Watermark Issue 30.03: Big Love

Tampa

couple

you’re ugly, you’re fat. All of that can hurt you but remember that you are loved. I live by the motto ‘live life, love life, have individuality.’ Be yourself and don’t try being someone else.

– CENTRAL FLORIDA ENTERTAINER KIRK T. DAVINCI

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

DESK PUBLISHER’S

If you have not had the pleasure of hearing Nadine live, you are missing out on someone truly inspiring and visionary.

Nadine spoke about the hard times ahead of us but reminded us of the hard times we once had in our rearview mirror, ones that we have overcome. How Hillsborough County once banned LGBTQ events on government property and now Tampa has an openly lesbian mayor, and how no one thought LGBTQ couples would be able to marry.

Nadine reminded us that there is goodness beyond hate, we just have to get to the other side. We have done it before and we will do it again.

I used to see the world as so black and white, meaning it’s one way or another. You either stand for something or you stand against it. The older I get the more I realize the nuance of life, the endless shades of gray between two points.

allow for and accept that path to redemption if it is followed. If we are going to say that love conquers hate, then we must let it, even for those who have wronged us.

In this issue of Watermark we tackle a topic that is long overdue, our plus size siblings. It’s a topic that hits a little too close to home for me, as my weight yo-yos between varying degrees of overweight. We talk to several gay men about their journeys as they navigate a culture of body perfection in the LGBTQ community.

We also pay tribute to a classic Watermark series: Love, Sex and Marriage. This trilogy

ANGELIQUE YOUNG is a transgender activist, entertainer and entrepreneur with a master’s in psychology in Tampa Bay Page 15

MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON”

FUGATE is a Central Florida business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer. Page 17

TIFFANY RAZZANO

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 35

I was in Watermark’s Orlando office speaking to administrative assistant, Alec Perez, when I light-heartedly said, “I hate public restrooms.”

I do. They are gross. As the words were coming out of my mouth, they sounded way too familiar. It begged the question, “How often do I start a sentence with, ‘I hate’?” So I asked Alec, and he confirmed I say it all the time. I hated that.

It’s easy to hate. When you hate you get to be dismissive. When you are dismissive you get to devalue something, to negate

WATERMARK STAFF

Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

it. When we devalue people we dehumanize them, making it easier to wish retribution on someone who has misstepped or doesn’t agree with our way of thinking. It helps us not to take responsibility for our own actions or consider the consequences to our own words.

I imagine if you’re an avid reader of Watermark, then you must know Nadine Smith, co-founder of Equality Florida. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak recently at the Equality Florida Equality Mural Reveal in Tampa.

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Kyler Mills • Ext. 104 Kyler@WatermarkOnline.com

Administrative Assistant: Alec Perez • Ext. 100 Alec@WatermarkOnline.com

This is why boycotts are a struggle for me. I understand they have value, but I too often concern myself with the collateral damage. When a CEO, or founder of a company is the target of a boycott, it is often the franchise owner and employees who suffer. It is a genuine concern of mine that I will one day say something in this column that turns angst and judgment against Watermark. My concern isn’t for me, but for the eight people who rely on this job, a job they pour their souls into, to pay rent and eat.

I am lucky enough to have people in my life who show me, and remind me, that life is a journey. We have to allow space for that journey to take place. We must speak our minds to those who have done harm, hold them accountable for their actions, but we must also

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Sylvie Trevena • Ext. 105 Sylvie@WatermarkOnline.com

Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

was an annual staple back in the day, culminating in an extravagant party. This year we see them all in one issue with the return of the sex survey, a look at dating in a COVID world and a check in with longtime couple, Larry Biddle and David Warner.

Watermark continues its Visibili-T series with Orlando comedian, Brianna Rockmore, also known as The Bri.

We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your story. 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

PHOTOGRAPHY

BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION

LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, RAYLENE HUNT, ZACHARY WELCH

AFFILIATIONS

ORLANDO OFFICE

1300 N. Semoran Blvd. Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807

TEL: 407-481-2243

TAMPA BAY OFFICE 401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713

TEL: 813-655-9890

owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors. Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

IHATE THE WORLD TODAY. THERE IS so much negativity out there in the form of angst and judgment. Interesting that I would complain about angst and judgement when I start a sentence off with, “I hate.”

If we are going to say that love conquers hate, then we must let it, even for those who have wronged us.

SOUTHERN NIGHTS ORLANDO VANDALIZED Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | Southern Nights Orlando was the victim of a suspected hate crime in the early morning hours of Jan. 18.

The LGBTQ nightclub posted a surveillance video to its social media accounts showing someone shooting what appears to be a slingshot at several windows of the Southern Nights complex, shattering them.

“Orlando Police Department is investing the crime and we are prioritizing the safety of our community,” Southern wrote in the post. “If anyone has any information please contact OPD immediately. We will still be working under normal operating hours today and through the weekend. Please stay safe Orlando.”

The suspect can be seen in the video wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack.

If you have information about this crime, you are asked to contact OPD at 407-246-2470.

CFVA SUMMER PROGRAM MOVES TO THE REN

Shayne Watson

ORLANDO | Central Florida Vocal Arts announced Jan. 27 a partnership with the Renaissance Theatre Company for the LGBTQ-owned theater to host the CFVA Summer Institute program.

The program will span one week as students create their own unique musical theatre production, writing dialogue, creating sets and designing costumes. All students also participate in a voice recital where they perform solos, promoting individual confidence, building community and promoting self-efficacy.

CFVA states it promotes an environment that embraces LGBTQ, differently abled and neuro-divergent students.

The cost of the program is $300 and CFVA offers scholarship options, boasting that “students have yet to be turned away for inability to pay.”

The Ren was formed in 2021 and has since become a go-to location for all kinds of events in the community, including musical performances, drag shows, political rallies and more.

“Renaissance Theatre Company doesn’t have any youth programs yet, so it made so much sense to partner with … CFVA, who have been providing this excellent opportunity to kids for years,” Donald Rupe, The Ren co-founder, said in the release.

The CFVA Summer Institute program runs June 5-10 for ages 6 to 12, then again on June 12-17 for ages 13 to 18. Registration can be done at CentralFloridaVocalArts.org.

To the streets

ORLANDO | Abortion rights activists filled the streets of downtown Orlando Jan. 21 for the “Bigger Than Roe Orlando” march and rally at City Hall.

The event was meant to commemorate what would have been the 50-year mark of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 landmark decision giving women the right to abortion access and care. That decision was overturned by the Supreme Court last year after nearly five decades.

“I want to remind us that Roe was never the ceiling, it was the floor,” said Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, who organized the rally, to the crowd from the steps of City Hall. “Even with Roe, access was still far out of reach for far too many.”

Eskamani began her speech talking about her involvement with Planned Parenthood, the nonprofit organization that provides access to reproductive and sexual health care to many across the country.

“Before I ran for office I worked at Planned Parenthood,” she said. “And before I worked at Planned Parenthood, I was a patient and a volunteer in search of access to reproductive care and contraception. I would not be where I am today and who I am today if it wasn’t for my access to reproductive health.”

Eskamani then called the Republican’s views on abortion “unpopular” and “un-American.”

“This country has rejected abortion bans just like Floridians time and time again have rejected abortion bans because we know that decisions about one’s pregnancy are between that person, their family, their doctor, their faith and not politicians,” she said.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll in August 2022, 61% want their state to guarantee abortion access opposed to 25% who wanted laws in their state to ban abortion.

Eskamani was joined on the steps by several elected officials and activists, including state Reps. LaVon Bracy Davis and Rita

LEADING THE WAY:

Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, with megaphone in hand, leads the “Bigger Than Roe Orlando” march

Harris, Ruth’s List Florida’s Tiffany Hughes, Hope CommUnity Center’s Andrea Montanez, community advocate Arlo Dennis, University of Central Florida’s Dr. Jen Sandoval, youth activist Lola Smuth and Florida NOW’s Debbie Deland.

The group was also joined by newly elected Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost. Frost, who is the first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress, spoke about his first votes in Congress.

“I got to go into the chamber on Monday morning and cast my first votes,” he said. “The first things I voted on in Washington, D.C. were two anti-freedom, anti-abortion pieces of legislation. Two things meant to rip away the freedoms and rights of our people all across this country. And here’s the thing, Republican leaders in Congress, they know that we have the Senate, we have the presidency, this stuff isn’t gonna be enacted. These bills are meant to fan the flames.”

Several of the event’s speakers traveled to Tallahassee the following day where Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before a crowd of 1,500 people, calling access for abortion a “fundamental, constitutional, right of a woman to make decisions about her own body.”

Protesters rally for what would have been Roe v. Wade 50th year

Jeremy Williams

through downtown.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

METRO AND PATIENTS ‘COPAY IT FORWARD’

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA BAY | Metro Inclusive Health announced Jan. 18 that the organization’s Copay it Forward program generated $660,485 in free healthcare throughout the region for those in need last year.

“We believe that no one, regardless of insurance status, should be denied quality, life-changing care,” the nonprofit describes the program. “For those without insurance coverage, healthcare services and prescription expenses can add up fast. But that’s where Copay It Forward comes in.”

Metro offers more than 100 programs and services for the local LGBTQ community and its allies. Their locations “provide the convenience of onsite labs and pharmacies, same-day test results and visits along with access to the most modern technology and providers with the highest level of medical certifications. “

At no additional cost to their insured patients, Copay it Forward utilizes normal pharmacy copayments to offer care to those who are under or uninsured. The initiative is powered by the Federal Health Resources & Services Administration’s 340b program, which allows nonprofit healthcare organizations like Metro to purchase prescription drugs at discount prices.

“In short, your copay does more at Metro Inclusive Health,” they summarize. The program provided $566,950 in care in 2021, growing by nearly $100,000 last year to benefit patients in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater and New Port Richey via in-person and virtual visits.

“Metro Inclusive Health’s ‘Copay it Forward’ program channels the power of insured patients to help knock down barriers to quality healthcare with essential, and often life-saving, services,” the organization said in a press release. “Just by using a designated partner pharmacy to fill their prescriptions, insured patients helped Metro Inclusive Health deliver $660,485 in free healthcare to uninsured patients at the organization’s four Tampa Bay locations … and via mobile and telehealth.”

“A community’s quality of life is directly affected by access to quality healthcare,” Metro Chief Marketing & Experience Officer Brian Bailey added. “The rising cost of healthcare and other needs has put livable wages under stress, which could stunt our area’s growing popularity as a place to live, work and play. When you’re working just to ‘live,’ ‘play’ becomes much less attainable.”

To participate in Copay it Forward, patients with most major insurances, Medicare or Medicaid need only use one of Metro’s partner pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. The program works with prescription delivery and pickup at locations throughout Tampa Bay, including CVS, Walgreens and AB Specialty Pharmacy.

For more information about Metro Inclusive Health and its Copay it Forward program, visit MetroTampaBay.org.

Wall Power

Equality Florida unveils new mural

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | Equality Florida and supporters gathered in Seminole Heights Jan. 26 to unveil the organization’s new mural.

The project was commissioned during Equality Florida’s 2022 Tampa Gala to “serve as a beacon of support and safety to the adults and children of Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community.” The mural was designed by Lakeland artist Gillian Fazio and completed on Sea Maids Creamery, space donated by owners Zoey Vera and Emily Macias.

The image features a colorful mermaid holding an ice cream cone, a signature dish at the popular eatery. It includes Equality Florida imagery and a statement promising “every student protected, every family respected.”

“Art has the power to transform communities and inspire change,” Equality Florida Press Secretary Brandon Wolf shared ahead of its unveiling. “LGBTQ Floridians, especially young people, are being relentlessly targeted with bigoted legislation and dehumanizing, hateful rhetoric.

Wolf welcomed dozens of supporters to the ceremony, among them speakers like Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. The LGBTQ leader, who launched her 2023 re-election campaign last November, praised Equality Florida for their work.

“I want to thank Equality Florida for continuing the fight for the LGBTQ community and for all human rights,” Castor said. “That’s what we stand for in this community, not only in the city of Tampa but in the entire Tampa Bay area.”

Castor subsequently highlighted other political leaders in attendance before calling small businesses the backbone of the community.

“Thank you to our business owners and for this beautiful piece of art,” the mayor said. “We want to continue to spread the word of how welcoming our community is and there’s really no better way to do that than through art, because it brings everyone together.”

Fazio reflected on the mural next, calling it an honor to complete.

“I just want to make sure that this piece is something that showcases you are welcome and you are loved,” she said. “You

Jan. 26. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

are beautiful and we wanted to keep saying that message forever and ever.”

Executive Director Nadine Smith reiterated that fact, thanking the organization’s supporters for making the mural and other projects possible. She reflected on the history of Tampa Bay’s fight for equality and drew parallels to LGBTQ attacks coming from Tallahassee today.

“Forces are trying to pull us backwards,” Smith told the crowd. “They are going after [Gender-Sexuality Alliances] in the school, they are going after protections for LGBTQ young people, they are erasing us from the libraries, they are attacking us in every way from a playbook that is very old.

“It’s important to remember that history repeats itself,” she continued. “We’ve been here before, but this time we are here stronger than we were back then, with a clear vision of what is possible … we have to remember that not only are we going to win – when we win, we will transform this country once again as we have with each victory. So do not lose hope, do not lose faith.”

Wolf closed the ceremony by thanking the project’s contributors and encouraging LGBTQ and ally Floridians to get more involved. Equality Florida continues to welcome supporters and volunteers in their fight for civil rights.

ART TALK: Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith welcomes supporters to Sea Maids Creamery

DESANTIS TARGETS TRANS STUDENTS

Wire Report

Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking state universities for the number and ages of their students who sought gender dysphoria treatment, including sex reassignment surgery and hormone prescriptions, according to a survey released Jan 18.

Why he’s conducting the survey wasn’t completely clear. DeSantis has been criticized by LGBTQ advocates for policies seen as discriminatory, including banning instruction on sexual and gender identity in early grades and making it easier for parents to remove books related to the topic in public schools.

The governor’s office did not respond to emails and a phone call seeking information about the purpose of the survey, which must be completed by Feb. 10. DeSantis’ budget director, Chris Spencer told university board of trustee chairs is to be completed as part of their obligation to govern institutional resources and protect the public interest.

FLORIDA REJECTS BLACK HISTORY COURSE

Wire Report

Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated Jan. 23 the state’s rejection of a proposed nationwide advanced African American studies course, saying it pushes a political agenda.

DeSantis said his administration rejected the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course because “we want education, not indoctrination.” It was revealed Jan. 20 that the Florida Department of Education recently told the College Board it would bar the course unless changes are made.

The state then issued a chart late Jan. 20 that says the course promotes the idea that modern American society oppresses Black people, other minorities and women, includes a chapter on “Black Queer Studies” that the administration finds inappropriate.

“This course on Black history, what’s one of the lessons about? Queer theory. Now who would say that an important part of Black history is queer theory? That is somebody pushing an agenda,” said DeSantis.

Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell called the administration’s rejection of the course “cowardly” and said it “sends a clear message that Black Americans’ history does not count in Florida.”

The state criticized five living authors.

The section on “Black Queer Studies” includes readings by Roderick Ferguson, a Yale University professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies. The state says he “exclaims, `We have to encourage and develop practices whereby queerness isn’t a surrender to the status quo of race, class, gender and sexuality.’”

Ferguson said that quote comes from an interview he did about his book, “One-Dimensional Queer.” “These are real histories. The arguments about them are based on scholarly investigation and research, as are the arguments from the other scholars on this list,” Ferguson said. “Unfortunately, we are in a moment in which right-wing forces are mobilizing to suppress the free discussion of those realities. If we need an example of that mobilization, we could probably just turn to the forces that came together to reject this course.”

The state also criticized the inclusion of a section about “Movement for Black Lives,” a coalition of more than 50 groups including Black Lives Matter and the National Conference of Black Lawyers. It says the group wants to abolish prisons and that it alleges there is a “war” against LGBTQ Black people.

FDA CHANGES BLOOD DONATION RULES

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | The Food and Drug Administration announced that it will be changing the way it assesses blood donor eligibility from time based to risk based, allowing gay and bisexual men who were previously banned to donate blood.

In a press release Jan. 27, the FDA stated it is “proposing a change from time-based deferrals to assessing blood donor eligibility using gender-inclusive, individual risk-based questions to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV.”

Under the new proposed guidelines, a revised donor history questionnaire would ask each donor questions about sex partners in the past three months. Prospective donors who report having new sex partners or more than one sex partner in the past three months would then be asked about a history of anal sex in that timeframe. If the prospective donor answers yes to having anal sex in the past three months, they would be deferred from donating.

The new proposal would not change the deferral time periods for those who are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis, have exchanged money or drugs for sex, or have a history of non-prescription injection drug use.

“Our approach to this work has always been, and will continue to be, based on the best available science and data. Over the years, this data-driven process has enabled us to revise our policies thereby increasing those eligible to donate blood while maintaining appropriate safeguards to protect recipients,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in the press release. “We will continue to follow the best available scientific evidence to maintain an adequate supply of blood and minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and are committed to finalizing this draft guidance as quickly as possible.”

The change comes based on information obtained from the FDA-funded Assessing Donor Variability And New Concepts in Eligibility, or ADVANCE study. The

study was conducted by Vitalant and OneBlood, the two largest community-based blood centers in the U.S., and the American Red Cross and was done in partnership with LGBTQ community centers in the country, including the LGBT+ Center Orlando.

The current changes are the latest in a long-fought battle between LGBTQ rights groups and the FDA. A lifetime ban was placed on men who have sex with men donating blood in the 1980s due to the AIDS epidemic. In 2015, the FDA replaced the lifetime ban with a one-year abstinence requirement. The agency shortened the abstinence period to three months five years later.

“Maintaining a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products in the U.S. is paramount for the FDA, and this proposal for an individual risk assessment, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, will enable us to continue using the best science to do so,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., in the release.

POPE SAYS HOMOSEXUALITY NOT A CRIME

Wire Report

VATICAN CITY | Pope

Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press Jan. 24.

Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against LGBTQ people, and he himself referred to the issue in terms of “sin.” But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone.

“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.”

Francis’ comments, which were hailed by gay rights advocates as a milestone, are the first uttered by a pope about such laws. But they are also consistent with his overall approach to LGBTQ people and belief that the Catholic Church should welcome everyone and not discriminate.

Some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 of which can or do impose the death penalty.

Declaring such laws “unjust,” Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. “It must do this. It must do this,” he said.

Francis quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church in saying gay people must be

welcomed and respected, and should not be marginalized or discriminated against.

“We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” Francis said, speaking to the AP in the Vatican hotel where he lives.

On Tuesday, Francis said there needed to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality. Church teaching holds that homosexual acts are sinful, or “intrinsically disordered,” but that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect.

Bantering with himself, Francis articulated the position: “It’s not a crime. Yes, but it’s a sin. Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime.”

“It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another,” he added.

GALLEGO ANNOUNCES RUN FOR SINEMA’S SENATE SEAT

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona announced plans to run for the Senate in 2024, setting up a possible three-way race if newly declared Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decides to seek reelection for her seat representing the Grand Canyon State next year. Gallego disclosed his forthcoming senatorial bid Jan. 23, sharing a video on Twitter in which the congressman accused Sinema of breaking her promises to Arizonans in favor of advancing the interests of multinational pharmaceutical companies and financial institutions. A spokesperson for Sinema’s office declined to comment.

ARKANSAS GOV BANS TERM LATINX

One of Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ first acts as Arkansas governor was to ban most state agencies from using the gender-neutral term Latinx, tapping into a debate that’s divided Hispanics along generational lines. Sanders called the word “culturally insensitive” in an order that’s prompted complaints from some critics who view it as yet another attack by Republicans on the LGBTQ community. Yet her move may have limited impact, given that the word does not appear to be widely used in Arkansas government. The Latinx prohibition gives agencies 60 days to revise written materials to comply.

COURT UPHOLDS WASHINGTON CONVERSION THERAPY BAN

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Jan. 23 rejected a therapist’s request for the court to reconsider its previous decision upholding the State of Washington’s law protecting minors from conversion therapy. Washington prohibited licensed mental health professionals from subjecting minors to conversion therapy in 2018. In 2021, an anti-LGBTQ legal group filed a federal lawsuit challenging the new law on behalf of Brian Tingley, an advocate of conversion therapy. The court’s order means that the September 2022 panel decision upholding the Washington law will be the Ninth Circuit’s final decision in the case.

COLORADO ANTI-LGBTQ BAKER LOSES APPEAL

The Colorado baker who won a partial U.S. Supreme Court victory after refusing to make a gay couple’s wedding cake because of his Christian faith lost an appeal Jan. 26 in his latest legal fight, involving his rejection of a request for a birthday cake celebrating a gender transition. The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that that the cake Autumn Scardina requested from Jack Phillips and Masterpiece Cakeshop, which was to be pink with blue frosting, is not a form of speech. It also found that the state law that makes it illegal to refuse to provide services to people based on protected characteristics like race, religion or sexual orientation does not violate business owners’ right to practice or express their religion.

A DIFFERENT LIGHT

that with this column I can help others do the same, and perhaps even create a space where people can be unafraid to love themselves and embrace who they are.

With that being said, I want to talk about the state of the LGBTQIA+ community. It seems to me that despite the condition of the world we are in, we’re more torn apart than ever before. That’s also true here in Tampa Bay, where we are dealing with multiple instances of division, passive actions and turning blind eyes or wearing rose colored glasses with one another.

In finding out who we are, we seem to have forgotten that we are all on the same team. Disagreements and differences of opinion between members of our community have become wars of inclusion, by way of exclusion.

MY NAME IS ANGELIQUE

Young. I am a trans drag queen, activist, entrepreneur, travel enthusiast and major supporter of our entire community – and now, I’m also a freelance columnist for Watermark.

I’ve always been told that I should broaden my horizons and share my thoughts with the world, so I consider this a first step of sorts. I hope it allows me to share my voice, thoughts and at times, controversial ideas, presenting my perspective of what’s going on both in my life and in the world.

I hope to shed A Different Light on and bring topics to the table that are not being discussed.

As a trans woman, my journey of self-discovery and owning my feelings, thoughts and experiences has been a difficult one at times. But through every dark moment I have always found a silver-lining that allowed me to overcome my obstacles; these hardships and instances have given me the chance to become the woman I am today and stand in the sun.

You are probably wondering what that means. It means different things to different people but to me, it means standing in your truth unapologetically. It means that I cast no shadows save for the ones that are visible, which are there for all to see. I hope

I have no hard feelings towards the individual and wish them the best, and I’m thankful that their words made me step up to see what exactly was happening. I was shocked to find that the amount of work, effort and commitment to creating a Pride event was far more than I had imagined. It made me realize that I had been ignoring what was happening, blindly trusting those around me to do the right thing. To take the right actions on my behalf. But it also made me realize that since no one doing that work looked like me, no one could possibly represent me.

It made me realize I was a part of the problem,

In trying to create more spaces that introduce us to new visions of the future, we are disowning and disrespecting the originators and trailblazers that have come before us. So many members of our community seem to only come together once a year for our Pride events and then run our own separate ways, retreating to our blanket labels and groups for comfort.

We need to do better and truly show up as much as possible. It’s something I learned myself earlier this year when I became a part of my local Pride committee.

I initially did so out of outrage, mad about words used by a former board member who I considered a friend. Their take on drag was unexpected and hurt, but to that person I say thank you. That fumble was a catalyst that has given me a platform on multiple outlets to correct misinformation and help others learn how harmful that way of thinking can be.

so I had to make sure I became a part of the solution. I’m proud to say that it seems like most of the community is doing the same thing.

Many of us may feel like it isn’t our job to get our hands dirty, or perhaps like we don’t have a right to. Some may not even know how to begin. But if we truly want change, growth, equality and acceptance, we must put ourselves on the ground floor. We must come together and choose to learn about the changes in the world.

I challenge every reader to get involved with their local community. To step out of their comfort zones and become the role model you seek, the

face you want to see and voice you want to hear. It’s time to stop passing the buck, pretending like our votes don’t matter or pretending we can’t make a difference. We can.

Help create the events you wish you could attend and be a part of. Closed mouths don’t get fed – and I don’t know about you, but I am tired of being hungry. This year I’m going to eat every chance I get, and I hope you do the same.

Angelique Young is a transgender activist, entertainer and entrepreneur with a master’s in psychology. She currently hosts Sickoning Sundays at Showbar Ybor while maintaining her business and more @ DNCNDiva on Instagram.

In finding out who we are, we seem to have forgotten that we are all on the same team.

Angelique Young

Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate

LEIGH’S VIEW

Republican’s demonization of Drag Shows

RECENTLY, THE PLAZA

Live hosted “A Drag Queen Christmas,” where protesters gathered outside the venue in anger.

Attendees were met with roaring protests as a crowd expressed rage that “all ages” were “encouraged” to attend the show. State officials then threatened to take action and revoke The Plaza Live’s license if any children were permitted to see the holiday special. The false outrage is completely unfounded, as these performances are simply not marketed to minors. This specific drag show — which tours all over the state — even noted on their website that there are adult themes and that admission is limited to those 18 or older.

Right-wing politicians are seeking to demonize the drag community, and the LGBTQ community as a whole, by creating and circulating false images of drag queens performing on public streets and patios inappropriately dancing in front of children. Many of these photoshopped images include drag queens with their legs wide-open in front of young children or entertainers mimicking sexual acts in front of a crowd of horrified young onlookers.

In reality, nothing can be further from the truth. Most drag shows are almost exclusively 18+ and usually include performances on stages and enclosed spaces that are not open to the public. Though many nighttime shows do include comedic elements, performances that take place in the daytime and in the public arena are typically very subdued, professional and are aimed more at providing upbeat, positive entertainment.

Just after Christmas, the DeSantis administration launched an investigation into a holiday drag show which took place at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, claiming that their show (which was limited to those ages 18+, unless accompanied by a parent) had been “sexually explicit” and “marketed to children.” The venue is now at risk of losing its liquor license and its ability to operate as a business.

DeSantis and other right-wing politicians’ attempts to falsely portray the drag community as clowns, whores and strippers in order to further encourage their homophobic views and under the guise of “child

safety” is directly having a trickle-down effect on our Florida businesses and entertainers. When businesses begin to operate under a fear of persecution, they lose the revenue stream that these shows offer the establishment and their employees, which in turn cuts into their bottom-line.

Soon, any Florida business that allows drag shows may be required to have an Adult Entertainment License — the same licenses that strip clubs must receive. This is a real possibility.

I would like to encourage drag performers to be more cautious and aware of where we are performing, and to be selective about their performance venues. Performing at an indoor venue on a stage with proper lighting, music, air conditioning and the proper ambience is always ideal. As drag queens, we should not fall into the trap that these politicians are setting. We need to not cheapen our craft so that politicians can demonize our art and use it for political purposes.

Within our community, we must also encourage local restaurants and eateries to cherish and respect their entertainment by allowing them to perform for decent pay and the ability to perform in an appropriate venue. Since the closing of Parliament House, legitimate drag venues are few and far between.

The Central Florida drag community has had to book gigs at outdoor eateries, on patios and other more public locations. Our local drag queens deserve to perform at venues with a stage, proper lighting, air conditioning and other conditions that most entertainers are used to. We need to encourage both performers and venues to stop and think about how some of these more public performances can arguably cheapen the art of drag.

I’m looking at this all with the perspective of a business owner, a longtime entertainer and a person who has run for office and

believes in advocating for our community. Our rights will be stripped from us if we allow ourselves to be used as tools to motivate extremism and feed into the false narratives that radical, extreme politicians are pushing. We must keep our eyes turned toward DeSantis and

work to dispel many of the misconceptions currently in the media and help unburden our community’s businesses and entertainers from the hefty price they have been forced to pay.

It is also very odd to me that so many Republicans seem to be using drag

parental rights, they should support policies which allow parents to make their own choices for their kids without any government interference.

As we begin to fight back against these false narratives, the boldest thing we can do is to encourage young people to be themselves and

Right-wing politicians are seeking to demonize the drag community, and the LGBTQ community as a

his own political ambitions. This is his opportunity to ramp up the evangelical vote by creating a call to action against drag shows and LGBTQ performers of all kinds.

It is up to us to put an end to this demonization and to re-shift the narrative. By more closely regulating our audiences, venues and ambience, we may

shows as a way to “fight for parental rights.” Under the guise of parental rights, they simultaneously wish to restrict and tell other parents which places they can and cannot take their own children. They wish to ban books that they find controversial and control what literature other children have access to. If someone truly wants to fight for

demonstrate in our own daily lives that we should accept all people for who they are.

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.

whole.

Visibili-T

BRIANNA ROCKMORE

Lex Schatten

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 Central Florida comedian and former Watermark account manager Brianna Rockmore, also known by the stage name The Bri. Rockmore has so many more identifiers she talks about ahead of being a trans woman. She is a stand-up comic whose favorite movie and TV show — “Office Space” and “Friends,” respectively — help to show the type of sense of humor she has. She is a self-confessed foodie who loves trying out new eateries and hot spots in Central Florida. And she is a proud “nostalgia nerd” with a collection of pop culture memorabilia.

“I’ve definitely become a nerd the older I’ve got,” she says. “Love

Marvel stuff, I love Deadpool. I am into the Funko Pops! I Iove ‘Stranger Things,’ that might actually be my favorite show. No, I really love ‘Friends.’”

Rockmore came out as a trans woman nine years ago, when she was 36.

“I just love the community as a whole,” she says. “The majority of people are just nice and loving and want what’s best for everybody. I mean, I see the prejudice in certain things but as a whole it’s just a fun, loving community. They open their arms to you. No matter what, they open their arms to you.”

Rockmore has always had an interest in doing stand-up comedy, but it wasn’t until she came out as

trans that she started to put some serious thought into doing it.

“I always knew I was funny, but writing and doing comedy was hard for me,” Rockmore says, “because before I came out as trans I didn’t know what would be funny if I wasn’t up there as my actual self. I’m like, ‘I can talk about myself but it’s kind of a lie, so I don’t want to do that.’ I wanted to be genuine.”

Since coming out, though, she’s gotten more comfortable in writing jokes and performing her stand-up routines. The catalyst to getting her on that stage was something that came about during her time working at Watermark. She attended comedy classes at Orlando Improv that she saw promoted in an issue and that helped her find a starting point for her comedy.

“I learned how to write comedy, to an extent,” she says. “A lot of it’s just going out and doing the jokes, seeing what fails and what doesn’t fail. See what works and doesn’t work, you know?”

Right as Rockmore’s comedy career started to take off, however, COVID struck.

“The class, it got me to the direction that I wanted and then I started doing it and then COVID happened, so then I was like, ‘Alright, I haven’t been on stage now for almost two years, let me try it again,’” she says.

And try again, she did. Now, she’s working comedy stages regularly, even doing a biweekly show with friend and fellow comic Gregory Metts at Savoy.

“I just recently got married,” Rockmore says. “So I want to be home doing the married thing and I don’t want to be out every night, but that’s not a good comedian’s mentality. I make it work though and I still keep active with it.”

Outside of attending more of her comedy shows, Rockmore’s hope for the queer community is that everybody can make an effort to be a little bit more supportive, even if they can’t be understanding.

“You don’t need to understand it, you don’t need to have a full understanding of what being trans is,” she says. “We’re different, I get that. We’re all different, we live in a different cloth, but you just need to understand that it’s not about you understanding, it’s just about supporting us.”

Rockmore says she has never been happier in life more than she is right now, and that happiness is something she would like to send to her younger self if she could.

“If I could talk to my younger self, I would say ‘Just keep going,” she says. “Don’t focus on where you are in that moment. Look forward and know that everything happens for a reason. I believe that. If I didn’t I don’t think I would be with my wife right now.”

As for her future, Rockmore says there isn’t anything more that she wants. “Well, I want to still be doing what I am doing except maybe on a bigger stage,” she says.

Additional reporting by Jeremy Williams.

Interested in being featured in Visibili-T?

Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams in Central Florida or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent in Tampa Bay, details on p. 7.

45, She/Her/Hers

talking points

MADONNA ANNOUNCED JAN. 17 THAT SHE WILL BE GOING ON A WORLD TOUR to perform her greatest hits from the last 40 years with only three Florida shows, Sept. 7 at Amalie Arena in Tampa and a Sept. 9 and 10 at the Miami-Dade Arena. “The Celebration Tour” announcement was made via YouTube in a nod to her 1990 film “Truth or Dare.” Joining Madonna were players Judd Apatow, Jack Black, Lil Wayne, Diplo, Amy Schumer, special tour guest Bob the Drag Queen and more. “I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for,” Madonna said in her tour announcement. It will be the longtime LGBTQ ally and icon’s 12th tour, and her first highlighting hits from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. It will also pay respect to New York City, where her music career began. Tickets are currently on sale at Madonna.com/Tour.

9 OUT OF 10 LGBTQ PARENTS IN FLORIDA ARE CONCERNED ABOUT

FRASER, BLANCHETT CELEBRATED FOR LGBTQ ROLES

BRENDAN FRASER AND CATE BLANCHETT WERE THE WINNERS IN THE LEAD FILM ACTING CATEGORIES

at the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards Jan. 15. Fraser took home Best Actor for his portrayal of a reclusive, morbidly obese gay man trying to reconcile with his teenage daughter in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale” while Blanchett took home the Best Actress award for her role as fictional conductor Lydia Tár in the movie “Tár.” Both performers subsequently received Oscar nominations for the roles Jan. 24, with each film nominated in other capacities as well. The 95th Academy Awards ceremony is currently scheduled for March 12. Learn more at Oscars.org.

‘REAL FRIENDS OF WEHO’ PREMIERES

MTV LAUNCHED “THE REAL FRIENDS OF WEHO”

JAN. 20, its controversial LGBTQ reality series airing between “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 15 and “Untucked,” its behind-the-scenes follow-up. The series features stylist Brad Goreski, singer Todrick Hall, actor Curtis Hamilton, Buttah Skincare CEO Dorión Renaud, TV host Jaymes Vaughan and digital entrepreneur Joey Zauzig in an “unfiltered and honest look at a select group of friends living, loving and pursuing their passions in the West Hollywood community.”

According to Deadline, the series is the reason “Drag Race” episodes were cut from 60 minutes to 40 and its placement was also designed to create “a destination night” on TV, drawing the ire from some “Drag Race” fans.

‘THEATER CAMP’ LANDS THEATRICAL RELEASE

THE SATIRICAL “THEATER CAMP” PREMIERED AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL Jan. 21 to rave reviews, subsequently securing a theatrical release after Searchlight Pictures acquired the film. It follows the story of musical theater kids and their teachers, including real-life theater kids Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin and Nick Lieberman. The longtime friends, including Platt and Galvin who are engaged, began work on the project five years ago. “It seemed like the most natural world for us to jump off the ledge into together as this comedy collective for the first time,” Platt said. “We all felt like it really suited us tonally and emotionally.” No release dates have been announced.

56% HAVE CONSIDERED LEAVING THE STATE AND 17% HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO DO SO. –

2023

If going to a drag show means the Proud Boys are going to show up with guns and weapons, then that makes drag a very dangerous job. These entertainers are risking their lives to entertain you … let’s show some appreciation in that regard.

– “DRAG RACE” ALUM PEPPERMINT DISCUSSES THE DANGERS OF DRAG CENSORSHIP WITH THE ACLU

MADONNA ANNOUNCES ‘CELEBRATION’ TOUR WITH TAMPA STOP

“DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS.”

Bullying and verbal attacks from internet trolls is nothing new but something that was concerning to many of Smith’s defenders was the amount of trolling that was coming from other members of the LGBTQ community, specifically gay men.

“A lot of gay men think too much of themselves and think they are God’s gift to the world and that every man wants them,” says Kirk T. DaVinci. “I’ve had experiences where I was name called, I was belittled, talked about; all of that. I ‘ve heard that ‘no fat, no fem’ stuff.”

DaVinci, who is an openly gay, plus-size performer, calls himself a drag male lead entertainer.

“That means I’m a male that performs male songs,” he says. “I love to give back to the community and I love drag. I love entertaining.”

DaVinci, 37, competes in pageants and is the current Mr. Polk Pride. He has 16 pageant titles, one being a former Mr. Tampa Pride. He is also currently on the DeLand Pride executive

committee as the special events coordinator chair.

“Being a male entertainer and a comedian, I have this jovial spirit about me,” DaVinci says. “So I like to talk to people and meet people, but when I try to approach someone, and it happens a lot, I’m looked at like ‘noooooo, you’re a big boy’ or they just walk away from me as I approach them. Even if I’m not trying to talk to them in a romantic aspect, they just walk away if they see me walking toward them or even just in that direction.”

Mike Halterman grew up a Navy brat, settling in the Tampa Bay area where he attended the University of South Florida. Halterman, who is also 37, says he started to gain weight as he started to move into his middle school years.

“It was probably around the time that we had lived in Japan,” he says. “We were stationed in Japan for my fifth, sixth and seventh grade year. I was putting weight on and just never went the other direction, it just kind of went up from there.”

Halterman says it can be tough for larger guys in LGBTQ spaces when you are trying to meet someone you might be able to connect with.

“They look at you weirdly when you’re bigger,” he says. “It’s so hard to explain to somebody who isn’t big what that look is because they’ll think ‘Oh, you’re just making it up in your head.’ It’s an experience I wish I could replicate for someone so they knew what that was like.”

“I’m lucky enough to be somebody who is comfortable with their body,” says 39-year-old Diego Larenas, “but I also know a lot of gay guys who are larger and are not as comfortable and who are scared and I mean, in some cases, even suicidal.”

Larenas says there have been situations in LGBTQ spaces where he was shamed just for being there.

“It’s really sad that some people make a full judgment on me before they even know me,” he says. “Not even the sense of I want to be with you, but in the sense of you don’t even want me around you.”

Larenas recalls an event he attended where everyone “all had the same body type” and he was made to feel like he shouldn’t have even come there.

“It’s like, where does that come from? Where does that negative energy come from? It’s never been something that’s my narrative,” he says. “I’ve never looked at

somebody and said to them, ‘I can’t hang out with you or be around you because of how you look.’ That feels weird to me.”

Anthony Chiocchi, who is better known by some as the plus-size, bearded drag queen Bearonce Bear, has been performing for 12 years now.

“I have struggled with weight almost my entire life,” Chiocchi says, “and when I started performing everyone was looking to be heroin chic, that look where you can basically see everyone’s collarbones. It was like the plus-sized queens were looked at as the old queens, and I came in with this different aesthetic.”

Chiocchi says back then, when he was in drag, he got some pushback but not because of his size, because of the beard — “bearded drag wasn’t as prevalent as it is now” — and when he was out of drag, he was the “funny, fat friend” in his group.

“The community — not just the gay community — but the human community sees plus-sized people as the funny sidekick,” Chiocchi says. “We’re the ones that are always wanting to go eat. We’re the ones that always make the joke. We’re the ones that are always the butt of the joke, we’re

the supporting actress, and all we want is just to be loved.”

Chiocchi recalls a drag performance he once saw with plus-size queen Lolita Chanel while they both were performing in Fort Lauderdale.

“There was probably 150 watching the show, myself included because I was done performing, and she performed a song called ‘Funny Fat Friend’ by Maddie Zahm,” he recalls. “I looked out and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I wish everyone would listen to that song because it literally hits all of the points of how media portrays plus-sized people, how others see plus-sized people.”

CARVING OUT SAFE SPACES

Halterman says when he started to go out in college he was meeting members of the LGBTQ community that guided him toward safer places for someone of his size.

“The very first bar I went to had a reputation of accepting people of my size or larger,” he says, “places where I really felt comfortable being myself and being comfortable in my own skin.”

One of these spaces, Halterman says, is Sawmill, an

MAKING A BUSINESS OUT OF NEED: Diego Larenas launched Cheeky Bear, a T-shirt and apparel line offering affordable prices no matter what size is purchased. PHOTO COURTESY DIEGO LARENAS

COMPETEING AND WINNING: Kirk T. DaVinci has 16 pageant titles, one being a former Mr. Tampa Pride. PHOTO COURTESY KIRK T. DAVINCI

LGBTQ camping resort located in Dade City.

“When I went there I just felt like I could just shed a lot of my insecurities,” he says.

A writer, Halterman says getting into LGBTQ media also helped him to find those safe spaces.

“I was able to make my own place in the community,” he says.

“There was no way for someone to make me feel bad about myself because I already had a place there. I made it, I made that place.”

Carving out spaces that are safe and accepting is extremely important for marginalized segments of an already marginalized community. The “bear community” is a segment of the larger LGBTQ community that is seen as an accepting and open space for those men who are larger in size or prefer to date larger men. In some cities, the bear community has their own bars, or LGBTQ clubs that cater to the general population will have bear-themed nights. There are also dating apps and websites dedicated to the plus-size community.

“I went to Parliament House after I came out for my 23rd birthday,” says Larenas. “I had never been before and I really wanted to go but I had that voice in my head that said because I’m a bigger boy that I’m not going to meet anyone or be approached. Then this guy came up to me and said ‘you’re beautiful,’ and I was like ‘wow’ because I had never heard that before in my life.”

Larenas says the guy turned him onto the website BiggerCity, a “dating and community site for gay men of size and the men who love them.” He says the site opened him to the world of gay bears.

“When he first told me about it I thought it was a bar or club or something like that,” Larenas says, laughing. “So I Googled it and found it was a website and I’m like, ‘Wait, there’s a whole world of men who enjoy larger men and I didn’t know.”

The bear and plus-size communities have expanded their accepting spaces over the years, developing their own events including Big Boy Pride, Bear Week events and Tidal Wave Party, to name a few.

“We live in a world where society tells us that we aren’t seen as the norm,” Larenas says, “and what I also have found is that guys who like big boys like us tend to have to have two coming outs: They come out as gay but they also have to come out and say I like

bigger boys and the thickness of it all and all that stuff.”

Bear-focused places and events help “chasers” to meet the types of people that they are attracted to.

“They are areas where you feel more comfortable because it’s not about a perfect body,” Larenas says, “it’s a much more inviting community.”

While spaces where large men and those that enjoy dating larger men are important, Chiocchi says it is important to recognize the difference between dating plus-size men as a preference and fetishizing them.

“I have found a lot of guys who say they are into dating big men are actually feeders who want to fetishize them,” he says.

A “feeder” is someone who dates plus-size individuals and encourages them to get larger.

“If that’s your kink then go for it, I am not about shaming anyone,” he says, “but I’ve noticed too many plus-size men doing that because they feel like that is the only way that they can achieve love or compassion.”

Chiocchi says that comes from years of “being looked at like we’re the circus freaks and being knocked down.”

“Like, literally, do you, boo. It’s your life. You have nobody to answer to except for yourself,” he says. “If that makes you happy, that makes you happy, but make sure you’re doing it to be happy. Don’t be gaining weight because that’s what’s on trend or because you think that’s the only way to keep the guy in your life.”

FITTING IN

Just as with visibility and acceptance in the community, challenges exist for plus-size members of the queer community in fashion.

“There are not a lot of clothes we can wear,” DaVinci says. “As an entertainer, I have to have most of mine custom made.”

“Locally, there is literally one place to get nice clothing for bigger men and it costs an arm and a leg,” Halterman says. “I should not have to pay $75 for a nice T-shirt from a brand that makes them for $30 for a skinny person. I go when I absolutely have to but I can’t spend an entire paycheck there.”

Because of a lack of affordable clothing for those who wear larger sizes, Larenas started a T-shirt line.

“It’s called Cheeky Bear,” he says. “I started it with my best friend because I would go shopping and if I could even find shirts in my size, they would charge so much more for them compared to the smaller sizes.”

In some places, Larenas says he would see medium- and large-size shirts for $30 and the exact same shirt in 3XL and higher was $89.

“They were more than doubling the price for the same shirt,” he says.

Larenas says Cheeky Bear offers affordable T-shirts up to size 6XL for the same price as the medium size shirt.

“We just celebrated our one-year anniversary in October and it has been an incredible ride,” he says. “I didn’t realize until we started selling Cheeky Bear shirts that so many people felt the same

of self-acceptance like, how am I gonna hate my body? This is my body. I don’t have shame. I’m okay with the fact that I have a big chest, and a big belly, and a big ass and all that stuff. Thickness is good.”

“There was always this traditional look,” Halterman says. “You could say the media created it, or society, or societal prejudices, or what-have-you; but there’s a certain look and people who are bigger aren’t always it. I do feel like in the last 10 plus years you have seen more people of all sizes confident in who they are. It’s something very beautiful to witness.”

FINAL WORDS

way I did with fashion and not being seen in that space.”

BEING YOU FOR YOU

DaVinci, who came out 20 years ago, says at his heaviest he was 486 lbs. but that he has lost some weight and is still working on losing more.

“I’m always going to be a big guy,” he says. “I don’t think I would even look right if I was super thin and skinny but I’m working on me because I want to be healthier and I’m still in the process of getting healthier. Me losing the weight that I have, and the weight I’m still looking to lose, is for my health not because I want to obtain a certain look.”

“There are all kinds of body types,” Chiocchi says. “And all bodies are built different. You have people who are dealing with being overweight and they want to lose it, and there are people who are trying to gain weight, then you have people whose body weight will yo-yo back and forth. Whatever body type you have or want to have make sure you know who you are and what you are worth.”

Larenas adds that if you want to make changes to your body, make sure you are doing them for yourself and not someone else, and if you love how you look then celebrate that.

“I’m not ashamed of my body size,” Larenas says. “When I look in the mirror, I’m not like, ‘Oh, I wish I was something else.’ I had a point in my life where I did do that but I had this moment

“When I was in LGBTQ media, one of the things that really drove me was knowing that everyone has a unique story to tell and like that includes everyone,” Halterman says. “That doesn’t include just pretty people. That doesn’t include just smaller people, and I feel like if everyone is more willing to open up and hear stories, not only do we learn and we grow, we make new friends.”

“We are human beings,” Chiocchi says. “We are not a circus show, we are not to be fetishized, we are not to be displayed as your trophy. We are human beings that are lucky to have a little bit of extra weight during the colder days.”

“We’re all great people, we’re all amazing people. We’re not these big, scary large men,” Larenas says. “It’s so weird to me. Up until about a couple years ago, I never had any friends that were bigger boys. They were always just my regular-sized gay friends and then recently when I started to go to these events and when I started to be a little bit more prevalent within the community of bears and chubbies, I started to have all these chubby friends and it’s been beautiful. Having that camaraderie and having each other is an amazing thing and I feel like a lot of people are missing out on these great personalities, these great people.”

“It can harden the heart if someone is repeatedly telling you that you’re ugly, you’re fat,” DaVinci says. “All of that can hurt you but remember that you are loved. I live by the motto ‘live life, love life, have individuality.’ Be yourself and don’t try being someone else. There are people who do love us and do care about us, and even if someone tells you they don’t all you need to do is love yourself.”

FINDING HIS WAY: Mike Halterman found his place in the community through LGBTQ media and discovering spaces that helped him to shed a lot of his insecurities. PHOTO COURTESY MIKE HALTERMAN

The Big Three

Experts and readers reflect on LGBTQ love, sex and marriage

Watermark Staff

IN THE EARLY 2000S, WATERMARK dedicated three issues each year to matters impacting every member of our community –love, sex and marriage. While these three topics had long resonated with readers, they weren’t often examined at length through an LGBTQ lens. We wanted to change that. Our love issues tackled topics like finding love in the digital age and highlighted couples who already had, all while detailing resources to help others do the same.

After that, our sex issue solicited feedback from readers throughout Central Florida and

Tampa Bay. We surveyed you and presented the “titillating poll results” not long after, sharing your fantasies and frustrations from the bedroom and beyond. For marriage, we highlighted our community’s longtime fight for equality. Years before same-sex marriage became law

of the land, and certainly before Watermark’s annual Wedding Guide, early issues examined the Defense of Marriage Act and couples who’d left Florida to marry elsewhere.

There’s no shortage of ways love, sex and marriage continue to impact readers. In just the first month of 2023, state legislatures across the nation have introduced hundreds of measures attacking the LGBTQ community on those and other fronts – and it was only last December that President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, enshrining same-sex marital protections into federal law.

For those reasons and more, Watermark made the decision to reintroduce our annual love, sex and marriage coverage. Instead of an issue dedicated to each of these big three, however, we’re presenting a combination thereof.

In these pages, we introduce you to Steven Borrero, a mental health counselor for 26Health in Central Florida. He shares his perspective on dating after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also present the results of our anonymous, 13-question sex survey; more than 100 readers responded with their thoughts on the subject. Finally, we introduce you to Larry Biddle and David Warner, a Tampa Bay couple who celebrates three major anniversaries: their first date, their civil union and their marriage.

So without further “I Do,” we present the return of Watermark’s love, sex and marriage coverage. Let us know what you’d like to see in the future.

Finding Love

How to date in a post-COVID world

Jeremy Williams

DATING RIGHT NOW IS HARDER

than ever before. At least according to two-thirds of singles who were asked about dating in a post-COVID world by the Pew Research Center last year.

In the study, more than 60% said, in general, dating during the coronavirus outbreak is harder than before the coronavirus outbreak, with just over 30% saying it is about the same and only 3% saying it has gotten easier.

“COVID threw a monkey wrench into all aspects of our lives, including dating, and it has been a lot for everyone to adjust to,” says Steven Barraro, a licensed mental health counselor with 26Health in Orlando. “Prior to COVID people were using dating apps to find others but a lot of singles, especially LGBTQ singles, relied heavily on spaces like bars and clubs. The LGBTQ community in particular is a community of physical closeness, being able to be in a safe space with those who we identify with and feel more comfortable with, so when COVID hit and we weren’t able to do that, many of us were negatively impacted.”

With the fresh start of a new year, and after chatting with some singles and dating experts, we came up with a few tips to help you as you get back on the horse.

Embrace the virtual date.

Just like everything else in life at the time, dating moved completely online during the pandemic. And for many, that was the perfect place to get to know someone.

“We had to go 100% virtual at the start of the pandemic and

anxieties as you about getting back out there.

“Don’t feel like you have to rush into something you aren’t ready for,” Barraro says. “A lot of us have mental health concerns with anxiety and depression because of COVID. Be self-aware of those symptoms and reach out if you need help. There are lots of tools that can help you if you are having trouble reconnecting after the pandemic.”

Know their status.

What safe sex methods do you use?

some people found that that worked much better for them,” Barraro says. “COVID opened us up to different ways of courtship and new ideas in terms of meeting people.”

Whether pouring a glass of wine and chit chatting over Zoom or having an online watch party on Netflix, the virtual date let’s you get to hang out with a potential mate and see if you are compatible.

“Prior to the pandemic some people thought video chatting was weird, now you seem weird if you won’t video chat,” said Zach Schleien, founder of the virtual date app Filteroff.

The virtual date also offers a safer environment to get to know someone before meeting face-to-face, which is especially important with the amount of attacks there have been on the LGBTQ community.

“If you are meeting up with someone who you may not know very well, particularly if you are having casual encounters, let people know where you are,” Barraro says. “You don’t have to give them details if you don’t want to but make sure you are taking the steps to protect yourself.”

Take it slow.

You are not alone. Remember, everyone went through the same pandemic you did and they are most likely feeling the same

In the Pew Research study, a majority of participants said in deciding whether to go on a date with someone or not that it wouldn’t matter to them if the other person was vaccinated against COVID-19; however, a sizeable number — two-fifths to be exact — said they would only go on a date with someone who was vaccinated.

“COVID conversations can be an icebreaker. Typically, health issues are off-limits,” said Aimee Miller-Ott, an interpersonal communication expert and an associate professor at Illinois State University, in an interview with USA Today. “People aren’t asking on a first date about an (STD) test or if someone’s been screened for cancer, but they are talking about whether to wear a mask or what their thoughts on vaccinations are. That’s sort of become the new normal.”

It’s your dating life.

The most important thing to come out of the pandemic Barraro says, as far as dating is concerned, is people are realizing that the expectations of others don’t matter at all when it comes to your own happiness.

“You know what it is that makes you happy so don’t let the expectations of society, or that of your family or close friends decide for you,” Barraro says. “Only you know what kind of relationship will work for you. Some people are looking for a monogamous relationship and sometimes we are wanting an open relationship. Figure out what it is you want, be OK with what you want and understand that your opinion on your relationships is what matters.”

is sex in your life?

Average amount of sex per month

STEINMETZ HALL, DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS drphillipscenter.org | OrlandoBallet.org

never said anything like that in my entire life to anyone.”

“Or it was the Gin & Tonic,” Warner muses.

The two eventually began dating, a courtship that led to their civil union in 2003. The marriage equivalent took place in Vermont, which became the first U.S. state to recognize the ceremony three years prior.

The New York Times called Vermont’s civil unions “same-sex marriages in almost everything but the name” in 2000. On Aug. 24, 2003, the outlet celebrated the couple’s union in particular.

Sex Survey Results:

60% No

Then Came Marriage

Williams-Jent

LARRY BIDDLE’S PARENTS WERE

wed at 16, the beginning of a love story lasting over eight decades. He says it showed him how significant long-term relationships and marriage can be.

David Warner was always more skeptical about them. He says his father was a “serial marrier” who wed three additional times after he and his mother divorced.

“He was also married before my mother and that had been annulled,” Warner adds. “I didn’t get a real sense of there being a need or value to being married.”

Even with a marital model in place, Biddle says he “never thought until David that something like that would apply to me, or I to it.” In part, that’s because marriage equality didn’t become a reality for all until 2015, more than two decades after they met.

The Tampa Bay-based husbands celebrated their 30th “meet-a-versary” last year, having first connected during Memorial Day weekend in 1992. They lived in Philadelphia at the time, where Biddle served as development director for ActionAIDS, an

HIV/AIDS nonprofit for which Warner volunteered.

Biddle notes that while he certainly had his eye on his future husband, the two didn’t connect in that context. Instead, they wound up at the same bar where Warner was trying to pick up a bartender.

“I was leaning up against a wall trying to look seductive,” he laughs. Meanwhile, Biddle was upstairs at the small establishment, eventually making his way down for a final drink.

That’s when a gentleman hit on Biddle, a rather forward advance he politely declined.

“I finished my drink and didn’t talk any more to him, but I spun around to leave and there was David,” he remembers. “I walked over to him and said, ‘David Warner, I have always wanted to jump your bones.’

“It must have been that the guy next to me had sort of lit my fuse or something,” Biddle says. “I had

That’s because at the time, Biddle was working as the finance director for the 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean, Vermont’s former governor. He not only signed the nation’s first civil union legislation into law, he signed Biddle and Warner’s civil union certificate.

“We were very fortunate,” Warner says, both for the Times recognition and widespread support. The ceremony was attended by each of their families.

The couple says if their civil union was harmonious, their marriage was more haphazard. Now living in St. Petersburg, they decided to wed while en route to Warner’s native Massachusetts in 2012. It became the first state to recognize same-sex marriage in 2004.

“We knew we were going to go up to spend some time with friends in Provincetown,” Warner recalls. “We drove up with our dog and on the way thought, ‘everyone’s going to be there, we have a small group of friends, should we get married?’”

So they did. Biddle and Warner commemorate three major anniversaries these days – their first date, their civil union and their wedding –all of which have special meaning. Their marriage just became icing on a cake.

“It felt like we had legitimized our relationship,” Biddle says.

“When we had our civil union, all of Vermont’s forms allowed you to check ‘partner to a civil union’ as an option. I began to think about it and being able to say that he was my husband just felt good. Even to this day, I say it on purpose.”

“There was a sense of value in it, a sense of meaning,” Warner adds. “It made it feel more real, more official.”

“More permanent,” Biddle says with a smile.

40%Yes

Top 5 Euphemisms for Sex:

F**king, Sexy time, Hooking up, Banging, Making love

Style of relationship

Number of Sex Partners: Under 10 — 27%, 10-20 — 14%, 21-50 — 11%, 51-99 —9%, 100 or more —25%, Too many to count — 14%

Larry Biddle and David Warner on their happily ever after Ryan

LOVE STORIES: Larry Biddle (L) holds the New York Times article announcing his civil union with now-husband David Warner, holding their wedding photo. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

WEDDING

WEDDING BELLS

Nicholas Ellis and Joe Christianson from Pinellas Park, Florida

PHOTOGRAPHER: Nicole Horton Photography

Tiffany Razzano

ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN 2017, NICHOLAS

Ellis, who was living in Plant City at the time, thought it would be fun to play around on dating apps.

It wasn’t anything serious – just a laugh with friends during the holidays – but he was intrigued by one person he chatted with that night.

“I started messaging a random person who had no image, nothing, and it turns out, it was the love of my life,” he says.

That faceless person who captured his attention was Joe Christianson, his future husband.

“I wasn’t remotely interested in the idea of a relationship at the time,” Ellis recalls. “It turned into like hours and hours of chatting on the app.”

Eventually, he gave Christianson his phone number, telling him, “If you want to continue chatting, you can text. I’m done with this app.”

Christianson, who lived in St. Petersburg, was visiting his aunt and uncle in Winter Haven – not far from Plant City - the night they connected on the dating app.

Two days later, they met for lunch at Pincher’s in Wesley Chapel.

“From that lunch date, it was kind of like history,” Ellis says. “We were talking on the phone every day, turning into me going to St. Petersburg and staying at his place.”

A former St. Pete resident, it wasn’t long before he and his two children returned to Pinellas County to join Christianson, moving into a Treasure Island condo.

As an added bonus, he clicked with Ellis’ children who both have special needs. Christianson’s background, both in his native Minnesota and in Florida, involved working with special needs individuals.

On Dec. 13, 2020, Ellis surprised Christianson by popping the question surrounded by loved ones.

“I wanted the spirit of Christmas to be behind it because everybody is so joyous and happy,” he remembers.

Before dinner that night, the couple walked through North Straub Park and South Straub Park enjoying the city’s holiday lighting.

Ellis hired a pianist to perform in the park. As they strolled along the waterfront, they stopped to listen to the musician playing “All of Me” by John Legend.

When the song was over, the pianist called upon the couple, asking their names and other questions. As this was happening, Christianson didn’t notice that their friends and family walked up behind them to join the crowd carrying a sign that read, “Will you marry me, Joe?”

“He was in utter shock,” Ellis says. They didn’t start planning their wedding right away, partially because of COVID-19. They knew they wanted a large wedding – with about 220 people on their guest list – and didn’t want the pandemic to keep people away.

Once they started their wedding planning in January of 2022, the couple “had a lot of fun,” Ellis says. “We knew we didn’t want a typical wedding like normal people have.”

They hired Philadelphia-based singer Beth Sacks and local drag artist Alexis De La Mer to perform. They married on Oct. 8 at Nova 535. The couple has already moved on to their next adventure. In December, they closed on a new house – a horse farm in Pinellas Park.

Ellis is a longtime, self-described “horse person.” In fact, he even previously sold horses.

“I got out of it and had just been itching to get back into horses,” he notes. He’s also a social worker and plans to run an equine therapy center for those with special needs from the property.

Care and Support for an EPIC Generation

LGBTQ seniors are more likely to be isolated in and out of their LGBTQ communities and to these seniors through a variety of fun social activities, check-in phone calls and access to community resources through the Friendly Caller program and care for their sexual health and well-being.

Learn more about becoming a part of this EPIC Generation by calling (727) 328-3260.

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Lucas and Emmie Wehle were married Jan. 20. Chapter founder Steven Reigns was sainted by the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Jan. 22.

Tampa Pride announced their 2023 grand marshals Jan. 25. Honorees include Grand Marshal Chuck Henson, former Spectrum News 9 anchor; Grand Couple Michael Wilson and Chou Chou Guilder, Southern Nights Tampa managers and entertainer Esme Russell, Tampa Pride trailblazer. CAN Community Health CEO Dr. Rishi Patel is this year’s recognized community leader, while Southern Nights Tampa is this year’s recognized community business. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Eunic and Eve Epstein-Ortiz were married Jan. 29. Quench Lounge celebrates 10 years Feb. 4.

Florida Entertainer of the Year F.I. will be held Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Ybor, an official preliminary pageant to National Entertainer of the Year F.I. featuring a $5,000 grand prize and more. Guest judges and entertainers include current reigning National EOY Shontelle Sparkles and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Trinity the Tuck and Kylie Sonique Love. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

FatMarker Clothing celebrates six years Feb. 8.

The LGBTQ Resource Center will present ReadOUT, the organization’s LGBTQ literature festival Feb. 1719 at the Gulfport Public Library. Read more soon at WatermarkOnline.com and at ReadOUT.LGBTQGulfport.org.

2023 WAVES

Voting in the 2023 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence is underway. The final round goes until 5 p.m. on Feb. 10. The winners, along with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers, will be revealed in the March 2 edition of Watermark. Vote now at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa Pride President Carrie West, Enigma Show Director

Daphne Ferraro, Gulfport theater addict Rob McCabe (Feb. 3); Former TIGLFF executive director Margaret Murray, Tampa Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Scott Ryan, Financial service representative Sidney Gaddis (Feb. 4); Tampa Bay realtor Derrick Dwyer, Tampa Bay Clamstress Jackie Gill-Foil (Feb. 6); Real estate agent Eric Puzone (Feb. 7); St. Petersburg dance instructor Julia MeyerovichNeighbors (Feb. 8); Mixers at OKW owner Crystal Ellis (Feb. 9); Creative Tile Design of St. Petersburg owner Tom O’Keefe, St. Petersburg hair stylist Ric Castro, Metro Inclusive Health’s Jesse T. Rivera, Macy’s St. Petersburg’s HR manager Luis Fabian (Feb. 10); St. Petersburg attorney Bobby King, Tampa media specialist Bart Birdsall, Florida Council on Economic Education Executive Director Mike Bell, animal lover Marcus Porter (Feb. 11); Tampa photographer Mark Danner, Tampa Bay socialite Mark Warden (Feb. 12); USF Vegetarian Society President Mark Weber, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia Weiss (Feb. 13); Tampa Bay performer Jaeda Fuentes, Tampa Bay realtor Ryan Thompson (Feb. 14); Former Tampa Pride board member Mark Eary (Feb. 15).

1

ULTIMATE EVENING: (L-R): Winner Imani Valentino, 1st runner-up Te Monet and 2nd runner up Chris Stone enjoy the Tampa Pride spotlight for Ultimate Showdown 2023 Jan. 22. PHOTO BY BLACK ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY FROM TAMPA PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

2

REIGN ON: Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence President Sister Agatha Frisky (L) officially saints Founder Steven Reigns at SpookEasy Lounge Jan. 22.

PHOTO COURTESY SISTER AGATHA FRISKY

3

PLAYING POOLSIDE: DJ

Itty Bitty makes her solo debut at The Wet Spot Jan. 28. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

4 ON THE ROAD: Project Pride keeps Sarasota beautiful with a street cleaning day Jan. 28. PHOTO

FROM PROJECT PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

5

BANS OFF: (L-R) Pinellas County Young Democrats Blaine Lawson, Beth Kutcher and Johnny Boykins rally at the abortion rights visibility event in St. Pete Jan. 22.

PHOTO

FROM PCYD’S FACEBOOK

6

WALL POWER: Equality Florida staff and supporters including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (2nd from L) unveil the organization’s latest LGBTQ-focused mural in Tampa Jan. 26. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

7

PFLAG PROUD: (L-R) John Desmond, Trevor James and Noir Baez table for Bulls Nite Out at the University of South Florida Jan. 27. PHOTO FROM PFLAG TAMPA’S FACEBOOK

8

PUNK PRIDE: Amanduh Rose (L) and Momma Ashley Rose strike a pose at the Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market Jan. 22.

PHOTO FROM ROSE DYNASTY FOUNDATION’S FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Former Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith joined the advisory board of Prevent Gun Violence Florida, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization created by the League of Women Voters of Florida and the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus in the days following the 2016 Pulse shooting. “I am honored to join the advisory board of Prevent Gun Violence Florida to continue the critical, life-saving work of advocating for common-sense policies that keep our communities safe,” Smith said. “With the looming threat of ‘permitless carry,’ it’s never been more important to stop this dangerous proposal from becoming Florida law.” For more information on the organization, visit PreventGunViolenceFlorida.org.

2023 WAVES

Voting in the 2023 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence is underway. The final round goes until 5 p.m. on Feb. 10. The winners, along with the 2nd and 3rd place finishers, will be revealed in the March 2 edition of Watermark. Vote now at WatermarkOnline.com.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

From London’s West End to Las Vegas, ABBA MANIA is the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute and has been delighting audiences around the world for more than two decades. Now they are coming to The Plaza Live in Orlando Feb. 15 and we want to send you and a friend to see them. MANIA – THE ABBA TRIBUTE is a two-hour recreation of ABBA’s last concert in the 1980s featuring all your favorite ABBA hits including “Mamma Mia,” “Voulez Vous,” “Dancing Queen,” “Winner Takes It All,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “Super Trouper” and many more. All you have to do is go to WatermarkOnline.com/ ABBAMania and leave your name and email address and we will pick a winner at noon on Feb. 8.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

The Center Orlando board member Lee Kirkpatrick (Feb. 2); Central Florida community activist Brock

Cornelus (Feb. 3); Orlando doctor Rafael Pinero, former Watermark intern Edward Segarra (Feb. 4); former Orlando Ballet’s Artistic Director Robert Bell, Watermark contributor Holly Kapherr Alejos, Orlando Fringe board member Daniel Blumberg (Feb. 5); Central Florida fine art photographer Josh Garrick, Central Florida photographer James “Cannonball” Bennett, former Watermark designer Ezri Ruiz (Feb. 6); Orlando attorney Barbara Leach, Orlando fitness guru Tony Edge, Central Florida photographer Albert Harris-Rusell, Central Florida bartender Jan Echevarria (Feb. 7); Co-owner of Hamburger Mary’s Orlando Mike Rogier (Feb. 9); Watermark columnist Melody Maia Monet (Feb. 10); Former Watermark creative assistant Patrick O’Connor (Feb. 11); Renaissance Theatre owner Donald Rupe, J. Meyer’s Insurance co-owner Cathy Meyers-Keene (Feb. 13); Central Florida activist Steven Hogue, Orlando banking guru Diana Cox (Feb. 14); Gary Lambert Salon & Spa co-owner Shawn Hunt (Feb. 15).

1

STAGE WORK: Chris Moux (L) and Jeremy Seghers at Valencia College during rehearsal for “Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika.”

PHOTO BY SHAYNE WATSON

2

LEADING FLORIDA: Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani speaks to marchers on Church St. in Orlando Jan. 21 as she leads an abortion rights march through downtown.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

3

RAINBOW SEA LIFE: Jennifer Kunsch (L) and Rick Todd check out the rainbow plushies at SeaWorld in Orlando Jan.

29. PHOTO BY RICK TODD

4

DISNEY TREATS: Orlando VA’s Keri Griffin enjoys a refreshing beverage at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Jan. 30. PHOTO FROM KERI GRIFFIN’S FACEBOOK

5 AFTER DINNER

SELFIE: Andres Acosta (L) and Jeremy Williams catch up over dinner at Don Julio in Orlando Jan. 27.

6

REPRESENTING: Florida Rep. Rita Harris celebrates the opening of her District 44 office in Orlando Jan. 27. PHOTO FROM NELSON VALENTIN’S FACEBOOK

7

RALLY POINT: Eleanor McDonough (L) and Roxy Santiago attend an abortion rights rally at City Hall in Orlando Jan. 21.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

8

STILL REPRESENTING: Former Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith in Tallahassee Jan. 12 to testify in federal court as an expert witness to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attacks on higher education. PHOTO FROM CARLOE GUILLERMO SMITH’S FACEBOOK

PHOTO BY ANDRES ACOSTA

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA Love is Love Pride Fest 2023

SATURDAY, FEB. 4, 2 P.M. ARTISAN ALLEY & CAFÉ DAVINCI, DELAND

DeLand Pride returns with its annual Pride celebration: Love is Love Pride Fest. The event will feature a full day of live entertainment, youth activities, Drag Queen Story Time, music, vendors, food and more. For more information, visit DeLandPride.org.

Watermark’s Third Thursday

THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 6-8 P.M.

THE HAMMERED LAMB, ORLANDO

The Hammered Lamb hosts Watermark’s February networking social Third Thursday. This is a free 21 and up event that will feature light bites, first drink on the house and some fun raffle prizes. Proceeds go to benefit The Barber Fund. For more information and to RSVP to the event, go to Facebook.com/WatermarkFL.

TAMPA BAY Pasco Pride 2023

SATURDAY, FEB. 4, 12-6 P.M.

LAND O’LAKES HERITAGE PARK, LAND O’LAKES

The 2023 Pasco Pride Festival continues the organization’s ongoing mission to connect, build and strengthen the local LGBTQ community. Supporters, entertainers and vendors will gather from 12-6 p.m. to showcase Pasco County’s diversity and encourage fellowship among businesses, professionals, individuals and more. Learn more at PascoPrideFestival.com

Florida Entertainer of the Year Pageant

SUNDAY, FEB. 5, 7 P.M.

THE RITZ YBOR, TAMPA

The Florida Entertainer of the Year Pageant returns, a preliminary to National EOY, F.I. this July. The pageant will feature some of the region’s top drag performers and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorites. Guest judges and entertainers include “All Stars” season 6 winner Kylie Sonique Love, “All Stars” season 4 winner and 2014 EOY Trinity the Tuck, 2022 EOY winner Shontelle Sparkles and Tony Award-winning Producer Tom Kirdahy. Doors open at 6 p.m. Buy tickets and learn more at FloridaEOY.com.

EVENT PLANNER

COSP Valentine’s T-Dance, Feb. 5, The Garage on Centrla Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-235-9086; ComeOUTStPete.org

LGBTQ+ Veterans Coffee Connection, Feb. 9, EPIC Campus, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Open Mic Night, Feb. 9, Creative Grape, St. Petersburg. 727-803-6004; CreativeGrape.com

LIE TO ME

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

“Wicked,” Jan. 25-Feb. 12, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Viewing Party, Feb. 3 & 10, Savoy, Orlando. 407-898-6766; SavoyOrlando.com

“Carrie the Musical,” Feb. 3-5, Fringe ArtSpace, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

Love is Love Pride Fest 2023, Feb. 4, Artisan Alley, DeLand. DeLandPride.org

Remembering Ted Maines, Feb. 4, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

Michael Carbonaro, Feb. 4, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Drag Brunch – Soul Train, Feb. 5, Island Time, Orlando. 407-930-2640; IslandTimeOrlando.com

Bungalower Drag Bingo and Music Video Dance Party, Feb. 7 & 14, Tactical Brewing Co., Orlando. 407-203-3303; TacticalBeer.com

“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” Feb. 8-March 5, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

Orlando Ballet presents “Moulin Rouge,” Feb. 9-12, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org

In Our Eyes: Women’s, Nonbinary, and Transgender Perspectives from the Collection, Feb. 10, Rollins Museum of Art, Winter Park. 407-646-2526; Rollins. edu/RMA

Cupid’s Undie Run, Feb. 11, Elixir, Orlando. Cupids.org

Pick-A-Chick 2023, Feb. 11, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

Valentine’s at Amor, Feb. 11, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. AmorEvents-LLC.com

Corsets & Cuties: All about the L-O-V-E, Feb. 12, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

Mania: The ABBA Tribute, Feb. 15, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

“Sordid Lives,” Feb. 16-18, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

TAMPA BAY

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” Through Feb. 5, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

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

“Shiny & New” Grand Opening, Feb. 3, Werk Gallery & Object Lab, St. Petersburg. 727-289-8685; TheWerk.Gallery

Florida State Fair, Feb. 9-20, Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa. 813-621-7821; FloridaStateFair.com

StPeteOpera.org

Dine ‘N Drag, Feb. 10; 17, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com

LGBTQ+ Coffee Connection, Feb. 10, Sunshine Center, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

9th Annual St. Pete Fine Art Festival, Feb. 1112, South Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 941-487-8061; ParagonFestivals.com

Lumberjacks in Love Pub

Crawl, Feb. 14, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 727-329-9994; TampaBayBears.com

PFLAG Riverview Drag Bingo, Feb. 13, Salty Shamrock, Apollo Beach. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com

“An Evening of Love,” Feb. 14, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; Facebook.com/ AuthorImmaniLove

Elders Out on the Town, Feb. 14, 2nd and Second, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

“Shear Madness,” Feb. 15-April 8, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

SARASOTA

Give Back Night: ALSO Youth, Feb. 5, 99 Bottles, Sarasota. 941-951-2576; ALSOYouth.org

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

Michael Carbonaro brings his show “Lies on Stage” to The Plaza Live in Orlando Feb. 4. PHOTO BY STUART PETTICAN

Orthopedic Leaders.

We’ve got your back. And your elbows, wrists and knees too. Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute is the region’s most trusted provider for orthopedic conditions. From minimally invasive joint replacements, to carefully repairing severely broken bones, to spinal injuries or even simple sprains, our caring, orthopedic specialists can get you back on track. Giving you more reasons to choose well.

OrlandoHealth.com/Ortho