really apricate the user friendliness of it and that you can be creative and authentic, and it’s not as much about the discourse as it is about the content itself. That and it has become unrefutably synonymous with the music business so it’s really become a tool there.

AJ & Aly are really lovely, lovely wonderful ladies. I did a show with Aly back when we were kids at a children’s theater called the Falcon Theater in L.A. that Gary Marshall used to run when we were both working as kid actors in theater. Then I got to watch her rise with AJ. So it was a no-brainer to have them come on tour with me. We are going to get to do a duet as well which will be really fun. I’m excited to have them around, I think our audiences will really mesh nicely.

YOU ARE SO ENTWINED WITH YOUR CHARACTER EVAN HANSEN. WHAT’S BEEN ONE OF THE BEST THINGS FOR YOU BEING

WRAPPED SO CLOSELY TO THAT CHARACTER AND IS THERE A NEGATIVE TO HAVING THAT?

I think the most beautiful thing will always be the way that piece affected people’s lives and hearing stories still to this day of people who would see the show or the film and are inspired to start conversations with their parents or parents with their children and to open up and be honest about their mental health issues. It seems to open the flood gates, that piece, so I’m first and foremost really, really grateful to be synonymous with something like that.

I think as someone who has had spiels with my own anxiety, I’m sure almost everybody does now these days, it’s just really nice to connect with people over that and to have that be the subject matter that comes up when people are talking about “Dear Evan Hanson,” so I’m very grateful that’s the character that I am synonymous with and that I got to develop it myself for so many years.

There really isn’t any negative with it. It’s more just now that I’ve become an adult just taking the space and separation from that and investing more into who I am separate from that and moving forward from it. I got everything I could possibly hope for from that experience and I’m in a very different stage of life now then I was really in high school and then in my 20’s playing a high schooler I feel further and further from it but in a really positive way.

SPEAKING OF THE STAGE, DID I READ THAT YOU ARE COMING BACK TO BROADWAY?

Yeah, sort of. There’s this theater called City Center in New York that is theoretically a Broadway theater but it’s a typically nonprofit, limited run place and they do a season full of shows that have a short run. It’s somewhere between a stage concert and a full production. So we’re doing “Parade” which is about the Leo and Lucille Frank trail at the turn of the century in Georgia. It’s really, really beautiful and I’m very excited to get back on stage to do a musical. It’s just a week-long run but we’ll see after that.

Ben Platt, with special guest Aly & AJ, will perform at the Amway Center in Orlando Oct. 6. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at BenPlattMusic.com.

YOUR TOUR

FINALLY KICKING OFF

BACK ON STAGE: Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning entertainer Ben Platt heads back on the road to perform live in concert after a three-year absence from the stage due to the ongoing pandemic. PHOTO BY VINCE AUNG

Going Green Day

American Stage’s ‘American Idiot’ combines punk rock with colorful cast

(ABOVE) READY TO PUNK ROCK: (L-R) Mia Massero, Nathan David Smith, Johnny Shea, Zummy Mohammed and Ari Glauser in “Green Day’s American Idiot” at American Stage.

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS HAWKES

By Abby Baker

WHEN “GREEN DAY’S AMERICAN Idiot” premiered on Broadway in 2009, it made headlines as a punk rock opera written by Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong, seen by many as a rock star ahead of his time.

The production tackled illicit drug use, war and unplanned pregnancies to the upbeat grunge tune of the band’s renowned hit album, “American Idiot.”

This fall, American Stage Theatre Company is presenting “Green Day’s American Idiot” with a colorful cast of musical theatre actors and creative team ready to make it their own. It’s still Green Day, it still rocks, but it has an eccentric St. Pete style flavor.

Opening night is Sept. 9, but the seven-person main cast and the nine-person ensemble have been working to bring Green Day’s 90s sound and disillusionment to life since August. The rock musical features 22 of the band’s songs and is full of electrifying rock and spine-tingling moments of hardships and sorrow.

Director Gavin Hawk has been dreaming of a show like this one since he was a high school kid in the punk scene of the late ‘80s and ‘90s

grappling with his home life. When he was 14, Hawk’s mother suffered injuries in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. His friends at the time encouraged him to attend rock shows and get into the music scene.

“I think teenage me would be thrilled that his two passions – theatre and punk rock – had been merged together, and in a way that doesn’t feel reductive of the power of the music,” Hawk says. “Like any good punk rocker, I am wary of the commercialization of this thing I love.

“There’s nothing wrong with making money off it, though, as long as you stay true to the thing you are representing,” he continues. “Teenage me would also wonder why current me didn’t have more tattoos.”

Hawk’s come a long way since his youthful angst, directing multiple hit shows throughout Tampa Bay. He’s also a professor of theater at Eckerd College.

Unlike the original show on Broadway that reflects on the dismay following 9-11, Hawk says American Stage’s version isn’t set in any particular time period, though there are still references to war.

“We were still in Afghanistan in 2022,” Hawk notes. “This ‘American Idiot’ could happen anytime, anywhere.”

Casting a crew of ironically flawed characters through virtual audition tapes to make that a reality was no simple task. “American Idiot” circles three men, Johnny (Johnny Shea), Will (Nathan David Smith) and Tunny (Zummy Mohammed).

Plagued with the boredom of suburbia, the three beer-guzzling protagonists belt out the need for a change, any change. Change comes, of course, but not in the way they hope.

Johnny and Tunny leave the suburbs behind for the big city. Will plans to flee with them but stops in his skinny jeans when his girlfriend, Heather (Mia Massero) tells him she’s pregnant.

Offstage, 25-year-old Mohammed is a proud Brooklynite, Egyptian-American and a gay man. He travels to Florida frequently to visit his family in Bradenton and works in the Sunshine State when he can. Local fans may recognize him from his role as Lyle and Dance Captain in American Stage’s “Footloose” in the park earlier this year.

Tunny in “American Idiot” is written as a stark contrast to Mohammed; he’s a heterosexual character who enlists in the military and ultimately loses a leg due to impulsive behavior.

While recovering from his injuries in a bed-stricken state, Tunny hallucinates that he sees a beautiful young nurse, “The Extraordinary Girl” (Ari Glauser) dancing in a dream. He’s entranced by her miraged image, and Mohammed sees this behavior as something not widely recognized in his character.

“I think Tunny is a little gay,” Mohammed laughs. “I was having this talk with Ari, who plays The Extraordinary Girl. I think my character didn’t see her character as a whole person until he saw her as a nurse. It reminded me of the crushes I had on my girl friends growing up. Tunny is an

uninspired guy that doesn’t know who he wants to be.”

What does Hawk think of Mohammed’s take on Tunny?

“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s important that actors find a link to their characters and a way to really fuel the performance,” Hawk says. “I call it ‘an actor’s secret.’”

It isn’t the first time the LGBTQ community has had ties to Green Day. In 1994, openly gay punk band Pansy Division went on tour with the band, which refused to play anywhere that wouldn’t allow Pansy Division to perform. The next year, Armstrong himself publicly came out as bisexual.

Mohammed’s interpretation of his character is one that comes at a difficult personal time, however. The Pennsylvania native came out as gay to his family this summer while working on the show.

He says it’s great to be completely open about his identity, but it hasn’t been easy.

“It didn’t go well. I love and respect my dad so much, so it’s been very hard,” Mohammed explains. “I’m the same gay boy that I’ve been for 25 years.”

He got his start with theatre and dance when he was in primary school, becoming infatuated with the stage in high school. Despite his family’s concerns that performance art was not a career path worth pursuing, he’s had one foot in acting, dancing and singing ever since.

Despite all this, Mohammed hopes his father will come to the production.

“I hope he will come see me. He’s very proud of the work. I continue to open his eyes to it and I know that our culture does not see this as a career, so me doing big things surprises him,” Mohammed says. “My mom will come several times. I know that.”

Like the difficult life change Mohammed is experiencing, “American Idiot” tells the story of an imperfect humanity’s generational trauma.

Mohammed hopes that audiences see this and take something away from the production.

“America is in a tumultuous time,” he says. “With mass shootings to everything going on right now, I hope people learn that growth is painful, and if we visit these tough subjects, we open the conversation up.”

Abby Baker, in addition to freelancing for Watermark, is the communication coordinator for American Stage. The venue’s production of “Green Day’s American Idiot” plays Wednesdays-Sundays Sept. 9-Oct. 2 at 163 3rd St. N. in St. Petersburg. Times vary and tickets are $45, with reduced preview prices Sept. 7-8. Learn more at AmericanStage.org.

MICHAEL

Carbonaro has made magic cool again. His wildly popular hidden camera show “The Carbonaro Effect,” which took illusion and tricks to a new level, established him on a global scale. Of course, it helps that he has movie star good looks that leave David Copperfield (remember him?) in the dust. Those looks also came in handy for his acting career. Carbonaro gave an award-winning performance in Todd Stephens’ 2006 wacky comedy “Another Gay Movie.” Presently, he is, once again, taking his act on the road to dazzle and delight audiences in a show titled “Carbonaro: Lies on Stage.” Michael was generous enough to make time in his schedule for an interview ahead of his performance at The Plaza Live in Orlando Oct. 13.

“CARBONARO:

MICHAEL CARBONARO: It’s everything to me.

I had never been away

from performance for that long since I was 13 years old. This was new territory, to not be doing what is really a kind of meditation for me and a love that I knew I had, but I didn’t know how important it really was for my soul. This is so wonderful to be able to

Gregg Shapiro

WATERMARK: THE TITLE OF YOUR NEW TOUR IS

LIES ON STAGE,” WHICH IS A CLEVER PLAY ON “LIVE ON STAGE.” WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE ABLE TO RETURN TO LIVE PERFORMANCE?

Actor/illusionist Michael Carbonaro

on Stage’ at The Plaza Live PHOTO

get back out there and have extra appreciation for how important this is really part of my being now. Being up on a stage and being a conduit for joy. Transcending happiness through myself back from the audience, back from them to me, and seeing the smiles and feeling that love. I knew it was important, but I had no idea how much it was until I guess, like they say, you don’t know how much you appreciate something until it’s gone.

100%! In fact, I was lucky and excited for this speedball of a ride that “The Carbonaro Effect” was. I started “The Carbonaro Effect” and for seven years it was a rollercoaster that did not stop. It was so exciting, but at a certain point, you really do need to reconnect. I had no time off. It was wonderful but I was going from writing to pre-production to production to editing to writing to pre-production to production to editing with zero time off in between. As awesome as that was, it does take something away from you. I was probably the only person in the world that was like, “Yay, a pandemic!” I kind of needed a break. At first, it was wonderful to be like, “Oh my gosh, I’m gardening at my house. I’m sticking my hand in the dirt and not talking to anybody for hours, maybe a day or two.” Maybe I’ll talk to my husband while we’re chilling out. But there isn’t this constant buzz all around me, which was wonderful. And then it got boring really quick [laughs]. Although I have to say, maybe for six months there were all these virtual opportunities. They asked, “Do you want to do virtual shows for corporate stuff?” And I was like, “No, not really. I’m just sort of chillin’.” Then I was like, “All right, let me try a few.” Then, after about six months, I was like, “OK, I need to make something. I’m not going back out there, and this isn’t ending, I need to make something creative.” While I was writing and coming up with other ideas I could do on stage and for television, I thought, “I want to

make something special for the now time.” So, I made a virtual show which was called “Live from Space.” I did eight shows. I had 500 families a night tuning in. It was really cool. It was its own different kind of thing that afforded a different kind of creativity that I don’t do on television or on stage. It was more intimate. You were joining me in my messy office. We were playing. I’m digging through stuff. Wild things happened. A live chicken arrived from outer space in my office. I end up flying out the window at the end. We did some cool, awesome effects that could only exist in that genre. (It made me realize), “OK, I do need to be creative.” It was a fun thing to do, but still nothing like getting up on stage.

IS YOUR HUSBAND PETER [STICKLES] YOUR TEST AUDIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO TRYING OUT NEW PARTS OF YOUR SHOW?

[Laughs] it’s funny you say that. No, and I probably should more because, boy, he’s got such a threshold to get through. We have this joke where I say something, and if he laughs out loud, we both kind of look at each other like, “You made me laugh, honey!”

I’m always making jokes and he’s always like, “Uh huh.” Every now and then when something gets through that threshold, it’s like, “Wow, still got it! OK!” No, I’m usually better off practicing in front of my cat and a live audience, versus Peter.

WHAT CAN YOUR FANS EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE IN THE NEW SHOW?

It’s a great show. I’m so excited! That was another thing, too. It was really hard; because I’m touring, I’m touring, I’m touring, I’m touring, and people want to keep seeing those shows, and there was no time to stop and put together an all-new tour. So, that was fun to get the time over the pandemic to be able to do that. This is an all-new tour show, brand new magic. Which is insanely difficult to put together. A lot of the routines in my first tour were spinoffs of things that I had been doing since I was 13 years old. I had all this audience-tested material that I adapted into the tour. Suddenly, I was starting from scratch. I popped up at a few clubs to workshop some stuff. We’re just having a ball. There’re mischievous gnomes in the tour that keep popping up and stealing items from me and the audience. There’re silly tricks; I teach the audience how to magically separate laundry. Lots of audience participation. Me going out in the crowd showing off some new “Carbonaro Effect” devices and bringing people up on stage to help. Every night, two people from the audience are brought on stage and made to disappear.

DO YOU EVER GET THE SENSE THAT SOME PEOPLE COME TO THE SHOW AS SKEPTICS AND THAT OVER THE COURSE OF THE EVENING YOU’VE WON THEM OVER?

I wonder if there are people who literally come in like Houdini used to do and call out spirit mediums. Like they’re going to stand up and shout, “Impostor!” I think that even if they’re fans, somewhere in their head they’re like, “I’ve seen this guy on TV. I don’t know how much I trust TV. Gosh, I hope this can happen in front of my eyes and that’s why I’m here and hope to fulfill that excitement.” There’s this electricity that happens when I start doing things right there, in front of them, for real. There’s this excited relief. Like it’s real. Not real, real. It’s real, fake real. It’s not camera tricks. It’s not actors. This is happening to me or it’s happening right in front of their own eyes. I think there is that excitement that comes from the relief that it’s not BS on TV.

TO COMMEMORATE THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF “ANOTHER GAY MOVIE,” A DIRECTOR’S CUT OF THE MOVIE WAS RELEASED ON DVD AND VOD. DID YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO MARK THE OCCASION?

It’s so funny. Peter, my husband, who buys DVDs with CDs, and loves going to Amoeba [Music], took a picture the other day and asked me, “Did you know this DVD 15th-anniversary cut was released?” I knew that they were releasing it and they did a screening. But I didn’t know that it was going to be a hard copy, going to be sold. I was so excited to see that it was out there. I have to go get a copy. I knew of the cut, and we did a little online reunion. We also

went to the Austin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. They did a 15-year anniversary screening and the whole cast came, all four boys and the director. It was that moment in life where I was like, “This is the most special thing I’ve ever had.” It was so incredible to reconnect with this project 15 years later. All of us together, where we are in our lives now. It was an interesting story, and I don’t know how much you followed that. But one of the actors in “Another Gay Movie” (Jonathan Chase, who played jock Jarod), as soon as the movie was released in 2006, didn’t take part in any of the promotion for it. He had this crazy strong team who didn’t like the cut and he wasn’t going to promote it. He never went on any of the fun ride. That was really the whole thing about making that movie, aside from how fun it was to make. He didn’t go to the Castro or any of the film festivals. The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival!

The Tribeca Film Festival! That was the excitement of it, and he didn’t take part in any of that. So, this 15-year anniversary was the first time the four of us watched the film together. He really came around and supports it now wholeheartedly. He regrets not supporting it back at the time. We rented a little Airbnb, and we had a hot tub. I felt so lucky and blessed to have a moment like that and friends like that.

“AGM” WRITER/DIRECTOR TODD STEPHENS’ LATEST MOVIE WAS 2021’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED “SWAN SONG.” GIVEN THE CHANCE, DO YOU THINK YOU’D EVER WORK WITH TODD AGAIN ON A FILM PROJECT?

A million percent! Oh my gosh, I can’t wait to. I know he’s working on another TV thing that sounded so cool. All four of us, the boys, were like, “Todd, if we come in it’d be pretty cool to see one of the boys from that movie come in on your new TV show, even as a guest star.” I love Todd. He’s like a big brother, totally family. That was the greatest ride of my life. For all the things I’ve gotten to do in my life in “the showbiz,” that movie, shooting that film, and meeting those people and that ride just tops them all.

“Carbonaro: Lies on Stage” comes to The Plaza Live in Orlando Oct. 13. Tickets start at $29.50 and are available to purchase at MichaelCarbonaro.com.

DID THE FORCED TIME OFF DURING THE PANDEMIC, MAYBE MORE SO THAN IF YOU HAD BEEN CONSTANTLY TOURING, PROVIDE YOU WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO COME UP WITH NEW ILLUSIONS AND TRICKS?

MAKING MAGIC: Illusionist Michael Carbonaro brings his tour to The Plaza Orlando Oct. 13. PHOTO BY DAVID SZYMANSKI

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Sing Along w/ “Mamma Mia!,” Sept. 2, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

Labor Day Weekend at AMOR, Sept. 3, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. 407-866-1191; IrishShannons.com

DeadMau5, Sept. 3, The Vanguard, Orlando. 407-872-0066; TheVanguard. Live

Afternoon w/ Miss Vicki, Sept. 4, District Dive, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ DistrictDive

Disability (Is Not a Bad Word), Sept. 6, virtual, online. 321-926-1336; PeerSupportSpace.org

Pride Night at DaVinci, Sept. 6 & 13, Café DaVinci, DeLand. 386-736-0008; CafeDaVinciDeLand.com

The Center’s September Art Show featuring Jeff Jones, Sept. 8, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com

Charity Bingo benefitting 26Health, Sept. 8, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

HI-fiVe! HIV Workshop, Sept. 8-Dec. 15, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com

Aunt Mary Pat, Sept. 10, Savoy, Orlando. 407-898-6766; SavoyOrlando.com Fragmento/EnMi, Sept. 10, Marshall Ellis Dance School at ME Performing Arts Center, Orlando. 844-633-2623; MarshallEllisDanceSchool.com

Fortune Feimster, Sept. 10, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

FORTUNE SMILES

Kevin Kelly: Confessions of a Crazed Crooner, Sept. 14-15, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sept. 15, Camping World Stadium, Orlando. 407-440-5700; CampingWorldStadium.com

“The Room” w/ Greg Sestero, Sept. 15, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

TAMPA BAY

“Avenue Q,” Through Sept. 25, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

OneRepublic & Needtobreathe, Sept. 2, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa. 813-600-1000; Facebook.com/ MidFloridaAmp

Rod Stewart w/Cheap Trick, Sept. 3, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

“Grease,” Sept. 4, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

Focusing on Ending HIV Focus Groups, Sept. 7, Empath Partners in Care, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Amy Schumer: “Whore Tour,” Sept. 8, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa. 866-388-4263; SeminoleHardRockTampa.com

Green Book Business Owner Mixer, Sept. 8, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667; MFAStPete.org

“DÉJÀ VU” Opening, Sept. 9, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com

“Xanadu,” Sept. 9, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

Craft & Art Market, Sept. 10, Inclusivitea, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7212; MetroTampaBay.org

COSP 2023 Royal Court Talent Competition, Sept. 11, Location TBD, St. Petersburg. ComeOUTStPete.org

St. Pete Junior Women’s Club Drag Queen Bingo, Sept. 13, Creative Grape, St. Petersburg. 727-803-6004; CreativeGrape.com

“Breast Advice: An Uplifting Conversation About Boobs,” Sept. 13, Stageworks Theatre, Tampa. 813-416-2068; TheWriteOneCreativeServices.com

Pride Writers Panel, Sept. 13, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456; TomboloBooks.com

SPYP Connect, Sept. 15, HOPS 2.0, St. Petersburg. 727-821-4069; StPete.com/ SPYP

SARASOTA

CANDance 2022, Sept. 10, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota. 844-922-2777; CANCommunityHealth.org/ CANDance-After-Dark

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA September Business Connect

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7, 6-7:30 P.M.

ORLANDO SHAKES, ORLANDO

The Pride Chamber invites you to come mingle at its monthly networking mixer. This month’s business connect will be at Orlando Shakes. Refreshments will be available and a special performance of the Orlando Shakes production of “Noises Off” will conclude the event. Admission is free to chamber members and $20 for guests and visitors. For more information and to register for the event, go to ThePrideChamber.org.

Rainbow Democrats Monthly Membership Meeting

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14, 6-7 P.M.

SOUTHERN CRAFT, ORLANDO

The Rainbow Democrats will hold its September general membership meeting at Southern Craft in Orlando. Come out to learn more about Florida’s upcoming midterm elections and what the Rainbow Democrats do. The event will feature special guest speaker Johanna López who is running for Florida House District 48. For more information, visit RainbowDemocrats.org.

TAMPA BAY

Miss Tampa Pride 2023

SATURDAY, SEPT. 3, 6 P.M.

SOUTHERN NIGHTS, TAMPA

Johnny Negron Valentino, Southern Nights Tampa and Tampa Pride present the organization’s search for its next queen. Hosted by former winner Jade Embers and honoring 2022 winner Galaxy, Miss Tampa Pride 2023 will receive a grand prize of $2,000 and more. 1st runner up receives $500, 2nd receives $250 with a prize package. The pageant is 18+ with a $10 cover. Learn more at TampaPride.org.

An Evening with Rob Sanders

TUESDAY, SEPT. 6, 7 P.M.

COASTAL CREATIVE, ST. PETERSBURG

Tampa Bay author Rob Sanders discusses two of his latest works, presented by Tombolo Books in partnership with the Florida Freedom to Read Project.

“Blood Brothers” is Sanders’ middle grade fiction debut about a fight against prejudice while “Stitch by Stich” is a picture book about the extraordinary life of LGBTQ activist Cleve Jones. Learn more and RSVP at TomboloBooks.com.

Fortune Feimster brings her “Hey Y’all” tour to the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Sept. 10. PHOTO FROM DRPHILLIPSCENTER.ORG

OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 15 signed a one-year deal with Carl Nassib, who became the first active NFL player to come out as gay last year. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, or GLAD, announced Aug. 17 that Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith will receive the organization’s 2022 Spirit of Justice Award in October.

Johnsons Tampa announced their grand opening Aug. 21, scheduled for Sept. 2. Learn more about the incoming LGBTQ hotspot at Facebook.com/JohnsonsTampa.

Brianna Summers won the inaugural Miss Daytime Aug. 22.

Openly LGBTQ State Rep. Michele Rayner won her House District 62 primary Aug. 23. Read more about the results at WatermarkOnline.com.

LGBTQ ally, St. Petersburg native and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist won the Democratic nomination for governor Aug. 23. Read more about the results on p. 13.

EPIC Generations returns with support and social activities for LGBTQ and ally seniors in Pinellas County this month. Learn more at MyEPIC.org.

Kamden T. Rage won Miss Quench 2022 Aug. 28, winning all categories. Learn more at QuenchLounge.com.

CONDOLENCES

Tampa Bay civil rights leader Rev. Watson L. Haynes II died Aug. 20. He will be missed.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa Bay stylist Nicholas Grawey, Habitat for Humanity handyman Rick Vail, Florida Studio Theatre Director of Marketing Becca Jennings, Disney lover Dave Reynolds-Steele (Sept. 1); Creative Pinellas Marketing and Communications Manager Roman Black,Activist Jessica Bond,Tampa actor Troy LaFon (Sept. 3); Asolo Rep social media coordinator David Valdez, Bluegreen Vacations’ Erik Carroll, Tampa pharmacist Brian Wehling, St. Pete software genius David Palio, Gulfport party host Ed Dunn, Tampa Bay entertainer Kenneth Lawson aka Juno Vibranz (Sept. 5); Sarasota teacher Steve Eller, Reiki practitioner Lauren Lansrud (Sept. 6); St. Pete retiree Jerry Rechek, EPIC Special Events Coordinator Ryan Young, St. Petersburg grillmaster Shane Jeffers, Hustle & Heart Group realtor Wendi Johnson (Sept. 7); Tampa’s Colombia transplant Ricardo Mendez, HSN bigwig Darryl Blaker, Tampa bear Mike Scott, Tampa athlete Marty Walsh, St. Pete socialite Clinton Nickels (Sept. 8); St. Pete big bear David Reynolds, St. Pete chiropractor Karen Reese, Tampa Bay entertainer Brianna Summers, Publix pro Raymond Jamison (Sept. 9); St. Pete fundraiser Jonathan Soots, Tampa animal lover Greg Burton, Tampa Bay entertainer

Anastasia B. Childs aka Alan He in, Tampa Gallery curator Albert Burruezo (Sept. 11); Moments of Clarity host Tiffany Werhner, Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay Founder Dr. David Lyter, Rising Tide Innovation Center’s Leigh Kellett Fletcher, St. Petersburg realtor Pete McGahan (Sept. 14).

ALL HEART: ZaZoo’d design intern Ian paints a new permanent Cocktail fixture Aug. 25. PHOTO VIA COCKTAIL’S FACEBOOK

PLAY BALL: Project Pride tables at the Bradenton Marauders’ Pride Night at LECOM Park Aug. 27. PHOTO VIA PROJECT PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

QUEEN ME: (L-R) Blu Dream, WFLA Daytime co-host Farron Hipp, winner Brianna Summers and Vanessa “La Tease” Gemini compete in the Aug. 22-aired Miss Daytime. PHOTO VIA DAYTIME’S FACEBOOK

PINS UP: Lael Winheim strikes a pose at EPIC’s 15thh annual Strike Out for AIDS at Pin Chasers Tampa Aug. 20. PHOTO VIA EPIC’S FACEBOOK

CENTER STAGE: “Drag Race” season 13 winner Symone steals the Southern Nights Tampa spotlight Aug. 20. PHOTO VIA SOUTHERN NIGHTS TAMPA’S FACEBOOK

CHECKING IN: (L-R) Union leader Ken Williams, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson and U.S. Transportation Deputy Sec. Polly Trottenberg celebrate Port Tampa Bay’s $12.6 million grant Aug. 23.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

MOVING FORWARD: Charlie Crist addresses supporters after winning the Democratic primary for governor in his native St. Petersburg Aug. 23.

PHOTO VIA CRIST’S FACEBOOK

FAN FAVORITES: Eileen Navarro (L) and Daniel Harris celebrate the 2022 Cathy Awards Aug. 27. PHOTO VIA GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS’ FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Will’s Pub celebrates its 26th anniversary on Sept. 1.

CONDOLENCES

Orlando accountant and community hero Elliott Barber passed away Aug. 21. He will be missed.

WORKSHOPS

HI- Ve!, the LGBT+ Center Orlando HIV support group, is launching an eight-week educational workshop starting Sept. 8 focused on achieving a full understanding of HIV in Central Florida. The interactive workshop will run eight consecutive weeks, ending Dec. 15. The HI-fiVe! Workshop is free to attend and participation is confidential. To register, go to https://rb.gy/ecsk2i and for more information, email Daniel Fernandez de Castro at Daniel@TheCenterOrlando.org.

GIVEAWAYS

Tony Award-winning actor-singer Ben Platt is bringing The Reverie Tour, with special guest Aly & AJ, to the Amway Center in Orlando Oct. 6 and Watermark wants to send you to the concert for free. From now until the end of September, we are giving away a pair of tickets to the show every week. Once you enter you are entered for the entire run of the contest, although once you win then you cannot have your name drawn for another pair of tickets. To enter the ticket giveaway, go to WatermarkOnline.com/ BenPlatt.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Central Florida performer Philip Ancheta, Central Florida performer and FrogPig creator Joel Swanson (Sept. 1); Former LGBT+ Center board president Jeffrey Buak, LGBTQ activist Heather Lea Soersdal (Sept. 2); Central Florida LGBTQ super ally Jennifer Kunsch, Orlando realtor Kate Maini (Sept. 3); Watermark’s Remarkable People cover model Joan Rodriguez (Sept. 4); Former Watermark intern Alexis Bell (Sept. 5); Rollins College honcho A. Eddie Mehnert, Orlando Gay Chorus member Andrew Lemin, ex-intern and former Watermark cover model Randa Grif n (Sept. 6); Bliss CARES’ Maggie Smith, Anthony Bella Capelli Studio owner Steven Dorsagno, Gods and Monsters owner Anna Maiya Young (Sept. 7); Central Florida entertainer Darcel Stevens, Disney entertainment tech Charles Cantrell (Sept. 8); Les Vixens dancer Christine Machado (Sept. 9); President of Falk Research Associates Thor Falk, Crew Health CEO Chadwick Thomas, LGBT+ Center board member and Edward Jones financial adviser Veronica Woodard, Green House Realty owner Joshua Cooper, Owner of Lee Forrest Designs Lee Forrest (Sept. 10); City of Altamonte designer Deanndra Meno, Orlando-based international drag performer Joshua Eads-Brown a.k.a. Ginger Minj, political activist Wes Hodge, The News Junkie co-host and ally Chris Lane (Sept. 11); owner of A Comic Shop Aaron Haaland (Sept. 12); Former Pride Chamber president Tom Yaegers, Straight ally Dee Richter (Sept. 14).

SERVING YOUTH: The Orlando Youth Alliance team holds a Celebrity Server fundraiser at Dubsdread in Orlando Aug. 22. PHOTO VIA MICHAEL SLAYMAKER’S FACEBOOK

CHANGE MAKERS: Andres Acosta (L) and Juan Rodriguez are making things happen as they grab lunch in Orlando Aug. 16. PHOTO VIA ANDRES ACOSTA’S FACEBOOK

BRINGING HOPE: Kim Murphy (L) and Andrea Montanez at the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka Aug. 26. PHOTO VIA ANDREA MONTANEZ’S FACEBOOK

RUNNING AMUCK: Philip Ancheta is dressed up and ready to take the stage for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Aug. 12. Ancheta will be a part of the Sanderson Sisters show on the castle stage all season long. PHOTO VIA PHILIP ANCHETA’S FACEBOOK

CENTRAL FLORIDA

LOVE: “Welcome to Sam José” vloggers Sam Cloward (L) and José Cabranes check out the Downtown Historic District in Winter Garden Aug. 24. PHOTO VIA WELCOME TO SAM JOSÉ’S FACEBOOK

SPEAKING FOR TRUTH: Brandon Wolf (L) with (L-R) U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, AFT President Randi Weingarten and self-care guru Reggie Hubbard at Netroots Nation 2022 conference in Pittsburgh Aug. 20. PHOTO VIA BRANDON WOLF’S FACEBOOK

MADE FOR TV: Brandon Martin (L) and Donald Rupe talk about Renaissance Theatre Company’s “Lenox Ave” on local news WESH 2 Aug. 13. SCREENSHOT VIA WESH 2

ON TO WASHINGTON: Maxwell Frost speaks to a crowd of supporters at the Renaissance Theatre in Orlando after winning the democratic nomination for U.S. representative in Florida’s District Aug. 23. SCREENSHOT VIA BRANDON WOLF’S FACEBOOK

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LGBT MEDICAL

Tampa, Florida

JAMIL PRICE AND TRENT BROCK, THEN

living in Knoxville, Tennessee, first connected on a dating app in April 2015. They chatted for a bit but had a difficulty finding a time to meet up and eventually their conversation slowed. Price even deleted him from the app.

“It was tough. Trent was getting his master’s degree. We were both working professionals,” Price says. “It just never went anywhere.”

Months later, in August, they crossed paths in real life when hanging out with a mutual friend.

“Lo and behold, Trent was there,” Price says. “It was a really weird reconnection that we had.”

After that chance meeting, he took Brock to lunch for his birthday. Then, they took a weekend trip to Atlanta to catch a Yankees game. It wasn’t long before they were dating.

It was a long-distance relationship for about a year, though, after Brock moved to Louisville, Kentucky. But when he moved again, this time to Tampa in 2016, Price followed him.

“We’ve been in Tampa ever since,” Brock said. “We love it. We built a home together almost three years ago and we’re loving that.”

Eventually, they mutually decided that they’d get married.

“The cool thing about being gay is that there’s no script that we have to follow, per se. There’s no written rules of how you get engaged,” Price explains. “We didn’t want the pressure and had a lot of discussions about what our relationship was going to look like and the steps of marriage.”

They designed their own engagement rings together, using the Kay Jewelry ring created by Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughan as inspiration.

If their engagement was considered non-traditional, then their wedding was even less conventional: the couple had a surprise wedding.

“None of our friends and family, besides the people coming to the wedding, knew we were getting married,” Price says.

Brock adds, “Can you imagine planning a secret wedding for one-and-a-half years before it happens?”

They swore all their guests, just 25 of their closest friends and family members, to secrecy leading up to the big day.

“We definitely felt that we had a lot of quality time with all our guests,” Brock says. “We’ve been to many weddings together and they’re often rather large, and we just don’t see how they’re able to visit with everyone. We’re thankful for the opportunity to have quality time with all guests. We’ll always remember exactly who was at our wedding and what we talked about.”

They wed Feb. 22 – 02/02/22 –at the Oxford Exchange. They were drawn to the date’s uniqueness.

“It’s a really cool date that not a lot of people are going to have as their anniversary date,” Price says. “When you add it up, you get eight – which is the month we started dating – and when you turn eight on its side, that’s infinity. There’s a lot of cool symbolism.”

Since they were leaving the next morning for Tahiti, the couple had to get their pre-flight COVID-19 tests done at the wedding venue.

“That’s not something you’ll ever forget,” Price says.

Then, when they landed in Tahiti, they posted pictures from their wedding to social media and began calling the friends and family to share the news.

“We got the whole gamut of reactions,” Price remembers.

One friend was getting his nails done when they FaceTimed him.

“Here on the East Coast, it was later, but in Tahiti, it was around lunchtime,” Brock recalls. “It was throwing people off and they would ask us why it was so bright where we were. [That friend] was so shocked he was screaming in the nail salon and had to tell the nail artist to stop.”

“Another friend was speechless,” Price says. “That was another of those fun moments to have to call people.”

It was a magical day – one they’ll never forget – and exactly what the couple was hoping their wedding would be.

“We were very conscious that we wanted to do it our way and that it was special to us,” Price says. “I think that was absolutely achieved. It was intimate. It was fun. It was a little stressful getting to the day, but once we got there, it was nice to sit back and let it happen.”

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

Tiffany Razzano