Watermark Issue 28.12: Pulse Remembered 5 Years Later by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

June 10 - 23, 2021 • Issue 28.12

D A Y T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • T A M P A • S T . P E T E R S B U R G • clear w ater • S A R A S O T A

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departments 7 // Editor’s/Bureau Chief’s Desk 8 // Central Florida News 13 // Tampa Bay News 18 // State News 19 // Nation & World News 23 // Talking Points 51 // Tampa Bay Out + About 53 // Central Fl Out + About 56 // Tampa Bay Marketplace 57 // Central Fl Marketplace 55 // Wedding Bells 62 // The Last Page

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I think you subconsciously just know it’s coming. I think your body just knows it’s coming. I don’t know when that starts, if it’s the middle of May, but the closer you get to June you start to feel it. –onePULSE Foundation Executive Director Barbara Poma on Pulse’s 5-year mark.

On the cover

page Best Side Story:

page NEVER

FORGOTTEN: Pulse

remembered 5 years later.

Photo from The History Center’s Pulse exhibit, taken by Ezri Ruiz.

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WatermarkOnline.com

Legendary performer Rita Moreno talks her new documentary, “West Side Story” and more.

Watermark Issue 28.12 // June 10 - 23, 2021

New Direction

Y for All

Love and Marriage

Queer in Color

page Come Out With Pride announces new executive director.

page Tampa YMCA bolsters LGBTQ outreach with Metro, Pride.

page

Read It Online! In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

“Daniel’s Husband” makes its regional premiere in Clearwater.

TIGLFF streams its inaugural BIPOC-focused film festival.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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tampa bay

bureau chief’s

Ryan Williams-Jent TB bureau chief Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Desk

re-pandemic and thanks to

science, post-vaccinations, my husband and I have been known to spend an evening or two hitting up “the scene” on the weekend.

Unwinding at an LGBTQ bar is one of the ways we like to stay connected with our friends and the community at large. That’s because these venues don’t just welcome our community, they cultivate it. From Stonewall on, they’ve provided a space for us to authentically meet and mingle, something that feels more important than ever after spending so much of the last year apart. It’s something I think about often. Not just because I spent my college years behind the bar at Hamburger Mary’s in Cincinnati – which taught me to never force a bartender to make a mojito or frozen drink – but because these spaces have helped launch my most meaningful relationships. In addition to meeting most of our friends-turned-family, my

husband and I met while prepping for a party at Georgie’s Alibi, the former St. Petersburg staple. After a few years of friendship and before its own untimely end, we shared our first kiss at Parliament House in Orlando. What can I say? I’m a romantic. These two locations also provided my introduction to Watermark. Each served as a distribution site for this newspaper for years, which I first fell in love with at Alibi as an Ohio transplant. I later met another friend at the bar who would introduce me to Watermark’s owner and editor. I owe a lot to the scene. My reverence for the safe space it has always provided the LGBTQ community is a large part of what made the early morning of June 12, 2016 so heartbreaking and

horrifying. I’d only been to Pulse once, about six months prior for a friend’s birthday, but had long been familiar with it. I enjoyed the experience enough to follow the venue on Facebook. We happened to stay in that Saturday evening, but I woke up around 4 a.m. on Sunday morning. Unable to sleep, it wasn’t long before I found myself scrolling through social media. Pulse’s post has haunted me ever since. The page posted eight words at 2:09 a.m., something I see every year in my memories because I shared it. Many of my friends did, and would do so as the hours went on, unsure if their own friends-turned-family had been inside that evening. “Everyone get out of pulse and keep running” is all the post said. In the five years since, more than 40,000 people have reacted to it. It’s also been shared more than 14,000 times and has more than 13,000 comments. The comments can be even harder to read. Members of the LGBTQ community from all over the world express their fear, their anger, their sorrow and solidarity. I don’t know a single member of the LGBTQ community whose life wasn’t changed somehow by June 12, 2016. Who couldn’t imagine what happened at Pulse happening in their own safe space with their own loved ones. Many members of our community permanently lost the sense of security we felt in LGBTQ bars and far worse, lost loved ones that evening. In the years since, we’ve worked together to heal but it’s work that continues this and every Pride Month. On the five-year mark of the Pulse tragedy, we reflect on that work. Barbara Poma, who owned the nightclub and established the onePULSE Foundation, discusses the last five years and the

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

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organization’s efforts to establish a permanent memorial site. Survivor Brandon Wolf also discusses The Dru Project and the responsibility we all share in shaping a more inclusive world. Above all, we honor the 49 lives taken that night in Orlando and vow to never forget them. In Tampa Bay news, we reflect on our community in other ways. St Pete PrideFest kicks off its month of festivities and the YMCA of Tampa partners with Metro Inclusive Health to ensure youth can attend the celebration’s family-focused outing. In a historical first, the City of Sarasota also formally recognizes June as Pride Month. Governor Ron DeSantis commemorated June in another

I don’t know a single member of the LGBTQ community whose life wasn’t changed somehow by June 12, 2016.

way. In addition to signing Florida’s first explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill in 23 years into law, he vetoed funding for LGBTQ youth and Pulse survivors in the state’s budget. We discuss his actions in State News. In arts and entertainment, we screen the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s inaugural Queer in Color festival, which elevates marginalized voices. We also pull up a seat for “Daniel’s Husband,” on stage now from the West Coast Players in Clearwater. Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

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is Hillsborough County’s Certified Domestic Violence center. Its mission is to prevent domestic violence, protect victims and promote change. Those experiencing intimate partner abuse can confidentially contact their free, 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at 813.247.SAFE (7233) or the National Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). Page 21

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EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

ROWING UP, JUNE WAS THE TIME

of year I looked forward to the most. The excitement of the school year ending paired with my birth month was enough to make any kid burst with anticipation. The last day of school would change year to year but even the latest day had me out of classes days before my June 12 birthday.

As I got older and graduated high school, birthdays didn’t seem as big a deal to me as when I was a kid and June became just another month in the year-round cycle of working. June started to buzz with excitement again for me once I started to work at Watermark and became more involved in the LGBTQ community. It became not only my birth month but LGBTQ Pride Month, which would start with Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom and all the events that went along with it and it would end with a big parade in St. Petersburg with St Pete Pride.

Because June was �illed with so much to do, my birthday became a more intimate, quiet affair. It generally consisted of dinner out at a restaurant and a movie with friends. Then back to the house for cake and coffee. This is how I spent my birthday in 2016. A small group of friends and I had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then saw a �ilm called “The Lobster” at the theater in Winter Park on Saturday, June 11. We ended the night back at a friend’s house watching “And The Band Played On,” a 1993 HBO �ilm about the early days of the AIDS pandemic.

Change out the restaurant and �ilm and that is how most birthdays were spent, but I can’t tell you what restaurants we ate in or what �ilms we saw prior to 2016. The details of the night are etched on my brain because, in the early hours of June 12, we watched the social media of friends and local news to �ind out that a man entered Pulse with a gun and started shooting. The hours and days to follow were chaotic, hard and emotional as media from around the world came to Orlando. Details of those days are etched on my brain as well. The trampled plants outside the Subway on Orange Avenue that became a makeshift hub for reporters. The staff of Watermark grieving with our community while also working to �ind out what happened, and then standing together in our of�ice as Jamie Hymen, with tears in her eyes, read the statement that would appear on the cover of the next issue that read, in part: “[I]t is more important than ever that the Orlando LGBT community join together and bolster each other, as a message to those who hate us: You cannot silence us. You cannot destroy us. We aren’t going anywhere.” It was from that day that June became something different. Still a month of celebration, June is also a time to re�lect on what we lost and how the community responded. Then last year, June changed for me again. Father’s Day became the last time I saw my father alive. He had been battling cancer for several years and the doctors said there was nothing more they could do. I didn’t know that would be the last time I saw my dad face-to-face but I still remember details from that weekend that, when I think of him, will pop into my head. He had a hospital bed in the living room in front of the TV in those �inal months, and when I walked in he was watching the TV show “Agent Carter” on Disney+ and I remember

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him asking me if I had watched it. When I told him I hadn’t, he lit up like a kid with a new toy telling me about it and how good it was. I told him I would check it out. My dad and I always compared �ilm and TV notes and recommended stuff to each other all the time. I still get sad when I watch something I know he would have liked. I remember his laugh on that trip, more wheezy than his regular laugh but still enough to make me smile. I always felt proud of myself whenever I could make my dad laugh. When we said goodbye I told him I would see him later and

Still a month of celebration, June is also a time to reﬂect on what we lost and how the community responded.

headed home. He died less than a month later. This will be the �irst Father’s Day of my life without him here. He wasn’t much of a chat-on-the-phone guy but I always called on his birthday and Father’s Day and enjoyed hearing his voice. This year, since I won’t be able to call him, I might just sit down and watch some “Agent Carter.” I hear it’s a pretty good show. In this issue, we look at how the community is remembering Pulse, �ive years after the horri�ic event on June 12, 2016, and those impacted by the tragedy. We hear from Pulse owner Barbara Poma, Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and how they are feeling as we approach the �ive-year mark.

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central florida news

Maven launches new digital wellness platform Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Maven Leadership Collective announced June 1 the launch of a new digital platform that will increase health resources for queer and trans people of color. Maven Wellness Hub provides free online access to a variety of health-related videos including yoga, tai chi, breathwork and meditation as a way to help improve the quality of life for LGBTQ people of color and allies. Maven’s focus on yoga, tai chi, breathwork and meditation — practices long associated with positive health benefits — may be helpful for those living with heart disease, breast cancer and HIV, common conditions for LGBTQ communities of color which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maven, which began offering free community yoga and meditation in 2017, plans to return to in-person classes in Central and South Florida but will also continue with its new digital platform allowing for greater access to people outside of those areas while offering a hybrid model to those within the area. Since its inception, Maven’s meditation and yoga programs — Maven Moves and Maven Vibes — have been attended by more than 300 individuals each year. Maven Wellness Hub can be accessed at MavenLeadership.org/Wellness. The free digital platform offers classes in English, Spanish and Kreyòl.

Mount Dora recognizes June as LGBTQ Pride Month Tomás Diniz Santos

OUNT DORA, Fla. | In a historic moment for Mount Dora’s LGBTQ community, the city council members signed a proclamation on June 1 that made it the first and only city in Lake County to formally recognize June as LGBTQ Pride month. Danielle Olivani, founder and president of Lake County Pride, is the Mount Dora resident who helped make this possible. She approached Cathy Hoechst, the Mayor of Mount Dora, in May with the initial idea for a new proclamation. Olivani, a New York native who’s been a resident of the city for over 17 years, said that the signing of the proclamation means the world to her and that she hopes it provides a sense of safety and security for the LGBTQIA+ community in Mount Dora. “It fills me with hope for the entire community. Once we accomplished the Proclamation, I immediately began to think about what is next to continue our mission to greater acceptance through being out and proud, vocal and fully engaged in our community,” Olivani said.

For more information, visit LakeCountyPride2020.org.

Proud Leader: Tatiana Quiroga comes to her new role with more than 20 years in the nonprofit world. Photo by J.D. Casto

New Direction Tatiana Quiroga named Come Out With Pride’s executive director Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Come Out With Pride (COWP) announced in a press release June 3 that Tatiana Quiroga will be the Pride organization’s new executive director. Quiroga, who served on COWP’s executive committee as secretary and community outreach & inclusion director, brings more than 20 years’ worth of nonprofit leadership to her new role. “With the combination of Tatiana’s background, experience, vision and passion, Come Out With Pride is guaranteed to be in outstanding and capable hands,” said Jeff Prystajko, board president of Come Out With Pride, in a

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

statement. “Since day one we have been very fortunate and grateful to have her on the team, and I look forward to a partnership that continues elevating the success and potential of our programs and events.” Along with serving on the COWP board, Quiroga has also been the director of family equity and inclusion at Family Equality, a board member with Zebra Coalition, served on the advisory council for Peer Support Space, the strategic planning committee for Orlando Gay Chorus, the anti-racism committee for One Orlando Alliance, leader of Rainbow Families of Central Florida and co-chair for the WorldPride Orlando 2026 bid planning committee. Quiroga is also among one of

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Watermark’s Central Florida Viewpoint writers. COWP’s board of directors selected Quiroga from “a broad pool of highly qualified internal and external candidates. She will be working closely with the board to develop what is already one of the largest Pride events in Florida into a top worldwide destination event.” The decision was made with the participation and advice of leaders from several Orlando LGBTQ organizations, according to the release. Quiroga holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Rollins College and a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. She describes herself as a bilingual, QLatinx woman with an invisible disability who immigrated from Latin America and resides at the intersection of several marginalized identities. Combining lived and work experience, she is devoted to making spaces more equitable and inclusive. “I want to create a Pride that speaks to all our futures,” said Quiroga in the release. “Come Out with Pride doesn’t own Pride, we organize it. I believe Pride belongs to Black and brown trans women who started the revolution. Pride belongs to the LGBTQ+ youth who are shaping the future of our movement. Pride belongs to all of us in the middle who strive to make ourselves heard and seen, who are fighting for equality and creating a space where our siblings can celebrate as their authentic selves. Pride belongs to each of us. And Pride must be a homecoming for all of us!” Quiroga will be COWP’s first executive director since 2014 when then-executive director Mikael Audebert was fired from the position due to allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement. Quiroga comes on as COWP’s new executive director just as the nonprofit organization is making plans to bid on WorldPride 2026 at the end of the year. If selected, Orlando would host WorldPride during the 10-year mark of the Pulse tragedy. Quiroga starts as COWP’s executive director June 21.

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central florida news

Nicolette Springer to run for Orlando City Commissioner District 3 QIC donates $25K to Center, Zebra Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | After funds were cut from the 2021 state budget by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the LGBT+ Center Orlando and Zebra Coalition each received a $25,000 donation June 4 from Orlando-based business Quantum Improvements Consulting (QIC). “We know that they’re vital to the community and we saw the cut in the budget from the state government and we felt there was a need to step in,” says Frank Hannigan, QIC’s Chief Operating Officer. Hannigan, along with QIC founder and CEO Jennifer Murphy Ph.D., hope that their contribution is just the start of the donations The Center and Zebra will receive. “We’re a small business but as business owners we have the opportunity and the platform to affect change, hopefully, and that’s what we want to see more of,” he said. Dr. George Wallace, The Center Orlando’s Executive Director, says QIC’s donation goes a long way to helping the LGBTQ organization make up the $150,000 shortfall with the Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC). In total, The Center has raised $40,000 since DeSantis cut the funds from the upcoming state budget June 2.

Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Criminologist Nicolette Springer announced her candidacy for Orlando City Commissioner - District 3, holding a kick-off event at College Park Gallery June 7. Springer spoke to dozens of supporters, with the U.S. flag on one side and the rainbow Pride flag on the other, saying she believes that local government should represent all the people who live in a community. She then highlighted specific groups in her speech including small business owners, parents and members of the LGBTQ community. “If you are part of the LGBTQ community,” Springer, wearing a rainbow ribbon with a pin that read VOTE, said in her speech, “you are loved and you are welcomed and I promise to fight for your equality and your continued protection and to be your voice in our City Beautiful.”

Springer, who has lived in Orlando with her husband for the last 17 years, spoke of key issues that she says she plans to immediately address if elected, including protecting waterways and addressing Orlando’s “terrible pedestrian safety rate.” “My family lives within walking distance of our two girls’ public schools. My oldest is old enough to bike on our own but it’s not safe,” Springer said. “We are number one in the country right now for pedestrian danger, we average about 300 fatalities a year in pedestrian deaths, and when I am your city commissioner, I plan on addressing that safety issue.” Robert Stuart, District 3’s current commissioner, has represented the district since 2006. Springer isn’t the only person eyeing to take District 3 from Stuart. Orlando entertainer and owner of Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, Leigh Shannon has made it known that he intends to run for the city commissioner seat as well. Shannon

posted to his Facebook page June 7 “Are You Ready for Some New Shoes? Leigh Shannon for District 3 Commissioner,” along with the message “KICK OFF Coming.” Shannon, who has lived in College Park with his husband for 15 years, moved his wig business to the neighborhood after more than 30 years in the Mill50 District. Springer highlighted in her announcement that, if elected, she would be the only working mom on the commission. “We love Orlando’s dedication to diversity, culture and inclusion,” Springer said. “I’m running to be your city commissioner because I want my family to live in a city where we can walk safely, we can bike safely, where we can enjoy our green spaces and where our community is growing and our economy can get to a place where we can all thrive.” The election for Orlando’s District 3 City Commissioner will be Nov. 2.

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tampa bay news

Sarasota recognizes Pride Month in historical first Ryan Williams-Jent

S PRIDE PARTNERS: Tampa YMCA’s Shannon McAllister (far L) and Jimmy Biascan (far R) are joined June 1 by representatives from St Pete Pride and Metro Inclusive Health in St. Petersburg. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

The Y is For All Tampa Y bolsters LGBTQ outreach Ryan Williams-Jent

AMPA | The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is partnering with Metro Inclusive Health to support Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community during and after this year’s St Pete Pride. The YMCA is the nation’s largest and oldest service organization, assisting 17 million members in and outside of the country. The Tampa YMCA has done so in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties since 1889. The organization utilizes programming designed to “build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Services extend to members of the LGBTQ community, officials share, as “strengthening community is our cause and ensuring access, inclusion and engagement for all is fundamental.” The YMCA utilizes Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to strengthen its bonds to the community, elevating voices which have traditionally been underrepresented within the organization. One such group is its LGBTQIA+ Resource Network, chaired by Jimmy Biascan and Shannon McAllister.

The LGBTQ-focused ERG has held a number of meetings and social gatherings, most recently during Tampa Pride. The 2021 parade marked the first time the Tampa YMCA participated in the event, which it utilized to raise awareness for its “The Y is for ALL” initiative. To help fund the venture, the ERG utilized a portion of a grant from the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs Foundation, given to strengthen LGBTQ outreach. Biascan and McAllister also utilized funds to establish relationships with Metro Inclusive Health and St Pete Pride. In 2020, Metro’s LGBTQ-focused programming reached more than 2,500 youth and young adults, largely via virtual means. Their efforts this year will include the annual LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Camp, which returns with in-person July 5-9 and 12-16 to provide a safe space for LGBTQ youth ages 13-17. St Pete Pride is currently hosting its month-long PrideFest 2021. We Are Family, its inaugural family-focused event will be held June 12. The Tampa YMCA purchased 40 tickets to provide entry for LGBTQ youth who participate. “By creating these community partnerships – now with Metro and St Pete Pride – I feel we are showing

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all of Tampa Bay that through our passion and collaboration we can provide inclusive spaces that are for ALL,” Biascan explains. McAllister adds that they were drawn to Metro for that reason. “Their dedication to creating safe youth programming aligned with goals of the Tampa Y and with my vision of what our ERG could create in the future,” she says. Metro is thankful for the partnership. The organization says that the donation will allow LGBTQ youth to celebrate St Pete Pride with their friends and families, chosen and non. “After a year and a half of staying inside, our youth are more than excited to start re-connecting with others and building community again,” LGBTQ+ and Marketing Services Manager Topher Larkin says. Moving forward, the YMCA will utilize the remainder of grant funds to set up community resource tables throughout its 15 locations detailing Metro’s work. They’re also planning to provide LGBTQ inclusion training for staff, leaders and more. “We are committed to building a more equitable community where ALL of our neighbors feel safe and secure and where everyone can reach their full potential with dignity,” the YMCA advises. For event, programming and more information about the Tampa Y, Metro Inclusive Health and St Pete Pride, visit TampaYMCA.org, MetroTampaBay.org and StPetePride.com.

ARASOTA | The City of Sarasota formally recognized June as Pride Month on June 7, issuing a proclamation declaring it as such in a historical first. Mayor Hagen Brody read the declaration during the evening’s City Commission Meeting. Project Pride, which spearheaded the initiative, installed an unprecedented, Pride-focused crosswalk and street mural in Downtown Sarasota earlier this year and is currently leading a month of Pride activities, accepted it. “June 7th we will be proudly proclaiming June as Pride Month for the first time in Sarasota’s history,” Brody told Watermark ahead of time. “As we come back together again we are redoubling our commitment to ensuring Sarasota is an inclusive community where folks of all walks of life feel comfortable and appreciated.” Officials see the proclamation as a testament to the city’s vision. Brody says that by ensuring Sarasota is welcoming, “we are a stronger community … and I look forward to finding new ways to show that our pride IS in our diversity.” The proclamation begins by noting that “civil rights represent a key component to our democracy and history as countless groups have fought to ensure their unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness despite great personal sacrifice.” It subsequently notes that June commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots before turning specifically to Sarasota’s LGBTQ residents. “LGBTQ members represent a vital part of the Sarasota community, which remains home to numerous advocacy groups dedicated to maintaining diversity and inclusiveness to promote a welcoming atmosphere within our city,” it reads. “While there remains much work around the globe to guarantee utmost protection of the LGBTQ community, our city remains steady in its belief that every human has the right to live and express themselves as desired.” “We want to thank Mayor Hagen Brody, the Sarasota City Commissioners, the City of Sarasota staff and all of the other organizations and individuals that have worked so hard to achieve this important milestone,” Project Pride shared via social media. “This is just another example of the wonderful community we live within and continues to reinforce Project Pride SRQ’s mission to Celebrate, Unite, and Support Sarasota’s diverse community.” “One of the reasons this year is so meaningful is because despite a global pandemic, progress cannot wait,” Project Pride President Jordan Letschert adds. He notes that’s why the organization has worked diligently to lead the effort and launch a month’s worth of activities throughout the city. “Our Pridewalk street mural raised over $100k and has given us the financial resources to continue more social outreach and to continue a higher level of visibility in Sarasota,” Letschert promises. View a full list of June’s events and learn more about the organization’s efforts at ProjectPrideSRQ.org.

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Important Facts About DOVATO

This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and treatment. What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the HBV can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection. • Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HBV infection and take DOVATO, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone. ° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. ° If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver function and monitor your HBV infection. It may be necessary to give you a medicine to treat hepatitis B. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking DOVATO. For more information about side effects, see “What are possible side effects of DOVATO?” What is DOVATO? DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults: who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past, or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in children. Who should not take DOVATO? Do not take DOVATO if you: • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir or lamivudine. • take dofetilide. Taking DOVATO and dofetilide can cause side effects that may be serious or life-threatening. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection. • have kidney problems. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. ° Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than DOVATO if you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. ° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider may perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, you and your healthcare provider should talk about the use of effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment with DOVATO. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO. ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk. ° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with DOVATO. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines. What are possible side effects of DOVATO? DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about DOVATO?” • Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing. • Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Too much lactic acid is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver problems.” • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female or very overweight (obese). • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking DOVATO. • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; nausea; diarrhea; trouble sleeping; tiredness; and anxiety. These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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SO MUCH GOES INTO WHO I AM HIV MEDICINE IS ONE PART OF IT. Why could DOVATO be right for you? DOVATO is proven to help control HIV with just 2 medicines in 1 pill. That means fewer medicines* in your body while taking DOVATO. It’s proven as effective as an HIV treatment with 3 or 4 medicines. Learn more about fewer medicines at DOVATO.com DOVATO is a complete prescription regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines when their doctor determines they meet certain requirements. Results may vary. *As compared with 3- or 4-drug regimens.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Where can I find more information? • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling. Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. March 2021 DVT:6PIL

New to treatment? Considering a switch?

Ask your doctor about DOVATO.

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tampa bay news

St. Petersburg raises Pride flag, lights up with Pride as pridefest 2021 begins Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | LGBTQ advocates from throughout Tampa Bay gathered June 1 at City Hall to raise the Pride flag ahead of the second annual Light Up with Pride. Each event marked the beginning of Pride Month in the city, home of Florida’s largest LGBTQ Pride celebration. This year’s outing has been reimagined as St Pete PrideFest 2021. The flag raising was the first official event. Mayor Rick Kriseman, who has hosted the gathering throughout his two terms, welcomed other elected officials, representatives from St Pete Pride and more for the inclusive ceremony. “I have never been more proud to be your mayor,” Kriseman shared. “This is my last Pride flag raising and these past seven years have gone fast … it feels as if we were

just raising the flag over City Hall for the first time. “As special as each flag raising ceremony is to me, that first one is one I’ll always cherish because we weren’t just raising a flag,” he continued. “We were turning the page to a new chapter in St. Petersburg – and we have come a long way, by working together.” Kriseman subsequently introduced a number of city officials in attendance, highlighting Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin, LGBTQ Liaisons Jim Nixon and St. Petersburg Police Lt. Markus Hughes as well as City Council. The body includes Darden Rice, who is running to succeed the term-limited ally and would make local LGBTQ history if elected. “Today’s flag raising at City Hall to kick off Pride Month was especially meaningful for me because it was my last as a member of City Council,” she shared with Watermark. “I hope that next year I will be leading this important

ceremony as St. Petersburg’s first openly LGBTQ mayor.” St Pete Pride President Nathan Bruemmer spoke after Kriseman. The mayor thanked the nonprofit’s leader and the rest of its board for ensuring festivities moved forward this year after 2020’s cancellation. Bruemmer began by reflecting on the news that Governor Ron DeSantis kicked off Pride Month by signing Senate Bill 1028 into law that morning. The anti-LGBTQ legislation targets transgender youth. He echoed Kriseman, who ahead of his official remarks directly addressed DeSantis’ decision, calling his signing on Pride Month intentional. “He knew exactly what he was doing by signing it today,” Kriseman said. “I say this directly to you, Mr. Governor. We expect more than what we got today.” “As a native Floridian, as a kid who grew up in the Tampa Bay area, and as an out and proud transgender man one of the few in a position to lead an LGBTQ

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organization,” Bruemmer began, “I want to say first and foremost. To our kiddos: we love you and we see you, and we fight for you.” Bruemmer subsequently reflected on this year’s official St Pete Pride events. He noted that organizers expect next year’s celebration, its landmark 20th, to bring back the parade. State Rep. Michele Rayner, the first Black, openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature, spoke next. She began by condemning DeSantis’ actions, which she strongly fought against in Tallahassee. “It’s not lost me standing here as a Black, queer woman that I understand what the origins of Pride were,” she also noted. “It was Black, trans women, brown, trans women, lesbian women that were fighting against oppression. So guess what? We are going to celebrate that like we’ve never celebrated before.” Kriseman also presented Bruemmer with a Pride

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proclamation, another tradition. In a city first, however, officials raised the Progress Pride flag above City Hall. The design expands upon the traditional Pride flag’s red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet to include black, brown, white, pink and light blue. The additions represent the more marginalized voices in the LGBTQ community, individuals of color and those who are transgender. Following the ceremony, the second annual Light Up with Pride was held throughout St. Petersburg. Spearheaded by LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon, the initiative began last year after St Pete Pride’s cancellation. Designed to show support for the area’s LGBTQ community, Light Up with Pride partnered with community organizations to light landmarks throughout the city in rainbow colors. Participants are encouraged to do so throughout June. View photos from each event at WatermarkOnline.com.

PAID ADVERTISMENT

NAGLREP Chapter President Nicholas Acosta Celebrates LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tampa Bay Real Estate Market

BY N I C H O L A S A C O S TA Owner & Lead Broker, Downtown Expert Realty LLC As the LGBTQ+ community gathers to celebrate Pride month, we also take time to commemorate the mountains we’ve climbed, and marvel at the strides we’ve made in all areas of American life. One such gain is in homeownership: though LGBTQ+ individuals endured decades of discrimination in the real estate sector, we have emerged as a powerful, trillion-dollar buying force in the American economy, and our rates of home ownership are climbing. Yet challenges remain: 49% of queer adults own homes, but many more aspire to purchase their own homes. Discriminatory practices in lending, housing approval, employment and education are still common, leaving many of our community members out in the cold. Today, however, the LGBTQ+ real estate community is spearheading the movement to make homeownership possible for queer families across the country. When it comes to diversity and inclusion in real estate, NAGLREP – the National Association of Real Estate Professionals – is leading the charge. Through advocacy, education, and partnership with major realty associations and federal agencies, NAGLREP is bringing the ﬁght for inclusion to the forefront of the real estate conversation, from the halls of Congress to the Main Streets of America. St. Petersburg-based broker Nicholas Acosta is proud to be a part of the movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Florida real estate market. Nick, owner and lead broker of Downtown Expert Realty LLC, was appointed chapter president of NAGLREP for Tampa Bay and St. Pete this year. Since then, he’s wasted no time championing diversity and inclusion in coastal Florida’s real estate market. “These are more than buzzwords,” Nick explains. “At Downtown Expert, we’re not just talking about diversity and inclusion, we’re doing regular training to make sure we’re welcoming everyone to the table.” His diverse team of associates share Nick’s enthusiasm for inclusion, and many joined his team because they were inspired by his vision for the local real estate market. “I was seeking a brokerage that instills these values in their business practices,” explains Downtown Expert Realty Associate Annette Callwood. “I’ve found that with Nick and the Downtown Expert team.”

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Thanks to his passion and activism, Nick was recently appointed the NAGLREP Fair Housing & Diversity liaison for GTR, the Association of Greater Tampa Realtors. For Pride month, Nick will speak at a GTR member event on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the local real estate market. “I want to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and the real estate sector,” Nick explains. “As a member of both, I believe my leadership is important to ensuring access for all aspiring homeowners.” Nick, who grew up in St. Pete, returned to the Sunshine City in 2020. He lives with his husband, Lee Acosta, in Pinellas Point. Nick loves the Tampa Bay area for its laid-back beach culture and welcoming environment – and he’s committed to expanding access to everyone who hopes to make this community home. With real estate professionals like Nick leading the charge, NAGLREP is ushering in a new era of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the housing market. In 2019, NAGLREP’s advocacy was key to the passage of the Equality Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Equality Act – which awaits passage in the Senate - bans discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in real estate, employment, education, federal programs, and more. Passage of the Equality Act would offer critical protections to the queer community and help more LGBTQ+ individuals and families achieve the dream of home ownership; NAGLREP continues to lobby tirelessly for its passage. So this Pride, whether you’re celebrating on the beach, the bar, or your very own home, Nick Acosta and the Downtown Expert Realty team encourage you to take a moment to celebrate the gains we’ve made, and our continued efforts to make Florida a welcoming home for everyone in our community! To learn more about Nick Acosta and Downtown Expert Realty, head to downtown.expert or find us on Instagram @downtown.expert.

state news

DeSantis vetoes funding for Pulse survivors, LGBTQ youth in budget Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a total of $900,000 from the 2021 state budget June 2 that was intended to support those impacted by the Pulse tragedy as well as fund transitional housing for LGBTQ homeless youth. The budget allocated $150,000 to the LGBT+ Center Orlando for its Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC), which serves and supports the immediate family members of the 49 individuals taken in the Pulse tragedy and the survivors. The Center incorporated OUAC under its purview of existing services last October. The funds were specifically for counseling and case management services for victims affected by the Pulse tragedy. A total of $750,000 had also been allocated in the budget for Zebra Coalition’s youth housing project which provides temporary housing for LGBTQ youth, ages 18-24. The funds were added to the 2021 state budget by State Sen. Linda Stewart earlier this year. DeSantis’ vetoing of the nearly $1 million worth of funds for LGBTQ projects fell on the second day of LGBTQ Pride Month and one day after he signed into law the anti-LGBTQ “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” detailed to the right. Several state political leaders took to social media to express outrage over DeSantis using the first two days of LGBTQ Pride Month to publicize his support for anti-LGBTQ policies, including openly LGBTQ State Reps. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando and Michele Rayner of Tampa Bay. “Governor Ron DeSantis uses the second day of #Pride2021 to add insult to our injury after his attack on trans youth in sports,” Smith shared via social media. “Mental health funding to support Pulse Orlando survivors has been VETOED just days before the 5-year remembrance. Zebra Coalition funding for LGBTQ homeless youth has been VETOED. Once again, with Governor DeSantis, cruelty is the point.” “Today, on the 1st day of Pride Month, instead of choosing to embrace everyone, especially the LGBTQ community, the Governor has chosen to attack trans kids, our most vulnerable citizens,” Rayner added. “He has chosen political theater over protecting children and his political ambitions over the wide variety of voices asking him to veto this hateful bill. While I am discouraged … this does not hinder my commitment to fight for an equitable Florida that embraces everyone and celebrates them for who they are.” On Twitter, Pulse survivor and LGBTQ activist Brandon Wolf shared a photo DeSantis greeting him at Pulse in 2019. He noted that the governor was “standing on hallowed ground, promising me that he would always support those of us impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting. Today, he vetoed mental health services for us. I will never forget.”

anti-LGBTQ bill signed as Pride Month begins Ryan Williams-Jent

ACKSONVILLE, Fla. | Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the anti-LGBTQ Senate Bill 1028 (SB 1028) into law at the Trinity Christian Academy June 1. The legislation was passed April 28 and targets transgender youth. It bans the vulnerable population from playing sports that align with their gender identity, a discriminatory measure DeSantis first publicly supported April 30 on Fox News. “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will empower Florida women and girls to be able to compete on a level playing field,” the governor shared via social media after his June 1 signing ceremony. “This will help ensure that opportunities for things like college scholarships will be protected for female athletes for years to come.” After the signing, DeSantis was asked by local press about the message the bill sends to LGBTQ Floridians during Pride Month. “First of all, it’s not a message to anything other than we’re going to protect fairness in women’s sports,” he responded. “We believe that it’s important to have integrity in the competition and we think it’s important that they be able to compete on a level playing field, and

you’ve seen what’s happened when you don’t have that.” The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus quickly condemned the bill. Caucus President Stephen Gaskill called it “shameful that Governor DeSantis chose the first day of Pride Month to sign the discriminatory trans sports ban into law. “This transphobic legislation aims to fix a problem that doesn’t exist, and instead harms children just wanting to play sports,” he continued. “It’s clear the governor and his Republican enablers in the Legislature are dismissive of Florida’s large and visible LGBTQ+ community.” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Region 2 Regional Director Joshua Hicks, a Jacksonville local, also condemned the legislation. “Jacksonville is a welcoming and inclusive city governed by a human rights ordinance that bans discrimination based on gender identity and expression,” he shared. “It’s shameful and disgusting that Governor DeSantis chose our community to sign discrimination into law on the first day of Pride Month.” Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ-focused civil rights organization, subsequently condemned the governor’s actions. They noted that SB 1028 is “the first

explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill signed into law since 1997.” “Even after hearing directly from trans kids and their parents about the real harms felt from this anti-trans sports ban, Governor DeSantis proudly put his signature on this hateful bill – joining ultra-conservative states like Mississippi and West Virginia who have shamefully done the same,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders shared. “This cruel law bans all transgender girls – as young as middle school kids – from participating in school sports and kicks existing players off their team,” he continued. “It’s deeply harmful to already at-risk transgender children: who are some of the most bullied and marginalized in our school systems.” To show their support for transgender youth across the state, Equality Florida hosted a number of rallies to #LetKidsPlay. More than 100 current and former elected officials throughout the state had previously urged DeSantis to do the same on May 12, demanding he veto SB 1028.

With hundreds of LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses and the highest concentration of same-sex households in the country, Fort Lauderdale welcomes 1.5 million LGBTQ visitors annually. This tourism brings in a large amount of revenue for Greater Fort Lauderdale, with an average of $1.5 billion. Greater Fort Lauderdale features one of the country’s main Pride Centers, the world’s first AIDS museum, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) global headquarters and the Stonewall Museum, one of the country’s few permanent spaces dedicated to exhibits related to LGBTQ heritage and culture. On Nov. 18, Pride will present the Pride Runway Fashion Show at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which will include designs by alumni

from Bravo’s Project Runway along with local designers. On Nov. 20-21, there will be a two-day beach festival that will include a street parade, three stages of entertainment, 150 vendors, headlining performances and sunset concerts. Pride 2021 has also partnered with AIDS Healthcare Foundation to feature an Afro Pride stage for performances during the weekend. Trans Pride is a celebration within Pride Fort Lauderdale’s festival that will feature local trans-led organizations, businesses and resources. This year, the festival will focus on highlighting local trans programs and services that can assist the LGBT community in recovering from the pandemic.

For more information about the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and Equality Florida’s mission and efforts to protect trans youth, visit LGBTQDems.org and EQFL.org.

Fort Lauderdale to host 44th annual Pride Everitt Rosen via South Florida Gay News

ORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. | Fort Lauderdale has announced that it will be hosting its 2021 Pride Festival Nov. 20-21 on Fort Lauderdale’s beach, featuring a theme of “Glitter and Gratitude.” “As we enter our 44th year as Florida’s first LGBTQ Pride festival, we are reminded of how far we’ve come and how much we have to be grateful for,” Pride Fort Lauderdale President Miik Martorell said. “The LGBTQ community has seen significant changes in our community and in society and this year’s theme, Glitter and Gratitude, honors those accomplishments.”

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For more information, visit PrideFortLauderdale.org.

nation+world news

Biden recognizes LGBTQ Pride Month Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

ASHINGTON | President Joe Biden issued the first formal proclamation of his administration recognizing Pride Month June 1, telling LGBTQ people both at home and abroad they should “accept nothing less than full equality.” Biden’s proclamation kicks off Pride Month by remembering the 1969 riots at Stonewall Inn that started the modern LGBTQ movement, which he said was a “call

to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our nation’s promise of equality, liberty and justice for all.” Biden issued a Pride Month proclamation after the practice was abandoned under President Donald Trump, who largely ignored the occasion except for a solitary tweet in 2019. In contrast, former President Barack Obama issued a Pride proclamation each of his eight years in office. Obama also had a practice of holding an annual reception at the White House with LGBTQ leaders to commemorate Pride Month. The Biden White House, at a time when the nation is reemerging after the coronavirus pandemic, hasn’t said one way or the other whether it will hold a reception.

Estimating nearly 14% of the 1,500 agency appointees in the Biden administration identity as LGBTQ, Biden writes the LGBTQ community is now represented “in nearly every level of public office — in city halls and state capitals, governors’ mansions and the halls of the Congress, and throughout my administration.” Among his LGBTQ appointees are Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rachel Levine, assistant secretary of health. Concluding his proclamation, Biden says Pride Month is a time to recognize “the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically.”

parties in exotic places, including Puerto Vallarta, Las Vegas and Miami although his trademark extravaganza, White Party Palm Springs, had evolved into the nation’s largest gay dance music festival, attracting more than 30,000 attendees from every corner of the globe. Sanker moved to Los Angeles in 1987. His innovative technique of using landmark venues for trend-setting themed events was credited for breathing new life into the Los Angeles gay entertainment night scene. In addition to hosting superstar entertainment events, which included Lady Gaga, and other celebrities over

the years, Sanker is credited with launching the careers of many new up-and-coming performers. According to his biography, Sanker’s events featured high-caliber DJs/producers, including Dave Aude, the late Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Victor Calderone, Freemasons, Manny Lehman, Rosabel and Tony Moran. Sanker also staged and produced fundraising events on behalf of numerous charities and community organizations, including Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH), The Trevor Project, and Desert AIDS Project.

circuit party impresario Jeffrey Sanker dies at 65 Staff Reports of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

OS ANGELES | Gay circuit party impresario Jeffrey Sanker, owner of the Los Angeles-based White Party Entertainment company, died May 28 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital with family members in attendance after a long battle with liver cancer. The 65-year-old West Hollywood resident had built his company and reputation on hosting large scale

Jewish museum, gay bar tagged with swastikas Wire Report

NCHORAGE, Alaska | A tall, thin man wearing a hood and a mask was caught on a security camera plastering Nazi stickers on a Jewish museum in Alaska’s largest city early May 25. He drove a scooter to the Alaska Jewish Museum, placed one sticker on the door and jumped to place three more symbols of hate on windows before driving off, Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, the president of

the museum’s board of directors, said of what their video cameras showed happening. About 45 minutes later, another sticker was placed on the main entrance door to Mad Myrna’s, a gay bar in downtown Anchorage. Each white sticker was emblazoned with a black swastika, the symbol of the Nazi party, and targeted two groups associated with Holocaust victims. Written above and below the swastika are the words, “WE ARE EVERYWHERE.”

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“What that sticker symbolizes is hate,” Anchorage police spokesperson MJ Thim told The Associated Press. “And we’re not going to stand for it.” Spokesperson Chloe Martin said the Anchorage FBI office is in regular contact with Anchorage police. “If, in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal civil rights violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate,” she said. Thim said to his knowledge, these were the first reports of such stickers showing up in Anchorage.

in other news Google donates $2 million to LGBTQ org Google donated $2 million to a fund that OutRight Action International created to support LGBTQ rights organizations around the world during the pandemic. A press release issued June 1 notes the LGBTQ organization “will be able to support at least an additional 100 LGBTIQ organizations in over 60 countries, reaching tens of thousands of people” because of Google.org’s, which manages Google’s charitable work, donation to its Covid-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund. OutRight Action International also notes Google.org will give it $1 million through Google Ad Grants to support its work. OutRight Action International launched the fund in April 2020.

Texas man pleads guilty to crimes against gay men A Dallas man pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges stemming from a string of kidnappings and robberies that targeted gay men using a dating app, prosecutors announced June 3. Daniel Jenkins, 22, was the last of four men to plead guilty to charges arising from the 2017 scheme that used Grindr to lure men to an apartment where they were then robbed and assaulted. He pleaded guilty to five counts including hate crime and hate crime conspiracy. In 2019, Michael Atkinson, Daryl Henry and Pablo Ceniceros-Deleon pleaded guilty to a variety of charges in the case. They are set to be sentenced this month while Jenkins’ sentencing is scheduled for October.

In-person AIDS conference to take place in Montreal The International AIDS Society announced the 2022 International AIDS Conference will take place in-person in Montreal. The conference, which will also feature virtual events, is scheduled to take place from July 29-Aug. 2, 2022. “AIDS 2022, the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS, will convene leading scientists, policy makers and grassroots activists,” reads the International AIDS Society’s announcement. The 2020 International AIDS Conference was to have taken place in San Francisco and Oakland, California, but it took place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Uganda police arrest 44 people at LGBTQ shelter Police in Uganda arrested 44 people May 31 at an LGBTQ shelter outside the country’s capital of Kampala. Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a Ugandan LGBTQ advocacy group, told the Washington Blade in an email the arrests took place in Nansana, a municipality in the Wakiso District. Mugisha in a tweet said prosecutors have charged 42 of the 44 people who were arrested with “negligent act likely to spread infection of disease.” Mugisha added authorities subjected them to so-called anal tests to determine whether they are gay. Mugisha said a bail hearing for 39 of the 44 people who were arrested took place June 2. Mugisha said three of those who were arrested have been released on bail.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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viewpoint

Christine Meister and Kayden Rodriguez

Partnering

for Pride A Quiet Community Issue

ntimate partner

violence, or domestic violence, is traditionally thought of as a women’s issue – a crime perpetrated against women by men. When looking at binary gender statistics, this sentiment is true.

Women are more likely to be abused, are three times more likely to get hurt during abuse and are more likely to experience long-lasting effects from the violence perpetrated against them. However, since the beginning of the battered women’s movement in the 1970s, we now have a better picture of how power and control affect queer relationships. With increased advocacy and research, we now know that intimate partner violence affects the LGBTQ+ community at the same if not higher rates than in heterosexual, cisgender relationships. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women report having experienced rape, physical violence and/ or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, compared to 35% of heterosexual women. Additionally, 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men have reported experiencing the same, compared to 29% of heterosexual men. These numbers get worse for the transgender community. A staggering 88.9% of trans youth have experienced physical abuse at the hands of a dating partner. At its core, intimate partner violence is a partner’s sense of entitlement to power and control in the relationship. Perpetrators will use emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse tactics to gain and maintain power and control. Abusers will use intimidation to devalue their partner’s sense of self-worth and gaslight until the victim believes that they are at fault for the abuse. While all survivors of intimate partner violence may experience these control tactics, perpetrators in

LGBTQ+ relationships will utilize additional power and control tactics not seen in heterosexual and/or cisgender partnerships. These abusers will use homophobic, transphobic and heteronormative tendencies to reinforce the manipulation and to belittle their partners. They may threaten to out their partner or question whether their partner is a “real man” or “real lesbian.” If survivors try to speak out, abusers will reinforce the belief that it’s not “domestic violence” because they are in an LGBTQ+ relationship. They may deny their partner access to gender-affirming medications or tools, or prevent them from accessing queer-friendly resources in the community for support. The social service programs and agencies available to survivors of intimate partner violence, put in place to provide safety and security, are unfortunately not without their own heteronormative barriers. Survivors are forced to relive their story multiple times as they explain their circumstances to various institutions. LGBTQ+ survivors are not only faced with this potentially traumatic experience, but also with having to come out again and again with each interaction. Support groups for survivors are gendered, screening protocols and intimate partner violence response systems are often presumptuous and if staff members aren’t effectively trained, biased. In addition to systemic barriers, more hurdles come from an unexpected place – the queer community itself. For the past several decades, the LGBTQ+ community has dedicated a significant amount of time, energy, resources, blood, sweat and tears, to the ever-present campaign for acceptance and equitable access to resources. While tremendous gains have been made, advocates and allies alike know that there are still injustices and basic human rights denied to the community. Because

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of homophobia, there can be an undercurrent of pressure for queer individuals to “not give the community a bad name,” especially in their relationships. Queer intimate partner

As a community, bars, restaurants, local businesses and support agencies need to be conscious of intimate partner violence and its complexities, as well as how to support survivors.

This is not work that we can do alone. To create effective change, we need a community-wide response. It is important that we call out abusive behaviors when we see them, hold batterers

violence survivors also fear ostracization, real or perceived, from the LGBTQ+ community for “airing their dirty laundry.” There is a fear that by disclosing the abuse that they have experienced at the hands of their partner, they will be giving bigoted individuals more fuel for the fire. So how do we make a change? At an individual level, we need to call out toxic and abusive behaviors when we see them. We need to hold friends, family and colleagues accountable for relationship abuse.

Systemically, we need to recognize and acknowledge intimate partner violence in all of its forms and be more cognizant about how it affects survivors. The Spring of Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ Roundtable is one group actively working towards societal change. This formal volunteer organization has a mission of educating the community about intimate partner violence in LGBTQ+ relationships, advocating for victims and connecting survivors to an inclusive network of resources.

accountable and validate the experiences of intimate partner violence survivors.

We now have a better picture of how power and control affect queer relationships.

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Christine Meister and Kayden Rodriguez serve on the prevention team at The Spring of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County’s certified domestic violence center. Its mission is to prevent domestic violence, protect victims and promote change. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner abuse, confidentially contact their free, 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at 813.247.SAFE (7233) or the National Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). To join its LGBTQ+ Roundtable or host a community training, contact Prevention@TheSpring.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points

More than

The anthem ‘Born This Way’ has become an out-andproud declarative stance for countless LGBTQ people ... I’m overjoyed to declare today ‘Born This Way Day’ and, on behalf of the entire City Council, give a Key to the City to Lady Gaga!

80%

—Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath declaring May 23 “Born This Way Day” in West Hollywood to mark the 10th year since the release of Gaga’s “Born This Way” album

LGBTQ youth

Ginger Minj among the cast for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 6’

lorida drag icon Ginger Minj will be one of 13 queens to sashay their way back to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as a part of the cast for “All Stars 6.” The “Queen Ruveal” came from a livestream on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” YouTube channel May 26. Minj, who previously appeared in “Drag Race” season 7 and “All Stars 2,” will be joined by season 2’s Kylie Sonique Love and Pandora Boxx, season 3 and All Stars 1’s Yara Sofia, season 4’s Jiggly Caliente, season 5’s Serena Cha Cha, season 6’s Trinity K. Bonet, season 9 and 10’s Eureka!, season 11’s A’Keria C. Davenport, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Scarlet Envy and Ra’jah O’Hara, and season 12’s Jan. “All Stars 6” will be the first season of the widely popular “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise to premiere on ViacomCBS’ new streaming service Paramount+. The queens make their streaming debut June 24 with two back-to-back episodes. New episodes will follow every Thursday after that.

Elliot Page shares shirtless photo on Instagram

ctor Elliot Page released an image of himself on Instagram May 24 where he posed shirtless and in swim trunks for the first time publicly. The “Juno” star was praised on social media for his happiness and abs as he included the hashtags #transjoy and #transisbeautiful. “Trans bb’s first swim trunks,” he captioned the image. With over 2.9 million likes and nearly 75,000 comments, social media blew up following his post. Fans seemed to feel just as happy for the actor as he did for himself. Hollywood stars including Miley Cyrus, Julianne Moore and some old co-stars commented on his post highlighting his happiness most of all.

Twitch adds and celebrates LGBTQ tags for its users

he global game-streaming firm Twitch announced it has added affirming tags for its users. The California-based, high-tech company said that streamers will be able to select from over 350 new tags related to gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ability, mental health and more. Twitch is the largest of all of the popular social video platforms for online video gamers, and which has also been recently acquired by Amazon. The company said that “these additions won’t change how tagging works and are completely optional. They simply give creators more choices.” The streams’ tags also denote categories such as languages and geographic areas.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

stated that COVID-19 made their living

Lil Nas X performs with wardrobe malfunction on ‘SNL’

ontero Lamar Hill, known by his stage name Lil Nas X, was performing his latest hit single “Call Me By Your Name” from his album “MONTERO” on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” May 22 when his pants ripped at the crotch. The openly out singer-songwriter-rapper glanced down then back up at the audience, covered the affected area with his hand and kept singing in what reviewers and commentators are calling “the gayest performance ever on national television” and “iconic.” The season 46 finale, hosted by actress Anya Taylor-Joy, was the first episode since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to have a full studio audience.

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more stressful, with only

1 in 3

LGBTQ youth finding

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

Rick Todd

une 12, 2016 is engrained in our

souls as deep as any tragedy. Perhaps it cuts deeper since it happened in our backyard, to our family and loved ones. That day, a gunman walked into the Pulse nightclub, a place of life, love and celebration, and opened fire.

We will always remember where we were when we heard the news. I was with Editor-In-Chief, Jeremy Williams, winding down his birthday celebration. We had gone to the Cheesecake Factory and a movie earlier that night. The plan was to head out to Savoy or Pulse after the movie, but the wait for dinner was longer than expected, which delayed the movie and

altered the scheduled. We went back to the house and watched “And The Band Played On” for the benefit of our younger friend who was still trying to get us to go out. At about 2 a.m. that friend headed to Pulse. Shortly after he left, he called to tell us there had been a shooting and he couldn’t get anywhere near the building. For hours that is all we knew. We

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

kept switching news stations to see if anyone had picked it up, but the only place information was coming in was on Darcel Stevens’ live Facebook feed. The horror that unfolded in the next few hours, days and weeks seemed unbearable. Here we are at the five-year mark. The hurt is every bit as real as it was that day, so real it feels like it just happened while simultaneously feeling like it was a century ago. Through that hurt, though, we see hope and inspiration. This community came together quickly. Established organizations pulled resources while new leaders emerged to help those most vulnerable. The love and beauty displayed by Orlando and its allies around the world is as

intense as the pain that lingers. As we reflect on that day and the past five years, I encourage everyone to take part in spreading that love and beauty. If someone needs help, reach out and help. If you need help, ask for it. Our community is there for you. These pages of Watermark are dedicated to the 49 lives taken that day, to the hundreds of lives forever changed within the walls of Pulse, to the community that grieved a tremendous loss and to the heroes that stepped up to guide us through that pain. Honor those we lost, celebrate those who helped and take care of yourself.

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Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

June 12, 2016 | Five-Year Remembrance We will forever honor the 49 Angels. Stanley Almodovar III

Alejandro Barrios Martinez

Amanda Lizzette Alvear

Brenda Marquez McCool

Oscar A. Aracena Montero

Gilberto R. Silva Menendez

Rodolfo Ayala Ayala

Kimberly Jean Morris

Antonio “Tony” Brown

Akyra Monet Murray

Darryl Roman Burt II

Luis Omar Ocasio Capo

Angel Candelario-Padro

Gerardo A. Ortiz Jimenez

Juan Chavez Martinez

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera

Luis D. Conde

Joel Rayon Paniagua

Cory James Connell

Jean C. Mendez Perez

Tevin Eugene Crosby

Enrique L. Rios Jr

Deonka “Dee Dee” Drayton

Jean Carlos Nieves Rodríguez

Simón Adrian Carrillo Fernández

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado

Leroy Valentin Fernandez

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz

Mercedez Marisol Flores

Yilmary Rodríguez Solivan

Peter Ommy Gonzalez Cruz

Eddie Sotomayor Jr.

Juan Ramon Guerrero

Shane Evan Tomlinson

Paul Terrell Henry

Martin Benitez Torres

Frank Hernandez

Jonathan A. Camuy Vega

Miguel Angel Honorato

Juan Pablo Rivera Velázquez

Javier Jorge Reyes

Luis Sergio Vielma

Jason Benjamin Josaphat

Franky Jimmy DeJesus Velázquez

Eddie Jamal Droy Justice

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon

Anthony Luis Laureano Disla

Jerry Wright

LO E Christopher Andrew Leinonen

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

Pulse, Five years later

s our community came together

in the hours, days, weeks and months after the Pulse tragedy, we vowed to be here for the survivors, victims’ families, first responders, healthcare professionals and everyone directly impacted by the darkest day in our city’s history.

Five years have passed, but time hasn’t altered our commitment to remembering the 49 angels taken on June 12, 2016, and supporting those with seen and unseen wounds. That’s why our Orlando United Assistance Center, under the management of the

LGBT+ Center Orlando, is still providing critical, personalized services, including mental health counseling, peer support spaces and assistance with health resources. The tragedy disproportionally impacted Orlando’s LGBTQ+,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

forefront some of the most Latinx, Black and other pressing issues impacting communities of color. our country, state and Our response had to be community, including compassionate, culturally equal rights for LGBTQ+ competent and needed the residents and eliminating leadership and support of racial discrimination in our many partners. I often say country. I commend them that collaboration is what for their commitment to our community does best fighting for justice for all. and that has certainly been That brings me back evident since the tragedy. Organizations like the One Orlando Alliance developed to become a unified platform for more than 40 LGBTQ+-serving organizations in our region. Other groups, like the Contigo Fund, QLatinx and Bros In Convo, are helping advocate for LGBTQ+ residents of color. Our community — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is so grateful to our current moment in for the role that these time. So many residents, organizations and others including members of have played in rebuilding the LGBTQ+ community, safe spaces for some have advocated for an of the most impacted end to systemic racism communities from the nationally and in Central tragedy. They’ve also Florida. Their voices have helped our city over the been heard at City Hall last year and a half during and I want you to know the pandemic, working that the City of Orlando is to ensure the safety of committed to continuing residents and assisting our the work to ensure that neighbors in need. every person who calls Individual leaders have our city home feels equally also emerged, including valued, is equally protected survivors like Angelica and has equitable access to Jones and Brandon Wolf. They have brought to the

opportunities to help them not only get by, but thrive. This starts with public safety and we’ve launched a Community Response Team, where we’ve joined Aspire Health Partners to have trained mental health professionals respond to some non-violent 911 calls that don’t need a law enforcement response. Team members are focused on de-escalation and connecting those in need to treatment and support. We’re also expanding our youth programs, which have impacted thousands of children in Parramore, to additional neighborhoods so more young residents will have access to academic support and mentorship initiatives. This is just a start and our efforts are far from done. Just like our work following the Pulse tragedy has carried on and we’ve continued to be there for those impacted by that hateful act, we must keep honoring the survivors and the 49 angels with action to make Orlando more welcoming and more equitable. Five years later, so much has changed. At the same time, just as I was immediately after the tragedy, I remain so proud of our community. Thank you for continuing to show the world what love and compassion look like.

Five years have passed, but time hasn’t altered our commitment to remembering the 49 angels taken on June 12, 2016, and supporting those with seen and unseen wounds.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Lasting Legacy

Keeping Drew’s memory alive hen you lose someone you love,

there is a sudden wave of emotions. Grief. Anger. Fear. You’re afraid that you will forget them — the way they walk, the way they talk, the way they smile. You’re terrified that you won’t remember their spontaneous giggle when something is funniest. You’re paralyzed by the thought of no longer remembering the tight squeeze of their hug when the world is at its darkest.

I experienced all of those fears after losing my best friend, Drew Leinonen, at Pulse nightclub in 2016. In an instant, a man filled with hate and armed with a weapon of war snuffed out the life of my chosen brother, his partner and 47 other souls. I was terrified. I replayed old voicemails to burn Drew’s joyful tenor into my mind. I put videos on repeat so I’d never forget the signature lilt in his walk. But I had another deep dread: that the world would never get to meet Drew at all. Growing up, I internalized the idea that someone like me wasn’t deserving of success and love. Being a queer

person of color meant I should get comfortable scratching and clawing to be accepted by society and learn to settle for whatever rung on the ladder I was assigned. I found ways to push past family rejection, fight through bullying in school and come to terms with the fact that the world didn’t have a place for me as I was. But Drew turned all of that on its head. He was defiantly proud of who he was, unshackled by the weight of a world demanding him to be less of himself. He was queer. He was mixed race. And he was unafraid. Drew taught me what it meant to love yourself unapologetically. He showed me the endless possibilities

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

be themselves, find refuge in their identities and grow into the leaders our community needs. In 2002, Drew, then a student in Lakeland, established the first gay-straight alliance student club at Seminole High School. It was among his proudest achievements — one that motivated his future career in mental

young people are at higher risk of experiencing discrimination, bullying, violence and self harm, the presence of an affirming space like the ones we have sponsored reduces the suicide attempt rate in those teens by 50%. What began with a hushed conversation around a familiar kitchen island has transformed into an effort to save the lives of the most vulnerable among us, an effort that will need all hands on deck in the years to come. The work of The Dru Project is collective now. We all carry the responsibility of crafting a world in which LGBTQ youth can thrive. We all hold the obligation of pushing back against the hatred and bigotry that erupted into violence on the floor of Pulse nightclub. We are all tasked with bringing Drew’s lessons of belonging, affirmation and love to life in our community. Five years after that deadly night, our challenge is to make the lasting legacy of the victims one in which young people can live as defiantly proud as he did. When you lose someone you love, a deep fear sets in. You fear what the future holds without them. You fear picking up the phone for the first time to share good news only to be greeted by a dial tone. Those fears are still just as visceral for me as they were five years ago. But I no longer fear the world missing out on the parts of Drew that helped create the proud, queer, Black man I am today. Because together, as a community, we’re keeping them alive and well.

We are all tasked with bringing Drew’s lessons of belonging, affirmation and love to life in our community. Five years after that deadly night, our challenge is to make the lasting legacy of the victims one in which young people can live as defiantly proud as he did.

Brandon Wolf

of chosen family. He redefined the world for me into a place where being my authentic self was an asset, not an obstacle to be overcome. That was the Drew I found myself terrified to lose on June 12, 2016. Not only could I not fathom a world without my best friend, but I was left wondering how the next generation of LGBTQ kids would learn to accept themselves without someone like Drew to guide the way. Who would tell them that it’s ok to be who they are? Who would inspire them to find power in their identities? Who would teach the next iteration of Brandon that he is worthy of love and acceptance? Those thoughts weighed heavy on me as a group of us gathered around the island in Drew’s old kitchen, his favorite bottles of wine still half-empty on the counter. It was just weeks removed from the shooting and the hole he’d left behind threatened to swallow us whole. We convened that night to discuss Drew’s legacy. We knew we couldn’t allow the memory of our best friend to fade or sit idly by while he became another one of the countless, faceless American victims of gun violence. We wanted to keep the best parts of him alive. Truthfully, the way forward was immediately clear. We would give to the next generation of LGBTQ youth what Drew had given to each of us: a place to belong. We launched The Dru Project in the summer of 2016 with the hope of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ young people to

health and passion for service. Our task was to keep that momentum alive. For five years, we’ve done exactly that. We authored the nation’s most comprehensive guidebook for gay-straight alliance groups, delivered funds directly to those clubs for their programming needs and have given over $100,000 in Spirit of Drew Scholarship awards to rising LGBTQ leaders to achieve their higher education dreams. What started as a project to keep the best parts of our best friend alive has now helped students across the globe create spaces to be themselves, a reflection of the greatest gift that Drew gave to all who knew him. The work we are doing is more critical than we could have known in the summer of 2016 — and still just beginning. Studies show that while LGBTQ

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

Barbara Poma on Pulse’s five-year mark

Jeremy Williams and Tomás Diniz Santos

t’s been five years since

Barbara Poma, owner of Pulse, got the call that would let her know a gunman entered her nightclub on June 12 around 2 a.m. and opened fire on an unsuspecting crowd, killing 49 people. Since that moment, the lives of the victims’ families, the survivors and the community have been forever changed.

In the months to follow, Poma established the onePULSE Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated, among other projects, to creating a memorial site at Pulse. As we approach the five-year mark of one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, Poma sat down with Watermark to discuss Pulse, the foundation and her life over the last five years. WATERMARK: We are a few weeks away from the five-year mark of the Pulse shooting. How are you feeling right now?

Barbara Poma: I think you subconsciously just know it’s

coming. I think your body just knows it’s coming. I don’t know when that starts, if it’s the middle of May, but the closer you get to June you start to feel it. I don’t know if it’s the way you describe it, to wrap your brain around. I’d just say it’s coming and do your best to work through it really, every day. With now five years worth of distance between you and the shooting, looking back what stands out the most to you from that night?

I don’t know if it’s any one thing. I can’t say it’s just the initial phone call. I wasn’t in the country, so when I turned on CNN I could

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

see it on TV. It still plays like a reel. It’s not any one thing that I can still play literally from the phone call all the way through when I landed here.

What was the first thing you did when you landed, were you able to go to Pulse?

I wasn’t allowed to go to Pulse. I guess no one was allowed there that morning. Everything was barricaded off so I went straight home. What stands out to you from the days and weeks after?

It was very foggy and I couldn’t tell you what day it was. I couldn’t tell you if one day had passed or two weeks had passed because it wasn’t even until like two years later that I thought the vigils we went to were like a week later. It was a day later and I had no idea. It had only been 24 hours. You have no real concept of time when you’re in that kind of space but I mean, I remember both the vigils, the one at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and the one at the amphitheater. I do remember all the buildings being turned in rainbow

colors. I remember seeing some billboards. I remember even my staff showing me pictures from around the world and I couldn’t wrap my brain around how big it was and how global it was.

I think it is an understatement to say your life has dramatically changed in the last five years, but you went from owning Pulse and other businesses in Orlando to operating a multi-million dollar nonprofit that is building a museum, a memorial and more. In what other ways have you changed from that person you were before June 12, 2016?

Well, there are different facets to that answer. On the business side, my husband and I ran multi businesses and restaurants here in Orlando for 20 years before Pulse happened and so we have built buildings and we have done that ... In my work life the schedule is completely different for me. I’m grateful that I’m not raising small babies now like I was raising small babies then. I don’t have to deal with drop-off and pick-up and homework. It’s seven days a week. It’s at least 12 hours a day. The work hasn’t stopped whether you’re

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talking about not just the design and construction of a massive brick-and-mortar project but you’re also talking about developing education programs, developing and funding legacy scholarships. There’s been lots of work here at the foundation but there’s also a lot of work out there in the community and in the world to do which is talking about what we’re doing and making those trips and learning the process. Running a nonprofit is different in some ways but not others. Everyone’s like “a nonprofit is completely different.” I’m like, “Nope, still money in and money out.” That’s how that works and so I think we made the transition pretty well.

How often do you visit Pulse?

That varies. At the very beginning, it was daily. The first few years it was daily. On Saturdays and Sundays, different times a day, sometimes a couple of times a day. Since then, I think it’s just where I am in my journey that I tend to go a little less because for some reason now when I go there I’m impacted more. When I was going there before I found comfort in being there and now when I go there it’s harder.

Continued on pg. 33 | uu |

May 29 – August 15, 2021

TheHistoryCenter.Org

Community: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy will memorialize the victims and shine a light on the immense outpouring of love following the events of June 12, 2016. The exhibition will feature material selected from the One Orlando Collection, which consists of over 12,500 physical artifacts, archives, photographs, and oral histories preserved by the History Center. 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32801 407-836-8500

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would like to move to the next phase but we’re just going to keep evaluating as we go. The project will happen in phases. It was always going to happen in phases. The survivors walk, the memorial and then the museum and that will continue.

| uu | Never Forgotten from pg.31

Why is it harder?

I don’t know, I just think it’s where you are on your journey. I think for some people it’s too hard to be there in the beginning but for me, I used to have to go there and touch the walls.

The House, led by Reps. Soto, Demings and Murphy, passed a bill that would designate Pulse a national memorial. They tried last year but it wasn’t voted on in the Senate. What were your initial thoughts when you first heard they wanted to try and push for that?

Before June 12, did you visit Pulse often? Were you always in and out as far as the day-to-day running?

For the day-to-day running, I was there all the time ... I was the person managing the staff during the day, the facility, deposits, payroll, invoices and so I did all the day work. I’d be at that building all the time. My kids grew up in there because I would take them there with me during the day. In the evening time, I was a mom, but I was always there for special events, especially during Gay Days or special holidays or events like that. In the nighttime, I would probably say, once a month depending on what was happening. You mentioned you’re a mom. I don’t know how young your kids were when Pulse happened, but you had so much on your plate and so much to deal with. How did you process that with your family?

When I opened Pulse I had a one-year-old and a five-year-old but when the shooting happened I had a freshman in high school and a freshman in college and we have an older daughter who actually went to Pulse because she was old enough to. The other ones weren’t old enough but they grew up inside the building. When I look back, one of my biggest regrets is not realizing what they were going through and as a mother, your first thing is to protect your children but I was out there worried about my Pulse staff. I’m taking care of them and worrying about what was happening out there and so for some reason I compartmentalized the fact that they weren’t affected. “My husband, oh, he’s not affected. My kids, they’re not affected,” but what I realized is that they were highly affected. Plus, I was plucked out of their lives and went from driving them to school to not making them breakfast and not making their dinner so the four years my son was in high school, I really missed

Honoring the 49: Barbara Poma speaks at the Pulse Remembrance Ceremony in 2017. Photo by Maia Monet all of that. He was my only child that didn’t have that mom who dropped him off and picked him up and did every event and you know, made fun banners and lunches. It really affected us at home and it really affected them because my kids knew the Pulse staff. My staff knew them. My daughter had written an essay that I didn’t even know about that she published about how “We used to play hide and seek in there. We used to make our own little cherry Shirley

When you do go to Pulse, with it being an open memorial, people are there all the time now. Do you stop and talk to them and do you find it is mostly local people there or people coming into Orlando?

It’s a clear mix of both but I do meet people there every single time I’m there. I’ve met people who have said, you know, “I’m going to a wedding in Daytona, but I flew into Orlando just

and are you still on track to open in 2022?

That is being evaluated. I mean, we’re just having to revisit our timeline. COVID affected us, it affected the world. We did spend the year working though. We were looking to keep the project moving through what we call the schematic design phase... Our team, which we call our storytellers, had to have a series of listening sessions. They wanted to do them in person and then

My involvement with Pulse

is because I was lucky enough to have a gay brother. — Barbara Poma Temple’s.” When mom had meetings and they were running around playing hide and seek and how years later people were hiding for their lives and you just don’t realize what they endured. Do you find yourself, when you get lost in thought, falling back into your old routine and heading to Pulse?

The first couple years I used to because from where I lived to where my office is ... I had a route. I’d hit each restaurant, hit Pulse, then stop at a certain restaurant. There were lots of times in the first couple of years where I’d just find myself sitting in parking lots. I drive up and go, “Oh no, I don’t do this anymore.”

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so I could stop here first and I’m driving to Daytona.” I’ve met people who came there before they checked into their hotels at the theme parks with their families. I have also met survivors, first responders and families there who are just visiting and locals who have come for the first time because they haven’t been able to come in the last four years. It runs the gamut of people who are visiting Orlando and still make a point to come here as well as our Orlando-affected community. COVID-19 has impacted everything. What kind of affect did it have on the process of building the memorial and museum

we couldn’t do them in person anymore so they’ve been holding them through Zoom with families, survivors, first responders and community members. Those listening sessions still happened and that helps them guide the story we’ve been going through. It’s a kind of schematic design which is like, “Okay, how many classrooms do you really need? Where should the auditorium be and trying to place the programming of the museum,” and so we’ve gone through all that work to perform our business plan and we’ve just been doing all that work while we can because, you know, COVID. It’s all that we could do. We’re working our way through the process and we’re working through the timeline. We

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They reached out to us and we wanted to understand what that meant and we were so grateful to them. When it didn’t succeed the first time, they came back and did it again. I mean [U.S. Reps.] Darren Soto, Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy; the three of them have championed this and so we’re just grateful. I mean it’s a big deal. It’s not just a big deal for this project but it’s a really big signal, it’s almost like a bat signal to the world that the LGBTQ community matters. It’s giving something like this a national designation that’s really important. What would your brother think about you opening a gay club in his honor and what would he think of his sister taking on this cause? What do you think he would say to you if he saw you now?

I never know how to answer that question. My involvement with Pulse is because I was lucky enough to have a gay brother. I mean, he really introduced me to this community that I love. Whether you say it’s in honor of him or it’s because of him because if I didn’t have him, I would never even have known to want to do such a thing when the opportunity came to me, right? So that opportunity came and loving John and loving this community made it something I wanted to do. I mean, I remember when marriage equality passed, I looked up and I was like, “This is something you would have loved had you been here to experience it,” and so I think that this project and this platform would make him feel the same way. Main photo by Tomás Diniz Santos.

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The Orange County Regional History Center remembers Pulse, five years later

Tomás Diniz Santos

s the five-year mark of the

Pulse tragedy approaches, the Orange County Regional History Center has created its annual exhibit in remembrance of the nightclub shooting. “COMMUNITY: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy” runs through Aug. 15 and offers free admission to the entire community through June 13.

Located on the third floor of the museum, The History Center has created an exhibit honoring and memorializing the 49 victims and all those affected by the events of June 12, 2016 since the tragedy’s first year. The exhibition this year focuses on the community and how there was

an “immense outpouring of love” from loved ones and strangers around the world. Although many think about their physical neighborhood and area when hearing the word “community,” the tragic events that took place at the Pulse nightclub saw that word take

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on a bigger meaning. People came together both in Central Florida and globally to show their support. The exhibit begins with Pulse pre-shooting and sheds some light on what it was like around the time it opened in 2004. “What was Pulse to the community? What was it to the people who went there? To those who worked there? It was a family,” Pamela Schwartz, executive director of The History Center, said during a walk-through of the exhibit prior to its opening. “This whole section tells you the history of how the nightclub came to be.” The section also includes an all-white piano that is on loan from Barbara Poma, Pulse owner and CEO of the onePULSE

Foundation, which was a prominent feature in the white room in the nightclub, known as the ultra lounge. “It’s a cool artifact in that it doesn’t wear the same scars as the rest of the story. It’s something that people will recognize if they’ve been to Pulse,” Schwartz said. A multi-media production shows video footage and oral histories of people reflecting on the nightclub prior to the shooting as well as photographs from inside the nightclub. As the exhibit goes further, the visitors are given the opportunity to go in two different directions. To the right, visitors can go into the actual story of June 12, 2016, and what some would consider more “sensitive” content. The design of the exhibit allows visitors to bypass this section known as “June 12, 2016,” if they prefer not to access it. This area, which is behind curtains, features a sensitive artifact from the day of the

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shooting. It’s a bent bumper hitch and tailgate from a truck that belonged to the Orlando Police Department. It was the same truck used to transport many of those injured from Pulse to Orlando Health. Aside from that artifact, there are photographs and quotes from survivors of the shooting along the walls as well as other news that occurred in the days before and after the shooting. It features the death of singer Christiana Grimmie and the alligator attack and the death of 2-year-old Lane Grave near Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort. To the left, visitors will walk through memorial spaces which are separated by location. They include the Pulse nightclub, Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, Lake Eola and Orlando Health. “The exhibit features material selected from the One Orlando Collection, which consists of over 12,500 physical artifacts,

Continued on pg. 37 | uu |

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On display: The exhibit will feature a fraction of the more than 12,500 artifacts The Orange County Regional History Center has collected over the past five years. Photo by ezri ruiz

| uu | COMMUNITY Exhibit from pg.35

archives, photographs and oral histories preserved by the History Center,” the History Center’s website stated. “Many of the items on display are those collected from memorial sites in the weeks and months following Pulse, the tangible representation of the local community’s response.” The 12,500 artifacts, which doesn’t include thousands of uncataloged photographs according to Schwartz, were collected by most members of the staff as well as many having been donated from the community. Schwartz said that her staff has been collecting items relating to Pulse every day since June 12, 2016. At the time of the Pulse shooting, the History Center had two people on the collection staff and a few more on the exhibits department. Now, they’re up to 10 to 20 staff members who work on the exhibits. With the year 2020, COVID-19 made it difficult to collect artifacts and items but Schwartz said it also presented the History Center with new opportunities. “Doing oral histories with people who aren’t in the same state, who aren’t in the same country, having people from other countries actually come to our virtual programs that would not have been able to come when they were physical. It’s definitely

opened some things for some,” Schwartz said. Each memorial space includes a large-format photograph and a case of artifacts collected at each individual site. Some of the artifacts displayed in the exhibit include flags, signs, signatures, pinwheels, stuffed animals, children’s artwork, candles and flowers. The exhibit also incorporates more permanent features such

Pulse shooting were from Latin countries and communities. Many large banners throughout the exhibit read powerful quotes such as “Gays Against Guns” and “LOVE > HATE.” Towards the last section of the exhibit, it looks towards the future museum and memorial that is going to be built in honor of the Pulse tragedy and its victims. This section features the

Around the world: The exhibit features items not just from Central Florida, but from several other countries as well. Photo by Ezri Ruiz Orlando United T-shirt, which has become “ubiquitous” to this event. “We made the decision early on that we wanted it to be more than names. We wanted it to be faces. It’s easy to walk by a wall of words but not by 49 faces,” Schwartz said. “That’s sort of making sure that we constantly keep them at the heart of these exhibitions and at the heart of the story.” Also on display, as part of the

We all wear the story and so I hope that the community sees this as part of their — Pamela Schwartz history, part of their story. as a replica theme park window from Universal Studios which is inside the wall of the exhibit to honor the resort workers killed in the shooting. As visitors continue in the exhibition, they will see how the community in Central Florida and beyond came together in unity. Images of monuments lit up in colors of the rainbow are included from the Orlando Wheel and the Eiffel Tower. This area includes an interactive screen where visitors may click on different dots and see how Pulse was honored around the globe. Throughout the entire exhibit, all the text and quotes on the walls have a Spanish translation as many of the victims of the

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competition model of the winning memorial design in the middle of the room that visitors may look through a glass case to observe. “A wall will also feature an in memoriam panel, which is about individuals who have passed away since Pulse happened, not as a result of Pulse, but that were very close to that story,” Schwartz said. “Community members, a couple of survivors who have passed away, first responders, we want to make sure we honor them since they are not here but they are still a part of the story.” The last wall before visitors approach the end of the exhibit is a wall honoring the 49 victims of the tragic shooting. The inspiration came from the

exhibit, from June 11-13, will be the 49 white memorial crosses created by Greg Zanis. Days after the shooting, Zanis — a retired Illinois carpenter who had made thousands of crosses for victims of gun violence since the ‘90s — drove 49 white wooden crosses, each one marked with the name of one of the victims, to Orlando and displayed them in front of the Orlando Regional Medical Center. Schwartz said the crosses will only be displayed for a short period of time due to how fragile each one is. Schwartz, who has worked in and around museums for about 20 years, said that no degree could prepare someone for work like this. She recalls taking advice and visiting historical

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sites such as the location of the World Trade Center after 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing to learn what she could about preserving history. With this being the fifth year that the History Center has created an exhibit reflecting on the tragic events of June 12, 2016, Schwartz said she sees the project continuing for many years to come with new artifacts and items being displayed every year. “Who knows what 10 years will be? Every community is different. The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum is just now bringing some objects out. That was in 1995,” Schwartz said. She believes the work the History Center has been doing over the last couple of years is very important and she hopes it means just as much to the community. “We all wear the story and so I hope that the community sees this as part of their history, part of their story and that it’s something that they can connect with, maybe in a way that they can’t connect with history from 400 or 500 years ago,” Schwartz said. “I hope people can sort of see themselves in it. Find some piece of healing from it and also be inspired by it, to try to maybe make a better world in the future.” The Orange County Regional History Center’s “Community: Five Years After the Pulse Tragedy” exhibition is open now through Aug. 15. The exhibit is free of charge through June 13. For more information, visit TheHistoryCenter.org.

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Community events

for the weekend of

Pulse’s 5-year mark

Jeremy Williams

uring the weekend of June 12, several organizations including onePULSE Foundation, One Orlando Alliance, QLatinx, The Dru Project and more will hold events to remember the 49, honor their memory and help those who are having difficulty during this time. Good Morning Dylan,

I signed a new advertiser, and he'll be running an 1/8 page ad for 26 issues, and will need his ad to be created. We initially agreed to a horizontal orientation, but he seems very open to whatever options we recommend. Based on our conversation earlier, let's start with the horizontal orientation per the insertion order, and go from there.

For more information, visit onePULSEFoundation.org/Events/Five-Year-Pulse-Remembrance-Week-Activities and Artwork elements have been moved and organized into: C:\Data\Editorial\Master Ad Folder\Customer Files\R\Romeo's Sensation\Artwork Elements OneOrlandoAlliance.org/RememberingPulse.

I took the liberty of organizing the text-blurbs he sent over as best I could. You have full creative-license on this to help his business shine, and you're free to pick and choose from the information and images provided. Thanks Dylan!

June 11

Company Name: Romeo's Sensation LLC Owner Information/Title: Romel Santiago, LCSW

6 p.m. National Moment of Silence

Specializing in trauma, identity, and sex, Romeo’s Sensation, LLC aims to provide culturally competent, diverse, and afﬁrming services to all.

5-7 p.m. Our tag line is: Romeo's Sensation LLC- Explore life's new possibilities. Legacy Work: 5-year Virtual Event We specialize in: journey after Pulse tragedy Sex Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Identity and Addictions.

This year, The Coalition for Pulse: 5 Years Later, made up We focus on addressing the entire you – of QLatinx, The Center Orlando, OnePULSE Foundation, physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual. Equality Florida, Equality Federation Institute, Human We have offices in: Brandon and Maitland Se Habla Español This event is intended for staff members of Clearwater, organizations Rights Campaign Foundation and Everytown for Gun 2430 Estancia Blvd. that have supported survivors and community members Safety Support Fund was created in an effort to continue We take insurance and STE 106 FL. 33761 sliding scales for folks who are unable to pay affected by the Pulse tragedy. It is going to Clearwater, be facilitated to remember the victims and survivors of this horrific Explore life’s new possibilities offer full cost out of pocket. We work with individuals, 1210 Millennium by Yolanda Martínez-San Miguel, an experienced deathParkway moment in our history. As organizations centering STE 1030 couples and consensually non-monogamous folks of all BrandonThe , FL 33511 doula that focuses her work on legacy projects. queer, Latinx, and/or gun violence prevention work, their genders, races and backgrounds. 531 Versailles Drnot main purpose is to have some time to acknowledge, values focus on uplifting the voices of those taken at STE 100 Maitland , FL 33685 only the impact of this tragedy over our professional the Pulse nightclub five years ago. Join the coalition Sex Therapy | Trauma Therapy | Identity | Addictions Additional from the and personal lives, but to identify all the work that descriptions has Romel Santiago, LCSW forowner: the National Moment of Silence at 6 p.m. ET for 49 Specializing in trauma, identity, and sex, Romeo’s Sensation LLC aims to provide culturally competent, diverse, and affirming services to all. We focus on addressing the entire you – physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual. We offer English and Spanish services. We takeVisit insurance and offer sliding scales for folks who are unable to pay full cost out of pocket. We work with individuals, couples and consensually non-monogamous folks of all genders, races and backgrounds. been done through many efforts and initiatives that seconds. EverytownSupportFund.org/Pulse-52430 Estancia Blvd., STE 106 1210 Millennium Parkway, STE 1030 531 Versailles Dr., STE 100 have supported survivors and the community in general. Years-Later to find more ways to participate in The Pulse Clearwater, FL. 33761 Brandon , FL 33511 Maitland , FL 33685 Register at OneOrlandoAlliance.org/RememberingPulse. 5 Year Remembrance. Virtual event hosted by QLatinx

Contact info: O: 813-461-3098 Fax: 813-475-4431

813-461-3098

June 12

7 p.m. Annual Remembrance Ceremony

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 49 Bells Ceremony

In-person event by invitation only at the Pulse Interim Memorial

In-person event at First United Methodist Church of Orlando At noon, the bells of First United Methodist Church of Orlando will toll 49 times in honor of the 49 victims taken at the Pulse tragedy. Along with First United Methodist, churches across the world will also toll their bells. In the last four years, more than 700 churches in 16 countries participated in the event. 49 Bells is a part of the One Orlando Alliance’s “Acts of Love and Kindness” movement. To attend the event, please register at Eventbrite. com/e/49-Bells-Ceremony-Tickets-156958943425.

The Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Pulse Interim Memorial with the onePULSE Foundation. The in-person event is by invitation only. The Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival will be a satellite location for others to watch the ceremony by live stream. The event will also be live streamed on onePULSE’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

June 13 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-4 p.m. Community Care Rooms After Pulse Remembrance Events

2-3 p.m. Pulse Remembrance by DeLand Pride

Virtual Space

In-person event at the corner of New York Ave. and Woodland Blvd. in Orlando Attendees will gather at The Abbey Orlando beginning at 2 p.m. and from there walk down to the corner of New York Ave. and Woodland Blvd. to read the names of the angels lost on the night of June 12, 2016 and honor all those affected by the shooting at the Pulse Orlando. The event is free and open to the public. Bring your signs and flags if you so desire. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing to the best of your ability.

QLatinx will hold two virtual community care spaces for first responders, organizations’ staff and the community in general. Register at OneOrlandoAlliance.org/ RememberingPulse.

2-6 p.m. Brews for Drew: Dive ’n Drag Burton’s Thornton Park Annual event to honor Spirit of Drew scholars and support LGBTQ+ youth. Sponsored by Truly, this event will feature local drag talent, games, an auction and – of course – information on this year’s scholars and the work of The Dru Project.

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arts and Entertainment

Legendary entertainer Rita Moreno talks about her new documentary, the ‘West Side Story’ remake and turning 90

Gregg Shapiro

Photo courtesy of roadside attractions

ow fortunate are we to be alive at

the same time as Rita Moreno. Groundbreaking actress, writer, activist, dancer, mother, singer, feminist, Latina and EGOT, which stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony. She is the recipient of two Emmy Awards (for “The Rockford Files” and “The Muppet Show”), a Grammy Award (for “The Electric Company” cast album), an Oscar (“West Side Story”) and a Tony (“The Ritz”), and Moreno shows no signs of slowing down at 89.

This December, Moreno will be playing Valentina, a role written especially for her, in Steven Spielberg’s big-screen remake of “West Side Story.” If you can’t wait to see her until then, you are in luck, her documentary, “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It,” is being released June 18. Revelatory and celebratory, “Just A Girl Who Decided

to Go for It” features Moreno front and center, telling her story as only she can. Moreno was gracious enough to answer a few questions in advance of the release of her documentary. Watermark: In 2011, your book “Rita Moreno: A Memoir” was published and now, in 2021, your

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documentary is being released. In the 10 years between, you have continued to be a hard-working actor. Would it be fair to say that the documentary is a kind of visual extension and update of the book?

Rita Moreno: Actually, it is a kind of visual extension, and definitely [an] update of the book. Except to say that there’s a lot more detail in this. It’s important to know, for the viewers, that I made a promise to myself, once I decided I was going to take part in the documentary, that I would be as truthful as I could possibly be. I did not want to pull any punches whatsoever and I paid the price because (laughs) I was asked very serious and difficult questions. But you can be sure that everything I said in this wonderful documentary – by the way, I think it’s marvelous – is absolutely the truth.

“Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It” is the very definition of a journey. What do you think it was in your constitution that helped you navigate the journey, through both good and bad times? Continued on pg. 43 | uu |

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| uu | Best Side Story from pg.41

I had a remarkable mother. I’m sure everyone says that and, you know what, they’re probably right. What was special about my mother is that despite the difficulties of being in a brand-new country where nobody seems to speak Spanish, that she somehow navigated that journey and helped me through that journey, is simply amazing. My mom was a very brave woman. My mom was the kind of person who had several jobs at one time because she had left Puerto Rico, having divorced her husband, my father, and it was just her and me. She had a very strong constitution. I think I initially got that from her. I don’t know that it was something she so much taught me as something that I intuited, and I saw examples of. I’ve always been kind of strong in that sense. Very sensitive kid. Cried easily. I still get very hurt. I still cry. But I’m able to somehow make my way around that and understand that, more often than not, good will come from bad. It’s something I know I got from my mom whether it’s genes or observation almost doesn’t matter. Your identity as an activist is also featured prominently in the documentary. Do you have words of advice or wisdom for future generations of activists?

I think that the most important advice I can give to people who are activists, but activists seem to know this without being told, is to never ever give up. If they believe in something, they will hang on to those beliefs forever, because they’re made of that kind of stuff. So, I would simply say, just hang on to that, because it’s wise and it’s necessary for you to teach future generations. That wasn’t thrilling, but that’s all I can think of (laughs).

The documentary features an extraordinary cross-section of people singing your praises What was the experience of hearing these people singing your praises like for you?

I think the person that impressed me the most, with respect to saying complimentary things about me, was my daughter. It’s not something you do with a mother, rarely. I mean you rarely go around saying, “Oh mom, I love you and I admire you and aren’t you the strong one” (laughs). That doesn’t happen. So when I hear my daughter say those things, I am

Award-Winning actor: Rita Morneo is a member of the exclusive EGOT club; being one of only 16 people and the first Hispanic person to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Photo Courtesy of Roadside Attractions

touched very quickly. The other people are very important to me because some of these people are people who deal with society, such as the professors. I think that the choice of using these two women to explain what was happening at the time, in social terms, was so important to understanding what this documentary was about. Because it’s really not just about a woman who somehow made her way into movies and sang and danced and was strong and suffered terribly. It’s very important for the viewer to understand that these were really hard times. It’s a question of setting an example when I never expected to be doing such a thing. That makes me very proud. Proud for the documentary and proud for myself. I also want to say how much I appreciate the people who spoke about me. Mitzi Gaynor, Justina Machado, Eva Longoria, Gloria Estefan (laughs). I never knew I would even know such people in my life! It never occurred to me that Gloria Estefan would consider me a friend and a talented actress. Morgan Freeman, George Chakiris, Whoopi Goldberg, for Pete’s sake! I didn’t know there was such a person as Lin-Manuel Miranda! So, I simply want to say how much I appreciated what they said about me, particularly knowing that they went through very similar difficulties. And color sometimes had nothing to do with it. Sometimes it was just a very tough business to be in. In “Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It,” you talk about how the late gay playwright

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Terrence McNally (who is interviewed in the doc) incorporated the Googie Gomez character you created into his play “The Ritz,” for which you won the Tony Award, a role you reprised in the movie version. It made me think about how, in the late 1970s, you were in two gay-themed movies: “The Ritz” and “Happy Birthday, Gemini,” something you did before a lot of other actresses did. Can you please say something about your decision to be in those films, as well as your LGBTQ+ fan base?

Being in two films that had gay themes was really not a difficult decision (laughs). They were wonderful. They were delicious. They were funny. Being a part of that was just not a big deal. I’ve had gay friends forever. In fact, let me tell you something. I had the most wonderful little girlfriend as a seven- year-old child. This girlfriend was around for at least seven years of my life and her name was Eddie Lopez. Because I just knew there was something different about him at the time. We had the best time. So I always thought of him as my little girlfriend. I’ve had an LGBTQ fan base for a long time and it started way before “The Ritz” and the movies. It’s just something that is so much a part of me. I love the humor. I think gay people are just hilarious and I think they’re heartbreaking. I think they’re brave and I think they are here forever. Anybody who’s unhappy about that, tough titty (laughs)!

With your show-stopping Best Picture Oscar presentation in April, “Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It” being released in June, and the forthcoming Steven Spielberg-directed “West Side Story” remake arriving in December, 2021 is turning out to be an especially big year for you professionally. In Tony Kushner’s revised script, you play shop owner Valentina, a gender-swap with the original Doc character. How does it feel to be able to be involved in this project?

I just don’t think there are enough words to express my happiness at being in the new “West Side Story.” Being with Steven Spielberg is a dream come true. I’ve always loved his work. It has such breadth. He can do almost anything! He can do “E.T.,” he can do “Lincoln,’” and now he’s doing something that, by the way, he’s wanted to do from the day he saw our original movie. Let me just say that he is brilliant. Oh my God, he’s so cinematic! Some of the shots in this movie are not to be believed. I literally followed him around like a child. He, in turn, behaved like a child so much, because he loved doing it. He’d say, “Rita, what do you think of this shot?” It was one of the greatest experiences of my life! The set design is incredible. That has everything to do with Steven. He chooses his people. The cinematography is unreal. The young actors are spectacular and here’s what really means the most to me. That he and Tony Kushner had a great deal to do with the

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fact that the Sharks are Hispanic for real. They’re not all Puerto Rican; that’s not necessary. What’s necessary is that they had to be Latinx and they are. That makes me so proud. Steven and Tony went to the University of Puerto Rico and had a panel. They invited anyone who wanted to come and tell them how they feel about “West Side Story.” Some people didn’t love it. Some people, like the mayor of San Juan at that time, said she was not crazy about it because she felt that the Hispanic kids were depicted in a negative way, being in gangs and all that. I don’t think she quite understood, or maybe she did, that it was really Romeo and Juliet. That’s what made it so different and so original and so brilliant. But they went there, to the University of Puerto Rico, had a big panel meeting with people who literally just walked in to make demands. “So how are you going to do it?” It mattered so much to them that it be authentic and if you were going to play a Puerto Rican kid you had to at least be Hispanic. There’s a lot that I admire about both of those fellas. I’ll never forget being invited. When I spoke to Steven on the phone and he said, “Would you be interested in doing this movie?” I practically dropped the phone. Certainly, my jaw dropped. I said, “Well, yeah. I think so yes” (laughs). I was peeing my pants, really. Then I said, and good for me for remembering, “I wouldn’t want do a cameo. Number one, I think it would be a terrible distraction just to sort of pop in and pop out.” He said, “No, it’s a real part. You will play Doc’s widow. You have a real part in this. It’s not a cameo.” It was a great day in my life. Finally, do you have something special planned for your 90th birthday in December?

It seems that, perhaps, I can actually have a birthday party again. I always had one and I don’t think I’ll have as many people as I used to have, but I think I’m definitely going to create something very special. It has to be with costumes of some kind. I don’t know what that will be yet. I realized that people love to wear costumes, they just love it. So I don’t want to disappoint them. But more likely than not, I will be having a 90th birthday party. Ninety, I can’t believe it! “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” will be released in theaters June 18.

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

Theater

Love and Marriage?

West Coast Players marry ‘Daniel’s Husband’ and Pride Month

(above)

regional premiere: (L-R) Actors Avery Anderson, Mark William Myers and Richard Isaacs bring “Daniel’s Husband” to Clearwater. Photo courtesy dan kelley

Ryan Williams-Jent

uring its Off-Broadway run, the

New York Times called “Daniel’s Husband” a must-see, declaring openly gay playwright Michael McKeever’s work “a heart-yanker.” Critics on the West Coast concurred, with the Los Angeles Times calling it “an absorbing drama” with crisp humor and wit.

Years before either production, veteran of the stage Dan Kelley called it something he had to direct. A South Florida peer of McKeever’s, he attended its original run in Fort Lauderdale after its 2015 premiere, just months after marriage equality came to Florida and before it became the law of the land. Kelley has worked professionally as an actor and director for 40 years. In the latter role he’s brought more than 100 productions to life, a process he loves but reluctantly admits has led him to become a “jaded theatergoer.” “I don’t want to say that I’m a jaded person, but I am,” Kelley muses. “I’m

a tough audience and it takes a lot to excite me.” The play did. “Daniel and Mitchell are the perfect couple,” it is officially described. “Perfect house, perfect friends – even a mother who wants them married. They’d have the perfect wedding, too, except that Mitchell doesn’t believe in gay marriage. “A turn of events puts their perfect life in jeopardy and Mitchell is thrust into a future where even his love may not prove to be enough,” its synopsis continues. “‘Daniel’s Husband’ is a bold reflection of love, commitment and family in our perilous new world.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“It was compelling,” Kelley recalls his first viewing. “It was original. It was surprising. It made me cry – it made the entire audience cry. It’s also really fun because it’s like a rollercoaster ride. “It’s funny and there are these highs, and then you take a dip before going up again,” he continues. “It’s like real life in that way, and there was a part I was attracted to playing but realized I’d aged out of it. So I said, ‘I will direct this play one day.’” Six years and one pandemic later, Kelley – who moved from Miami to Tampa Bay two years ago – is getting his chance. Presented by the West Coast Players (WCP) in Clearwater, the regional premiere of “Daniel’s Husband” is now playing each weekend through June 20 for Pride Month. “I directed a show for West Coast Players before the pandemic and it was great,” Kelley says. “They had a reputation as an award-winning, well-respected theater where people wanted to work and my experience was nothing but positive.” When WCP Artistic Director Janice Crenati contacted Kelley afterwards to see if there were any productions he’d like to direct, “Daniel’s Husband” immediately came to mind. “I got her a copy and she loved it,” Kelley says. WCP has taken a number of precautions to bring the show to the stage safely. The space began welcoming patrons back for live productions in COVID-conscious form as soon as they were able, only allowing advance ticket sales online and enforcing social distancing measures with a reduced capacity. “It’s a small theater anyway,” Kelley says, “but they’re only selling 40 tickets per show. They’re selling well so far.” The director cast the five-person production with local talent, actors Tampa Bay audiences will find both familiar and new. Mark William Myers plays Daniel. “There are many great laughs and serious moments that everyone can relate to and clearly these are some very serious subjects our characters are commenting on,” Myers says. “It’s easy to be passionate with a Michael McKeever script, it’s so human and relatable. Discovering all of the nuances

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and levels is such a fun and rewarding experience.” Richard Issacs, who plays Mitchell, says that’s especially true after COVID-19 shutdowns kept the majority of theaters dark. “It actually felt like breathing again after more than a year away from the theater,” he says. “The show is composed of five unique individuals – and they all have legitimate pints of view – so it’s been interesting seeing which way the story leans at every turn.” “We’re very anxious to bring this project to our local audience and share the experience,” Myers adds. It’s one that Kelley promises will impact theatergoers for years to come. “Really good theater has the ability to move you, to elicit strong emotions,” he explains. “I remember when I left the theater after seeing the show and I went home to tell my partner we were getting married.” The two haven’t married in the years since, though the domestic partners have been in a relationship for more than 35 years. His feelings were genuine at the time, however, and a testament to the power of theater. “I had never felt that before,” he recalls, “that strong emotion, deciding to change my whole lifestyle because I saw a play. I hope it has an impact on people and makes them think.” It’s the play’s ability to challenge audiences that McKeever touts when asked about his friend’s production. “One of the things that I am most proud of with ‘Daniel’s Husband’ is its universal impact,” the playwright explains. “I have found that both straight and same-sex couples can relate to the two main characters and their points of view on marriage. It’s incredibly gratifying to see the message of the play resonate with so many different people.” Kelley expects that to continue in Clearwater. “I don’t think people realized how important live theater was until it was yanked away completely,” he says. “It was one of the things in life that people really took for granted. “People are excited to come back, and people that come to see ‘Daniel’s Husband’ aren’t going to regret it,” he promises. “It’s definitely a special evening in theater.” “Daniel’s Husband” is playing now through June 20 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at West Coast Players, located at 21905 U.S. 19 N. in Clearwater. Visit WCPlayers.com for more information, including COVID-19 safety protocols, or to purchase tickets for $25.

6th Annual Masquerade

Saturday, July 31, 2021 Tampa River Center For more information and to purchase tickets and sponsorships visit MyEPICMasquerade.org Proceeds benefit EPIC (Empath Partners in Care)

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

EPIC a member of

Film

Queer in Color

TIGLFF holds inaugural BIPOC-focused film festival

(above)

first five: The inaugural lineup of TIGLFF’s first Queer in Color film festival. Photos courtesy TIGLFF

Ryan Williams-Jent

he Tampa Bay International Gay

and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) has been entertaining and empowering audiences since 1990, evolving through the decades to present LGBTQfocused films in new and exciting ways.

Recent efforts include transitioning to a virtual platform in response to COVID-19 for TIGLFF 2020, allowing the festival to reach more filmgoers than ever before. The venture subsequently allowed organizers to launch their inaugural Transgender Film Festival last November. The festival showcased the trans experience for audiences across the nation, which has continued to reckon with the effects of systemic racism on minorities. That includes the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ community – those who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) – voices TIGLFF promised

to showcase following the murder of George Floyd. “From its beginning, TIGLFF has been about community,” its Board of Directors and Staff shared last June. “Our programming over the years has striven to present a cinematic picture of our lives, of our longings and of our hopes. “Now, we must recommit to the parts of our mission that enlighten and empower and be a part of the solution to lift up the LGBTQ Black community,” they continued. “Art … should promote and encourage conversation, illuminate what is right and what is wrong, and spur us

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

forward to a more enlightened view of the world and its inhabitants.” TIGLFF’s commitment to elevating all LGBTQ voices and the success of its Transgender Film Festival that paved the way for “Queer in Color,” its inaugural BIPOC film festival. It will stream June 18-20, with films available locally, state and nationwide. “TIGLFF in general is trying to revamp programming to reconnect to the community, as it has evolved since its founding,” Board Member Kayden Rodriguez says. “The way that we want to do that is really to highlight marginalized communities. “Our programming has always been diverse, but we know that we need to do better,” they continue. “This is owning up to that.” Highlighting LGBTQ BIPOC voices in June seemed like the perfect fit, Rodriguez adds. The festival will celebrate the annual Pride Month and Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the U.S. June 19. “These communities are marginalized within a community that’s already marginalized, the queer community itself,” Rodriguez explains. “We deal with a lot of discrimination and misunderstanding.” To assemble the inaugural “Queer in Color,” TIGLFF enlisted a screening committee consisting of more than a dozen BIPOC members of the LGBTQ community. They finalized the festival’s five features, which will be presented at no cost. Donations are suggested to keep screenings accessible to audiences. Each film will launch at noon ET June 18. Viewers will have 48 hours to watch and once each film begins, 24 hours to finish their screening. While premiering simultaneously, the recommended viewing order designed by the screening committee can be found in the sidebar. TIGLFF cautions that “for some individuals, particularly those within the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community, engaging with these films may be emotionally challenging.” For more information about this year’s festival, visit TIGLFF.com and QueerInColor.Eventive.org.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

“UNAPOLOGETIC” Streaming Nationwide, 86 Mins. After two police killings, Black millennial organizers challenge a Chicago administration complicit in state violence against its Black residents. Told through the lens of Janaé and Bella, two fierce abolitionist leaders, this is a deep look into the Movement for Black Lives, from the police murder of Rekia Boyd to the election of mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“GOSSAMER FOLDS” Streaming Statewide, 96 Mins. In 1986, 10-year-old Tate is uprooted and unwillingly moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. As his parent’s marriage unravels, Tate finds solace in the unlikely friendships of his next-door neighbors: a retired college professor and his transgender daughter, Gossamer.

“MIXED” Streaming Statewide, 76 Mins. Part testimonial, part confessional. What are the lines between the facts of who I am and the fiction of what I can become? Mixed is a reclaimed book of genesis: a manifesto that collides the wildly diverse elements of being queer, mixed and different in a world socialized around the construction of race, gender and orientation.

“MY NAME IS PAULI MURRAY” Streaming Statewide, 91 Mins. A look at the life and ideas of Pauli Murray, a nonbinary Black lawyer, activist and poet who influenced both Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall.

“SUMMERTIME” Streaming in Tampa Bay, 95 Mins. Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelinos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker and a limo driver all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Through poetry they express life, love, heartache, family, home and fear. One just wants to find a place that serves good cheeseburgers.

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

community calendar

event planner

arts+entertainment

Central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Third Thursday

Hip Hop Fridays Live, June 11, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. 407-866-1191; IrishShannons.com

Thursday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. The LGBT+ Center, Orlando Join Watermark at the LGBT+ Center Orlando for the return of Third Thursday, our free networking social! Bring cash for your chance to win raffle prizes, all benefiting the Center Orlando and Kissimmee. Light bites are provided and you’ll receive your first drink with your business card. Free parking will be available across the street at Addition Financial. RSVP at Facebook.com/WatermarkFL and learn more at TheCenterOrlando.org.

Girls Night 11-Year Anniversary Celebration, June 11, Blue Martini, Orlando. 407-447-2583; Facebook.com/ BlueMartiniORL Biggest Saturday Party, June 12, Clandestino, Orlando. 407-960-0664; Facebook.com/ LatinSaturday

Sharon Needles

Marys and Mimosas Brunch Affair, June 12, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando Karaoke with Doug Ba’Aser, June 13, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallBarOrlando.com Queer Culture Smart Bitch Trivia, June 16, HAOS on Church, Orlando. 407-203-4099; HAOSOnChurch.com Selling Your Home?, June 17, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org Twisted Bingo, June 17, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando Miss Glamorous Joan Jullian, June 18, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. 407-866-1191; IrishShannons.com

Friday, June 18, 9 p.m. Southern Nights, Orlando

Project No Labels will hold “Paddle for Pulse” June 12 in Treasure Island, honoring the memory of the 49 on the five-year mark of the Pulse tragedy. PHOTO VIA PROJECT NO LABELS

Cabaret Night, June 22, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallBarOrlando.com

PrideFest 2021: We Are Family, June 12, St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.org

Sharon Needles, June 19, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

Jo Koy: “Just Kidding” World Tour, June 24, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Once Upon A Shine, June 1219, Throughout St. Petersburg. StPeteArtsAlliance.org/Pride

Drag Me to the Polls, June 20, Coastal Creative, St. Petersburg. 727-314-3564; Facebook.com/3for4StPete

Billy Mick “Just B.” Live, June 24, HAOS on Church, Orlando. 407-203-4099; HAOSOnChurch.com

TAMPA BAY

Virtual Meetup: ACE ARO Peer Network, June 19, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org

“Daniel’s Husband,” June 1120, West Coast Players Theatre, Clearwater. 727-437-2363; WCPlayers.org

Free Admission for Father’s Day, June 20, Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando. 407-836-8500; TheHistoryCenter.org

“PLUS: LGBTQIA+ Extravganza,” June 11-20, The MAR, St. Petersburg. 727-485-8065; Facebook.com/ OffKilterTB

Broadway Brunch, June 20, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

Paddle for Pulse: Celebration of Life, June 12, Treasure Island. 813-336-4825; ProjectNoLabels.com.

GayStPete House Fashion Show, June 13, GayStPete House, St. Petersburg. 727-365-0544; GayStPeteHouse.com Mr & Miss Forever Bad Pageant, June 13, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/Clearwater Queereoke, June 15, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914, CocktailStPete.com Lip Sync Battle, June 18, Dog Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-317-4968, DogBarStPete.com PrideFest 2021: Arts + Qulture, June 19, The Factory, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.org

Drag Dad to Brunch, June 20, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/Clearwater Sunday T-Dance, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850, Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage The Ultimate Drag Show, June 24, Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg. 727-202-6071; GrandCentralBrew.com Drag Trivia, June 24, Mixers at OKW, St. Petersburg. 727-623-0969; OldKeyWestBarandGrill.com

SARASOTA Project Pride’s Taste of Pride, June 10-19, Throughout Sarasota. ProjectPrideSRQ.org

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 4 winner Sharon Needles returns to Southern Nights Orlando for #FlexFridays. Showtimes are 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and feature fellow “Drag Race” alum Roxxxy Andrews as well as Maya Andrews, Tashae Royale Sherrington, Sassy Devine, Cara Cavalli Andrews and Melony VonCruz. Everyone over 18 is welcome to come and dance to DJ DLUX’s music. Visit Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando for details.

Tampa Bay Watermark Wednesday Wednesday, June 16, 6-8 p.m. Enigma, St. Petersburg It’s the return of Watermark Wednesday, our free networking social held throughout Tampa Bay! As always, light bites will be provided and the first drink is on the house with your business card. Join us at Enigma and don’t forget your cash, as the fundraiser’s unforgettable raffles will benefit Metro Inclusive Health locally. RSVP at Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL and visit MetroTampaBay.org to learn more about the nonprofit.

Together We Rise June 20, 7-9 p.m. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, St. Petersburg Come OUT St. Pete and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum will come together in solidarity to commemorate Juneteenth. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, it celebrates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the U.S. The organizations will present and unfurl Come OUT St. Pete’s 375-foot rainbow flag. Learn more at ComeOUTStPete.org and WoodsonMuseum.org.

To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

tampa bay out+about

CONGRATULATIONS Project Pride SRQ successfully led the initiative for Sarasota to formally recognize Pride Month June 7 for the first time in the city’s more than 100-year history. During the proclamation’s reading, former City Commissioner Ken Shelin also was honored with a Key to the City for his LGBTQ advocacy. Read more on p. 13. St. Petersburg City Councilmember Darden Rice officially qualified to be on the ballot in the race for mayor of St. Petersburg June 7. If elected, she will become the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor. “Thank you to everyone who helped me get here,” Rice shared. “I’m running on my experience and vision to make our city work better for everyone. I’ll be the Mayor who works for you.” Daphne Ferraro will hold her self-produced, original musical “Tall Tale” on June 27 at 3p.m. in front of a limited audience at Stageworks Theater. Learn more at TheDaphneFerraro.com.

Local Birthdays Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Daniel Lancaster, AAA Director Julio Soto, Hillsborough Community College teacher David Usrey, Tampa Bay lawyer Scott Bird, Ybor store owner Sharon Rose, Tampa Bay cowboy Roger Bell, St. Pete life-saver Richard Recupero (June 10); Tampa Bay real estate agent Ken Hodges, Tampa marketing whiz La’Trice “Lady LaLa” Sharpe, Tampa Bay leading loaner Keith Louderback, St. Pete SoyBright Candle Company co-owner Tim Huff, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi owner Samuel Dean Ray (June 11); Tampa native bear Ryan Morris, St. Petersburg city councilmember Darden Rice, Unite Us specialist Lucas Aiden Wehle, League of Women Voters St. Pete ally Julia Sharp, Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber president Justice Gennari (June 12); PNC Diversity & Inclusion VP Ashley T. Brundage, Sarasota activist Joshua Beadle, Red Mesa Cantina marketing manager Tony Pullaro, Oxford Exchange server Curtis Lynch, St. Pete Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin (June 13); Tampa-based performer Lunatique, City Side Lounge first female Raven Lunatique, former TIGLFF president Chris Constantinou, Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay president Bill Kanouff, Sarasota socialite Trent Henderson (June 14); Tampa photographer Poly Costas, St Pete Q&A founder Jimmy Biascan (June 15); Bodywork Massage and Day Spa owner Roger Medrano, Town ‘n Country banker Travis Hilborne, Sarasota filmmaker Anthony Paull, St. Pete bartender Taylor Pruett (June 16); St. Teresa of Calcuta priest Fr. Victor Ray, former GaYbor Coalition board member John Gorman, St. Petersburg photographer J.J. Respondek, Tampa Bay entertainer Arabella McQueen, St Pete Pride VP Tiffany Freisberg (June 17); Sherloq Solutions’ Jonah VandenBussche, Flex Traffic School owner Tito Rhodes (June 20); Watermark senior Tampa Bay account manager Russ Martin, Tampa Bay chauffer Marty Theriot, St. Pete handyman Adam Miller, KW Realtor Jordan Conover (June 21); #IdRatherBeNaked’s Jason Lee, St. Petersburg Yoga instructor Andre Sur, Tampa Bay entertainer Riquette Ramsey, Tampa Bay Elder Sister Agatha Frisky, Polk County school board member Sarah Fortney, ‘Coolest’ Tampa Bay realtor Tabi Deas (June 22); Tampa Bay performer Ashlee T. Bankx, Tampa Keller Realty star Bill Knecht, Derby diva Mark O’Hara, Treasure Island politico Gail Caldwell, Tampa Bay entertainer Russell Mania, The Mertailor Eric Ducharme (June 23).

2 3

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE: PFLAG Tampa’s Nancy Desmond (L) and PFLAG Riverview’s Faith Moeller strike a pose at The Snap House in Tampa for Tampa Pride’s volunteer appreciation day June 3. PHOTO

COURTESY PFLAG RIVERVIEW

PURPLE REIGN: PheYonce Montrese hosts the St Pete Pride Bowl for Kids at Ten Pin Lanes benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay June 6. PHOTO

COURTESY PHEYONCE MONTRESE

GULFPORT PROUD: Former State Rep. Jennifer Webb attends the inaugural Gulfport Pride May 29. PHOTO COURTESY STONEWALLA DEMOCRATS OF PINELLAS COUNTY

KICKING OFF: St Pete Pride VP Tiffany Freisberg and wife Megan Hickey kick off St Pete PrideFest 2021 at Sirata Beach Resort June 3. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

MAKING HISTORY: The City of Sarasota presents Project Pride with a proclamation June 7 declaring Pride Month in Sarasota for the first time in more than 100 years. PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

TIS THE SEASON: St. Petersburg officials raise the Pride flag above St. Pete City Hall June 1 with St Pete Pride. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Y FOR ALL: Jimmy Biascan (L) and Shannon McAllister meet with representatives of Metro Inclusive Health for the organization’s inclusion initiative June 1. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

PUNKY’S PROUD: The staff of Punky’s shows their Pride in Grand Central on June 1. PHOTO

COURTESY PUNKY’S BAR AND GRILL

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7 June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

announcements

central florida out+about

Congratulations James Rode, who has been teaching at Celebration High School for 10 years, was named Osceola County School District’s Secondary Arts Teacher of the Year. At Watermark’s 2021 Splash Awards, “Fucking Men” won Favorite LGBTQ Show, Favorite LGBTQ Director for Jamie DeHay and Favorite LGBTQ Supporting Performance for Niko Felizzola. “Arden” won Favorite LGBTQ Writer for Tyler Scott and Favorite LGBTQ Lead Performer for Ginger Minj.

Del Ambiente and Alianza Center honored members of the LGBTQ community during Pride Month on June 4, awarding state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith the Champion Award, Orange County Public Schools with the Ally Award, Gabriella Rodríguez with the Vanguard Award, Jordyn Victoria Laos with the Community Service Award, Nemma Bahrami with the Entrepreneur Award, Jose Luis Dieppa with the Visibility Award and Yolie Cintrón with the Community Service Award.

RESEARCH STUDY Three of the nation’s largest blood centers — Vitalant, OneBlood, and the American Red Cross — in partnership with The LGBT+ Center Orlando are seeking participants to join a new groundbreaking FDA-funded study in Orlando to consider new approaches for determining blood donation eligibility for men who have sex with men. If you are a gay or bisexual male between 18-39 years old and interested in becoming a blood donor, you may be eligible to participate. To gather the necessary data the blood centers are partnering with LGBTQ Centers in eight cities across the nation. The study looks to enroll 250–300 gay and bi men in Central Florida who meet the study eligibility criteria.

Local Birthdays Central Florida teacher Jochy Cora-Santiago, Flag World Orlando’s GM Rocky Ruvola (June 11); Watermark Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams, Orlando activist Wendy Elkes (June 12); Department of Transportation employee John Stimis, Former Watermark sales rep Dalton Connell (June 13); Orlando DJ and model Marisa Maddox, Opera Orlando’s Grand Preisser, The Glass Knife’s Steve Brown (June 14); Central Florida pianist Tim Turner (June 15); Central Florida Sounds of Freedom president Joe Kennedy (June 16); CTS Agency’s Carolyn Capern, Central Florida LGBTQ history buff Ken Kazmerski (June 17); Intersex activist Juleigh Mayfield, CBP Martial Arts Academy Orlando’s Milena Ofsowitz (June 18); Watermark sales manager Danny Garcia (June 19); Flight attendant Andrew Elder, Miracle of Love’s Mpowerment program coordinator Lester Burges, Chiropractor and Joie De Vivr owner Dr. Will Llewelyn (June 20); Drag legend Angel Sheridan, Steelers fan Jimmy Guzic, Central Florida Softball League diva Eric Hans (June 21); Central Florida immigration attorney Henry Lim (June 22); Theater West End director of marketing and public relations A.J. Demps, UCF Musical Theatre Specialist Jim Brown (June 23).

Photo by Jeremy Williams

by Tomás Diniz Santos

Community Champion: QIC’s Frank Hannigan (L) presents a check for $25,000 to executive director George Wallace at the LGBT+ Center Orlando June 4.

Kicking it off: Martha Haynie (L) and Nicolette Springer during Springer’s candidacy for Orlando City Commissioner – District 3 kick-off event at College Park Gallery in Orlando June 7. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Winning Run: A pair of runners show off their medals after participating in the fifth annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run in Orlando’s Wadeview Park June 5. Photo

Favorite Show: The cast of “Fucking Men” joins Watermark’s Jeremy Williams and Rick Todd on stage as they are presented with the Splash Award for “Favorite Show” during Orlando Fringe’s closing ceremony May 31. Photo by Danny Garcia

Coming Together: Community Leaders attend One Orlando Alliance’s “An Evening of Reflection and Promise” at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival June 7. Photo by Jeremy Williams

Stars of Hope: Bobby Hermida (L) and Eddie Diaz attend Kim Murphy’s “Together Again” art installation at the LGBT+ Center Orlando June 3. Photo by Jeremy Williams

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Girls Night Out: (L-R) Wendi Bush, Amy Comerfor, Tatiana Quiroga and Jen West enjoy the Indigo Girls concert at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival May 29. Photo by Danny Garcia

Gay Day: A group of red shirts pose with Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom for Gay day at Disney June 5. Photo courtesy Zac Deer

8 June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

A MONTH OF C E L E B R AT I O N S

T PE

EP R I DE .OR

ALL ARE WELCOME - LGBTQIA+ AND FRIENDS!

Outdoor Adventure Week

Family Week

June 1st - June 6th Signature Event: Pride OUTside: June 5th

June 7th - June 13th Signature Event: We Are Family: June 12th

Arts & Music Week

Taste of PrideFest Week

June 14th - June 20th Signature Event: Arts + Qulture: June 19th

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 21st - June 30th Signature Event: Pride Picnic: June 26th

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

wedding bells

Barry and Georgie Miller from Orlando, Florida

Engagement Date:

Dec. 31, 2019

Wedding Date:

Feb. 27, 2021

Officiant:

Orange County Judge Bob LeBlanc

Venue:

Casa Feliz

Colors:

Pale blue, gray and white

Wedding Song/ Artist:

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day

Florist:

Jeane Cognac Designs

Caterer:

Arthur’s

Cake Flavors: Amaretto and beurre noisette

Bakery:

Michael Anthony Cakes

Photographer/ Videographer:

Dream Day Digital

DJ/ Entertainment:

Junction 88

Photo by Dream Day Digital

hen they met, Barry and

Georgie Miller had both been taking a break from the dating scene, deleting their dating apps and feeling content with being single.

“[I] didn’t know it was possible to love someone as much as I love Barry now,” Georgie says. “He opened my heart to love.” The two met in 2018 at Savoy after an event at the LGBT+ Center in Orlando. Neither had planned on attending, but they were both convinced to go. As Barry was leaving, he stopped to talk to a mutual friend, who introduced him to Georgie.

“The moment I shook his hand and gazed at his eyes, I felt an immediate connection,” Georgie says. “It felt like I knew him from another life. I had never felt such a thing, but in that moment, I knew he was special. He was the one.” Feeling an undeniable connection, Georgie got Barry’s phone number and texted him the next day, asking him to dinner and a movie. A year later, Barry decided to propose to Georgie on New Year’s

Eve. He prepared a dinner for the two of them and they ate while waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square. At 11:59 p.m., Barry asked Georgie if he could do him a favor. Georgie thought he was going to ask him to get something from the kitchen. Georgie asked if it could wait until after midnight because he didn’t want to miss the countdown. Barry responded, “It’s not that! If you say yes to what I am going to ask you, you will make me the happiest man in the world.” Then he pulled out the ring. “I was so in shock, totally unexpected,” Georgie says. “I covered my face and sobbed like a baby for a whole minute. He was like, ‘is that a yes or…’ and of course I said yes. We sealed the night with a kiss and New Year’s fireworks!” The couple married in February at Casa Feliz in Winter Park.

“Every moment is recorded in my memory,” Georgie says. “I made a conscious decision to observe and be in the moment every second. I wanted to absorb all the smiling faces, the happiness and the gratitude I felt for having my loved ones on our special day, despite the current pandemic we all were facing.” One of their favorite moments from the day was when Barry distributed bracelets to his family. Barry had taken his mother’s vintage wedding ring and created bracelets out of them, each with his mother’s name, Tova, engraved on it. “He gave one bracelet to all his nieces, nephews, brother and sister, so each one of them carries a piece of her everlasting love,” Georgie says. Georgie and Barry also enjoyed toasts and dancing the hora together. But most of all, they were thrilled to be able to spend their special day with their family and friends. “It’s hard to choose a specific moment for me because every second was filled with magic,” Georgie says. “It was the perfect day with friends and family to share and to have everyone there to start our life journey together.” — Lora Korpar

Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

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www.NationsLandscaping.com June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

the last page Hometowns:

Manchester and Watford, United Kingdom

Identifies As:

We have always been allies, especially as we have seen the struggle of family members coming out.

Pronouns:

He/Him/His and She/Her/Hers

Professions:

Mike and Ali Crippin

Independent small business restauranters

Professional Role Models:

Tom Kerridge, Mahur Jaffrey and Anthony Bourdain.

Autobiography Title(s):

Mike, “Where Did That Go?”” and Ali, “One Door Closes, Another One Opens”

Hobbies:

Watch Manchester United (a lot), golf (not enough)

I ndependent S mall B usiness R estauranters

Photo by Dylan Todd

he Last Page is dedicated

to individuals who are making a positive impact on the LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay and Central Florida.

This issue, we check in with Mike and Ali Crippin, owners of St. Petersburg’s The Studio Public House, formerly Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria. Learn even more about their rebranding at TheStudioPublicHouse.com and keep an eye on this space to learn more about the movers and shakers in your community. What do you do professionally?

Recommend People to: Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams at: Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief Ryan Williams-Jent at: Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

We own a The Studio Public House. We purchased Pom Pom’s Teahouse in October 2019 and it was very daunting opening during COVID-19, but we added a lot more tables outside. We were lucky as we had the space and took the necessary steps to keep our staff and customers safe. We slowly transitioned to rebranding as we understand people do not like change. This gave us the time to try out new dishes. We have also changed the look – which Ali loves to DIY.

We have added more beer/wine and are having music most days and opening later. Soon we will be opening for breakfast too. How do you champion for the local LGBTQ community?

We champion all of the nice people in our neighborhood and circle. We wanted to show our support for the LGBTQ community so we have also incorporated the Rainbow flag in our mural on the side of our building. We are very open to having any events held at The Studio Public House and are hoping we strengthen the bonds within our neighborhood. We have also supported Come Out St. Pete with their food drive and blanket drive in the past.

What is your favorite thing to read in Watermark?

We like reading about the information on new places and hangouts.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

What is your favorite local LGBTQ event?

What advice would you give your younger selves?

The T-Dance Party at The Garage on Central Ave. for Come OUT St. Pete. We actually catered and donated for this event so were able to see some great acts performing as well as everyone have a happy time together.

For Mike, travel more and work less. For Ali, control the controllables and stress less.

What is your favorite thing about the local LGBTQ community?

The unity, diversity and sense of fun.

What would you like to see improved in the local LGBTQ community?

We’d like to see more events west of 28th and Central. What would you like our readers to know about you and The Studio Public House?

We would like everyone to feel welcome at our casual, quirky hangout for good food and drinks. We have a record player, so anyone can bring their own vinyl to listen to and we hang local art from artists in the area. We are also supporting the build a bed charity in St. Petersburg.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

How did your relationship and careers prepare you for operating The Studio Public House together?

We helped run The Moon Under Water for 20 years and have 30+ years experience cooking in different countries and kitchens. What have been some of the rewards and challenges of running The Studio Public House?

We are happy when people genuinely love what we are doing and what we cook, and to see our staff happy and engaged is great. Of course, staffing and long hours are a challenge but we are excited for this next chapter in our lives and to be part of a great community.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

June 10 - 2 3, 2021 // Issue 28 .12 wat e r m a r konline .com

IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH At Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, we value inclusion, celebrating our differences through awareness, interaction and acceptance. We are deeply committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing that these relationships positively impact the care we provide to all communities we serve.

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T H I S D AY A N D E V E R Y D AY, W E R E M E M B E R. PULSE | 6.12.16

As we observe of the five-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub tragedy of June 12, 2016, we remember the 49 lives who were taken too soon, the families and survivors who continue to heal, and all those who answered the call for help who are forever changed.

Watermark Issue 28.12: Pulse Remembered 5 Years Later

Articles inside

the last page

WeDDIng Bells

central fl out + aBout

natIon & WorlD neWs

eDItor’s/Bureau chIef’s Desk

tampa BaY out + aBout

state neWs