Watermark Issue 31.23: Cher, Cher & Cher alike, Smart Successor

St Pete Pride to launch executive director search

New LGBTQ+-owned tavern in Orlando to open early next year

Jeremy Williams

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK EDITOR’S

THIS IS A STRANGE EDITOR’S DESK

for me to write. Because of the way our editorial cycle falls, I am writing this the day before what many have called “the most consequential presidential election of our time”; however, it will publish two days after the election.

So unless the race is just too close to call and it has taken days, if not weeks, to find a winner, then you all know who the next president of the United States is, so I’ll ask: Are you OK?

It is pretty evident what my political leanings are and obvious who I voted for so I’m hoping you are reading this with a cup of coffee in one hand and a smile on your face as you look forward to the inauguration of our first female president in January.

If you are reading this more terrified than you were in November 2016 because we have four more years of a Trump

administration coming, then know I get it but we shall survive and overcome this too.

Regardless of who won, know that the fight doesn’t end now. Even if your side won, there is still work to be done trying to repair the divide that is more than just the people running to be POTUS every four years, and it is time to begin the work to hold those who were elected into office accountable for the promises they made on the campaign trail.

Even as we continue the day-to-day fight for our rights and freedoms, we also have to make sure we are taking care of our

day-to-day needs. One such need for me is to get healthier, something I have been working on for several months now.

Earlier this year, I wrote in this space about my new weight loss and health journey, one that began with going on the controversial drug Ozempic, controversial not because of whether it works or not but controversial because it is a drug that has not been identified by the Food and Drug Administration as something that is recommended for losing weight.

This argument has left many to go online to demonize its use for anything other than diabetes, and even caused several people to email me personally and tell me I was wrong for taking this medication. While I appreciate how professional they were with their responses to me and encourage anyone to message me about anything I or any of my writers here at Watermark write, I will say that I believe there is a world of difference between someone who is dealing with morbid obesity taking these drugs under the consultation of a doctor and someone buying these drugs online because they want to lose 10 or 15 pounds.

There are a lot of drugs on the market that are used for other issues and concerns outside of their original intentions. One of the more popular drugs that fall into this category is Viagra, which was initially developed to help treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris.

As far as my journey, it has been a slow-moving track but one that has been moving in the right direction. Since starting the medication, I have lost a total of 46 pounds. I will admit I went into this reading stories online about people who went on this drug and the weight started to “pour off immediately.” My experience with it is it moves a bit slower, especially at first. My doctor started me on the lowest dose and slowly cranked it up every month or so. I think

this helped me to avoid a lot of the side effects I had read about, considering I had little to no side effects, but it did make it seem like the weight was coming off very slowly. A few pounds here and a few pounds there with plateaus every few weeks.

I’ve reached the max dose now of Ozempic, the 2mg dose, and my body reacted quite differently to it. The higher dose came with the side effects I had been warned about — intense stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headaches. Many experiences I read online from females who are on the drug said the side effects are like an intense menstrual cycle. If this is what you all deal with on a monthly

I am pushing through and working toward a healthier, more fit me.

basis, I must say I have an increased respect for what you all go through and still carry on in your daily life. All I wanted to do was crawl into bed and cry. But even with the side effects, I am pushing through and working toward a healthier, more fit me.

One of the toughest times on a weight loss journey is coming up — the holidays! Soon Thanksgiving will be here, then it’s a month of on-the-go shopping, dining and enjoying the festivities, and it is easy to fall off track. Just know that it is OK if you fall down, just pick yourself up and start again. Also, give yourself some grace and let yourself enjoy the holidays. Don’t beat yourself up if you want a cheat day (or week), and know that there is help out there if you need/want it.

Happy holidays to you all!

BIANCA GOOLSBY

MBA is a digital strategist and activist who partners with mission-driven organizations to increase their impact through innovative and effective online communications. She also empowers and equips families to curate safe social spaces for themselves and their children. Page 19

KIRK HARTLAGE is an Orlando-based journalist a DJ and a former full time employee of Watermark. He specializes in celebrity interviews. Page 29

SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCKKELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, NICHOLAS MACHUCA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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

DESK EDITOR’S

MOST FOLKS KNOW WHAT I DO

for a living and how much it means to me, so it’s no secret that I love journalism.

I’ve written about it at length over the years, but I don’t know if I’ve specifically shared why I love working in print. It’s something I first fell in love with as a student journalist.

There’s nothing like holding your byline for the first (or thousandth) time, and logging onto a website just isn’t the same as flipping through a newspaper. There’s obviously tremendous value in and a need for sharing news digitally, but the joy of picking up a physical copy of Watermark is unmatched for me.

Print journalism has evolved and will continue to do so, like every industry, but the written word belongs on paper. There’s nothing that will convince me otherwise — but it isn’t just about seeing my name. It’s about

having a tangible connection with the community.

I see it every time I refill one of Watermark’s distribution sites or when our staff interacts with readers at events. Most recently it was during last month’s Come Out with Pride in Orlando, where we arrived with hundreds of issues and magazines but left with none.

I’ll admit that bundles of newspapers and boxes of specialty guides aren’t the most fun to transport, but when we leave emptyhanded it’s proof that the LGBTQ+ stories we tell are where they belong. In your hands.

You can track website data, and I’m proud of what we see when we do, but it doesn’t beat handing a reader a paper as they thank us for covering our community.

I’m always thankful for those

experiences, and I’m also thankful that changemakers around the nation are fighting to make sure they continue.

Last month, Press Forward — a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news — announced that Watermark was among 206 outlets that will receive a share of $20 million. The organization is working to close persistent coverage gaps across the nation.

The organizations were chosen from over 900 applicants and Watermark was one of just five recipients in Florida. It was, and is, a really big deal.

“These newsrooms are proof that we are seeing a moment of transformation, where new and longstanding publications are stepping up to create a new story for local news,” Press Forward Director Dale R. Anglin announced Oct. 16. “Each newsroom plays a vital public service role in its community — providing trustworthy local news and information in places where no other sources may exist.”

Watermark Publisher Rick Todd and I worked on our grant proposal together, with support from the staff, and I’m so proud that we were chosen. I’m also appreciative of his leadership on the initiative.

“This amazing organization is working hard to support and sustain local news because they understand its role in informing communities on a grass roots level,” he said of Press Forward last month. “I will forever be grateful for their support.”

I couldn’t agree more. The grant will help us expand our reach as we work to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, and there are ways you can help too. In honor of Watermark’s 30th anniversary this year, we’ve been asking readers to support local LGBTQ+ journalism by gifting $30 to help us plan for the future.

I’m not one for soliciting folks but I can assure you that if you’re willing and able, every dollar makes a difference. You can read more at WatermarkOnline. com/30th and on p. 22, which I have to mention is going to press right before the General Election. That’s the trickiest part about print. This will publish afterwards, but I don’t yet know its outcome. I do know one thing for certain, though: the U.S. will make history by re-electing a twice-impeached, insurrectionist in Donald Trump or by choosing a proven leader in Kamala Harris, who will become our first female president. I hope

It was, and is, a really big deal.

it’s the latter but know local journalism will be critical in the coming days either way.

In this issue we focus on the inaugural joy ride, the successor to the SMART Ride, which for 20 years raised funds for Floridians living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The cycling fundraiser benefits Tampa Bay’s Empath Partners in Care and Central Florida’s Miracle of Love, worthy nonprofits which detail its continued importance.

In Tampa Bay news, LGBTQ+ organizations announce leadership changes. The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber welcomes Rene Cantu as its next president and CEO while St Pete Pride and its executive director part ways. We also preview “The Cher Show.”

Watermark is proud to be celebrating 30 years as your LGBTQ+ news source, so thanks for reading and supporting our advertisers. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

BIANCA GOOLSBY

MBA is a digital strategist and activist who partners with mission-driven organizations to increase their impact through innovative and effective online communications. She also empowers and equips families to curate safe social spaces for themselves and their children. Page 19 KIRK HARTLAGE is an Orlando-based journalist a DJ and a former full time employee of Watermark. He specializes in celebrity interviews. Page 29

KAPHERR

SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCKKELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, NICHOLAS MACHUCA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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

AZupka Counseling

central florida news

New Orlando Tavern

LGBTQ+-owned restaurant set to open early next year

Gabrielle Giles

ORLANDO | Early next year will see the opening of a new LGBTQ+-owned tavern near Lake Eola. Outpost Neighborhood Tavern is a new restaurant concept and idea that is being brought to the downtown area. The new restaurant, which will be located at 227 N. Eola Dr. (previously the Persimmon Hollow Brewery), is set to open early next year as a collaboration between business owner Devon Tillmon and the commissioner and creator of the OUT Sports League, John Teixeria. Tillmon has over 30 years of restaurant experience and is excited to bring Orlando another restaurant that the city can call home. After owning Garden Bistro, which shut down due to landlord issues, Tillmon said that he’s excited to bring this new restaurant to the Orlando area and create a safe space.

“Our goal is to bring you comfort, fun and inclusivity in one vibrant, welcoming spot where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re here to catch a game or

just unwind with friends, we’ve got you covered with a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and lively drinks,” said Tillmon.

The team made the announcement with a video released on social media Oct. 22.

As creator and commissioner of OUT Sports League, Teixeira decided to collaborate with Tillmon after they both found their interests aligned. Teixeria previously held his cornhole league at the now-closed Garden Bistro; this new opportunity allows both of them to bring back something they love. As a goal, Teixeria said that he always wanted to start a queer sports bar in Orlando. With the help of Tillmon, he said it’s now a dream come true.

“I just needed somebody with the experience to help on the food side of things and who knew the restaurant business,” he said. “That’s where it made sense for Devin and I to partner up cause he knows the food side, he knows how to handle the restaurant and that sort of the business.”

Teixeria said that this restaurant will help bring together the sports community in Orlando,

JACK & HONEY’S SHUTS DOORS

Camila Escobar

ORLANDO | Jack & Honey’s, a brunch-focused spot in the heart of Thornton Park, announced its closure Oct. 28.

The restaurant posted on it’s Instagram noting that Oct. 27 marked the final day of regular operations, aside from “a few previously scheduled commitments and events.”

“It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to close our doors on our 1 yr. anniversary,” the eatery posted. “We have made some difficult decisions over the past few months to try and save our restaurant, but unfortunately circumstances did not work out in our favor.”

Jack & Honey’s, which opened in late 2023, was launched by the same team behind The Hammered Lamb and The 808.

creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ communities and allies to enjoy their interests with others.

“We’re hoping that it can be a place that bridges into lots of those different communities, and it’s a place that everyone can feel welcomed and are welcomed,” he said.

The “neighborhood” within the restaurant’s name is intentional. Sitting near Lake Eola, the location and charm made it the perfect location for both Tillmon and Teixeria. Teixeria said that the space will serve the surrounding area, adding culture and liveliness to the Lake Eola area.

“We’re trying to serve the local neighborhoods of Eola, downtown, Thornton Park, Colonial Town; everything that’s nearby us,” he said. “This restaurant goes into the character of the neighborhood, of being a place that you can lounge out and hang out by the lake.”

At the new restaurant, customers can expect to enjoy a large bar seating area, patio space and lounge chairs. Recreational items like cornhole and darts will also be included within the area, bringing in people who wish to host leagues in or around the restaurant. The menu selection will be American-based with home comfort meals and a large selection of beers, wine and spirits. Outpost will also hold drag brunches and host special events.

The exact opening day of the restaurant has not been announced.

The Washington Street location has seen a series of closures in recent years: Dexter’s Thornton Park, a beloved fixture for 35 years, shut down in 2019, followed by The 808 in 2023 and now Jack & Honey’s.

In its closing statement, Jack and Honey’s urged Orlando residents to “please continue to support small businesses in Orlando, a community we love and hold dear.”

Their departure adds to a growing list of Orlando eateries that have closed in recent years including Pom Pom’s, Hamburger Mary’s, Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Graffiti Junktion, DaJen Eats, Bem Bom, Linda’s Winter Park Diner, V’s Diner and The Coop.

ORANGE COUNTY AWARDS $8M TO WINTER PARK THEATRE

Jeremy Williams

WINTER PARK, FLA. | Orange County awarded the city of Winter Park, in collaboration with The Winter Park Playhouse, $8 million to purchase the playhouse’s existing building giving the theatre a permanent home. The funds will also go toward helping to renovate the space.

The funds were awarded from the county’s Tourist Development Tax and was one of 11 grants given to Central Florida organizations during the county’s Oct. 29 meeting totaling nearly $75 million.

Other organizations to receive funds include the Orlando Science Center, the city of Apopka, 4R Foundation, the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, Winter Garden Art Association, Orlando Family Stage, the Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orlando Museum of Art. The county also awarded $2 million for the Wells’Built Museum Complex expansion.

Funding for all projects will awarded over the next four years.

DOWNTOWN EATERY: Devon Tillmon (L) and John Teixeria, owners of Outpost Neighborhood Tavern. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN TEIXERIA

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 effects, 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 first 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. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

� Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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 affect 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 effects, including:

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

� Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight 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 effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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

You are encouraged to report negative side effects 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.

TAMPA BAY LGBT CHAMBER APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT, CEO

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA BAY | The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber announced Oct. 24 that Rene Cantu has been appointed as the organization’s next president and CEO.

The chamber has served the LGBTQ+ and ally business communities of Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties for over 40 years. Cantu officially joined its leadership team as vice president of membership and business development in May.

In the time since he has helped lead the chamber’s 2024 Pride in Business luncheon and produce other signature initiatives and outings. In June, the chamber partnered with the Tampa Police Department to highlight the city’s Safe Place initiative and just last month, they supported the Tampa expansion of members Inclusive Care Group and Bell Pharmacy.

“Cantu brings a wealth of experience in leadership, community engagement and advocacy that will propel the Chamber into its next chapter of growth and impact,” the organization shared in a press release. They noted he “steps into the role following the successful tenure of Justice Gennari, who has led the Chamber through a period of impressive growth and strengthened ties within the business community.”

The organization expressed “deep gratitude for Justice’s contributions” as well, noting they are “confident that Cantu’s leadership will build on this strong foundation.”

“I am honored to take on this role and build on the incredible work the Chamber has done,” Cantu shared. “Together with the Board and our members, I look forward to creating new opportunities for connection and driving the economic vitality of our diverse business community.”

The release also announced that Ripple Effect Leadership’s Chris Rollins has been appointed as the organization’s new board chair. They said he “brings a fresh perspective and deep expertise in leadership development and inclusion.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Rene Cantu as our new President and CEO,” Rollins said. “Rene’s vision for inclusive economic growth, commitment to our members and passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy, aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission. Under his leadership, we are excited to continue creating ripples of positive change in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.”

Additional board members were also sought until Oct. 27. The organization says they will “play an essential role in guiding our mission to advocate, educate, and connect on behalf of local businesses, ensuring the vibrant growth and inclusivity of our community.”

For more information about the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, visit TampaBayLGBTChamber.org.

tampa bay news

Next Steps

St Pete Pride to launch executive director search

Ryan Williams-Jent

ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride will launch a nationwide search in the coming weeks to find its next executive director following the departure of Nicole Berman, who resigned from the position late last month.

Berman, whose final day is Nov. 8, joined St Pete Pride in 2022 ahead of its landmark 20th year. She oversaw significant growth through its month-long 22nd celebration in June.

“We are saddened to announce the parting ways of our executive director as she goes on to a phenomenal opportunity in Massachusetts,” St Pete Pride shared with Watermark Nov. 1.

“While we wish her luck in her next endeavor, we are saddened to see her go and want to celebrate the amazing improvements and beautiful things she has brought to St Pete Pride over the last three years.

“We absolutely wish her luck in this next endeavor and will continue to support her,”

they continued. “In the interim, all inquiries will go to St Pete Pride Board President Dr. Byron Green-Calisch as he and the board begin the search for a new executive director to fill her very large shoes.”

“I am so very proud of the community in St. Petersburg,” Berman says. “Everyone that I have had the pleasure and the opportunity to interact with has been so incredibly supportive and passionate about ensuring that Pride in St. Pete continues to be the beacon that it is.

“I feel very blessed and privileged to have spent some time here working with all of these people, who I will miss everyone very much, but I am excited to see what happens with St Pete Pride next year,” she continues. “I know it will be just as big and just as wonderful, continuing to grow and evolve.”

Green-Calisch will serve as interim executive director until a replacement can be found, handling sponsorships and other essential matters. He joined the board in 2022 before becoming president this year.

“I am eternally grateful for Nicole’s creativity as it relates to facilitating 12 to 13 programs in a single month,” he says. “She has done a phenomenal job ... and being able to pull off one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, with volunteer help, is no small feat.

“Being able to raise millions of dollars for St Pete Pride, in itself, is a marvel,” he adds. “Building the relationships that she’s been able to build has made her a leader of the pack … her expertise lies not only in creating inclusive events, but also in finding the dollars wherever they might exist. That is absolutely what we value in an organizational leader and hope to find moving forward.”

The board will seek to have a new executive director in place by St Pete Pride 2025. Green-Calisch says he will “lead the charge” and work in tandem with whomever the organization hires.

Before then, the nonprofit’s annual holiday fundraiser will return to a new venue, FloridaRAMA, on Dec. 7. Red & Green will “look and feel very different than it has in the past,” he teases.

“After two hurricanes we need some time to come together and celebrate,” Green-Calisch says. “It’s going to really focus on chosen family and lean into the holiday season’s joyous moments.”

For more information about St Pete Pride and future events, visit StPetePride.org.

LEADING THE CHARGE: St Pete Pride Board President and Interim Executive Director Dr. Byron Green-Calisch.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE PRESIDENT STEPS ASIDE

John Hayden via Out South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. | After years of financial problems and diminishing trust, Pride Fort Lauderdale is seeing a change at the top as president Miik Martorell steps back.

Martorell and PFL have been under scrutiny for nearly two years. PFL had big plans in 2020 when the organization was supposed to host Pride of the Americas, a brand new international event that would shine a major spotlight on Fort Lauderdale.

Pride of the Americas, originally scheduled for April 2020, was canceled after COVID-19 shut down most of the country. The event never recovered and was pushed to Feb. 2023 and combined with Pride Lauderdale in the hopes that saving costs and resources would allow PFL to recover afterwards.

By that time, though, sponsors began pulling out and demanding refunds. The entire board and the executive director resigned in the weeks immediately before and after the event.

CLINTON STUMPS FOR HARRIS, FLORIDA DEMS

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | Former First Lady, U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, also the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, visited Tampa Bay Nov. 2 to encourage Floridians to vote for Democrats up and down the ballot in the last days of the General Election.

Clinton spoke at Casa Kamala and the Tampa Convention Center. The former is the home base for the Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus, Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and other likeminded Democratic organizations and candidates.

More than 100 supporters attended Clinton’s first stop, which began with volunteers assembling nearly 2,000 campaign signs for Harris and other Democrats. Among the participants was Florida LGBTQ+

Democratic Caucus President Kristen Browde, whose statewide LGBTQ+ organization endorsed Harris in July.

“Our members aren’t just energized, they’re excited to be working to elect the first woman to the nation’s highest office and to take back Florida at the same time,” she said July 28.

Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus President Victor DiMaio was the first to speak. Additional speakers included Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez and Charlie Rodriguez, former Senate president of Puerto Rico and chairman of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico.

Clinton addressed attendees for over 15 minutes.

“I’m really inspired by this campaign … and I believe that here in this state, you are demonstrating why Florida should not be an afterthought. It needs to be front and center,” she said, citing

Democratic volunteer numbers and early vote statistics. “This is an election about the fundamental values of our country, our democracy, our freedom.”

Clinton also specifically called on voters to elect Debbie Mucarsel-Powell to the U.S. Senate, who ran to unseat Rick Scott, and Tampa Bay’s Whitney Fox and Pat Kemp. All three are longtime LGBTQ+ allies.

“After 2016, I can’t tell you how many people said to me, ‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t think you needed me,” Clinton, who won the popular vote but lost to Trump via the Electoral College, also noted. “So now everybody, I hope remembers that we need you all. We need every single one of you to vote for yourself, to vote for your future and to vote for your freedom in this state and this country.”

Read more and view Watermark’s photos at WatermarkOnline.com.

In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

nation+world

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA FORFEITS GAME RATHER THAN PLAY POSSIBLE TRANS ATHLETE

Dawn Ennis of the Los Angeles Blade, courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

For the fifth time, a women’s volleyball team has chosen to forfeit instead of play against San Jose State University, because of rumors that one of its players is a transgender woman.

The University of Nevada, Reno, officially announced Oct. 25 that it would forfeit the Oct. 26 game against the SJSU Spartans. This followed an announcement by Wolf Pack players who said they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details.

Originally, Nevada’s athletic department had said the program would not back out from the match, citing state equality laws, but also said that no players would

be disciplined if they chose to not participate.

“The vast majority of our team decided this is something we wanted to take a stand on,”

Nevada team captain Sia Liilii told Fox News. “We didn’t want to play against a male player. In all of our team meetings it just kept coming back to the fact that men do not belong in women’s sports. If you’re born a biological male, you don’t belong in women’s sports. It’s not even about this individual athlete. It’s about fair competition and safety for everyone.”

As ESPN reported, Nevada follows Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State in canceling games against the Spartans. Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State and Nevada are all members of the Mountain West Conference, so those contests are considered forfeits and count as valuable wins in the league standings for San Jose State.

Riley Gaines, the anti-trans inclusion activist for the Independent Women’s Forum has joined the chorus in claiming the Spartans’ roster includes a trans woman.

Despite this, neither San Jose State nor any of the other forfeiting teams have said the university’s women’s volleyball team has a trans player. SJSU issued a statement defending its roster.

“Our athletes all comply with NCAA and Mountain West Conference policies and they are eligible to play under the rules of those organizations. We will continue to take measures to prioritize the health and safety of our students while they pursue their earned opportunities to compete,” the statement read.

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

A SECOND HIGH COURT RULES THAT JAPAN’S BAN ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Wire Report

TOKYO | A second Japanese high court ruled Oct. 30 that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality.

The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation,” saying it violates the constitutional guarantee of right to equality, as well as individuals’ dignity and equality between sexes. It was a clearer statement than the 2022 lower court decision that described the situation as “an unconstitutional state.”

The Sapporo High Court ruling in March said not allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same benefits as straight

couples violates their fundamental right to equality and freedom of marriage. The new ruling is the seventh overall that found the ongoing ban to be unconstitutional or nearly so, against only one district court decision that found it constitutional. The rulings can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.

In the ruling, Presiding Judge Sonoe Taniguchi also wrote that the purpose of marriage is not only to produce offspring but also to ensure stable legal status for the partners, and that there is no rational reason to justify excluding same-sex couples. She said there is a shared international consensus against discriminating based on sexual orientation.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the ruling has not been finalized and that his government will continue to watch other pending court cases.

Still, the winning streak has raised hopes among the LGBTQ+ community.

Plaintiffs cheered outside of the court while their supporters held banners carrying messages such as “Further advance toward marriage equality!” and “No more waiting for legal revision!”

Makiko Terahara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, calling it historic. She and her fellow lawyers in a statement demanded the government immediately take steps “to open the door for marriage equality.”

“I felt grateful to be alive when I heard the word ‘unconstitutional’ from the judge,” said Yoko Ogawa, a plaintiff in her 60s. She said she worries about a lack of legal protection for her and her partner as they age, and that “I hope to see progress toward legalization as soon as possible.”

IN OTHER NEWS

MICHIGAN MUSIC DIRECTOR FIRED FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The longtime music director at a northern Michigan church said he was fired just a few months before retirement after officials learned that he was in a same-sex marriage, a dismissal that has angered members and led to a sidewalk protest Oct. 27 by the choir. Fred Szczepanski said he was fired on Oct. 18 by the Rev. Michael Lingaur for marrying his longtime partner in a same-sex ceremony in Nevada in 2020. The church confronted him after receiving a letter from an unnamed person. Szczepanski had been music director for 34 years and planned to retire in January. His recorded voice greets people who call the parish office.

MARCHERS IN GEORGIA DENOUNCE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

Tens of thousands of Georgians massed outside parliament Oct. 28, demanding the annulment of the weekend parliamentary election that the president has alleged was rigged with the help of Russia. The rally underlined tensions in the country which lies between Russia and Turkey and where the governing Georgian Dream party has become increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The Central Election Commission said Georgian Dream received 54.8% of the vote with almost all ballots counted. The party — established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia — has adopted laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.

HUNDREDS MARCH FOR 35 YEARS OF PRIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Hundreds of people marched Oct. 26 in South Africa to mark 35 years of Pride Johannesburg, an annual event that has been critical in advocating equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The march in the Sandton district of Johannesburg, was a colorful spectacle but also an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to highlight critical issues such as the discrimination most members of the community still face despite South Africa’s progressive stance on equality issues. There are still many countries on the African continent where LGBTQ+ people’s rights are not recognized.

POLISH RADIO STATION ABANDONS AI ‘PRESENTERS’ AFTER OUTCRY

A Polish radio station said Oct. 28 that it has ended an “experiment” that involved using AI-generated “presenters” instead of real journalists after the move sparked an outcry. Weeks after dismissing its journalists, OFF Radio Krakow relaunched using virtual characters created by AI as its presenters. The station in the southern city of Krakow had said its avatars were designed to reach younger listeners by speaking about cultural, art and social issues including the concerns of LGBTQ+ people.

viewpoint

Bianca Goolsby

Using our Voices UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME

FOR MONTHS, MAYBE

even years, we noticed a change in my dad’s voice.

What started as a slight hoarseness, a subtle rasp that wouldn’t go away, turned into a looming concern and eventually led to the diagnosis we all feared: cancer in his voice box.

As his family, we rallied around him. When the doctors told us he would need a laryngectomy, it felt like time stood still. It was hard to comprehend that soon the steady voice of our family, would no longer be able to speak the way we’d always known.

As a family, we sat together processing this new reality. We searched for answers and braced ourselves for the unfamiliar journey ahead. We learned what a laryngectomy meant, but emotionally, we were far from prepared. Through this journey, I began to question what “voice” truly means. Is it just the sound we make, or could it be something deeper, something that transcends words?

I invite you to reflect on this: What does “having a voice” mean to you? Is it about being heard, or is it about something much more enduring?

When my dad’s voice was silenced by surgery, his need to connect didn’t fade — it only grew stronger. He embraced new methods of communication with remarkable resilience daily, showing us that his spirit was louder than any words he could say. We tried everything, from writing notes to using hand gestures, developing a silent language that helped us adapt together as family. His commitment to staying present and engaged became a testament to the idea that communication transcends words; it’s about intention, patience, and fulfilling the desire to connect with those we love.

The voice-assist device, a futuristic and bittersweet tool, was perhaps the biggest shift. With the electrolarynx, he found a new way to express himself. Although the “voice” wasn’t entirely his own, he used it with remarkable grace. He shared gratitude and humor and with every small gesture, every typed word, we saw his determination.

It was a lesson for us all and reminded me that resilience blooms when we’re forced to relearn what

we thought we knew. In those moments, I began to understand that having a voice isn’t about volume or articulation — it’s about showing up and being fully, authentically present, no matter the limitations.

My dad’s presence is powerful, unmistakable and anchored in a deep faith that defines him. With over 34 years as a respected medical professional, he’s gained admiration not just for his expertise, but for the compassion and calm he brings to every interaction.

Though he no longer has his natural voice, his influence has only grown stronger. As a pastor and healer, his commitment to others now serves as his own source of strength. His dedication inspires me and I know he’ll continue to preach and uplift in new, profound ways. I wouldn’t be who I am without him, and I celebrate his strength, faith and the impact he continues to make.

He has taught me that using our voices isn’t solely about speaking out loud; it’s about being understood when it truly matters. His unwavering spirit showed me that holding onto our voices is a courageous act of defiance.

My father’s deep faith is his guiding light, illuminating his path even in silence. His journey reminded me that our voices resonate most powerfully when we wield them with intention, advocating for ourselves and others. It’s in these moments — when we stand firm in our truth, no matter how challenging or misunderstood — that we truly claim our power and inspire those around us.

Through my dad’s journey, I discovered that having a voice encompasses so much more than words; it’s about showing up authentically, forging meaningful connections, and allowing our presence to create a lasting impact — whether or not we speak. His remarkable ability to

heal and adapt became his true voice, embodying the resilience, compassion and courage he cultivated over a lifetime.

Witnessing him refuse to let obstacles define his spirit taught me the vital importance of holding onto my own voice, even in

requirement for sharing our truth is the courage to be unapologetically ourselves. I encourage you to find your voice, whatever form it may take. Speak up, act with intention and let your presence resonate in the world. Our voices — both heard and unheard —

action; it is a commitment to courage and authenticity. Your voice has the power to ignite change, inspire others and leave a lasting mark on the world.

Every one of us carries a story worth sharing, a truth waiting to be voiced.

the face of discomfort and challenge. Today, I am proud to share that my father is cancer-free after completing radiation treatments, and with the help of technology, he will soon receive a prosthetic voice, a testament to his incredible journey. Every one of us carries a story worth sharing, a truth waiting to be voiced. Yet too many people wait for the “right” moment or the perfect words. The only

shape the fabric of our communities. Embrace your voice boldly, allowing it to reflect your authentic self, creating a profound impact through every silent action and every meaningful word.

Using our voices is a conscious and deliberate act of defiance against silence, especially when standing up for what is right, speaking truth to power and advocating for those we love. This is not just a call to

Say this affirmation with me: “I embrace my unique voice, knowing that it is not defined by sound but by the authenticity of my presence. I choose to express myself courageously, celebrating my journey and the resilience within me. I am committed to showing up, connecting deeply, and using my experiences to inspire others to find and share their own voices, unapologetically.”

I love you!

Bianca Goolsby, MBA is a digital strategist and activist.

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Journalism matters. Journalism provides information. Information is knowledge and knowledge is power.

Watermark matters. Our mission is to advance LGBTQ+ interests. We do that by connecting community, informing you of what is happening around you that might not be on your radar. We celebrate our triumphs and, at times, we question our missteps. We uplift those fighting the good fight and hold those accountable who seek to silence you.

We need your help to continue our mission. In honor of our 30-year anniversary, Watermark is asking 1,000 of our readers to support local queer journalism by gifting $30.

Visit WatermarkOnline.com/30th or scan the QR code to show your support.

Unlike other news outlets, Watermark covers the LGBTQ+ community from a local perspective, year-round, providing depth and context for our readers they can’t get elsewhere.

Your gift will help go towards investigative journalism, expanding our freelance team and creating opportunities for more LGBTQ+ journalists, hopefully providing us with the resources to hire more staff to provide a better experience for you, our readers.

Watermark’s Anniversary

Aaron Alper

Freelance writer

AS A YOUNG GAY MAN, WORKING AT

Watermark offered me an experience that I believe is more and more difficult to find in the world today: community. The world of journalism was collapsing around me, as I had just been let go from a prominent newspaper, and I was adrift.

I didn’t know how I was going to manage kickstarting my career after losing what I considered to be one of the biggest benchmarks of essential experience to achieve success.

Then came along Watermark. I remember reading an issue and thinking, “why not give it a shot?” and it was the right choice.

Coming out is just the first of many steps in a young gay man’s journey. After that you have to find your way into a community that is vast and can be sexy, terrifying and inscrutable when you first come upon it.

I was in sore need of gay role models at the time and Watermark provided that in (inarguably very stylish) bushels.

These were avuncular men who really looked after one another. Everyone was a gentleman to me, through and through, and this helped with a lot of the counterproductive activities I was accruing myself in the local party scenes. Although, full disclosure, I did have a massive crush on my very first editor, who we’ll just call Steve.

I had to focus very hard when he was giving me assignments, because there’s only so much exposure to blue eyes and muscles this boy can take. I also had dreams fulfilled when I got to interview comedians and celebrities like Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black — twice! — Lisa Lampanelli, Miss Coco Peru, Paula Poundstone and Del Shores, amongst others.

As someone who considers themselves to be a very funny person,

making all these people laugh, with recorded proof, is something I treasure to this day. I even had the honor of having to calm down Lewis Black about the people in my life who loved and voted for Donald Trump.

I not only made him laugh, but I managed to outrage Lewis Black. The secret achievement award (that nobody knows or cares about) goes to Aaron Alper!

Outside of celebrity moments, let’s not forget being on the front row watching same-sex marriage transform from partnerships to fully recognized marriages, and the amazing work put forth by the advocates on the Hillsborough County City Council, which at the time included another secret crush of mine. We’ll just call him Kevin, someone whose Hollywood smile required me to wear sunglasses. But focus, Aaron. Focus.

I was also honored to be the one who broke the news that St. Petersburg institution Georgie’s Alibi was going to be closing, which was the end of an era in Tampa Bay.

As for my era at Watermark, I will always be grateful for how it helped shape me into the man I am today — as much as music, piano, Magic the Gathering, photography and lecturing in schools has, with that little habit I picked up along the way of writing.

You’ve been a watermark for me in more than just a name. Thank you so much.

Michael Wanzie

Freelance writer/ columnist

IAM GRATEFUL FOR THE PLATFORM WHICH

Watermark has provided me as a writer and social commentator.

I feel even more fortunate that I have always been afforded the latitude to write on any topic that struck my fancy and I’ve had a ball doing it. But there was this one time in September 2015, when the movie “Stonewall” was released, our community went a bit off the rails over, well over everything. Many were incensed by the film’s historical inaccuracies overall. There were those who were outraged by the invention of a fictional, white, all-American male through whose eyes the story unfolded and who (in the film) threw the first brick that had been credited with starting the modern gay rights movement in America. This bit of filmdom fiction was taken as a complete and total affront to the trans community and to people of color, as it had long been accepted that it was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans person, who threw that first brick back in 1969. Angry activists were calling for a boycott of the film and even to have it revoked from distribution. Queers were losing their shit over this movie and things were turning ugly.

Watermark’s publisher and editor at the time called to ask that I write an opinion piece on the fallout over the film. This was not typical. The topics for my various columns had always been left up to me but the ugliness of the public battle over this film led Watermark to request I write specifically on this topic. And so I did.

As I recall, I first pointed out that the film was not a documentary, and that it has never been the least bit uncommon for filmmakers to exercise artistic license. Hollywood pulls this crap all the time and this bit of revisionist history-, which I personally found to be

abhorrent, was not some purposefully disrespectful slight.

I asked everyone with an opinion on “Stonewall” to take a breath and to take a step back and look at what was happening in the world outside of the LGBTQ+ community, which was that non-queer people from all walks of life were not only seeing “Stonewall” but were actually moved by it. Not only emotionally but they were being moved to recognize our struggles, to empathize with our plight and to appreciate our history, regardless of how flawed it was being depicted in the film. I suggested that we as a community put aside our criticism of the film and not promote a boycott since it was having a positive effect on those outside our fractured community.

To some extent my little Watermark column had accomplished more than I ever imagined it might. I received more positive feedback from this column than any other I had written. I even received an email from a couple thanking me for providing a perspective that put an end to an ongoing argument that was being waged over this film and which had been threatening to end their relationship.

While I would rather not admit that the column of mine that got the most reader response ever was the only one where the topic had been assigned to me, I sure am glad that they assigned it. I remain grateful to all who read my words in this publication, and especially to all those who have taken the time over the years to share your thoughts with me regarding my musings and observations.

In Loving Memory

Transgender Day of Remembrance

On November 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). It's a day to honor the memory of those we've lost to antitransgender violence and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all transgender individuals.

Transgender people face disproportionate rates of discrimination, poverty, and violence, impacting their mental and physical wellbeing. Discrimination against the transgender community takes on many forms, including healthcare, housing, employment, and education. They're also at higher risk for HIV/AIDS, due in part to stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare.

TDOR is not just about mourning. It's also about celebrating the resilience and strength of the transgender community. It's about recognizing the progress we've made, even in the face of immense challenges. It's about recommitting ourselves to the fight for equality.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us honor the lives lost, celebrate the lives lived, and work together to create a more just and equitable world for all.

The warm hug of healthcare.

SMART Successor

The joy ride fundraises for the future

Ryan Williams-Jent

THE SOUTHERN MOST HIV/AIDS

Ride — better known as the SMART Ride, the cycling fundraiser which ended last year — made a difference for people living with, affected by or at risk for HIV and AIDS across the state for two decades.

The organization formed in 2003 to give back “100% of every dollar its participants raise to AIDS service organizations throughout Florida” and became the only such ride of its size to do so. It also became the second largest in the U.S.

The 20th SMART Ride was initially described as a “transition year” by Glen Weinzimer, its founder who announced it would be his last at the helm, and Executive Director Todd Delmay, who stepped into the role in Jan. 2023. They later announced the ride would end just two months before participants were scheduled to make their annual 165-mile trek from Miami to Key West.

“We are hanging up our helmets, packing up our jerseys and emptying our water bottles,” the organizers shared Sept. 16, 2023. “We will all walk away with our heads held high and

a legacy you can be proud of … Together, we’ve raised millions of dollars, funded vital programs and created lasting change.”

Cyclists completed the final SMART Ride last November but fundraising continued through the end of 2023.

Organizers subsequently revealed Jan. 14 during their final check distribution party that participants raised a record $1,422,943, culminating in a 20-year total of $16,377,287.

Final beneficiaries included Tampa Bay’s Empath Partners in Care, which has supported LGBTQ+ and other patients challenged by chronic and advanced illnesses since 1977. EPIC became a benefiting agency in 2022 after assisting the year prior, receiving $253,609 in 2023 for a grand total of just over $400,000.

PHOTO

Miracle of Love, which has provided comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention services in Central Florida since 1991, received $223,477 in 2023. They received a total of $1,735,727 throughout their 14 years as a SMART Ride beneficiary.

Broward House in Wilton Manors also received $237,004 last year, while Pridelines in Miami-Dade County received $203,880, Compass Community Center in Palm Beach County received $219,460 and AH Monroe in Monroe County received $285,513.

“To our dedicated crew members, selfless volunteers, and the riders … you embody the spirit of SMART Ride,” the organization shared Jan. 15. “But above all, we thank you — our incredible community — for believing in us … Here’s to new beginnings and continued impact.”

Representatives from each benefiting agency, determined to move forward, also revealed that a new fundraiser would take SMART Ride’s place.

“While SMART Ride the name is ending today, the ride is not,” AH Monroe Executive Director E. Scott Pridgen shared. “The ride will continue with these agencies … because we have a lot of work to do.”

SMART Ride’s successor was initially called “Bike It For Life.” That changed by April, when Fab Adventures, Inc. — the nonprofit formed by SMART Ride’s

benefiting agencies — announced “the joy ride” would take place Nov. 22-23. They also confirmed that this year’s inaugural ride will once again consist of a two-day, 165-mile trip from Miami to Key West. The route and other details could change in the future.

“This exciting event not only offers a supportive challenge for cyclists of all levels but also serves a noble cause, benefiting five returning charitable agencies from the recently sunset SMART Ride: Broward House, Compass, Empath Partners in Care, Miracle of Love, and Pridelines,” the new nonprofit shared in a press release.

“The agencies met the day before The SMART Ride Check Distribution Party in January, and we agreed to stick together and build upon what Glen Weinzimer created in the SMART Ride,” Compass CEO Julie Seaver added. “The 100% give back will remain and we are thrilled that AH Monroe is supporting us in their commitment to being the sponsoring welcome wagon as the joy ride rolls into the lower Keys and Key West.”

Fab Adventures, Inc.’s founding board consists of leaders from each organization. They say the joy ride “is committed to creating, producing and overseeing community-based events in which 100% of what the participant raises is returned to benefiting nonprofit organizations.”

Ride registration opened April 15 and fundraising began immediately. The joy ride’s fundraising campaign notes that “whether it’s supporting housing, healthcare services, the LGBTQ+

community, mental health services, or HIV prevention, treatment, and care, every mile cycled will make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives across the state of Florida.”

Choosing to move forward “was the easiest thing ever,” MOL CEO Angus Bradshaw says.

“Prior to SMART Ride, we were grant funded and had no access at that time to unrestricted funds,” he explains. “So those things that were out of the ordinary for our clients — let’s say, a simple hygiene pack or a simple copay that was not covered by a grant or a program, we couldn’t give clients access to it.”

Bradshaw says participation in the SMART Ride “changed the trajectory of our organization.” Among other endeavors, he notes it allowed MOL to create Central Florida’s Stafford House, the nonprofit’s LGBTQ+ drop-in space.

“The joy ride stands on the shoulders of SMART Ride … and one thing we did not lose was the energy,” he says. “People are still excited about the joy ride, and even those who are not going to ride this year are still supporting us. There are those who are registered to ride that have come back from four or five years ago. The energy level is still high.”

That’s also true behind the scenes, EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim notes. She says that once the group behind FAB Adventures, Inc. met in February, “we were committed to making this happen.”

“We knew we were not going to agree on every decision, but we knew that whatever decision was made, we were going to be all in,” Winheim says. “We knew that

we were all going to back each other up. That is what I love about this group … we have gotten a lot accomplished and I think this is going to be successful.”

Riders do as well. The Tampa Bay Area Cyclists, a record SMART Ride fundraiser, will participate in their first joy ride this year. The trip from Miami to Key West will be Team Captain Jason Fields’ 10th.

“After my first SMART Ride I was hooked,” he says. “I love the team approach to helping the community and love the work our HIV service organizations do in our state. The population of those living with HIV still needs us and 100% of funds raised goes directly to those who do.”

Christian Klimas agrees. He participated in the SMART Ride for 15 years and will serve as a joy ride production team member this year.

“It only made sense to continue the care, passion and well — joy — that this kind of event offers,” he says. “I’ll take any reason to continue helping the communities we serve alongside the people I love.

“HIV may not be the immediate cause of death it once was, but it still requires dedicated care,” Klimas continues. “Access to a more holistic level of care involving stable housing, mental health and affordable medications is what this ride was built on. With increasing barriers and reduction of funding, the need for every dollar raised with the joy ride remains important.”

As he has in previous years, Klimas organized a drag

show fundraiser at Enigma in St. Petersburg Nov. 9. TBAC will also benefit from fundraising initiatives like a Bingo at the region’s Salty Nun Nov. 13.

That’s because like the SMART Ride, participants are tasked with raising a minimum of $1,200 per person while the joy ride handles route planning, overnight lodging, meals, first aid and other logistics. Crew members, volunteers responsible for setting up and managing where bicycles are parked and other essential needs, aren’t required to fundraise but are encouraged to do so.

Fundraising is ongoing and additional support is still being sought. Potential sponsors and those looking to volunteer can contact their local agencies or riders to help make a difference.

“None of us are going into this thinking that we’re coming out of it with a check as large as SMART Ride,” Winheim says. “We’re being realistic. But if we make $100, we’re successful.”

“It’s not always about the quantity, it’s about the quality,” Bradshaw adds. “We have a great group of people supporting and riding with us this year.”

Above all, organizers say they’re thankful for the model SMART Ride gave them. Winheim is certain the joy ride will continue to let agencies “use money for small things that make big impacts.”

The inaugural joy ride will be held Nov. 22-23 from Miami to Key West. For more information and to donate, visit TheJoyRideFL.org. Learn more about Empath Partners in Care and Miracle of Love at MyEPIC.org and MiracleOfLoveInc.org.

| uu | the joy ride FROM PG.25

END OF AN ERA: Representatives from SMART Ride’s final benefiting agencies, including Joy Winheim (2nd from L) and Angus Bradshaw (4th from L) at the fundraiser’s final closing ceremony last year. PHOTO FROM THE SMART RIDE’S FACEBOOK

RIDING OUT: Cyclists from across the state participate in the final SMART Ride last year. PHOTO FROM THE SMART RIDE’S FACEBOOK

Nov. 22 - 7:30pm Nov. 23 - 10:30am Free Admission Donations Accepted

Cher, Cher & Cher alike

‘The Cher Show’ comes to Central Florida and Tampa Bay

Kirk Hartlage

SUPERSTARS COME AND GO, BUT

Cher is forever. The accolades she’s received include an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, among many, many others.

The boundary-pushing, barrier-breaking actress and singer, who’s also an LGBTQ+ rights champion and pop culture juggernaut, is the latest multi-talented performer to produce her own Broadway jukebox musical. She joins a list that includes the likes of ABBA, The Temptations, Donna Summer, The Go-Gos, Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, Green Day, Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears and Tina Turner.

“The Cher Show” tells the story of her life, using songs she’s performed throughout her career. The original 2018 production won Tony Awards for Stephanie J. Block

(Lead Actress in a Musical) and for legendary outfitter Bob Mackie (Costume Design for a Musical).

The show was originally scheduled to tour during the 2020-21 Broadway Across America series but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cher has lived so many lives, it takes three women to portray her. Meet Ella Perez, as “Babe,” the doe-eyed ingenue; Catharine Ariale, as “Lady,” the glam pop star; and, Morgan Scott, as “Star,” the icon we know today. They’re the three women who currently portray the artist born Cherilyn Sarkisian who would go on to have

a No. 1 hit in every decade since the 1960s. The bio-musical weaves 35 of the singer’s hits throughout its story, many of them rearranged in variations both creative and unexpected. Perez, Ariale and Scott portray Cher at different stages of her life, frequently conversing –and singing – together.

Practically a character in and of themselves, there’s also the Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns and costumes — envied by any drag queen who’s ever graced a nightclub stage.

The majority of hit Broadway shows tour large market venues first, setting up shop there for a week or so, before moving on to smaller city one-offs. Just like many of Cher’s songs, the tour plans were given a proper remix, and now sees the show alternate between cities both large and small. The tour is now scheduled to play Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center Nov. 12-17 and Tampa’s Straz Center Jan. 14-19.

Watermark spoke with Perez, Ariale and Scott by email about how their roles have influenced, and been influenced by, Cher-presenting drag queens, their own favorite Cher songs and costumes, and the joys — and sometimes pains — of performing songs the audience already knows.

Answers have been edited for space and clarity.

WATERMARK: WHAT ROLES IN PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR PLAYING THE CHER THAT YOU ARE… AND HOW?

Perez: I had a special opportunity to play the Emcee in “Cabaret” my senior year of college, which changed the game for me. That was a demanding role and, similar to Cher, a huge legacy to represent. I gained a lot of confidence as an actor and became so much more comfortable making my own choices and trusting my instincts. I think I hold my head a little higher now.

Ariale: Nothing can prepare you for portraying such a legend! All other roles I have ever played have been fictional characters. There was room to play and create, whereas with Cher, a real living human, you have to make sure you are doing her justice.

Scott: All roles lead to Cher! I think of every role I’ve played as leading and contributing to the next. I am in a constant search for honesty and genuineness when I play a part, no matter what extreme the theme may fall under. But with Cher — a true living breathing icon — sincerity is paramount.

WHAT TYPE OF PREP WORK DID EACH OF YOU DO FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CHER?

Perez: I watched SO much Sonny and Cher and so many interviews trying to catch her little physical gestures and tics:

CATHERINE ARIALE AS LADY, MORGAN SCOTT AS STAR, AND ELLA PEREZ AS BABE IN THE CHER SHOW. PHOTO BY MEREDITH MASHBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

how she enunciates when she speaks, her laugh, how she listens to people. It’s a lot of pressure to emulate someone who is still alive!

I also wanted to find a healthy medium where I am not exactly the confident, famous diva Cher we know today, but the shy, doe-eyed, innocent Cher she was when she was a teenager. There aren’t too many interviews of her in the ‘60s so I had to kind of piece things together myself.

Ariale: I had so much fun diving into the archives of “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” It really started with studying her mannerisms and the way she spoke and interacted with Sonny. I watched YouTube for hours to soak in every bit of Cher in the ‘70s I could since that’s when I am mainly portraying her. It’s a joy to have such incredible footage to use to pull inspiration from!

Scott: I took in as much Cher as possible: the movies, the music, the interviews, her book… a new one is coming out soon! Then: practice, practice, practice. Speaking and acting like someone who actually exists is different than creating a role born from fiction. We want to make sure we are not doing a caricature or even impersonation, but rather truly paying homage to the legendary human she is.

WHETHER IT’S YOUR SONG TO PERFORM IN THE SHOW OR NOT, OR EVEN IF IT’S IN THE SHOW AT ALL, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHER SONG?

Perez: The one closest to my heart has to be “I Got You Babe.” That is the sweetest, purest love song I have ever heard. It is such a beautiful sentiment to her relationship with Sonny and their rises and falls through stardom together. Getting to perform that iconic song and recreate such a special moment is one of my favorite parts of the entire show and it will absolutely play at my wedding.

Ariale: It changes quite often depending on my mood and season of life. At the moment it’s a song that’s not in the show: “Happy Was the Day We Met,” from her 1978 album “Take Me Home.” It is so quintessential 70s Cher and full of life, joy, and groove! It always puts me in a good mood.

Scott: So hard to choose! It’s kind of like picking your favorite outfit. One day you are seriously

feeling yourself in an all-black leather “lewk,” and the next you think, Nah I’m feeling sequins and pink hair. One night, I might crave the vulnerability of “Way of Love,” then the next night the party can’t come soon enough with the “Finale Megamix”! (Guilty pleasure Cher song NOT in the show: “We All Sleep Alone.”)

IT’S NO SECRET THAT MANY A DRAG QUEEN HAS PORTRAYED CHER AT SOME POINT IN THEIR CAREERS. FOR THOSE NEWBIE QUEENS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE?

Perez: The hair flip is crucial and show as much skin as possible. A 30-second plank before a performance doesn’t hurt either.

Ariale: As long as you wear something that makes you feel sexy (make sure it has sparkles), have the right wig that lets you do a ton of hair tosses, and give your best Sean Hayes on “Will & Grace” impression of Cher, you’re golden!

Scott: Pretty sure I should still be gathering advice from them! I still watch videos of the Cher queens in the hopes of trying to improve my makeup to a tenth of what they are able to achieve: I am in AWE. For an actual Cher performance, whether lip-synced or live, you want to watch as much Cher as possible: interviews, movies, concerts, etc. Then find a touchstone — could be a word or a phrase — that just brings you back to her if you ever get lost. Mine is picturing Cher saying “Charlotte” in “Mermaids.” I grew up with that movie and Cher’s face, mouth,

attitude, and tone is all embedded in me from that moment.

WHETHER YOU WEAR IT OR NOT, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHER “LOOK”?

Perez: The revenge dress and mohawk she wore to present at the Oscar’s is one of the most badass, brilliant moments in fashion history. So incredibly iconic. And I get to just stare lovingly at Morgan in it every single night.

Ariale: My favorite Cher look in the show is “Star’s” curtain call dress! It is that STUNNING dress she wore to the 1974 Met Gala. It’s a true piece of art. I admire that Cher has always made a statement with her fashion and continues to do so through the decades.

Scott: My bow dress is absolute art. I wear it for maybe one minute for the curtain call but it is 60 seconds of bliss. The dress is absolute Met Gala inspiration, honoring the naked illusion Bob Mackie is so known for. All beads and feathers expertly placed. It is an honor to wear.

WHY DO YOU THINK CHER IS SO REVERED BY THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY? WHY DO YOU THINK GAY MEN, IN PARTICULAR, LOVE CHER?

Perez: I think her unapologetic, authentic nature is something so sacred to the queer community. She has always been herself: being herself is what made her the superstar she is and the fact she has continuously, proudly supported the community even during times when it was less celebrated. Not to mention that “Believe” is an essential gay club

incredible crew and management team that make these changes as seamless as possible. I think once the show is in your bones, little changes and cuts can even spice it up and keep you on your toes! Sometimes those one-nighter audiences are even more rowdy and excited than a Friday night in a huge city, which makes the challenge all the more worth it. I love getting to bring this flashy show to smaller audiences.

anthem that they still bump in your favorite Brooklyn spots.

Ariale: Cher has always been a champion of people who feel othered. She herself didn’t fit in as a child and was made fun of. I think she recognized that people in the gay community also felt like outsiders at different points in their life and felt a strong connection to their stories. She has always been unabashedly who she is and doesn’t change for anyone. I think people in the LGBTQ+ community saw that in the public eye over the years, and there is nothing to do but have respect and adoration for that sort of agency and love for yourself.

Scott: I think Cher’s continued successful reinventions and her fearless mindset of being who she is and owning that. She speaks to the common question, ‘What’s it like to be Cher” with a nonchalant “I dunno, I’ve always been Cher.” I imagine that speaks to anyone struggling with owning their identity. It gives permission to be your badass self because that’s who you’ve always been.

MOST TOURING BROADWAY PRODUCTIONS PLAY MAJOR MARKET CITIES FIRST THEN CONTINUE ONTO SMALLER MARKETS. YOUR TOUR HAS PRIMARILY BEEN THE REVERSE. HAS THAT IMPACTED THE TOUR’S APPROACH?

Perez: It’s definitely interesting to move such a spectacle of a show around the country! Sometimes we have to cut set pieces or even people from numbers if a theater doesn’t have the space for it. It can be challenging, but we have such an

Ariale: It’s been a really beautiful experience to make stops at these smaller markets. It can be really easy to have a negative outlook about a lot of one-nighters or going to a city that isn’t as well known, but the amount of audience members I have met post-show that thank us from the bottom of their hearts for traveling to their town has really impacted me. It’s expected that all of the shows hit places like Boston, or Los Angeles, but there are people in places like Portsmouth, Ohio, who don’t have the same opportunities to access Broadway performances. These smaller communities are thankful to have art coming to them, and we are very happy to be bringing it.

Scott: I consider us fortunate that we were back and forth between weeklong sit downs and brief one-two nighters. We started 2024 with a week in Miami and ended our first year of tour with a week in San Francisco. But the previous two weeks before SF, we bounced around Illinois and Texas in smaller markets, after playing at the prestigious Starlight Theater in Kansas City for another week-long visit. The continuous switch between week-long and one-two nights stays, keeps things moving and fresh.

A one-nighter in Portsmouth feels as special as a week in Boston, just for different reasons. A smaller off-the-beaten path theater may not be a name brand stop, but the people attending that show are so excited for that night, especially in the instance of a First National Tour. It is an amazing privilege for us, the cast, to be the first opportunity that they can see the show outside of New York (and Chicago pre-Broadway tryouts) and those one-nighter audiences do not take our visit for granted!

“The Cher Show” comes to the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Nov. 12-17 and the Straz Center in Tampa Jan. 14-19. Tickets at the Dr. Phillips Center start at $45 and are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org. Tickets at the Straz Center start at $48 and are available at StrazCenter.org.

GENERATIONAL SUPERSTAR: Morgan Scott as Star in “The Cher Show.” PHOTO BY MEREDITH MASHBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber announced Oct. 24 that Rene Cantu has been appointed as president and CEO and Chris Rollins has been appointed as the organization’s new board chair. Read more on p. 12.

Sawmill Camping Resort shared Oct. 27 that their go fund me to assist employees following the hurricanes raised over $8,500.

Life Amplified held its rescheduled Life Amplified Spectacular Nov. 2, an LGBTQ+-affirming prom benefiting PFLAG Safety Harbor. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Dharma Kava Lounge celebrated 10 years in Largo Nov. 2.

DEPARTURES

St Pete Pride Executive Director Nicole Berman resigned effective Nov. 8. The board will launch a nationwide search for her replacement in the coming weeks. Read more on p. 12.

NEW DATE

Come OUT St. Pete will hold its rescheduled Family Day Nov. 16 from 12-4 p.m. at Par Bar in St. Petersburg. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Empath Health Patient Coordinator Josh Reed, St. Pete staple Nick Regan, Lakeland lad Kenneth Elliott, Trophy husband Misty McDevitt (Nov. 8); Modern Gents Premier Barbershop & Bar’s Nicholas Medina, Tampa Bay socialite Sterling Powell, CNA Dominic Costelli, Delta flight attendant Colin Hanns (Nov 9); Tampa Bay entertainer Kiala Santi (Nov. 10); Tampa Bay writer Mike Halterman, Tampa leather bear Brooks Davis, Tampa Bay entertainer Daisy Rae Welch, 9 Colors Initiative Founder Rocky Butler, Come OUT St. Pete boardmember P.J. Salas (Nov. 11); Sarasota actor Brian Craft, Tampa Bay tangler Justin Geleta, Tampa Bay entertainer Mr. Vyn Suazion (Nov. 12); Dash Creative Group’s Jay Aller, Sarasota opera singer Ron Rispoli, Tampa networking guru Vincent Papaleo (Nov. 13); Ritz Ybor Marketing Director Okie Tilo, Tampa flutist Joseph Rose (Nov. 14); Sarasota activist Bart Coyle, Fox enthusiast Aleksander Helios, Tampa Bay activist SueZie Hawkes (Nov. 15); Tampa Bay entertainer Chi Lalique (Nov. 16); Ray Sickles, AKA Sarasota diva Angelique Monet, St. Petersburg activist Randini Meyer (Nov. 17); Tampa Bay entertainer Frank Piscopo, Stonewall activist Jay Chetney, Tampa Bay entertainer Lilith Black, Marketing extraordinaire Yasmin Marinaro-Basone, Tampa Bay nurse Michael Board (Nov. 19); Outgoing Equality Florida Pinellas Development Director Todd Richardson, former Punky’s co-owner Lynn Deibert, Tampa Bay musician Bill Ramsey (Nov. 20).

1

SAYING GOODBYE: Outgoing St Pete Pride Executive Director Nicole Berman bids the organization farewell Nov. 1. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

2 MUTANT MAYHEM: Jeffrey Lucas’ Wiccan (L) and Richard Recupero’s Wolverine team up to protect Central Ave. for Halloween on Central Oct. 27. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

3

RAGIN’ CAJUN: Adam Scott deals drinks as Gambit at Enigma Oct. 26. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

4

CENTRAL STAGE: Music sensation Kristine W. headlines Cocktail’s Cock-o-Ween’s celebration on Central Ave. Oct. 27. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

5 COMMUNITY CAUSE: Found Family Collective’s Angel D’Angelo (L) and Moffitt Cancer Center’s Topher Larkin welcome supporters to City Side Lounge for their Halloween Health-oThon partnership Oct. 26. PHOTO FROM FOUND FAMILY COLLECTIVE’S FACEBOOK

6

ROYAL CAUSE: Life Amplified’s Prom Couples and Court have a groovy evening at Carrollwood Cultural Center as the organization raises funds for PFLAG Safety Harbor Nov. 2. PHOTO FROM LIFE AMPLIFIED’S FACEBOOK

7

GOTV: Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Treasurer Peter Horstman (L) and Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Kristen Browde join Democrats for Hillary Clinton’s stop at Casa Kamala Nov. 2. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

8 REHEARSALS AFOOT: The cast of freeFall Theatre’s “Moriarty” officially begin at the venue Oct. 22. PHOTO FROM FREEFALL THEATRE’S FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

1

SCARY GOOD TIMES: Spooky Empire attendees show off their killer clowns at the fall convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Nov. 2. PHOTO BY CAITLIN SAUSE

2

NEW HOME: Carlos Guillermo Smith (L) and Jerick Mediavilla (R) with realtor Eric Rollings after closing on their first single family home in Orlando this month. PHOTO FROM CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH’S FACEBOOK

3

CLASSIC TASTE: Jeremy Williams (L) and Rick Todd attend the media preview of the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Swan Hotel in Orlando Nov. 4. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

4

DRAG TIME: Beth Tichenor (L) and Joshua Goldstein get ready to see Bob The Drag Queen at The Plaza Live in Orlando Nov. 3. PHOTO COURTESY BETH TICHENOR

5 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CeCe Teneal is dressed to the nines and ready to perform on a Celebrity Cruise Oct. 22. PHOTO FROM CECE TENEAL’S FACEBOOK

6 SHOW STOPPERS: Kirk Hartlage (L) grabs a photo with performer Cydney Clark after seeing her in “Sunset Boulevard” on Broadway in New York Oct. 30. PHOTO COURTESY KIRK HARTLAGE

7 GALA SPEECH: Nadine Smith speaks from the stage of the 2024 Equality Florida Great Orlando Gala at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel in Maitland Nov. 2. PHOTO BY CAITLIN SAUSE

8 CONVENTION FUN: Kalika Perry (L) and Caitlin Sause check out the rescheduled Spooky Empire convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Nov. 2. PHOTO BY CAITLIN SAUSE

CONGRATULATIONS

Florida Senator-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith and his husband, Jerick Mediavilla, announced that they purchased their first single family home in Orlando this month.

Business owner Devon Tillmon and the commissioner and creator of OUT Sports League, John Teixeria, announced Oct. 22 that they would be partnering on a new downtown restaurant called Outpost Neighborhood Tavern. The new eatery is expected to open early next year at 227 N. Eola Dr. in Orlando. Read more on p. 9. Winter Park bakery, The Glass Knife, celebrates its sixth anniversary Nov. 10.

GIVEAWAYS

Kacey Musgraves is currently out on tour for her sixth studio album, “Deeper Well,” and she is bringing that tour to Florida with a show at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Nov. 29 and a show at the Kia Center in Orlando Dec. 2, and Watermark has your chance to win two tickets to one of the performances. To enter our giveaway, all you need to do is fill out the entry at WatermarkOnline.com under keyword GIVEAWAY. We will draw a winner Nov. 15 at noon. Good luck!

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Orange County school teacher Kevin Hanna (Nov. 8); Special F/X master Alan Ostrander (Nov 9); J Meyers Insurance’s Lori Williams, Park Avenue salon owner Gary Lambert (Nov. 10); Central Florida author and Watermark contributor Dr. Steve Yacovelli, Seminole County’s Emergency Manager Alan Harris (Nov. 11); Orlando writer Liz Langley, Orlando piano man Kelly DeWayne, Contigo Fund’s Foundation Manager Joel Morales, Orlando performer Miss Aiysia Black, DJ Joanie Stanco, UCF LGBTQ Services’ student life coordinator Michael Nunes, Orlando softball expert Anthony Andreala (Nov. 13); Florida House candidate Nate Douglas; Former zoo professional Christopher Torge, paper bag mushroom artist Doug Rhodehamel, Disney application developer Dan Peters (Nov. 14); Unseen Images Theatre’s Jamie DeHay, The Closing Agent’s Barry Miller, Come Out With Pride sponsorship director Chris Scocco (Nov. 16); Central Florida performer Asia Black, Lithia equestrian expert James Meeks, Orlando Gay Chorus tenor and sky hostess Todd Michael Hayes (Nov. 18); Orlando Gay Chorus belter Pattie Noah, Orlando photographer Brian Becnel, Blue LaLa Entertainment business manager and partner Jackie Lewin, real estate agent Neil Payne, former Watermark intern Valentina Sofia (Nov. 19); Central Florida vocalist and performer Brandon Martin, Orlando-based mental health counselor Marge Snider (Nov. 20).

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Find Your Myster, a Gay Men Singles Mixer

SATURDAY, NOV. 9, 7-9 P.M.

COLLEGE PARK GALLERY, ORLANDO

Whether you are searching for romantic connections, new friendships, a supportive community or just simply to expand your social circle, this event is for you! Come out to College Park gallery for an evening of connections and conversations at this exclusive singles mixer for gay men. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase at bit.ly/FindYourMyster.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Gathering & Vigil

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20, 6 P.M.

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, ORLANDO

Join Transitional Space at First United Church of Christ in Orlando as they honor and remember the lives of transgender individuals lost due to anti-trans violence and discrimination. The evening will be filled with heartfelt speeches, special performances by The Orlando Gay Chorus and Gendervolution, and a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to those we have lost. For more information, visit linktr.ee/TransitionalSpace

TAMPA BAY

“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show”

THURSDAY, NOV. 14, 8 P.M.

RUTH ECKERD HALL, CLEARWATER

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring the latest iteration of their holiday show to Clearwater. This 18+ production promises “another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs and annual favorites.” Buy tickets at RuthEckerdHall.com and read Watermark’s interview with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” duo in our 2024 Holiday Guide, inserted in this issue and available digitally the day of the show.

“Dan and Phil: Terrible Influence LIVE”

SATURDAY, NOV. 16, 8 P.M.

TAMPA THEATRE, TAMPA

YouTube sensations Dan and Phil return to “heal your inner child and take back what the internet took from them” in a “screamingly hilarious live stage show.” The entertainers tease that “they’re older, gayer, Phil’s gone blonde and nothing is off limits.” Tickets begin at $49.50 and are available at TampTheatre.org.

EVENT PLANNER

HOT PINK

CENTRAL FLORIDA

EDC Orlando, Nov. 8-10, Tinker Field, Orlando. 888-512-SHOW; Orlando. ElectricDaisyCarnival.com

Justin Timberlake, Nov. 9, Kia Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; KiaCenter.com

Drag Bingo, Nov. 9, Abbey Bar, DeLand. 386-232-8551; VolusiaPride.org

Absolute Queen, Nov. 9, Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont. 352-394-4800; ClermontPerformingArts.com

Glamorous Legends

Duets 2024, Nov. 10, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

NOH8 Open Photo Shoot, Nov. 12, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

“The Cher Show,” Nov. 12-17, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

CFCArts presents “From 8-Bit to Epic,” Nov. 14-15, Northland Church, Longwood. 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com

Whitney Cummings, Nov. 15, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; Café. HardRock.com

“Wreck the Halls,” Nov. 15Dec. 21, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org

ICE! featuring “Elf,” Nov. 15Jan. 4, Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee. 407-586-0000; GaylordPalms.com

Drag & Drive, Nov. 16, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

Festival of Trees: Let the Joy of the Season Shine, Nov. 16-24, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. 407-896-4231; OMArt.org

Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 17, Central Florida Fairgrounds, Orlando. ComeOutWithPride.org

P!nk: Summer Carnival 2024, Nov. 18, Camping World Stadium, Orlando. 407-440-5700; CampingWorldStadium.com

TAMPA BAY

“The Boy Who Loved Batman,” Through Nov. 10, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” Through Nov. 10, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

“Gorey Stories,” Through Nov. 17, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-476-7378; JobsiteTheater.org

Emerald Ball: joy Ride Send-Off Party, Nov. 9, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com

Free Pops in the Park, Nov. 9, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg. 727-892-3337; FloridaOrchestra.org

Polk Pride Presents

“The Evolution of Drag,” Nov. 9, Polk Theatre, Lakeland. 863-682-7553; PolkPrideFL.org

Cosplay Lip Sync Battle Roulette, Nov. 9, SpookEasy Lounge, Tampa. 813-373-6452; SpookEasyLounge.com

SHINE 2024 Celebration, Nov. 9, FloridaRAMA, St. Petersburg. 727-210-5450; Facebook.com/SHINEOnStPete

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” Nov. 12-17, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

HIDE Leather Night, Nov. 15, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

Women of Rock, Nov. 15, Whiskey Wings, Largo. 407-952-2868; WomenOfRockTribue.com

Retro Video Music Night, Nov. 15; 22, The Garage, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage

“Drag & Drinks: Divas,” Nov. 16, Union Hall, Lakeland. Facebook.com/ FierceDragEvents

Bitchin’ Brunch, Nov. 17, The Wet Spot, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

Dylan Todd Photography Grand Opening, Nov. 20, St. Petersburg. 727-310-1212; dylantoddphotography.com

Equality Florida 2024 Tampa Gala, Nov. 22, Armature Works, Tampa. EQFL.org

SARASOTA

Equality Florida 2024

Suncoast Celebration, Nov. 16, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, Sarasota. EQFL.org

P!nk, with special guests Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris and Kidcutup, brings her “Summer Carnival 2024”