PublIsher’s desk

PUBLiSHER’S

Rick Todd

PUblIsher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

desk

it’S been a whirlwind of a 2021

at Watermark, coming off the heals of the COVID pandemic. As described by Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams in his last Editor’s Desk, Watermark staffers have celebrated a baby, a wedding, a graduation and the purchase of a house.

I, for one, am very happy to have all that excitement in the past and welcome the return of Watermark’s business manager, Kathleen Sadler, from her maternity leave. I missed her with all my heart and sanity. I’m not sure who is more thrilled to have her back in her role here, me or the staff who doesn’t have to deal with me on a daily basis anymore.

I am beginning to piece life back together and it feels good. This past week we saw the return of an in-person pride. Tampa Pride to be specific. The Watermark staff got to ride in the parade as Grand Marshals, an honor we are so thankful for.

I had forgotten the simple joy and, well, pride you feel drifting down a sea of people cheering you on for just being you. Or was it for the beads? As we passed one gentleman, he pointed at our Watermark sign, nodded his head and mouthed the words, “Thank you.” It was such a simple act of appreciation and kindness and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Congrats to the team at Tampa Pride for an incredible event!

Last night I finally had the opportunity to attend Orlando Fringe and it was delightful. It truly is an experience of its own. The hunt for parking, walking the lawn, eating the food and being immersed in a festival with others who share the same love of live performance. I had gone with some friends to see “Arden,” staring the multi-talented Ginger Minj. We sat up front near the seat designated for Sam Singhaus and I swear I could see him smiling and hugging me. I applaud whoever put those photos in the seats, it’s a real treat for all of us.

The next big event coming our way is one of my favorites. It has many names and can be confusing for some, but the rules are simple: wear red and go to the Magic Kingdom. Gay day at Disney ranks high on my list because it’s so grassroots.

Basically, a group of friends put the word out to go to the Magic Kingdom and wear red to make our community visible at the happiest place on earth. The idea was magic and it grew and grew and grew. Soon hotels were booked, night parties planned and companies formed to expand the experience for those in attendance. Watermark even joined in the fun and created the Friday night Typhoon Lagoon party Beach Ball, now known as Riptide and run by the fabulous team at One Magical Weekend.

I’ve heard some rumblings that “Gay Days” is cancelled so I wanted to take this opportunity to explain what that means. Some of the major players in Orlando’s big gay weekend have postponed their events until next year.

GayDays Inc., who rents out a hotel and throws fabulous events and pool parties, is one of them. One Magical weekend, who also rents out a hotel, throws pool parties and hosts spectacular events on Disney property, has also postponed until 2022. Girls in Wonderland events are scheduled later this year and Tidal Wave has postponed until next year. In short, all of the events surrounding gay day at Disney are not happening. However, it is important to note that none of these entities own, nor can cancel, gay day at the Magic Kingdom. You own gay day at Disney. This community owns gay day at Disney. As long as you show up and wear red, this day is happening on the first Saturday of June always.

The wrinkle in this year’s gay day is of course COVID. In order to attend you have to make a reservation and currently there are no reservations available. If you are lucky enough to have a

reservation then I will see you there, keeping the tradition alive. Don’t miss the 1 p.m. Country Bear Jamboree and I’ll see you in front of the castle for the 3 p.m. parade. Let’s represent our community for those who can’t, for those who started this amazing event and for those who have fought for us to live freely. Let’s represent.

In this issue of Watermark we cover all things St Pete Pride. There’s a ton of information in this month-long pride celebration so keep this issue handy throughout June. Every week has a theme and is packed with ways to celebrate your community. Do so safely and with pride!

We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

as long as you show up and wear red, this day is happening on the first Saturday of June always.

Watermark staFF

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

Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

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

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Ezri Ruiz • Ext. 301 Ezri@WatermarkOnline.com Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Michael Wier • Ext. 105 Michael@WatermarkOnline.com

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

orlando oFFIce

1300 N. Semoran Blvd. Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

tamPa bay oFFIce

401 33rd Street N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

contrIbutors

Scottie caMPbell

is a longtime activist as a member the LGBT community. His work has resulted in a thriving community in the Lake Ivanhoe region and his wit has melted at least a few Orlando candles. Page 19

Michele rayner

is a civil rights attorney and social justice advocate. She has served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives since 2020, representing District 70. She is the first Black, openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature. Page 21

Wes Davis

is the Equality Florida Field Director based in Orlando. He leads programs to educate, mobilize and empower LGBTQ Floridians and our allies. Page 23

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