Watermark Issue 30.11: Home in Red

Home in Red

Orlando traffic sign altered with anti-LGBTQ+ message

Tampa Pride cancels Pride on the River 2023

A complete list of Orlando’s pool parties, circuits and events in the first weekend of June SPECIAL INSIDE! CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE

–WATERMARK IN ITS INTRODUCTION TO ITS BIG JUNE WEEKEND CELEBRATION COVERAGE

Given today’s political climate in Florida, where we are seeing the worst attack on the LGBTQ+ community from Tallahassee in the state’s history, it is now more important than ever to be here, be seen and stand together.

made some dramatic strides towards the former.

The hardest adjustment for me is to not eat anything two hours before going to bed, and not laying down on the couch for two hours after eating. It’s silly, but that’s the one that makes me feel the oldest. Then come the dietary changes, which also make me feel old and they just plain suck.

DESK PUBLISHER’S

IFEEL MY AGE TODAY. I MAY FEEL A bit older than my age. Without a doubt, I feel like a used car breaking down a little more every day.

It started roughly a month ago with my back. I was helping to transport boxes of Fringe Festival programs from the parking lot to their second-floor office. On the last trip I bent down to pick up a box of the programs, one foot on the pavement and one on the elevated sidewalk. When I twisted to put the box on the dolly, I felt the harsh beginnings of a very long month. So far, I have had three massages and three trips to the chiropractor. They are helping but my back is slow to catch up.

With all of this going on I’ve been trying to get to the bottom of a personal mystery: why little white masses grow on my vocal chords. I was hoping it was a one-time occurrence. For those who talk to me on a regular basis, they know about a year ago I had

WATERMARK STAFF

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some masses removed that were affecting my ability to speak.

They were benign, thankfully, and for the better part of a year they seemed to stay away. That is until my last visit to the ear, nose and throat doctor. My team of doctors believe it is caused by acid reflux. I was given medication for it and it seemed to help as long as I followed a strict lifestyle change. I have fought these changes for some time now, which may be why the medication alone has not been working.

My reluctance to follow some guidelines is mainly inconvenience mixed with a little agism, by me to me. Now it has come down to this simple agreement, make the changes or constantly have surgeries to remove these masses. I have

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I am a huge fan of Mexican and Tex-Mex food. I grew up on it and salsa and queso pretty much flow through my veins. They are the first to go. No more tomatoes and no more spicy food. That takes away spaghetti, my favorite sauce to make, and pizza. Yeah right, let’s see how long that pizza one lasts.

I can probably live without diet cola. I have been drinking a lot of it lately, but I get how unhealthy it is so it’s easy to eliminate. What has proven to be a bigger problem, for me and for those around me, is the elimination of caffeine from my body. No coffee, no tea and no chocolate. I’m on day three without it and I think I may be getting back to a normal human being.

It’s hard to tell though. I don’t know if I’ve been moody because of the lack of caffeine or because the world is hard right now for Florida’s queer community. The Florida legislative session ended and DeSantis signed into law the most anti-LGBTQ+ bills we have seen in the state’s history.

It’s brought out a lot of ugly, and not just from the lawmakers. I’ll draw an analogy for those who play softball. You know when your team is winning, everyone is laughing and having fun, but as soon as your team starts to lose there is always this one person who starts to yell at everyone and point out how everyone’s mistakes are holding the team back?

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I can confirm that Watermark has lost at least $6,000 in advertising this print cycle from corporations canceling contracts out of fear of showing their support right now. On several occasions it has been suggested to me, from queer leaders, that our inclusion of the trans community is holding us back. Caffeine or no caffeine, it’s infuriating to me.

To the corporations I say this: Whereas our queerness does not dictate every aspect of our lives, we are ALWAYS queer. Your outspoken support of that queerness is needed more when we are under attack.

To those within our community that target the

MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON”

FUGATE is a local business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer best known for hosting the No. 1-rated female impersonation show in Florida. He has run for political office and has a wide, diverse fan base. Page 23

SYLVIE TREVENA

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trans community: The trans community is not to blame. You should thank them for being on the frontlines so you don’t have to. They are the most vulnerable in our community and we allow them to be. We should stand with them, elevate them loudly and relentlessly. I cannot unhear the words these few have spoken, but it motivates me to ensure Watermark will always be an outspoken supporter of the trans community no matter the cost.

I will never understand this world’s aggression towards the trans community. It’s enough to make this alcoholic pick up a cup of coffee!

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

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I will never understand this world’s aggression towards the trans community.

Rick Todd PUBLISHER Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

ORLANDO TRAFFIC SIGN ALTERED WITH ANTI-LGBTQ+ MESSAGE

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | The Orlando Police Department is looking into who tampered with an electronic road sign in the Lake Nona area May 17 that was altered to display the message “KILL ALL GAYS.”

The sign with the bright orange message was discovered in the early morning hours in the area known as Medical City near Lake Nona Blvd. and Nemours Pkwy. Police arrived on the scene just before 5 a.m.

A spokesperson for the City of Orlando confirmed with FOX 35 that the sign was in that location for the past four days for a planned 5K run happening this weekend. The spokesperson told the local news team that the message was immediately removed and police and the company who owns the sign have been notified. The sign has also been removed.

Images of the sign made their way to social media where it was shared by many, including several local leaders.

“This happened in Lake Nona — the homophobia and transphobia needs to stop,” wrote Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani. “The rhetoric is already bad, the policies dangerous — and all of it has and will translate into violence.”

Former state representative and current candidate for Florida Senate District 17, Carlos Guillermo Smith took to Twitter, saying that this display of hate is not what the place he calls home represents.

“It’s not Orlando, it’s not Florida. It’s a dystopian upside down world contrived out of an era of unchecked political extremism and overt bigotry,” Smith wrote. “I refuse to be a bystander. We will not let hate win.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared his distaste in a Facebook post, writing “Hate has no place in Orlando and this disgusting display is not who we are as a community. To Orlando’s LGBTQ+ residents and visitors: you are respected and valued here. And we won’t be deterred in our efforts to ensure that our city is inclusive for all.”

The hateful act occurred on the same day as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, a day that aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations worldwide. It also marks the day in 1990 that the World Health Organization delisted “homosexuality” as a medical diagnosis.

Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has been on the rise recently, most notably from the Republican-led Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Only hours after the traffic sign incident was discovered, DeSantis was at a private Christian school in Tampa signing four anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law. It is largest slate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills to be signed in a single legislative session in Florida history.

central florida news

Legislative Review

Eskamani breaks down Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ bills and more Emily Paul

ORLANDO | State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani held a virtual review of Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session on Zoom May 15. Around 300 people attended the online event.

Eskamani is District 42’s House representative and has been outspoken in her objection to all the recent legislation restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ Floridians.

Eskamani broke down the bills that have gone through the Florida Legislature in the past session, including the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, an anti-trans bathroom bill, gender-affirming care ban and the anti-drag bill. She also went over legislation regarding academic freedom, firearms, abortion and voting rights.

SB 1320, also dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, was expanded to include further book bans and prohibits school employees, contractors or students from being required to use an individual’s correct pronouns. The bill also prohibits discussion or

instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity through grade 8.

“We are seeing a lot of extremism being facilitated by these terribly bigoted policies,” Eskamani said.

Eskamani explained that HB 1521 prohibits trans people from using a restroom that aligns with their gender identity. She made note that the bill was amended to apply specifically to public buildings.

“It’s still such a bad policy, still really offensive and endangering to trans people,” Eskamani said.

Signed into law on May 11, SB 1580 states that medical providers may now decline care to a patient due to any “conscience-based objection.” Eskamani stated that she filed an amendment to require facilities to post their “moral objections” in their offices and on their website, but the amendment failed.

SB 254, the bill banning gender-affirming care in Florida, was outlined heavily by Eskamani. It includes custody provisions that affect separated parents with joint custody of a transgender child. If

one parent does not agree with the gender-affirming care, they can seek intervention from the court system. The bill also prohibits state funds from being used for gender-affirming care, such as state employees using their health insurance towards this type of treatment. This applies to both adults and children.

The bill also prohibits gender-affirming care for minors, but only new patients. Any minor receiving care prior to bill passing will not be affected.

Eskamani made note that SB 254 does include a specific carveout for emergency care. “No matter your identity, I don’t want you to be afraid to call 911 and seek medical help in an emergency,” Eskamani said.

HB 1423 would allow state agencies to fine, revoke liquor licenses, and even permanently close businesses that host certain “adult live performances.” Eskamani said that because of the bill’s vague language and descriptions that it has caused a “chilling effect,” and that some businesses have canceled or postponed drag events in fear of repercussions.

“Again, it’s really important that we not only continue to push back on these policies but don’t fall into the trap of proactive coercion.”

To learn more about Eskamani and to get information on how you can get involved, go to AnnaForFlorida.com.

ANNA FOR FLORIDA:

State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani leads a march in downtown Orlando in January.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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SURVIVORS, FAMILY MEMBERS PROTEST ONEPULSE FOUNDATION AT ORLANDO CITY HALL

Luis Xavier De Peña

ORLANDO | Survivors and family members of those who lost their lives at Pulse Nightclub met in Orlando to protest May 14.

The event came together just weeks following the announcement that a memorial would no longer be built at the Pulse Nightclub location.

Christine Leinonen, the mother of victim Christopher Leinonen, voiced her frustrations in a release from Victims First.

“We have had enough with Barbara Poma, the OnePULSE Foundation, and the City of Orlando.”

Leinonen also told WESH 2, “We are the Pulse tragedy. The 49 families and the 53 serious gunshot survivors. We should own onePULSE and control it ’cause we could do the same thing they’ve been doing. But we would take care of each other.”

“This tragedy turned into a profit,” commented survivor Tiara Parker to WESH 2. “I became someone’s meal ticket and I’m not receiving any part of that meal.”

Parker, who also lost her cousin Akyra, shared the same sentiment as Leinonen.

“Why not take the money that you just made from us and help us,” Parker said. “Help support us through this tragedy.”

In their press release, Victims First stated, “This private nonprofit lied to them throughout its seven-year history. It lied repeatedly about financially helping the victims. The private nonprofit changed its mission statement not once, but twice, to eliminate financial assistance for victims. OnePULSE, infact, has been sending survivors to other nonprofits that no longer exist and do not provide financial assistance.”

Both Parker and Leinonen have also made statements regarding the police response

during the June 12 shooting and what they call “illegal renovations that hindered escape routes” inside the Pulse Nightclub.

Leinonen stated with Victims First, “We are loudly demanding a federal criminal investigation of the unpermitted renovations and code violations at the Pulse Nightclub that hindered the escape and rescue of our family members.”

Victims First followed up that statement with, “Victims were told that the OnePULSE Foundation knew about the code violations and illegal renovations after Board members questioned Barbara Poma in a meeting about what was revealed on the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum (CCAPM) website. Victims were told by a former staff member that Poma admitted it was all true during that meeting. Despite that, the OnePULSE Foundation continued to fundraise and exploit the victims.”

Poma shared statements with WESH 2 regarding the claims made about them.

“Since that tragic night at Pulse Nightclub my time has been focused on remembering and honoring the 49 angels whose lives were taken and their surviving families as they navigate unimaginable grief,” Poma said. “It has been an uncharted path for everyone. Out of respect to those impacted by this tragedy, I have never responded to the handful of individuals who continue to spread a myriad of untruths about my husband and me, falsely blaming us for what was an unforeseeable terrorist attack.

“These individuals continue to speak untruthfully about us, and as always, without any knowledge or facts,” she continued. “The decisions we have made related to the onePULSE Foundation have been difficult and personal.

should not serve as a free pass for intentionally spreading lies about us. It is hurtful, undeserved and helps no one.”

The onePULSE Foundation responded to Watermark with the following statement:

“The onePULSE Foundation respects the solemnity of today for those who have lost loved ones. However, the claims made today about the Foundation are untrue and misinformed. The onePULSE Foundation publishes its audited financial statements and 990 on its website, a practice it has adhered to every year since its inception.

“Furthermore, the Foundation is proud to carry a Gold Seal rating in GuideStar, a rating that less than five percent of nonprofits registered with the agency hold. Guidestar evaluates the financial transparency and accountability of nonprofits worldwide.”

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TAMPA PRIDE CANCELS PRIDE ON THE RIVER 2023 Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | Tampa Pride announced the cancelation of September’s Pride on the River May 18, citing anti-LGBTQ+ laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis the day prior.

The inaugural Pride on the River was held in 2021 and returned last year along the Tampa Riverwalk. Festivities have included drag brunches and performances, a Diversity Boat Parade and more.

Tampa Pride President Carrie West confirmed to multiple news outlets that the celebration wouldn’t return this year. The newsletter he shares with husband Mark Bias, “Dishing with Mark n Carrie,” noted that Tampa Pride’s board made the decision.

“The Board of Tampa PRIDE voted to cancel ‘Tampa PRIDE on the River’ this year,” it reads. “In the years past, many variety acts, bands, entertainers, activists, elected officials and headliners of the ‘RuPaul’ girls along with many local Drag artists, have performed here.

“It would be unfeasible to make this event 18 and up,” it continues. “The main Tampa PRIDE 10 Year Anniversary Event is a go for March 2024. Last year the Cuban Club courtyard was made an 18+ event to accommodate the state’s, ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills.”

The newsletter subsequently referenced DeSantis’ signing of four anti-LGBTQ+ bills May 17. They included House Bill 1423, which targets children at “adult live entertainment” like drag shows.

Pride on the River’s cancelation came as a shock to many Tampa Pride supporters, including local entertainer Brianna Summers. The drag performer has emceed its riverside event for the last two years and wasn’t aware it wouldn’t return this September.

“This is not the time to respond to fearmongering like this,” Summers says. “We have to stay vigilant, we have to continue being loud and we need an organization like Tampa Pride to stand with the community and be our voice at this time. Pride was built on a riot. Now is not the time to cower.”

Watermark reached out to West for additional comment about Pride on the River’s cancelation and its current board. The nonprofit’s governing body experienced a tumultuous public turnover following Tampa Pride 2023.

No comment was received as of press time, though West did share a statement via Facebook. “The law the governor signed into effect against LGBTQ+ Community yesterday is sickening,” he wrote. “More to come! Our choice was clear and spelled out by the governor.

“No business, organization, individual or promoter [can] have anyone under 18 years of age view a drag performance,” he continued. “Liquor license, event permitting, state laws will be enforced to have all permits revoked. That is simply put! We are all sick for our LGBTQ+ Community. Put on your thinking caps Floridians….. We have to come together for our lives.”

Forever Family

Local husbands adopt six siblings

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA BAY | Dustin and Daniel Johnson finalized the adoption of their six children May 12, a process the husbands began over two years prior.

The Apollo Beach-based couple, 28 and 33, first met five years ago. Dustin says they knew early in their relationship that they wanted to have “kind of a bigger family,” one that included at least three children.

“We started looking at all of the options for having kids, whether that be surrogacy, private adoption or adoption through the foster care system,” he explains. “Our hearts were led more towards the foster care system because of the sheer volume of kids in the Tampa Bay area.”

The Johnsons initially utilized an agency that recruits and trains people to provide care for youth up to 18 years old. Foster parents serve as legal guardians and mentors.

“They highlighted how sibling groups are hard to place and often have to be broken up,” Dustin remembers. “So we knew right

away that we were going to go for a sibling group — with the mindset of three or four kids.”

The adoption process advanced in November, expedited in part because of a grant from the Heart Gallery of Tampa. They advocate for youth who need additional support in finding families due to factors like being a part of a large sibling group and provided funds to pay for a private home study.

“That process typically takes about a year with the backlog that they have, and ours was going to be fast-tracked to be done that month,” Dustin explains. “That was super nice … by early January of 2022, our adoption recruiter called us to ask us to list deal breakers and for the maximum amount of kids we would take.

“We listed that we were looking for three or four, but when they asked us for a max, I made the joke that we could fit six kids in the back of our Suburban,” he continues. “I said, ‘so I suppose that’s where we should stop.’”

They called later to ask if the couple would be interested in their six children, then ages 2-10.

“We said we could consider it; we didn’t want to push ourselves past our breaking point,” Dustin

says. “So we were interested but wanted to learn more on what that would all entail for the six. That’s when we got the profile on our kids.”

The Johnsons met their children by April 2022 and started a process that began with weekly visits. They moved into their home not long after. Their lead adoption agency eventually changed to Children’s Network of Hillsborough, which manages Hillsborough County’s child welfare system.

From there the couple experienced what Dustin calls “fights, disagreements or ‘system fun,’” resulting in the adoption being delayed from November 2022 to May 2023. Thankfully, for the most part, being a same-sex couple wasn’t among the hurdles.

“Being two gay guys in Florida we knew that yes, we can legally adopt but obviously the system is allowed to place preferential treatment on ‘standard’ or ‘traditional value families,’” Dustin says. “We were warned that preferential treatment may go to a mother and a father in a stable home … but it was a really smooth process.”

It’s also one the Johnsons encourage other couples to explore.

“We can’t express that enough,” Dustin says. “There’s a need for it and we wouldn’t change it for the world. We’re so excited to have our forever family.”

PARTY

The Johnson Family in May 2023. PHOTO COURTESY DUSTIN JOHNSON

EQUALITY FLORIDA’S 2023 ST. PETE GALA SETS RECORD, RAISES MORE THAN $880K

Ryan Williams-Jent

ST. PETERSBURG | Equality Florida‘s St. Pete Gala returned May 13, welcoming nearly 700 supporters to The Mahaffey Theater and raising at least $883,113.

Equality Florida Pinellas Development Director Todd Richardson says the event’s total, which is still rising, set a 27-year fundraising record. “The community gave $95,000 inside of the theater,” he says. “People were so inspired from learning more about what Equality Florida is doing.

“Our volunteers work all year to put on this event and they spend so much of their own time putting in the effort for our organization,” Richardson continues. “I’m so overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness, and by all of our donors. The evening was about love, connection and community.”

The gala’s program began with a sponsors’ reception and entertainment from performer Alex Harris. Returning emcee Chuck Diaz-Henson subsequently welcomed presenters to detail the evening’s honorees, two leaders who have worked to advance LGBTQ+ equality.

Openly LGBTQ+ State Rep. Michele Rayner was the first. She received the 2023 Voice for Equality Award. Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, detailed Rayner’s work for the crowd. He advised she “understands the importance of speaking truth to power, especially when it shakes your soul” and said her “unwavering commitment to not only talking to talk … but also walking the walk … is why we are here honoring her tonight.” Rayner thanked Johns for his friendship and advocacy before accepting the award and addressing the crowd.

She reflected on this year’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislative session and more.

“I understand that it is seemingly dark in Florida,” she said. “I talked about this on the House floor. I understand that it feels like it’s midnight … but I want to just leave you with this little bit of hope.

“The beautiful part about midnight is that it means a new day is coming,” Rayner noted. “Be very clear that while we’re at midnight, a new day is coming. That day is liberation for all of us.”

Marjorie Sherwin was honored next, accepting the 2023 Edie Windsor Lifetime Achievement Award from her niece. Her LGBTQ+ activism extends decades.

“What an honor to receive this award from my friends and my community,” Sherwin said. “It’s truly unbelievable and I thank you.”

A longtime Equality Florida volunteer herself, she took the time to recognize this year’s gala organizers and called on others in the room to give back as well.

“I would like each of us here tonight to make a pledge to do at least one action — whether it be voter registration, call or write your legislator, go to Tallahassee when it’s appropriate, donate money — make an action plan and carry it out.”

Equality Florida Co-Founder

Executive Director Nadine Smith spoke next, detailing the “relentless attack on LGBTQ+ rights” in Florida and beyond.

“The very fact that we are experiencing such a ferocious backlash here in Florida has everything to do with the progress that we have made over the last 25+ years,” she said, calling on the crowd not to lose hope.

“I see this room filled with so many people — who when we say

the frontline is Florida, all of you said ‘we are soldiers reporting for duty’ — and I appreciate and love you for that.”

Equality Florida Co-Founder and Deputy Director Stratton Pollitzer closed out the evening, soliciting donations and detailing the organization’s work they will fuel. The evening concluded with dancing and more.

“In a time where so much hatred is being directed toward the LGBTQ+ community, it was wonderful to see everyone coming together, standing with us and celebrating who we are,” Richardson reflects. He also “challenges donors throughout Florida to step up like the Pinellas County community has to support our work during such a difficult time in our state.”

Learn more about Equality Florida’s work at EQFL.org. View a full photo gallery at WatermarkOnline.com.

MOMS FOR LIBERTY TARGETS FLORIDA TEACHER

Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

BROOKSVILLE, FLA. | A fifth grade elementary teacher is under fire in Hernando County, Florida after showing her students the 2022 film “Strange World,” the first Disney film with an openly gay lead character.

“Strange World” features a character named Ethan Clade, who has a crush on another male character and is voiced by gay comic Jaboukie Young-White. Hernando County School Board member Shannon Rodriguez, who was elected last fall and was endorsed by anti-LGBTQ+ parents’ rights group Moms for Liberty, reported fifth-grade teacher Jenna Barbee to the state Department of Education who has opened an investigation.

Common Sense Media, in its Parents’ Guide to “Strange World,” gave it a 4 out of 5 star rating. The organization bills itself as “the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.”

Barbee, who teaches at Winding Waters K-8, a public school located in Weeki Wachee, during a public comment session during last week’s Board Meeting told the members and the audience that “the word indoctrination is thrown around a lot right now, but it seems that those who are using it are using it as a defense tactic for their own fear-based beliefs without understanding the true meaning of the word.”

Florida educators are prohibited from teaching about gender and sexual identity due to the Parental Rights in Education Act, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year. Also known as “Don’t Say Gay or Trans,” teachers have expressed anxiety and confusion over the vague wording of the law for fear of losing their teaching licenses or criminal penalties if found in non-compliance.

Barbee said that every student in her class had a signed parent permission slip that said PG movies were allowed. At the end of the school board meeting, Rodriguez said Barbee broke school policy because she did not get the specific movie approved by school administration and said the teacher is “playing the victim,” the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

In a statement to local media outlets, Moms for Liberty says school boards should ensure parents’ rights are honored in the classroom.

“It is great that local school board members can question content that is not approved by parents,” they said. “Parents have a right to be a part of their child’s education and school boards should also ensure parental rights are honored in the classroom.”

DESANTIS SIGNS ANTI-LGBTQ+ BILLS INTO LAW

Jeremy Williams and Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | Gov. Ron DeSantis signed four bills at a private Christian school in Tampa May 17, marking the largest slate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills to be signed in a single legislative session in Florida history.

The bills included House Bill 1069, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” expansion; Senate Bill 254, the gender-affirming care ban; House Bill 1521, banning trans individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity in schools, prisons, detention centers and government buildings and House Bill 1423. The legislation restricts youth participation at certain “adult live performances,” which the governor has confirmed is intended to target drag shows.

“It is important that we stand up for our youth and we’re doing that in a number of ways here today,” DeSantis said behind a podium that read “Let Kids Be Kids.”

Joe Saunders, senior political director of Equality Florida, called the bill signings an “all-out attack on freedom.”

“Free states don’t strip parents of the right to make healthcare decisions for their children. Free states don’t ban books, censor curriculum, or muzzle free speech,”

Saunders said. “DeSantis doesn’t see freedom as a value worth defending, he sees it as a campaign slogan in his bid for the White House. And he is setting freedom — and Florida’s reputation — ablaze in his desperation to win the GOP nomination. The nation should be on high alert.”

Florida Rep. Ann V. Eskamani released a statement following DeSantis’ event, saying that diversity is a strength in The Sunshine State.

“Republicans like Governor Ron DeSantis are pushing an extreme agenda that is fueled by disinformation, isolating already marginalized people,” Eskamani said. “The notion of ‘let kids be kids’ is one we all agree with and should also apply to LGBTQ+ kids who these bills target and erase.”

HB 1069 and HB 1521 both go into effect July 1. SB 254 and HB 1423 became law upon DeSantis signing them.

Equality Florida scheduled a virtual press conference after the signing, designed to detail what the organization called DeSantis’ “Slate of Hate.” Speakers included Saunders as well as Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith and other advocates from throughout the state.

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Nathan Bruemmer was among them. He addressed the anti-LGBTQ+ laws then and in a subsequent statement.

“The governor and Republicans in Florida have unapologetically and publicly fanned the flames of hate in an attempt to fracture our great state into something unrecognizable for political gain,” he said. “These politically driven actions targeting LGBTQ+ Floridians and families are harmful and unacceptable.

“Florida does not want what DeSantis keeps trying to sell,” he continued, pointing toward the election of Democrat Donna Deegan as Jacksonville’s new mayor May 16. “The results for Democratic candidates in Duval this week remind us of this. Voters united around leadership who will work to meet the needs of Floridians, not pander to a radical base with divisive rhetoric.”

The caucus also called on supporters to come together.

We call on all Florida communities and their allies affected by the divisive rhetoric of hate passed this legislative session to unite and let lawmakers at every level of government know that Floridians will not stand for hate in our state,” they said. “Speak out and participate in our democracy. Together, we will fight forward.”

Learn more about Equality Florida and the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus at EQFL.org and LGBTQDems.org.

FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED OVER BOOK BANS

Wire Report

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. | Writers’ group PEN America and publisher Penguin Random House sued a Florida school district May 17 over its removal of books about race and LGBTQ+ identities. The federal lawsuit alleges the Escambia County School District and its School Board are violating the First Amendment through the removal of 10 books from library shelves. The case does not name Gov. Ron DeSantis as a defendant, though the Republican governor has championed policies that allow the censorship and challenging of books based on whether they are

appropriate for children in schools, causing national uproar.

PEN America, which has tracked school book bans, advocates for literary freedoms and has a membership of 7,500 writing professionals, including authors whose books have been removed or restricted in the school district. Penguin Random House, a massive publisher, has published books that have been removed or restricted by the district.

“Books have the capacity to change lives for the better, and students in particular deserve equitable access to a wide range of perspectives. Censorship, in the form of book bans like those enacted by Escambia County, are a direct threat

to democracy and our Constitutional rights,” Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House, said in a statement. Among the removed books are “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “The Nowhere Girls” by Amy Reed and “Lucky” by Alice Sebold. The lawsuit said over 150 additional books are under review.

“In Escambia County, state censors are spiriting books off shelves in a deliberate attempt to suppress diverse voices. In a nation built on free speech, this cannot stand,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. “The law demands that the Escambia County School District put removed or restricted books back on library shelves where they belong.”

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WHITE HOUSE ACKNOWLEDGES IDAHOBIT

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

WASHINGTON |

The Biden-Harris administration on May 17 used the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia to reiterate its support of LGBTQ+ and intersex rights.

“Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and equality — no matter whom they love, or how they identify,” said President Joe Biden in a statement the White House released. “On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to this ongoing work and stand with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,

and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world.”

IDAHOBiT commemorates the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990.

“More than 30 years ago today, thanks to the tireless advocacy of LGBTQI+ activists the World Health Organization took the long overdue step of declassifying ‘homosexuality’ as a mental health disorder,” said Biden. “Since then, we’ve seen real progress — including a powerful movement for LGBTQI+ liberation, more protections for LGBTQI+ people, and more spaces that recognize and affirm that our diversity is our strength. But sadly, we continue to see reminders of how much work remains.”

Biden in his statement notes consensual same-sex sexual relations remain criminalized in more than 60 countries around the world. Biden also points out that some governments still consider

LGBTQ and intersex people mentally ill and support so-called conversion therapy.

“Right here at home, violent attacks on LGBTQI+ individuals and community spaces have risen dramatically, and more than 600 hateful laws have been introduced this year targeting the LGBTQI+ community, particularly youth,” said Biden.

“All of us have a responsibility to speak out and stand up against hate and violence in any form,” added Biden. “When the rights of any group or individual are under attack, it endangers our own freedom, and the freedom of people everywhere. So today, let us join together across our country — and around the world — to stand with the LGBTQI+ community. Let us renew our work to combat homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia — and put an end to the harmful violence and discrimination that stems from it.”

NEW BLOOD RULES ALLOW GAY, BI MEN TO GIVE

Wire Report

WASHINGTON | Gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships can give blood in the U.S. without abstaining from sex under updated federal health guidelines that focus on donors’ behavior, not their sexual orientation.

The Food and Drug Administration guidelines finalized May 11 ease decades-old, anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions designed to protect the blood supply from HIV. The agency announced plans for the change in January and said the new approach can now be implemented by blood banks.

The updated guidelines do away with a requirement that men who have sex with men abstain from sex for three months prior to giving blood.

Instead, all potential donors — regardless of sexual orientation, sex or gender — will be screened with a new questionnaire that evaluates their individual risks for HIV based on sexual behavior, recent partners

and other factors. Potential donors who report having anal sex with new partners in the last three months will be barred from giving until a later date.

The FDA said the new policy reflects the latest scientific evidence and is in line with rules in the U.K. and Canada.

It’s the latest move by the FDA to broaden donor eligibility, with the potential to boost donations.

“The implementation of these recommendations will represent a significant milestone for the agency and the LGBTQI+ community,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s center for biological therapies, said in a statement.

LGBTQ+ rights groups have long opposed blanket restrictions on who can give blood, saying they discriminate. Medical societies including the American Medical Association have also said such exclusions are unnecessary given advances in blood testing.

Anyone who has ever tested positive for HIV will continue to be ineligible to donate blood. Those taking pills to prevent HIV through sexual contact will also still be

barred, until three months after their last dose. The FDA noted that the medications, known as PrEP, can delay the detection of the virus in screening tests.

The Human Rights campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, called the announcement “a real step forward” in a statement. It added that more”can and must be done so that people taking PrEP can donate as well.”

The FDA sets requirements and procedures for U.S. blood banks. All potential donors answer questions about their sexual history, injectable drug use and any recent tattoos or piercings, among other factors that can contribute to the spread of blood-borne infections. Donated blood is then tested for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis and other infectious diseases.

In 2015, the FDA dropped the lifetime ban on donations from men who have sex with men and replaced it with a one-year abstinence requirement. Then in 2020, the agency shortened the abstinence period to three months, after donations plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOMELAND SECURITY REPORTS ANTI-LGBTQ+ THREATS RISING

Violent threats against the LGBTQ+ community are rising and intensifying according to data from a document by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was shared with law enforcement and government agencies May 11. DHS also warned of the potential that these threats may lead to a rise in attacks against LGBTQ+ public spaces and health care sites, just as Pride celebrations across the country are slated to begin in June.

REPUBLICANS VOTE TO SEND SANTOS ISSUE TO ETHICS COMMITTEE

A resolution to expel Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., from Congress was referred to the House Ethics Committee May 17 as Republicans successfully sidestepped an effort to force them into a vote that could have narrowed their already slim four-seat majority. The House voted along party lines, 221-204, to refer the matter to the ethics panel, with Santos himself joining his GOP colleagues in voting to do so. The freshman congressman has been charged with embezzling money from his campaign, falsely receiving unemployment funds and lying to Congress about his finances. He has denied the charges and has pleaded not guilty. Santos made clear to reporters after the vote he has no intention of resigning.

SAN FRANCISCO NAMES NATION’S FIRST DRAG LAUREATE

In a city known for its support of LGBTQ+ rights, San Francisco Mayor London Breed says it was a natural step to create the position of the nation’s first drag laureate, an ambassador-style position designed to represent the city’s famous queer community at a time when rights are under attack. D’Arcy Drollinger, a well-known drag performer and nightclub owner, will receive a $55,000 stipend in her 18-month role as the city’s inaugural drag laureate. I think drag performers bring a lot of sparkle and humor and glamor and silliness to the world. I think that is part of why drag is so successful,” Drollinger said, adding that she expects to be in drag for the entirety of her role. “I’m going to be in drag pretty much 24/7 for the next 18 months.”

BEIJING LGBT CENTER SHUTTERED IN CHINA

An advocacy group that also served as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in Beijing became the latest organization to close under a crackdown by Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government. “We very regretfully announce, due to forces beyond our control, the Beijing LGBT Center will stop operating today,” read a notice posted on the center’s official WeChat account May 15. The group’s shuttering marks a critical blow for advocacy groups that once had been able to be public about their work for LGBTQ+ rights.

GROWING UP IN THE Appalachian Mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky was not easy for many.

My father, destined to be a coal miner and then a factory worker, lived his life as a character that mimicked the Klan. He was a notorious racist.

I remember him coming home from the factory where he worked and bragging about a “feud” where the white employees would fight the Black employees in the bathrooms while on the job. He truly believed that people of color and anyone who identified as queer were inferior to straight, white men and that they deserved to be treated as such. He was taught to hate anyone who was different from him, and this ignorance and hatred unfortunately seeped into our home.

My name is Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate, and I am now a business owner, politician, actor and a proud drag performer. It took me many years to become comfortable with who I am and to address the internal conflicts that came with being raised in a conservative Midwest town.

When I was 17, my father found an application for “Miss Gay Kentucky” in my bedroom, asking me point-blank if I was a “fucking queer.” Afraid to confirm his suspicions, I left home. For weeks, I was homeless and lost, not knowing where to turn or what to do. Eventually, I found my way to the stage. I had always been a singer in the church and I used that vocal talent to then become a drag performer. I donned wigs, makeup and flashy costumes, and I became someone new. I felt as though I could be someone who was free to be themselves, someone who wasn’t weighed down by the hate and bigotry of those surrounding them.

Even as I flourished on stage, I couldn’t shake the feelings of shame and guilt that came with being the son of a homophobic racist. Every time I performed, a part of me felt I was betraying my family, like I was turning my back on everything that my father had

taught me was right and good in the world.

It wasn’t until years later, when my father was on his deathbed, that we finally had a chance to talk. He was able to offer up a half-hearted apology, stating that he was sorry for the way he had treated me and for many of the ways that he had treated everyone who was different from him. He told me that he loved me but, missing out on so much of life due to his hatred, this end-of-life attempt at fatherly love would never be enough to earn my forgiveness. Although I knew that his statement was not nearly enough to even begin to process years of pain and anguish, at least this was a start.

It wasn’t until seven years ago that I then discovered I had a Black sister. A renowned psychic in our local Louisville area, a comforting voice called me one day out of the blue. I could tell from her southern drawl that she was a country girl, and I asked her, “Are you Black?” She laughed for a moment and confirmed my inquiry.

To my surprise, I learned that my racist father had a long-term affair with her mother — a Black woman who also worked in the cigarette factory alongside him. The woman had given birth to a daughter and had informed my father, who kept it a secret. Never acknowledging or financially helping his daughter as she grew up. When I finally met my sister, Vashti, in person, I could see the good parts of my father in her. A handsome man and country singer, he was charming and engaging. Vashti certainly had his looks and his charms. I knew that my father had missed out on something truly beautiful by not embracing his differences and the differences of those around him. What could have been if he had learned to love his gay drag queen son and Black daughter?

I fear that we are returning to the days of my father’s hate. Racism and hatred are becoming more prevalent. Should we, as a society, be encouraging policies and procedures that further promote outdated, ignorant schools of thought? Should we be encouraging

community, painting us all as groomers.

I, for one, refuse to accept this. I refuse to give up hope. I refuse to let my father’s hate define my life and I refuse to let the hate of others define the future of our world. I know that love is still out there, waiting for

Let us remember the struggles of our past, let us honor the differences that make us all unique and special, and let us never forget the power of love to conquer all. We must not forget the lessons of the past or we are bound to repeat them. It is up to our

racism and homophobia; should we be banning books and hindering education? The answer is a resounding NO!

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent legislative “wins” seek to erase the history of all those who have struggled to be seen and heard in this world. He seeks to demonize drag performers and the LGBTQ+

us to find it and embrace it. I know that we can be better than this, that we can learn from our mistakes and move forward together.

I wish I loved my father more. I believe that if he were still alive, perhaps he could have learned to love us if he had more time. We seem to be losing the ability to love each other.

youth to put an end to this senseless repetition of the past. Of course, the people of Florida continue to have a crucial say in the fate of our country’s progress. So many of us are sadly not voting. The only way we can move forward is to VOTE!

Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate is a Central Florida business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer.

Father Missed Out on Loving His Black Daughter

Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate

MAMA BEARINGS

The performers focused on our table and my three adorable kids, who at that time were ages 6-11.

I was delighted from start to finish watching my children smile, laugh and find pure joy as they watched the drag performers take the stage one by one. In that magical way that life can come full circle, Esme was there. She was as engaging, hysterical and lovely as I remembered. Still a fiery red head. Still a powerful voice and a kind heart. And at a certain point, I remember feeling complete joy as I watched my kids fall in love with her art form, just like I had. There aren’t enough opportunities to see that happen as a parent.

Earlier this year, Esme and other entertainers from throughout the state found themselves marching at the Capitol to defend that right. They were there to protest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation targeting drag and people like my youngest.

IGREW UP IN TARPON

Springs. It has a special place in my heart and always will, but I was always obsessed with Tampa.

That was the closest thing to a big city in our area back in the mid-to-late 90s, and part of its allure was going out to clubs. It was such a fun and carefree time in my life, when my biggest stressor was holding on to my paychecks from Blockbuster Video to go out with my friends and finish the night at Denny’s as the sun came up.

These days that’s when I start my day, not end it, but those years dancing all night long were some of my most joyful. My first foray into the club scene was at a little place in Tampa called Tracks, where my friends and I saw our first drag show. That experience helped shape my life.

When the show began, the crowds stopped what they were doing to gather around the stage. It’s why most of us were there and I remember being completely in awe when I saw local legend Esme Russell take the stage. The red hair. The fashion, heels and overall glamour. She was hypnotizing.

My love affair with drag and its performers began that night in 1994 and I’m happy to say the relationship has endured ever since. Like in June 2016, when my family was celebrating the birthdays of a close friend and my youngest child in Ybor.

We were attending an earlier show at Hamburger Mary’s Tampa, now gone, not far from where I had been doing hair professionally for nearly 20 years.

My transgender son has lost the ability to transition medically, and his rights and safety are being slowly chipped away here in Florida. Sadly, he isn’t alone — I know many people moving away under other heartbreaking situations and those living in fear every single day.

I have been lucky through my role at Watermark and as an ally to meet so many amazing people, and drag performers are at the top of this list. Just like my Tracks days, I have been made to feel welcome, comfortable and safe from individuals who are at risk for simply being themselves; people who have always had to fight for their voice, safety and freedom.

The wonder I have always felt seeing drag is more fully realized now that I’m an adult. Drag showed me at an early age that you can be whoever you want to be and I know now that it is freedom.

Drag is an expression of someone owning who they

are — and that is authentic, fierce and empowering in any form. I’m raising my kids to understand that. I do not feel the need to explain to anyone about how I am raising them, and I stand by my every decision I’ve made to take them to drag shows and Pride events over the years. Showing my kids different ways of life is what helps broaden their views of the world and open their hearts. Drag is culture. Esme and I spoke briefly a few years back about my youngest transitioning. I mentioned my days at Tracks and told her that he was trans, watching her face just light up. I was so uneducated at the time and he was very young, so I was not yet

comfortable talking to just anyone about him. Many of my so-called “friends” questioned our family’s decision to support my son in the beginning, but she didn’t. It felt perfect to chat with her about it.

One small interaction

Drag is the epitome of power and resilience and beauty all rolled up into one.

with someone at the right time can mean so much, and that day stands out in my memory and is kept safe in my heart. That’s because drag is love. Drag is art. Drag is freedom. Drag is the epitome of power and resilience and beauty all rolled up into one.

Esme is a person I idolized for her glamour and performances at one time, and I still adore those things. But her community advocacy, supportive social

media presence and her individuality are now what I idolize. Just one person can shape our minds and hearts, and she has done this for me. This column is dedicated to Esme and all the beautiful performers and individuals who recently marched in Tallahassee. We love you and we will stand with you, always. Just like you’ve stood with us.

Sylvie Trevena is a proud mom of four with eclectic interests who holds a BS in Behavioral Healthcare and an MBA.

Visibili-T

DANDELION

Luis Xavier De Peña

VISIBILI-T IS DEDICATED TO transgender members of our community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, some you know and many you don’t. It is designed to amplify their voices and detail their experiences in life.

This issue, we check in with Dandelion Hill, a nonbinary trans activist and social worker from the Orlando area.

Coming out for Hill, 34, cannot be easily defined to one moment in their life. The process took place over time, revealing their story to those they trusted until ultimately they could live their truth publicly. The key to their success came from the support they received.

“I was closeted for much of my formative years and early adulthood, but I am finally allowing myself to explore and create and evolve and it’s so liberating — the key for me is having community, friends and chosen family to share

those aspects of myself with unabashedly,” Hill says.

The appreciation that Hill has for their support units shows in the dedication of their work and passion of their activism.

“Most of my time is spent doing care work with Peer Support Space, a collective I co-founded back in 2019 with Yasmin Flasterstein,” they say.

“I’m a very restless person and the foreboding issues that impact the wellbeing of myself and my comrades weigh heavily on me — sometimes the heaviness is unbearable, but I find that putting energy into cultivating containers for softness, respite, and care for those us who struggle is my personal way of sustaining myself.

Investing energy into creating hubs for healing and solidarity makes my life worth living.”

Hill even takes time to teach others to provide for themselves.

“I also invest my spare time into care work with Blue Trunk Community Network who does magical healing work with gardening, sustainability building and the arts,” they say.

The attention to care does not stop on the community level. Hill also gives importance to self-care.

“I’m also autistic and disabled, so it’s important that I honor my needs and a lot of time that looks like getting into my garden and tending to plants or getting out in nature to ground myself,” they say.

For Hill, the ultimate form of love is spent on their children.

“I’m a parent so I love investing time into the nurturing and development of my little ones,” they say. “In a lot of ways, the work I do in the community is for them — I fight for a world that is better than the one I was born into, for them.”

That dream of fighting for a better world for the community is at the heart of Peer Support Space. The peer-led organization was founded as a support system, “where we use our lived experience to support and hold space for one another as we navigate our unique journeys with life struggles, mental

illness and/or substance misuse challenges, neurodivergence, disability, grief, trauma or other obstacles to mental wellness.”

“We are poised to launch a Queer & Peer-led respite this year and it is my intention that it can be a blueprint for one of many to come throughout Florida and beyond — community-centered containers for healing ourselves and supporting one another,” Hill says. “I will likely continue this care work into my foreseeable future; Luna, my daughter at 10 years old has already expressed a hope to continue this history making legacy work one day and I find that really heartwarming and hope inspiring.”

When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, Hill finds comfort in the level of care the community holds.

“When the world turns on us, we turn toward each other for solace and solidarity. Community care is beautiful and I am always awed by the ways in which our community shows up for one another,” they say.

Hill also believes there are aspects of the community that can be improved upon.

“More gate opening and less gate keeping,” they say. “Building stronger networks by bringing in all folks, making our movement work more approachable and

accessible. Community and lived experienced informed resources for support at the front and center, please!”

Hill had this to say when asked to think back on their younger self and any advice they would give them today.

“I grew up in a pretty phobic area with little connection to queer and trans community — at least not explicitly, many were closeted like me I’m sure — I grew up assuming that everyone else around me was also quietly hiding their attraction and interest for all genders out of some sort of social rule. I hid so many parts of myself for safety and I mourn for the loss of joy I could have experienced given the room to flourish and live authentically. I’m still healing my inner child and I want them to know it’s magical to be queer, trans, fluid; binaries cannot contain your expansiveness, you deserve expressiveness, and so much joy!”

Additional reporting by Jeremy Williams.

Interested in being featured in Visibili-T? Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams in Central Florida at Jeremy@ WatermarkOnline.com or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent in Tampa Bay at Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com.

34, They/Fae

HILL

talking points

—ARTIST KEHINDE WILEY IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, WONDERING HOW LONG HE WILL BE REFERRED TO AS THE ARTIST WHO PAINTED PRESIDENT OBAMA’S OFFICIAL PORTRAIT

THE NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE AND THE INTERNATIONAL IMPERIAL COURT SYSTEM ARE INDUCTING SEVEN LGBTQ+ LEGENDS to their 2023 National LGBTQ Wall of Honor. The wall and ceremony will take place at the Historic Stonewall Inn in New York on June 22. The Wall of Honor posthumously acknowledges LGBTQ+ artists, activists and others who fought for queer liberation. This year’s honorees include Leslie Jordan, Terrence NcNally, Achebe Betty Powell, J. Frederic “Fritz” Lohman, Darcelle XV, Heklina and Gloria Allen. “This is a moment to celebrate these leaders who wore their queerness on their sleeves, inspiring millions and teaching us that a key aspect of liberation is striving to create a world where everyone feels empowered to live as their authentic selves,” said Kierra Johnson, executive director of the Task Force, in a press release. This year’s inductees will join the wall and share space with legends such as Keith Haring, James Baldwin, Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk and dozens of other icons that advocated for the LGBTQ+ community.

ABC NEWS NAMES GIO BENITEZ ‘GMA’ WEEKEND CO-ANCHOR

ABC NEWS PRESIDENT KIM GODWIN ANNOUNCED MAY 11 THAT THE DISNEY-OWNED NETWORK named openly gay Gio Benitez as the permanent weekend co-anchor for the “Good Morning America’s” Saturday and Sunday Broadcasts. He joins current co-anchors

Whit Johnson and Janai Norman. Benitez, who joined ABC News in 2013, has been the organization’s transportation correspondent since 2020. In his time with ABC News, Benitez has covered notable stories including the 2016 Pulse tragedy, El Chapo’s underground escape from a Mexican prison and the Boston Marathon bombing. Prior to coming to ABC, Benitez was a reporter for WFOR-TV in Miami. Benitez began his new gig on May 13.

SAM SMITH AMONG GUEST STARS ON ‘AND JUST LIKE THAT’ NEW SEASON

“AND JUST LIKE THAT” SHOWRUNNER MICHAEL PATRICK KING HAS CONFIRMED A SLEW OF GUEST STARS who will appear in season two of the “Sex and the City” reboot, and Grammy Award-winning singer Sam Smith in among them. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, King confirmed that Smith will appear this season as themself. “Two days after they won the Grammy, they’re on our show with a Carrie necklace that says ‘Sam.’ They said they and their sisters all have them,” King told EW. King goes on to say Smith jumped at the chance because they are a huge fan of the show. Other confirmed stars include Candice Bergen and Gloria Steinem.

PEDRO ALMODÓVAR’S QUEER WESTERN PREMIERES AT CANNES

THE QUEER SHORT FILM “STRANGE WAY OF LIFE” PREMIERED AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL MAY 17. The Spanish western drama was written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and stars Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. According to Variety, the 30-minute film follows Silva (played by Pascal), a cowboy who travels on horseback across the desert to meet an old friend, Sheriff Jake (played by Hawke), whom he hasn’t seen in 25 years. As the story unfolds the two men untangle their complicated romantic history.

“Strange Way of Life” is Almodóvar’s second English-language project following his 2020 short film “The Human Voice.”

I wonder if I will ever be able to do anything that lives up to the gravity of that moment. Everybody wants to be seen in a number of different contexts ... but I mean, what a great project to be involved in. So, come on, here’s the world’s smallest violin, playing just for me.

LESLIE JORDAN, TERRENCE MCNALLY AMONG ICONS TO BE INDUCTED TO STONEWALL’S LGBTQ WALL OF HONOR

Home in Red

A complete list of Orlando’s pool parties, circuits and events in the first weekend of June

Jeremy Williams

SUMMER IS HERE AND THAT MEANS

it’s time to get those red shirts ready for the annual celebration of Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Gay Day at Disney first took place on June 1, 1991, in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom just before the 3 p.m. parade. The idea was for the LGBTQ+ community to gather, all wearing red shirts, to be seen during a time when the queer community was being vilified. Given today’s political climate in Florida, where we are seeing the worst attack on the LGBTQ+ community from Tallahassee in

the state’s history, it is now more important than ever to be here, be seen and stand together.

But while we stand up to hateful attacks, it doesn’t mean we cannot celebrate who we are and have some fun while we’re at it. This year, from June 1-4, Orlando will be back in red and filled with all the pool parties, circuits, live performances and spectacular events that we know and love.

After several years at other locations, GayDayS is back at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld and they are commemorating their return with their theme “Homecoming.”

Along with other favorite events, they will also hold a Saturday night event, “Beach Ball,” at Aquatica waterpark.

One Magical Weekend is also back, not only with their annual Friday night RipTide event at Typhoon Lagoon waterpark, but with Tidal Wave Party’s move to Las Vegas, One Magical Weekend has partnered with Orlando Bear Pride to introduce the bear-centric celebration Bear Jamboree!

Girls in Wonderland also returns with another year of

exciting events for the ladies. Joining the fun all weekend long will be Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig, aka Alice and Shane from the iconic Showtime series “The L Word.”

In the following pages you will find a breakdown of events, days, times and information so you can get the most out of your big June weekend.

Along with events for GayDayS, One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland, we also have the latest information on The Pride Cup, KindRED Pride Foundation’s LGBTQ+ multi-sports competition happening over three days throughout Central Florida, and everything you need to know about the inaugural Bear Jamboree!

And if you choose to include the theme parks into your celebration, there are select parks that are recommended as Red Shirts Days for each day: Thursday, June 1, will be Animal Kingdom and SeaWorld; Friday, June 2, will be Hollywood Studios and Islands of Adventure; Saturday, June 3 will be Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios; and Sunday, June 4 will be Epcot and Discovery Cove. All event and ticket information are subject to change. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit each organization’s website.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

GayDayS A

FTER SEVERAL YEARS AWAY, GayDayS is heading back to the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld as its host hotel. A return to the fan favorite hotel, located at 10100 International Dr. in Orlando, is what inspired GayDayS’ theme this year — Homecoming!

Smirnoff returns as GayDayS’ presenting sponsor and will have an area set up with lawn games. Impulse Group will have space on site as well. Andrew Christian is hosting the pool party on Saturday afternoon and will be there with his trophy boys

Events:

Thursday, June 1

Taste of GayDayS

6-10 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

Hosted by Chantel Reshae, Taste of GayDayS brings together dozens of local restaurants to give you a sampling of some of Central Florida’s most tasty offerings. Coupled with amazing libations and live entertainment, this is one of GayDayS’ most delicious events. Taste of GayDayS is a 21+ event and is not intended to replace dinner, just light bites and drinks.

$40 in advance | $50 at event

Friday, June 2

GayDayS Drag Bingo

5-7 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

One of GayDayS’ “family-friendly” events — Drag Bingo! Join all the fun of bingo and all of the fun of a drag show mixed together. Hosted by former Miss GayDayS Twila Holiday.

$15 in advance | $25 at event

GayDayS

Porn Star Bingo

7:30-9:30 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

GayDayS Homecoming king and queen on Sunday as well. GayDayS returns with its popular Expo, both the main one and the adult 18+ version, and will feature more than 100 vendor booths, giveaways and free raffle prizes in the DoubleTree’s Majestic Ballroom. The expos run Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pool Parties

giving away free underwear. The Orlando Otters, the city’s LGBTQ+ rugby team, will be participating this year giving some rugby lessons and playing some matches, which ties in nicely with the Homecoming theme. Expect to see the crowning of the

Back by popular demand, play bingo with host Addison Taylor and her team of FabScout porn stars. Just wait until you see what happens when “O-69” is called!

$20 in advance | $30 at event

Saturday, June 3

Miss GayDayS Pageant

6-8 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

The Miss GayDayS pageant returns as they honor Miss GayDayS 2022, Phoenix Endora, and look to crown Miss GayDayS 2023. See the contestants attempt to dazzle the judges in categories such as interview, formal wear and performance.

$20 in advance | $30 at event Beach

Ball

7 P.M.-1 A.M.

AQUATICA ORLANDO

Get Ready to make a splash at GayDays Orlando’s new Waterpark Party at Aquatica Orlando. The ultimate Waterpark Party, Beach Ball, is back with a new home! Join GayDayS at Aquatica, Orlando’s premier waterpark and dance the night away to the beat of amazing DJ’s Joe Pacheco and Tony Moran, relax in the wave pool and enjoy the park’s attractions under the stars. If you are staying at the host hotel, Aquatica is just a walk across the street. Roa’s Island Cabana’s are available for up to eight people.

GayDayS’ Welcome & Information Booth as well as its Ticket & Merchandise Center will open May 31 from 12-5 p.m. with pool parties and events beginning on June 1. Below we have information on GayDayS’ events. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit GayDayS.com.

GayDayS’ pool parties are not to be missed. They will have some of the best DJs from all over the world including DJ Aracely Manterola, DJ Chris Adams, DJ D-STU, DJ itty bitty, DJ John Stuurm, DJ Joshua Atom, DJ Lu-S, DJ Mark Paullo, DJ Mike Sklarz and DJ Steve Sidewalk. Make sure to check out GayDayS’ Saturday Daytime Pool Party as it will be hosted by designer Andrew Christian and his trophy boys. They will be doing some free Andrew Christian underwear giveaways as well.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

Thursday, June 1

Daytime Pool Party

11 A.M.-5 P.M. $30 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

Evening Pool Party

$90 in advance for general admission | $2,600 for a Roa’s Island Cabana rental

Sunday, June 4

Puppy Mosh

2-4 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

Who doesn’t love puppies! Join the other puppies in an indoor puppy mosh as the human pups romp, wrestle and play.

$10 in advance | $20 at event

Mr. GayDayS Leather Competition Finale

4-6 P.M.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

Come meet Mr GayDayS Leather 2022, Jeffrey Wayne, and find out who will take home the sash and patch this year

at the Mr GayDayS Leather Competition.

5 P.M.-2 A.M. $40 IN ADVANCE $45 AT EVENT

Friday, June 2

Daytime Pool Party

11 A.M.-5 P.M. $30 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

Evening Pool Party

5 P.M.-2 A.M. $40 IN ADVANCE $45 AT EVENT

Saturday, June 3

Daytime Pool Party

11 A.M.-5 P.M. $30 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

Evening Pool Party

5 p.m.-2 a.m. $40 in advance $45 at event

Sunday, June 4

Daytime Pool Party

11 A.M.-5 P.M.: $30 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

Evening Pool Party

5 P.M.-2 A.M.: $40 IN ADVANCE $45 AT EVENT

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE SINCE

Providing premier medical care in your community through outreach, advocacy, education, and research.

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* services vary by location

One Magical Weekend

ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND IS

bringing its Red Shirt Pride Days back to its host hotel — the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, located at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. in Orlando, as partygoers #FlockToFlorida this magical weekend. The resort features a pair of resort-style pools, two restaurants and a bar & grill, spa treatments, a 24-hour fitness center and more. It is located within walking distance of Disney Springs, but you won’t have to get your steps in as they offer daily shuttles to Disney’s park transportation center and Disney Springs.

If you don’t have your room at the host hotel yet then you are out of luck, as it is officially sold out, but that doesn’t mean you

Events:

Friday, June 2 RIPTIDE

8 P.M.-2 A.M.

DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON

This is One Magical Weekend’s signature event and they go all out for it. For one night, you and thousands of your closest friends will have access to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon waterpark. The 52-acre waterpark features wave pools, water slides and more.

DJ Shayne Codd kicks things off with a sundown set before headliner GSP takes the stage along with the One Magical Weekend dancers all night.

RIPTIDE will also see the return of the Bear Lagoon with tunes provided by DJ Paky Chulo.

Bliss Beach is also returning, presented by Bliss Cares. Don’t miss Bliss Cares’ 2023 TRANSformation graduation taking place at 7 p.m.

Set it up with a VIP ticket which gets you access to the VIP area with open bar and towel service all evening.

This is an 18 and up event only. $100 general admission | $210 VIP

Saturday, June 3

RED Vol VI: Roundup

8 P.M.-1 A.M.

HOUSE OF BLUES ORLANDO

One Magical Weekend is back with Volume 6 of its RED circuit party at Disney Springs’ House of Blues. This year, we hit the wild, wild west with the theme Roundup. That means along with wearing red, you are encouraged to get your cowboy hat, boots, chaps and anything else that makes you hit the ranch hollering “yee-haw!”

Music will be provided by the electrifying DJ Alain Jackinsky and you will be giddy-upping around that dance floor as the headlining, show stopping drag entertainer Phoenix performs live. You may remember the Atlanta-based drag sensation from her appearance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season three. The One Magical Weekend dancers will be back and they are sure to inspire some Brokeback fantasies.

Make this evening a super rodeo with the VIP experience featuring open bars and special seating. Make sure to wear your best red outfit but keep in mind Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs do not allow costumes, so plan accordingly. This is an 18 and up event only and IDs will be checked so do not forget it.

General admission $75 |VIP $170

can’t still enjoy all the fun. Less than a five-minute walk from the Sheraton is One Magical Weekend’s second hotel with rooms still available — the Crowne Plaza Orlando Lake Buena Vista, located at 8686 Palm Pkwy. in Orlando. Booking a room for that weekend will get you access to the Therapy Pool Parties at the Sheraton.

One Magical Weekend will host its Gay Biz Expo at the Sheraton, featuring dozens of vendors, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sheraton Resort. Below you’ll find information on One Magical Weekend’s events. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit OneMagicalWeekend.com.

Therapy Pool Parties

A tropical oasis awaits you at the Official Host Hotel for One Magical Weekend 2023. Enjoy three days of sunshine, dancing and cocktails alongside two resort-style pools. Pool party weekend passes are available.

SHERATON LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

Friday, June 2

12-7 P.M.: DJ ROLAND BELMARES / DJ CHRIS SUGDEN

$30 IN ADVANCE

Saturday, June 3

12-8 P.M.: DJ GUY SCHEIMAN / DJ CHARLIE B $30 IN ADVANCE

Sunday, June 4

12-8 P.M.: DJ MOHAMMED / DJ TDON $30 IN ADVANCE

Cadabra After Hours Parties

Sunday, June 4 WIG

Party

9 P.M.-1 A.M. SHERATON LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

Let your hair down and get your inner diva ready to strike a POSE! Join One Magical Weekend at the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort for a closing Sunday T-Dance party not to be missed.

Whether you prefer a short bob or a full blow out, rock your favorite wig and hit the dance floor with the sounds of International DJ Kitty Glitter. Of course, heels and harnesses are not necessary, but they are more than welcome at the 3rd Annual WIG Party!

Get ready to whip the hair back and forth as the headlining queens for the event will be Jorgeous, Cara Cavalli Andrews and London Adour.

$55

After parties are 21 and up. Must bring ID to enter. SHERATON ORLANDO LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT

Friday late night, June 2

Neon Fantasy

2-8 A.M.: DJ J WARREN $65 IN ADVANCE

Saturday late night, June 3

Locker Room

2-8 A.M.: DJ PAULO $65 IN ADVANCE

Sunday late night, June 4

Daddy

2-8 A.M.: DJ TOM STEPHAN $65 IN ADVANCE

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

Girls in Wonderland

GIRLS IN WONDERLAND IS THE largest women’s group that holds events during Orlando’s big June weekend and is one of the longest running events that is tied to the original Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom. Started by Amy Alonso, Alison Burgos and Yesenia Leon of Pandora Events, Girls in Wonderland offers up a series of events for the women of the community.

The Girls are back this year at a new host hotel — the Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive, located at 8001 International Dr. in Orlando. Set amid tropical gardens, the Wyndham Orlando Resort is minutes from Universal Studios,

Events:

Thursday, June 1

Welcome

Happy Hour

6-8 P.M.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Mix, mingle and make new friends, either for the weekend or for life, at the Girls in Wonderland welcome mixer, presented by Lexi Goza State Farm. The event features live entertainment and free Bud Light on draft until it runs out.

This event is free to GiW hotel guests

Traffic Jam

9 P.M.-2 A.M.

CUBA LIBRE

Girls in Wonderland’s opening night party is a Traffic Jam at Cuba Libre at Pointe Orlando. Take a colored bracelet coordinated to your availability — red means you’re taken, yellow means approach with caution and green means go for it. The event will feature live music and sexy go-go girls.

$15 in advance | $25 at event

Below you’ll find information on Girls in Wonderland’s events. Weekend passes are available, prices are subject to change and all events are 21 and up. For more information, visit GirlsInWonderland.com.

Pool Parties

Two pools equal twice the fun! Relax, swim, eat, drink and dance at Girls in Wonderland’s dual pools while dancing to your favorite DJs making waves on the turntables. Pool parties are 21 and up.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Friday, June 2

Wet Pool Party

11 A.M.-5 P.M.

$20 IN ADVANCE $35 AT EVENT

Saturday, June 3

Splash Pool Party

SeaWorld Orlando and The Wheel at ICON Park, and offers tons of amenities including on-site dining at the Gatorville Poolside Bar & Grill, a lobby bar, two pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with saunas and steam rooms, room service and more.

Friday, June 3

L-Lounge Happy Hour

6-8 P.M.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Pre-game for the big night ahead at the host hotel’s Lobby Bar with specialty cocktails and live music.

This event is free to GiW hotel guests

Out For Laughs

Comedy Show

7:30-9:30 P.M.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Settle in for some laughs before you hit the parties with stand-up comic Sydnee Washington. Washington is an American comedian who gained national recognition appearing on Comedy Central’s “Up Next” showcase in 2018.

Opening for Washington is Carolyn Bergier, a New York-based comedian, writer and podcaster who produces and co-hosts the popular LGBTQ+ podcast “Dyking Out,” and Orlando’s own Lee Cohen Cohen, an award-winning standup comedian who has performed across the east coast.

$35 in advance | $45 at event

Black & White Masquerade Ball

9 P.M.-2 A.M.

PIRATES DINNER ADVENTURE

Led by Ivy Les Vixen and her sexy Vixens, get ready for a wild night of dancing, drinking and burlesque at Orlando’s Pirate Dinner Adventure.

$30 in advance | $45 at event

Saturday, June 4

Signature Event: Queer Prom — All Decades

9 P.M.-2 A.M.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Girls in Wonderland’s Signature Dance Party, and this year its theme is “Queer Prom — All Decades.” Buying a ticket to this event gets you into the after party.

$35 in advance | $45 at event

Last Chance Party

10 P.M.-2 A.M.

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

$15 IN ADVANCE

$25 AT EVENT

11 A.M.-5 P.M. $35 IN ADVANCE $50 AT EVENT

Sunday, June 4

Sunday Funday!

Pool Party

12-7 P.M.

$30 IN ADVANCE $40 AT EVENT

After Hours Parties

WYNDHAM ORLANDO RESORT INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

Saturday, June 3

Afterglow

2-5 A.M. $20 IN ADVANCE $30 AT EVENT

Sunday, June 4

After

Hours, Girl

2-5 A.M. $20 IN ADVANCE $30 AT EVENT

PHOTO BY SABRINA ANBRA

PHOTO BY SABRINA AMBRA

PHOTO BY SABRINA AMBRA

Bear Jamboree!

AFTER TIDAL WAVE PARTY

announced in November 2022 that they were unable to secure a host hotel for this year so they were taking their events to Las Vegas, Orlando’s Big Gay Weekend was left with a bear-sized hole in it. That is until the team at One Magical Weekend stepped in and, in partnership with Orlando Bear Pride, began what is sure to become a new annual tradition — Bear Jamboree!

Events:

Thursday, June 1

Welcome Cocktail Party

7-9 P.M.

SHERATON LBV

Come to the Sheraton for a cocktail party to welcome you to the most exciting weekend of the year.

Friday, June 2

Bear Den Meet & Greet Social

5-7 P.M.

CROWNE PLAZA BAR

Come have a few drinks, hang out with old friends and maybe make some new ones.

Aftermath

11 P.M.-2 A.M.

CROWNE PLAZA POOL

Get ready to dance poolside with music provided by DJ Mohammad for Bear Jamboree!’s Friday night dance party.

$30

Pup Camp Meet-Up

11 P.M.-1 A.M.

CROWNE PLAZA MEETING ROOM

Saturday, June 3

Country Bear

Jamboree Meet-Up

12 P.M.

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM

A tradition as old as Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom itself. Meet up at the Country Bear Jamboree for a sing-along with Henry, Wendell, Trixie, Big Al and the entire Country Bear family.

Bearaoke

4:30-6:30 P.M.

CROWNE PLAZA BAR

Bearonce Bear and DJ Castle host karaoke for the bears.

Comedy Show

8-10 P.M.

SHERATON’S

MAJESTIC BALLROOM

Get ready to meet Skylar Gentry, America’s favorite actor-singer-dancerpsychic, in a hilarious comedy show that was a “pick of the fall 2022” by the New York Times. “The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry” is a one-man show featuring comedian Ben Zook, one of the creators and stars of the web-series

“Where the Bears Are.”

$30

Red & Wild Jock Strap Party

10 P.M.-2 A.M.

CROWNE PLAZA POOL

It’s time to hit the pool again. This time we are dancing into the night with music provided by DJ Twisted Dee.

$30

Bear Jamboree! brings all the beary exciting events that you were used to at Tidal Wave to the host hotel at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Lake Buena Vista, located at 8686 Palm Pkwy. in Orlando. The weekend will be hosted by Bear Jamboree!’s official den mother, Bearonce Bear. Save by buying event packages. The Orlando Bear Gold Package includes a ticket to every pool party, dance party, bingo, karaoke, trivia, RIPTIDE at Typhoon Lagoon and reserved seating at Saturday Night’s Main Event for $197. The Orlando Bear Silver Package includes everything found in the Gold Package but only has general admission to Saturday Night’s Main Event for $177.

Sunday, June 4

Bark & Brew Pup

Morning Coffee Bar

8:30-10 A.M.

CROWNE PLAZA MEETING ROOM

Teddy Bear Bingo

4 P.M.

CROWNE PLAZA BAR

B-I-N-G-O, and Bearonce Bear was her name-o. Bear Jamboree!’s den mother herself hosts Teddy Bear Bingo.

Bear Jam Trivia

7 P.M.

CROWNE PLAZA BAR

Bearonce Bear is back and this time she is coming with the trivia.

Pup, Pet & Pounce Mosh Pit

8-10 P.M.

CROWNE PLAZA MEETING ROOM

LOBO! (Lights Out, Barks Out) is calling all pups, handlers and furries out to this mosh pit with Jake Maxwell.

Kaftan

Dance Party

10 P.M.-2 A.M.

CROWNE PLAZA POOL

Don your favorite kaftan as you dance poolside with music provided by DJ TDON.

$30

Wet Fur Oasis

Daytime Pool Parties

A tropical oasis awaits you at the Official Host Hotel for One Magical Weekend 2023. Enjoy three days of sunshine, dancing and cocktails alongside two resort-style pools. Pool party weekend passes are available.

CROWNE PLAZA POOL

Friday, June 2

12-2 P.M.: DJ JB BURGOS 2-8 P.M.: DJ CASTLE $30

Saturday, June 3

12-4 P.M.: DJ CASTLE 4-8 P.M.: DJ EDIL $30

Sunday, June 4

12-4 P.M.: DJ PAKY CHULO 4-8 P.M.: DJ JB BURGOS $30

Dungeon Dark Room After Parties

CROWN PLAZA GYM

Friday, June 2 11 P.M.-3 A.M.

Saturday, June 3 11 P.M.-3 A.M.

Sunday, June 4 11 P.M.-3 A.M.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

Between 1985 and 2001, the Orlando concert promoter Figurehead invigorated the musical landscape in Central Florida. Catch a glimpse into what made this time in the Central Florida music scene so memorable – the bands and the clubs, the community and the chaos.

The Pride Cup K

INDRED PRIDE FOUNDATION IS A nonprofit organization formed by One Magical Weekend owners Tom Christ and Billy Looper to help keep the spirit of the first Saturday in June as Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom alive, encouraging one million people around the world to wear red on that day. It also was established to support and raise funds for other nonprofits that educate, promote and celebrate diversity, inclusion, equality, safe expression and kindness.

Golf

JUNE 2

DUBSDREAD GOLF COURSE

The Pride Cup partners with Bowled Over Promotions to host a one-day golf outing at Dubsdread, located at 548 West Par St. in Orlando to benefit The Pride Chamber. Golfers can register with a foursome or as an Individual. Teams will play 18 holes in a Best Ball format starting at 8 a.m. Golfers get a continental breakfast, fabulous golfer gift bag and two drinks on the course. There will be an awards lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m.

CommUNITY Rainbow Run

JUNE 3

WADEVIEW PARK

onePULSE Foundation hosts its 7th annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run as a part of KindRED Pride’s Pride Cup at Wadeview Park, located at 2177 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando, starting at 7 a.m. Cost to enter the run is $49 in advance and $60 for same-day registration. All in-person participants will receive an official run t-shirt, tote bag, runner’s bib and commemorative run medal. Along with the 4.9K in-person run, the event will include a Kids Fun Run — registration is $5 — and a virtual option for runners who cannot be in Orlando on the day. Registration for the virtual run is $54 and participants will be mailed their official run t-shirt, tote bag and commemorative run medal in advance. The morning’s event will also include the NASCAR CommUNITY Festival, which will be open from 7-10:30 a.m. at Wadeview Park. Admission is free and will feature live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities. For those wanting to enhance their experience, the 26Health Love is Love Lounge Experience is available for $149 and will include unlimited mimosas, Proud Mary’s and breakfast food catered from the Hard Rock Café, as well as the entire run registration packet.

As part of the KindRED Pride Foundation, The Pride Cup is an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition held during Gay Disney weekend – the first weekend in June in Orlando. With events welcoming all levels of athletes, the spirit of the competition is “Be Kind Champion” to coincide with the RED Shirt Pride Days.

This year’s Pride Cup will feature golf, beach volleyball, pickleball, kickball and esports, as well as partner with onePULSE Foundation once again for the annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run. Come out to play or come out to watch, support and cheer on the athletes.

You can read event information below. For more details and for pricing, visit KindRedPride.org/Pride-Cup.

Beach Volleyball

JUNE 3-4

DR. PHILLIPS COMMUNITY PARK

KindRED Pride invites you to bump, set and spike your way through a magical weekend of beach volleyball at Dr. Phillips Community Park, located at 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd. in Orlando. This is a 4v4 recreational sand volleyball tournament focused on allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Most players will be in the social to intermediate skill levels. The number of days, prize pot and format for the tournament will change depending on the number of teams that participate. All teams are guaranteed four matches minimum. All teams must have five or more registered players. No Team? No Problem! Register as an individual player and they will try to place with a team or create a team. Individuals who cannot be placed will get a refund.

Pickleball

JUNE 3-4

LAKE BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

Pickleball is a racket sport played with a flat paddle as opposed to a stringed racket as seen in tennis and badminton. It is also one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. OUT Sports League is thrilled to host Pickleball at the Pride Cup LGBTQ+ Sports Tournament at Lake Buena Vista High School, located at 11305 Daryl Carter Pkwy. In Orlando. They offer different doubles and scramble formats to help you meet new people, stay active and get involved with the community. An outdoor Doubles Round Robin tournament for allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Five total games played to 15 points in pools of six teams. Each event will contain brackets of three different skill levels of Novice (3.0 and under), Intermediate (3.5) and Advanced (4.0) and above. If a large number of players sign up for specific brackets they may further divide those brackets by player age.

Esports

JUNE 3-4

STREAMED

Get ready for some esports at The Pride Cup when Gayming Magazine and CMSA eSports host League of Legends and Fortnite tournaments with the events being streamed to the Gayming Magazine and CMSA eSports Twitch and TikTok channels. On the first day, teams of five will participate in a League of Legends tournament broken into three divisions based on player rank during this season and the previous season of League of Legends. The winning team in each division will win $500. On day two, players will participate in a Fortnite tournament conducted using the Solos Zero Build – Battle Royale format. consisting of three phases. Players will be split into two groups and participate in four games, accumulating points through placements and eliminations. The top half of each group will move on to the second phase with the top five players moving into a custom map deathmatch, for final placement. The top three finishers will receive $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third.

Kickball

JUNE 3-4

DR. PHILLIPS COMMUNITY PARK

Rainbow Sports League in partnership with KindRED Foundation is taking over the Pride Cup Kickball Tournament at Dr. Phillips Community Park, located at 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd. in Orlando on June 3 and 4. KindRED Foundation has graciously covered the cost of every single registration for kickball at this event. ON the first day, teams will be assigned four random games to determine seeding with the second day being a single elimination tournament. Games will be played for first, second and third place. All teams are guaranteed 4 games minimum.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

Heart, humor and humility

An interview with music legend

Lucinda Williams

Gregg Shapiro

IN A RECORDING CAREER

that spans more than 40 years, with well over a dozen studio albums of unforgettable originals, Grammy Award-winner Lucinda Williams has left an indelible mark on contemporary Americana, country, blues, pop and rock music.

Virtually unstoppable — undeterred by a tornado, a stroke and a pandemic — Williams emerges victorious on record and in print in 2023. Her memoir, “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You,” was recently published, and her new

album “Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart,” featuring a stellar lineup of guest artists including Angel Olsen, Bruce Springsteen and Margo Price, arrives this summer. An absolute delight to talk to, Williams was gracious enough to make time to

WATERMARK: 2023 IS THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR SELF-TITLED ALBUM WHICH CONTAINED THE SONG “PASSIONATE KISSES,” LATER COVERED BY MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER, EARNING YOU YOUR FIRST GRAMMY AWARD. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF HAVING ONE OF YOUR SONGS BECOME A HIT FOR ANOTHER SINGER, AND WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU WIN THAT GRAMMY?

LUCINDA WILLIAMS: It was great, of course.

chat with Watermark before the release of the album.

PHOTO BY DANNY CLINCH

Having Chapin — that’s what her friends call her — cover “Passionate Kisses” opened a big door for me, really. It started getting all this airplay and eventually won a Grammy for Country Song of the Year, which was the biggest irony, because it almost didn’t become the single. She wanted it to be the first single off her new album and her people said no, they didn’t think it was a good idea because it wasn’t a country song.

IT WAS MORE POP.

Yeah, but she stuck to her guns and said, “I don’t care.” She had been playing it live and she said her fans really liked the song a lot. She stood her ground and said she wanted it to be the first single. They relented and it became the single. When it won the Grammy for Country Song of the Year [laughs] it was nice. It was like, “Ha ha ha.”

YOU GOT THE LAST LAUGH.

Exactly!

OVER THE YEARS, YOU’VE HAD A WONDERFUL ARRAY OF GUEST MUSICIANS PERFORMING WITH YOU ON YOUR ALBUMS, AND “STORIES FROM A ROCK N ROLL HEART” IS NO EXCEPTION, BEGINNING WITH BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND PATTI SCIALFA ON “NEW YORK COMEBACK” AND “ROCK N ROLL HEART.” WHAT MADE THOSE SONGS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU, BRUCE AND PATTI?

I think the nature of the songs, what they’re about, and just the feel and vibe of them. I’m in Nashville right now with my husband Tom, and our friend Jesse Malin was in town. We were working on songs together. That one came up, and I think it was Tom who had the feeling — he’s always been a huge Bruce fan, and he said, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could have Bruce on this song?”

At first, it was just Bruce, and then Patti jumped in, bless her heart. Anyway, Jesse Malin was the one who piped up and said, “I think I can get I can get a hold of Bruce for you. He’d probably be into it. Jesse went back home to New York where he lives. He’s tied in with all the East Coast rockers and musicians and all. So, he was able to track Bruce down. Bruce said yes. We sent him the tracks; we weren’t in the studio

with him at the same time. Bruce has his own studio. They went in and jumped on board. We didn’t even tell him what to do. We let them decide for themselves. They ended up really getting into it enthusiastically. You can tell when you listen. Every time I hear it and I hear his voice on there I just get so excited and happy. It’s such a thrill to hear him on there. He’s just such a sweetheart.

ANOTHER ONE OF THE STELLAR GUEST ARTISTS ON THE ALBUM IS QUEER SINGER/SONGWRITER ANGEL OLSEN WHO JOINS YOU ON “JUKEBOX.” WHY DID YOU WANT TO WORK WITH HER?

I love her voice and her vibe and everything. I wanted another voice on there. I love having guests come in the studio and do their thing. It adds so much to the song. A lot of the time it has to do with if the person is available and how convenient is it going to be and all those technical details. She happened to be in Nashville around the time we were in the studio. I think she told me she spends a lot of time in Asheville, North Carolina. But she was in Nashville, and she was really into coming in and doing something. That’s how all that happened. That went smoothly. She just came in and did her thing. It’s real subtle, but I think it really adds something, especially at the end.

I LIVE IN FORT LAUDERDALE, AND YOU LIVE IN NASHVILLE, MEANING THAT WE BOTH LIVE IN PLACES CONSIDERED TO BE GROUND ZERO FOR ATTACKS ON THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. TO MY EARS, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE ADDRESSING THAT SUBJECT ON THE SONG “THIS IS NOT MY CITY.” AM I RIGHT ABOUT THAT?

I wasn’t necessarily but, it’s open for interpretation. I’m glad you mentioned that actually because I like to politicize things. I like to make statements about things. That was one that was a collaboration, a collaborative effort between me and my husband Tom and Travis Stephens. I know Tom and I talked about this. It is politicized, but it might not be real obvious. You’re right, basically, it is supposed to be about that feeling of division. Being politically divided and being frustrated with it. Just all the stuff that’s been going for the last however many years.

ARE YOU AWARE OF IF YOU HAVE AN LGBTQ+ FOLLOWING FOR YOUR WORK?

I hope so! It’s hard for me to tell. Somebody would need to have been keeping track of all that. I mean, the only thing I could do is look out in the audience or, after the show, meet and greet people. But there’s always been a certain percentage of my audience from that community. I’m not sure if there’s more now

PASSAGES FROM “DON’T TELL ANYBODY THE SECRETS I TOLD YOU” IN YOUR CONCERTS?

Yeah, we’re going to do something like that. The lyrics to a lot of the songs are in the book. After the story, there’ll be some lyrics from a song that is connected with that story. Tom was saying he wants to connect some recordings of songs with the book. Make a CD of songs that go with the book, have it available with the book, or something like that.

IF “DON’T TELL ANYBODY THE SECRETS I TOLD YOU” WAS ADAPTED INTO A BIOPIC, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU?

That’s so interesting because I just did a book event with Steve Earle as the moderator in a bookstore in Brooklyn, when we were in New York recently, and somebody said that (Williams’ acclaimed 1998 album) “Car Wheels on A Gravel Road” should be made into a play.

or not. It would be cool if there were [laughs].

I ALSO WANT TO EXTEND MY CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PUBLICATION OF YOUR MEMOIR “DON’T TELL ANYBODY THE SECRETS I TOLD YOU.” AS THE DAUGHTER OF A WRITER, POET MILLER WILLIAMS, DO YOU THINK IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT YOU WOULD SOMEDAY WRITE A BOOK?

Yeah, probably. For years, people have been saying I should write a book. I’m such a storyteller. I’ve always written songs that tell stories. When I get on stage to perform my songs, I explain the song by telling the story behind the song. The book is really just the same thing, just taking it a little bit deeper even. With more details about the characters and the songs because they’re all true stories. I talk a lot about characters that people already know about through the songs. When they read the book, they can get to know them even better, maybe see a photograph of them in the book.

YOU HAVE CONCERT TOUR DATES FROM MAY THROUGH AUGUST. I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE WAY THAT WHEN MARY GAUTHIER PUBLISHED HER MEMOIR, AND SHE WOULD TOUR, SHE WOULD READ PASSAGES FROM THE BOOK AND THEN DO SONGS. WILL YOU BE DOING SOMETHING SIMILAR? READING

WOW! LIKE A MUSICAL?

Yes, I guess. Then I kind of laughed and said, “OK, as long as Frances McDormand can play me.” Everybody clapped [laughs]. I love her! It was just off the top of my head, basically. But I’ve always loved her acting. She kind of reminds me of me a little bit, physically. I think she would be a good choice.

MY HUSBAND TURNED 70 IN MARCH, AND TO CELEBRATE WE WENT FOR DIM SUM WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS. DID YOU DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO COMMEMORATE YOUR 70TH BIRTHDAY?

Let’s see, I think we were performing somewhere. It was January 26th, so we would have been in Europe. We did the show and they brought a cake out on stage for me. The audience sang “Happy Birthday” [laughs]. It was a trip turning 70! I wanted to tell everybody, “I’m 70! I’m 70!” IT’S SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. Yeah, I made it to 70. Nobody thinks I’m 70 [laughs].

Lucinda Williams’ latest album, “Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart,” releases June 30 and her memoir, “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You,” is out now. Go to LucindaWilliams.com for upcoming tour dates.

SINGING FROM THE HEART: Lucinda Williams’ latest album, “Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart,” releases June 30.

PHOTO BY DANNY CLINCH

More is More Project Pride plans new and returning events this June

Ryan Williams-Jent

PROJECT PRIDE FORMED

in 2019 to celebrate, unite and support the LGBTQ+ community in and around Sarasota. The nonprofit has worked to ensure the region remains open and equitable to all ever since.

Their efforts have resulted in unprecedented visibility. In 2021, they oversaw the installation of an LGBTQ+focused crosswalk and street mural in Downtown Sarasota — a 2,500-square-foot piece covering a five-corner intersection — and

in the same year, secured the city’s first proclamation formally recognizing Pride Month. That support only bolstered their resolve to celebrate LGBTQ+ Sarasota every June.

The organization has introduced several high-profile events in recent years — including The

Grand Carnival, a signature gala launched last year.

The gathering delivered on its promise to provide an iconic evening of entertainment and spectacle, enlisting “RuPaul’s Drag Race” All Star Trinity the Tuck to host. It welcomed around 250 attendees, paving the way for an expanded return on June 3 as one of Project Pride’s major events this year.

“Going into Pride Month in Sarasota is exciting,” Project Pride President Jason Champion says. “We’re proud to show this year that we’re not going away and that members of the LGBTQ+ community that live here, play here and visit here are safe and are excited about being here.

SATURDAY JUNE 3RD

SATURDAY JUNE 3RD 10 AM - 4 PM

VENDORS • MUSIC

FOOD & DRINKS • RAFFLES SURPRISES AND MORE! HISTORYSTPETE.ORG

PRESENTED BY: PRESENTED BY:

“Obviously the political climate is putting some fear and doubts in folks’ heads, but we have to stand up, keep going and come out and enjoy the love and support from the community that will be there going through the same things,” he continues. “Right now, standing together with locked arms, showing that we’re not going away is what we need and what we’re excited about doing this year.”

That’s why Project Pride partnered with other organizations and conceptualized new and returning events. Festivities officially begin June 1 at University Town Center, located at 140 University Town Center Dr., with a recurring concert called UTC Live on the Green.

The gathering will feature the NoFilter Band, which “creates a one-of-a-kind, concert-style experience featuring four singer-musicians.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear their most colorful clothing to “get ready to paint the town rainbow with the ultimate high-energy dance band.” The event is free and takes place from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

A Pride edition of UTC’s Night Market will follow that evening. Participants will enjoy local vendors, rainbow-themed sweet treats and live music.

“These are great events,” Champion says. “It’s a time where we can all come together and experience music and more. Music heals. It is a soul shaker and can motivate people in all ways.”

That’s Project Pride’s hope with this year’s Grand Carnival. Its June 3 return will take place in a new venue and welcome vocalist and drag entertainer Ada Vox along with fellow LGBTQ+ artist Zee Machine.

“Welcome to the shiniest ball of them all!” the gala is officially billed. “This unique event will knock you off your feet with exciting visuals by Botanica Design Studio and live performances on the main stage by Ada Vox of ‘American Idol’ and ‘Queen of the Universe,’ and Zee Machine, nominated for Breakout Musical Artist at The Queerties Awards, plus surprises you must see to believe!”

The 21+ event is scheduled from 8-10 p.m. with VIP entrance

an hour prior. This year it’s housed at Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory, located at 2075 Bahia Vista St., where organizers expect to welcome up to 500 attendees.

“We wanted to move the Grand Carnival to this larger location to incorporate more people,” Champion explains. “Not only just the LGBTQ+ community, but to really work off of our mission of building inclusive communities

explode with color and represent our community like the beautiful collage of people that we are.”

Tickets begin at $75 and include light bites and an open bar in addition to the evening’s entertainment. Champion says Vox and Zee Machine were the perfect pair to feature this year.

“We wanted to represent drag culture,” he says of the former. “It is an incredible part of the history of the LGBTQ community and we

runner-up but has since teased her audition on “America’s Got Talent.” The competition’s 18th season premieres May 30 on NBC.

“Ada Vox has put herself on national television, she has continued to build a career and she represents our community with pride and excellence,” Champion notes. “We’re excited to have her as a part of this.”

“I’m so excited and look forward to performing at the

1255 N. Palm Ave., the venue “offers panoramic views of a thriving urban landscape that has become synonymous with inspiring creative endeavors and spectacular artistic expressions.”

“We’re super excited to have the after party here,” Champion says. “Not only are they one of the most LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Sarasota, they have an incredible rooftop which will be set in the darkness of ‘Diamonds are Forever’ with sparkles and excitement after the event. We don’t want the party to stop.”

A special Pride edition of UTC Fit at University Town Center will then be held June 7, a Zumba class with a professional instructor. Colorful workout gear is encouraged.

Project Pride will subsequently hold its next signature outing, the inaugural Silver Pride, June 10 from 12-5 p.m. It’s presented in partnership with the Senior Friendship Centers, the nonprofit which has worked to build vibrant communities for seniors throughout the region for five decades.

Silver Pride will celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community “aged 50 and better” and feature live music, vendors, food trucks and more. It will be held at the Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota, located at 1888 Brother Geenen Way.

“Being a long-term resident of Sarasota, we know that the demographic is here,” Champion explains. “There’s never been anything like this to celebrate our older generation of people who have fought the fight before what we’re doing now and we needed that representation. We needed a space for everybody to be recognized.”

that support and unite us all. This is open for everyone to come watch live performances and enjoy the evening. It’s going to be an over-the-top party.”

This year’s theme is “Diamonds are Forever” to that end. It was chosen to give every attendee the chance and a reason to shine.

“More is more. If you don’t have on sparkles, you’ll be turned away,” Champion muses. “We want to see feathers, we want to see glitter, we want to see sparkles. We want to see diamonds. Heels, hair, all of it. Bring it and bring it loud and proud — this is the year to

wanted to showcase someone that has been an outstanding model for drag themselves, along with having amazing talent.”

Vox found fame on season 16 of “American Idol,” where she advanced to the singing competition’s Top 10 in 2018. She became the first drag entertainer to do so, sharing at the time “I am here standing for something that is so much bigger than just myself.”

The self-described “voice of drag” also competed on the first season of “Queen of the Universe” last year, World of Wonder’s drag and singing competition airing on Paramount+. Vox finished as

Grand Carnival,” Vox adds.

As for Zee Machine, the entertainer bills himself as a “queer pop/rock/electronic/ soul singer-songwriter who wants to make you feel fabulous.” Champion’s assessment is that he’s a TikTok sensation and future Grammy winner with an incredible voice, one “that we needed to get quickly.”

“Zee Machine is pretty amazing,” he says. “Think Scissor Sisters, think Jake Shears. This is the new one, right here.”

“Diamonds After Dark,” the gala’s free after party, will then be held atop Art Ovation Hotel beginning at 11 p.m. Located at

It’s a key tenet of Project Pride’s overall mission, something they’ll stress well beyond Pride Month. The organization is already teasing the 32nd Sarasota Pride this October, their first in control after merging with Sarasota Pride, Inc. in 2022.

“Project Pride is really stepping out of the box this year,” Champion says. “We’re developing deeper relationships and partnerships to help continue to give our community the exposure in Sarasota County that we need.”

To learn more about celebrating Pride Month in Sarasota with Project Pride and to buy tickets to the organization’s 2023 Grand Carnival, visit PPSRQ.org.

MACHINE MAN: Zee Machine will perform at The Grand Carnivale with Ada Vox. PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

Right now, standing together with locked arms, showing that we’re not going away is what we need and what we’re excited about doing this year.

— PROJECT PRIDE PRESIDENT JASON CHAMPION

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Jan. 20, 2021

WEDDING DATE:

Jan. 20, 2023

WEDDING VENUE: The Regent in Riverview

FIRST DANCE SONG:

“Changed by You” by Between the Trees

WEDDING THEME/COLORS:

Rustic; colors: Tiffany blue and coral; sunflower arrangements made of wood bark

FLORIST: Hand painted wood bark flowers

OFFICIANT: Annie Brooks, Lucas’ best friend

CAKE BAKERY: Publix bakery

CAKE FLAVORS: Raspberry

Elegance cake

PHOTOGRAPHER: Krystal Jayde Photography

Tiffany Razzano

NEWLYWEDS

LUCAS AND EMMIE

Wehle met online nearly three years ago in June 2020.

“Just a few months into the pandemic,” Lucas remembers. “We just started talking ... we were both just kind of bored and lonely and excited to talk to somebody.”

They texted and chatted via FaceTime for about a week before meeting in person during Emmie’s work break. It wasn’t long before they were spending most of their time together.

“We hung out all the time and became really close,” Lucas notes.

The couple was living together within a few months, each having “had to get out of toxic living situations” around the same time. They moved to a north St. Petersburg apartment, which they still share today.

While seven months might seem like a short period to some before getting engaged, it was the right time for the couple, whose bond grew strong and quickly because of the isolation caused by COVID-19. In fact, Emmie was surprised that Lucas waited so long to propose.

“I thought he was going to propose during the holidays,” she says. “I thought Christmas, for sure. It didn’t happen. I thought New Year’s for sure. I told everyone at work when I came back that it didn’t happen.”

Lucas adds, “I’m not one to do the expected. I would want to do something unique for us.”

Initially, he planned to propose in his family’s backyard during a visit by his grandparents; he was especially close with his grandfather, who has since passed away.

“But the ring didn’t come in time,” he says.

Instead, it arrived the next day. It led him to propose a few days later at the Riverwalk while meeting his mother for dinner.

“It was such a surprise that I said ‘no,’” Emmie notes.

“She was in a bad mood and it was like the worst-case scenario,” Lucas adds. “Then she said ‘no.’”

“It was like a surprised ‘no,’” Emmie laughs. “I didn’t actually say ‘no.’”

Lucas asked if she said no, to which she replied “no, I mean, yes.” Now he notes that “it was perfect because we are both just so awkward.”

With uncertainty about the pandemic and wanting to have a large wedding, the couple held off on getting married for two years. During that time, they put a lot of planning and details into their big day, including hand painted wood bark flowers for everything — from table centerpieces to the archway they stood in front of during the ceremony to the bouquet Emmie held.

Having that additional time to plan made their wedding day even more special, Lucas says. They found the perfect venue — The Regent in Riverview, not far from his parents in Valrico — through PFLAG Tampa Founders Nancy and John Desmond. They’ve been close with Lucas since he was a teen.

“We call them my second parents. They’ve become like family to me,,” he says. “When I came out, it took my parents seven years to accept me and when I had to move out, they took me in.”

Nancy and Lefty, as John is affectionately called, stepped up again when Emmie’s father, who was supposed to walk her down

the aisle, bailed on the couple at the last minute.

“He was going to walk Emmie down the aisle and dance with her, which was a big deal because it was a struggle to gain acceptance from him as well,” Lucas explains. “It was really one of those emotional times and one of the hardest things she’s ever gone through because she had a high expectation of something that she didn’t expect in the first place. She was looking forward to that and was devastated.”

Lefty, who had also become close to Emmie since she and Lucas started dating, took his place to walk her down the aisle.

The couple also added personal touches to their wedding day, including a big reveal where Lucas saw his future wife for the first time just minutes before they wed. They had spent the previous 24 hours apart and didn’t see each other until their wedding day. He was blindfolded as Emmie walked in.

“I was so anxious to see her. I was an emotional wreck,” he says.

Emmie adds, “I think that was actually one of the most emotional things ever.”

Lucas, who sometimes sings at open mic and Pride events, also performed for his wife after the ceremony. He sang “Better Together” by Luke Combs to her.

“The reason I chose it was not just because it’s our song, but because the whole song is talking about coffee in the sunshine, things that go better together,” he says. “In the bridge, it says, ‘And if I’m being honest, your first and my last name would just go better together and probably always will.’ I just felt like it was a perfect fit for the wedding.”

WEDDING BELLS Lucas and Emmie Wehle from St. Petersburg, Florida

Care and Support for an EPIC Generation

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Val Brinkley and Carrie Antoine were engaged May 12. Husbands Dustin and Daniel Johnson finalized the adoption of their six children May 12. Read more on p. 14. The third annual Pride at the Village was held May 20, welcoming “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Ginger Minj and more. “With the current political climate this year’s Pride is of utmost importance across many states including our own,” Pride at the Village Founder and Curator John Gascot said. Read more and view a full photo gallery at WatermarkOnline.com.

CANCELATIONS/CLOSURES

Tampa Pride announced May 18 that Pride on the River 2023 has been canceled. Read more on p. 14. Oasis Restaurant and Bar in Sarasota will permanently close May 28. Read more at Facebook.com/OasisSarasota.

ST PETE PRIDE 2023

St Pete Pride announced May 17 that international stage and screen star Idina Menzel will headline this year’s Friday Night Concert, scheduled for June 23 at Jannus Live. Organizers also confirmed that this year’s celebration will move forward as planned with 10 events across the month of June, noting that the drag community is welcome. “You can’t stop Pride,” they shared. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com and StPetePride.org.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

United Healthcare’s Alan Phillips, Tampa Bay entertainer Holly Louya, Tampa Bay bartender Kerissa Hickey (May 25); St. Petersburg karaoke star Javier Dones, Seminole personal trainer Chip Wright (May 26); Tampa Bay performer Amy DeMilo, Tampa Bay real estate agent Marvin Meeks, Tampa Bay advocate and educator Daryn Sparkles, Sarasota country line dancer David Russell (May 27); Tampa Bay director Jonathan Van Dyke (May 28); St. Pete photographer Laurie Ross, St. Pete theater supporter Jon Hughes, Dunedin stylist Corey Judge, St. Pete entrepreneur David Fischer, Stageworks Theatre Producing Artistic Director Karla Hartley (May 29); St. Petersburg

activist Loralei Matisse, Roo Roo’s Diner owner Nicholas Ellis (May 30); St. Petersburg Target specialist Joe White,

Former St Pete Pride grand marshal Cheryl Hawkes (May 31); Lakeland tri-athlete Andy Orrell, St. Pete artist Logan

Joseph, Tampa Bay entertainer Te Monet, Purple Rhino

owner Bob Donaldson, City of Gulfport employee Jon K.

Ziegler, St. Pete plant lover Elaine Johnston (June 1);

Tribeca Salons owner Brandon Wagner, St. Pete Twirling

Project’s Harry Correa, Swiftie superfan JD Russo (June 2); Tampa Bay bartender Chris Hannay, marketing director Timothy Evans, Jedi-in-training Derek Bailey (June 3); former Watermark contributor Krista DiTucci, Tampa Coldwell Banker realtor Steve Wessels, Tampa Bay entertainer Russell Mania (June 5); VHA Nurse Steven Frost, Massage practitioner Ed Halleran (June 6); Florida

Cane Distillery owner Pat O’Brien, St. Pete activist Theresa Jones (June 7)

1

TEAM TAMPA: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (L) and City Councilmember Alan Clendenin welcome the USL Super League to Tampa Bay May 19.

PHOTO

FROM CASTOR’S FACEBOOK

2

ISN’T IT ICONIC: “Jagged Little Pill” ensemble member Sean Doherty (L) and lead Jordan Leigh McCaskill drop by Bradley’s on 7th May 20 after a Straz performance.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

3

SUPPORTING DRAG: Atlas Body + Home’s staff and supporters including Juno Vibranz (3rd from R) announce the store’s new pro-drag T-shirts.

PHOTO FROM ATLAS BODY + HOME’S FACEBOOK

4

PARTY OF 8: Husbands Dustin and Daniel Johnson finalize the adoption of their six children at the Pat Frank Court Building May 12.

PHOTO COURTESY DANIEL JOHNSON

5

SABOR CELEBRATION: The dancers of Johnsons Tampa dress to impress during 17th annual Pride and Passion at the Tampa Museum of Art May 17. PHOTO FROM JOHNSONS’ FACEBOOK

6 ST. PETE STRONG: (L-R) David J. Johns, Ladonna Butler, Bianca Goolsby, Michele Rayner-Goolsby, John Gascot, Byron Green-Calisch and Elliott Calisch strike a pose at Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala May 13. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD 7

PINELLAS PROUD: (L-R) Keirra Ka’oir Summers, Vyn Suazion, Ginger Minj, Kenya M Black, Aquariius and Daphne Ferraro wow the crowd at Pride @ The Village 2023.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

8

DOING THE WORK: The Hillsborough County LGBTQ Democratic Caucus meets connects with voters at Southern Nights Tampa May 12. PHOTO FROM THE DEM CAUCUS’ FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Savoy raised $15,000 for the LGBT+ Center Orlando during its 11th annual Celebrity Bartending Night May 9.

GIVEAWAYS

Dixie Longate’s fan-favorite show “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” is coming to the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden June 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and we want to send you and a friend to the show for free. Dixie will be at the Garden Theatre for three shows June 15, 16 and 17, and we have a pair of tickets to each performance. Go to WatermarkOnline.com/Dixie and fill out an entry form with your name, email and which day you want to see the show. We will draw our winners on May 31 at noon. Good luck!

SPLASH AWARD VOTING

Vote in the 6th annual Watermark Splash Awards and let us know your Orlando Fringe LGBTQ+ favorites!

We want to know what you think about the Orlando Fringe shows and talent – both on stage and behind the scenes – and which LGBTQ+-themed Fringe shows were your favorites.

Here’s how it works: We want you to get out and see as many LGBTQ+-themed Orlando Fringe shows as you can – see them all in fact – then go to WatermarkOnline.com/ SplashAwards6 and vote for the shows that made the biggest splash for you in the following five categories: Favorite Show, Favorite Director, Favorite Writer, Favorite Lead Performer and Favorite Supporting Performer. In all categories the nominees must be LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+-themed. Each of the performance categories are non-gender specific.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Brother to the beloved and departed “Miss P” Dave Wegman (May 26); Orlando hairstylist Jesse Colin Yeager, Orlando beauty and fashion vlogger Georgie Miller (May 27); Orlando behind-the-scenes theater guru Bill St. Yves (May 29); Fairvilla peddler DC Bulla, Orlando-based photographer Jim Barrett (May 30); Spektrum Health CEO and medical provider Joseph Knoll, Peer Support Space executive director Yasmin Flasterstein; Orlando restaurant magnate Nicholas Olivieri (May 31); Ranger’s Pet Outpost founder Rick Merrifield, JJ’s Grille owner J.J. Paredes, Southern Nights Orlando performer Kitana Gemini (June 1); Orlando realtor Bobby Mills, Orlando LGBTQ activist David Rodriguez, Physical therapist Rob Ryan, Central Florida real estate agent Tony Cabrrera, former Watermark intern Jaime Donelson, Watermark freelancer Gregg Shapiro (June 2); Former Equality Florida public policy director Mallory Garner-Wells, Mojo Man owner Lane Blackwell, District Dive & the Hammered Lamb bartender Joel Gran (June 3); Central Florida transgender activist Angela Hunt (June 4); Orlando realtor Brian Carboy, Orlando banker Luis Alberto Sousa-Lazaballet, Savoy bartender Shane Williams (June 6); Artist and actor Nick Smith (June 7).

1

SWAMP STARS: Cast members for “Swampily Ever After: A Shrekxual Burlesque Parody” show off their costumes for their upcoming Fringe show at Orlando Shakes May 16.

2

ICONIC QUEENS: April Fresh (L) and Leigh Shannon drag each other out to Savoy in Orlando May 13.

PHOTO FROM LOC ROBERTSON’S FACEBOOK

3

TOURISM CENTER: Watermark editor Jeremy Williams (L) and Universal’s Heather Abood attend Visit Orlando’s Travel & Tourism Event at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando May

4

TAKE THE STAGE: Coletyn P. Hentz shows off his “Funny Dick” poster at the entrance of Orlando Shakes for the opening night of his Fringe show May 18.

PHOTO FROM COLETYN P. HENTZ’S FACEBOOK

5

WHISKEY CHIC: Brendan O’Connor (L) and Scottie Campbell enjoy drinks during Duke & Dame’s Sip & Smoke Experience at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Orlando May 13. PHOTO BY

6

READY TO PRINT: (L-R) Nancy Alverez, Jose Perez and Jan Gordon catch up on the latest news in Watermark during the Celebrity Bartending Night at Savoy in Orlando May 9. PHOTO BY

7

THEATRE KICKOFF: (L-R) Orlando’s City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, first lady Susie Galloway Dyer and Mayor Buddy Dyer attend the official ribbon cutting for the 32nd annual Orlando Fringe Festival at Orlando Shakes May 16.

8

MEET & GREET: Joél Morales (L) and Marco Quiroga (R) meet Sasha Colby during Impulse Group Orlando’s “Party & Play” event at the Winter Park Library and Event Center May 17.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

11. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

JEREMY WILLIAMS

DANNY GARCIA

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

PHOTO FROM CONTIGO FUND’S INSTAGRAM

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Orlando Fringe Closing Ceremonies and Awards

MONDAY, MAY 29, 9 P.M.

OUTDOOR STAGE IN LOCH HAVEN PARK, ORLANDO

Orlando Fringe invites you to the Outdoor Stage on the lawn for its festival closing ceremonies, filled with fantastic live music and awards celebrating the best of this year’s fest, including Watermark’s annual Splash Awards, which recognize our reader’s favorites in the festival’s LGBTQ+ offerings. For more information, pick up the official Orlando Fringe program and go to OrlandoFringe.org.

The Pride Chamber’s June Business Connect

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 6-8 P.M.

ALOFT HOTEL, ORLANDO

Join The Pride Chamber for its monthly Business Connect Networking Mixer at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Orlando. Mix, mingle and meet other members while learning about LGBTQ+ businesses, events and community. The mixer is $20 for nonmembers and guests and free for chamber members. For more information, visit ThePrideChamber.org.

TAMPA BAY 2023 Pride in Business Luncheon

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M.

BRYAN GLAZER JCC, TAMPA

Join the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber and over 350 business professionals for this annual luncheon celebrating Pride in business. A panel of experts will discuss the best methods and resources to ensure LGBTQ+ initiatives are successful throughout the year and explore how businesses can demonstrate their support of the LGBTQ+ community in June and beyond. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TampaBayLGBTChamber.org.

Pride Splash Party!

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 7-9 P.M.

HIGHLAND FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER, LARGO

The City of Largo presents a Pride Splash Party to celebrate Pride Month and come together for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The gathering will feature a live DJ, food, games, a clothing swap hosted by Reloved Clothing Exchange and contests! Entry is $5 per person and all ages are welcome. elebrate all month at Largo.com/Pride.

EVENT PLANNER

MISS CONGENIALITY

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Le Salon 2023 featuring ‘Petty’ Opening Night, May 26, Snap! Orlando, Orlando. Solo.to/SnapOrlando

April Fresh Comedy Brunch, May 27, The 808, Orlando. 407-440-4079; The808Orlando.com

Drag Brunch, May 28, Island Time, Orlando. 407-930-2640; IslandTimeOrlando.com

Milk Mart 7th Anniversary Birthday Bash, May 28, The Nook on Robinson, Orlando. 407-906-6675; MilkMartOrlando.com

Orlando Carnival Downtown, May 28, Church Street, Orlando. OrlandoCarnivalDowntown.com

Carlos for Florida

Senate 2024 Fundraising Kickoff, May 30, The Mezz, Orlando. 407-833-6104; CarlosGuillermoSmith.com

“Next to Normal,” June 1-30, Garden Theatre, Winter Garden. 407-877-47-36; GardenTheatre.org

“Avenue Q,” June 2-18, The Henegar, Melbourne. 321-723-8698; Henegar.org

7th Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run, June 3, Delaney Park, Orlando. onePULSEFoundation.org

History Alive!, June 3, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando. 407-836-8500; TheHistoryCenter.org

June Punch

needle workshop, June 3, The Neighbors, Orlando. TheNeighborsOrl.com

Orlando Met Ballet presents “The Sleeping Beauty,” June 4, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Yoga at the Brewery, June 4, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Orlando. 407-270-6749; IvanhoeParkBrewing.com

“Into the Woods,” June 6-11, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Pride Drag Bingo, June 7, 1Up, Orlando. 407-904-0124; 1UpOrlando.com

TAMPA BAY

“Casserole,” Through June 11, Early Bird Dinner Theater, Clearwater. 727-446-5898; EarlyBirdDinnerTheater.com

Dine ‘N Drag, May 26; June 2, 9, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com

Memorial Day Weekend

Party, May 26-29, The Wet Spot, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

Memorial Day Beach

Party, May 27, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com

Misunderstood Villains Trivia/Bingo, May 28, The Catacombs, Tampa. 813-857-5125; Facebook.com/TampaSisters

Latrice Royale, June 3, Capitol Theatre, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

Brunch on Grand Central, May 28; June 4, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com

EPIC Generations

Movie: “Kinky Boots,” May 30, EPIC, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Clearwater Celebrates Pride, June 1, Municipal Services Building, Clearwater. MyClearwater.com/ LivingTheCulture

Pride Month Kickoff, June 1, Bar@548, St. Petersburg. 727-914-7424; Bar548.com

St Pete Pride Kick-off Block Party, June 2, Central Ave., St. Petersburg. StPetePride.org

Queer Arts Pride Month Event, June 2, Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ArtistsForImpact

Opera Tampa OUTLoud, June 2, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Gulfport Pride 2023, June 3, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Facebook.com/GulfportPride Pride Skate, June 3, Skateworld, Tampa. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com

“Strut” ft. Bosco, June 9, The Tampa Edition, Tampa. 813-221-4600; Instagram.com/ Strut_NYC

SARASOTA

Closing Party, May 27, Oasis Restaurant & Bar, Sarasota. Facebook.com/OasisSarasota

The Grand Carnival: Diamonds are Forever, June 3, Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota. PPSRQR.org

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

“Drag Race” alum and drag queen superstar Latrice Royale comes to Clearwater for her Bilheimer Capitol Theatre debut June 3. PHOTO FROM CAPITOL THEATRE

be seen.

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