Watermark Out News Issue 32.02: Project 2025

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeremy@WatermarkOutNews.com

EDITOR’S DESK

Democracy Dies at The Post

WHEN I WENT BACK TO

college after serving in the U.S. Air Force, I knew I wanted to get back to studying journalism. I was on the school newspaper when I was in high school and have always wanted to be a part of this profession.

I have also always had a passion for movies. As a portly teen who spent part of my high school days working at the local cinema, films were my closest friends.

So given both of those fun facts about me, it should come as no surprise that the first journalism course I signed up for at Valencia College was Journalism in Film with Professor Ken Carpenter. The premise of the course was pretty straight forward, the class would watch a movie that was about journalism, then we would discuss it and write a paper on each film.

We had a semester-long assignment we were given for that class, which was to read “All the President’s Men” by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, the two journalists

at The Washington Post who investigated the 1972 Watergate scandal and whose reporting ultimately led to President Richard Nixon resigning. At the end of the semester, we watched the award-winning film of the same name, starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein, respectively.

Prior to taking the class, I had seen the film but never read the book. I remember becoming obsessed with the book, movie and lives of all the players, moving on after the class to read several other books from both Woodward and Bernstein, as well as former Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee’s biography. That turned me on to learn more about the history of The Post, which led me to research their

involvement in the Pentagon Papers and ultimately helped me to realize that The Washington Post was one of the greatest — if not THE greatest — source of news in history.

The Washinton Post’s slogan, which is credited to Woodward and was adopted in 2017, “Democracy Dies in Darkness” has been my mantra over the past several years as social media and conspiracy theories have overtaken many people’s abilities to believe facts and listen to trusted news sources.

The Washington Post was the source I pointed to when anyone tried to tell me that all mainstream media was bad, which makes the last few months all the more painful. Back in 2013, the Graham family — who owned the paper for decades — sold The Washington Post to billionaire Jeff Bezos, who purchased it and other publications for $250 million and took The Post private. At the time the newspaper was struggling so having a billionaire sweep in and save it seemed like a good idea, especially as Bezos seemed legitimately concerned with keeping journalistic integrity a part of the paper’s work ethic. “The values of The Post do not need changing. The duty of the paper is to the readers, not the owners,” Bezos said at the time. That seems to have changed now.

In October, for the first time since 1980, The Washington Post’s Editorial Board did not endorse a candidate for U.S. president. The Post itself reported that the decision to not endorse came directly from Bezos. The move was seen by many, including members of The Post’s own editorial team, as cowardly and a show that Bezos was bending the knee to Donald Trump. Several reporters

and editors left the paper because of it.

The Post’s decision in part led Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes, who has been with The Post since 2008, to draw a satirical cartoon of Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong (who also pulled his paper’s presidential endorsement) and Mickey Mouse all bowing to a statue of Trump as some of them presented bags

Independent journalism is going to be more important than ever.

of cash to it. The Post refused to publish the cartoon, leading Telnaes to resign from the paper and call their refusal “dangerous for a free press.”

While The Post’s opinion editor said the decision was not based on the cartoon’s subject but rather repetition of the topic, it seems suspicious that the decision was made as Bezos has been reported to be dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and announced a $1 million donation to his inauguration.

As we move into Trump’s second term, it seems evident that independent journalism is going to be more important than ever. We will need to work harder at separating the facts from the noise, we will need to be more vigilant at holding truth to power and will have to be even tougher in our fight for democracy, for it seems that democracy has died at The Post.

TREVOR ROSINE is a Tampa native and dedicated human rights advocate who serves as president of PFLAG Tampa and chair of the city’s Human Rights Board. Page 15 MULAN WILLIAMS is the founder of Divas in Dialogue, a groundbreaking organization supporting the TLGB+ community but always putting the T first. Page 17

KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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

CMJM ENTERPRISES

Ryan Williams-Jent MANAGING EDITOR Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

EDITOR’S DESK

AWISE WHOOPI ONCE SAID,

“America… you in danger, girl.” Or something along those lines.

It’s a sentiment that’s been on my mind a lot these last few months. Not just as a proud Kamala Harris voter or Democrat, but as a citizen of our country who believes in its Constitution.

Having reported on and simply paid attention to Donald Trump’s anti-American rhetoric for the last decade, to say nothing of the insurrection he so clearly incited four years ago, it’s obvious he does not. That he will be inaugurated for the second time this month, just 10 days after being sentenced for committing 34 felonies, is a testament to how many Republicans have chosen party over country. Sad!

I learned from an early age that the GOP’s support rarely extended to someone like me, a gay man from a working-class family, but I used to believe that they were at least championing their version of America. Today it seems they only champion their incoming figurehead.

That was obvious enough by their almost rank-and-file obedience from 2016-2020, but it reignited in 2024 after Trump became the Republican presidential nominee. Not only did the party kill a bipartisan border security bill for political gain at his behest but they also ended the year by attacking LGBTQ+ Americans through the National Defense Authorization Act.

The bill was designed to authorize pay raises for service members and boost military spending, which most politicians tend to support, but Speaker Mike Johnson opted to add another provision, stripping insurance coverage for dependents of service members who require gender-affirming care.

It easily passed, disappointingly with some Democrat support — including from allies in Tampa Bay and Orlando like U.S. Reps. Kathy

Castor and Darren Soto. President Joe Biden also signed it into law. He did, at least, make his objections clear. The president noted the anti-LGBTQ+ provision “inhibits the Department of Defense’s ability to treat all persons equally under the law, no matter their gender identity” and that it “interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children.”

“No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our Nation,” Biden stressed.

Unfortunately, they will — and it’s only the beginning. Trump has vowed to enact anti-LGBTQ+ policies on his first day in office and I believe him. You should, too. While he has spent the last few weeks rattling on about expanding the U.S. via Greenland and Canada or renaming the Gulf of Mexico, he doesn’t care about any of that. He just cares that the world is talking about him.

We can’t obsess over every ridiculous thing that comes out of his mouth again. Instead, we have to focus on his actions, not distractions, which are incompetent and dangerous enough on their own. Many will target our community.

That’s why we detail Project 2025 in this issue, which features an incredible cover from Tampa Bay artist Chad Mize. The presidential transition project was led by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing organization that was among the conservatives to praise the NDAA’s anti-LGBTQ+ provision.

Its “Mandate for Leadership” was largely written by members of Trump’s first administration, and he has already tapped many of its authors for key roles in his second.

It’s critical that we understand what’s coming

and stand with every LGBTQ+ American, especially those who are transgender. I promise you that I will, and so will Watermark Out News.

I hope you’ll join us by supporting our efforts, whether that’s by picking up our issues, engaging with us on social media or making a financial contribution on our website. It all makes a difference, which allows us to help make a difference for you.

In this issue we also detail

It’s critical that we understand what’s coming and stand with every LGBTQ+ American, especially those who are transgender.

the grand opening of the Fabulous Arts Foundation’s new LGBTQ+ center in Sarasota and preview TIGLFF’s upcoming 35th celebration of LGBTQ+ film in St. Petersburg. In Central Florida news, the Orlando Gayming League becomes its own nonprofit.

We also introduce two new viewpoint writers, Trevor Rosine of PFLAG Tampa and Mulan Williams of Divas in Dialogue. The Good Page, a new feature dedicated to positive LGBTQ+ news, celebrates the marriage of our own Creative Designer Caitlin Sause.

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

TREVOR ROSINE is a Tampa native and dedicated human rights advocate who serves as president of PFLAG Tampa and chair of the city’s Human Rights Board. Page 15 MULAN WILLIAMS is the founder of Divas in Dialogue, a groundbreaking organization supporting the TLGB+ community but always putting the T first. Page 17

KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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

CMJM ENTERPRISES

Happy New Fear!

GOALCFL ELECTS NEW BOARD

Fabiana Ungaro

ORLANDO | Keeping a community safe is the number one task for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, and organizations like the Gay Officers Action League Central Florida aim to keep those professionals serving the community and keeping them safe as well.

Formed in 2019 as a fraternal civil rights organization, they’ve since focused on advocating for the rights of their members and providing support for incidents involving harassment and discrimination in their workplace. Its mission is to support, educate and promote a positive relationship between LGBTQ+ law enforcement and criminal justice professionals and their community.

To start the new year, they announced a newly elected board of directors Jan. 6.

“I just know they’re going to do great things. They have a lot of different skills, they’re very active, they’re part of other organizations and that’s going to help bolster our mission, primarily on the law enforcement side,” newly elected GOALcfl President Eulalia Colon says.

Joining Colon on the newly elected board are Executive Director Andrea Montanez, General Counsel Tiffany Thompson-Disler, Vice President Summer McCray, Treasurer Menachem Green and Sergeant at Arms Ashley Gonzalez. PR Manager Shannon Carson and Recording Secretary Audrey Casper were both reinstated. GOALcfl currently has an assistant treasurer position open for active members.

“I found that it was something I should’ve done a long time ago,” Colon says in regard to working with GOALcfl. Colon first joined the group two years ago after being in the closet for 31 years while working in law enforcement. “Our Sherriff is very LGBTQ+ friendly which made me feel more comfortable coming out,” Colon says.

For the first quarter of the new year, GOALcfl’s efforts will be directed at providing sensitivity training for law enforcement at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and criminal justice allies at other Central Florida agencies with the hopes of strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.

Colon says the training involves education on gender-affirming terminology, gender markers on driver’s licenses, dealing with situations on the road with younger queer communities and the history of hate crimes within the law enforcement community.

To foster and uphold the relationship between law enforcement and the community, GOALcfl hosts educational forums, social events and regularly engages in community service work with other nonprofit organizations, as well as at Pride events.

“Being present and participating is where the fulfillment comes, and also what has taught to me over the past few years doing this is that you know, when you show up in person, it humanizes the badge,” Colon says.

central florida news

Gayme On

Orlando Gayming League becomes a nonprofit, expands mission

Felix E Rodriguez III

ORLANDO | What began as a meet-up group at the LGBT+ Center Orlando has taken a step forward in the new year. As of December 2024, the Orlando Gayming League officially became a 501(c)(3), a nonprofit group organized and operated exclusively for charitable or other specified purposes. With the newly obtained status, the group now operates independently as an established organization.

Orlando Gayming League President Johan Colon-Sanchez and members of the board plan to grow throughout 2025.

Founded by Derrick Cuomo-Lombardi in January 2024, the Orlando Gayming League is a group of LGBTQ+ gamers that play a variety of video games as well as tabletop and card games. Its mission is to empower people, embrace inclusivity, build lifelong connections and inspire positive change in their community through the power of gaming. Colon-Sanchez vocalized that those who serve on the board, including

himself, are committed to this mission and understand what they are trying to accomplish.

“Towards the end of the year, we decided the best way to grow is to make this stand out on its own and become independent. That gives us the ability to have our own mission,” Colon-Sanchez says.

The Orlando Gayming League has set its sights on increasing community engagement. They plan to host monthly events, which started in January with its first “Revival,” the name chosen to represent a new beginning for the organization. Here, gamers within the LGBTQ+ community can come together and share their common interests.

“We’d like to become a very large community that always has something going on. If there’s a gamer, there’s always somewhere to go with people to see and people to talk to. You don’t have to wait a whole month just to see your people again,” says Colon-Sanchez.

Aside from community engagement, the Orlando Gayming League plans to provide outreach services beyond the LGBTQ+ community. The group takes

inspiration from another 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Charlotte Gaymers Network, and their initiative called Project Blue Shell. This project collaborates with local schools to help raise funds for school supplies and students can earn games or systems.

“What we envisioned for the foreseeable future is that we’re going to get more into the charity and philanthropic side of gaming. And one of the key issues that we would like to address is making gaming more accessible to disenfranchised or lower-income schools and students,” says Colon-Sanchez.

Colon-Sanchez assures that the Orlando Gayming League understands the importance of representation in the modern day. In recent years, video games such as “Baldur’s Gate 3” and “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” have included options in their character customization menu from choosing your pronouns to identifying as transgender. The organization adopts a leadership role of representing the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light.

“I think we as a community of gamers have a responsibility to be at the forefront of inclusivity and cultural diversity because those things are important. It’s not a matter of pushing an agenda, it’s a matter of having video games that reflect society as a whole,” Colon-Sanchez says.

NEW MISSION: Members of the Orlando Gayming League with members of the Charlette Gaymer Network at the Anime Festival Orlando in June. PHOTO BY LUIS

XAVIER DE PEÑA

FABULOUS ARTS FOUNDATION TO OFFICIALLY OPEN LGBTQ+ CENTER

Krista Post

SARASOTA | The Fabulous Arts Foundation will hold the grand opening of its new LGBTQ+ community center Jan. 24 from 7-10 p.m., offering the community a place to create, heal and connect.

The nonprofit held a soft opening Dec. 13, just months after the new space was damaged in Hurricane Milton. Fab AF Executive Director Shannon Fortner says it represents years of dedication, planning and vision.

“What better time to have a space like this, where people can find community, feel creative, access mental health services, and discover self-expression?” they ask.

Fab AF’s goal for the center is to be a place where everyone feels they belong. From its roots in honoring Harvey Milk’s legacy, the organization has evolved to focus on community healing. By partnering with organizations such as Squeaky Wheel, Embracing Our Differences, Urbanite Theatre and Resilient Retreat, they aim to use the arts as a tool for social change.

The nonprofit began in Sarasota’s Rosemary District on a sandy lot before moving to Five Points Park, where it gained significant traction. It then replanted its roots back in the Rosemary District since the pandemic but found parking to be increasingly challenging. Most importantly, Fortner felt that having walls to provide a physical space would be the most meaningful in carrying out Fab AF’s mission.

“Fifteen years in the making — it’s so inspiring to see how far we’ve come,” they reflect. “Meeting people who share their experiences and gratitude for what we’ve done makes it all worthwhile.”

The LGBTQ+ center’s programming will include art classes, workshops, guest speakers and “lunch and learns” to educate and inspire the community. A dedicated art gallery space, complete with rotating exhibitions for group and solo shows, will showcase local talent. It will also offer a stage for open expression, particularly for underrepresented groups. One exciting initiative features an open stage for drag performances, creating a platform for visibility and empowerment.

Responding to a needs assessment that highlighted gaps in community and mental health resources, the center secured funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota to support mental health services. These services will include support groups, group therapy and individual sessions.

The center is also designed with sensory needs in mind, offering spaces like a library for quiet retreats and a brain lab for isolation. This design ensures an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.

The official opening will feature light bites, live music, drag performances and discussions about upcoming programming. Fab AF invites everyone to explore the space, meet the team and join the effort to uplift and support the local community.

tampa bay news

Cinematic Celebration

TIGLFF to hold festival in St. Pete

Ryan Williams-Jent

ST. PETERSBURG | The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will hold its 35th celebration Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at Green Light Cinema, its sole venue this year.

The exclusivity is a departure for TIGLFF, traditionally held over nine days in both Tampa and St. Petersburg. Its 34th event was split between the two in late 2023 and early 2024 in what board members warned could’ve been its final festival.

The nonprofit’s current board, many of whom are recent volunteers, have worked to ensure it continues. In addition to staff member and longtime Festival Director Renee Cossette, TIGLFF is supported by President Kayden Rodriguez, Treasurer Caroline Bedenbaugh, Secretary Diego Leon and general board members Unity Jalal, Katrina Miller and Alex Mitow, who primarily programmed TIGLFF 35.

“We’re basically doing a four-day mini-festival in St. Petersburg and keeping it tight with really good, really well-curated films, with the goal of completely selling it out,” Mitow says.

Festivities will begin and end with shorts programming. The opening night package includes “Just Jackie,” “Lesbophilla,” “MOTHER,” “Order for Ben,” “Gender Reveal,” “White Glass Globe” and “All the Men I Met But Never Dated” and begins Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. It runs for just over one hour and 45 minutes.

Lesbian drama “Drone” will screen Jan. 31 at 7:15 p.m. The French-language film follows “Émilie, a young student [who] works as a cam-girl at night to make ends meet” and encounters a mysterious drone. “Duino,” a male narrative feature, follows at 9:30 p.m. Actor and co-director Juan Pablo Di Pace “draws on his own life for this film about the universal aching nostalgia of first love.”

Screenings on Feb. 1 begin at 4 p.m. with “Pride/Prom,” a

documentary showcasing an LGBTQ+ prom at the Andy Warhol Museum. A Saturday Nights Shorts package with seven films will screen at 6 p.m. for just under two hours and “Extremely Unique Dynamic” will close the evening at 8:30 p.m., a feature billed as a “Me ta-Asian-Stoner-Coming-of-Age-Br omantic Dramedy.”

TIGLFF’s final day will feature “A House is Not a Disco” Feb. 2 at 2 p.m., a “kaleidoscopic portrait of queer paradise Fire Island Pines,” and “The Queen of My Dreams” at 4 p.m. The latter is “a dramedy spanning 30 years in the life of a Pakistani Canadian family.”

Closing Night Shorts will begin at 6 p.m. and run for nearly two hours. Films include “A Bird Hit My Window and Now I’m a Lesbian,” “Elijah,” “The Yellow Sponge is the Dish Sponge,” “Coffee Grapefruit Cacao,” “The Last Take,” “CHOOSE YOU” and “Parker and the Green Dress.”

Tickets to individual films are $12 or an all-inclusive pass is available for $80.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the festival,” Mitow says. “These smaller, jam-packed festivals are going to give the full punch of a festival without it being intimidatingly long.”

TIGLFF 35 will screen Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at Green Light Cinema, located at 221 2nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. View a full schedule with film descriptions at WatermarkOnline.com and purchase tickets/learn more at TIGLFF.com.

Fab AF’s LGBTQ+ center is located at 1201 N. Lime St. in Sarasota. For more information about the organization and the grand opening, visit FabAF.org.

FEATURE FILM:

“Extremely Unique Dynamic,” one of TIGLFF 35’s features that organizers say film fans won’t want to miss. PHOTO

COURTESY TIGLFF

Mother Duino Drone

TRUMP-APPOINTED JUDGE ALLOWS TRANSGENDER-RIGHTS RESTRICTIONS IN FLORIDA PRISONS TO TAKE EFFECT

Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

Afederal judge is refusing for now to block a new policy in Florida prisons that requires transgender women inmates to cut their hair to meet male grooming standards and prohibits them from wearing female undergarments.

Florida announced the policy change in late September and suggested at the time it would block transgender inmates from receiving hormonal therapy pending evaluation of whether individual inmates should continue to receive it.

Reiyn Keohane, who has been receiving hormone therapy as well as grooming and clothing accommodations since 2016, sued officials with the Department of Corrections over the policy changes

as unconstitutional. Keohane, represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union, is serving a 15-year sentence in a Wakulla state prison for attempted second-degree murder.

At about that time, the ACLU on behalf of Keohane sued state prison officials over their treatment of transgender inmates, resulting in a policy that allowed hormone therapy as well as female clothing and grooming standards. The new policy countermands those accommodations.

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected a request for a preliminary injunction Dec. 27. In his ruling, Winsor concluded that Keohane lacked standing to challenge the hormone therapy policy because it was not a “blanket ban.” The ruling noted a preliminary determination

has found that Keohane should continue with therapy.

Previous rulings

Winsor found that there is not enough evidence to show that denying Keohane the ability to wear makeup, have long hair, or wear female clothing violates the Eighth Amendment right to necessary medical care for prisoners.

Winsor quoted previous court findings that medical treatment provided for inmates only violates the Eighth Amendment when it “grossly incompetent, inadequate or excessive as to shock the conscience or to be intolerable to fundamental fairness.” He pointed out that the department continues to provide psychotherapy and that Keohane is still receiving hormone therapy.

“Keohane relies extensively on three declarations in which inmates

express a profound desire for social accommodations,” Winsor wrote.

“Keohane’s own declaration reports immense distress flowing from being denied these accommodations and that the distress could lead to self-harm, including suicide. Two other inmate declarations report similar feelings. But while these are serious matters evidencing serious psychological concerns, Keohane has not shown that the only proper way to address risks of self-harm is to provide inmates with whatever items they contend would reduce those risks.”

‘Baseless campaign’

The decision was sharply criticized by one of the ACLU attorneys working on the case.

“Florida officials are waging a baseless campaign to dehumanize and degrade incarcerated people like our client,” Li Nowlin-Sohl, senior staff attorney at the

ACLU’s LGBTQ + HIV Project, said in a release.

“Allowing this policy to move forward threatens the basic human rights of transgender people in the state’s custody and the court’s order affords the state’s policy more credulity than it deserves when the clear intent of the state is to ban this health care outright.”

Winsor in his ruling said he would issue another order “shortly” on a motion to dismiss filed by the Department of Corrections on the underlying lawsuit.

This story is courtesy of Florida Phoenix. Florida Phoenix is a nonprofit news site, free of advertising and free to readers, covering state government and politics with a staff of five journalists located at the Florida Press Center in downtown Tallahassee. Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

META ROLLS BACK HATE SPEECH RULES AS CEO CITES ‘RECENT ELECTIONS’ AS A CATALYST

Wire Report

It wasn’t just fact-checking that Meta scrapped from its platforms as it prepares for the second Trump administration. The social media giant has also loosened its rules around hate speech and abuse — again following the lead of Elon Musk’s X — specifically when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity as well as immigration status.

The changes are worrying advocates for vulnerable groups, who say Meta’s decision to scale back content moderation could lead to real-word harms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Jan. 7 that the company will “remove restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are out of touch with mainstream discourse,” citing “recent elections” as a catalyst.

For instance, Meta has added the following to its rules — called community standards — that users are asked to abide by:

“We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird.’” In other words, it is now permitted to call gay people

mentally ill on Facebook, Threads and Instagram. Other slurs and what Meta calls “harmful stereotypes historically linked to intimidation” — such as Blackface and Holocaust denial — are still prohibited.

The Menlo Park, California-based company also removed a sentence from its “policy rationale” explaining why it bans certain hateful conduct.

The now-deleted sentence said that hate speech “creates an environment of intimidation and exclusion, and in some cases may promote offline violence.”

“The policy change is a tactic to earn favor with the incoming administration while also reducing business costs related to content moderation,” said Ben Leiner, a lecturer at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business who studies political and technology trends. “This decision will lead to real-world harm, not only in the United States where there has been an uptick in hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms, but also abroad where disinformation on Facebook has accelerated ethnic conflict in places like Myanmar.”

Meta, in fact, acknowledged in 2018 that it didn’t do enough to prevent its platform from being used to “incite offline violence” in Myanmar, fueling communal hatred

and violence against the country’s Muslim Rohingya minority.

Arturo Béjar, a former engineering director at Meta known for his expertise on curbing online harassment, said while most of the attention has gone to the company’s fact-checking announcement, he is more worried about the changes to Meta’s harmful content policies.

That’s because instead of proactively enforcing rules against things like self-harm, bullying and harassment, Meta will now rely on user reports before it takes any action. The company said it plans to focus its automated systems on “tackling illegal and high-severity violations, like terrorism, child sexual exploitation, drugs, fraud and scams.”

Béjar said that’s even though “Meta knows that by the time a report is submitted and reviewed the content will have done most of its harm.”

“I shudder to think what these changes will mean for our youth, Meta is abdicating their responsibility to safety, and we won’t know the impact of these changes because Meta refuses to be transparent about the harms teenagers experience, and they go to extraordinary lengths to dilute or stop legislation that could help,” he said.

HRC: PROGRESS AT COMPANIES DESPITE BACKLASH

Wire Report

The Human Rights Campaign said Jan. 7 that more U.S. companies are providing strong benefits and protections to LGBTQ+ employees despite an ongoing effort by conservative activists to get high-profile brands to stop participating in the organization’s annual report card.

The education arm of the Human Rights Campaign released its latest Corporate Equality Index the day after McDonald’s became the latest big company to say it would no longer provide information for the annual evaluation of policies affecting LGBTQ+ employees.

Last year, Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson and other consumer brands that came under pressure said they would end their voluntary participation in the grading system.

The index has emerged as a top target of conservative activists as part of a broader campaign to pressure businesses into abandoning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that were designed to reduce discrimination against women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and LGBTQ+ people.

A 2023 Supreme Court decision that declared race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions unconstitutional emboldened critics of DEI programs to target universities, government

agencies and corporations on social media, in the courts and in state legislatures.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation said the 2025 equality index nonetheless included 72 employers that were first-time participants, and that 765 of the 1,449 companies graded received a perfect score, 28% more than last year.

The number of companies given official ratings included ones that have said they would pull out of the process. Some completed the organization’s survey months before their decisions. The HRC said it would continue to monitor companies that drop out and assign them scores.

IN OTHER NEWS

PENTAGON SETTLES WITH LGBTQ+ VETERANS

The Defense Department has reached a settlement with veterans who were discharged under discriminatory policies like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” potentially allowing more than 30,000 to receive benefits. Pending approval by a federal judge, the settlement agreement will update discharge papers for LGBTQ+ veterans who were separated from the military, removing references to their sexual orientation, while allowing those who were denied honorable discharges the right to seek an immediate review. The agreement stems from federal civil rights litigation, Farrell v. Department of Defense, filed in August 2023 by a group of LGBTQ+ veterans.

JUDGE SCRAPS BIDEN’S TITLE IX RULES, REVERSES PROTECTIONS

The Biden administration’s Title IX rules expanding protections for LGBTQ+ students have been struck down nationwide after a federal judge in Kentucky found they overstepped the president’s authority. In a decision issued Jan. 9, U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves scrapped the entire 1,500-page regulation after deciding it was “fatally” tainted by legal shortcomings. The rule had already been halted in 26 states after a wave of legal challenges by Republican leaders. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

LIECHTENSTEIN MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAW TAKES EFFECT

A law that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples in Liechtenstein took effect Jan. 1. Lawmakers in the small European country that borders Switzerland and Austria approved a marriage equality bill in May 2024. Liechtenstein is the last country in which German is the primary language to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication and advocacy of countless individuals who worked tirelessly for equality,” said the U.S. Embassy in Bern, the Swiss capital, on social media. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 2017.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU RESIGNS AS CANADIAN PARTY LEADER

Canadian Prime Minister and LGBTQ+ ally Justin Trudeau on Jan. 6 announced he will resign as the leader of his Liberal Party. The came against the backdrop of growing calls for the embattled prime minister to resign that increased after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down from the government last month. It will set the stage for national elections that must take place before Oct. 20. CNN notes polls show the Liberal Party would lose to the Conservative Party of which anti-LGBTQ+ MP Pierre Poilievre is the leader. Trudeau became PM in 2015 when he defeated then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

print depicting Carolina parakeets (Plate 26) from Birds of America, by John James Audubon

National Museums Scotland

PFLAG ON THE PAGE

PFLAG ON THE PAGE IS A new column designed to offer guidance on topics affecting the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Whether you’re looking for support, resources or answers, we promise to meet you with compassion, insight and encouragement. Submit your inquiries to PFLAG Tampa at Ask@PFLAGTampa.org.

Dear PFLAG Tampa, I fear for my child’s future. With so much hostility toward LGBTQ+ people these days, how do we build a stronger sense of community? What can allies do to truly help? Sincerely, Mom of a gay kiddo in St. Pete.

Dear Mom in St. Pete, This is an important question — one we hear often in PFLAG meetings, especially in today’s polarized climate. Building community isn’t just a luxury for LGBTQ+ people; it’s a necessity. Hostility thrives on isolation, and the best antidote to isolation is connection. Fostering connection with your community is the key to resilience, survival and joy.

I believe we are a gift to protect. The LGBTQ+ community isn’t just a group of people navigating shared challenges; we are a vibrant and invaluable part of society. We bring creativity, resilience, love and hope into a world that needs it more than ever. But these gifts are fragile if not protected.

As Brené Brown reminds us, “Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little braver.” In today’s climate, choosing courage might look like showing up for a community event, speaking out against hate or simply living authentically. Each act of bravery sends a ripple effect, empowering others to find their own courage and reminding them that they are not alone, strengthening the resistance to our erasure.

Allyship is an invaluable tool in supporting our community! It is a powerful force for good, but it’s not just a label — it’s an action. Allies play a critical role in creating and sustaining inclusive, supportive communities. Here are some ways allies may make a meaningful impact.

1. Listen to LGBTQ+ voices. Pay attention to what LGBTQ+ individuals share about their experiences, needs, and dreams. Allyship isn’t about “saving” others — it’s about standing with them, guided by their voices. Consider this your “guiding light.”

2. Educate yourself. Allies should take the initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology and issues. Don’t rely solely on queer friends to educate you — use your resources! Knowledge is power and being informed helps you show up more effectively.

3. Show up and speak out. Advocate in public spaces. Confront homophobia and transphobia when you see it, whether at work, family gatherings or online. Silence is complicity.

4. Support LGBTQ+ organizations. Volunteer, donate or amplify the work of LGBTQ+ organizations. Every bit of support makes a difference, especially as these organizations face increasing challenges.

5. Be consistent. True allyship is ongoing and unconditional. Show up consistently, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.

For those within the LGBTQ+ community, connecting with others can feel daunting, especially in hostile times. But history shows that community has always been our greatest strength. From the Stonewall riots to mutual aid networks during the HIV/AIDS crisis, we’ve proven that unity fuels resilience.

Here’s how queer folks can cultivate community:

1. Find your circle. Seek spaces where you feel safe and supported, whether through local LGBTQ+ organizations, online groups, or queer-friendly spaces. These are the foundations of connection.

2. Support one another. Community isn’t just about what we receive; it’s about what we give. Check in on friends, attend their events and be a source of

support. These acts of care strengthen our bonds.

3. Celebrate your identity. Joy is an act of resistance. Attend a Pride event, share your story or host a gathering that uplifts queer culture. Because YOU are the culture!

4. Engage in activism. That doesn’t have to mean

safe space for queer folks to find or lend support during challenging times.

Building community isn’t just about the present; it’s also about bridging generations. Older LGBTQ+ individuals offer wisdom from lived experience, while younger generations bring

and sustaining community is essential. It requires intention, action and a belief in the inherent worth of every person.

attending protests (although we’re open to the option). It can involve writing to elected officials, supporting inclusive policies or educating others about LGBTQ+ issues.

5. Protect your mental health. Hostility takes a toll. Prioritize your well-being so you can continue contributing to your community sustainably. PFLAG Tampa’s community support meetings are held the first Monday of every month and are a

fresh energy and new ideas. Together, we create a richer, stronger community.

Consider volunteering with organizations that connect LGBTQ+ youth and elders or reach out to someone from a different generation in your own circle. Together, we are stronger.

Hostility seeks to isolate us, but community reminds us that we are not alone. Whether you’re LGBTQ+ or an ally, the work of building

At the end of the day, we build community in the small, everyday moments: the smile that says “I see you,” the hand extended in solidarity, the voice that says, “you are not alone.”

These acts of connection ripple outward, creating an unbreakable network of care and a safer world for your gay kiddo.

Let’s lead with love. In solidarity, PFLAG Tampa

Trevor Rosine is a Tampa native and dedicated human rights advocate who serves as president of PFLAG Tampa, chair of the city’s Human Rights Board and a nonprofit consultant at Forward Focus Development.

compassion meets expertise.

• Car & Truck Accidents • Personal Injury • Wrongful Death • Rideshare Accidents

At Brooks law Group, we believe in the inherent dignity of every individual, recognizing that each person is uniquely created. Whether you identify as LGBTQ or as an ally, your story is important to us. • Truck Accidents • Motorcycle Accidents

Trevor Rosine

Photo: Jim Leatherman

Mulan Williams

MULAN’S CORNER

Trans state of mind

WELCOME TO MULAN’S

Corner. Let me start off by saying Happy New Year, or should I say, another year and more problems.

As we usher in 2025, the LGBTQ+ community finds itself navigating a climate of increasing tension and uncertainty. Policies, rhetoric and societal pushback have left many of us wondering what the future holds. But let me remind you: our community has faced adversity before. We’ve stood tall, weathered storms and came together when it mattered most. This year, the stakes are higher and the urgency to support one another — especially our trans siblings — has never been more critical.

The current climate

My trans state of mind right now is a complex mix of fear, uncertainty and nervous anticipation. Anti-trans legislation, hate crimes and discriminatory practices continue to rise at alarming rates, disproportionately affecting trans people of color. For many, this fear is not abstract but a daily reality, impacting everything from access to health care and education to simply existing in public spaces. It’s no wonder so many of us feel as though we’re walking on eggshells, unsure of what the next headline or legislative session will bring. But amidst this fear, there’s something else: resilience. Resilience has always been a cornerstone of the trans community. We’ve faced systemic erasure, legal battles and societal rejection for decades, and yet, here we are. Still fighting. Still creating. Still dreaming of a better future.

The road ahead

The next four years will be pivotal. They’ll determine the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and the ability of trans individuals to live freely and authentically. That’s why it’s imperative that we double down on our efforts to support one another. Solidarity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Now is the time to ask ourselves: How can we show up for our trans siblings? How can we create safer spaces, amplify trans voices and push back against the forces that seek to divide us?

viewpoint

Mental health matters

For starters, we must prioritize mental health. The weight of constant vigilance takes a toll on the mind and spirit. Many trans individuals face depression and anxiety, exacerbated by societal rejection and isolation. It’s crucial that we advocate for accessible mental health services tailored to the unique needs of the trans community. Check in on your friends and loved ones. Sometimes a simple “How are you holding up?” can make a world of difference.

Economic empowerment

Economic empowerment is another critical area. Job discrimination remains rampant leaving many trans individuals underemployed or unemployed. We need to invest in programs that provide job training, mentorship and financial support to help trans individuals build stable, fulfilling lives. Support trans-owned businesses and advocate for workplace protections. Our collective economic strength can be a powerful tool for change.

Health care access

Health care access, particularly gender-affirming care, is under attack in many states. These policies aren’t just legislative battles, they’re life-and-death issues for trans people who rely on HRT and other medical treatments to thrive. We must stand firm in protecting and expanding health care options, ensuring that no one is denied care simply for being who they are.

Education and visibility

Knowledge is power and the more people understand about the realities of being trans, the less room there is for ignorance and hate. Share your stories, engage in dialogue and educate those around you. Visibility matters. It’s not about tokenism but about creating a world where trans individuals are seen,

heard and valued for who they truly are.

Commitment to intersectionality

This year let’s also commit to intersectionality. Our community is diverse, encompassing a wide range of experiences, identities and struggles. Black, Brown,

march in protests or speak on panels, and that’s okay. Supporting trans rights can be as simple as donating to an organization, signing a petition or having a heartfelt conversation with someone in your life. Small actions add up to big changes.

As we navigate this

for equality. Together, we can move mountains.

So, here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Be a sibling’s keeper. Show up for your community in whatever way you can. Let’s turn fear into action, uncertainty into solidarity and nervous anticipation into a fierce

As we navigate this challenging moment in history, let’s hold onto hope. Hope is what fuels movements and sustains us through the darkest times.

Indigenous and Latin trans individuals often face compounded challenges due to racism and other forms of discrimination. We must ensure that our efforts to uplift the trans community are inclusive and equitable, leaving no one behind.

Hope and action

Finally, remember that activism comes in many forms. Not everyone can

challenging moment in history, let’s hold onto hope. Hope is what fuels movements and sustains us through the darkest times. Yes, there are obstacles ahead but there is also an incredible opportunity for growth, unity and progress. Let’s take this year to reaffirm our commitment to one another and to the fight

determination to create a better world for all of us. Stay tuned for more reflections, resources and action steps in future editions of Mulan’s Corner. Remember, we’re stronger together.

Mulan Williams is the founder of Divas in Dialogue, a groundbreaking organization supporting the TLGB+ community but always putting the T first.

E n d i n g t h e H IV epide m i c

Zaira Campos

THE GOOD PAGE FEATURES

positive LGBTQ+ news in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, uplifting and inspiring stories highlighting local stories in our community. In this issue, we celebrate the recent wedding of Caitlin Sause and Kalika Perry.

When Caitlin and Kalika walked into the Osceola County Courthouse on a warm November day, they carried more than just a marriage license. They carried the weight of history, the celebration of love and the urgency sparked by shifting political tides. Their journey to that courthouse wasn’t about tradition — it was about joy, commitment and seizing a moment to affirm their love in the face of uncertainty.

“We always knew we wanted to get married,” Caitlin shares, her voice warm with the memory. “But after the election results, there was a sense of urgency. We didn’t want to wait for the possibility of losing our rights. We booked the soonest day we could.”

On Nov. 26, Caitlin and Kalika, surrounded by family and the warmth of their love, celebrated the beginning of their life together. For Caitlin, a creative designer with Watermark, and

The Good Page

Wedding Bells ring for Caitlin Sause and Kalika Perry

Kalika, every detail of that day was infused with thoughtfulness and meaning. The wedding was small and intimate — held in a place Caitlin loved, near the lakefront in her hometown in Osceola County —but it brimmed with moments that reflected their shared story.

One such moment was Caitlin’s dress, a labor of love stitched by her mother, a seamstress.

“I had always dreamed my mom would make my wedding dress,” Caitlin says. “She made that dream come true.”

The white dress, with intricate blue paneling, paired beautifully with the veil Caitlin created for Kalika, adorned with a gradient of blue and white butterflies.

The butterflies, Caitlin explains, held deep significance.

“They symbolize Kalika’s grandmother, who loved blue butterflies. After she passed, they became a way to honor her. It was

important to have that part of her with us.”

Their ceremony, though brief, was filled with joyful moments. Caitlin laughed as she recounted tripping in the courthouse — thankfully without damaging her tights — and the hilarity of her mother-in-law jumping into their post-vows photos with unbridled excitement.

“It’s funny to look back at those pictures,” Caitlin says. “Her joy shines through so clearly.”

While their wedding was a reflection of practicality and urgency, it was also a celebration of queer joy and resilience.

“There’s something uniquely special about queer weddings,” Caitlin says. “We experience joy in a way that’s hard to explain — because it’s not just about us. It’s about the entire community. It’s about the hard-fought battles and the ability to celebrate love openly.”

The strength of Caitlin and Kalika’s relationship is rooted in the friendship they built before their romance began.

“We started dating in 2018, but we were friends first. That foundation made everything feel natural,” Caitlin shares. “We’re so similar in so many ways, but discovering our differences now feels like finding little Easter eggs. Every day with her is exciting.”

For Caitlin, joy is an integral part of their relationship. “We nurture it by creating spaces where we can be our full selves,” she says. “Whether it’s finding queer-friendly work environments or building a circle of supportive friends and family, we prioritize spaces where our love can thrive.”

If Caitlin could relive one moment from her wedding day, it would be a tie between two: the quiet intimacy of signing their marriage papers and the magic of placing a ring on Kalika’s finger.

“Those moments felt so personal, just me and her. They were the essence of everything we were celebrating.”

As our conversation wrapped, Caitlin reflected on the significance of their journey, sharing, “There’s a lot of joy, like we really celebrate that we have this right, that we’re able to celebrate, you know, gay pride, gay joy. And it just feels like a win, not just for us, but for the community to be able to still have it for now.”

Caitlin and Kalika’s wedding may have been unconventional, but it was undeniably perfect — a testament to their love and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

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

PHOTOS BY DYLAN TODD

talking points

The light always wins over darkness. You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity. I am who I am. Not who you want.

— “EMILIA PÉREZ” STAR KARLA SOFÍA GASCÓN, SPEAKING

FROM THE GOLDEN GLOBES STAGE AFTER THE MOVIE WON BEST FILM - MUSICAL/COMEDY

“W

ICKED” TOPPED NOMINATIONS FOR THE 31ST SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS, LANDING FIVE FILM NOMINATIONS — best cast, best stunt ensemble and individual nods for stars Cynthia Erivo (best actress), Ariana Grande (best supporting actress) and Jonathan Bailey (best supporting actor). Golden Globe winner “Emilia Pérez” scored three SAG film noms for best cast, best actress for Karla Sofía Gascón and best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña. The other nominees for best film cast are: “Anora,” “Conclave” and “A Complete Unknown.” Best film actor saw Colman Domingo get nominated for “Sing Sing” as well as Daniel Criag picking one up in the same category for “Queer.” In TV, several LGBTQ+ performers picked up nominations including Ayo Edebiri for “The Bear” (best actress in a comedy); Jodie Foster for “True Detective: Night Country,” Lily Gladstone for “Under the Bridge” and Jessica Gunning for “Baby Reindeer” (all for best actress in a limited series); and Richerd Gadd for “Baby Reindeer” and Andrew Scott for “Ripley” (both for best actor in a limited series). The SAG Awards will be held Feb. 23 and will stream live on Netflix.

‘DRAG RACE UK’ ALUM THE VIVIENNE DIES

“RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK” WINNER THE VIVIENNE HAS PASSED AWAY AT AGE 32. On Instagram Jan. 5, their representative Simon Jones announced the star’s passing and requested privacy for Williams’ family. “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has passed away this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the post reads. The statement concludes, stating further details will not be released. Williams was born in Wales but grew up in Liverpool, where they started their drag career in the late 2000s. In 2015, RuPaul appointed them “UK Drag Ambassador,” leading to them competing in and winning the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” in 2019.

‘EMILIA PÉREZ’ WINS 4 GOLDEN GLOBES

JACQUES AUDIARD’S SPANISH LANGUAGE, GENRE-SHIFTING TRANS MUSICAL “EMILIA PEREZ,” TOOK HOME FOUR GOLDEN GLOBES Jan. 5. It won best film (comedy/musical), best supporting actress for Zoe Saldaña, best song (“El Mal”) and best non-English language film. Audiard, the French director, made way for Karla Sofía Gascón, the film’s transgender star who plays a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery, to speak on behalf of the film. “Emilia Perez” wasn’t the only LGBTQ+ winner at the Globes. On the TV side, “Baby Reindeer” took home Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series (Jessica Gunning) and Jodie Foster won Best Actress in a Limited Series for “True Detective: Night Country.”

TIM GILL RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

TIM GILL, AMERICAN COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROGRAMMER AND LGBTQ+ RIGHTS ACTIVIST, was among the 19 individuals honored by President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Jan. 4. “Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality,” The White House stated. “After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.” Others honored included Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Magic Johnson, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Denzel Washington and Anna Wintour.

1,449 COMPANIES PARTICIPATED IN

NEARLY 5% FROM

Project 2025

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION PROJECT THREATENS

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS

TDeborah Bostock-Kelley

HE HERITAGE FOUNDATION, FOUNDED IN

1973, describes itself as a conservative think tank for “traditional American values.”

The group advises it “is building an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society flourish,” but according to GLAAD, their efforts don’t extend to LGBTQ+ Americans. The nonprofit catalogs anti-LGBTQ+ actions and misinformation and says the foundation has likened homosexuality to pedophilia, attacked transgender servicemembers, supported bans on LGBTQ+ books, fought against basic protections for LGBTQ+ Americans and more for decades.

The Heritage Foundation also spearheaded Project 2025, a right-wing presidential transition project prevalent in the 2024 election. Its latest “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise” was drafted by individuals who worked in or alongside President Donald Trump’s first administration — and while he said on the campaign trail that he hadn’t read the 922-page agenda, many of its anti-LGBTQ+ policy proposals aligned with the positions of his campaign.

Since Trump’s victory, he has tapped many of its authors and influencers for

key roles in his second administration. J.D. Vance, his vice president, also authored the foreword for the book of Project 2025

President Kevin Roberts.

Now, with Trump’s return to the White House and the implementation of Project 2025 at hand, there is growing concern within the LGBTQ+ community about the negative impacts on human rights and critical health care services.

The initiative has raised alarms due to its potential to undermine HIV/AIDS treatment, gender-affirming care, access to birth control and abortion, marriage equality, education and the repeal of workplace protections, among other concerns. Project 2025 emphasizes the importance of traditional family structures and aims to replace inclusive teaching with conservative values, an approach that could create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students and educators, potentially marginalizing these communities within education.

The project outlines intentions to dismantle the Department of Education, seeks to eliminate LGBTQ+-inclusive

for what’s ahead. Florida has been the testing ground for many of these policies — book bans, attacks on LGBTQ+ families and weaponizing government agencies — and we’ve seen how devastating they can be,” says Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith. She co-founded the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in 1997.

“What’s most concerning is how this will go national: targeting health care like HIV/AIDS treatment, health care bans on the transgender community and eliminating birth control,” she continues. “Silencing advocacy and cutting funding to organizations that stand up for their communities. Pushing censorship into every corner of schools and public life, erasing people’s voices and stories.”

Smith notes that Project 2025 would make it harder for LGBTQ+ organizations to operate. They would do so by cutting funding for health care, education and social services; intimidating donors and private funders, leaving organizations vulnerable and using government agencies to block or restrict the ability to organize and advocate. Despite these high

resist these attacks.

“What we’ve learned in Florida shows that, with the right strategies and determination, these fights can be won,” she says. “They want to dispirit and scare us, but there’s a way forward. We’re building stronger grassroots networks, encouraging the community to support businesses that align with our values, and growing small-dollar donations to create a stable base of support. These approaches make us harder to silence and we are seeing our community standing strong and leaning into the work.”

Over the years, the fight against HIV/ AIDS has seen remarkable progress, with antiretroviral therapy playing a crucial role in managing the virus. However, Project 2025 threatens to roll back these advancements by reducing funding and accessibility to ART. This could lead to a resurgence of HIV/AIDS cases, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, which has been disproportionately affected by the epidemic.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHAD MIZE

Moreover, the initiative’s focus on cost-cutting measures may hinder the development and distribution of innovative treatments such as long-acting injectable therapies and mRNA vaccines, which promise to improve adherence and reduce the burden of daily medication.

Lisa Barr, Executive Director at Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, explains, “I’m most concerned about the funding implications for nonprofits, especially those that serve the LGBTQ+ and minority population and people at risk of HIV or living with HIV.”

The group was founded in 1988 and what started as case management evolved into an entire prevention team, outreach, mobile testing, a used syringe exchange program, a complete medical clinic providing primary and specialty care, and programs for patient assistance from food to insurance.

“We are trying to remove the barriers to care for people at risk or living with HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C. We’re trying to as much as we can to get the message out to people — we’re a safe place,” she says. “We’re open to all. No judgment. We’re here for individuals and families. It’s a mission of love. We want to meet people where they are, get them healthy, and keep them healthy. Anyone who has had sex once — that’s all it takes to become HIV positive. We want people to understand that so they can protect themselves.”

Project 2025 founders have discussed withdrawing Ryan White funds and repealing the Affordable Care Act. The plan aims to restrict access to health care for transgender individuals by targeting Medicare and Medicaid.

“We are a Ryan White service provider, and we are a medical practice that provides hormone replacement therapy, so the elimination of transgender healthcare, which is covered under Medicare and Medicaid, is an area of concern as well,” says Barr.

Patients who have insurance often have it through the ACA. To continue their essential services, Barr is researching grants and private funding. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida is one of the few states that didn’t expand Medicare, which took many lower-income, at-risk people out of medical care.

For these reasons and more, she says, anxiety is at an all-time high.

“They’re wondering what will happen and how it will impact them,” Barr explains. “The passion and compassion that this organization or anybody that’s doing work in the HIV field, you have to have a heart for it. That’s a hard pill when you think they may be doing something to take your heart out of everything you do. We try to calm everyone’s anxiety as we learn as much as possible.”

Gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Project 2025 poses a significant threat to the availability of these services.

By imposing stricter regulations and reducing coverage through public health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, the initiative could make it increasingly difficult for individuals to access the medical and mental health services they need to affirm their gender identity.

The potential rollback of gender-affirming care also raises concerns about the broader implications for the transgender community. Without adequate support and resources, individuals may face increased discrimination and mental health challenges, further marginalizing an already vulnerable population.

Project No Labels CEO Claire Elisan and solopreneur spoken word activist Sam Obeid say they’re concerned about this and more. PNL works to empower Floridians through mental health care access and other initiatives.

“We’ve fought and won many of these battles before, but now we’re faced with dealing with all of it all over again, all at once and on a federal level,” they say. “As the left, we are incredibly fractured right now, and that says a lot about why we’re such easy targets for the right. If we don’t all get on the same page soon, every aspect of Project 2025 is something we will have to worry about because while [PNL is] an LGBTQ+ organization, we’re also intentionally intersectional.”

Project 2025 also threatens to inhibit access to birth control, cutting off an individuals’ right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It aims to restrict access by excluding popular methods like external condoms and Ella, a form of emergency contraception, from the ACA’s birth control benefits.

In contrast, the Health Resources and Services Administration’s 2021 expansion required health insurance to cover male condoms without cost-sharing, providing free access to many. Project 2025 would revoke these benefits, reinstating costs that could hinder individuals from obtaining condoms.

The project says that the president should allow employers to deny workers access to birth control coverage and defund Planned Parenthood. The sexual and reproductive health care organization provides over 2 million patients with more than 9 million services nationwide each year.

“The fact of the matter is all of these services are absolutely necessary, and folks that need

back against legislation attacking our trans and nonbinary loved ones. We support and establish safe and inclusive spaces for the community. We welcome all genders, sexualities, and abilities, treating everyone like family.”

Vernon states that advocating for inclusive policies is crucial to protect vulnerable populations from systemic discrimination and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities, especially lifesaving gender-affirming care.

Another of the project’s key goals is to challenge the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock vs. Clayton County, which currently safeguards LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination. By limiting the scope of this landmark decision, Project 2025 would undermine these vital protections.

them will find a way to get them,” Elisan and Obeid advise. “It just comes down to what type of danger they will be in for these medically necessary procedures, as well as choices for their bodies. Accessibility for these types of services will still be accessible for people with money and resources and will become more difficult and dangerous for low-income and BIPOC underserved communities.”

PFLAG Safety Harbor President Wendy Vernon is also concerned about Project 2025. She recently accepted an important role in representing PFLAG as the State of Florida Advocate and will work closely with the organization’s regional director, PFLAG National and Equality Florida to track legislative bills and share information to mobilize the 18 PFLAG chapters in Florida. Additionally, she will advocate at the regional level with equality organizations from Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

“We are concerned about policies that could possibly dismantle anti-discrimination protections and/or remove terms like ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ from federal laws,” Vernon explains. “This would allow for legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and restrict access to healthcare, particularly for transgender individuals.

“PFLAG Safety Harbor will continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, educate and empower allies to dispel harmful misinformation, and lead with love to debunk harmful statements,” she promises. “We will speak out locally, at the state level, and nationally to fight

“The new administration should restrict Bostock’s application of sex discrimination protections to sexual orientation and transgender status in the context of hiring and firing,” the project’s “Mandate for Leadership” reads. “The president should direct agencies to rescind regulations interpreting sex discrimination provisions as prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, sex characteristics, etc. … [and] direct agencies to focus their enforcement of sex discrimination laws on the biological binary meaning of ‘sex.’”

Trump has already signaled support for these and other Project 2025 measures. In response, Equality Florida and other advocates are preparing to stand together, as they have against anti-LGBTQ+ measures at the state level.

“What has happened in Florida shows us how bad it can get — but it also shows us that organizing and pushing back works,” Smith asserts. “Standing up for inclusive policies is how we protect our communities and keep moving forward.

“When we organize, show up and stick together, we win,” she continues. “Florida has proven it. We are ready for whatever comes next, and we will continue to share what we learn with our colleagues across the country who look to us as they build their own strategies.”

To learn more about each of the organizations working to protect LGBTQ+ Americans, visit EQFL.org, HopeAndHelp. org, PFLAGSafetyHarbor.org and ProjectNoLabels.org.

FRONTLINE FLORIDA: Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith addresses supporters at the nonprofit’s Tampa gala last year. She says Florida has been the testing ground for many of Project 2025’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

A Love for Collecting

Orlando Museum of Art prepares for its third Cottrell-Lovett exhibit

(ABOVE) ON DISPLAY: Relationships: A Love for Collecting” and “Edouard Prulhière: A Solo Exhibition” both open Jan. 24 at the Orlando Museum of Art.

DCaysea Stone

R. JAMES COTTRELL AND JOSEPH

Lovett began collecting art over 40 years ago in Manhattan after getting together in 1976.

What started as an admiration for New York’s artistry and a way to support their community amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic turned into a collection comprising of over 500 works from artists worldwide. The pieces stretch across various mediums, from conceptual to abstract art, and speak to the politically charged period in which they were created.

What sets the couple’s collection apart is their dedication to the relationships they’ve nurtured within the art community. Although Cottrell and Lovett have acquired pieces from established artists, their passion lies in supporting up-and-coming talent, many of whom go on to gain national success and recognition. Once they find an artist they connect with, they commit to supporting them,

often purchasing more than one piece of artwork.

Now, Orlando will get a sneak peek at what the couple has been expanding on for decades.

Opening Jan. 24, the Orlando Museum of Art will feature the couple’s third major exhibition with OMA, “Relationships: A Love for Collecting.” Running through May 4, the exhibition will feature 84 artworks from artists like Suzanne McClelland, Deborah Kass, Noël Dolla, Philippe Mayaux, Adam Fuss, Tom McGrath and many others.

“It’s a really great way to allow the public to see the work of certain artists in depth,” says Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, chief curator at OMA. “You’re taken aback, and you get a glimpse of that genius, the incredible creative mind of an artist.”

Lovett describes “Relationships” as “a bigger deal” than their past exhibitions with OMA since many pieces will find their permanent home there. In addition to the exhibition’s 84 works, OMA expects to receive another 250 pieces over the next few years, allowing the museum to continuously enhance its Cottrell-Lovett collection.

The couple hopes the exhibition will help facilitate difficult conversations about struggle, disabilities and discrimination.

“Because of the political nature of what’s going on in our country, and Florida in particular, we were very pleased to be able to gift this as two gay men [and talk] about issues that are relevant to people, that the museum is happy and excited to discuss as opposed to pretending that they don’t exist,” Lovett says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to participate in helping to let people know what their world is all about.”

One of the first additions to the couple’s collection was an early work of then-unknown artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, which they acquired at an AIDS support auction held by Gay Men’s Health Crisis. Basquiat, who lost his life to a heroin overdose in 1988, used his paintings to introspect on his experiences as a Black man and call attention to issues like wealth disparity by combining historical information and social commentary. Through the auction, Nathan Kolodner, the president of GMHC and close friend of Cottrell and Lovett, helped raise nearly $1 million in support of AIDS research before losing his life to the disease in 1989.

As a couple within the LGBTQ+ community in Manhattan, Cottrell and Lovett were anything but immune to the tragedies that emerged following the peak of the AIDS epidemic. Their connection to the lives lost is reflected in the pieces they’ve spent years curating.

“I think the art world was very connected with the AIDS world from the very beginning,” Lovett says. “The gay community really didn’t become a community until AIDS.”

The exhibition unofficially pays tribute to several artists diagnosed

with the disease, including Barton Lidice Beneš and Gregory Thompson. Thompson, who died at age 35, was one of 46,000 people who had their lives claimed by the disease in 1988, more than half of the cases reported that year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Created long before his HIV diagnosis, the exhibition features a piece by Thompson that shows a man on what could be a bed, or deathbed, being strangled by a succubus.

Beneš, who passed away in 2012 from unrelated reasons to his HIV diagnosis, will have 10 original works in “Relationships.” These pieces give viewers a glimpse of the struggles he overcame following his diagnosis, one of which displays a heart-shaped chocolate box of various pills in cupcake liners — something Claeysen-Gleyzon says may look controversial at first glance.

“You’re wondering, ‘Is it advocating [drug use]?’ When, in fact, those were HIV medicine,” Claeysen-Gleyzon says. “[Cottrell and Lovett] supported that artist because they felt it was important for them to be true to their mission of supporting living artists and finding a cure.”

The exhibition will also have a strong international element, featuring artists from Cuba, France and Haiti. Contemporary French artist Roland Flexner is credited with introducing the couple to global works after introducing them to a wide range of painters in the South of France.

A small-scale solo exhibition will accompany the eclectic and diverse “Relationships” with “Edouard Prulhière: The Inverted Sound of Painting,” showcasing Cottrell and Lovett’s whopping 34 original works by the French artist. The “Relationships” extension will highlight Prulhière’s less than conventional art style, which he adapted after becoming dissatisfied with two-dimensional painting in the late ‘90s. His revamped approach incorporates heavy textures and structural practices — something he calls “volume painting.”

“He’s deconstructing the actual frameworks, and they’ve become these sculptural elements with the paint actually going 360 degrees around the wax,” Claeysen-Gleyzon says.

Prulhière will paint a mural installation live Jan. 21 and Jan. 23 to further strengthen the exhibition’s overall theme of nurturing the relationship between artist and collector.

Both exhibits open Jan. 24 and will be on display until the first week of May. For hours, tickets and general information, visit OMArt.org.

PHOTO BY CAYSEA STONE

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

The Big Gay Radio Show announced Jan. 1 that Claire Elisan is now the radio show’s next news personality, replacing Joanna Grosso. Read more at Facebook.com/BigGayRadio.

Tampa Bay entertainer Jewels Sparkles made her “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premiere Jan. 3, celebrating at The Wet Spot during a viewing party. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Come OUT St. Pete has announced a new monthly community conversation series Jan. 6, the first of which will be held Jan. 23 from 7-8 p.m. “Join Come OUT St Pete’s Board of Directors and our partners from Equality Florida for this important conversation as we enter 2025, a period marked by increased targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals through misinformation and regressive political agendas at the local, state, and federal levels,” they shared. “Challenges Facing Transgender People in 2025 and Opportunities for Support and Advocacy” will welcome Angelique Godwin, Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality and Ant Avila, Equality Florida’s Tampa Bay community organizer. Learn more and RSVP at Facebook.com/ComeOUTStPete.

WONDER AWARDS

Voting in the Watermark Out News: Diversity, Excellence and Resilience Awards, or WONDER Awards begins Jan. 17. Visit WatermarkOnline.com to recognize your favorite LGBTQ+ activists, businesses, entertainers and more throughout Tampa Bay.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa realtor Patricc Petti, Enigma bartender Tyler Frederick (Jan. 16); Tampa musician Connor Zwetsch, American City Business Journals Senior Designer Jake Stevens (Jan. 17); St. Pete Health Care Center case manager William Chase, JP Morgan Chase honcho Kris R. Johnson, Pageant promoter Aaron Bailey-Santamarina (Jan. 18); Transamerica training consultant Stephen Kalter (Jan. 19); Lakeland filmmaker Kevin O’Brien (Jan. 20); Sarasota stylist Dylonn Cole (Jan. 21); Tampa customer service rep Giovanni McFarlane Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay entertainer James Cass (Jan. 22); University of Tampa educator Christopher Gurrie (Jan. 23); St. Petersburg performer Rolando Xavier (Jan. 24); Tampa Bay performer Ashley Smith, ABC7 meteorologist Trevor Hayes, Your Neighborhood Realty’s Jim Longstreth (Jan. 25); Tampa Bay guiding light Jan Flowers, Sarasota photographer Kaje Housman, Double M Band’s Mario Jooste, The Garage bartender Larry Wolf, Ybor City special events promoter Chucky Ruckus, Tampa Bay designer Sofia Banda (Jan. 26); Tampa Bay realtor Michael Scranton, Tampa Bay bartender Robb Weese, Animal lover Kyle Richard (Jan. 28).

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COMING OUT: (L-R) Come OUT St. Pete Royal Court JoZiah Bangkx, Cleo Patra and Mister E welcome 2025 at The Garage for the group’s first fundraiser of the year. PHOTO FROM COME OUT ST PETE’S FACEBOOK

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LA LECHE: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 17 contestant Jewels Sparkles take center stage at the Wet Spot for the season premiere’s viewing party Jan. 3. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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SINGING OUT: Members of the Tampa Bay Black Lesbians strike a pose during karaoke in Ybor Dec. 28. PHOTO FROM TAMPA BAY BLACK LESBIANS’ FACEBOOK

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NEW CAST: (L-R) Christopher Gorman, Claire Elisan, Esme Russell and Bryan Hinkson celebrate Elisan’s addition to “The Big Gay Radio Show” team Jan. 1. PHOTO COURTESY BIG GAY RADIO SHOW

5

TEAM ST. PETE: The newly sworn-in St. Petersburg City Council takes to the dais Jan. 2. PHOTO FROM CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG’S FACEBOOK

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HAPPY NEW YEAR: The masses gather outside of Cocktail in St. Petersburg for the venue’s Cock+Sparkle Drop Dec. 31. PHOTO FROM COCKTAIL’S FACEBOOK

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COMING TOGETHER: Hillsborough County LGBTQ Democratic Caucus members hold thier first social and general meeting of the year at The Bricks. PHOTO FROM THE LGBT CAUCUS’ FACEBOOK

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THREE AND MORE: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (C) is joined by city officials and organizers of the Three Kings Day Celebration Jan. 4. PHOTO FROM CITY OF TAMPA’S FACEBOOK

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

The Hammered Lamb celebrates its 12th anniversary Jan. 29.

REOPENINGS

College Park Diner, formerly College Park Café, reopened Jan. 10 after closing temporarily due to damage from a Christmas Eve grease fire.

WONDER AWARDS

The WONDER Awards or Watermark Out News: Diversity, Excellence and Resilience Awards — previously known as the Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence (WAVEs) — recognize the best in Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community in the areas of activism, service, entertainment and more. Go to WatermarkOnline.com/WONDER-CFL-Vote25 to see who made it into the Top 5 and to pick your favorites in the first ever WONDER Awards.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Orlando VA LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Program Coordinator & Special Emphasis Program Manager Keri Griffin, Former Watermark intern Melanie Ararat, Central Florida musician Justin David (Jan. 16); Former Watermark art director Jake Stevens, LGBTQ activist and library enthusiast Scottie Campbell, Softball stud Richard Harem, UCF journalism professor Rick Brunson, Central Florida dancer Adam Boreland (Jan. 17); Lake Fairview Marina owner Cynthia Johnson, Orlando Gay Chorus vocalist Edd “Peaches” Sinnett, A League of Our Own member Jerry Rivera (Jan. 18); Orlando socialite Ron Studdard, Central Florida artist Ben Van Beusekom (Jan. 20); Watermark Senior Orlando Account Manager Sam Callahan, Former Watermark intern Colton Adkins (Jan. 21); Orlando LGBTQ activist Michael Deeying, Orlando actor Mike Van Dyke (Jan. 23); Orlando home inspector Paul Kusic, former Watermark intern Kim Slichter (Jan. 24); The Bros in Convo Initiative founder and executive director Daniel Downer, softball expert Janders Santos (Jan. 25); Congressman Darren Soto’s field representative Roxy Santiago, State of Gratitude founder and owner Chris Bilyk (Jan. 26); Watermark Out News Creative Designer Caitlin Sause, CR insurance group agent Miguel Rullan-Calaf (Jan. 27); Orlando performer Ellen Jewell, Orlando thespian Tim DeBaun, Faith Arts Village Executive Director Will Benton, Spooky Empire’s Gina Mongelli (Jan. 28); “Shameless” bowler Jason Cook, Central Florida photographer Jenna Michele (Jan. 29).

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HOLIDAY ANIME: (L-R)

Rachel Marrs, Summer Sikes and Caitlin Sause attend the Holiday Matsuri at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Dec. 19. PHOTO FROM CAITLIN SAUSE

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BUSINESS MEETING: Zebra Youth’s Heather Wilkie (L) and The Center Orlando’s Chris Grant network during The Pride Chamber’s Business Connect at Fields BMW South Orlando Jan. 8. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Watermark Account Manager Daisy Chamberlin celebrates her birthday at Wateramrk’s Orlando office Jan. 3. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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TODAY AND ALWAYS: “Today Show” anchor Hoda Kotb (L) marvels at the fan of fans Matt Roberts and José Luis Dieppa as she prepares to say goodbye in New York City Jan. 8. PHOTO FROM JOSÉ LUIS DIEPPA’S FACEBOOK

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YEAR OF DRAG: (L-R) Annie Daynow, Ginger Minj, Daisy Dior and Mocha Skye perform on New Year’s Eve at Savoy Orlando Dec. 31. PHOTO FROM SAVOY ORLANDO’S FACEBOOK

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DINER DELIGHTS: Joey Eckenfel (L) and Alan Saunders celebrate the reopening of their College Park Diner in Orlando Jan. 10 after closing for a few weeks due to a Christmas Eve kitchen fire. PHOTO BY FABIANA UNGARO

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STAYING HOME: Soccer legend Marta announces in a video message Jan. 9 that she is staying with Orlando Pride after leading the team to its first ever national championship. SCREENSHOT FROM ORLANDO PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

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PROUD QUEENS: (L-R) Amber Mills, Twila Holiday, April Fresh and Alice Marie Gripp grab a mirror selfie after Pride Night at Secrets Hideaway Resort & Spa in Kissimmee Jan. 7. PHOTO FROM LOC ROBERTSON’S FACEBOOK

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Celebrity Roast of Rick Todd

MONDAY, JAN. 20, 8 P.M.

IVANHOE 1915, ORLANDO

Come celebrate the 50th birthday of Watermark owner/publisher Rick Todd as he is roasted by a panel of his “friends” in front of a live audience. Roast Master Michael Wanzie will be joined on the dais by Brandon Llewelln, Jeff Horn, Ryan WilliamsJent and Tome Dyer, as well as a mystery guest. Tickets are $10 and are available at Facebook.com/ TheCenterOrlando/events. Proceeds benefit the LGBT+ Center Orlando.

Orlando Drag Race Live PREMIERE Night

TUESDAY, JAN. 28, 7 P.M. SOUTHERN NIGHTS, ORLANDO

KG presents season nine of Orlando Drag Race Live, kicking off Jan. 28 at Southern Nights Orlando. This season, which takes place over seven dates and is hosted by P. Sparkle, will feature a cast of 11 local queens. Tickets are $15 each or $65 for the entire season. For tickets, go to Facebook.com/Kitana. Gemini.12/events.

TAMPA BAY OUT for

Business Tampa Bay

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22, 6-8 P.M. COCKTAIL, ST. PETERSBURG

Watermark Out News partners with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber to bring you an afterhours networking opportunity. Join us to make connections with Chamber and community members, enjoy delicious charcuterie and a cocktail or two while learning about the upcoming Winter Pride event, the social’s beneficiary. Learn more at Facebook.com/ WatermarkOutNews.

Melissa Etheridge

SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 6 P.M. THE BAYCARE SOUND, CLEARWATER

Melissa Etheridge brings her tour to Clearwater following last year’s hurricane-related postponement. The music superstar will welcome special guests Lisa Loeb and Maggie Rose for her first concert at The BayCare Sound, which she discussed with Watermark Out News last year. Read our interview at WatermarkOnline.com and purchase tickets at RuthEckerdHall.com.

EVENT PLANNER

WORKING THE CROWD

CENTRAL FLORIDA

“Mamma Mia!,” Jan. 14-26, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

LGBTQ+ Friday Indoor

Vollybal Laegue season opener, Jan. 17, Dover Shores Community Center, Orlando. OUTSportsLeague.com

47th Central Florida

Scottish Highland Games, Jan. 18-19, Central Winds Park, Winter Springs. 407-486-7268; FlaScot.com

Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, Jan. 19, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

Orlando Venues Hiring Event, Jan. 21, Kia Center, Orlando. 407-440-7900; KiaCenter.com

An Evening with Josh Gad, Jan. 21, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Uncorked, Jan. 23, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-436-1733; OrlandoBallet.org

“The Bikinis,” Jan. 24-Feb. 22, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org

“Relationships: A Love for Collecting,” Jan. 24-May 4, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando. 407-896-4231; OMArts.org

Orange County Heritage Day, Jan. 25, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando. 407-836-8500; TheHistoryCenter.org

Jessica Kirson, Jan. 25, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com

Wicked Afternoon Tea, Jan. 25-26, HighT, Orlando. 407-885-3558; Faceboo.com/ HighTOrlando

Legends of Drag, Jan. 26, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

LGBTQ+ Monday Dodgeball League season opener, Jan. 27, Barber Park, Orlando. OUTSportsLeague.com

“Forgotten Broadway,” Jan. 28, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

TAMPA BAY

“The Cher Show,” Through Jan. 19, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Charity Bingo, Jan. 17, The Garage, St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage

“Something Funny Happened: Comedians Telling True Stories,” Jan. 17, The Palladium, St. Petersburg. 727-822-3590; MyPalladium.org

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Watch Party, Jan. 17, 24, 31, The Wet Spot, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

8th Annual Masquerade: Midnight in the Garden, Jan. 18, Ybor City Museum Garden, Tampa. MyEPIC.org Shade Showcase: Black is Back, Jan. 18, The Garage, St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage

BoysTown Invades Tampa, Jan. 19, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

Satur-SLAY with Veronica Vixxen, Jan. 18, Thyrst, Largo. 727-240-0150; Facebook.com/ ThyrstFL

Jessica Kirson, Jan. 24, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8286; TampaTheatre.org

Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2025, Jan. 25, Tampa. 813-251-3378; GasparillaPirateFest.com

Sober Saturdays: Lux and Momma’s Birthday Celebration, Jan. 25, Rose Dynasty Center, Lakeland. 863-267-6172; RoseDynastyFoundationInc.org

Satur-SLAY with Juno Vibranz, Jan. 25, Thyrst, Largo. 727-240-0150; Facebook.com/ThyrstFL

LGBTQ+ Fall Bowling League Kickoff, Jan. 30, Pin Chasers Midtown, Tampa. 813-877-7418; Facebook.com/ OUTTampa

SARASOTA

“Nothing New: Archives of Affection,” Through Feb. 1, Ringling College of Art + Design, Sarasota. 941-359-7563; RinglingCollege. Gallery

Fab LGBTQ+ Center Grand Opening, Jan. 24, Fabulous Arts Foundation Center, Sarasota. FabAF.org

Jessica Kirson will be at the Tampa Theatre in Tampa Jan. 24, starting at 8 p.m., and at the Hard Rock Live at Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando Jan. 25, starting at 8 p.m. PHOTO BY JOHN CAFARO