Watermark Issue 30.19: Waves, Warnings & Wonder

From the time the bills passed and became law, we were inundated with people asking us if they should come to Florida, should they cancel conferences, was it safe, and our response was, ‘We can’t answer that for you. What we can do is give a clear understanding of what the law is, the impact it’s having and let you think for yourselves.’

— NADINE SMITH, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF EQUALITY FLORIDA

The Pride Chamber launches ERG membership level.

LGBTQ+ leather bar MR D’z opens in Tampa.

Mark Segal recounts his voyage around the artic.

Singer/adult entertainer Colton Ford on his latest music.

As I sit here writing this it is Sept. 11. I remember that day in 2001 so vividly. I was working as an assistant to the producer of “The Lion King” on Broadway, as well as the travel coordinator. We had the show creators in the air that day because of an opening in Hamburg and auditions for the national tour being held in L.A. I was hungover, late for work and ill-prepared for the level of concern for employee safety I was about to encounter.

It wasn’t unusual for me to be late to work because I was out late drinking, but I wasn’t concerned. It was normal and no one really questioned it.

to cut me any slack and I was hauled into booking under the suspicion of a DUI.

PUBLISHER Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

R

started a tradition with this column in which I talk about being an alcoholic. On Oct. 1, 2023 I will celebrate eight years of sobriety. This is how I got here:

I didn’t drink until I was almost 21. I went to a cast party at the close of a show for the Mars Hill College theater department. There was a bowl of grape juice and some unknown combination of liquor at an off-campus apartment. Mars Hill College was a Southern Baptist institution in a dry county so it was definitely a risk getting wasted. Maybe that added to the thrill of it all.

I don’t remember the whole evening but it stands out to me that a group of students were watching “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I kept yelling, “Has the fat girl turned blue?” and that seemed to crack people up. I remember feeling like I was hilarious and the life of the

WATERMARK STAFF

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party. That began my love affair with alcohol.

For some reason after college, I became incredibly shy. I had a great group of friends but they were way more popular than I was. They loved to go out and dance and they knew everybody, or so it seemed. I was the opposite. Drinking seemed to fix me. It was like a best friend that built me up and gave me courage.

I drank a lot in my early 20’s but I don’t think it was of a concern until I moved to New York City. Everything in New York involved drinking. Didn’t know what to do that night? Go to the bar and talk about it. Before long that just became what we did at night.

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When I moved to Orlando I had hoped I would slow the drinking down somewhat, but the more active I got in the community the more I needed my best friend to help me be social.

OUGHLY SEVEN YEARS AGO IAlcoholism is a progressive. What starts out as a couple of beers turns into a couple of more, and then a couple of more. It sneaks up on you and you don’t realize. By the time someone questions how much you drink, you are already in the thick of it. For me, I was too entrenched in drinking to realize I had a real problem when I was asked if I was an alcoholic.

If I was in a bar, I was drinking whether it was a work event or not. When I got drunk, I didn’t stop. Responsibility meant nothing to me at that point. I would drink until I was done — aka passed out. If I was late for work I would take a box of bagels to make up for it. This happened so often that it was just normal.

I didn’t think anything of it until I was arrested. I was lucky that I never hurt anyone making my way home from a bar. I was also lucky that my headlights burned out resulting in my getting pulled over. The police officer was not in the mood

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That was the beginning of a better life for me. I often contemplate tracking down my arresting officer to thank him. I was given an opportunity to have all charges dropped by attending counseling and 12-step meetings. That’s when I started to open my eyes to the idea that I had a problem. The further I got away from drinking the more I realized how deep my drinking problem was. I didn’t always get into trouble when I drank, but every time I did get into trouble I was drinking. Writing this affords me the opportunity

If you feel like alcohol has a negative impact on your life, know that you can escape it.

to remember what my life was like, giving me a better chance of staying away from it. Thank you for indulging me in this journey.

Our lives seem to be engrained in drinking. “I really need a drink!” “Drink up. The more you drink the funnier I am.” “Wine makes all things possible.” As if drinking was the only way to have fun.

If you like to drink and you have it under control, then drink up! If you feel like alcohol has a negative impact on your life, know that you can escape it. It’s not easy. It’s like losing a best friend, but it is possible. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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CONTENTS

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watermark Your LGBTQ+ News Source. SEPTEMBER 14 - 27, 2023 // ISSUE 30.19 WATERMARKONLINE.COM 7

DESK PUBLISHER’S

BRANDON WOLF BECOMES HRC PRESS SECRETARY Ryan

Williams-Jent

ORLANDO | Equality Florida and Brandon Wolf, the organization’s former press secretary, announced Sept. 5 that the LGBTQ+ advocate and author will serve as such for the Human Rights Campaign.

“Four years ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave a career at Starbucks to join the Equality Florida family,” Wolf, who entered the national spotlight after surviving the Pulse nightclub tragedy in 2016, said in a statement. “I had no idea what to expect, and I didn’t know where the work would take me.

“I couldn’t have predicted the anti-LGBTQ fury we’d be faced with,” he continued. “What I do know is this: I joined a hard-working, dedicated staff surrounded by passionate volunteers who are unstoppable in the fight for our community.”

Wolf, who recently shared he’d be moving from Orlando to Washington, D.C., noted that the fight has led him “to our nation’s capital to become National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign.” He said that the news is “a testament to the power of Equality Florida” and its supporters.

Wolf made one of his final appearances for Equality Florida outside the Orange County Public Schools building in Orlando last month to launch the LGBTQ+ civil rights organization’s new Parenting With Pride program. The program was created in response to the many anti-LGBTQ+ laws that were passed in the state’s most recent legislative session as well as to debunk misinformation from groups such as Moms For Liberty. It brings together LGBTQ+ organizations and resources for Florida parents to utilize.

Equality Florida reflected on Wolf’s new role via social media.

“While we’ll miss Brandon on the Equality Florida team, we know he’s taking the experience and insights we’ve developed here in Florida to guide how our movement responds nationally to extremists who seek to strip away basic rights, censor our existence, and embolden those that seek to harm us,” they shared.

“We’re not losing a frontline warrior,” they concluded, “we are gaining an even deeper connection to a vital national resource! And we look forward to our continued work with Brandon and the entire HRC team!”

Wolf recently released his new memoir, “A Place For Us,” which tells his story of living as a Black, queer person in the U.S. before, during and after the Pulse tragedy. Over the years, he has been involved with many organizations, including March For Our Lives, Everytown, Giffords and The Dru Project. He was also the first survivor of the Pulse tragedy to testify in front of Congress.

For more information about each organization’s work, visit EQFL.org and HRC.org.

Expanding Options

The Pride Chamber launches ERG membership level

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | The Pride Chamber, Central Florida’s chamber of commerce advocating for LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals, launched Sept. 1 a new membership benefits category for corporate members of Employee Resource Groups. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion within the business community while empowering LGBTQ+ employees and allies to thrive in the workplace, the chamber stated in a press release. ERGs are employee-led groups — usually voluntary — that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with the company they work for. Through this new membership option, The Pride Chamber says employee groups of all sizes will be able to enhance their LGBTQ+ initiatives and strengthen their commitment to a more inclusive workplace environment.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ERG membership category as

an innovative solution to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces across Central Florida,” said Daniel Sohn, The Pride Chamber’s president and CEO, in the release. “In collaboration with our diverse and dedicated member base, we believe that this initiative will contribute significantly to fostering workplaces where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Among the key benefits of joining at The Pride Chamber’s new ERG membership level are:

-Access to Expert Resources: ERG members will gain exclusive access to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, best practices and toolkits designed to help companies establish and nurture LGBTQ+inclusive workplaces;

-Networking Opportunities: ERG members will have the chance to connect with a diverse community of LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and thought leaders through events, seminars, and networking sessions;

-Visibility and Recognition: Companies participating in the

ERG membership category will receive recognition as champions of LGBTQ+ inclusion, both within the Central Florida business community and beyond;

-Advocacy and Support:

ERG members will be part of a collective voice advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, both in the workplace and society at large.

The Pride Chamber initially announced the new program during an event celebrating NASCAR’s Drive For Diversity program at the Daytona International Speedway Aug. 26 for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. While there, participants were given a VIP tour of the track and were given a firsthand look at the progress NASCAR has made to be a more welcoming and inclusive sport.

Will Rodgers, one of the few openly queer drivers in American motorsports, spent time with members and was the one to announce the launch of The Pride Chamber’s new ERG membership program.

The Pride Chamber, which Watermark Publishing Group is a member, also announced a night “OUT on O-Town,” the chamber’s 2023 Pride in Business Awards & Gala, which will be held at the Hard Rock Café in Orlando Nov. 4.

Companies who want more information can visit ThePrideChamber.org/Membership.

Additional reporting by J.D. Casto.

CHAMBER PRIDE: Openly gay NASCAR driver Will Rodgers (L) and The Pride Chamber President/CEO Daniel Sohn during NASCAR’s Drive For Diversity event in Daytona. PHOTO BY J.D. CASTO

GROUPS GO ‘UNDHERGROUND’ TO CREATE LGBTQ+ SAFE SPACES

Jessica Meder

LARGO, FLA. | Project No Labels and the Tampa Bay Lesbians will present one final UndHERground at The Lady’s Room Sept. 21 from 8-11 p.m. before presenting pop-up gatherings throughout Tampa Bay.

All are welcome to attend the open mic night and singles mixer, hosted by LGBTQ+ entertainers and advocates Mr. Vyn Suazion and Sam Obeid. It will also feature music from DJ Danita Off the Meter from 8-11 p.m.

The Lady’s Room is currently one of only 24 lesbian bars in the nation and has hosted several UndHERground events. The partnership has aimed to bring more awareness to the business and the services that it provides to the local LGBTQ+ community.

Men’s Emporium

LGBTQ+ leather bar MR D’z opens Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | MR D’z Men’s Emporium held its official grand opening Sept. 1-2, becoming Tampa Bay’s only LGBTQ+ bar with a primary focus on the leather community.

The establishment is the latest venture for life and business partners Delon Cunningham and Michael Rivera. The couple purchased City Side Lounge in late 2020, which has served the LGBTQ+ community in Tampa for more than three decades.

MR D’z — named for Rivera’s initials, MR, and D, as Cunningham is also known — is billed as “an alternative leather-vibe bar.” The venue initially opened its doors in mid-August.

“After buying City Side we decided to venture out and open up this space with a different vibe because we thought there was something missing in Tampa Bay,” Rivera says. “We wanted to change things up.”

Cunningham says it was particularly pressing after the permanent closure of Cristoph’s in early 2022. The LGBTQ+ bar featured regular events catering

to the leather community and had partnerships with organizations like Bear Soup and the Tampa Bay Bears.

“We opened our doors to these groups at City Side when Cristoph’s closed,” he recalls. “There was no one else to take them in and we said, ‘here’s your home.’”

“When we bought City Side it was to continue to create that safe space and to provide a space for the community to have a platform if they needed it for their groups,” Rivera also notes. “We just wanted to let the community know that there was somewhere they could go.”

Those relationships have only grown in the time since.

Cunningham says MR D’z is an expansion that will give groups additional freedom and another option to come together.

“City Side is more of a neighborhood bar,” he explains. “It’s been there for 31 years and we have a specific clientele. There are people in the Bear or leather communities that don’t want to interrupt that vibe and we wanted them to have their own space.”

That concept and space — an 1,800-square-foot, nonsmoking interior with two outdoor,

fenced-in patios — have been well received thus far. The MR D’z grand opening welcomed 163 people on Sept. 1 and 147 on Sept. 2.

“Everybody had compliments, we didn’t hear anything negative,” Cunningham says.

“Obviously we still have things that we’re working on, we didn’t get to do everything we wanted, but over time we will,” Rivera adds. “It’s a work in progress.”

Forthcoming renovations include a bar window and door to connect the venue’s larger outdoor patio to its interior.

MR D’z currently employs five bartenders and General Manager Todd Kruckenberg-Moore. Its owners call the team “really solid” while noting that their GM was “the driving force” behind the new bar.

“His handstamp is on every single part of it,” Cunninham says.

MR D’z is currently open Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m.2 a.m. and Friday-Sunday 2 p.m.-3 a.m. Entertainment and special events are expected to vary and evolve.

“We just want everyone to feel welcome,” Rivera says. “We genuinely care about our patrons, so just come and have fun with us.”

MR D’z Men’s Emporium is located at 1510 N. Nebraska Ave. in Tampa. For more information, search the bar’s name on Facebook.

Volunteers like Tina Sapia and River Bates worked in collaboration with The Lady’s Room to organize the events. They have encouraged attendees to participate, support and enjoy performances from local talent and more.

Claire Elisan, PNL founder and CEO, brought the organization back to Tampa Bay “based on the demand from the community, 100%.” She wants to provide a sense of community based on feedback from those the organization supports while hosting additional events throughout the greater area.

UndHERground focuses on providing a safe space for women and other members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet other people in real life rather than through a screen. Organizers have helped create this safe space by providing security at events and more.

“We want women to be able to step out of reality TV and into reality,” Elisan says.

The Sept. 21 event, as well as others presented in conjunction with PNL, proudly works to unite “the LGBTQ+ community with our straight allies through positive activities and events while promoting mental wellness and having fun!” It has an optional $5 or more donation that supports PNL’s “Dear Self, You Are Worth It” initiative.

The mental health program was launched in 2020 to make mental wellness attainable for all. Elisan says funds raised in the years since have allowed the organization to provide 6,000 LGBTQ+-affirming therapy sessions at no cost, as well as affordable and sliding-scale therapy services for Florida residents via in-person and virtual visits.

PNL the Tampa Bay Lesbians currently plan to host UndHERground events throughout Tampa Bay and are seeking partners to do so. Interested and inclusive venues who are open to hosting events in Tampa, Lakeland and Pasco County can contact Elisan at 813-438-3537 or ProjectNoLabels@gmail.com.

UndHERground is scheduled for Sept. 21 from 8-11 p.m. at The Lady’s Room, located at 9057 Ulmerton Rd. in Largo. For more information about PNL and their events, visit ProjectNoLabels.org.

READY TO SERVE: The staff and owners of MR D’z Men’s Emporium ahead of their grand opening. PHOTO COURTESY MR D’Z.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

 Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved.

No matter where life takes you,

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

GOP TARGETS MOUNT DORA’S ‘SAFE PLACES’ Wire Report

MOUNT DORA, FLA. | Some Florida lawmakers said they were considering “all legislative, legal and executive options available” to stop business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows indicating that they are a “safe place” for LGBTQ+ people who feel threatened.

Four Republican lawmakers wrote a letter to officials in Mount Dora warning that the new, optional city-sponsored program could put the community “in the crosshairs of potentially detrimental and absolutely unnecessary economic harm.”

Mount Dora’s city council approved the Safe Place Initiative last month. The city of 17,000 residents is known for its antique shops and weekend festivals.

The council’s decision to approve the program has coincided with an uptick in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, including vandalism at two LGBTQ+ centers in Orlando.

DESANTIS APPOINTS MOMS FOR LIBERTY CO-FOUNDER TO STATE COMMISSION ON ETHICS

Wire Report

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. |

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, an anti-LGBTQ+ “parental rights” group that has sought to take over school boards in multiple states, to the Florida Commission on Ethics Sept. 6.

Tina Descovich was named to the nine-member, Tallahassee-based commission, which investigates alleged breaches of public trust by elected and appointed officials, as well as state employees.

Descovich was previously elected to the School Board of Brevard County in 2016 and served as president of the Florida Coalition of School Board Members.

Moms for Liberty started with Descovich and two other Florida women fighting COVID-19 restrictions in 2021. It has quickly ascended as a national player in Republican politics, helped along the way by the group’s political training and close relationships with high-profile GOP groups and lawmakers.

The group’s support for school choice and the “fundamental rights of parents” to direct their children’s education has also drawn allies such as the conservative Heritage Foundation.

DeSantis spoke at Moms for Liberty events in Tampa last year and in Philadelphia earlier this year. The Republican governor also discussed his presidential campaign on the group’s podcast in July.

Moms for Liberty has been labeled an “extremist” organization

by the Southern Poverty Law Center for allegedly harassing community members, advancing anti-LGBTQ+ misinformation and fighting to scrub diverse and inclusive material from lesson plans.

Along with Descovich, DeSantis also appointed South Florida attorney Luis Fuste to the commission. Both will need to be approved by the Florida Senate.

Former commission chair Glen Gilzean resigned from the unpaid position last month after a legal opinion said he was unable to simultaneously serve on the commission and work for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The special taxing district for the land of Walt Disney World Resort was created earlier this year as part of an ongoing feud between Disney and DeSantis.

MISSISSIPPI ELECTS 1ST OPENLY GAY LAWMAKER

Wire Report

JACKSON, MISS. | Mississippi will have its first-ever openly gay state legislator after a House candidate won his Democratic primary election runoff Aug. 29.

Fabian Nelson prevailed over Roshunda Harris-Allen. The race to represent the House district in the south Jackson metro area was decided in a runoff after neither received a majority vote in the Aug. 8 primary.

Nelson’s victory comes on the heels of a historic wave of restrictions passed by Republican-controlled legislatures targeting the rights of transgender people. LGBTQ+ advocates say they’ve seen a record number of measures aimed at their community in 2023. In February, Mississippi enacted a ban on gender-affirming hormones or

surgery for anyone in the state younger than 18.

Republicans did not field a candidate for the general election, so Nelson will go on to represent the district. He will be sworn in before the next legislative session in January. His win marks the fulfillment of a goal he’s had since visiting the Capitol on an elementary school field trip and telling his teacher he’d sit on the House floor one day.

“I still think I’m in a dream. I’m still trying to process it and take it in,” Nelson said Aug. 30. “It’s still shocking to me, I have to be honest.”

Nelson was endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ rights organization. “It sends a real message in a time when we are seeing attacks legislatively and through violence against the LGBTQ+ community that the majority of people reject that kind

of animus,” Rob Hill, state director of HRC’s Mississippi chapter, said.

The Hinds County district includes Southwest Jackson and part of Byram, Salem and Terry. Nelson said he connected with voters by relying on his deep local ties. In office, he wants to increase health care access for low-income people by pushing for Medicaid expansion.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s great being first, but ultimately what won this campaign is the fact that I’m in touch with my community and the issues my community is facing,” Nelson said. He also wants to be a voice against policies that harm marginalized communities.

“At the end of the day, I put my suit on the same way every other person who walks in that statehouse does,” Nelson said. “I’m going to walk in there, and I’m going to be a sound voice as to why things like this can’t continue to go on in the state of Mississippi.”

CANADA ISSUES US TRAVEL ADVISORY WARNING

Wire Report

TORONTO | Canada updated its travel advisory to the U.S. in late August, warning members of the LGBTQ+ community that some American states have enacted laws that may affect them.

The country’s Global Affairs department did not specify which states but is advising travelers to check the local laws for their destination before traveling.

“Since the beginning of 2023, certain states in the U.S. have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting the transgender community from access to gender-affirming care and from participation in sporting events,” Global Affairs spokesman Jérémie Bérubé said Aug. 31.

“Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada,” the statement added.

It further noted that “as a result, Canadians could face certain

barriers and risks when they travel outside Canada.”

Bérubé said no Canadians in the U.S. have complained to Global Affairs of how they were treated or kept from expressing their opinions about LGBTQ+ issues.

The Human Rights Campaign in June declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. The NAACP in May issued a travel advisory for Florida warning potential tourists about recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this year signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender identity.

Similar laws have been enacted in states such as Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Asked about the travel advisory change, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said travel advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada are based on advice from professionals in the department whose job it is to monitor for particular dangers.

“Every Canadian government needs to put at the center of everything we do the interests — and the safety — of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians,” Freeland said.

She did not say whether her government had discussed the matter with its U.S. counterpart.

“It sounds like virtue-signaling by Global Affairs,” said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. “In no U.S. state, to my knowledge, has any government charged or discriminated against an LGBTQ+ traveler because of their sexual identity or orientation. This all strains the credibility of the department.”

Helen Kennedy, the executive director of Egale Canada, an LGBTQ+ rights group in Toronto, commended the Canadian government for putting out the advisory.

“There are 500 anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation making their way through various state legislatures at the moment,” Kennedy said. “It’s not a good image on the U.S.”

JUDGE RULES FOR TENNESSEE PRIDE

A federal judge ruled Sept. 1 that law enforcement officials couldn’t use a Tennessee law that limits drag shows to interfere with a Pride festival, favoring organizers who sued after a district attorney warned he would enforce the statute. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer granted a temporary restraining order that prevented officials from interfering with the Blount County Pride festival. Earlier this year, a federal judge the anti-drag law was “unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad” encouraging “discriminatory enforcement.” In the new ruling, the judge wrote it was “well-written, scrupulously researched and highly persuasive.” Blount Pride 2023 “was a success,” the organization shared Sept. 3.

TEXAS OKS AFFIRMING CARE BAN

The Texas Supreme Court allowed a state law banning gender-affirming care for minors to take effect Sept. 1, making Texas the most populous state with such restrictions on transgender children. Legal advocates including the American Civil Liberties Union called the law and the high court’s decision Aug. 31 “cruel.” In a joint statement, they shared that “transgender youth and their families are forced to confront the start of the school year fearful of what awaits them. But let us be clear: The fight is far from over.” Over 20 states have adopted laws to ban some gender-affirming care for minors, although some are not yet in effect or have been put on hold by courts.

LGBTQ+ ACTIVISTS MARCH IN SERBIA

Hundreds of Pride activists gathered in the Serbian capital Sept. 9 amid a heavy police presence and anti-LGBTQ+ messages sent by the country’s conservative leadership. The participants of the march held banners reading “Marriage” and “Queer Liberation not Rainbow Capitalism.” Before the 11th consecutive Pride event held in Serbia, the country’s President Aleksandar Vucic said that as long he is in power, he wouldn’t approve a law allowing same-sex marriages or partnerships. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, a close Vucic ally, is the Balkan country’s first openly gay politician. She has, however, rarely spoken in favor of LGBTQ+ rights in Serbia.

GAY COUPLE COVERS HUNGARY MAG

The September issue of Elle Hungary features a samesex married couple with their infant child on the cover. The photograph of Hungarian restaurateur Hubert Hlatky Schlichter and his neurosurgeon husband Laszlo Szegedi kissing their daughter is in open defiance of the anti-LGBTQ+ government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has proclaimed that he is a “defender of traditional family Catholic values.” Orbán has been criticized by international human rights groups as anti-LGBTQ+. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, caring and supportive environment, and no one can prevent that because of their parents’ gender identity or sexual orientation,” Elle Hungary said.

TERRANCE TALKS

reflect, it made perfect sense to me — moving slowly allows us to take more detailed notes of the world around us so we can move with intention. It ensures we don’t miss important happenings and make careless mistakes.

Thoughtfully. My parents are children of the late ‘40s/ early ‘50s, growing up in a post-World War II America on the precipice of the Civil Rights Movement meant that they navigated the world in a very different way than I had to, but they shared their stories with me so I knew all of the unseen and unspoken things that were at play. This reminded me there is always more happening beneath the surface than we can acknowledge in any given moment.

when I needed to be very cautious. I am most proud of my intentional choice to center my public persona on intersectionality. I am bigger than any box or static label that could be assigned to me and waving my “this is who I am flag” as a deliberate choice has allowed me

SLOWLY. THOUGHTFULLY. Deliberately. Cautiously. That is the answer my father gave when I called him recently. “It’s been damn near 78 years. How have you made it as a Black man in America that long?” I asked.

His response was measured and even-tempered, as he always is. Interestingly, there was no need for him to elaborate.

I don’t know what I expected to hear him say, but I was taken aback by his response. My dad has seen and participated in his fair share of history. He was born in a small town in Florida, the oldest of 11, and spent his formative years as a migrant farm worker. He tells stories of living in a simpler time (he once told me about him building a radio from things lying around the house — a technical skill which skipped right over me!) and it was also much more dangerous.

I called him after the most recent racially targeted shooting in Jacksonville. This one again hit close to home because it wasn’t just something I saw on TV — it was a place I went to when I lived there. A place my friends who still live there might have been.

I was angry and sad and feeling a host of other emotions, so I called my dad.

Slowly. I was surprised this was his first word, especially since this is counter to the “bigger and faster” culture we’re living in. As I took the time to

Deliberately. We aren’t afforded the opportunity to make mistakes, be careless or reckless. Every word, thought, action and choice should be carefully considered and not made hastily. What he was saying to me with this statement was, “son, move with clear purpose and intent.”

Cautiously. Defined as deliberately proceeding in a manner that avoids potential problems or dangers, what he was saying is, “son, be aware and be careful.”

My conversation with my dad may have centered on being a Black man in America, but this conversation transcends race. This same advice can be applied to so many other groups of people who are being marginalized, attacked, used in games of political volleyball and more.

And in that moment, I realized that I had also been living my life in this same way. For the past two years I have been the 30-something, Black, gay, leader of a very prominent performing arts organization. As I reflect, I recall moments where I moved slowly, moments that I had to navigate thoughtfully and times

resonate with you as much as they did with me.

In the future, I look forward to moving a little more quickly and a little less cautiously, but in the same thoughtful and deliberate manner that has served my dad so well. I encourage you all to do the same.

has worked with a variety of nonprofits, from the Orange County Regional History Center to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville to the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida. He serves on multiple boards including Hope CommUnity Center, Central Florida Vocal Arts, Central Florida Chapter

to connect with so many more people.

My dad is legally blind and won’t have the joy of reading these words personally, but I hope the lessons he shared with me

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

of Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities and the Florida Association of Museums.

I am most proud of my intentional choice to center my public persona on intersectionality. I am bigger than any box or static label that could be assigned to me and waving my ‘this is who I am flag’ as a deliberate choice has allowed me to connect with so many more people.

... with his dad

Terrance Hunter

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.

POSITIVE LIVING

THESE DAYS IN THE dystopian nightmare we call Florida, it seems like many of us queer folks are pulling up our stakes and heading for (bluer) pastures. My heart has broken as beautiful LGBTQ+ families disappear from the Florida landscape.

I remember doing a story for this publication a couple of years ago where I met a lovely family of two women and their two children who lived in Sarasota. One woman carried both boys to term and was their biological mother, while the father was a friend who was a part of the boys’ lives as an “uncle.”

The first boy was born in Maryland and the partner had had no problem adopting him as a second parent. The partner even legally changed her last name so everyone in the family shared it. But when his brother was born here in Florida, the state made it extremely difficult for the second parent adoption because the couple was gay — at the time, Florida didn’t allow same-sex parent adoption.

The two had already spent over $10,000 and were afraid they would need to leave lucrative careers to move to a state where they could all legally be recognized as a family. While Florida’s adoption rules have since improved, it seems to me that the Republican party of so called “family values” does everything in their power to break our families apart.

If I had a trans child, for example, there is no way I would subject them to the fascist hate we have masquerading as a state government. I get it. I’m scared too. With the nonsense coming out of Tallahassee I’m just waiting for an overly zealous MAGAite to suggest we put all gay and trans people

in separate “ghettos,” that way we can’t corrupt their precious little spoiled monster children and we’d be “happier with our own kind.”

Impossible? No, that’s exactly what the Nazi party did to Jewish people, and homosexuals, in 1933 Germany. You are dangerously fooling yourself if you think it can’t happen here.

Then we have in our tourist-driven state respected organizations like the NAACP and Equality Florida outright telling LGBTQ+ visitors they can’t guarantee their safety. Who has money to burn? LGBTQ+ visitors. And without them, Florida — especially in gay friendly cities like St. Pete, Tampa, Orlando and Gulfport — tourist dollars start to drop.

I understand these warnings, too. I’d be embarrassed and a bit frightened to recommend a visit to such a hostile territory.

Florida will learn that there are plenty of other places in the U.S. more than willing to roll out the rainbow carpet. LGBTQ+ visitors with money who have their choice of travel destinations will simply bypass the fascist mess here and chose more inviting places to spend their dollars.

It seems like a real page from the Ron DeSantis playbook. Make it so uncomfortable and so uninviting to queers that we all just leave, letting them “deal with the gay issue” once and for all.

One problem, though. I’m here. I’m queer and I ain’t goin’ anywhere.

I just recently celebrated my 40th anniversary as a Floridian. I’ve poured my heart and soul and the majority of my adult life into this state. I’ve been here through hurricanes and droughts. I’ve been here through heatwaves and freezes, real estate bubbles and the messy goo left over when they pop. I worked

to help bring baseball to St. Petersburg and a few years later I had the immense of honor of helping to found St Pete Pride.

With my wonderful queer compatriots, we drug St. Pete out of the doldrums of a sleepy little retirement community and transformed

Let’s turn this around and make them uncomfortable. Speak out loudly and often wherever you think it might make a difference. Show up at school board meetings. There will be protests and demonstrations. Show up and support these endeavors. Call or email

Make it effective but keep it peaceful, dear friends.

I’m committed to resistance. Fellow queer Floridians, with this column I am issuing a call for you to join me. Let “We’re here. We’re queer. And we ain’t goin anywhere” be our mantra. It would

the city into a vibrant, cool, chic gay mecca. To say I’m “invested” in being a Floridian is probably an understatement.

This is my home. I’ll be damned if I let some deranged fascist lunatics chase me away. I’m staying and in case you haven’t noticed, I’m boosting up the social activism.

state representatives every time some new horrific law denying rights to queers is passed. Get others to do the same.

While I encourage you to be bold and outspoken in your civil disobedience, a word of caution. Violence is never justified and gets us nowhere. If we resort to violence, we are worse than the people we are fighting.

make a great chant at a demonstration. Together we will survive these dark times.

Greg Stemm is a longtime resident of Pinellas County and a founder of St Pete Pride. He is an outspoken activist on many issues, including HIV/ AIDS education.

Florida will learn that there are plenty of other places in the U.S. more than willing to roll out the rainbow carpet.

I Ain’t Going Anywhere

Greg Stemm

Visibili-T

ELLIOTT DARROW

Ryan Williams-Jent

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 St. Petersburg native Elliott Darrow, a longtime environmental and animal welfare advocate who enjoys challenging himself with LEGO. He currently works as a veterinary technician, a role he loves even if “people have no idea how much veterinary technicians do.”

“From phlebotomy, radiology, dermatology, microbiology, ultrasound, dental hygienists and so much more, we help aid doctors in taking care of animals from nose to tail,” he explains.

“I’m passionate about wildlife and conservation and just like human medicine, animal medicine is constantly evolving and growing.

You never stop learning in this field.”

Darrow currently works at a facility specializing in care for cats and dogs but hopes to extend his efforts to exotic animals again. His background includes work as an educator at The Florida Aquarium and he also spent time in Costa Rica at a rehabilitation and release rescue center.

The facility primarily treated Howler monkeys, but also worked with species like Capuchin monkeys, Lovebirds, Macaws and more. “I miss working in the jungle,” Darrow says.

Animals aren’t the only thing Darrow has invested in over the years. For St Pete Pride 2019, he designed a commemorative T-shirt provided to registrants of the annual TransPride March; the design depicted the word “trans” in the shape of a heart in the colors of the transgender Pride flag.

He was also a proud participant in the inaugural class of Equality Florida’s TransAction Leadership Academy. The program was designed to train and develop the next generation of transgender or gender nonbinary leaders in LGBTQ+ advocacy.

“I’m always a call away to speak at schools, hospitals, teach-ins and luncheons,” Darrow says of the experience. “I educate

groups and employees on a variety of LGBTQ+ topics. I like to use my voice most to emphasize the need for transgender safe spaces, language and care.”

It’s part of what led him to participate in Visibili-T. He says the feature “gives a peek into the reality that transgender people all have different interests, passions and goals.”

“We don’t all look a certain way or transition in the same way,” Darrow explains. “One common misconception or question I get asked is, ‘when are you done transitioning?’ and there is no ‘done.’ Transgender people don’t have to be on or want Hormone Replacement Therapy or have surgery to identify as one thing or another.”

Darrow notes that while his own journey has included HRT, it hasn’t in more than two years. He cites his understanding that routine care is required and the anti-transgender legislation targeting Floridians like him.

“With recent laws put in place it’s not only hard to find someone to give you care, but to find doctors who are appropriately trained to provide safe and good care,” he says. “I have found it difficult to find a doctor who is both affordable and listens to my concerns.

“Most doctors are not trained in school about how to talk to

or treat transgender patients,” he continues. “Often times it is part of optional training, and those who opt in for it are queer themselves or have someone close to them who identify as LGBTQ+ … Big shout out to all the LGBTQ+ professionals in the world who have had to kick down walls and barriers to get to where they are.”

That drive is one of Darrow’s favorite things about Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community.

“We are determined to be heard and be seen,” he says. “I hope one day it’s enough to help others see us and see our needs — and I hope that it inspires people to vote for policies that protect and aid all members of our community, including transgender and queer identifying individuals.”

When looking to the future, Darrow’s main hope is happiness.

“I preach that the opposite of love is not hate, it’s fear,” he says. “People are afraid of the unknown and to some, the unknown is LGBTQ+ people … I just want to exist and be genuinely and openly happy.”

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.

25, He/Him/His

THE R-RATED, LGBTQ+-CENTRIC COMEDY “BOTTOMS” EXPANDED FROM ITS LIMITED RELEASE ON AUG. 25 TO FIND A NATIONAL AUDIENCE Sept. 1, breaking into the Top 10 films for the holiday weekend. According to Deadline, the film earned at least $3.6 million for the four-day Labor Day holiday on 715 screens in North America, which “means the film will continue to expand.” The story focuses on two unpopular friends, queer women named PJ (Rachel Sennot) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri), who are eager to lose their virginity to cheerleaders. They form an all-female self-defense class for that purpose “and soon the most popular girls in school are beating each other up.” The two quickly “find themselves in over their heads and in need of a way out before their plan is exposed.” According to industry experts, the MGM-released “Bottoms” had the highest per-theater average since the pandemic began.

CARLOS SANTANA MAKES ANTI-TRANS REMARKS

AVIDEO OF 76-YEAR-OLD

ROCKER CARLOS SANTANA

MAKING TRANSPHOBIC COMMENTS during a July concert resurfaced last month. “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he told 5,000 concertgoers. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it.” He subsequently apologized in a social media post Aug. 24, writing “I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended,” but deleted the post Aug. 25.

GAY PLAYER CARL NASSIB RETIRES FROM NFL

CARL NASSIB, THE NFL’S FIRST OPENLY GAY PLAYER TO PLAY IN A REGULAR-SEASON GAME, announced his retirement on Aug. 6. Nassib came out in 2021 while with the Las Vegas Raiders but spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “This is a bittersweet moment for me but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze,” Nassib wrote on Instagram. “Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had.” The 30 year old also added that “I really feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.”

JASON MRAZ EVOLVES MUSIC AND MORE

GRAMMY WINNER JAZON

MRAZ, WHO CAME OUT AS BISEXUAL IN 2018, WILL RELEASE A DELUXE VERSION OF HIS HIT EP “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things” Sept. 22, celebrating its 15th anniversary with 14 bonus songs. It follows the release of “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride” in June, a pop departure from his earlier work that matches his evolving identity. “I realize I’m not final. And the more we grow and spread our wings, I think the more queer all of us may become,” he told the Associated Press Aug. 25. “Because when we don’t limit ourselves to some construct … we could find ourselves falling in love, or becoming attracted to all walks of human life.”

ALMOST 11% MAY DO SO IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

–The Williams Institute’s “Perspectives of Florida Parents” Report, Aug. 2023

In this increasingly hostile political climate, we are grateful to HBO for their dedication to telling LGBTQ+ stories … We are thrilled to expand our drag family and give much-needed love to the people on the front lines of hate.

– “WE’RE HERE” PRODUCERS ON SEPT. 6, ANNOUNCING LATRICE ROYALE’S ADDITION TO SEASON 4

‘BOTTOMS’ FINDS ITS NATIONAL AUDIENCE

40% OF FLORIDA PARENTS WOULD LIKE TO MOVE OUT OF FLORIDA, 20% VERY MUCH SO AND

19% SOMEWHAT, BECAUSE OF THE “DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS” LAW.

Travel is the Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer

WHAT TO KNOW

Map it Out: Knowing what terminal your airline will be flying from will make everything so much easier. Below is a list of Terminals with Airlines.

Terminal A: Air Transat, Avelo Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Breeze, Copa Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Terminal B: Aeromexico, Air Canada, (Air Canada) Rouge, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Bahamasair, Breeze, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Airlines, Silver Airways, Spirit Airlines (Domestic Flights), Sun Country Airlines, Swoop, United Airlines, Volaris, WestJet

Terminal C: Aer Lingus, Azul, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Emirates, Eurowings Discover, GOL, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lynx Air, Norse, Red Way, Sunwing Airlines

WHERE TO EAT

Finding a quick bite before your flight can be an important part of a stress-free travel day. Below is a partial list of restaurants sorted by gates.

Gates 1-29

• Airlines: Frontier, Silver, Spirit

• Lounge: The Club MCO

• Table service dining: On The Border

• Other dining options: Urban Crave, Le Grand Comptoir, La Madeleine, Burger King, and more

Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.

The whole navigating the airport part….well that is less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to food choices.

Gates 30-59

• Airlines: American, Breeze, United

• Lounges: American Admiral’s Club, United Club

• Table service dining: Ruby Tuesday

• Other dining options: Camden Food Co., Nature’s Table, Qdoba, Wendy’s, and more

Gates 70-99

• Airlines: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Transat, Avianca, Bahamasair, Copa, Delta, LATAM, Sun Country, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris, WestJet

• Lounges: Delta Sky Club, Club at MCO

• Table service dining: Bahama Breeze, Outback Steakhouse, Vino Volo, and more

• Other dining options: Cibo Express, Tacos Locos, Nathan’s, and more

Gates 100-129

• Airlines: Alaska, Avelo, Southwest

• Table service dining: Cask & Larder

• Other dining options: Villa Italian Kitchen, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, McDonald’s, and more

Gates C230-C245

• Airlines: Aer Lingus, Azul, British Airways, Caribbean, Emirates, Eurowings Discover, GOL, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lynx Air, Norse, Sunwing, Red Way

• Lounge: Plaza Premium Lounge

• Table service dining: Summer House, Sunshine Diner

• Other dining options: Cask & Larder, Desano Pizzeria, Wine Bar George, Shake Shack, and more

PARKING, SHUTTLES, AND RIDESHARE

Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Each garage offers 20 minutes of free parking, 21-30 minutes for $2, and each additional 15 minutes for $1 up to a maximum of $19. Beyond that, the price per day is as listed:

• Parking Garages A, B, and C | $24/day*

• Terminal Top Parking | $24/day*

• North Park Place Economy Lot | $14/day*

• South Park Place Economy Lot | $14/day*

• West Park Place Economy Lot | $14/day* (only open during holiday periods)

Valet Parking | $35/day*

Cell Phone Waiting Lots

For those that do have a bestie, tell them to wait until you call them once you have retrieved your baggage and are on the curb

• North Cell Phone Lot | Free

• South Cell Phone Lot | Free

Rideshare pick-up locations:

• Arrivals Curb at Terminals A and B (on level 2)

• Departures Curb at Terminals A and B (on level 3) between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

• Arrivals Curb at Terminal C (on level 6)

Rideshare drop-off locations:

• Departures Curb at Terminal A and B (on level 3)

• Departures Curb at Terminal C (on level 2)

*Prices effective October 1, 2023

To help you navigate the day of your flight, be sure to download the MCO App. This app will give you current indoor turn-by-turn navigation and location awareness, TSA security wait times, flight updates, parking, ground transportation, dining & shopping information and so much more.

FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Waves, Warnings & Wonder

Advocates say LGBTQ+ travelers still welcome in Florida

Tiffany Razzano

WITH A FAMILY TRIP TO

Orlando planned this past June, Ashley, a transgender lesbian from Texas, was wary of traveling to Florida, another state that had passed a slate of anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

The flurry of legislation signed into law since 2020 in the Sunshine State has run the gamut from the so-called “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, which limits the discussion of sexuality and gender identity in Florida schools, to laws regarding bathroom use by transgender individuals. Others have sought to restrict access to gender-affirming care or performances from drag artists.

Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, was also among the civil rights organizations who issued travel warnings for those considering long- or short-term travel or relocation to the state.

“The move comes in response to a wave of safety inquiries Equality Florida has received following the passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ

community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws, foment racial prejudice, and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum,” the organization shared in April.

This all weighed heavily on Ashley, who asked that her last name not be published, as she made vacation plans. She ultimately decided to visit along with her mother from North Carolina, who loves Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, and her gay cousin from Miami.

While she enjoyed her time in Florida, she says she was “apprehensive” about “the new laws and the social environment.”

“I didn’t know what to expect when I got to Florida,” she says. “The new laws didn’t go into effect until after I left so that wasn’t a big worry, but I had no idea what the atmosphere was going to be like going in. When you see actual Nazis protesting at Disney it kind of makes you go, ‘Wow.’”

Neo-Nazi groups have routinely rallied outside the most magical place on Earth since 2020, even as recently as Sept. 2, spewing anti-Semitic slogans and other hateful comments.

There were no Nazi protests when Ashley visited. Instead, she found LGBTQ+ Pride-themed merchandise throughout the theme parks, and even murals supporting the community at Orlando International Airport and Epcot.

“What it made me realize is the vast majority of people don’t care about this culture war stuff,” she says. Even so, with the Florida legislation now in effect, she’s holding off on future travel she had planned to the state — and even put off a move. “I have grave concerns about how things are going everywhere and Florida seems to be on the leading edge of this culture war of hatred and bigotry thanks to the efforts of the governor,’ she says.

For now, all she can do is keep a watchful eye on the news to see how things change before she visits again or decides to relocate. But she’s not the only vacationer who is on the fence about Florida.

Jessica Torres and her family, including her oldest child who is 14 and nonbinary, lives just six miles from Disneyland in California. They visit the parks two to four times a month.

They’re true “Disney people,” she says, who regularly travel to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World. They stay at WDW resorts before and after cruises that leave from Florida.

The family has tentative plans to visit Disney World next summer, “but it’s also contingent on how our oldest child feels,” Torres explains. “As of now, they have said they’re fine presenting as their assigned gender at birth if we go, but they also understand that in no way will we make them do anything they’re not comfortable with just for the sake of a vacation.”

Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws “are absolutely horrible,” she adds. “These laws being passed controlling how others live and what type of healthcare they can have access to is beyond unconstitutional and inhumane.”

Rosemary Higgs, an LGBTQ+ ally who has a trans granddaughter, is paying close attention to what’s happening in Florida as well. Now retired, for the past four years she and her husband have split their time between Georgia, not far from

close attention to news coming out of the Sunshine State.

“It hasn’t affected us yet, but it could,” she says. “We will deal with things as they come. The more we flee from it, the bolder they’re gonna be. We have to get up and just face it. If we say, ‘Don’t go there,’ then they’re gonna think they won.”

Nadine Smith, co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida, says the organization’s LGBTQ+ travel warning was, unfortunately, a necessary move in the wake of the

The travel warning was more about providing the information people needed as they planned their trips, rather than encouraging them to avoid Florida.

“How do you determine that for another person? We wanted to give them what they needed so they could decide for themselves,” Smith explains. “The advisory has been a tool that a lot of people have used.”

She knows of many families who have chosen to move out

According to CNN, at least a dozen organizations have announced plans to cancel or relocate large-scale events set to take place in Florida this summer, costing the state millions of dollars.

Conferences canceled at the Orange County Convention Center include the 2024 AnitaB. org Grace Hopper Celebration, the 2024 National Society of Black Engineers’ 50th annual convention, the 2025 American Education Research Association annual meeting, and the 2027 Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Global Surgical Conference & Expo.

Some in Florida’s tourism industry think travel warnings like Equality Florida’s could do more harm than good, however, especially for smaller, independently owned businesses.

“It doesn’t help, I don’t think,” says Brian Longstreth, owner of Tampa Bay’s Casa del Merman at GayStPete House and Casa del Merman at GayMontanita House in Ecuador. “It’s frustrating. I don’t think it was a good move because it brands all of Florida as the same.

“There are many inclusive and welcoming parts of the state,” he continues. “Wilton Manors, Miami, the I-4 corridor and, of course, St. Petersburg. They’ve always been pretty blue and are pretty safe for travelers of diverse areas.”

Even before the travel warning, business was down at the GayStPete House. Before the new anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed, business was up 20% over the previous year, he notes; this year, business is down 10%.

“So about a 30% swing,” he notes. “I’ve seen that some guests are shortening their stays or changing their plans entirely and it’s a direct result of the policies that the governor and legislature have passed.”

Chattanooga, at an RV resort near Winter Haven. She calls Florida’s new laws “hateful,” “pitiful” and “disheartening,” but adds that “being so close to Tennessee, we’re used to it.”

So far, she hasn’t personally felt uncomfortable in Central Florida. “But we try not to bring up politics,” Higgs says. “The vast majority of people are very nice. Of course, looking at [a cisgender, heterosexual couple], they wouldn’t target us.”

But with the LGBTQ+ community in mind, she pays

state’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Like these visitors, many others were wondering if it was safe to come to Florida, she notes.

“From the time the bills passed and became law, we were inundated with people asking us if they should come to Florida, should they cancel conferences, was it safe, and our response was, ‘We can’t answer that for you. What we can do is give a clear understanding of what the law is, the impact it’s having and let you think for yourselves.’”

of state in the wake of Florida’s new legislation, she also says, and numerous retirees who are selling their vacation homes.

“Their kids and grandkids don’t want to visit this place,” she notes. “This was their summer getaway and now it doesn’t feel safe for that.”

Smith says conventions and conferences have also canceled events in Florida because of the legislation, and that event planners are no longer suggesting the state as a destination for their clients.

Longstreth, a realtor and cheerleader for St. Petersburg who co-founded major LGBTQ+ events like St Pete Pride and Come OUT St. Pete, says he routinely has difficult conversations when promoting the city in LGBTQ travel-related groups and forums.

“It’s hard to even mention to people, ‘Come visit St. Pete,’ without getting attacked and people saying, ‘We’re never going back there again,’” he says. “St. Pete is LGBTQ+-friendly, but

SPEAKING OUT: Equality Florida’s Nadine Smith delivers a keynote address in May at this year’s St. Pete Gala. The organization issued a Florida travel advisory warning in response to anti-LGBTQ+ laws the month prior. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

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people aren’t seeing that with everything going on. It’s painful.”

Rachel Covello, publisher of OutCoast and founder of FLOCC, Florida’s first and only LGBTQ+focused tourism conference that launched in Tampa last month, also has misgivings about travel warnings.

“Based on what I’ve read and seen working with destinations, those that open their doors and arms to inclusive travelers suffer the most when advisories and boycotts happen,” she says. “I don’t think it’s the most effective way to go. It’s harmful to these businesses.”

She adds, “What’s happening in Florida — whether you look at our governor, the laws that are changing, the advisory, the branding of ‘Don’t Say Gay — it’s been a perfect storm of ‘Don’t go to Florida.’ This hurts our inclusive destinations and businesses.”

Covello is worried that it paints a distorted image of Florida for those outside of the Sunshine State.

“What’s being shared outside Florida is that Florida’s not welcoming. I personally don’t believe in that statement on a broad spectrum,” she says. “I certainly can see the other side and empathize with people. If I were a parent of a trans child, I probably would not live in or even visit Florida … But as a traveler, I see things differently.

“You can find mean people anywhere,” she continues. “Look at what just happened at the retail store [where an owner was shot and killed over flying a Pride flag.] That was in California … one of the most LGBTQ-welcoming states.”

She finds it “ironic that the destinations hurting the most are the ones that are the most inclusive,” she adds. “Wilton Manors is one of the gayest places in Florida and you’re hearing about conventions not going there. That directly impacts people not exploring its businesses when they’re in town.”

The state’s new laws aren’t just affecting current events; they will have an impact for years to come.

“If you’re planning a convention, you’re not just planning a convention for 2024, but also 2025, 2026, even beyond that,” Covello notes. “Many have

taken Florida completely off the list as potential destinations. It’s lost revenue for our state and our businesses.”

It isn’t only LGBTQ+-focused groups who aren’t visiting, she stresses. “It’s groups that might have LGBTQ board members or LGBTQ people within an organization. The organizing committee wants to make sure all attendees feel included and, in their minds, that means not coming to Florida.”

Covello’s takeaway “is if nothing changes or improves in Florida, if we don’t continue to travel here, if we don’t continue to stay here and work to make the change here, then they win.”

Daniel Sohn, president and CEO of The Pride Chamber in Orlando, also has concerns about travel warnings. He notes that it’s important to highlight “that there are still very inclusive cities and counties throughout the state of Florida, places that are championing safety and health above all, and Orange County happens to be one of those counties.”

Sohn adds, “We want to make sure we amplify the message that Florida is still a great place to live, work, play, worship, go to school, do business and, yes, visit. This is just a small blip on Florida. We’re still a great state.”

Like Covello and Longstreth, he’s worried about the impact of warnings and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on small businesses.

“We’re certainly seeing it already,” he says. “While we understand these travel advisories and will not stand in

the way of those who are scared and doing what’s best for their families, we [at the Chamber] are here to support them, to support businesses. We are in this for the long fight. We’re going to stand with the community.”

He has also watched as conferences and events have pulled out or scaled back their plans in Central Florida. In July, the National Education Association held its annual conference in Orlando, drawing educators, school administrators and other staff members from across the country. While the organization didn’t cancel the event, there was a dip in attendance, says Sohn, who was invited out one evening by the NEA’s LGBT caucus.

“I had great conversations with people and asked them, ‘How many usually attend this?’ They told me between 15,000 and 18,000 annually,” he says. “This year, they were down to about 10,000 people. That’s money not being spent locally — and the reason why was because those in the LGBT community, the Black community, the Hispanic community, or those with family members in these communities, just weren’t comfortable being here.”

Equality Florida understands the need to support small businesses in the state, especially those that are inclusive and welcoming, Smith says. “It’s the laws that are bad for business. The travel advisory just describes the laws. Let’s be clear on the cause and effect here.”

that are welcoming to the community. … Once people see how inclusive we are, they’re going to make us a repeat stop for vacation travels.”

Visit Tampa Bay stresses that as well.

“Tampa Bay is proud to be a shining example of inclusivity and warmth, embracing people from all walks of life with open arms,” says Santiago Corrada, its president and CEO. “This year alone, we welcomed more than 20 major conventions with an economic impact on the community of more than $68 million.

The organization encourages “businesses that are open to all people and that have taken a clear stand against discrimination” to sign up for Open Doors Florida, its statewide directory for businesses that support equality. The organization has even waived the sign-up fees.

“If I’m spending money, I want to know where it’s going,” Smith says. “It’s a great resource for conferences and travelers, so they know they’re spending their money in the places that support equality. It’s a way to use your voice against these hateful laws while you’re here. We vote every day in how we spend our money.”

As for regional tourism agencies, while there isn’t enough data yet to fully gauge the impact of Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, the organizations are working to spread the message that there are inclusive areas of the state ready to welcome visitors.

As part of its marketing efforts, Visit St. Pete Clearwater specifically advertises in LGBTQ+ magazines and publications around the country.

“We want to reassure them that we’re a welcoming destination for them,” Brian Lowack, the agency’s interim CEO and president says. “We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive destination. We’re safe and welcoming to everyone and we hope folks come here. We’re confident they can be themselves and enjoy their vacation or whatever they’re here for.”

He adds, “We have plenty of beaches, hotels and businesses

“Conventions range from medical conferences to fraternities ... and FLOCC, Florida’s first LGBTQ conference,” he continues. “The diverse variety of conventions speaks to the breadth of our community and the 51,000 people in Hillsborough County that directly support their families and secure their futures through tourism. Whether you are a resident or visitor, you’ll find Tampa Bay encourages an environment where everyone can thrive.”

Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, champions the city as a safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers as well.

She says that LGBTQ+ visitors represent about 6% of total domestic visitors to the city — about 4 million visitors —with an estimated economic impact of $3.1 billion.

“Orlando has always been and will continue to be a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community,” she says. “As the top travel destination in the country and longstanding leader in the travel industry, our community has a history of welcoming all to our destination.”

Organizations like the Pride Chamber fully embrace that fact.

“If I had one message for travelers, it would be this: come. Come stay in Central Florida,” Sohn says. “If you’re concerned about safety, go to places that are safe and know that we’re going to be here to protect you. Our public safety personnel are here to protect you.

“Our legislative officials are here to protect you,” he continues. “Eat in our restaurants. Spend money in our businesses. Go to our gay bars. Champion Black businesses from Sanford all the way down. Come experience what we have to offer.”

COMING TOGETHER: Industry experts including Key West Mayor Teri Johnston (C) and Visit Tampa Bay President/CEO Santiago Corrada (2nd from R) panel at Florida’s first LGBTQ+-focused travel conference in August. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Queer Philly

Jeremy Williams

THIS YEAR, THE ASSOCIATION OF LGBTQ+ Journalists, or NLGJA, held its national convention in Philadelphia. The four-day gathering of queer journalists from across the country was something I had never attended before and hadn’t anticipated attending this year until Watermark was contacted by Visit Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love’s tourism bureau, and presented with an offer we couldn’t refuse.

Looking to showcase the best in Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ culture, cuisine and entertainment, Visit Philadelphia offered to host members from a handful of U.S.-based LGBTQ+ publications during the NLGJA convention and show us what Philly has to offer to queer travelers who are looking to explore one of the nation’s oldest cities.

Much like many of the nation’s largest and oldest cities, Philadelphia has many nicknames, including “The City of Brotherly Love,” “The Cradle of Liberty” and “The Birthplace of America.” It was the country’s

first capital as well as where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written and signed. But did you know that Philadelphia was the setting for many firsts in LGBTQ+ liberation? Philadelphia was the location of the first major LGBTQ+ rights demonstration, which was held at Independence Hall, on July 4, 1965. Those demonstrations continued every July 4 through 1969. The city is also known for being the location of one of the first LGBTQ+ sit-ins in the nation when three teenagers refused to get up from the counter at Dewey’s, a local late-night

coffee house that refused to serve groups of “homosexuals and persons wearing nonconformist clothing.”

THE GAYBORHOOD

Philadelphia is home to one of the oldest gayborhoods in the country. Located in the heart of Philly, the Center City neighborhood is filled with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, bars, clubs and restaurants. The gayborhood is easily identified by the rainbow-colored street signs on nearly every corner of the area as well as a rainbow-colored crosswalk at 13th St. and Locust St. When visiting Philly’s gayborhood, be sure to pop into Giovanni’s Room, an LGBTQ+ bookstore named after the James Baldwin novel, that is operated by Philly AIDS Thrift. The bookstore, which was founded in 1973, carries thousands of LGBTQ+ titles and has served as a refuge and resource center for queer folks for five decades. Along with LGBTQ+ businesses, the gayborhood — as well as most of Philly — is home to a mass collection of street art and murals. To make sure we did not miss any of the art or

history of the gayborhood, Visit Philadelphia arranged a walking tour for us with Beyond the Bell Tours. The one-mile walking tour through the gayborhood took about 90 minutes and our tour guide, Joey, was a wealth of knowledge about the area and history of queer Philly.

“Get under the skin of queer Philly,” Beyond the Bell Tours’ website states. “Discover the controversies, paradoxes, and hidden histories of the only formalized Gayborhood in the country. Let’s talk and spill all that historical tea hunny!” And they are not wrong. Joey not only shared the uplifting stories of the LGBTQ+ community in Philly but he also did not shy away from the controversies of queer Philadelphia including its history with racism, sexism and more. You will also get an education on LGBTQ+ activists from the area including Barbara Gittings, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, Gloria Casarez and Dr. John E. Fryer (aka Dr. Anonymous). No exploration of queer Philly is complete without this tour, plus the company is queer-owned so you’re also supporting LGBTQ+ businesses.

QUEER ART

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, or should I say the steps outside the museum, was made famous in pop culture thanks to Sylvester Stallone and a little film called “Rocky.” Everyday tourists head to the museum to run up the stairs like Stallone did in the film and take photos with the Rocky Balboa statue, which was originally from the film “Rocky III.” If you make it to the top of the steps, do yourself a favor and go into the museum to check out one of the most beautiful collections of art anywhere in the world. The four-story museum is nearly 150 years old and is home to more than 200,000 historical objects, paintings and statues, many of which are created by queer artists and/or depict queer subjects. The LGBTQ+ pieces are scattered throughout the museum, but PMoA has you covered. When you approach the ticket counter, ask for one of their Queer(ing) Art flyers, which not only has a list of some of the queer art but it also has a QR code for you to scan to bring up an audio tour on your phone.

LGBTQ+ influence and culture can be found in every corner of The City of Brotherly Love

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

Loving The Land Down Under

Australia offers LGBTQ+ travelers a wide range of experiences in a stunning setting with a welcoming and diverse culture

Mantooth | Dallas

HAVING GROWN UP IN KANSAS, IN the middle of the United States, I’ve always longed to see more than the flat, flyover states that are the Midwest.

When I was a kid, my dad was a huge Olivia Newton-John fan. She was his Australian heartthrob. Many a school day, I would come home to her music blaring or one of her live concerts in the VCR. And as a young gay boy, I was mesmerized by her as well. She was pretty, sang beautifully and was from this great land far, far away.

I wondered how this pop chanteuse from Down Under got into my living room, and I always wondered what her homeland of Australia was like. Was it filled with dangerous animals as everyone suggested? Was there something at every turn that could kill me?

To me, it sounded exciting! I’ve always tried to live my life by a Helen Keller quote I heard while in high school: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” It was with that mindset

firmly in place that I packed my bags this past spring to visit that mystical Land Down Under. Australia is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, with a progressive culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity. Australia decriminalized homosexuality in the 1970s and legally recognized same-sex marriage in 2017. The country has a very vibrant and dynamic LGBTQ+ community, and it is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

SYDNEY

Sydney, the largest city in Australia, is often considered the LGBTQ+ capital of the country. The city hosts the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, an annual festival and parade that attracts more than 300,000 visitors from around the world.

The festival, with colorful floats, music and performances, has become a symbol of Australia’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Australia.

The parade, beginning with the roar of hundreds of “dykes on bikes,” is truly a sight to behold. The whole country comes to SLAY at this parade! Everyone puts on their brightest colors and outfits for this over-the-top event. It was one of the best (and longest) Pride parades I’ve ever been to in my life.

In 2023, Sydney was home to the 2023 WorldPride festival, and the city rolled out the rainbow carpet for the estimated 1 million-plus people, staging more than 400 events. And when I tell you that this city went over the top — well, that’s a complete understatement. EVERYWHERE I went, EVERYTHING was covered in rainbows — from the city sidewalks to the lighting on buildings, to every employee I saw in every shop with their rainbow pins and buttons. It was like gay was the norm and straight was the minority; it was weirdly fabulous!

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is another great city for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit. Aside from being the current home to my favorite pop star, Troye Sivan, the city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The annual Midsumma Festival, a three-week celebration of queer arts and culture, is held in Melbourne and features a range of exhibitions, performances, parties and other events.

If shopping is your thing, check out the 145-year-old Queen Victoria Market. This open-air market is home to more than 600 small businesses where you can buy everything from Australian fruits and veggies to gourmet food, clothing and souvenirs. There is literally something for everyone.

WILD AUSTRALIA

What initially drew me Down Under were the lush landscapes and wild animals I saw on TV growing up. The country is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, including the Great Barrier

Reef, the Outback and the Blue Mountains. LGBTQ+ travelers can explore these natural wonders through a range of activities, including hiking, snorkeling and even ziplines and hot air balloon rides.

One stop for me was the breathtaking Heron Island, a stunning coral cay located on the southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland. It is accessible only by catamaran or helicopter and offers a secluded and pristine escape for travelers looking for a uniquely tranquil experience.

The island boasts world-class snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, giving visitors the chance to swim among vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life including sea turtles, manta rays and reef sharks, while its sandy beaches provide a picturesque setting for sunbathing and leisurely walks. The island is also a breeding ground for several species of seabirds, including the endangered black noddy tern and the wedge-tailed shearwater, making it perfect for birding enthusiasts.

Chad

Voice Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION NSW

Developed in conjunction with the PMoA’s Queer Representation in Art Learning Community, the Queer(ing) Art audio tour features the perspectives of staff members from across the museum. Each stop highlights the speaker’s personal reflections upon and connections to works of art in the museum’s collection that were made by queer artists, feature queer subject matter or which hold particular relevance for queer individuals and communities today. If you have an entire day to spend here, do it and enjoy all the works of art, but at the very least make sure to take a few hours and check out the Queer(ing) Art audio tour.

EATING OUT

Art, history and education are great but when you’re on vacation the top of everyone’s list is where to eat, and Philly does not disappoint. I mean, how could it? The city has a sandwich named after

it. As you get your day started, be sure to head over to Winkel, an LGBTQ-owned, Dutch-style restaurant by chef/owner Joncarl Lachman. This eatery is located right in the gayborhood and is a great place to meet up with friends and people watch. Be sure to get yourself some oliebollens while there. This Dutch precursor to the doughnut was a lovely treat before we started our walking tour. Ours were filled with cranberries and apples and covered with honey and powdered sugar, and they were wonderful.

Some great lunch spots to give a try include Mission Taqueria and Tattooed Mom, both LGBTQ+-owned and both loaded with delicious food and quirky charm. Mission Taqueria, a Mexican cantina in Center City, offers up a variety of tacos and margaritas and you will want to try all of them. If you don’t want to pack away a dozen tacos in one meal, then I recommend getting the Wild Shrimp tacos and some Plantain Empanadas and wash it down with the Green Juice Margarita. Tattooed Mom, or TMom’s as the locals call it, has a fun and eclectic vibe with local art on the walls, bumper cars as seating areas and some of the most adventurous (and delicious) cocktails anywhere. Favorites at this Philly staple include the Pickletini and a cosmo poured over cotton candy called a Cloud. The drinks are great but don’t sleep on the food. TMom’s has some of the best sandwiches I have had anywhere, and they offer vegan versions of each of them for those who don’t eat meat.

Philadelphia is a city of more than “Brotherly Love,” it is a city filled with love for all no matter who you are or who you love and I saw that on display firsthand. There were so many more LGBTQ+ monuments, stories and history that I experienced while visiting Philly that left me wanting to stay longer and I have already begun planning my next trip there. As they say in Philly, you go there to “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay.”

For more information and to start planning your trip, go to VisitPhilly.com.

I spent three glorious days on this piece of paradise and have never felt so relaxed in my life. I got up close with nature — every kind of wildlife you could imagine — in a way that I’ve never experienced before and will never forget.

Accommodation options on Heron Island range from eco-friendly tents to luxurious suites, with all rooms offering stunning views of the reef and the island’s lush vegetation. Facilities include a restaurant and bar as well as guided nature walks and reef talks.

If you need a chance for some peaceful rest and rejuvenation, especially after all the excitement of Sydney and Melbourne, Heron Island is the perfect destination. Its remote location and unparalleled natural beauty make it a must-visit destination.

BONDI BEACH

Australia has several LGBTQ+-friendly beaches, including the popular Bondi Beach in Sydney. The beach is home to the Bondi Gay and Lesbian Beach Picnic, which is held on the first Sunday of every month and is a great way to meet other LGBTQ+ travelers.

FOOD AND WINE

Australia’s food and wine culture is yet another draw for LGBTQ+ travelers, offering a range of culinary delights from fresh seafood to world-class wines and unique indigenous cuisine. I know I came back to the states 10 pounds heavier! The cities of Melbourne and Sydney are particularly known for their food and wine scenes, with a range of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants and bars.

Overall, I spent a little more than two weeks in The Land Down Under. I loved it so much that I’ve decided I will definitely be going back to vacation there again, and I might even move there some day to live! The welcome I felt from the people there is something I will never forget.

Aussies care about their country and the people in it. From the moment I touched down until the minute that I left, I never felt unwelcomed anywhere I went.

The country’s progressive culture, natural beauty and diverse cities make it an ideal vacation spot for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Whether you’re looking to attend a Pride parade, explore the great outdoors or simply relax on a beautiful beach, Australia has something to offer everyone.

So, pack your bags and come say g’day; you won’t regret it!

For more info on traveling to Australia, visit Australia.com.

| uu | Australia, Cont.

FROM PG.35

NATURE DOWN UNDER: A sunrise over Heron Island. PHOTO COURTESY OF HERON ISLAND

SYDNEY SKIES: A couple enjoys drinks at Sydney’s Aster Bar. PHOTO COURTESY DESTINATION NSW

WELCOME TO THE GAYBORHOOD: Philly’s Gayborhood rainbow-colored crosswalk at 13th St. and Locust St. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

WHERE IT HAPPENED: Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

Due North A voyage around the arctic

Mark Segal | Philadelphia Gay News Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

LGBTQ+ PEOPLE LIKE TO TRAVEL, and like many people they take cruises to see the world or just to relax. It used to be when taking something as personal as a cruise, where you’ll be with people in close quarters and where conversations can be easily overheard, you might have felt uncomfortable to be yourself. Today there are numerous LGBTQ+ cruises for almost every segment of the LGBTQ+ community where you can be your fabulous self and party until dawn or more. Among those companies are Atlantis adventures, primarily for men, and Olivia cruises for women. But those companies still comprise only a fraction of available cruise sailings. So, how welcoming are non-LGBTQ+ cruises?

My husband Jason and I have been on numerous cruises on many LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ cruise lines. For our current trip we booked a cruise on Oceania, a line known for its food (they claim the best food at sea), exceptional attention to detail

and out-of-the-ordinary shore excursions. We chose Oceania once before and it was above most of the other cruises we’ve done. Another advantage of Oceania is that they do exotic itineraries. Our July cruise started in Reykjavik, Iceland and then

proceeded to Greenland, the Shetland Islands, Denmark and Sweden before ending in Oslo, Norway after a whopping 15 days. We traveled with another gay couple, our friends Klay and Val, who are out and proud like us. And that really is the heart of the question: how out and proud can LGBTQ+ people be on a traditional cruise?

On the first night of the cruise, the ship promoted an “LGBTQIA+ Get Together” in their daily schedule printout. The four of us attended along with three other couples, though we weren’t the only LGBTQ+ people on board. Throughout the trip, we met many other LGBTQ+ people, mostly couples, who also had other cruise experiences. I asked many of them why they picked this cruise over an LGBTQ+ cruise, as well as how comfortable they felt being out on this cruise.

The overwhelming answer was that people on a cruise, like the general population, gravitate to like-minded people, and since everyone’s on vacation it’s easier to get along. Most of them were comfortable being open about their sexuality. Jason and I felt comfortable enough to show our emotions at times and hold hands

or put an arm around each other, just like non-LGBTQ+ couples. It made a larger point for me. Could we have done that a decade ago? The answer is: probably not. So in that regard, traditional cruises pass the comfort level for LGBTQ+ people. But what about the more nuanced reality of being an LGBTQ+ person on a cruise with 97% non-LGBTQ+ people?

Like any cruise, we found ourselves finding our own friends who turned out to be a fascinating lot. One of those was a couple who work at a small college and are developing new ways to be inclusive to LGBTQ+ students. Another was a retired couple from Seattle, another from Dallas. That’s the secret sauce in cruising, finding the people you get along with and having a nice time.

For all of us, the two factors that led us to this cruise were the itinerary and the reputation of Oceania. Let’s start with the cruise stops.

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

The departing port of the cruise, Reykjavik, deserves a few days to tour since it has some of the greatest landscapes and

wonders on Earth, and if you’re lucky as we were, you will be met by an active volcano. We had arranged three days of touring with an LGBTQ+ tour company called Pink Iceland. There not only is a sizable LGBTQ+ population in Iceland, but it seems everywhere you go there are rainbows. The country even has had a lesbian prime minister. It’s one of the most LGBTQ+friendly places on Earth.

Our first day we traveled to the south shore and marveled at the raw natural landscape, which looks like something from the moon but is actually dried lava with moss growing atop. The volcanoes and glaciers are everywhere, and with an abundance of volcanoes, you’ll see steam coming up from the ground in certain places. This has translated to natural geothermal power that powers the country, as well as natural glacier water (which tastes better than any bottled water) in every home. Later that day we went to the black beach at Reynisfjara with its basalt rock formation from eruptions thousands of years ago. We also visited and walked

PHOTO BY JASON VILLEMEZ

behind several waterfalls, and the sunshine meant that rainbows were aplenty. It was wet, magical and romantic.

Our second day began with an adventurous ATV ride on that moonscape with a stop at a dormant volcano’s top ridge. With me driving, Jason held on for dear life. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon in the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa, where there are pools of volcanic minerals and silica that are a color of blue you’ll see no other place on Earth. As you soak you can apply those minerals as a face mask. Even though it was around 50 degrees outside, by the time we finished, we were all pleasantly overheated.

Our third day we toured the capital city, which is easily walkable and features a giant rainbow street, and then attended a get-together organized by Eva and Birna, the owners of Pink Iceland, with some local LGBTQ+ community members, including a member of parliament and a playwright who was the first to come out in his village in western Iceland. The audience was among the most engaged I’ve ever spoken to, and they asked insightful questions and were delightful to engage with. Iceland is a country built on stories (called the Sagas), so the people are keen to learn the stories of others.

After our three days in Reykjavik, we went onto our ship, the Oceania Riviera.

The ship had recently come out of dry dock with a total renovation. The cabin was the most beautiful we’ve ever seen at sea and had ample closet space and a bathroom with a rainfall shower. Our home away from home would be comfy.

Our friends Klay and Val opted for a larger room with butler service. The room had more closet space than some New York apartments, and the amenities were above average. But their butler, as they learned, seemed to have had no understanding of his role and often overcomplicated things.

ISAFJORDUR, ICELAND

Iceland is still developing its infrastructure for tourism.

Our ship had provided 10 shore excursions, but all were completely sold before we even boarded the ship, including the one we wanted most, whale watching. The fact that shore excursions sell out months before the trip was not fully communicated to us. When we attempted to book six weeks before the trip, many ports had no available excursions. Nevertheless, in this small fishing village, left to our own devices, we discovered one of the treasures

two for two cities in Iceland with rainbow streets.

PAAMIUT, GREENLAND

Our second stop was a small village of about 1,300 whose complete economy was fishing and seal hunting. Very few cruise ships have ever stopped there, and for good reason. While there are very few facilities and the infrastructure is sparse, the main problem was that

casinos were out of service, and bartenders and shop staff had to write down stateroom numbers on paper receipts. Getting information about the problem was met with what would become a common complaint on this trip: a lack of communications skills from the staff.

But we moved on to the next port of call, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.

Sadly, our driver said that 10 years ago, none of the ice in the water was there, and that it has been a result of climate change and melting ice. I shudder to think what the area will be like in another 10 years. There might be so much ice that boats can’t get anywhere.

QAQORTOQ, GREENLAND

In Qaqortoq, a 1,500-person city south of Nuuk, the excursion we chose was the “Kaffemik,” basically enjoying coffee and traditional Greenland cakes in a private house. We walked up the hills and passed by colorful homes to get to the residence of our host, an 80-year-old widow with Swedish ancestry who was charming and explained Greenlandic culture. One of her children was there to help translate, while her other children live in Denmark, which Greenland is a territory of. During the pandemic, Greenland received ample funds from Denmark to make up for the loss of income in industry.

of Iceland, The Tjoruhusid Restaurant. Known to be the most traditional Icelandic food in the country, you still needed a reservation since locals and tourists come from all over for its cuisine. But in true Icelandic hospitality, the staff found room and were kind enough to seat us, and I must admit that while I’m not a seafood eater it was amazing. The buffet meal included a fish soup, five types of fish entrees, including fish throat, which I didn’t know existed, various vegetable combinations and coffee, biscuits and chocolate. After the meal, we took a stroll through the village and discovered that among the fishing boats, fjords and homes, the town square had a giant rainbow painted down the center. That’s

as we approached, the seas were somewhat choppy and we found ourselves in a sea of Icebergs. Before I could suggest to everyone that we all break out into a chorus of “My Heart Will Go On,” the captain stated the obvious: he canceled the adventure in Paamiut. It was not safe to take the tender boats to shore (there was nowhere to dock in a port that small). However, a consolation prize was being treated to a sea of majestic icebergs as we sailed away. That evening the entertainment and information system in all the staterooms went down. No television, no stateroom information, no map. Not only was the television system down, but the ship’s entire network went down as well. The

NUUK, GREENLAND

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, held its Pride celebration the week before we arrived. Discovering small cities with Pride events astonishes me even to this day. We had tried to find a Nuuk Pride T-shirt but since the city is so small (17,000 people) the organizers told me they didn’t have the funds to create merch.

For our excursion for the day, we chose the Fjord Boat Tour, which was majestic. Our boat driver dodged icebergs like a taxi weaving in and out of traffic. When we stopped for a few minutes, the calmness and solitude, being surrounded by ice and mountains, was otherworldly.

After we wrapped up our sightseeing, that evening, while walking around the ship, we came across a portrait of a woman who is the godmother of the ship, Cat Cora, the famous Iron Chef. She and her wife and children were also among the guests on board with us. We went to see her give a talk the following evening. We figured since there was no working casino or stateroom entertainment, that meeting an Iron Chef would be entertainment worth seeing. During her presentation she introduced her family and afterwards we got a chance to chat. When I asked her about how it felt introducing her wife, she said “that’s what we need as a community, we need to be more visible.” That was music to our ears.

TORSHAVN (FAROE ISLANDS), DENMARK

This charming capital of the Faroe Islands is a wonder of old architecture and homes with grass roofs. The town’s library had several LGBTQ+ books on display in the window due to the previous week’s Pride celebration. This trip — after learning about Pride in Nuuk,

WALKING ON RAINBOWS: There is a sizable LGBTQ+ population in Iceland and everywhere you go there are rainbows, like this colorful street, located in Reykjavik. PHOTO BY JASON VILLEMEZ

Discovering small cities with Pride events astonishes me even to this day.

— MARK SEGAL

| uu | Arctic, Cont.

FROM PG.41

Greenland and the Faroe Islands — proved to me what I’ve always believed, that Pride is one of the best exports America has ever given to the world. I thought of my friend Ellen Broidy who helped write the resolution that created Pride, and all of us who marched in that first Pride in 1970 in New York.

LERWICK (SHETLANDS ISLANDS), SCOTLAND

Believe it or not, it was actually stated in the ship’s excursion brochure “encounters with Shetland ponies is not guaranteed” which gave me a chuckle. The tour we were on in Lerwick included going to the town’s museum to learn about the Shetland Bus, where people ferried people and supplies back and forth between Norway during WWII, as well as, thankfully, a stop at a Shetland pony farm. Seeing the ponies and the beautiful green hills full of sheep was the highlight of this stop. One surprise was that while the Shetlands are part of Scotland, the citizens feel culturally closer

to Norway, and there are lots of Viking motifs.

HAUGESUND, NORWAY

While there were excursions available to see the Norwegian fjords, by this point in the trip we needed a little bit of a break, so we simply walked around the town’s main square, bought a magnet as a souvenir and enjoyed the warm sunshine, the first day above 50 degrees we’d had in two weeks. One of the LGBTQ+ couples did go on a fjord tour, and they said it was beautiful despite spending three hours in a bus to get to them.

SKAGEN, DENMARK

Skagen is the picture-perfect Danish seaside town. I’d recommend not doing any guided tours and just walking around the city’s downtown area on your own. There are museums, art galleries, shopping and plenty of outdoor cafes and bistros. There are also top-notch garden shops and plenty of greenery for those who have a green thumb.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

Sweden’s second largest city has a population of 579,000 and

is a model of a beautiful European city with second empire buildings and a very large central shopping area. We stumbled upon some fun shops, including one dedicated to Pippi Longstocking, as well as the largest cinnamon rolls and cookies we’ve ever seen. We took some time to sit in a city park and enjoy the surroundings.

On the final night of the cruise, we enjoyed a performance by Tiano, the tenor and piano duo of Shimi Goodman and Chris Hamilton. They dedicated one of the love songs to Val and Klay, who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. The duo will soon embark on a North American tour, and we’re looking forward to seeing them again. They’re also a couple, and they mentioned that they were glad to meet other LGBTQ+ people on the ship.

OSLO, NORWAY

The cruise ended in Oslo, Norway, and many passengers planned a couple day layover before heading home. But others, like Jason and I, decided to head to the airport the morning of disembarkation, and we purchased tickets from the ship that would transfer us and our luggage to the airport. The luggage was put in a truck, and we were ushered into buses. The process was confusing, and there was no ship representative at the airport to direct us where

our luggage was. Ultimately, the truck with the luggage arrived about 15 minutes after we did, and everyone was reunited with their bags.

Compared to the other Oceania cruise we did, this one failed to meet expectations. While it had what seemed like the best cabin at sea and a wonderful itinerary, the staff, while helpful, seemed to be learning on the job. The other major disappointment was the food. Oceania no longer has the best food at sea. Other than the specialty restaurants, the food was similar to any other cruise at best, and at times some of the food was severely disappointing. Also disappointing were the ships lack of available shore excursions and lack of communications skills. The lack of information, especially from the cruise director and excursion staff, was subpar compared to many other cruises we’ve been on. And while the cruise did go to ports that have little infrastructure, there are ways to mitigate that which the cruise staff did not do.

While the cruise did not meet Oceania’s reputation, it still afforded us the delight in the people we met and the destinations we saw along the way.

That’s what we’ll remember most. A private party with some of the LGBTQ+ guests we met, Tiano on that final night, the

Maître d’ in the dining room who seemed to know the name of every passenger on the ship. Each evening we had the delight of sharing our experience with our friends over dinner.

To sum up the reason for this trip, as an LGBTQ+ couple, we felt comfortable being ourselves on a non-LGBTQ+ cruise, and the other LGBTQ+ people we spoke with didn’t seem to have any issues either. As for whether we’d take Oceania again, we sadly would not unless the itinerary was completely unique. Oceania seemed to have lost the sparkle that made it one of the best cruise companies around.

But despite the ship’s faults, seeing Iceland, Greenland and so many other places was an experience of a lifetime. We can’t wait to go back to Reykjavik someday and see more of the country and meet more of the people, and we’re forever grateful to have seen Greenland, a place of unparalleled beauty and where few others have ever been.

It’s a reminder that the planet has existed long before humans, and that we are but a small part of the wide wonder of nature.

THE CHARM OF GREENLAND: Qaqortoq is a quaint and picturesque 1,500-person city south of Nuuk, Greenland, filled with hills and colorful homes. PHOTO BY JASON VILLEMEZ

MY LITTLE PONY: Mark Segal interacts with a Shetland pony while at the Shetland Islands in Scotland. PHOTO BY JASON VILLEMEZ

All Access

Singer and adult entertainer Colton Ford give fans

‘Permission’

Ford’s departure from the profession was also well documented. His decision was the focus of “Naked Fame” in 2005, a documentary showcasing his transition “from porn star to pop star.”

“Gay adult film star Colton Ford leaves porn behind to pursue new aspirations as a musical artist,” it’s described on Prime Video. “He has the talent, but can he use his porn past to build a career as a singer-songwriter?”

“I was approached by a producer to do a documentary right around the time where I was feeling like I had gotten everything out of the adult film experience that I could,” Ford says. “I wanted to really refocus myself on my music.”

That’s what he did. Ford has now released two EPs, a collection of Billboard-charting singles and five full-length albums, including this year’s “Permission.”

Ryan Williams-Jent

(ABOVE) HIS OWN PATH:

Adult entertainer and singer Colton Ford used his pornographic work to further his music career.

COLTON FORD KNOWS HIS WAY

around a studio. The performer, now 60, entered the music industry right out of high school.

“I started gigging at a nightclub and dinner theater at 18 years old,” he says. “From there I was found by people who brought me in to do commercial jingles and a jazz quartet, then I started getting label deals.”

Ford found himself working with professional producers and securing two deals with Virgin Records in the 90s. The first paired him with the Grammy Award-winning Frankie Knuckles, widely celebrated as the Godfather of House music.

“My roots are in R&B and Frankie Knuckles picked me to be the featured artist on his second album. Virgin essentially pulled the rug out from under us after that,” he recalls, preferring a direction more in line with C&C Music Factory and Martha Wash’s hit “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”

“They had a picture of a diva in their minds,” Ford notes. “You get to a certain point in that fight where you

can do an album, but if the label isn’t going to support it it’s not going to get played.”

He didn’t stop there, however, taking a well-documented detour in 2001.

“That’s when I decided to have an adventure and do some porn,” he laughs. “It’s something I had fantasized about, but because my focus was specifically on my music up until that point — I was 39 at the time — I didn’t consider anything else.

“I was also in an age range where I wasn’t necessarily ‘label material’ anymore,” Ford continues. “I just thought, ‘hey, maybe doing this in front of a camera will get people’s attention and draw them to the other stuff that I can do.”

It worked. Ford quickly amassed a following, appearing in multiple adult films and winning “Gay Performer of the Year” at the 2003 GayVN Awards.

version, portraying go-go boys at an underground gay nightclub.

“There was intense chemistry between the four of us, and you see it, especially in the explicit version of the video,” Ford laughs, but the video also has another layer. Two of the performers are 60, another is in his 40s and another in his 30s.

“I think it’s wonderful that men in different stages of their lives are finding common ground on the dancefloor and in bedrooms,” Ford says. “Giving ourselves permission to explore ourselves and our lives — including the wonderful experiences we share with others as we move through it — is liberating!”

It’s something Ford has begun to embrace more in recent years, returning to adult entertainment through sites like OnlyFans and JustForFans. It’s allowed him “to capitalize on the adult side of my brand, and also bring that and my music together.”

“At this point in my career I’m attached to both music and porn no matter what, and I embrace both,” he says. Doing so has allowed Ford to continue carving his own path, one that he hopes shows others that aging if what you make it.

Its 12 tracks are a mixture of contemporary R&B and Pop featuring “messages on aging and coming out of the closet.” The album was written with Ford’s co-creators in Woop Woop Productions, The Real RJS and Spin Sista.

“They come up with the tracks, I write the top line, which is the melody and the lyrics,” he explains. “I do all the vocals and they arrange their stuff in-house.”

The production company wrote around 25 songs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford says its title track “is about being who we are born to be and living authentic lives that do not require anyone’s permission but our own.”

He says reception has been positive, particularly when it comes to the album’s first single. The singer describes “Handle It” as “the kind of ooey gooey R&B song that I love.”

That’s clear in the song’s video, which has two versions. One is safe for work, while the other is explicitly “Full Monty.”

“Handle It” was filmed at The Barracks and Snap Studios in Palm Springs. Ford’s friends and porn stars Drew Sebastian, Mack Austin and Macho Dog join him for the X-Rated

“I think there’s something really powerful about guys my age showing themselves in this way and letting people know that life doesn’t stop at 50,” Ford says. “It really helps redefine the idea of what aging is and what it looks like.

“Mainstream music videos are very sexually oriented, especially with women,” he adds. “So this just makes sense; I’m an exhibitionist, I still enjoy that and still can be, so I’m really just blending the two and keeping myself out there and current.”

Besides, he laughs, “daddies are in.”

While Ford admits “I’m not necessarily where I envisioned myself,” the entertainer is happy with the work he’s done. In addition to his ever-expanding catalogue, on film and in the recording studio, he’s collaborated with artists like Cazwell and toured with Cyndi Lauper for the popstar’s “True Colors” tour.

“There’s a lot of stuff that I’ve been able to do in the 40 years I’ve been in the industry,” Ford says. “I’m happy to still be doing it.”

Colton Ford’s “Permission” is available to stream now on all major music platforms. Learn more about his music and much more at Linktr.ee/ ColtonFord.

PHOTO BY KEVIN HOOVER

CONGRATULATIONS

Steve Blanchard and Tim Hinton shared in late August that they were married Aug. 2.

MR D’z Men’s Emporium held its official grand opening in Tampa Sept. 1. Read more on p. 11.

Tampa Pride announced Sept. 6 that following a video submission process, the organization has named Dante Medina as Mr. Tampa Pride 2024. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to represent Mr. Tampa Pride,” Medina shared afterwards. “Thank you all so much for your continued support and being here to share this occasion. I am so honored to be recognized in this way by Tampa Pride I can’t wait to work with my new family Tampa Pride!” The next Miss Tampa Pride pageant is scheduled for Sept. 17 at Southern Nights Tampa.

Johnsons Tampa celebrated one year in Tampa Sept. 8.

CONDOLENCES

Tampa Bay entertainer Tegan Reigns, also known as Steven Law, died Sept. 9. A memorial/benefit is currently scheduled for Sept. 24 at Enigma in St. Petersburg and Oct. 29 at Southern Nights Tampa. Reach out to Tampa Bay drag entertainers Lady Liemont or Alexis De La Mer respectively for more information about each celebration of life. He will be missed.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay Founder Dr. David Lyter, Moments of Clarity host Tiffany Werhner, Rising Tide Innovation Center Co-Founder Leigh Kellett Fletcher, St. Petersburg realtor Pete McGahan, Mortgage banker Stan Kutz (Sept. 14); Tampa Bay author Sheree Greer, RemedyOne Executive Vice President Mark Francen, Pinellas County School Board ally Caprice Edmond, St. Petersburg artist Barry Rothstein, former TIGLFF executive director Victor M. Gimenez (Sept. 17); CAN Community Health Senior Vice President Rogelio Capote, Owner of David Vargas-State Farm Insurance David Vargas (Sept. 18); Keller Williams St. Pete realtor Mauricio Moreno, St. Petersburg comedian Jeff Klein, Parc Center for Disabilities AVP Brian Rothey (Sept. 19); Cosplay captain Leif Thomas, Black/Out Magazine Managing Editor Tamara Leigh (Sept. 20); Country club aficionado John Pozo-George, Tampa socialite Neil Parker (Sept. 21); Parri Law Firm owner Dan Parri, Lead Pastor of The Edge Community Church Ricc Rollins (Sept. 22); Tampa Bay chef Darlene Herrick (Sept. 23); Tampa Bay fashion designer Ivanka Ska, Quench Lounge staple Nick Caraccia, Allstate adjuster Mark Celaya-Renaud, Pasco

Pride’s Charlie Russo (Sept. 24); Tampa Bay caregiver R.J. Walker, Florida State Rep. Michele Rayner (Sept. 25); Accuracy Painting’s Kelly Bachman, animal lover Joe Diaz-Henson (Sept. 27).

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

1

TEAM TAMPA: Tampa Pride President Carrie West (L) and Miss Tampa Pride 2023 Hazel E. Genevieve take the stage Sept. 2 at the benefit show for the Tampa Pride Scholarship Fund. PHOTO FROM TAMPA PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

2

LATIN LOVE: DJ Manne brings the heat for Viernes de Jangueo at City Side Sept. 8. PHOTO FROM CITY SIDE LOUNGE’S FACEBOOK

3 GAME NIGHT: (L-R) Come OUT St. Pete Chair Pat Fearns, Miss COSP Rockell Blu and Board Member Noelle Soncrant enjoy a game of Bingo benefiting COSP at Quench Lounge Sept. 5. PHOTO FROM COSP’S FACEBOOK

4 OUT OF THIS WORLD: Conundrum entertains guests Sept. 2 during the Cocktail Invades Uranus Pool Party at The Wet Spot. PHOTO FROM THE WET SPOT’S FACEBOOK

5 MR & D: MR D’z owners Michael Rivera (L) and Delon Cunningham show the new Tampa bar to Watermark Sept. 5. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

6

ONE YEAR LATER: Some of the men of Johnsons Tampa strike a pose for a their one-year anniversary promo in downtown Tampa Sept. 7. PHOTO FROM JOHNSONS TAMPA’S FACEBOOK

7 BROADWAY BIRTHDAY: Momma Ashley Rose (C) and cast celebrate the birthday of Miss Rose Dynasty 2023 Juno Vibranz (2nd from R) during the “Momma and Friends Broadway Show” Sept. 10 at ART/ifact. PHOTO FROM ROSE DYNASTY FOUNDATION’S FACEBOOK

8 SETTING THE STAGE: Kenzie Demornay wows the crowd at Cocktail Sept. 8 during their variety show.

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

PHOTO

CONGRATULATIONS

Nick Smith won Best Supporting Actor in a Romance film at the Organization of Independent Filmmakers’ 2023 Orlando Aura Film Challenge Sept. 2. OIF promotes hands-on learning for emerging talent, crew, writers, directors and support personnel in film production. Smith won for his role in the film “Zom-Com.”

Brandon Wolf, Equality Florida’s former press secretary, began serving as the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign Sept. 5. The LGBTQ+ rights activist and author alluded to a “new chapter” in his life with a social post Aug. 14 announcing he was leaving his home in Orlando for a new opportunity in Washington, D.C. “I will be even more deeply connected to the national fight for our freedom than ever before,” Wolf wrote. “We are at a pivotal moment in history, with hateful forces trying to restrict who gets access to dignity, respect, and freedom, desperate to gobble those things up for themselves while casting aside everyone else. And that moment calls for each of us to step up and pour everything we have into the fight. I am doing just that. I have always said that I will go wherever I am needed, so long as it is to have as much impact as possible. This time, it’s in our nation’s capital.” Read more on pg. 8. onePULSE Foundation Education Program Specialist and Central Florida HIV rights activist Andres Acosta Ardila participated in the 2023 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS in Washington, D.C., held Sept. 5-9, leading discussions on HIV harm reduction during the conference.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Former Pride Chamber president Tom Yaegers, Straight ally Dee Richter (Sept. 14); Orlando Derby girl Jill Powers (Sept. 15); Central Florida’s DJ JB Burgos (Sept. 16); Hamburger Mary’s Orlando Broadway Brunch Bunch founder Jimmi Rossi (Sept. 17); Glamorous socialite Bill Jansen, Favorite ally Justice Mitchell, Priority One Financial’s Steven C. Lewis Jr. (Sept. 18); Flight of Ideas’ Bob Kodzis (Sept. 19); Disney manager of corporate alliances Jason Dobbins, Dr. David Rice at Eola Eyes, “DJ Trypsin” Gabe Medina (Sept. 20); Old Town Kissimmee general manager Thearon Scurlock, Hogwarts student Heather Murphy, Walt Disney Port Orleans Resort lobby concierge Gerry D. Evans, Animal advocate Ziggy Shockley, Central Florida teacher and LGBTQ activist James Rode, Orlando artist and comedian Angela Ramos, JLD Communications founder Jose Luis Dieppa (Sept. 21); Orlando sister “Isadora Knocking” Morris Beverly (Sept. 22); Former board president of The Pride Chamber Lu Mueller-Kaul, former Watermark art director Charlie Carballo (Sept. 23); Former President at Florida

Theatrical Association Ron Legler, Orlando photographer Angie Folks (Sept. 24); Southern Nights Orlando’s Christopher Bishop, Orlando chef Nathan Shifflett, Project Manager at Disney Kevin Thornton (Sept. 25); Orlando performer Eddie Cooper, Orlando performer

Janine Klein, Keep Orlando Beautiful coordinator Jody

Goostree, graphic artist Jarrod Pope, Watermark’s former director of digital media Jamie Hyman (Sept. 26).

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

1

DIVERSITY DRIVE: The Pride Chamber’s Chairperson Denise Merritt enjoys the NASCAR VIP tour during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at the Daytona International Speedway Aug. 26.

2

REPRESENTATION

MATTERS: Lisa Brown (L) and Dawn Kallio (R) meet out NASCAR driver Will Rodgers (C) during the Drive For Diversity NASCAR event at the Daytona International Speedway Aug. 26.

3 FOR THE GAYS: Watermark editor Jeremy Williams enjoys the wall art at Tattooed Mom while visiting Philadelphia Sept. 6.

4 BACK TO THE ‘80S: Watermark publisher Rick Todd has some fun at the LGBT+ Center Orlando’s 80’s Homecoming fundraiser at The Abbey in Orlando Sept.

5

LAST DANCE: Bearonce (C), pictured with Tora Himan (L) and Niomi Onassis Knight (R), had his final drag performance at Tavares Dog House in Tavares Sept.

6

DISNEY DINING: Yosmar Rumbos (L) and Andres Acosta Ardilla enjoy a meal alongside some of Disney’s most beloved characters (including Minnie Mouse) at Walt Disney world Sept. 1. PHOTO FROM ANDRES ACOSTA

7

OFFICE TALK: Departing Watermark designer Kyler Mills (L) discusses business over lunch with Watermark’s newest designer Caitlin Sause at Watermark’s Orlando office Sept. 12.

8

D.C. BOUND: Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (R) stops by District Dive in Orlando to say goodbye to activist and author Brandon Wolf Aug. 29 as Wolf prepared to start his new career in D.C. PHOTO FROM

PHOTO BY J.D. CASTO

PHOTO BY J.D. CASTO

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

2. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

9. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

ARDILLA’S FACEBOOK

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

REP. ANNA V. ESKAMANI’S FACEBOOK

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Orlando Reception in Support of Joe Saunders

THURS., SEPT. 21, 6-8 P.M.

RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY, ORLANDO

Former Florida Rep. Joe Saunders is looking to get back to the State House with his run for South Florida’s District 106, and he wants to share his message with Central Florida’s voters. Join Saunders for a special reception at the Renaissance Theatre Company in Orlando on Sept. 21 to talk about his campaign and why it’s the best chance to #bringbackbalance to the House. Space is limited, so RSVP now at Secure.ActBlue.com/Donate/SaundersOrlando2023.

Orlando Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

THURS., SEPT. 21-SUN., SEPT. 24, 7:30-9:30 P.M.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER, ORLANDO

The Orlando Ballet kicks off its 50th season with “Reflections,” a celebration of its five decades, featuring a showing of a documentary film on the history of the Orlando Ballet, as well as performances of Paul Taylor’s “Company B” and George Balanchine’s “Serenade” in the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall. Tickets start at $29 with VIP packages for two starting at $525. For tickets and more information, visit OrlandoBallet.org.

TAMPA BAY 90s Con

FRI., SEPT. 15-SUN., SEPT. 17, TIMES VARY TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER, TAMPA

That’s4Entertainment brings its 90s Con to Tampa, “the raddest celebration this side of the millennium!” The weekend-long event promises the ultimate experience for fans of 90s TV, films, music and more. Read more about it at WatermarkOnline.com and at Thats4Entertainment.com/90sCon.

WOR: Women of Rock

FRI., SEPT. 22, 11 P.M.

SALTY NUN, ST. PETERSBURG

Fan favorite cover gals the Women of Rock return to the Grand Central District for another tribute party at Salty Nun! Billed as “Florida’s hottest tribute band dedicated to the great women of Rock ‘N Roll,” music lovers can expect to hear hits from Pat Benatar, Heart, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and more. For more information visit WomenOfRockTribute.com.

EVENT PLANNER

FUN NIGHT OUT

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

“The Comedy of Errors,” Sept. 6-Oct. 1, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

“Sweeney Todd,” Sept. 7-24, Ocala Civic Theatre, Ocala. 352-236-2274; OcalaCivicTheatre.com

Delights & Dreamscapes: The Art of Elizabeth Eleanor Davis, Sept. 15, Lil Indie’s, Orlando. LilIndies.org

“Jesus Christ Superstar” Sing-A-Long 50th Anniversary w/ Ted Neeley, Sept. 15, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com

Pabllo Vittar, Sept. 16, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando

Drag Brunch Sing-ALong, Sept. 17, Island Time, Orlando. 407-930-2640; IslandTimeOrlando.com

Watermark’s September Third Thursday, Sept. 21, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando. 407-481-2243; Facebook.com/WatermarkFL

Alejandro Sanz, Sept. 21, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com

“Next To Normal,” Sept. 21-Oct. 1, The Abbey, Orlando. NewGenTheatrical.org

“Chicken & Biscuits,” Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Theatre UCF, Orlando. 407-823-1500; Arts. CAH.UCF.edu/Theatre

April Fresh’s Ladies of the 80s, Sept. 22, The 808, Orlando. 407-440-4079; The808Orlando.com

Orlando Salsa Festival, Sept. 22, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com

“Misery,” Sept. 22Oct. 15, Athens Theatre, DeLand. 386-736-1500; AthensDeLand.com

“Ruthless,” Sept. 22-Oct. 15, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org

LGBTQ+ Kickball League

Fall Kick-off, Sept. 23, Barnett Park, Orlando. OutSportsLeague.com

TAMPA BAY

“Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead,” Through Oct. 8, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-229-7827; JobsiteTheater.org

Transcend: Transgender Social Group, Sept. 15, Empath Partners in Care, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Brittany Baldwin & The Bee Stings, Sept. 15, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 229-232-0011; BrittanyBaldwinMusic.com

The Kind Mouse Benefit Day, Sept. 16, Practically Pikasso, St. Petersburg. 727-822-5204; PracticallyPikasso.com

Poolside Yoga, Sept. 16; 23, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. 727-490-9361; TheBodyElectricYoga.com

St. Pete Art & Fashion Week, Sept. 15-16, Jackie Z Style Co. & Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg. StPeteArtFashionWeek.com

Sing-Along Sundays: “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Sept. 17, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

EPIC Generations Coffee Hour, Sept. 18, Dunedin Senior Center, Dunedin. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Community Mental Health & Wellness Mondays, Sept. 18; 25, St. Pete Youth Farm, St. Petersburg. 727-565-3930; StPeteYouthFarm.org

Get Rescued Drag Queen Bingo, Sept. 20, Zipperz Bar, Gulfport. 727-322-5217; GetRescuedInc.org

Drag Queen Bingo, Sept. 20; 27, The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, St. Petersburg. 727-302-9600; PeskyPelicanBrewPub.com

Karaoke Night, Sept. 20; 27, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage

EPIC Generations Coffee Hour, Sept. 22, Gulfport Senior Center, Gulfport. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Uncorked: Tampa Wine Festival, Sept. 23, ZooTampa, Tampa. 813-935-8552; UncorkedWineFestivals.com

SARASOTA

Fabulous Independent Film Festival Opening Night, Sept. 29, Burns Court Cinema, Sarasota. 941-228-4872; FabAF.org

International Brazilian superstar Pabllo Vittar brings her “Noitada” tour to the House of Blues in Orlando Sept. 16. PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF BLUES ORLANDO WEBSITE

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