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CONGRATULATIONS The Dru Project raised nearly $22,000 in the weeks leading up to June 12 for LGBTQ youth culminating with the Brews for Drew fundraiser at Burton’s Thornton Park June 13. Watermark’s monthly Central Florida social Third Thursday returned June 17, benefiting and hosted at the LGBT+ Center Orlando. With the help of AIGA Orlando and Native Screen Print Co. creating and selling limited edition totes, prints and stickers, the event was able to raise more than $1,000 for The Center Orlando.
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Hanks Orlando celebrates 34 years in business July 1.
CONDOLENCES David Rich Giaquinto, former owner of the Peacock Lounge and former Walt Disney World cast member passed away June 18. He’s survived by his husband Daniel Giaquinto Rich.
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 Arkham Assailant Amanda Hippensteel (June 24); Orlando Fringe Patron winner Nanci “Mama B” Boetto, The Ribbon Project founder and Embellish FX proprietor Ben Johansen (June 25); Mother to the publisher Ginger Bentz, “God is a Scottish Drag Queen” performer Mike Delamont, former Watermark intern Sophia Mackrides, roller derby team captain Amber Luu (June 26); Orlando realtor Chad Gibson (June 17); O-Town DJ and aspiring MD Chris “Cub” Mendez, Central Florida visual designer Adam McCabe (June 29);Photographer Dixie Lee Todd (July 1); “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Coco Montrese, Tim Vargas of Embellish FX, Former Putnam County Courier Journal editor B.J. Laurie, actor extraordinaire Tommy Wooten, Central Florida drag entertainer Lisa Lane, Assistant General Manager at JJ’s Fusion Grille Sandra Nasrallah, Equality Florida’s Salvatore Vieira (July 2); Central Florida performer Rob Ward(July 4); Orlando drag performer Ed Dobski aka Trixie Deluxe, co-owner of Shelbie Press Debbie Simmons, owner of Pom Pom’s Teahouse Pom Moongauklang (July 5); Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, owner of John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Catering Michael Thomas (July 6); comedian Ronni Radner, Montessori teacher Natasha Kay (July 7).
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Drag Brunch: Dollya Black (L) and Torah Himan at Estefan Kitchen in Orlando for Dining with Divas June 19. Photo by Danny Garcia
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Picture Show: (L-R) Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Sean Mundyschein and Josh Bell at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Frontyard Festival in Orlando for J.D. Casto’s “My Portrait of Pulse” featuring the Orlando Gay Chorus. Photo by Jeremy Williams
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Remembering the 49: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan poses with OPD’s Pulse remembrance vehicle in front of the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando June 7. Photo
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courtesy Patty Sheehan
courtesy Leigh Shannon
courtesy The Dru Project
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courtesy Loc Robertson
courtesy Jeremy Williams
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Showgirls Night: (L-R) Twila Holiday, April Fresh and Dena Cass are fabulous showgirls at Secrets Hideaway Resort & Spa in Kissimmee June 15. Photo
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For Drew: (L-R) The Dru Project’s Shawn Chaudhry, Brandon Wolf and Sara Grossman during the Brews for Drew event at Burton’s Thornton Park in Orlando June 13. Photo by Albert Harris,
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Restorative Yoga: QLatinx hosts “Inhala Exhala” new moon yoga event for members of the community at the LGBT+ Center Orlando June 10. Photo
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That’s Entertainment: (L-R) Tymisha Harris, Leigh Shannon and Billy Mick enjoy HÄOS on Church in Orlando June 13. Photo
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Cocktail Hour: Jerick Mediavilla (L) and state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith enjoy a delicious beverage at Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant in Winter Park June 18. Photo by Omar Mediavilla
8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.
June 24 - July 7, 2021 // Issue 28 .13 wat e r m a r konline .com
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