Watermark's Rainbow Family Guide 2022

watermark’s

Take the First Step Towards Parenthood With over 30 years of experience, Cryos is proud to offer everything you need for your family. Completely free donor search for all our sperm or egg donors.

Visit us online at www.cryosinternational.com

Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is honored to be named a

“LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. From comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology services to inclusive and personalized birth plans for surrogates, adoptions and more, Orlando Health Winnie Palmer delivers care with compassion.

For care, closer to you, Choose Orlando Health.

WinniePalmerHospital.com

CONTENTS

watermark’s

9

What’s Queer?

15

The Price of Pa re n t h o o d

21

Comic Relief

25

Finding Fa m i l y

29

LG BTQ Resources

30

Business Directory WATERMARK’S RAINBOW FAMILY GUIDE IS PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP

OWNER & PUBLISHER Rick Todd EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeremy Williams MANAGING EDITOR Ryan Williams-Jent CONTRIBUTING WRITER Deborah Bostock-Kelley CREATIVE DESIGNERS Kyler Mills Dylan Todd SALES DIRECTOR Danny Garcia SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Sam Callahan FOUNDER AND GUIDING LIGHT Tom Dyer © WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP ORL: 407-481-2243 TB: 813-655-9890 EDITOR@WATERMARKONLINE.COM WATERMARKONLINE.COM

All in the Family

Watermark’s third annual Rainbow Family Guide is here JEREMY WILLIAMS We here at Watermark know — regardless of what some politicians think — it is important to say gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, queer and every other gender identity and sexual orientation in the beautiful spectrum that is the LGBTQ community.

Not only is it important to say those words, but it is important to make sure every member of the family expresses them, understands them and knows that no matter how you identify, or choose not to identify, that you are valid, accepted and loved. That is why we bring you our Rainbow Family Guide each year.

In these pages, you will find information on all kinds of families, as well as resources to help you open up and explore what it means to be LGBTQ. First, we offer you tips on how to start those important conversations with your kids about gender identity and sexual orientation with the help of out and proud mom of two, and Come Out With Pride’s executive director, Tatiana Quiroga.

Next, we look at the cost of starting a family whether through adoption, in vitro, surrogacy, donors and more, and offer you sources to gather more information should you be ready to take the next step in having children.

Then, with the popularity of superheroes

in film, TV and comics, we offer up a few places you can check out the latest LGBTQ superheroes coming to a page near you.

We also look into individuals who have become a surrogate mother, father, aunt, uncle and more for those in the LGBTQ community who do not have biological family to support them during life events, such as weddings or graduations, or just need someone to listen or a shoulder to cry on.

Finally, we have included a variety of local, statewide and nationwide resources to help you with all your LGBTQ youth, family and individual needs whether you are an LGBTQ parent or have an LGBTQ youth in your care.

We hope you enjoy our latest Rainbow Family Guide.

Contents of this Rainbow Family Guide 2022 are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

REGISTER AT: OMART.ME/SUMMERCAMP PLEASE CONTACT THE EDUCATION OFFICE AT 407.896.4231, EXT. 262 OR EDUCATION@OMART.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

Love is always welcome in our home.

Through CITY’s 5% Giving Pledge, we proudly join the onePULSE Foundation and their mission to open hearts, open minds, open eyes, and open doors. #citycares

Scan to learn more

Pet Portraits Drawings by

Eunice Fisher

Pencil, Three Sizes, B/W or Full Color (727) 822-1782 • fisher.eunice13@gmail.com P.O. Box 1559 • St. Petersburg, FL 33731

Inaugural Pride Week June 11 - 18, 2022

You're Safe!

Live, work, play and retire in Dunedin.

Dunedin's inaugural Pride Week kicks off with "Pride in the Ballpark" June 11th @ TD Ballpark.

DunedinPride.com 8

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

#dunedinpride

What’s queer?

Tips on how to talk to your kids about

sexual orientation and gender identity

I

JEREMY WILLIAMS

f you have kids, know any kids or have ever seen a kid, you know that they ask a lot of questions and those questions can sometimes be hard to answer. Where do babies come from? What happens when we die? Why does Uncle Tim live with another man?

But questions from little ones do not have to be difficult to answer or met with “I’ll let you when you’re older,” especially when it comes to talking about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Come Out With Pride’s Tatiana Quiroga is the former director of family equity & diversity for Family Equality, a nonprofit that fights for the equality of LGBTQ families, and is the mother of two young kids.

We chatted with Quiroga about how she and her wife, Jen, talked to their kids and asked her for some tips to help out other parents who may be struggling with how to approach the subject.

LEARN THE TERMS Using proper terms and learning the difference between gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation will let kids not only know the right words to use but what the wrong words are.

We have included an illustration at the end of the article to get you started and there are plenty of reliable resources online to help you along with your conversations including HRC.org, GLAAD.org, PFLAG.org, LambdaLegal.org and TheTrevorProject.org, just to name a few.

START EARLY “We went into this wanting to have as much transparency as we could,” Quiroga says. “We started having these conversations pretty early on. And when I say conversations, what I mean is it’s a

holistic approach. We aren’t just having talks like ‘You have a mommy and a mama.’”

Quiroga says one of the earliest ways to introduce conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity is by showing kids that there’s all types of families.

“The biggest component to this whole equation is exposing them to families that look like their family, but also to families that don’t look like theirs,” she says. “We have families in our circle that have two dads, two moms, that have kids who are adopted, surrogacy, foster care; you want to have as broad a picture as you can of what the definition of family

is so that it normalizes the entire thing.”

You also want to make sure you have the right reading material for your kids.

“We started with the little kids’ books,” she says. “Thankfully we have reached the point where there are plenty of books that have two moms and two dads in them, that talk about transgender and nonbinary kids, that talk about adoption; those kinds of things and they don’t have to be textbooks. Simply reading a book to them that has LGBTQ representation is sometimes enough.”

The website SocialJusticeBooks.org has a comprehensive list of multicultural CONTINUED ON PG. 12 |  |

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

9

T Rogers

Humanist Celebrant Officiant & Writer for Weddings, Re-Naming Ceremonies and more

HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com

2022 SUMMER CAMPS Pre-K to o 12th Grade Programs in Musical Theater, Dance, Acting, Instrumental and Vocal Music, and more!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Scholar rships ARE Available!

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

11

|  | Continued from FROM PG.9

and social justice books, including over 100 LGBTQ-specific ones, for all ages.

“One that we read every year is ‘Santa’s Husband,’” Quiroga says. “It’s not only a same-sex couple but it is also a Black Santa on top of it so it is like ‘Score! We have so many conversation starters.’”

RELATE IT BACK TO THEM When having conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity

with your kids it is important to relate it back to them.

“You want to tie it back to something they can understand and identify with,” Quiroga says. “That not only helps them to understand what we are talking about but it also allows them to empathize with the situation.”

DON’T KEEP IT A SECRET The biggest thing is normalizing it.

Don’t treat sexual orientation and gender identity has something bad or that is a secret only adults can know.

“You can have what we would consider

The Genderbread

Person

Gender Expression Non Gendered

Femininity Masculinity

Gender Identity Agender

Identity

adult conversations with kids and make them more age appropriate,” Quiroga says. “When talking about a new stuffed animal they just got you can ask them ‘What’s your stuffed animal’s name?’

‘What pronouns should we use for them?’ Having a simple and transparent conversation like that is huge.”

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION “Remember that these are not one time, sit down at the kitchen table type conversations,” Quiroga says. “You will need to be prepared because these chats need to be ongoing.”

Woman-ness Man-ness

Anatomical Sex

Attraction

Female-ness Male-ness

Asex

Sexually Attracted to...

Sex

Nobody

Expression

Identity = Expression = Sex Gender = Sexual Orientation 12

Men/Males/ Masculinity Women/Females/ Femininity

Romantically Attracted to...

Nobody

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

Men/Males/ Masculinity Women/Females/ Femininity

HOME IS WHERE YOUR FAMILY IS. Y Let’s work together to find you the right house to make your home. ma

Cell: (813) 530-5687

www.TheJonesHomeTeam.com CJones@TheJonesHomeTeam.com

INCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE. Who you are matters.

Choose a realtor who affirms and actively supports you.

www.DylanToddPhotography.com | 727-310-1212

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

13

God LLes YY And So Does St. Luke’s UMC

14

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

The Price of Parenthood The costs of forming an LGBTQ family

A

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

ccording to Gallup, the global analytics company that’s collected public information since 1935, more U.S. adults are openly LGBTQ than ever before. An estimated 5.6% of Americans self-identified as such in a recent survey, up from 4.5% in 2017.

Gallup interviewed more than 15,000 people in their recent research. The firm found that among LGBTQ respondents, 11.7% identified as lesbian, 24.5% as gay, 54.6% as bisexual, 11.3% as transgender and 3.3% as other, such as queer or samegender-loving. It should come as no surprise then that LGBTQ families are also on the rise, in and outside of Florida.

Using this and other nationally mined data, the Williams Institute – the leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity – found that 48% of LGBTQ women and 20% of LGBTQ men under 50 are currently raising a child. They determined that more than 125,000 samesex couple households are home to nearly 220,000 children under the age of 18, and more than 111,000 same-sex couples are raising an estimated 170,000 biological, step or adopted children.

Advocates cite the country’s rising acceptance of marriage equality as well as the repeal of discriminatory bans on LGBTQ adoption. In 2010, Florida became the last state in the nation to rule that such a ban was unconstitutional. It was officially removed from Florida statutes in 2015, but cost can still be a roadblock when forming any type of family.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2015 Consumer Expenditures Survey, a family could expect to spend at least $12,980 per child every year until the age of 18. Financial experts have estimated that adjusting for inflation, the cost of raising a child born in 2022 until the age of 18 has reached more than $272,000.

“Becoming a parent is expensive,

regardless of who you are, where you live, or how many adults will be raising the child(ren),” Family Equality notes. The organization’s mission is to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families.

“For LGBTQ+ people, that number can increase significantly because of the added cost of bringing a child into the family through adoption, foster care or assisted reproductive technology.”

It’s why the organization launched its LGBTQ Family Building Survey, which focuses on costs impacting LGBTQ parenthood. Foster care, adoption, at-home insemination, platonic co-parenting, in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are all paths to LGBTQ parenthood. Family Equality notes that in addition to legal requirements to secure

parental rights, there are varying costs associated with each method.

“LGBTQ+ people are faced with a challenging array of choices when deciding to have children,” they say. “Decisions about how much additional cost an LGBTQ+ person or people in a relationship can afford are closely tied to factors including employment status, access to credit and health insurance coverage – all areas in which LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination.”

So be sure to utilize subject matter experts found in Watermark’s Rainbow Family Guide after consulting the costs of forming an LGBTQ family listed here.

They’re sourced from Family Equality, the Florida Department of Children and CONTINUED ON PG. 18 |  |

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

15

LGBTQ+ Premier Medical Care

|  | Continued from FROM PG.15

Families and more, which you can also learn about at FamilyEquality.org and AdoptFlorida.org.

DOMESTIC & INT’L ADOPTION Adopting in the U.S. ranges from $2045,000, a method which uses adoption agencies and/or independent attorneys.

Adopting internationally, which Family Equality says can be “one of the most legally challenging options,” ranges from $35-70,000.

EGG AND SPERM FREEZING For parents who wish to preserve eggs or sperm, including those who are transgender and may transition medically, costs vary. Sperm freezing ranges from $250-$1,500 per sample, egg freezing from $7-12,000 and each incurs annual storage fees.

FOSTER-TO-ADOPT Also known as temporary-topermanent care, this ranges from $0-2,600. Adoptions are completed through the public child welfare system, which in Florida seeks to find children

18

“a safe, stable and permanent home, sustained by nurturing relationships and strong community connections.”

sexually transmitted diseases, ranging from $25-300 as well as costs to establish legal parentage. Legal fees range from $250-3,000.

GESTATIONAL SURROGACY This method, in which the party carrying the child is not the egg donor, can range from $60,000 to more than $150,000. It is permitted in Florida for married couples who are allowed to file Petitions for Affirmation of Parental Status.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION Known as IVF, the procedure in which eggs are removed from an ovary and combined with sperm outside of the body to form an embryo, costs $12-15,000 to start. Frozen embryo transfers average between $4-7,000 and costs can increase by $25-30,000 if an egg donor is required.

Medication costs can add up to $8,000 per cycle, particularly for reciprocal IVF where eggs from one partner are fertilized and transferred to the uterus of another.

INTERCOURSE FOR PREGNANCY Intercourse in or outside of a relationship can also be utilized to achieve pregnancy, which can potentially result in co-parenting between biological parents.

Costs to achieve pregnancy can be minimal but may include screening for fertility or

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION Sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a catheter in this method, which can be performed at home or in a doctor’s office. Each attempt can range from $2504,000.

SPERM DONATION Anonymous sperm purchased for insemination through a sperm bank ranges from $300-1,500 per .5 cc vial, with more than one vial per monthly cycle recommended. Sperm from known donors can be obtained at as little as no cost, though testing to screen for sexually transmitted diseases and more can cost $25-300.

TRADITIONAL SURROGACY The cost for this method, in which the individual carrying the child is the egg donor, varies extensively. Costs are impacted by the method of conception utilized, medical costs for the surrogate and any fees incurred to establish legal parentage. This is open to any prospective parent in Florida.

WHERE HISTORY & FUN COLLIDE!

May 31- August 5

S.K. Burt Law, P.A. Altamonte Springs

407-308-2936 info@skburtlaw.com

www.SKBurtLaw.com

Our summer camps provide a safe environment with fun weekly themes combining cool history & STEAM content through hands-on activities.

Classes for ages 6-8 and ages 9-11.

65 E. CENTRAL BLVD. ORLANDO, FL 32801 407-836-8500

Register online at TheHistoryCenter.org

Sponsored by

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

19

Comic Relief

LGBTQ superheroes come to a page near you

S

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

uperheroes have taken the world by storm in recent years, especially on the small and silver screen. Multiple versions of Batman, Captain America, Spider-Man and more have become household names, securing streaming subscriptions and saving the theater industry one movie ticket at a time.

PHOTO VIA DC

While LGBTQ superheroes have yet to make a substantial cinematic splash, however, the comic books on which most are based have been making waves for some time. That’s particularly true for both Marvel and DC Comics.

Their work is beneficial for readers of any age. According to the International Literacy Association, comics “can be found in every genre, include all the literary elements you would find in traditional novels, and can be equally as complex.” They not only help develop reading comprehension, they can also foster empathy and understanding.

“Marvel’s Voices: Pride,” the publisher’s “first-ever queer centered

special spotlighting Marvel’s growing tapestry of LGBTQ+ characters,” was published in June 2021 for that purpose.

Pride Month also welcomed “DC Pride,” a special featuring stories about the company’s own LGBTQ roster.

These and other publications led GLAAD to add Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology as a category for its 33rd annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2022. The awards honor fair, accurate and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues and have long celebrated the comic industry.

Each collection was nominated and return in 2022, the perfect jumping on point for LGBTQ and ally readers.

“Marvel Comics is proud to highlight its commitment to LGBTQI+ representation with stories that spotlight existing stars AND introduce brand-new characters to the Marvel mythology,” the publisher announced. Lesser-known heroes like Hercules and Moondragon, seen in “Avengers” and more, will be featured. The GLAAD Award-winning “Young Avengers” will also reunite for a special story, the team that gave Marvel its first same-sex superhero wedding.

It’s featured fan favorites like Loki, star of his own Disney+ streaming series and America Chavez, Marvel’s first Latin American LGBTQ lead. She’s featured in the latest “Doctor Strange” film.

In addition to “DC Pride 2022,” DC promised it would publish LGBTQ content throughout the year. Like Marvel, their plans include Pride-themed variant covers on its main comic line.

DC’s anthology will highlight LGBTQ characters like Jon Kent, the son of Lois Lane and the original Superman.

He currently leads the ongoing series “Superman: Son of Kal-El.” Nubia, the queen of “Wonder Woman” locale Themyscira, also shares the spotlight.

Answering Gotham City’s LGBTQ bat signal are Tim Drake, Batman’s longtime sidekick Robin, as well frequent antagonists Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn.

Their love story features on the animated HBO Max series “Harley Quinn,” the titular character of which appears in “The Suicide Squad” films.

The new anthology will also include an introduction from transgender actor and activist Nicole Maines. “Representation is something that so many take for granted. But as queer people, we have always understood not only its necessity, but its power,” she writes. “Seeing yourself in comic books, though, in your favorite superheroes, is especially powerful. They are the best of us.

Superheroes set the bar and they set it high. Because if you can be a superhero, you can be anything.”

Be anything with Marvel and DC Comics by visiting Marvel.com and DCComics.com. To find a comic shop near you, visit ComicShopLocator.com.

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

21

THE MAGIC FLUTE OCTOBER 2022

ALL IS CALM: the Christmas Truce of 1914 DECEMBER 2022

THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT APRIL 2023 STEINMETZ HALL

MAINSTAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE!

(407) 839-0119 ext. 0 | www.DrPhillipsCenter.org

www.OperaOrlando.org

8 Creative Things For Kids This Summer!

Filled with dancing teapots, gorgeous costumes, and theatre magic, this international best-selling sensation will be reimagined like never before for the Garden stage.

GARDENTHEATRE.ORG | 407.877.GRDN (4736)

&

LAND OF LEGO

DISNEY ON BROADWAY

ANIMATION STATION

SHERLOCK MYSTERY

MAKE THE BAND

2022

CLASSES & CAMPS FOR YOUTH, TEENS & ADULTS. PIRATE PALOOZA

ALL THINGS STRINGS

MY SHOT!

Musical Theatre | Art | Art Fusion | Music Learn more at gardentheatre.org/classes

One & Two Week Camps Available Open to ages 7 - 14!

Register today at OsceolaArts.org

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

23

24

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

Finding Family

Changemakers create connections for those in need

F

DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY

or one TikTok user with more than 100,000 followers and another social worker serving those in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, sitting on the sidelines as intolerance toward the LGBTQ community and their families grew was never an option.

For Daniel Blevins, the content creator known as the_zombie_dan, that meant empathizing with other LGBTQ social media users. He could imagine members of the community lacking support from their families and hoped it might bring them solace to see a gay man volunteering to help fill that void.

He and his network of supporters were ready to show those in need compassion.

They were ready to stand in as a family member for their life events, however minor or major. It’s an offer he never realized would go viral on TikTok, but it did. His Jan. 2021 video set into motion a chain of events that would touch every corner of the world.

“If you are a same-sex couple getting married that does not have a biological family there to support you, let me

PHOTO VIA DANIEL BLEVINS

know,” Blevins said. “If I’m not able to attend your wedding, I have friends that will. We’ll be your biggest fans.”

Stand In Pride, formerly TikTok Stand-In Families, was born after that. “I started getting contacted by young people looking for validation or affirmation,” he explains. “I didn’t know what to think about the video going viral, because it happened really fast. When I started reading comments, other people were offering to help as well.”

Blevins knew that if his voice could connect with an LGBTQ youth or adult in need, he had to try. He determined a private group on Facebook was the best option to do that. “It’s a place for people to post their needs, whether they need a person physically to stand in for someone at a wedding or graduation, or they simply need someone to talk to,” he says. “They can take that conversation to messenger, FaceTime, or however they choose.”

More than a year later, there are over 36,000 other voices parroting Blevins’ sentiment that everyone is worthy and loved. In a private Facebook group, the rainbow banner reads, “Together we make a family.”

Blevins is proud that the platform gives those in the LGBTQ community a safe space to be their authentic selves.

Erin Brea Newsome, a Stand-In Mom in Central Florida, says she joined because she knew it was a way to show her support as an ally.

“Many people lose family when they come out, so I hope to be that missing

love and support that they need when they need it,” she says. “A group like this

PHOTO VIA DANIEL BLEVINS

is important because we all need support.

Regardless of who you are and who you love, we are all human. I think this group was truly borne of necessity … there are people out there who are willing to stand up and give advice and support to those who otherwise might not have it.”

“We have a lot of Mom figures who check-in on the kids they have adopted through the group every day. We have Dads who are there if someone needs advice on fixing things, though some Moms are good at fixing things too,” he notes.

Blevins will soon launch a website and an app for those who don’t utilize Facebook.

CONTINUED ON PG. 27 |  |

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

25

ART & NATURE CAMP JULY 18-22

Calling all nature enthusiasts! Join us on a safari through the museum galleries as we discover how animals, plants, weather, water, and sky have inspired artists since the dawn of time. Special guests will bring nature encounters to our classroom as we create nature-inspired artworks and learn how artists can not only share the beauty of nature, but also help protect it.

(grades 1–5)

WILD CREATIONS ART & EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG WOMEN JULY 25-29

Inspired by historical and contemporary female artists from around the world, participants will explore art as voice and discover how art can be used as a tool for expression, care, and advocacy. Join the women of the MFA Curatorial Staff to learn about female artists featured at the MFA. We’ll also experience Fresh Up, the first solo museum exhibition of artist Gio Swaby, whose work explores the intersections of Blackness and womanhood.

(grades 6–9)

Price: $190 members, $250 not-yet-members | Camp times: 9 am–4 pm Scholarships available Camp sizes are limited. All guests will be required to adhere to the current health and safety protocols of the MFA.

26

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

|  | Continued from FROM PG.25

PHOTO VIA STEPHENA PIERRE

Stand-In Pride will also become a nonprofit organization that will focus on providing resources for the growing number of homeless LGBTQ individuals and outreach and education programs. “I think that’s where the biggest difference can be made,” he says.

While Blevins was working to connect the LGBTQ community with stand-in families, Florida social worker and foster parent Stephena Pierre and her husband Webster were getting a license to open a State-Certified Child Placement Agency for infants to age 18. Her goal was to pair LGBTQ foster families with diverse children in need.

As a social worker, Stephena says she has witnessed firsthand children languishing in the foster care system, often in group homes without foster placement or siblings in foster care, separated into different families. Their goal is to be an advocate for the children without a voice.

“We can’t just sit back and watch what’s happening without actively engaging,” she explains. “We need to do more to make a difference. My ultimate goal is to make sure every child in the foster care system has a loving, caring home. It doesn’t matter who the

caregiver is as long as they are able to provide a nurturing environment for the child to thrive.”

When founding the nonprofit We Care Family Connections, she had no idea that she and her husband were the first minority-owned and operated foster care agency licensed in Florida. She works with organizations throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Stephena’s philosophy is that having a loving home to welcome children is all that matters. Children in foster care often come into the system with nothing but the clothes on their backs and shoes on their feet. Since opening their doors, support from the community has enabled WeCare to change the lives of children and their families throughout Florida.

“We want them to feel a sense of normalcy as much as possible,” she explains. “We need clothes and shoes.

However a person wants to support us, we will take it with an open heart because it’s being given with an open heart. We will ensure those items are provided to the children in the child welfare system.”

Opportunities to volunteer are available throughout the year, including sorting and organizing the donations, volunteering in the foster homes and assisting with their annual toy drive.

Stephena says that when you look at the statistics of children aging out of foster care and not having available resources, the numbers are heartbreaking.

“If anyone can provide a loving home, we would love to pair them with a child that they can provide all the stability, love and normalcy for and help nurture them to grow where they don’t have to repeat the cycle,” she says. “We want to help break the cycle. We welcome anyone who can provide unconditional love.”

If the biological parents terminate parental rights and no other relative wants the child, the foster parent may have the opportunity to adopt and give their foster child a loving forever home.

Stephena’s hope is that “the foster parent will commit to the child to provide them permanency if they cannot go back to their biological homes.”

A snapshot by the Florida Department

of Children and Families showed that in early 2022, nearly 48,000 children were a part of the Florida foster care system.

Pierre is proud to give LGBTQ youth a safe haven to figure out who they truly are but needs more LGBTQ adults to open their homes.

“We need more homes in this community to place a child struggling with their identity,” she says. To become a foster parent, applicants must live in Florida, be 21 or older, be financially stable and be physically and emotionally able to care for children.

They must be able to pass a background check and have adequate room and beds in the home for children, have stable housing, and most importantly, provide the unconditional love a foster child deserves.

Stephena has helped a number of children, like one young girl trying to find her identity. “There’s a lot of teasing and bullying and a lot of struggles there,” she says. “It’s hard enough when you are trying to figure out who you are versus when you are in an environment where you feel unsafe.”

At that time, she did not have any LGBTQ homes. She decided she had to do more to reach out to the community to embrace child welfare.

“There’s simply not enough capacity.

We need all types of homes because we have all types of children,” she notes.

“We want people to know we are here and we welcome them. Our motto is ‘every child deserves a loving home, and every home deserves a child.’”

Through determination and strength of character, Blevins and the Pierres are making a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth and adults. The advocates have decided to create a positive impact in their communities, making families that will last for generations to come.

To learn more about Stand-In Pride, search “Stand In Pride” on Facebook.

Follow Daniel Blevins on TikTok at the_zombie_dan. To learn more about becoming a foster parent through We Care Family Connections or to support their mission, visit WeCareFC.org or call 813.898.7273.

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

27

Families thrive at the YMCA

EMPOWERING LGBTQ+ YOUTH AND THEIR ALLIES AND CREATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

At the Y, our programs and events encourage families to grow together.

While parents stay fit with fully-equipped fitness centers, unlimited group exercise classes and personal training, kids can visit Kid Zone to enjoy activities and games - or enroll in youth sports, swimming, dance and more!

Learn more about our Family Memberships, familyfriendly events and wide array of programs. stpeteymca.org

YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG

WHAT WE DO? · A safe space with weekly programming including peer support groups for ages 13-24 · ALSO, Jr. for youth ages 10-12 · Anti-bullying presentations for all grade levels · LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for other organizations and businesses · Support student-led school diversity clubs or GSAs · Provide resources for education, healthcare, and social services · Free one-on-one LGBTQ+ affirming therapy · Scholarship opportunities · Public policy advocacy

“Welcoming-Diverse-Active” Join us on Sundays for Worship at 10 AM Pastors: Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson and Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe “Practicing Truth, Trust and Transformation”

Visit our website at www.suncoastmcc.com for ways to get involved and connect!

(941) 951-2576 www.alsoyouth.org

28

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

Ready to Serve

National, Statewide and Local LGBTQ Resources RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT Whether you identify as LGBTQ, you’re the loved one of someone who does or even both, you’re an important part of an ever-expanding community.

To help you navigate what that means we’ve put together this list of resources serving the LGBTQ community on the national, statewide and local levels. It’s what families do. View our Business Directory on page 30 for even more.

NATIONAL & STATEWIDE RESOURCES BISEXUAL SOURCE CENTER 617-424-9595 BiResource.net

GLSEN

NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS

212-727-0135 GLSEN.org

BRC builds bridges within the LGBTQ and ally communities while fostering bi-supportive social spaces.

GLSEN is an education organization working to end LGBTQ discrimination and to prompt inclusion in K-12 schools.

EQUALITY FLORIDA

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

Equality Florida is the state’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ community.

HRC is the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization which envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights.

813-870-3735 EQFL.org

GLAAD

GLAAD.org GLAAD is the nation’s largest LGBTQ-focused media organization.

202-628-4160 HRC.org

NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY 202-642-4542 TransEquality.org

415-392-8442 NCLRights.org

The NCLR is the leading organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of LGBTQ people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.

NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE 202-393-5177 TheTaskForce.org

The National LGBTQ Task Force is the social justice advocacy organization working to advance full freedom and equality for LGBTQ people.

The NCTE is the leading social justice advocacy organization winning lifesaving change for transgender people.

THE TREVOR PROJECT 866-488-7386 TheTrevorProject.org

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth under 25.

SAGE

212-741-2247 SAGEUSA.org SAGE is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults.

THE WILLIAMS INSTITUTE

310-267-4382 WilliamsInstitute.Law.UCLA.edu The Williams Institute is the leading research center on sexual orientation and gender identity.

LOCAL RESOURCES ALSO YOUTH

LAKELAND YOUTH ALLIANCE

METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

LakelandYouthAlliance.org

727-321-3854 MetroTampaBay.org

ALSO Youth provides programming and services for LGBTQ youth, their families, friends and the community at large in Sarasota and Manatee County.

LYA provides a safe space for Lakeland’s LGBTQ youth to gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives and also meet others.

Metro Inclusive Health provides LGBTQ programming and health services to all, with offices in Clearwater, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH

LGBT+ CENTER KISSIMMEE

ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE

941-951-2576 ALSOYouth.org

844-200-5884 CANCommunityHealth.org

CAN Community Health provides education, peer support and other health services in Sarasota and Tampa Bay.

EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE 727-328-3260 MyEPIC.org

EPIC supports those challenged by chronic and advanced illness as a member of Empath Health, with offices in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

407-201-2544 TheCenterOrlando.org/ Homepage-Kissimmee

The Center promotes and empowers Kissimmee’s LGBTQ community and its allies through information, education, advocacy and support.

LGBT+ CENTER ORLANDO 407-228-8272 TheCenterOrlando.org

The Center promotes and empowers Orlando’s LGBTQ community and its allies through information, education, advocacy and support.

407-244-1222 OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

OYA provides a safe space for Orlando’s LGBTQ youth to gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives and also meet others.

PFLAG CHAPTERS See below

PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to uniting LGBTQ people and their allies, with chapters throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay Dunedin: 727-279-0449 PFLAGDunedin.org Orlando: 407-236-9177 PFLAGOrlando.org;

Riverview: 813-833-7972 PFLAG.org/Chapter/PFLAGRiverview Sarasota: 641-270-2022 PFLAGSarasota.org St. Petersburg: 727-490-9044 PFLAGStPete.org Tampa: 813-535-5239 PFLAGTampa.org Wesley Chapel/Pasco: 443-606-0993 PFLAGWCPasco.org

SEMINOLE YOUTH ALLIANCE

407-244-1222 SeminoleYouthAlliance.org SYA provides a safe space for Seminole’s LGBTQ youth to gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives and also meet others.

ZEBRA COALITION 407-228-1446 ZebraCoalition.org

Zebra Coalition is Central Florida’s network of organizations providing services to LGBTQ youth ages 13-24.

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

29

ARTIST

PET PORTRAITS BY EUNICE FISHER 727-822-1782 Fisher.Eunice13@gmail.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN THEATRE 407-877-4736 GardenTheatre.org OPERA ORLANDO 407-512-1900 OperaOrlando.org ZUBRICK MAGIC THEATRE 866-982-7425 ZubrickMagic.com

ATTORNEYS S.K. BURT LAW , P.A. 407-308-2936 SKBurtLaw.com

THOMAS LAW FIRM, PLLC 407-717-9990 ThomasLawImHere.com

ATTRACTIONS GATORLAND 407-855-5496 Gatorland.com

WONDERWORKS ORLANDO 407-351-8800 WonderWorksOnline.com/ Orlando

CAMPS

ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMS-MAITLAND 407-539-2181 ArtAndHistory.org CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS 407-937-1800 CFCArts.com/RainbowCamps GARDEN THEATRE 407-877-4736 GardenTheatre.org MARCIA P. HOFFMAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 727-712-2706 HoffmanSchoolOfTheArts.com MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 727-896-2667 MFAStPete.org ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER 407-836-8500 TheHistoryCenter.org ORLANDO ARTIST GUILD 844-633-2623 MEPerformingArts.com ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 407-896-4231 OMArt.org

30

Business Directory OSCEOLA ARTS 407-846-6257 OsceolaArts.org ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 407-876-4991 St.lukes.org WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 407-321-8111 WDPAC.com

COMMUNITY ORGINIZATIONS LGBT+ CENTER ORLANDO 407-228-8272 TheCenterOrlando.org

LGBT+ CENTER KISSIMMEE 407-201-2544 TheCenterOrlando.org/ Homepage-Kissimmee PFLAG – ORLANDO 321-286-5350 PFLAGOrlando.org PFLAG – TAMPA 863-535-5239 PFLAGTampa.org PFLAG – DUNEDIN 727-279-0449 PFLAGDunedin.org PFLAG – RIVERVIEW 813-833-7972 PFLAG.org/Chapter/PFLAGRiverview PFLAG – ST PETERSBURG 727-490-9044 PFLAGStPete.org PFLAG – SARASOTA 641-270-2022 PFLAGSarasota.org PFLAG – WESLEY CHAPEL / PASCO 443-606-0993 PFLAGWCPasco.org

EVENTS

FOOD AND DRINK

OUTTA CONTROL DINNER SHOW 407-351-8800 WonderWorksOnline.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 26HEALTH 321-800-2922 26Health.org

CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CANCommunityHealth.org METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH 727-321-3854 MetroTampaBay.org ORLANDO HEALTH WINNIE PALMER HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN &BABIES 321-843-9792 WinniePalmerHospital.com

MUSEUM AND GALLERIES ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMS-MAITLAND 407- 539-2181 ArtAndHistory.org

GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 727-821-8992 GreatEx.org MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 727-896-2667 MFAStPete.org ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER 407-836-8500 TheHistoryCenter.org ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 407-896-4231 OMArt.org ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER 407-514-2000 OSC.org

DUNEDIN PRIDE DunedinePride.com

LIBRARY

FAMILY PLANNING: ADOPTION, CRYO BANK & FOSTER SERVICES

ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEMS 407-835-7323 OCLS.info

26HEALTH 321-800-2922 ext. 1650 26Health.org

LIFE COACHING

CRYOS INTERNATIONAL SPERM AND EGG BANK 407-203-1175 CryosInternational.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

EDWARD JONES – MAC WREN 407-536-2820 EdwardJones.com/us-en/ financial-advisor/mac-wren

HI-LITE COACHING 321-236-2053 HiLiteCoaching.com

OFICIENT

HUMANIST CELEBRANT – TEE ROGERS 407-608-9242 HumanistCelebrantOrlando.com

W AT E R M A R K ’ S R A I N B O W F A M I LY G U I D E 2 0 2 2

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

DYLAN TODD PHOTOGRAPHY 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com

REAL ESTATE

CAITLIN JONES REAL ESTATE 813-530-5687 TheJonesHomeTeam.com

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

ST. LUKES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 407-876-4991 St.Lukes.org SUNCOAST MCC 941-484-7068 SuncoastMCC.com

RECREATIONAL CENTER YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG 727-895-9622 StPeteYMCA.org

RETAIL

CITY FURNITURE CityFurniture.com

TRAVEL AND TOURISM I-DRIVE RESORT AREA IDrivePlaycation.com ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / MCO 407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.com

YOUTH ORGINIZATIONS ALSO YOUTH 941-951-2576 ALSOYouth.org

LAKELAND YOUTH ALLIANCE LakelandYouthAlliance.org ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE 407-244-1222 OrlandoYouthAlliance.org SEMINOLE YOUTH ALLIANCE 407-244-1222 OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

Celebrating 30 Years of Service to LGBTQ Youth in Central Florida!

A Judgement-Free Safe Space for LGBTQ+ & Straight Allies (ages 13-23).

Social & recreational activities, support & mentoring, scholarships.

Orlando Youth Alliance www.OrlandoYouthAlliance.org 407-244-1222 Seminole Youth Alliance www.SeminoleYouthAlliance.org 407-244-1222 Lakeland Youth Alliance www.LakelandYouthAlliance.org info@LakelandYouthAlliance.org

FUNDED IN FULL OR IN PART BY ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT, FL

“LET’S FIND SOME BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO GET LOST” With nearly 150 destinations worldwide, the opportunity to escape is now. From 95+ Domestic destinations and 45+ International destinations, Orlando International Airport provides access to unique travel experiences that you seek and deserve. Why wait? The time for adventure is now.

Inspiration

FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

MCO. We’re Better Together.

For Travel Safety Tips Visit orlandoairports.net/coronavirus

Scan for airfare deals