Watermark Issue 30.01: Pride and Purpose

DESK PUBLISHER’S

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We weren’t best friends, but we were close enough for her to rewrite Olivia Newton John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” to “Hopelessly Devoted to Rick” and record it on a cassette tape for me. To her, I was a funny, goodtime that was toxic and detrimental to the health of children.

She couldn’t speak to anything specific, just that me simply being me would make children gay and that would be bad. It’s a flawed philosophy. If I could make someone

gay simply by being gay and being around them, then why was I not straight for being brow beat my entire childhood with the “boys date girls” mentality? And trust me, at the time I would have done anything to be straight.

The truth is, you cannot make someone L, G, B, T or Q that isn’t already L, G, B, T or Q. End scene.

This has all been on my mind lately since my latest bout with a rage blackout on Nov. 21. I received a text message from a friend of mine. The text included a link to a GaysAgainstGroomers.com blog which the sender thought made good points called “Radicals Are Putting Our Community in Danger: Insight into the Colorado Springs Shooting.” I clicked it. Black out.

A few seconds later I was pacing my house reading what I considered to be far-right propaganda disguised as concern. Yes, I read the whole article because I am not amused by

anyone who just reads the headline and forms an opinion. I usually wait 24 hours before responding to something I have such a strong reaction against, but this time I fired back immediately, “This is not something I want to be associated with… I am disgusted.”

I was asked if there was nothing I agreed with in it and ended the conversation. Partly because my mental well-being needed a break, but mostly because it is a complicated question.

You could ask me, “Do you believe in the sexualization of children?” I would of course say no. However, in the context of this article I would first have to agree that allowing children the freedom to express their identity or into a drag story hour is sexualizing them and I will not hold space for that. What I will say is that no one is sexualizing children in these spaces. To make these accusations is to sexualize children, which begs the questions, “Why are THEY sexualizing children?”

AVE YOU EVER BEEN SO ENRAGED that you can’t see? It’s a kind of emotion that just takes over without warning and then everything goes black. Sometimes it’s the blink of an eye, others can last a few seconds.It’s gross. This whole notion of Gays Against Groomers is gross. Groomers don’t exist here. It’s an inane word far-right conservatives are using to normalize hatred and make it sound palatable; and if LGBTQ people think by saying they’re against groomers they’re somehow protected from being called a groomer by these far-right thinkers, they’re wrong. They are groomers to them and no better than the people they spew hate toward. End scene.

Too much of this groomer B.S. has been geared at trans youth and it bothers me. I just don’t understand where the hate comes from. The topic of trans and nonbinary communities came up a while ago at an LGBTQ softball tournament I was in. Someone from my team stood on the back of a pickup truck and yelled, “Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina. Period.” Knowing him I wasn’t all that shocked. I was surprised, though, by the people

around me who said, “Yeah, I don’t get the trans thing.”

I’ve been bothered by that moment for some time and have tried to think of ways I can help combat this misjudgment. Recently, I was inspired by an interview I witnessed with Nikole Parker to work on ways Watermark could help. Now the content of that text message has pushed me to act.

Watermark hasn’t done enough to help the trans community. I hope we can change that. I am a believer in Harvey Milk’s philosophy that visibility is the key to acceptance. If people know us personally, it’s harder to hate us. It’s time we give the trans community that visibility. In every issue, Watermark will

TERRANCE

HUNTER is the CEO of Central Florida Community Arts. Hunter is an Orlando native who has been involved in the arts since elementary school. Hunter has worked with a variety of nonprofits. He serves on multiple boards including Hope CommUnity Center, Central Florida Vocal Arts, Central Florida Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities and the Florida Association of Museums. Page 15

dedicate a page to a local trans person. Some you may know, but our plan is to focus on many you don’t. We will dive into what makes them human, their dreams and desires. My hope is that you will read all of them, and that you will see the human beings behind the word trans.

Visibili-T kicks off this issue with Watermark’s own Kyler Mills. He has been a creative designer at Watermark for over a year. His talent speaks for itself, and now he will speak for himself. The following issue we will talk to our newest employee, admin assistant Alec Perez. If you know of anyone in the trans community that would like to participate in this visibility project, please have them reach out to Watermark.

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

HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, NATHAN BRUEMMER, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TIFFANY RAZZANO, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, ANGELIQUE YOUNG, MICHAEL WANZIE

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It’s happened to me only about three or four times. The first was a shock. It was my senior year of high school while in a theatre class. We were all milling about as the class was ending and I was in a conversation with someone I felt I was really close to. I’m paraphrasing here, but basically she told me that although she loved me she was adamantly against me being around children because I was openly gay. Black out.

PUBLISHER Rick@WatermarkOnline.com watermark Your LGBTQ News Source. JANUARY 5 - 18, 2023 // ISSUE 30.01 WATERMARKONLINE.COM 7

THE PRIDE CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO STEPPING DOWN

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | The Pride Chamber announced in a press release Dec. 29 that president and CEO Kellie Parkin will be stepping down from her position to become the executive director for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in New York.

“The entire leadership of The Pride Chamber is so excited for this next chapter for Kellie and nglccNY,” said Chad Frye, The Pride Chamber’s vice chair and immediate past president, in the release. “Though her absence will certainly be felt, we couldn’t be more grateful. With her input, we have identified an interim CEO and will begin a national search for her replacement in the coming months.”

Parkin assumed her role at The Pride Chamber as executive director in 2016, then known as the Metropolitan Business Association, and in her time spearheaded the effort that led the City of Orlando and Orange County to be the first in Florida to embrace and recognize LGBTQ businesses in their procurement processes, assisted in expanding the chamber’s RED (Referral Exchange Development) Groups and served on the taskforce that formally established the One Orlando Alliance.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to serve the LGBTQ community of Central Florida as president and CEO of the Pride Chamber,” Parkin said in a statement. “I am forever grateful to my board, my fellow community leaders and our partners throughout Orlando who have helped us make history and make new opportunities for so many. I am elated to join Team NGLCC as the first Executive Director of nglccNY and continue supporting LGBTQ entrepreneurs on an even larger scale.”

Under Parkin’s leadership, The Pride Chamber was named Chamber of the Year in 2017 by NGLCC. Parkin was honored as one of Watermark’s Most Remarkable People in 2017, was named a distinguished leader in Central Florida by U.S. Rep. Darren Soto in 2020 and was recognized as a 2021 Social Justice Game Changer by the Orlando Magic.

“With many years of service to the small business and advocacy communities in the NGLCC network under her belt, especially in Orlando, she is ready to take the reins of this nearly 1,000-member network across New York City and state to the next level in nglccNY’s 15th anniversary year and beyond,” said NGLCC co-founder and president Justin Nelson in the release. “It’s been a privilege to work with her and watch her leadership inspire others throughout the NGLCC community over the years; and we know nglccNY is in exceptional, experienced hands going forward.”

The Pride Chamber states that it will release more information on its search for a new president and CEO in early 2023.

Attacking Drag

State agency threatens The Plaza Orlando’s license over drag show

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation sent a letter to the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, the organization that operates The Plaza Live, threatening to revoke the venue’s license.

The threat came over the event “A Drag Queen Christmas” taking place at The Plaza Live Dec. 28.

“The Department has reason to believe that this drag show is of a sexual nature … The Department has also become aware that drag shows by Drag Fans have been marketed to and attended by minors, including young children,” the letter states. “Sexually explicit drag show performances constitute public nuisances, lewd activity, and disorderly conduct when minors are in attendance.”

The letter goes on to state that per Florida law, there are “strict penalties for licensees who allow minors to attend these drag shows at their licensed premises.”

“In short, if you allow children to attend the Drag Fans drag show

at your facility, you are putting your license in jeopardy,” the letter concludes. “To avoid action being taken against your license, it is your obligation to ensure that minors are prohibited from attending the Drag Fans drag show. If minors are allowed to attend this drag show, the Department will take any and all actions available to ensure that you do not pose a threat to minors in the future.”

A similar letter was sent to the James L. Knight Center in Miami, where the show took place Dec. 27.

Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani issued a statement over the DBPR’s letter, saying “DBPR could spend their time cracking down on human trafficking taking place in Florida hotel rooms. Instead they’re pursuing a homophobic agenda in targeting drag shows. It’s a waste of money, time and an attempt to create political outrage when none has existed before.”

Eskamani points out that this same show played at The Plaza Live for the past eight years without incident.

“It’s clear that Governor DeSantis practices an ideology of convenience. He preaches parental

rights and freedom only when it’s convenient to him. If you don’t like drag shows, then don’t go to one. Instead we see events getting canceled out of safety, and LGBTQ+ people living in fear. We’ll continue to push back against these homophobic attacks and stand for freedom for all.”

“A Drag Queen Christmas” went on as planned with the disclaimer that the show is recommended for audiences 18 and up and that all minors attending must be accompanied by an adult.

Several protesters showed up before the show, with several speaking with local news WESH 2.

“I don’t personally have a problem with there being a drag queen event in a rented venue for adults. They can do what they want. It’s the children,” one protester said.

Another protester took it further, comparing taking children to a drag show to taking them to a strip club.

Counter-protesters pointed to the DeSantis administration’s current argument that decisions about kids should be left to the parents.

“I think for a state that has put its heels in the dirt about parental rights they should focus on applying those rights across the board,” one counter-protester stated.

“A Drag Queen Christmas” subsequently played at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Read more on p. 10.

DRAGGING VENUES: The Plaza Live in Orlando was threatened by the state because it hosted a drag show. PHOTO BY JERRICASCHWARTZ, FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

tampa bay news

PROJECT PRIDE TO HIRE 1ST ED

Ryan Williams-Jent

SARASOTA | Project Pride will hire its first executive director this year.

The nonprofit formed in 2019 to celebrate, unite and support the LGBTQ community of Sarasota and beyond. It has produced a wide range of signature initiatives and events in the years since, merging with the decades-old Sarasota Pride last year and more.

“Project Pride has grown tremendously since our inception three years ago,” Board Member Hunter Carpenter says. “From organizing a monthlong celebration during Pride Month to bringing our community together to rise above hate, we’ve made meaningful strides in building capacity, support and a vision for an all-inclusive community where everyone can express themselves openly, say gay proudly and love freely.

“Now, in 2023 and beyond, we’re looking for support to help elevate our efforts to strengthen our local LGBTQ+ community,” he continues. “This executive director role will accomplish just that and more.”

The Sarasota-based position will report to Project Pride’s board of directors and be responsible for the nonprofit’s administration and operational management. The ED will oversee daily oversight of committees, fundraising and development campaigns, financial management and stakeholder relations.

The candidate should be passionate about the nonprofit’s mission and will work weekdays, with nights and weekends as needed to support activities and events. Project Pride hopes to hire someone in early 2023.

At a minimum, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with seven years of experience of leadership in or with a comparable entity. They should have “an inclusive leadership approach that serves a diverse audience, community and staff.”

The position has a salary range of $65-80,000, commensurate with experience. Project Pride will consider relocation costs to Sarasota depending on the candidate and notes it is dedicated to the equal employment and advancement opportunities of all individuals.

Project Pride’s hiring of their first ED is just one part of the organization’s commitment to the community it serves in 2023. Carpenter says the nonprofit will continue to produce events that are open to all this year.

That includes the organization’s first Sarasota Pride in October. “Being entrusted with this beloved and cherished legacy is truly an honor that we look forward to taking great care of for years to come,” Carpenter says.

Those interested in applying for Project Pride’s ED position can currently do so. They’re encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume via email to Project Pride Governance Chair Donna Hanley at Donna@ PPSRQ.org.

Learn more about Project Pride and view additional details about the organization’s desired ED at PPRSQ.org.

Under Scrutiny

‘A Drag Queen Christmas’ wraps with supporters, protesters

Ryan Williams-Jent

CLEARWATER, FLA. | “A Drag Queen Christmas” wrapped its 36-city tour at Ruth Eckerd Hall Dec. 29, welcoming supporters amid scrutiny from protestors and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The eighth annual holiday show, produced by Drag Fans and starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum, began Nov. 16 and concluded with four Florida stops Dec. 26-29. DeSantis first targeted the event after its Fort Lauderdale show via the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The agency, which allegedly received complaints about the tour, threatened to revoke the license of The Plaza Live in a letter Dec. 28, detailed on p. 8. REH received a similar letter.

“The Department has reason to believe that this drag show is of a sexual nature, involving the exposure of exhibition of sexual organs, simulated sexual activity, and/or the sexualization of children’s stories,” it reads.

The department subsequently threatened REH’s license should children attend, noting “it is your obligation to ensure that minors are prohibited.” The event had previously been marketed as 18+.

REH had heightened security measures to ensure the safety of both performers and attendees, checking IDs and more. Protestors gathered at McMullen Booth Rd. to condemn attendance as a long line of cars entered the venue.

Supporters far outnumbered the protesters. Christopher Gorman, a Come OUT St. Pete board member who attended, estimated there were 25 protesters, “most likely the same 25 people at all the other shows, spewing the same nonsense rhetoric as always.”

The show was hosted by Nina West and featured performances from fellow fan favorites like Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Brooklyn Hytes and Jimbo. The production was nearly three hours and included interludes where each performer discussed the challenges of touring this year. Additions included

bomb-sniffing dogs, SWAT teams and a police presence nationwide.

Still, the evening featured a heartwarming message about inclusion and art. West primarily focused on gratitude, advising the audience that drag and the LGBTQ community aren’t going anywhere. After the show, counter protestors who had stood outside for nearly four hours shared messages of support for the LGBTQ community. Gorman says he was particularly touched by their presence, calling them the “heroes of the night.”

REH President and CEO Susan M. Crockett also reflected on the experience Jan. 3, reaffirming the organization’s support for LGBTQ artists and audiences.

“Drag queen performers have been part of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s programming since the ‘80s,” she said in a statement. “Many of our artists and audience members are part of or support the LGBTQ+ community and being inclusive is fundamental to our mission.

“Art has always been subjective, vocal and empowering,” she continued. “We are used to the controversy that comes with presenting artists across the wide spectrum of ideas and beliefs. Who is upset with us changes but our mission does not.”

Additional reporting by Sylvie Trevena. View event photos and read more, including Crockett’s full statement, at WatermarkOnline.com.

A DRAG: Protestors and counter protesters at Ruth Eckerd Hall

Dec. 29. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GORMAN

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COURT RULES AGAINST TRANS COMMUNITY

Wire Report

MIAMI | A federal appeals court ruled that a Florida school district’s policy of separating school bathrooms based on biological sex is constitutional.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced its 7-4 decision Dec. 30, ruling that the St. Johns County School Board did not discriminate against transgender students based on sex, or violate federal civil rights law by requiring trans students to use gender-neutral bathrooms or bathrooms matching their biological sex.

The court’s decision was split down party lines, with seven justices appointed by Republican presidents siding with the school district and four justices appointed by Democratic presidents siding with Drew Adams, a former student who sued the district in 2017 because he wasn’t allowed to use the boys restroom.

A three-judge panel from the appeals court previously sided with Adams in 2020, but the full appeals court decided to take up the case.

ATTORNEYS GENERAL CHALLENGE FLORIDA’S ‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ LAW

Los Angeles Blade Staff, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine announced that he is leading a coalition of 18 other states’ attorneys general opposing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

Racine, alongside New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington, filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. District Court for the Northern Division of Florida.

The brief makes two points:

Florida’s law is unconstitutional and the law is causing significant harms to students, parents, teachers and other states.

“My office has a strong track record of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in the District and across the country to make sure that everyone can simply be who they are and love who they love,” said Racine in a press release.

“Florida’s law offers no benefit to anyone and in fact puts children and families in harm’s way,” he continued. “We will continue to use all of our authority to help strike down this law and any other hateful, discriminatory policies that threaten people’s fundamental freedoms.”

This brief challenges the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, which outlaws “classroom instruction” on sexual orientation or gender

identity in kindergarten through third grade entirely.

The law also requires that the state education agency write new classroom instructions for standards that must be followed by grades 4-12. But the law does not define many of its key terms, like “classroom instruction,” so Florida teachers are already censoring themselves out of fear of the law. Indeed, the law allows a parent to bring a civil claim against a school district to enforce its vague prohibitions.

The National LGBT Media Association represents 13 legacy publications in major markets across the country with a collective readership of more than 400K in print and more than 1 million + online. Learn more at NationalLGBTMediaAssociation.com.

USOPC PUSHES QUALIFIERS FOR TRANS ATHLETES

physiological sex characteristics,” the paper said.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is encouraging individual sports to consider “category qualifiers,” classified in some sports as “open” categories, to ensure transgender athletes will have events to participate in once they reach puberty.

The USOPC finalized its so-called position paper at its December 2022 board meeting and released it late last month, addressing a proposed path forward for transgender participation in sports.

The committee’s recommendations were based, it said, on the principle that science and “fairness” should guide all major decisions. As part of that, the two-page paper said the emphasis in youth sports should be to push for as much participation as possible.

“Here, we believe the science is clearer that there is much less physical safety or competitive risk, or sporting advantage based on

The federation said it wanted to follow the science in determining the conditions under which transgender athletes can compete once they reach puberty, which triggers significant differences in testosterone production between biologically born males and females. It acknowledged that the “sport landscape may leave currently competing athletes feeling uncertain regarding potential shifts in their eligibility status.”

It used weight classes in boxing, handicaps in golf and different classifications in Paralympic sports, which engender a fair amount of debate themselves, as examples of ways athletes are grouped into different categories.

The British Triathlon federation is among the few that have adopted an open category, which is open to “all individuals including male, transgender and those nonbinary who were male sex at birth,” it said. Separately, it said, the female

category is for “those who are the female sex at birth.”

World Aquatics, which released new rules in 2022 that effectively banned transgender females from competing against biologically born females, also said it was proposing an open category.

World Athletics, which is expected to release its revised policies for transgender athletes next year, most recently said that open categories were not among its current considerations.

Some transgender athletes have criticized the concept of open categories, saying transgender females should be able to compete in female categories, the way swimmer Lia Thomas did at last year’s NCAA championships.

Rucker acknowledged the difficulties the USOPC had in coming up with a position that would satisfy everyone, but said the federation needed to weigh in.

“I think it’s important to make sure that we have a voice in this conversation in order to support our athletes, all of our athletes, in this space,” she said.

CONVERSION THERAPY BANS GAIN TRACTION

Esteban Guzman of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

Efforts to ban so-called conversion therapy gained significant traction around the world in 2022.

Only four countries at the end of 2021 had explicit laws that banned the widely discredited practice. Numerous jurisdictions around the world in 2022 enacted legislation or taken executive action. The Global Equality Caucus, an international network of lawmakers who have committed themselves to fight LGBTQ discrimination, has driven many of these efforts.

Global Equality Caucus Vice President Tamara Adrián, who is also the first openly transgender woman elected to the Venezuelan

National Assembly, says “any compulsive therapy to modify sexual orientation is contrary to human rights. Subjecting a person to conversion therapy will be unsuccessful and can create very serious mental health problems, as these therapies use invasive behavioral methods to try to modify sexual orientation.”

Canada and France in January 2022 introduced LGBTQ-inclusive bills to ban conversion therapy for minors and adults, regardless of perceived “consent,” in clinical and religious settings. Anyone found guilty of offering or practicing conversion therapy is subject to a fine or jail time.

New Zealand in February 2022 passed the Conversion Practices Prohibition Act with the same breadth of protections. And in May 2022, lawmakers in Greece passed measures explicitly prohibiting conversion therapy for persons under 18 and “non-consenting” adults.

A law that lawmakers in the Australian state in Victoria passed in 2021 took effect that February. It has been hailed as a legislative model and inspired New Zealand.

Several Mexican states also banned conversion practices in 2022. Lawmakers in Jalisco, Baja California, Puebla, Hidalgo and Sonora states approved measures.

Lawmakers in several countries in 2022 introduced bills to ban conversion therapy; but they have not been passed because of legislative processes, timelines and elections. Several other countries have expressed they support conversion therapy bans, but their governments or congressmen have yet to submit a parliamentary bill.

The National LGBT Media Association represents 13 legacy publications in major markets across the country with a collective readership of more than 400K in print and more than 1 million + online. Learn more at NationalLGBTMediaAssociation.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

CONGRESS APPROVES $100M TO HIV/AIDS

The appropriations bill for fiscal year 2023 released by Congress in late December contained an additional $100 million for the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. The funding will strengthen efforts to increase the adoption of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of new HIV infections, among other programs. President Joe Biden has proposed a $9.8 billion 10-year national PrEP program, which is widely considered a crucial step in addressing the gaps in access to the HIV prevention drugs among, particularly, Black and Latino gay men and Black women.

BIDEN NOMINEES OUTPACE PREDECESSORS

The White House and Democratic senators closed out the first two years of Joe Biden’s presidency having installed more federal judges than his two immediate predecessors. The rapid clip reflects a zeal to offset Donald Trump’s legacy of stacking the judiciary with young conservatives who often lacked in racial diversity. 97 lifetime federal judges have been confirmed under Biden, outpacing both Trump (85) and Barack Obama (62) at this point in their presidencies. The appointments are diverse and LGBTQ-inclusive, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, 28 circuit court judges and 68 district court judges.

RUSSIA EXPANDS ANTI-LGBTQ LAW

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin issued a decree Dec. 24 expanding and amending Russia’s “gay propaganda” law signed by Russian president Vladimir Putin in 2022. It directs the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media to ban websites that contain information about LGBTQ+ identities without a court order. According to reports, the agency also targeted a number of video games, among them “The Last of Us” and “The Sims,” as well as books. Moscow’s Central Administrative Districts received orders to “pull from the shelves, at our discretion, books with pictures showing ‘LGBT propaganda.’

SCOTLAND PASSES TRANS RIGHTS BILL

The Gender Recognition Reform bill introduced by the Scottish government passed in the country’s Parliament in a final 86-39 vote Dec. 22. The sweeping reform bill modifies the Gender Recognition Act, signed into law in 2004, by allowing transgender Scots to gain legal recognition without the need for a medical diagnosis. It further lowers the age limit for legal recognition to 16. Colin MacFarlane, director for the U.K.’s largest LGBTQ advocacy and rights organization, called the bill’s passage “a tremendous step forward for trans rights and for LGBTQ people in Scotland,” calling for the U.K. government to introduce and pass similar legislation.

TALKS

I felt society required me to be, I would have done it LONG ago!

In a moment when everyone wanted to focus on what set me apart from my peers and colleagues — the very things that made my appointment as CEO remarkable and newsworthy — I could have allowed my inner thoughts to give way to insecurity and doubt but instead I allowed it to create direction. “Lean into it” I told myself. One of the ways I leaned into it, was by wearing a shirt in the Pride Parade that declared I was “young, gifted, Black, gay, and a CEO.”

What I didn’t expect was the celebration that elicited. I took pictures with strangers, got cheers from the crowd and many affirming the message with “yass!”

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen so many people — friends, strangers, colleagues, and more — so excited to lift up another person and all that they represent so freely.

beautiful, multilayered person you are.

What’s been most heartening about this transition is the freedom it’s given others to express their full authentic selves as well. A newfound friend

a narrative. I hope the one they craft about me says, “He took all of the things that worked against him and made them work for him.”

I wish the same for each of you.

and his commitment to education to CFCArts. Hunter has worked with a variety of nonprofits, from the Orange County Regional History Center to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville to the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida. He serves on multiple boards

WE ALL HAVE OUR insecurities, but when faced with them, we have a choice; we can allow them to create doubt, or we can allow them to create direction. Here’s a practical example, I do not believe that I am a great writer (I dislike everything I write). I can keep doubting my writing abilities, or I can allow the insecurities I have around writing to create direction, i.e., writing more, learning more about writing and being more public about my writing.

Writing isn’t the only insecurity I have. Like so many of you, I’ve questioned my identity, direction, purpose and more. At some point last year, I decided to throw all caution to the wind and just be me — in whatever form that is in the moment. I’ve never felt so free and empowered. Had I known this feeling was on the other side of “fitting in,” “following expectations” or being the “professional”

Why am I sharing this now? Because at the outset of the year, many have or are wondering “what’s next” or decided to pursue something new, and with every new opportunity comes the nagging voice of doubt. Let this be the message that reassures you that insecurity has its place.

Let this be the message that encourages you to listen to it as you allow it to create direction. Because now, as we move into the new year, people leave pieces of themselves — pieces of their identity that should be celebrated — behind as they attempt to “fit in” whatever mold or societal expectation has been thrust upon us.

Let this be the message that tells you to lean in and as you lean in those around you will notice and celebrate the many pieces that make you the

has a renewed bravery and commitment to living out the fullest, most authentic version of herself daily because of how she’s seen me and those around me embrace all that I am so fully. People are always watching and crafting

Terrance Hunter’s photo is courtesy CFCArts.

Terrance Hunter is the CEO of Central Florida Community Arts. Hunter is an Orlando native who has been involved in the arts since elementary school. He received his degree in education and brings his passion for the arts

including Hope CommUnity Center, Central Florida Vocal Arts, Central Florida Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities and the Florida Association of Museums.

I could have allowed my inner thoughts to give way to insecurity and doubt, but instead, I allowed it to create direction. ‘Lean into it,’ I told myself. One of the ways I leaned into it, was by wearing a shirt in the Pride Parade that declared I was ‘young, gifted, Black, gay, and a CEO.

Terrance Hunter

Jo i n y ou r l oc al L G BT C h a mber , a s w e ar e the p r em i er a d v oc a te s f o r the T a mp a B ay A r e a’ s L G B T bus i ness commun i t y .

Jeremy Williams

KYLER MILLS CAME TO WORK FOR

Watermark in November 2021 as one of the company’s creative designers. He is an artist, whose talent can been seen on many covers of Watermark; he is a lover of anime, sushi and Quentin Tarantino films; and he happens to be a transgender male.

“I know other people, when they answer the question ‘how do you identify?’, say I identify as a trans male but I don’t really care for that. I am just some guy,” Mills says. “As I get older it’s important, for me anyway, to make that distinction because a lot of younger people I think will just answer that question with ‘oh, I am a trans man,’ and that’s true, I am a trans man but for me I am a man and I happen to be trans.”

Mills came out as trans about 12 years ago, around the time he moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida.

“When I first came out it was scary because 12 years ago it

wasn’t as common,” he recalls. “I went to [UCF’s] GSA and I said ‘I am a trans man and I would like care. What can you do for me?’ They didn’t have any answer for me other than to go to The Center, which turned out to be very good for me,” Mills says.

During his first trip to the LGBT+ Center in Orlando, Mills asked about trans services and was given a business card to a local therapist.

“Back then it was different than it is today,” he says. “Before you could be on hormones there were requirements and timeframes. It was the one card he had to offer me as a trans person. Comparing

ibili-T

that to now, the accessibility of services is incredible.”

Trans services aren’t the only thing more accessible to the community now, Mills points out. Role models and trans people in media are much more prevalent today than when he first came out.

“There’s always been rockstars that have played with gender roles. The way they presented themselves, they were going in that nonbinary direction and I think those things were super important for me to see growing up,” he says. “Me and my husband talk about this a lot, when we were younger it was easier to see trans women in media but trans men weren’t as visible. But there was someone I followed online who lived in Germany, and he had come out and was talking about his transition and I thought ‘Is that a thing? Is that me?’”

Mills adds that he is amazed how far the community has come in visibility in just the past 10 years.

“There are so many more resources, online communities, more people to talk to, more places to go and get care and affirmation,” he says. “There’s more of a feeling of acceptance, like you have a community that is going to have your back. Back then I had no idea what was going to happen.”

When it comes to how others view the trans community, Mills

stresses that in his day-to-day life, he and his husband are just like every other couple.

“Me and my husband, because it is important for us, have breakfast together every morning,” he says. “I go to work, do my 9-5 grind like everyone does. I’m lucky that I go home to a loving family. We watch some YouTube, we have dinner, I take the dog out. Nothing too abnormal. If I’m being good, maybe every few months I go to the doctor which I should definitely do more often. I’m not very good at that. Something I would like to become a part of my routine is I would like to start biking to work every day. We are in the middle of moving, I just bought a condo, so a lot of our day-to-day is packing. The things that make me unique and make me myself don’t necessarily have to do with the fact that I’m trans.”

Mills adds that for those in the world who want to focus just on the fact that he is a trans man, he has some advice.

“The fact that I’m trans is something that affects me and it doesn’t have anything to do with you,” he says. “At the end of the day you don’t have to think about it, you don’t have to worry about it. It isn’t your problem.”

To be the first person featured in Watermark’s new Visibili-T space is something that is exciting for Mills.

“This is a really important project that we are doing, to highlight trans voices in their everyday lives,” he says. “I hope our readers enjoy what we have coming for them this year.”

Read more about this new feature and Watermark’s commitment to the transgender community on p. 7.

talking points

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS HAS CHOSEN 25 FILMS TO ENTER INTO THE NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY FOR 2022, including several groundbreaking LGBTQ films. The oldest film selected is 1898’s “Mardi Gras Carnival,” a silent-era documentary with the earliest known footage of the carnival in New Orleans. A copy was recently found at the Eye Filmmuseum in the Netherlands. Showing floats, spectators and marchers at a parade, the film is one of nine documentaries chosen, covering topics like the Attica prison rebellion, female union workers, mental health treatment, LGBTQ history and others. The most recent film on the list is 2011’s “Pariah,” by Dee Rees, a coming-out story about a lesbian teen in Brooklyn that’s considered a prominent film in modern queer cinema. Among a number of other LGBTQ-themed films chosen this year is the 1967 student short film “Behind Every Good Man” by Nikolai Ursin, a look at Black gender fluidity in Los Angeles. Another: the 1977 “Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives,” which interviewed over two dozen gay people about their lives, becoming a landmark of the early gay rights movement.

JANET JACKSON ANNOUNCES NEW MUSIC, TOUR

MUSIC ICON JANET JACKSON ANNOUNCED A NEW TOUR IN A LIVE INSTAGRAM VIDEO DEC. 15. The “Together Again” tour kicks off April 14 in Florida with more than 30 dates announced so far. The longtime LGBTQ ally will have two shows in Hollywood, Florida before visiting Orlando April 19. Jackson confirmed that she will debut new music in conjunction with the tour but didn’t specify if that means a full new album or when it might debut. She added that she would be joined by Ludacris on the tour. Jackson canceled her previous tour, 2020’s “Black Diamond” due to the pandemic. She is expected to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of her #1 album “Velvet Rope” during the new show.

MISS ARGENTINA, MISS PUERTO RICO CELEBRATE WORLD CUP

MARIANA VARELA AND WIFE FABIOLA VALENTÍN, ALSO KNOWN AS MISS ARGENTINA AND MISS PUERTO RICO, respectively, took to social media to celebrate the World Cup win by Varela’s home country. Argentina beat France to win the international soccer competition, the country’s third overall win and first since 1986. Varela and Valentín, who were married in October 2022, shared a photo on Instagram of them kissing while wearing matching jerseys of Argentina’s star player and World Cup Golden Ball winner, Lionel Messi. “Every moment was special… from holding hands with the love of my life throughout the game to sharing the last penalty with my dad via video call,” Varela wrote on Instagram.

GRINDR RELEASES END-OF-YEAR STATS

DATING APP GRINDR ANALYZED ANONYMOUS USER DATA TO COME UP WITH ITS ANNUAL “GRINDR UNWRAPPED” STATS for 2022, listing categories such as positions, activity, interests and more. Under positions, Grindr found that the top five countries with the highest percentage of tops were Bolivia, the U.S., South Korea, Greece and India. The five countries with the highest percentage of bottoms were Denmark, Japan, Serbia, South Africa and Peru. Russia, Finland, Croatia, Germany and Taiwan were the top five when it came to versatiles. Grindr’s stats also found that 9 p.m. was the most popular time for people to be on the app and the most popular profile emojis were the eyes emoji, followed by the eggplant, the water drops, the devil face and the peach.

I never claimed to be Jewish. I am Catholic.

Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background I said I was ‘Jew-ish.’

— OPENLY GAY GOP U.S. REP. GEORGE SANTOS, COMMENTING TO THE NEW YORK POST ABOUT A CLAIM ON HIS CAMPAIGN WEBSITE THAT HIS GRANDPARENTS “FLED JEWISH PERSECUTION IN UKRAINE, SETTLED IN BELGIUM AND AGAIN FLED PERSECUTION DURING WWII.”

E n d i n g t h e HIV epidem i c

pride and Purpose

LGBTQ, ally members of Gen Z make their mark

Ryan Williams-Jent

VOTERS DEFIED DECADES OF U.S. PRECEDENT

during last year’s midterm, elections which have historically served as a referendum on the nation’s sitting president and political party. Instead of the long and pundit-predicted Republican “Red Wave,” Democrats expanded their legislative pull nationwide.

Not only did the party maintain control of the U.S. Senate, it only narrowly lost the U.S. House. It’s a feat accomplished by just four presidents in the last century: Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1934, John F. Kennedy in 1962, George W. Bush in 2002 and Joe Biden in 2022.

Democrats also surprised on the state level, gaining gubernatorial seats and control of several state legislatures. The victories were thanks in no small part to Generation Z.

Generational cutoffs are often disputed, but it’s widely accepted by experts that the demographic was

born from the mid-to-late 90s to the early 2010s. The post-Millennial group is the first social generation to enjoy nearly lifelong access to the internet and portable, digital technology.

Researchers have also found that nearly 21% identify as LGBTQ. Tens of thousands of these equity and equality-focused Generation Z Americans are expected to vote for the first time in the next decade, with its oldest members already making their political preferences clear; nearly one in eight voters were under 30 in 2022, with more than half supporting Democrats.

Even so, Republicans grew their political stronghold in Florida last year, which they’ve controlled for more than two decades. A majority of voters re-elected Governor Ron DeSantis – whose anti-LGBTQ policies drew international attention throughout his first term – and sent a Republican supermajority to support him in Tallahassee during a second.

Generation Z still left an indelible mark in Florida with the election of Orlando’s Maxwell Alejandro Frost, however. The 25-year-old Democrat made U.S. history Nov. 8, 2022 when he became the first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, where he represents Central Florida’s District 10.

Becoming the youngest member of the U.S. House “had nothing to do with why I wanted to run,” the LGBTQ ally told Watermark ahead of his victory. “I wanted to run because I believe in a better future where everybody has what they need.”

Frost’s campaign focused on expanding health care, ending gun violence, the climate crisis, justice reform, housing, transit and more, issues generally important to Generation Z. The organizer had long fought for abortion, voting and other fundamental rights, progressive values he’s excited to advocate for in D.C.

“Things have been pretty wild,” Frost reflects on his election. “It feels like life changed overnight – and then you take a step back

and realize none of this happened overnight. It’s been over a year and a half, and more holistically it’s been a life’s journey, comprised of different life experiences and people who have supported me.”

The congressman says he’s most thankful for an expanded platform.

“I’m still getting used to all this, but I just feel really blessed and grateful to be able to uplift the stories of marginalized communities,” Frost says. “Especially in Central Florida, from our queer family and what they’re going through – the way our governor’s criminalizing them and working to erase them – to our Black and brown folks and all these intersections. I really want to be a storyteller and that’s what I’m looking forward to over the next two years, telling these stories.”

Frost is still optimistic about Florida’s future, even with its own “Red Wave” which he calls subjective. He says the state is still worth fighting for, looking to his own election and the work other progressives of every generation have done for years.

“You can’t give up on a state that sends a 25-year-old, Black, Cuban organizer who was arrested two years ago for Black Lives Matter protests to the United States Congress,” Frost says. “That’s not a state you give up on.

“You don’t give up on a state that voted over 60% to give voting rights to people with previous felonies, you don’t give up on a state that voted over 60% for medical marijuana, you don’t give up on a state that voted over 60% for a $15 minimum wage,” he continues. “What that shows me

is our electorate, the people here, have very progressive ideals of the way they want to live.”

He notes that the key is voter turnout, which was low for both Republicans and Democrats in Florida.

“When we have a candidate with a ‘D’ next to their name and we run traditional campaigns, we’re missing the mark on something,” Frost says. “I don’t have all the answers, but we’ve got to work on creating a better environment for the ideas that most people in this state believe in.”

St. Petersburg’s Christian Hotchkiss agrees. He says that “Florida still has the potential to be a purple state,” swinging to favor either Republicans or Democrats in future elections.

“We’ve seen it in the past, but right now Republicans outnumber us in terms of voter registration,” he says. “Turnout was definitely very low this year; I think people didn’t feel connected.”

It’s something he’s worked to change from within as one of Generation Z’s older members, volunteering for political campaigns and organizations. He most recently served as Issues Committee Chair for the Pinellas County Democratic Party, which exists to promote the ideals of Democrats, and a Vice Chair for its District 70. He helped register voters and address their concerns.

Hotchkiss thinks Democrats did well at reaching out to voters who aren’t affiliated with a particular political party, but needed to focus more on connecting with minority and young voters. That includes his fellow LGBTQ Floridians.

“People of color, Gen Z, millennials; they’re the future of the Democratic Party,” he says. “I think it was a failure on the Florida Democratic Party on the local levels for not getting engaged; they just didn’t feel like they were being spoken to.”

Hotchkiss notes that wasn’t the case everywhere, pointing toward Frost’s campaign. He hopes more members of Generation Z, and those who are socially conscious in every generation, see his election as a reason to get more involved.

“We need more Maxwell Alejandro Frosts, more people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,” he notes. “They’re running for office because they know we need that representation.”

The most effective way for people to get involved is to contact local organizations, he adds, whatever their political affiliation. He currently works with the Pinellas County Young Democrats, which develops today’s Democrats for tomorrow, and the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County. The latter is a part of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, which has 21 chapters throughout the state.

“Equality is our future,” he says. “At this point, I think everyone needs to realize that either we all work together to fix the problems of the world or we all go down in flames. As one of my favorite educators Jane Elliott said, ‘there’s only one race, it’s the human race.’ I think the younger generation has a better grasp on that than any generation previously.”

It’s what led Lindsey Spero to get involved. The 25-year-old

works at Metro Inclusive Health in Tampa Bay as an LGBTQ+ programs specialist. The organization offers over 100 inclusive services throughout the region.

“I work with so many different local organizations and groups, specifically on the basis of working for the greater queer community in the area,” they explain. “We come up with projects, plans and resources to greater support our community, planning events that are inclusive for everyone and creating spaces that are affirming.”

It’s not something the trans and nonbinary advocate says they experienced during their earlier youth, enduring the discredited practice of conversion therapy and more. “My family was extremely conservative and religious,” they say. It brought them from Pennsylvania to Orlando, and eventually to St. Petersburg.

“Since moving down here I’ve been able to pursue working specifically around and with trans and LGBTQ youth,” Spero explains. “The need is there because of how severe attacks are on LGBTQ youth right now.”

Spero is also a board member of the FitzLane Project, which provides funding to underprivileged trans youth from the ages of 13-24, and helps coordinate events with CampOUT Florida. The nonprofit produces week-long camping trips for youth 10-17 who are “all aspects of the rainbow and LGBTQ+ community.” More than 100 youth participated in 2022 and it will return to Ocala July 16-22.

“To me, there’s never been a question about getting involved

| uu | PRIDE AND PURPOSE FROM PG.23

TAKING A STAND: Kevin Vondruska (C) organizes and leads a student walkout at his Hillsborough County high school to protest Florida’s passage of the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill in 2022. PHOTO COURTESY KEVIN VONDRUSKA

PINELLAS PROUD: Christian Hotchkiss reflects on his activism on the steps of St. Petersburg City Hall Dec. 29. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

and working within and serving this population of queer youth and our greater community,” Spero says. “It has always been so much more than just a calling. It just felt like something that I would do without question for the people that I care about. It’s very cool that it has kind of bled over into a job.”

They also encourage other members of Generation Z to get more involved, noting that “no action is too small.”

“There are countless ways for you to get involved and there’s a place for everyone,” Spero says. “As folks who exist within these margins in society, we’re always going to be people who need to find supportive structures within our community. We’re going to be the ones who build those structures ourselves because no government system and no governing body is going to give those systems and security to us.”

Zoe Crocker understands that in her work with the Orlando Youth Alliance, which provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth in Central Florida. It also does so with alliances in Seminole, Lakeland and Osceola via in-person and virtual support groups.

Crocker, 21, is a recent graduate of the University of South Florida. She’s helped shape and runs OYA’s Discord, an instant messaging app used for real-time text, video and voice chats.

“If you have something that you need to say to other people, whether it’s a positive thing like sharing a milestone in your life, or even just sharing a meme or a funny joke, or whether it’s a negative thing, like something

bad is happening at home or at school, you can’t always wait to go to a meeting to share that,” she explains. “Sometimes having that text space that you can access at any time really makes a difference.”

She first got involved with OYA in 2018 and now serves as a youth ambassador, co-moderating their discussion channels for 40-50 users. She says it’s important for members of Generation Z to have a way to connect with each other virtually to have an accessible way to gain insight into one another’s experiences.

“I think my generation cares so much about equality because of our access to social media, where you can see so many people’s perspectives with just at the touch of a button,” Crocker says. “You can find out pretty much anyone’s perspective from anywhere in the world almost immediately. I know a lot of young people started discovering our LGBTQ+ identity through educating ourselves on those topics through the Internet.”

Crocker utilized it herself in high school as she was preparing to come out as a lesbian.

“I found OYA when I was in my senior year and I was planning to come out to my parents,” she remembers. “I have always been a bit of a planner, so I was just searching for local resources to prepare for every eventuality. That’s how I found OYA.

“Even after I came out to my parents, and they were really accepting, I still wanted to go,” she says. “I went and I found this really amazing community of young people my age that were really friendly and welcoming.”

It’s why she helps cultivate that space today, for members of Generation Z and beyond.

“What excites me about the future is that we have this new generation coming in,” Crocker says. “As we’re growing older and getting more involved in the community, we will see a drive towards equality. I think we will start to see a big push towards equality and LGBTQ acceptance, especially as these youth become more politically involved and they become more visible in employment and in social life.”

Hillsborough County’s Kevin Vondruska, a high school senior who turns 18 this month, is another example of that. He’s president of Hillsborough High School’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance and recently finished his time on Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s youth leadership council, where he worked on LGBTQ and other issues.

Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ-focused civil rights group, recognized that advocacy during last October’s Tampa Gala. Equality Florida Regional Development Officer Nicholas Machuca presented him with the organization’s Youth Voice for Equality Award for organizing a student protest against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

“Serving as president of his school’s GSA, Kevin has worked to create a more inclusive campus,” Machuca said. “He organized Hillsborough High’s walkout … which had hundreds of students in attendance and his GSA meets with the superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools once per semester to promote inclusive

policies for LGBTQ+ students. We’re extremely proud to have Kevin as a young voice for change representing the community.”

“I was scared that not many people would come,” Vondruska remembers the walkout. “But the doors all opened at once and students just came flooding out. Everyone was chanting and wearing rainbow gear, waving flags. It was so cool to see a lot of people show their support, a lot of whom I thought never would have been there.”

Vondruska says it also gave at least one student the courage to come out. “He saw the crowd and came up to tell me how much more comfortable he felt,” he remembers. “I felt really touched by that – it made a difference in at least one person’s life. Because of that day he felt comfortable enough to be his true self.”

Moments like those are what inspire Vondruska the most. He says Generation Z’s penchant for equality stems from their empathy.

“We’re more accepting than previous generations because we understand that differences – like who someone falls in love with or what their gender expression is – has no impact on if someone is a good person,” he says. “It doesn’t impact one’s character and isn’t a moral flaw.”

It’s also why he’s excited to start voting. Vondruska says it’s the most important thing a marginalized American can do to affect change, which he’s confident is coming to the nation.

“All of my female friends were very angry at the decision overturning Roe v. Wade and

we’re tired of politicians making decisions with no basis in science,” he says. “We’re frustrated with Republicans ignoring every school shooting that’s occurred and we’re frustrated with just thoughts and prayers. Gen Z is very tired of older generations trying to strip away our rights.”

Frost, who’s become a figurehead for Generation Z across the nation, knows that’s the case as well.

“I speak with LGBTQ+ youth across the state who are scared because we have a governor and a legislature that wants to erase who they are from our society,” he says. “We just can’t let that stand.

“We’ve got to know the stakes and that’s why we are building a majority of people in this state who believe in who they are and who don’t want to be erased from society,” Frost continues. “There are cities where that’s more prevalent, Orlando and St. Pete are examples, but no matter where you live in the state, you belong here.”

Frost says Florida “is hostile territory right now,” but that doesn’t have to stay that way. He thinks Generation Z understands that.

“I encourage young folks and folks in general to expect more from the people who are serving you, your legislators,” he stresses. “We do need fighters right now, because we have a fight going on in Tallahassee and in Florida, but I think we’re going to emerge victorious because we’re in this together.”

Read more about these individuals and organizations at WatermarkOnline.com.

WARM WELCOME: Lindsey Spero (bottom R) helps coordinate CampOUT Florida 2022, welcoming more than 100 youth to an inclusive camping site in Central Florida. PHOTO COURTESY LINDSEY SPERO

OUT AND PROUD: Zoe Crocker (C) proudly marches in Orlando at Come Out with Pride 2022. PHOTO BY ROBERT REESE, EDITED BY MIKE MUSCO-JONES

The Show Where It Happens

Yana Perrault on the work and wonder of ‘Hamilton’

her own. Her YouTube channel has more than 114,000 subscribers and she’s released a full-length album and multiple singles on most major streaming platforms.

Perrault says she’s always wanted to be a storyteller, something as evident in her music as it is in her contributions to “Hamilton.” The performer notes she’s “happy to be here, queer, booked and blessed.”

Watermark spoke with Perrault about “Hamilton,” her music and more ahead of the show’s run through Jan. 22 at Tampa’s Straz Center.

WATERMARK: WHEN DID YOU FIRST EXPERIENCE “HAMILTON?”

I started hearing about “Hamilton” as soon as I got to college for musical theater. I went to Baldwin Wallace for one year just to find out school wasn’t for me, and I am so grateful for the training that I got. From day one people were like, “you’re going to play Peggy, you’re going to play Maria.”

But with Maria, I feel like she sees more of what this America is. She has more of a feistiness as far as carving out her way in getting what she needs. So rather than playing her like a Disney villain, I really try to go for the humanity of it and ask, “what does this person need, and what are they willing to do to build something for themselves?”

WHY DO YOU THINK “HAMILTON” CAN RESONATE WITH LGBTQ AUDIENCES?

When I joined, I honestly found a tough time trying to find myself within “Hamilton.” But then I really had to listen to what we were saying and take away all the Colonial drag. When I would go word for word, no matter the time it’s said in, you could apply any of “Hamilton’s” words to what’s going on today. To what we live for, what we fight for and even just how lucky we are to be alive right now.

There’s so much I still want to find joy in and celebrate while I am around amidst the adversity we face every day.

Also ... I know my representation, just being on stage, is enough for a queer kid in the audience, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

WHY DO YOU THINK LIVE THEATER IS SO IMPORTANT TODAY?

(ABOVE) STAGE SISTERS: (L-R) Zoe Jensen, Stephanie Umoh and Yana Perrault, the Schuyler Sisters in “Hamilton.”

Ryan Williams-Jent

IT MAY BE BILLED AS AN AMERICAN musical, but “Hamilton” has taken the entire world by storm. The phenomenon premiered n 2015 and hasn’t stopped finding new audiences since.

“A story of America then told by America now,” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap and R&B reintroduces Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a modern lens. The show even made history of its own in 2016 with a record 16 Tony Award nominations.

“Hamilton” secured 11 wins, including Best Book and Best Musical but the accolades didn’t stop there. It also won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

That and much more led to a filmed version featuring the original cast on Disney+, but “Hamilton” truly shines on stage. Productions are currently underway In Australia, Germany, London, New York and

Toronto, with three concurrent North American tours.

Musician Yana Perrault, proudly “queer with a capital Q,” plays two roles on the musical’s touring Angelica Cast. She’s currently seen as Peggy Schuyler – the youngest of history’s Schuyler Sisters, one of whom married Hamilton – and Maria Reynolds, with whom he had an affair.

“Touring is such a beautiful challenge,” Perrault says. “I know this is such a significant and special time in my life – and to be working on one of the biggest musicals is such a rewarding accomplishment.”

When she isn’t bringing Schuyler or Reynolds to the stage, Perrault is writing and producing music of

I was like, “I listen to rap at home, this is not what I need,” and then I really learned to love, appreciate and find all the intricacies within “Hamilton” as I learned the show. Now Maria and Peggy feel like part of my identity. Those are my homegirls.

HOW

DO YOU DESCRIBE THE SHOW?

“Hamilton” is about the American dream. About building something and believing in it enough to build it and see it through, whether you’re around in life to see it through or not. It’s about the things we believe in and the things we love enough to see into existence, and who carries on that legacy.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH YOUR ROLES?

With Peggy, I think of all my younger selves, that are just excited by the newness of this fresh America and this buzzing Manhattan. I let her be open, curious and also skeptical as she’s learning the path that she wants to take in this world as a young woman. With Maria, I kind of strip it all back – I mean, Maria is closer to me. They even let me wear my hair out for the role, which is special because when I joined I had a shaved head.

I was lucky enough to grow up in theater and so I know a lifetime of it already, but still within that realm of gratitude, we don’t know how long we’re going to have it. So while we have it, while we’re able to see it and while I’m still blessed enough to perform it, I hope people take advantage of that ... you can watch it on Disney+, but I think live theatre is such a sacred art form that is still so potent. I think people really need that, especially in an age where we’re so desensitized to so many of the crazy things happening around us.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR AUDIENCES?

All I can say is thank you to anyone coming to the shows and to anyone showing any interest in any of the things I’m putting out. Thank you so much, because I’m still finding myself and using all these platforms in the best way that I can to let people know they’re not alone. Art matters, art is awesome and lifesaving. I’m just excited to keep creating.

“Hamilton” plays at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts now through Jan. 22. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StrazCenter.org. Listen to Perrault’s music at Linktr.ee/YanaPerrault and read our extended interview at WatermarkOnline.com.

PHOTO COURTESY HAMILTON NATIONAL TOUR, (C) JOAN MARCUS 2022

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Lance Michael and Rob Cara were engaged Dec. 26. Steve Blanchard announced Phantom History House is open and accepting reservations Dec. 26, a new, paranormal-themed bed and breakfast in Tampa Bay inspired by his podcast. Learn more about the venue and his work at PhantomHistoryHouse.com.

MIZE Gallery permanently closed Dec. 26 after five years of LGBTQ-focused or inclusive exhibits in St. Petersburg. Owner and fan favorite artist Chad Mize announced in November that the space would close in its current iteration after the final “stuff & things & stuff” exhibit in Dec. 2022. “It has been so magical creating an art community within the 4 walls and seeing artists connect, as well as art collections started and continuing throughout the years,” he shared. “The goal of opening the space was COMMUNITY and we did just that. Thanks to everyone and everybody for all the support.” Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Red Mesa Cantina celebrated 14 years in St. Petersburg Dec. 31. Mixers at Old Key West celebrated 8 years in St. Petersburg Jan. 1, marking its final anniversary party. The popular LGBTQ-inclusive bar and restaurant shared in early December that it was for sale. “We thank everyone that has supported us over all the years, as everyone knows this will be our last anniversary party,” its current owners reiterated ahead of the gathering.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Southern Nights Tampa manager Chou Chou Guilder, Tampa realtor Nicholas Buchanan (Jan. 5); Tampa Bay activist Bill Polley (Jan. 6); Watermark Tampa Bay account manager and contributor Sylvie Trevena, Sarasota LGBTQ advocate Mickey Stone, United Airlines flight attendant Justin Horn (Jan. 7); St. Petersburg bartender Michael Joseph, Teaching for the Culture founder and Watermark contributor Bianca Goolsby (Jan. 8); Enigma bartender Erick Henrriquez, Tampa Bay technology manager Ron Walters (Jan. 9); St. Petersburg florist Bobby York (Jan. 10); St. Petersburg instructor and massage therapist Jeremy Couture, Lakeland massage therapist David Lesnett, Gulfport retiree Danny Hughes, Pinellas County LGBTQ advocate Wendy Marie (Jan. 11); Sarasota real-life cowboy Bill Flynn, Sarasota actress Christine Alexander (Jan. 12); Watermark owner and publisher Rick Todd, Tampa Bay marketing artist Nick Capezza, Sarasota MCC pastor Gina Durbin (Jan. 13); former Sarasota Pride President Cindy Barnes (Jan 14); St Pete Pride board member Stephanie Morge, St. Petersburg sailer Michele McHugh, Rainbow Counseling owner Aimee Leigh (Jan. 15); Tampa realtor Patricc Petti, Enigma bartender Tyler Frederick (Jan. 16); Tampa musician Connor Zwetsch, former Watermark art director Jake Stevens (Jan. 17); JP Morgan Chase honcho Kris R. Johnson, Atomic Tattoos and pageant buff Aaron Bailey-Santamarina (Jan. 18)

1DYNAMIC DUO: Andrea Pawlisz (L) and Chad Mize say goodbye to the former MIZE Gallery in St. Petersburg Dec. 27. PHOTO FROM MIZE GALLERY’S FACEBOOK

2MERRY BRUNCHMAS: Dena Cass (L) and Lady Liemont welcome guests to Mixers at Old Key West for Christmas Eve Brunch on Dec. 24. PHOTO FROM MIXERS AT OLD KEY WEST’S FACEBOOK

3MAKING MAGIC: (L-R) Chris, son Oliver and Ryan Zubrick conjure up some holiday cheer Dec. 23 at Zubrick Magic Theatre.

PHOTO FROM ZUBRICK MAGIC THEATRE’S FACEBOOK

EPIC VISIT: “Santa Claus” visits Empath Partners in Care’s staff party in Tampa Dec. 22. PHOTO FROM EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE’S FACEBOOK

CHRISTMAS QUEEN: Conundrum commands the stage at Enigma Dec. 23 during their holiday show.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

SEASON’S END: The cast of “A Drag Queen Christmas” and Watermark Account Manager Sylvie Trevena (C) mark the 36-city tour’s final night at Ruth Eckerd Hall Dec. 29. PHOTO COURTESY SYLVIE TREVENA

EVE-NING WEAR: Jade Embers gets into the holiday spirit as she hosts Southern Nights Tampa’s onesie party Dec. 24. PHOTO FROM DISHING WITH MARK AND CARRIE

BUNNY LADIES: Alexis Da La Mer (L) and Lady Bunny welcome 2023 for “A Very Bunny New Year’s Eve” at Zoie’s on Dec. 31.

PHOTO FROM ZOIE’S FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL

CONGRATULATIONS

Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria celebrated 17 years in The Milk District Dec. 26. The board of directors of United Arts of Central Florida awarded nearly $2.5 million in operating support grants to 42 Central Florida nonprofit, cultural organizations Dec. 14 including Central Florida Community Arts, Creative City Project, Enzian Theater, Global Peace Film Festival, Opera Orlando, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Fringe, Orlando Gay Chorus, Orlando Rep, Orlando Shakes and Winter Park Playhouse, just to name a few. The total amount given out is up by more than $1 million from United Arts’ 2019 grant funding.

The Pride Chamber’s president and CEO Kellie Parkin was named Dec. 29 the first-ever executive director for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in New York. Read more on pg. 8. Syvonne Carter was appointed interim CEO of 26Health Dec. 19. The news was followed by former One Orlando Alliance executive director Josh Bell being named the organization’s Chief Impact Officer.

RETURNING

Comedian Lee Cohen is back with “Comedy Qxeens,” an LGBTQ-focused comedy show at The Abbey Bar in DeLand Jan. 21. Hosted by Lesley Jo, Cohen will be joined at the event by comedians Jess Cearley, Alina Siddiqui, Kevin Deane and Mario Bruno. The free event is also a partnership with DeLand Pride to hold a clothing drive for under garments, bras, binders and socks. Donations will be taken at the door. For more information, visit DeLandPride.org.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

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NEW YEAR DRAG: (L-R) April Fresh, Divine Grace and Trixie Deluxxe drag in 2023 with a Drag Brunch at Island Time in Orlando Dec. 31. PHOTO FROM LOC ROBERTSON’S FACEBOOK

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RING IN THE NEW YEAR: Welcome to Sam José’s José Cabranes (L) and Sam Cloward wish fans a Happy New Year in Orlando Dec. 31. PHOTO FROM WELCOME TO SAM JOSÉ’S FACEBOOK

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JAZZY NEW YEAR: Milena Jacobina (L) and Debo Ofsowitz bring in 2023 in New Orleans Dec. 31. PHOTO FROM DEBO OFSOWITZ’S FACEBOOK

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community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Fringe ArtSpace Grand Opening Bash

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11, 5:30 P.M.

FRINGE ARTSPACE, ORLANDO

Join Orlando Fringe as they present their new arts space in downtown Orlando. Fringe ArtSpace, located in the former home of the Mad Cow Theatre, will hold a Grand Opening Bash and Street Party featuring an open house, DJ, strolling entertainment, a ribbon cutting with Mayor Buddy Dyer and more. For more information or to RSVP to this free event, go to OrlandoFringe.org.

100 Years of Broadway

SATURDAY, JAN. 14, 8 P.M.

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, ORLANDO

Students from the Montverde Academy Music Conservatory will perform as part of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando’s Milk District Salon. The 40-voice choir and soloists will sing hits from various Broadway shows including “The Lion King,” “Hairspray” and more. Tickets are $20 if purchased before Jan. 8 and then are $27. For tickets, go to tinyURL.com/MDSalon1UConcertSeries

TAMPA BAY

The Judy B. Goode Show

SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 5-7 P.M.

THE HOLLANDER HOTEL, ST. PETERSBURG

Judy B. Goode’s monthly cabaret show kicks off 2023 in the Tap Room at Hollander Hotel! Accompanied by master of the piano keys Paul Thomas, the celebrated entertainer will perform classic hits and fan favorite renditions of songs new and old. For reservations of six or more, call 727-873-7900 and learn more at Facebook.com/HollanderHotel.

Lip Sync for Lungs: Live Battle VI

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18, 7 P.M.

HIGGINS HALL, TAMPA

The American Lung Association hosts its sixth annual fundraiser to help end lung disease. Lip syncing contestants include Sister Agatha Frisky and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, entertainer James Cass and more. Check-in begins at 6:45 p.m. and the silent auction begins at 7. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are included with tickets, which begin at $90. For more information and to purchase yours, visit LipSyncForLungsTampa.org.

EVENT PLANNER

Brunch on Grand Central, Jan. 8; 15, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com

Mr. and Miss GQ Pageant, Jan. 9, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

LIVING LEGEND

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

“Legally Blonde The Musical,” Jan. 6, Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach. 386-671-3472; PeabodyAuditorium.org

State Ballet of Ukraine presents “Sleep Beauty,” Jan. 7, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

1st Saturday of 2023 at AMOR, Jan. 7, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. 407-866-1191; AMOREvents-LLC.com

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” Jan. 1015, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Fringe ArtSpace

Grand Opening Bash, Jan. 11, Fringe ArtSpace, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest 2023, Jan. 12-15, Fringe ArtSpace, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

Miranda Sings featuring Colleen Ballinger, Jan. 13, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

100 Years of Broadway, Jan. 14, First Unitarian Church, Orlando. 407-401-3003; TheMilkDistrict.org

“The Lightning Thief,” Jan. 14-15, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando. 407-896-7365; OrlandoRep.com

Yuja Wang plays Rachmaninoff, Jan. 14-15, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-770-0071; OrlandoPhil.org

Barry Manilow: Hits 2023, Jan. 17, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com

LGBTQ+ Cornhole League winter kickoff, Jan. 18, Island Time, Orlando. 407-930-2640; OUTSportsLeague.com

“Henry V,” Jan.18Feb. 5, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

Jukebox Trivia: Disney Edition, Jan. 19, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Orlando. 407-270-6749; IvanhoeParkBrewing.com

Watermark’s Third Thursday, Jan. 19, Savoy, Orlando. 407-481-2243; Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL

TAMPA BAY

“Hamilton,” Through Jan. 22, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Dine ‘N Drag, Jan. 6; 13, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com St. Pete Comic Con, Jan. 7-8, The Coliseum, St. Petersburg. StPete. FloridaComicCons.com

Drag Brunch, Jan. 8, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com

“Hamlet,” Jan. 11-Feb. 5, Jobsite Theater, 813-229-7827; JobsiteTheater.org

Breakfast with the Mayor Castor, Jan. 11, The Westshore Grand, Tampa. 813-637-0156; SouthTampaChamber.org

70s, 80s and 90s Night, Jan. 13, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-235-9086; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage

Barry Manilow: Hits 2023, Jan. 14, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

St. Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival, Jan. 14-15, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. StPeteBaconAndBBQ.com

Drag-hosted Family Feud, Jan. 15, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com

MLK Dream Big Parade 2023, Jan. 16, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7919; MLKDreamBig.com

Tampa’s 2023 Martin Luther King Parade, Jan. 16, Cuscaden Park, Tampa. 813803-8060; MLKJRParade.com

Pinellas Young Dems Meeting & Elections, Jan. 17, Democratic Party of Pinellas, St. Petersburg. 727-327-2796; PinellasYoungDems.org

SARASOTA

Dr. MLK: Spoken Word & Song, Jan. 16, Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota. 941-366-1505; WestecoastBlackTheatre.org

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

Barry Manilow brings his Hits 2023 tour to the Amalie Arena in Tampa Jan. 14 and the Amway Center in Orlando Jan. 17. PHOTO BY MATTHEW BECKER, FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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