Watermark Issue 28.16: 'Femuline' Energy

Your LGBTQ Life.

LGBTQ advocates divided in St. Petersburg primary Parliament House finds new home in Downtown Orlando

TODRICK HALL’S NEW ALBUM EMBRACES THE

FEMININE AND MASCULINE

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

I S S U E 2 8 .1 6 • AU G U S T 5 - 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 • WAT E R M A R KO N L I N E . CO M

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AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // EDITOR/TBBC’S DESK

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8 // CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS 12 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

Number one, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, do it.

Also, think about where you’re going to go and if there’s going to be large groups, know that facial coverings and masks are a good idea.

– SEMINOLE COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR ALAN HARRIS

18 // STATE NEWS 19 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 25 // TALKING POINTS 39 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 41 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 42 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 43 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE ON THE COVER

PAGE THE PATH OF CON:

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PAGE ‘FEMULINE’

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ENERGY: Todrick Hall’s new album embraces the feminine and masculine.

PHOTO COURTESY JPLA MEDIA

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

LGBTQ-Inclusive MegaCon returns to Orlando.

WATERMARK ISSUE 28.16 // AUGUST 5 - 18, 2021

NEW HOME

SPLIT DECISION

IT’S TIME

CRISIS MODE

PAGE Parliament House announces Orlando reopening.

PAGE LGBTQ advocates divided in St. Petersburg mayoral primary.

PAGE

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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

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Florida businesses push for Congress to pass the Equality Act.

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COVID cases are climbing throughout the state of Florida.

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EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

W

DESK

E WERE SO CLOSE. VACCINES

are available and free to the public, and we have an administration in The White House that started taking this pandemic seriously as they listen to the science and the health professionals.

In April, President Joe Biden spoke about how the Fourth of July was going to be our country’s “target date to get life in America closer to normal and to begin to celebrate our independence from the virus together with our friends and loved ones.”

Now about a month after the July 4 holiday, unfortunately there is no celebration to be had because we are not free from this virus. Far too many are believing the conspiracy theories that the vaccines are not effective or that they were created to track us or that COVID-19 isn’t even real.

Whether vaccinated or not, people have started to leave their masks at home, gather in larger crowds

and social distancing has become a thing of the past.

Photos from this year’s Lollapalooza, a music festival in Chicago, are equal parts terrifying and infuriating. Thousands of people unmasked, crammed together like sardines for three days. A photo making its way around social media during the weekend showed a sea of thousands with a single masked person visible among all of them.

The unvaccinated have ignored science and common sense and the vaccinated have gotten complacent.

This combined with the more contagious Delta variant has led Florida to have the highest number

of positive COVID cases since the start of the pandemic.

My roommate is a nurse at AdventHealth and I can’t tell you how sad and depressing it is to see him come home after each shift and hearing that they are overrun with COVID patients, nearly all of them unvaccinated. He’s being asked to come in on his days off, work longer hours and cancel vacation time that he and other health care workers were starting to be able to request after more than a year of not being able to do so. They were starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel and now because far too many are refusing to do their part, they are back to far too many hours working in the hospital and far too few beds for the sick.

What makes this worse than last year though is the patients are coming in younger and sicker than before. The days of this being a virus that predominantly impacts older adults and those with compromised immune systems are gone.

And as if blind to what is happening in his state, Gov. Ron DeSantis is doubling down on his refusal to help Floridians by not declaring a state of emergency, issuing mask mandates or even letting local officials make decisions that would be best for their cities and counties. Students and teachers are heading back to the classroom this month, some in a matter of days, and instead of DeSantis thinking about the safety of the students, teachers and faculties, he is refusing to enact mask mandates at schools, leaving it up to parents to decide what is best for their kids. Unless the parent is an epidemiologist then leaving the decision to them is the most irresponsible decision this governor has ever made, and based on DeSantis’ track record that is saying a lot.

On a positive note, the fear of a more aggressive and deadly variant has caused the vaccination rates

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

to rise over the last week with first doses up 46% across the 10 states – Florida included – with the highest rate of new COVID-19 cases. Also, some companies are pushing back against DeSantis’ ignorance by issuing mask mandates of their own. If you want to visit Disney, regardless if you are vaccinated or not, you better bring a mask with you.

It’s time for everyone to stop whining and just do your part to help end this pandemic. No matter how inconvenient you feel

The unvaccinated have ignored science and common sense and the vaccinated have gotten complacent.

wearing a mask is, it is not worse than ending up on a ventilator in a hospital bed. But don’t take my word for it, in this issue we bring you information from professionals whose job it is to know the facts and keep the public safe.

In Arts and Entertainment, we chat with openly gay performer Todrick Hall about his latest album, “Femuline.” We also get the scoop on all the celebrities, cosplayers, gamers, comic creators and more coming to MegaCon Orlando.

In news, we chat with Se7enbites owner and “Guy’s Grocery Games” winner Trina Gregory-Propst, Parliament House announces it’s reopening in Downtown Orlando and Orlando Police arrest two armed robbers who were targeting LGBTQ victims.

ORLANDO OFFICE Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer

1300 N. Semoran Blvd.

Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

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

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CONTRIBUTORS JERICK MEDIAVILLA

is a former journalist from Mexico City, an educator in Central Florida and an human rights activist for the LGBTQ community. Jerick is one half of an Orlando power couple with State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Page 21

REV. JAKOB HERO-SHAW

is the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa. He and his husband are the proud parents of two teenagers.. Page 23

SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

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BUREAU CHIEF’S

Ryan Williams-Jent TB BUREAU CHIEF Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

I

DESK

’M A FAN OF TRADITIONAL

rollercoasters. The highs, the lows, the twists and turns, I’ve loved them since I was around 11.

That’s when I �inally reached the coveted height of “you must be taller than this sign to ride.” It was a personal milestone for me because ‘coasters were a rite of passage among my friends and family.

That’s true for a lot of folks from Cincinnati, Ohio, home of not just mediocre baseball and exceptional chili but also King’s Island. The amusement park opened in the early ‘70s and made headlines for its attractions like The Racer, a wooden rollercoaster.

Celebrated for its ingenuity, it was designed by an industry legend with twin tracks that raced one another. It even drew national acclaim after it was featured in an episode of “The Brady Bunch.”

By the ‘90s, the park became Paramount’s King’s Island, which it remained throughout my childhood. As a division of what

ultimately became ViacomCBS, it tried its best to position itself as the Disney World of Ohio.

Depending on your perception of the Buckeye State, that may sound sad. But to a kid who had no idea he’d ever see Disney World, let alone live in Florida as a passholder, it was all that and more.

Paramount’s hit properties of the era were on full display, from “Addams Family” and “Wayne’s World” photo ops to immersive rides based on “Top Gun” and “Tomb Raider.” You could even meet a Klingon from “Star Trek.” It didn’t get better.

Its evolving roster of rollercoasters helped that, setting a standard for me that’s never been matched. The Racer inspired more daring personal favorites like The Vortex, which became the �irst rollercoaster I rode.

Though it was recently retired after 33 seasons, it only had a decade of service under its belt when I �irst strapped in. I was nervous but convinced I could go from kiddie-coaster to its multiple loops without consequence, facing its corkscrew and 360 degree turns, 138-foot drop and max speed of 55 mph with ease.

My back popped on the �irst loop, a sensation I’d never felt that took my breath away. I distinctly remember gasping for air for minutes, all while strapped in at top speed and heading for loop number two.

By the end of the track I was �ine, and I’d go on to ride the Vortex for years, but it taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes it’s best not to do too much too soon.

It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately as our community rides more �igurative rollercoasters, some which impact local politics and others global health. Most pressingly, as the world navigates the ups and downs of COVID-19.

As we experience the highs of reconnecting in person with loved ones to the lows from anxiety about variants and misinformation that could keep us from doing so again, it’s clear to me that a number of us rushed into complacency.

Many of us have let our guard down, and absent leadership from the governor it has had devastating effects in Florida.

Cases are once again surging in our state, which has yet to cross the 50% threshold of fully vaccinated residents. Those numbers are somewhat better in Tampa Bay, but far from where they need to be.

COVID uprooted our lives for more than a year. Our safe spaces were closed, our livelihoods were threatened and far worse, loved ones were lost. We know there are more twists and turns coming, so it’s imperative that every member of our community do their part to make sure we’re prepared.

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Ezri Ruiz • Ext. 301 Ezri@WatermarkOnline.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

If you’re not vaccinated, make an appointment today. Encourage everyone you know to do the same.

Locally, vaccines are available from the Florida Dept. of Health, Metro Inclusive Health, grocery chains like Publix and Winn-Dixie, shopping centers like Costco and Sam’s Club and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. It’s easier than ever before to protect yourself and those you care about.

In-home vaccinations are even available through DeliveRxd Pharmacy at no cost. Learn more about the Tampa Bay program by calling 813-932-6266 and if you’re able and willing to travel, �ind the closest vaccine site near you at Vaccines.gov. As for those of us who are vaccinated, keep up to date

If you’re not vaccinated, make an appointment today. Encourage everyone you know to do the same.

on the latest CDC guidelines and follow them. Wear your mask.

In this issue, we speak with a Central Florida specialist helping Floridians protect themselves from the virus. We also examine the Aug. 24 mayoral primary in St. Petersburg, a race which has divided LGBTQ advocates throughout Tampa Bay. In Arts & Entertainment, pop superstar Todrick Hall details his new album “Femuline.” We also get ready for the LGBTQ-inclusive MegaCon in Orlando.

Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories.

Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.

ORLANDO OFFICE Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer

1300 N. Semoran Blvd.

Ste 250 Orlando, FL 32807 TEL: 407-481-2243

National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

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

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

CONTRIBUTORS JERICK MEDIAVILLA

is a former journalist from Mexico City, an educator in Central Florida and an human rights activist for the LGBTQ community. Jerick is one half of an Orlando power couple with State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Page 21

REV. JAKOB HERO-SHAW

is the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa. He and his husband are the proud parents of two teenagers.. Page 23

SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, VANESSA MARESCA-CRUZ

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members of such organizations.

WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail).

The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication.

WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors.

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

7

central florida news

ORLANDO POLICE: ROBBERS TARGETED LGBTQ VICTIMS Tomás Diniz Santos

O

RLANDO | Two suspects were arrested in connection with a string of robberies carried out in Orlando during June and July, several of which involved LGBTQ victims and one that resulted in a kidnapping.

The male suspects - one an 18-year-old and the other a 16-year-old - committed at least eight armed robberies and one kidnapping, according to a statement from the Orlando Police Department.

According to police, the suspects contacted the victims using apps including Snapchat, Offer-Up, Craigslist and Letgo. The suspects used gay dating sites like Grinder and Sniffies to meet their LGBTQ victims.

The crimes took place at several apartment complexes in the Millenia area including The Fountains at Millenia, The Place at Millenia, Glen on Millenia, Century Millenia, the Villages on Millenia, Aria at Millenia, Northbridge on Millenia Lake and Ridge Club, according to police. The arrest warrants for the two suspects were issued on July 12.

Since the arrests, detectives have verified 11 incidents and investigators have linked four of those cases to members of the LGBTQ community.

The suspects would set up meetings with the victims “under the false pretense of either making a purchase transaction, or just to ‘meet up,’” according to police.

One of the victims was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to drive for hours to several ATMs while they made withdrawals.

Sgt. Mike Massicotte, with OPD’s Violent Crimes Unit, said because the suspects targeted members of the LGBTQ community in some of the instances, they are likely to face hate crime charges.

“That tripped the trigger for us to be able to mark it as a hate crime. We will now go backwards and all the other social dating websites that have that same feel, will also be labeled as a hate crime because of that,” Massicotte said.

The suspects targeted victims wishing to conceal their identity and activities, knowing they would likely not report the robberies, the press release said.

After “meeting up,” the victims were threatened with a firearm and forced to give up all valuables which included cell phones, credit cards and cash.

Henry Pao, one of the LGBTQ victims speaking with WESH 2 news, said after agreeing to meet up with one of the suspects he met using a dating app at a local apartment complex, he was led to a third floor staircase where he was ambushed by the second suspect.

“He came from behind me and put a gun to my back, or what I thought was a gun, and said ‘don’t say anything, it’s going to be easier for you if you don’t scream, you don’t say nothing,’” Pao told WESH 2.

The suspects then made Pao transfer cash to them using an app.

CONTINUED ON PG. 10 | uu |

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WINNING CHEF:

Trina Gregory-Propst takes home the trophy as Flavortown’s top chef.

SCREENSHOT FROM FOOD NETWORK

Flavortown Champ Se7en Bites chef/co-owner Trina Gregory-Propst wins ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ on The Food Network Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Trina Gregory-Propst, chef and co-owner with her wife of the popular Orlando restaurant Se7en Bites, conquered Flavortown when she was named the winner of Guy Fieri’s Food Network realty competition series “Guy’s Grocery Games” (GGG).

This season pitted chefs from Fieri’s other Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (DDD) — which Gregory-Propst has appeared on twice — against each other in a series of competitions inspired by summer activities.

In the finale, Gregory-Propst took on Domenica Catelli, chef and owner of New York eatery Catelli’s, and Richard Hales, chef and owner of Tampa’s Grateful Hospitality, as they were challenged to create dishes based on summer family road trips.

In the first round, which asked the chefs to re-create a diner staple

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

with a twist, Gregory-Propst was able to take the lead with her Hot Brown Fried Chicken with Gravy Extravaganza.

“I’m taking the chicken from chicken and waffles, I’m taking the sourdough toast like from a hot brown, I’m making sausage gravy from biscuits and gravy, all the good diner food combined into one,” she said during the competition.

Gregory-Propst and Hales made it through to the final round where they were challenged to make a steak dinner worthy of the high stakes city of Las Vegas.

Gregory-Propst came out on top with her fillet mignon topped with her wife’s “wedding bell” marinade and a wedge salad.

We chatted with Gregory-Propst after her recent GGG victory — she has appeared on the competition show before — about her time on the show, what it means to win and how it has changed her life.

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

HOW DID YOU APPROACH YOUR TIME ON THIS SEASON DIFFERENTLY FROM YOUR PREVIOUS TIMES ON THE SHOW?

I realized I was probably overthinking about what was going to happen and tried to plan for things that you really can’t plan for because there’s no rhyme or reason for what you’re going to do, what the games could possibly be, what the challenge will be, what foods you may have to cook with, and I think maybe prior I was over thinking the process.

This time, I literally went for fun and was like “Okay, whatever they throw my way, I’ll just cook what I know.” I know Southern food so I just took what I normally cook and fit it into the challenge and that’s the only thing I would have to say that I did differently.

I know that everyone thinks that there’s a magical secret to it but this time there just really wasn’t. It was just a matter of doing what I know, being authentic to who I am and how I cook and what I think tastes good and I stuck to that.

ARE THE CHEFS GIVEN ANY INDICATION TO WHAT THE CHALLENGES MAY BE OR ARE THEY SPRUNG ON YOU IN THAT MOMENT THE AUDIENCE SEES IT ON THE SHOW?

We have no idea. You really have 30 minutes to cook and

CONTINUED ON PG. 10 | uu |

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AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

9

central florida news | uu | Orlando Police say Armed Robbers...

FROM PG.8

Pao said after that one suspect told him “It’s nothing towards you it’s just I’m broke. But this is what you get for doing this gay shit.”

Detectives have not released the names of the suspects as they believe there could be more victims who have yet to come forward and are urging them to do so.

“They do not need to press charges but I do need to know their story, so I can fill in all the blanks of all the incidents that were missing on these individuals,” Massicotte said.

Anyone with information on this case or any other victims wishing to come forward can call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477 or report online at Crimeline.org. Those wanting to speak to detectives directly can call 407-246-2927.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE TO REOPEN IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Parliament House announced on its Facebook page July 29 that it will be reopening at its new home in the old CityArts Factory location at 29 S. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando.

“The rumors are true!,” the Facebook post reads.

“The Parliament House has a new home in Downtown Orlando. We can’t wait to share more of our plans for 29 S. Orange Avenue with you in the coming weeks.”

The post was made with a photo of downtown Orlando, the address of the new location and a neon “1.” The image calls back to a cover photo posted by Parliament House on its Facebook page July 26 that read “1. 2. 3. The Time Is Coming. Are You Ready?”

According to The Bungalower, the 18,000 sq. ft. building was recently purchased for an estimated $5 million under the name “Positively Pine Street LP.” Currently only SAK Comedy Lab occupies space in the building.

Parliament House, which closed its resort in November 2020 after more than 45 years, has been light on the details for now.

Fans of SAK Comedy Lab shouldn’t worry about whether this means they’ll have to go elsewhere for their comedy. According to other posts, an arrangement has been made for SAK to continue using the classrooms and the theater before the drag shows.

According to News 6 WKMG, a construction permit has been applied for at the Orange Ave. location to demolish and rebuild the building’s interior with construction scheduled to end in January 2022.

For now, Parliament House has directed its fans to keep an eye on its social media as it seems two more big announcements are on the way.

“Is this the only announcement for our community?

Hardly! We’re just getting started,” they shared.

10

| uu | Flavortown Champ FROM PG.8

come up with a plan to do it. He says “three, two, one and go” and you go. There’s no “here’s what the challenge is going to be, this is what the game is.” We are as surprised as everyone else is, and when they’re filming everything, you’re getting to see it firsthand.

WHEN YOU GO INTO A COMPETITION LIKE THIS, WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART FOR YOU?

I am definitely a people person and I really love being around a lot of other people, and with these particular shows we don’t get a lot of time to talk to the other competitors.

I really love that camaraderie of getting to know them so it’s nice being able to just exchange numbers, emails and things like that because then we can follow up with each other afterwards and check on each other and see how we’re doing.

I feel like that’s probably one of the biggest parts of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and “Guy’s Grocery Games,” the chefs that you’re with, you find you have a lot in common. That is the one thing that I’ve seen across the board with these shows is a lot of the businesses that he goes into, us chefs are really a part of our business, we work our businesses and we’re truly there for the community and I love that piece of it.

Getting to know the other chefs really creates this brotherhood and sisterhood of we’re all in this together, and especially with this past year, it’s just really created a lot of stronger bonds between small businesses trying to do what we can to continue to feed our community and keep our staff safe, employed and happy and thriving and I think that camaraderie is literally everything.

WHAT IS FIERI LIKE BEHIND THE SCENES?

It is maybe one of the funniest experiences ever. I’m pretty sure that if Guy wasn’t as popular as he is within TV and food, he would absolutely be a standup comedian.

He is a jokester and you just never really know what to expect

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

which I think is the funniest part of all of it.

The crew that he has, his family that he’s created around him, they’re phenomenal. Some of the best of the best and I think that the thing that is the most astounding to me is how they just always make us look so good. It just looks so seamless and they’re just at the top of their game with really providing entertaining TV for people who love food and people who cook food.

WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU WON?

It’s surreal. I mean, here we are like months later and it’s still surreal to me. I don’t even know that there’s really any way to describe it other than I am beyond grateful that all of the training and all of the education that I had, all of these moments have led to this moment and it is one of the best feelings.

I’m 52 years old going “holy shit, I did this at 52 in a career that I’ve been in for only eight years.”

All those moments that I push myself and said I need to do better because I’m not in my 20’s starting a new career, I’m in my 40’s starting a new career and I have to hit the ground running.

All the work and the energy and the effort and the dedication to perfecting a craft has paid off. The work and the effort is showing that I do understand food, I do understand my way around a kitchen and I am creative and I can come up with things spontaneously as long as I stay authentic to myself and the food that I loved to cook.

WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN LIKE IN YOUR RESTAURANT AND IN THE COMMUNITY SINCE YOU WON?

Oh my gosh. I’ve never had so many people want to take a picture with me, and I’m more than happy to do it. I guess in that way it’s just so humbling because I can’t even believe that people want to have their picture taken with me.

The thing that I probably cherish and love the most is these kids that come in. They are overwhelmed seeing someone that they saw on TV and I talked to them about school and do they like to cook and being open to making sure that they try new foods and you really understand that you

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

have this impact on people’s lives because this is the connection that they’ve had.

Food just brings families together and it feels like an overwhelming responsibility but also an amazing opportunity to really share my love of food and our family recipes with people who really just wanted to be a part of that food scene. They are like your biggest fans for just doing what you do every day that comes naturally to you. It is an overwhelming responsibility, but it is also something that I will never take lightly. I appreciate being given the opportunity to just share that passion with people.

It’s a little crazy, but I’m here for the crazy.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE PART OF LGBTQ REPRESENTATION ON TELEVISION?

I feel so overwhelmed with the response that we’ve gotten from the community because I’ve never hidden who I am. My wife and I own our restaurant together and we work as a team, we make all of our decisions together. We have a son, we raise our family and I just I don’t know that I could have it any other way. I never tried to hide who I am and who I love.

So I mean if that is giving representation and people see that you can live authentically, by all means I’m here for it. I talk about my wife and that we run our business together on the show and we truly are a team. We make decisions for our business together.

We come up with recipes together, we talk about our specials every week together. We are one in that unit of making unified decisions for what the future of our business will be and what that looks like.

Just as much as she is my biggest fan, I am her biggest fan.

I love being able to show people that Orlando has a really great and amazing food scene and you know we’re always happy to be able to be part of that representation. We’re certainly proud of the other small businesses and we are all in this together trying to lift each other up and continue to provide amazing food that is thoughtfully and lovingly prepared for our Orlando foodie community.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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11

tampa bay news

BALANCE TAMPA BAY, EPIC BREAK BARRIERS Ryan Williams-Jent

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AMPA | Balance Tampa Bay and Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) welcomed supporters to the Tampa River Center for their sixth annual Masquerade July 31, a fundraiser benefiting the latter organization’s fight against HIV/AIDS. The long-running partnership is an extension of Balance’s mission to promote inclusive philanthropy. It has raised more than $80,000 for the nonprofit since it began, skipping only 2020 due to COVID-19.

“It’s been such a crazy year,” Balance Vice President Ryan Young, also the event’s chair, shared with attendees. Only 200 guests were permitted to attend due to the ongoing pandemic.

“We were supposed to have this event last year and we had to cancel due to COVID, so thank you all for coming,” he continued. “We appreciate the support.”

Young also discussed the outing with Watermark, noting ahead of time that it was his last as chair.

“Masquerade has always been so personal to me,” he said. “I’ve had in-depth conversations with people that have taken so much from it … we’re passing the baton and I’m really excited to see where Masquerade goes.”

This year’s event, “Showdown: Breaking Barriers” promised attendees “a fantastic night of music, dancing, cocktails, bites, auction, friendship and philanthropy.” Young said the theme stemmed from “the different battles that people have gone through in our community – how we’ve broken through those barriers together.

“Then COVID hit,” he continued. “Out of all the themes we’ve had in six years, this is probably the one that’s the most relatable in today’s time.”

While EPIC and Balance’s 2019 venture raised $17,000 for EPIC, organizers expect less for 2021. The evening was “smaller than it’s ever been,” EPIC Special Events Coordinator Molly Robison told Watermark.

“We know we’re not going to raise as much money,” she said. “That’s the simple reality when you have to limit your capacity. But after a year hiatus, people are ready to gather and celebrate.”

EPIC broke another barrier of its own July 23. The fundraiser followed the grand opening of its new sexual health center located at 300 49th St. S. in St. Petersburg, which as a member of Empath Health will allow the organization to serve an estimated 10,000 clients per year.

The center specializes in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment. Pregnancy testing and referrals, birth control and prophylactics and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are also offered.

“This is really an exciting time for us,” Executive Director Joy Winheim said.

For more information about Balance Tampa Bay and EPIC, visit BalanceTampaBay.org and MyEPIC.org. View photos from Masquerade and the sexual health center’s grand opening at WatermarkOnline.com.

12

THE RACE IS ON: St. Petersburg

mayoral candidates Darden Rice (L) and Ken Welch.

PHOTOS BY DYLAN TODD

Rice v. Welch Advocates divided in mayoral race Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | LGBTQ advocates are publicly divided in their support for mayoral candidates Darden Rice and Ken Welch ahead of the city’s Aug. 24 primary.

Rice, who is currently serving her second term as a city councilmember, would become the city’s first openly LGBTQ mayor if elected. Welch is a former county commissioner who served in Pinellas for five terms, during which he led several LGBTQ-focused initiatives.

Each candidate announced their intent to succeed the term-limited Mayor Rick Kriseman this year, beginning with Rice on Jan. 12.

Her priorities include preserving St. Petersburg; supporting and shopping at local businesses; advocating for the freedom to vote; affordable housing and making St. Petersburg the Education City.

Welch followed Jan. 15, outlining his agenda for what he calls principled progress.

The candidate promised to focus on equity, jobs and community development; climate

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

resiliency and infrastructure; housing; leadership; safe neighborhoods and building a connected community.

By Jan. 27, Rice received her first LGBTQ-focused endorsement from the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the nation’s only organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office. She was named one of three spotlight endorsements across U.S. “There is no such thing as an off-election year and 2021 presents opportunities to elect groundbreaking LGBTQ candidates that can impact policy for millions of Americans,” LGBTQ Victory Fund President Annise Parker said. “We must increase LGBTQ representation not because we desire power for its own sake, but because it leads to pro-equality policies that improve the lives of LGBTQ people.

“I am so honored to have the support of LGBTQ Victory Fund in this historic campaign,” Rice responded. She vowed as mayor to “stand against any attacks on civil rights and fight with our partners at the state level to make Florida a safer and more welcoming state for everyone.”

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LPAC, which focuses on electing LGBTQ women across the nation, endorsed Rice on March 3. They cited her views on women’s equality, health and social justice.

St. Petersburg Councilmember Amy Foster, who is also openly LGBTQ, endorsed Welch April 12. She became the third sitting member of the council to do so.

“Ken will be a great mayor for St. Petersburg because he is a leader who listens, collaborates and thinks deeply about how to make this city even greater,” Foster said. “He is a unifier who knows how to bring people together, and that’s what St. Petersburg needs today with so many big issues before us.”

Equality Florida Action PAC, the political arm of Florida’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, weighed in May 10. The group endorsed Rice.

“Councilmember Rice has been a progressive champion on the issues that matter most to the people of St. Petersburg since she was elected to her first term in 2013,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said. “We’re very excited about Darden becoming the first LGBTQ mayor of St. Pete, but what’s even more exciting is her vision for and plan to create a more equitable city for everyone.”

On June 15, Rice received the endorsements of former

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Artwork elements have been moved and organized into: C:\Data\Editorial\Master Ad Folder\Customer Files\R\Romeo's Sensation\Artwork Elements 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!

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tampa bay news

| uu | Rice v. Welch FROM PG.12

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner and current Largo City Commissioner Michael Smith.

Each commissioner was the first openly LGBTQ member of their respective commission.

Smith noted that Rice’s 2005 campaign “made a big difference to someone like me.” He said that “Darden’s courage and leadership helped pave the way for Pinellas County to become one of the most welcoming counties in the state of Florida.”

Beckner cited her “critical understanding of complex issues that impact St. Petersburg and its surrounding communities.”

Among those issues are how local laws impact LGBTQ residents and visitors, measured annually by the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. The Human Rights Campaign has awarded St. Petersburg a perfect score since 2014 under its current mayor, who endorsed Welch July 19.

“Ken has been at this for a long time, always on the side of right,” Kriseman said July 19.

“Always fighting for what’s right – and doing so in a thoughtful, deliberate manner. His approach to issues is why he receives such broad support.

“Now more than ever – as cities contend with bigger and bigger issues – a steady hand is required to steer the ship,” he continued.

“We can’t risk going backwards.”

The first Black, openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature agreed. State Rep. Michele Rayner endorsed Welch July 26.

“Ken’s integrity and track record in service to our community speak for itself,” she shared. “He has helped make St. Petersburg a more vibrant city by celebrating our diversity and empowering people from every neighborhood and every walk of life.”

“Michele’s endorsement means the world to me,” Welch responded. “Her passion for St. Pete, the Sunshine State and the country is the true embodiment of the current and future generations of leadership – she’s a proven trailblazer.”

More than 20 LGBTQ advocates throughout the city followed Rayner’s lead July 27. They included Smith, who rescinded his support for Rice due to three campaign mailers sent by her political action committee.

The adverts sought to tie Welch to supporters of Donald Trump including Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who endorsed him.

They utilized photos of Rice’s supporters who are white but stock imagery of individuals who were Black, and one flier noted that Trump and Welch were “two of a kind… too extreme.”

Critics called the decision to use stock imagery racist while noting that Welch served as a delegate for President Joe Biden. Others saw the mailers as hypocritical, pointing out that Rice has also received Republican support.

They added that the candidate had also previously endorsed Robert Blackmon for City Council, who is now gaining traction as a fellow mayoral candidate. The Republican has previously voiced support for the LGBTQ community but some advocates have decried his own usage of political mailers.

One such mailer, paid for by his campaign, lists Blackmon as a “progressive voice.” The other was paid for by his PAC and promises to “stop the career politicians with crazy policies” while cautioning that “progressive policies may be closer than they appear.”

As for Rice, she apologized for utilizing stock imagery in her mailers. “I wanted to raise the real concern that my opponent … touted the endorsement of a sheriff who has stood with Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis and has carried out regressive policies that hurt our community,” she shared June 26. “But I obscured that message by using stock images instead of featuring Black community supporters. That was a mistake for which I apologize … I am taking these lessons with me throughout the rest of the campaign and as your next mayor.”

Critics noted that Rice did not address claims that Welch and Trump were similar, nor her own Republican support.

Watermark inquired about these concerns but the campaign declined to comment.

Following Rice’s apology, Welch was endorsed by the

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, a chapter of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus. The organization cited his longtime support for equality.

“Both of the top Democratic contenders in the mayoral race have excellent records on LGBTQ+ issues,” President Paul Ray said, “but the Stonewall Democrats believe that Ken Welch is the best candidate to unify St. Petersburg, break down barriers across our city’s diverse neighborhoods, and continue to move the city forward.

“We would also like to acknowledge our appreciation for the trailblazing nature of Council Member Darden Rice’s runs for office and her support of the LGBTQ+ community,” he added.

“I’m proud to be a tireless ally of the LGBTQ community,” Welch responded. “Throughout my time as an elected official, I’ve worked alongside leaders across the region to ensure equal rights for all residents. As mayor, I will continue our mission to be the most inclusive and progressive city for residents and visitors alike.”

When asked about the growing divide between LGBTQ advocates, Equality Florida says it isn’t unusual. Its PAC continues to support Rice.

“This election cycle we have strong Democrats with progressive voting records leading the pack, and that’s a good thing,” Saunders says. “From our founding Equality Florida Action PAC has been missioned to elect LGBTQ champions at every level of government, especially openly LGBTQ candidates with a strong record of service.

“We have endorsed Darden Rice in every race since her first historic run in 2005,” he continues. “She’s kept her promise every election and her victory would make her the first member of the LGBTQ community ever to serve as mayor of St. Petersburg and only the second woman.”

Mail voting is underway and voters may request a ballot before Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. or vote in person on Aug. 24. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the general election on Nov. 2.

For more information about Rice and her campaign, visit DardenRice.com. For more information about Welch and his, visit KenWelch.com.

LGBTQ CAREGIVER CENTER LAUNCHES IN TAMPA BAY Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA BAY | A startup focusing on holistic healthcare has launched a resource dedicated to serving LGBTQ caregivers across the country.

The LGBTQ Caregiver Center is an initiative of the Caregiver Wellness Collective Inc. The website launched last month “to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ caregivers and those who care for LGBTQ individuals.” It also works to “empower LGBTQ caregivers to live with pride and dignity and serve as a conduit for education, wellness, training and research.”

The effort is led by industry professionals and LGBTQ advocates who are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of caregivers in and outside of the community. Among them are longtime ally Jennifer Henius, Caregiver Wellness Collective’s founder and CEO, and Zander Keig, who is transgender. Both are licensed clinical social workers.“ “We support all caregivers,” Henius explains. “Family caregivers, chosen-family caregivers and medical professional caregivers. These caregivers share a lot in common ... I really wanted to create a place where they could come and learn about self-care tools.”

Those tools include yoga, meditation and more, programming designed to support those in need.

“Caregivers are really in a state of crisis right now,” Henius says.

According to the CDC, informal or unpaid caregivers like family members or friends “are the backbone of long-term care provided in people’s homes.” The agency has found that these individuals are at an increased risk for negative health consequences. Those concerns can be particularly true for LGBTQ caregivers, who become caregivers at a slightly higher rate than their non-LGBTQ peers.

It’s something Keig has experienced firsthand as the caregiver for his aging father. He notes that he and other members of the LGBTQ community face unique challenges in the role.

“I started my gender transition at age 39, and I’m assuming my father is going to reach a point where he’s going to forget I’m his son,” Keig explains. “He’s going to wonder where his daughter is, and so how is that going to work for him but also in the facility where he is? How is the staff going to handle it?”

To help answer questions like these, the new program will also focus on members of the LGBTQ community receiving care. The center provides cultural competency training for medical and human service providers.

“Caregiving is not simply an aging or elder issue,” Henius says. “The typical LGBTQ caregiver is just 42 years old and the numbers of millennial caregivers in increasing. LGBTQ caregivers need our support now more than ever.”

Read more at WatermarkOnline.com. For more information about the LGBTQ Caregiver Center, visit LGBTQCaregivers.org.

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

15

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

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MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. 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.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0369 04/21

BVYC0369_BIKTARVY_B_9-25X10-1_Watermark_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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5/6/21 10:52 AM

17

state news

INCARCERATION FOR HIV COSTS TAXPAYERS The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

N

ew analysis from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds that as many as 154 people have been incarcerated for HIV crimes in Florida, costing the state more than $12 million.

HIV criminalization is a term used to describe laws that either criminalize otherwise legal conduct or increase the penalties for illegal conduct based upon a person’s HIV-positive status. Florida has HIV-specific criminal laws that criminalize specific types of behaviors, such as sex work and blood donation.

Using data from the Florida Dept. of Corrections, researchers analyzed prison sentences stemming from the enforcement crimes between 1997 and 2020.

Findings show that Black people and women are disproportionately affected. Enforcement from 2018 to 2019 was the highest seen in Florida in a decade.

Read the full report at WilliamsInstitute.Law.UCLA.edu.

BUSINESSES CALL FOR PASSAGE OF EQUALITY ACT Tomás Diniz Santos

M

ore than 20 major businesses across Florida came together July 21 to urge Congress to pass the Equality Act in an open letter.

The federal legislation would add permanent protections for members of the LGBTQ community as well as people of color, women and people of all faiths.

“We as business owners, job creators, and community leaders in the state of Florida urge Congress to pass the Equality Act,” the letter opens. “We believe that all Americans deserve to be treated with respect, and valued as fellow countrymen, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our state has built itself to be naturally welcoming as the sunshine state and the home to so much hospitality. It is with that in mind that we ask for your support

and to update our federal laws to uphold these values.

Businesses and organizations who signed the letter include professional sports teams the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies, as well as Moffitt Cancer Center, Lyft, Airbnb, Citrix, BlueGrace Logistics, Carlton Fields, Office Depot and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

“Passage of the Equality Act isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do economically,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “As we recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the protections guaranteed under the Equality Act are vital for our state’s restaurant and hospitality industries to remain competitive and welcoming to all so that we can bring back our guests and

continue to rebuild and strengthen tourism in the Sunshine State.”

Of the 50 states in the U.S., 29 of them do not have laws that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Without the Equality Act, people in the LGBTQ community are “vulnerable” to being denied healthcare, removed from a jury and/or denied credit or federally funded services.

“As a nationwide employer, the current patchwork approach to nondiscrimination policies in this country creates unpredictability and uncertainty for businesses like ours that operate across multiple cities and states,” said Bobby Harris, President & CEO of BlueGrace Logistics.

Over 400 major U.S. businesses have endorsed the Equality Act, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Read the letter at FreedomForAllAmericans.org.

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nation+world news

REPORT: HATE CRIME LAWS LACK UNIFORMITY Wire Report

N

EW YORK | More than half a century since they were modernized, hate crime laws in the U.S. are inconsistent and provide incomplete methods for addressing bias-motivated violence, according to a new report by advocates for better protections.

The report, first shared with The Associated Press ahead of its July 28 release, is a comprehensive national review of hate crime laws that shows gaps and variances in the laws. Due to the complexity of hate violence, certain statutes meant to protect racial minorities and marginalized groups are less effective, as a consequence of bias in the criminal justice system, the report says.

The existing laws can even discourage hate crime victims from coming forward, advocates say in the report, which also cites widespread flaws in the collection and reporting of data.

“We really think this is the first report to bring together a state-by-state analysis along so many dimensions with a focus on racial justice and criminal justice

reform,” said Naomi Goldberg, LGBTQ program director for the Movement Advancement Project, which authored the report in partnership with over 15 national civil rights groups.

The coalition of civil rights organizations includes Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Goldberg described it as an unprecedented collaboration in the advocacy space.

The report includes a foreword

by Judy Shepard, president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, named for her son whose murder in 1998 led to LGBTQ protection in the federal legislation.

“Although we know that hate crime laws are important and have been successful in holding offenders accountable, we also know that they can and should be more impactful,” Shepard wrote in the foreword.

The report’s release comes after a more-than-yearlong focus on COVID-era hate violence directed at Asian Americans and Asian immigrants, and ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror

attacks, which saw an uptick in anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh attacks.

The FBI said the U.S. reached a 10-year high in reported hate crimes in 2019. Earlier this year, the SPLC said the number of active hate groups in the U.S. declined as far-right extremists migrated further to online networks that are harder to track.

The nation’s earliest protections against hate-motivated violence were passed after the Civil War, amid a rise in white supremacist violence against formerly enslaved Africans. Modernization of federal hate crime legislation happened in 1968, and has since expanded to 46 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arkansas, South Carolina and Wyoming are the only states without hate crime statutes.

In the report, advocates say current hate crime laws can be improved by shifting the focus away from strictly criminal punishment for violation of the statutes to allowing for remedies in civil court.

They also call for investment in the social safety net to help reduce poverty and vulnerability caused by systemic racism.

guilty. His defense lawyers said neither fatal overdose victim died from meth and that many of the alleged victims were drug addicts.

Buck’s attorneys — one of whom was a prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson case — did not immediately return a request for comment.

Buck’s 2019 arrest marked a turning point for activists who protested outside his apartment and pressured law enforcement to act after Moore died on Buck’s floor in 2017.

Even after Timothy Dean, 55, died 18 months later, it took another nine months and the near-death of another overdose victim before Buck was arrested in September 2019.

Family members and activists had pushed for Buck’s arrest

since Moore died. They said Buck escaped criminal charges for years because of wealth, political ties and race.

Buck is a wealthy white man who was active in gay causes and animal rights issues. He has given more than $500,000 to mostly Democratic politicians and causes since 2000.

Prosecutors say he exploited vulnerable men — most of them Black — by paying them to come to his home to use drugs and engage in sex play to satisfy a fetish. Many were destitute drug users who often worked as prostitutes to support their habit.

The defense contends all the men were at Buck’s apartment under their own will and that Moore and Dean did not die from methamphetamine.

DEMOCRATIC DONOR CONVICTED OF OFFERING DRUGS FOR SEX; 2 DIED Wire Report

L

OS ANGELES | A federal jury convicted a wealthy California political donor July 27 on charges he injected gay men with methamphetamine in exchange for sex, leading to two deaths and other overdoses.

Ed Buck, 66, was found guilty of all nine felony counts in federal court, which could lead to a life sentence. The verdict came exactly four years after one of the victims, 26-year-old Gemmel Moore, was found dead of an overdose in Buck’s West Hollywood apartment.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Prosecutors said Buck paid men and provided drugs in return for sex acts. Buck had pleaded not

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

IN OTHER NEWS BILL WOULD CREATE LGBTQ VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas introduced a bill that would create an LGBTQ veterans advisory committee at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The committee, among other things, would assess “the needs of LGBTQ+ veterans with respect to benefits and programs” the VA administers. The committee would also recommend “needed adjustments and improvements to best meet the needs of LGBTQ+ veterans.”

FEDERAL JUDGES BLOCK TRANS RESTRICTIONS IN 2 STATES Federal judges temporarily blocked an Arkansas law banning gender confirming treatments for transgender youth and a West Virginia ban on trans athletes in women’s sports July 21, two major victories for LGBTQ advocates against a wave of restrictions approved by Republican legislators. The laws were among several restrictions on transgender people’s rights that were enacted in Republican states this year.

SUSPECT CHARGED IN MURDER OF DC TRANS WOMAN Prince George’s County police announced July 21 that homicide investigators identified and filed murder charges against a 27-year-old District Heights, Maryland man for the July 17 homicide of transgender woman Taya Ashton, 20, who was found shot to death in her apartment in nearby Suitland, Maryland. In a statement, P.G. police said they charged DeAllen Davonta Price of District Heights with first-degree and second-degree murder and related charges in connection with Ashton’s death. According to the charging document, Price admitted to having an intimate relationship with Ashton the night of her murder and being at Ashton’s apartment. A bullet casing found at the victim’s apartment matched a gun found in the area Price was arrested.

CHILEAN SENATE APPROVES MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL The Chilean Senate on July 21 approved a bill that would extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

The vote took place less than a month after President Sebastián Piñera announced he supports marriage equality and urged lawmakers in the South American country to quickly act on the issue. The bill now goes to the Chilean House of Representatives. Same-sex couples have been able to enter into civil unions in Chile since 2015. The Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation, a Chilean LGBTQ advocacy group, in 2012 filed a lawsuit with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on behalf of three same-sex couples who were seeking marriage rights in the country.

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viewpoint

Jerick Mediavilla

#LOVEHANDLIN Conflict

F

OR GENERATIONS,

humanity has gone through insurmountable experiences that question our very own existence.

When thinking of the conflicts humanity has witnessed — either in recent years or served through the eyes of history — it is easy to succumb to the idea that we humans are a vindictive and callous species.

It reminds me of a famous line from Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot”: “Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot.”

When we think of conflict, our sometimes fatalistic brains usually turn to images of those externalized experiences between countries, communities or groups; ideas of genocide, war, violence and pain seem to accompany these unavoidable experiences. However, I would like to invite you to reflect upon what comes up within ourselves when we talk about conflict.

Sometimes it is not as easy to identify.

Throughout my many exchanges with individuals, either through my professional career as an educator or my many social interactions, I have understood that we humans have a tendency to always look for an external source in which we can deposit our trust, fears, hopes and, in many cases, our individual responsibilities. Today, rather than running away from natural predators in the wild, our natural fear to be guilted into uncomfortable situations we may have created, deprive us from actually facing that which makes us an adaptable species; we are always avoiding judgment, but it is precisely the first thing we do when presented with a conflict: judge.

It is not unnatural to use judgment when presented with a situation in which we are either invited to or forced to take a side, but the problematic nature of judging every single thing around us has traditionally been based on a dualistic perception that, when conflict arises, it is either right or wrong; no more options. Just day or night, sweet or bitter, you’re either with us or against us. To me, this lazy and limiting scope is what brings us to feel conflicted, because the reality is that everywhere we look, there are always more than two shades of the same

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

color, shape, taste and, of course, reasoning.

Now, take a moment to think about how our brains may have evolved from this dualistic framework. We have pairs of nearly everything in our bodies, from our DNA to the hemispheres of the brain. The reality

facing unemployment and homelessness. The professor has no choice but to go live with his mother and get a job at a local high school as a philosophy teacher.

On his first day in the school, he invites the reluctant group of teenagers to exercise around the

source of the conflict. We can justify our responses to our biological nature as mentioned above, but in the case of humans we can never deny our animalistic nature; but we will always be animals who have the capacity and can choose to be reasonable.

created by our senses mostly filters information into two categories, so we are biologically subjected to extrapolate this duality into what we perceive through our senses. Realistically, we encourage our minds to only judge what is presented to us from a simplistic perception that is in many ways flawed since it excludes so many experiences, variables and details that give rise to never ending conflicts, around and within us.

When faced with this predominantly patriarchal mentality, there is an exercise I want to invite you to consider. When presented with an idea that wreaks havoc in your normalized patterns, try to seek the source of the conflict rather than reacting immediately to what is coming at you. A few years ago, I binge-watched a Spanish series on one of the more renowned streaming platforms, in which a philosophy professor is forced to resign,

school. He takes them to the school’s cafeteria where they continuously loop around the prepping table until they get fed up with it. As they stop, one of the students asks the professor “Is everybody capable of philosophizing?”

The professor stood speechless for a couple of minutes, the students grew anxious and began questioning why he was not able to respond quickly. The professor then said “I stood silently for two reasons: first, to think about how to respond, and second, to prove that when one thinks, people give you the side-eye.

Isn’t it more censurable to react unreasonably rather than reflect before acting?”

This is the problem when we have been socialized to react instead of using our biology to listen and reflect upon our actions and words. The majority of conflicts around us begin when someone decides to act instead of reflecting on what is truly creating the

I believe we humans exist on this Earth to face this dualistic reality in order to feel the limitations this represents, how much more capable we are in understanding various shades of circumstances and solving any conflict presented to us. If we choose to only react to the stimuli around us, either through the news, social media or whatever authority figure we rescind our decisions to, we move further away from the liberating experience given by reason.

In conflict, I invite you to always follow our basic biology in which we have been given two ears and only one mouth; this is a testament to the perfect start to what a life without conflict looks like. A world where we stop the chatter, the gossip and the judgment, and we start to listen more, feel more and understand the source of pain rather than running away from it. Only this will grant us peace.

In conflict, I invite you to always follow our basic biology in which we have been given two ears and only one mouth.

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viewpoint

Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw

QUEERLY BELOVED It’s Not Downhill from Here

A

FEW YEARS AGO, MY

husband and I went on a pilgrimage with a small group of friends. We journeyed by foot for 115 miles of the historic pilgrim route, el Camino de Santiago, in Spain.

One day, we faced our steepest trail. It was muddy, difficult and to be honest, miserable. But it was worth it because we anticipated getting up the mountain, then the rest of that day’s walking would be easy. The whole way up, our mantra became: “it’ll be all downhill soon.”

We were wrong. We got to the top and instead of a leisurely hike down, we discovered our journey was going to take us downhill for a little while, but then up an even steeper and more difficult trail. Lately I have been reminded of that gut-wrenching discovery. Maybe recently you have also experienced this feeling.

I think that many of us have spent much of the last year and a half with the same naïveté of my hiking companions and I on our journey up the mountain. As a culture, we told ourselves that once we got vaccines, once businesses reopened, once things looked “normal” again, it would all be downhill and easy from there.

We thought that at this point in the pandemic, we would easily be coasting comfortably to normalcy.

Instead, what we see in front of us is not a downhill leisurely stroll, but rather another mountain to climb.

Nothing in my training as a pastor prepared me to lead a church through a pandemic such as this. Nothing as a parent prepared me for raising teenagers through this time. I’m guessing that nothing in your training for your job, or in your personal life, prepared you for this

kind of a pandemic either.

Here we are, ready for the downhill time, ready to rest, to coast, to recover. So why are we finding it so hard, after so much anticipation of ease?

On the one hand, we can talk about vaccine hesitancy and other factors that are continuing to spread the virus itself. But even if COVID magically disappeared tomorrow and we no longer had to worry about variants and breakthrough infections, we would still find ourselves climbing yet another mountain.

Until we grapple with the losses we have endured, we will not be able to discover normalcy in our lives. I am not only referring to the direct loss of life to COVID. We have all carried the burden of this public health crisis. As LGBTQ+ people, we experience loss and trauma differently. This is not the first public health crisis that has devastated our lives. As a community our cultural milieu was fundamentally shaped by the HIV/ AIDS crisis.

In this pandemic, again, we have sacrificed, we have struggled, and we changed nearly everything about our lives. This time around, we have learned to do our jobs in new ways, we have learned to shape ourselves into new people.

Each of us experiences this differently. Some of us live in households with multiple people, in which we have rarely had moments alone or the luxury of an uninterrupted train of thought. Others were thrown into gut-wrenching solitude, from which they are only now starting to emerge.

We look to our history for ideas. What our community learned during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic was to pull together, to join, to physically be with one another, hold each other, cry together, fight for our lives together. In this pandemic we have learned to stay apart.

While epidemiologically necessary and absolutely the right thing to do, the impact

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of this distance on all of us is likely greater than we realize.

Now we need to relearn connection. If you aren’t feeling ready to socialize in person, please do whatever you need to do to feel safe, but still connect. Connection does not have to be in person, but it does have to happen.

So many things have been postponed. Weddings, parties, and celebrations have been scaled down, cancelled or put on hold. We have nearly forgotten how to celebrate with one another.

This very month, we should be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the

Whether you attend MCC Tampa or some other faither community, now is the time to participate – online or in-person. Religion isn’t for you? No problem, now is the time to join or rejoin whatever social club or community helps you feel grounded and connected.

Even for us introverts, the only way to find healing from this ongoing stressful time in our lives is to connect.

founding of the church where I serve as a pastor, the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa, the first LGBTQ-affirming organization in the Tampa Bay area. Don’t worry, friends, we will still be having a huge party, but we’ll be doing it in January. Because now we are focusing on rebuilding and reconnecting.

Now we are focusing on healing.

Now is the time to acknowledge that while this journey through pandemic life is not over, it is not all downhill from here.

But as we approach this second mountain, let’s not do it alone.

This is not the first public health crisis that has devastated our lives.

I know that you might be exhausted. As we come back together in society more and more, it can be very overwhelming. Now is not the time to pull back.

Now is not the time to skip out on chances to find and join community.

Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw is the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa, MCCTampa.com. He and his husband are the proud fathers of two wonderful children.

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talking points

AT LEAST

I feel incredibly proud to say that I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion. When I was younger I didn’t think I’d ever achieve anything because of who I was.

168

– TOM DALEY, AFTER WINNING SYNCHRONIZED DIVING OLYMPIC GOLD

BLOOM MAKES ‘SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’ HISTORY

A

CTOR AND MODEL LEYNA BLOOM HAS BECOME THE FIRST TRANSGENDER WOMAN to be featured on the cover of “Sports Illustrated” for its iconic swimsuit issue, dated Aug. 2021. The 27-year-old Chicago native was also featured in Vogue India in 2017 and 2019 and reflected on the cover’s release via social media July 19. “This moment heals a lot of pain in the world,” she shared. “We deserve this moment; we have waited millions of years to show up as survivors and be seen as full humans filled with wonder.” Bloom specifically thanked Sports Illustrated, its team and editor for recognizing the importance of representation. “I dedicate this cover to all ballroom femme queens past, present and future,” she wrote. “This historical moment is important to #girlslikeus because it allows us to live and be seen.”

OPENLY LGBTQ

ATHLETES

WENT TO TOKYO FOR THE

2020 OLYMPIC GAMES, 3 TIMES MORE THAN IN 2016.

BELL’S STORY BROUGHT TO SILVER SCREEN

T

HE MARK WAHLBERG-LED “JOE BELL,” a true story about a father who walks across America to honor his late gay son Jadin, opened in theaters July 23. The teenager died by suicide in 2013 and inspired a national conversation about bullying LGBTQ youth. The film was directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who said Wahlberg and actor Reid Miller – who plays Jadin – “connected in a way that felt like real life.”

Miller reflected on how close he had become with his co-star while noting that “I did my best to portray [my character] as authentically as I could while remembering that it’s not necessarily my job to bring him back but to give his family and friends a piece of him back. I feel like we did that.”

CARLILE’S ALBUM INSPIRED BY ISOLATION

G

RAMMY-WINNING MUSICIAN BRANDI CARLILE announced her new album July 21, available this Fall. The openly LGBTQ singer-songwriter said that “In These Silent Days,” her 10-song follow up to her 2018 album was inspired by being in isolation during the pandemic with bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth.

“Never before have the twins and I written an album during a time of such uncertainty and quiet solitude,” Carlile said. “I never imagined that I’d feel so exposed and weird as an artist without the armor of a costume, the thrill of an applause and the platform of the sacred stage.” Carlile also released the video for the album’s first single, “Right On Time,” directed by “Friends” star Courtney Cox.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FARROW’S REPORTING CONTINUES WITH SERIES

P

ULITZER PRIZE-WINNING JOURNALIST RONAN FARROW continues his reporting on Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s rape and sexual assault allegations with a new HBO documentary series. “Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes” is a six-part documentary created around the recordings of Farrow’s 12-episode podcast, “The Catch and Kill Podcast with Ronan Farrow,” which is based on Farrow’s 2019 best-selling book, “Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.”

It details his groundbreaking reporting and investigation, which helped to kickstart the #MeToo movement. The series features interviews with whistleblowers, journalists and more. All episodes are now available on HBO Max.

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Rising

Numbers Florida goes into crisis mode as COVID cases skyrocket Jeremy Williams

“W

E ARE NOW IN

crisis mode,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings during a press conference July 26 as he spoke about the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Central Florida. “Now these numbers are extraordinary. We are seeing nearly 1,000 new cases in Orange County daily. Those are the numbers we saw at the highest peak last year.”

Cases are up in every county across Florida. According to a county-by-county tracking map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 30, every county in the state except for one is in the red, or High Level of Community Transmission.

Glades County currently sits in orange, or Substantial Level of Community Transmission.

Alan Harris, the Chief Administrator for the Office of Emergency Management in Seminole County, says the current increase in positive COVID-19 cases may be tied to the recent Fourth of July holiday weekend.

“So after holidays, we always expect a slight uptick in cases,” Harris says. “We saw that last year right after Memorial Day. We’ve seen it, of course, after Christmas

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and New Year’s and we’re seeing it now.”

Harris says what is different this time from previous spikes after holidays is there are limited mitigation efforts that are taking place.

“After Memorial Day and July 4th of last year, we had mask mandates and there were not large events going on, there weren’t places to congregate as much. The virus didn’t have the ability to continue to grow in the community because there just really wasn’t a lot of opportunities for it to grow,” Harris says. “We have no mask mandates now. Everything is open 100%. So really, there’s very limited mitigation other than vaccines. Now vaccines have helped to keep the numbers a little bit lower.

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| uu | Rising Numbers FROM PG.27

numbers would look like had we not had vaccines.”

Another reason for the increased numbers, the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is much more transmissible and has become the dominant strain in many countries, including the U.S. The first Delta case was identified in December 2020, and the strain spread rapidly, soon becoming the dominant strain of the virus in both India and then Great Britain. By July, Delta was the cause of more than 80% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC. According to research by Yale Medicine, the Delta variant is spreading 50% faster than the Alpha variant, the strain that first appeared in Great Britain, which was 50% more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19.

“In a completely unmitigated environment—where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks—it’s estimated that the average person infected with the original coronavirus strain will infect 2.5 other people,” said F. Perry Wilson, MD, a Yale Medicine epidemiologist in an interview with YaleMedicine. org. “In the same environment, Delta would spread from one person to maybe 3.5 or 4 other people.”

According to CNN, The CDC — in an internal document — warns that the Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox, has a longer transmission window and may make older people sicker, even if they’re fully vaccinated. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky confirmed the authenticity of the document to CNN, which was first reported by The Washington Post.

With increasing numbers and the Delta variant being the dominate strain in the U.S., one might think shutdowns similar to last year would be on the horizon but that most likely will not happen in Florida, Harris says.

“So we have seen some of those types of mitigation efforts occur in other states and really other countries to stop the spread of the virus,” he says.

“What we’re hearing from the state of Florida and then based on the new state of Florida

EXECUTIVE DECISION: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings signs Executive Order 2021-24, declaring a State of Local Emergency for Orange County July 28. PHOTO FROM ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS’ TWITTER ACCOUNT

law, we do not see any way that mitigation efforts legally could occur. So we don’t see the lockdowns occurring. We don’t see the mask mandates.”

The “new state of Florida law” Harris mentioned was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May and went into effect

“Our part in this has always been education, he says. “When we have issued mandatory evacuations for hurricanes, we’ve never arrested anyone because they didn’t evacuate.

We’ve never gone to a mobile home or manufactured home and rip someone out of their

still have the right to decide if their customers need to wear masks, and many companies are reinstituting their mask mandates. Along with many local restaurants, shops and offices, Walt Disney World has stepped up as the largest company in Central Florida

We have no mask mandates now. Everything is open 100%. So really, there’s very limited mitigation other than vaccines. Now vaccines have helped to keep the numbers a little bit lower. I don’t even know what the numbers would look like had we not had vaccines.

— ALAN HARRIS, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN SEMINOLE COUNTY July 1, and gives DeSantis sweeping powers to invalidate local emergency measures put in place during the pandemic — including mask mandates, limitations on business operations and the shuttering of schools. At the time he signed the new law, DeSantis also nullified all local emergency orders relating to the pandemic and waived all fines issued by local governments relating to COVID-19.

Harris says that the use of mitigation efforts such as mask mandates, shutdowns and reduced crowd sizes at events — like the ones used last year — are not used to try and get “anyone in trouble.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

house. We’ve never done any of that. The mask mandate was the same thing. We’ve never written a citation. We had no intention of doing anything like that. We wanted people to understand the gravity of the situation and that there are fatalities occurring and how just like if it was a hurricane and you stay in your home, there’s a possibility you could die if you’re in a mobile home or if you’re in a flood-prone area. There’s a possibility you could die if you don’t wear a mask and you’re not vaccinated.”

While mask mandates cannot be implemented by local governments, businesses

to require face masks to be worn when indoors at its parks or on Disney transportation, regardless of vaccination status.

Something else that has local officials worried, the Delta surge is overwhelming hospitals across the entire state again.

“Our hospitals are extremely busy,” Harris notes. “AdventHealth put out information that they were in what they call Code Red. We had reports from a neighboring hospital, Halifax, that’s also experiencing that.

Orlando Health is experiencing a very high number of COVID patients and Hospital Corporation of America, which

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runs two hospitals here in Seminole County — Central Florida Regional, which is a trauma center, and Oviedo Hospital — both of those are extremely busy with COVID-19 patients now.”

After our interview with Harris, AdventHealth — Central Florida’s largest hospital chain — said as of July 30 there were more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients in their hospitals across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Volusia and Flagler counties prompting them to escalate to Code Black. More than 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, AdventHealth stated.

Harris added, “There at capacity but they have backup plans to open up extra wings, things like that, but it does take a lot of resources to do that.”

Those resources are coming from other areas of the hospital which puts a strain on everyone in the hospital regardless of why they are there.

“It’s not just for COVID. Heaven forbid a family member has a heart attack or a stroke or something like that. We want the nurses and the doctors to be available and proficient. We don’t want them to be exhausted while they’re treating other patients because they are working extra hours to cover COVID patients,” Harris says.

While we make our way through this surge, Harris says there are things everyone needs to make sure they are doing, and they are the same things that were being advised over the last year and half when case numbers surged.

“Number one, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, do it,” Harris says. “ Also, think about where you’re going to go and if there’s going to be large groups, and know that facial coverings and masks are a good idea. I’m already seeing that people in grocery stores and restaurants are now wearing facial masks and coverings more so than two weeks ago. That’s a good thing.

People are seeing the news.

They are understanding what’s going on.”

To find out where you can get a free COVID-19 vaccine in your area, go to FloridaHealth.gov.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

TODRICK HALL’S NEW ALBUM EMBRACES THE

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Gregg Shapiro

S THERE ANYTHING PERFORMER

PHOTO COURTESY JPLA MEDIA

Todrick Hall can’t do? He sings. He dances. He writes. He acts on Broadway, in movies and on television. He’s also an outspoken activist with some well-known friends.

On his blockbuster new album “Femuline,” he is joined by all-star collaborators including Chaka Khan, Brandy, Tyra Banks and Ts Madison. Deemed by the artist as an “open love letter to the LGBTQ community,” its queer energy and spirit are through the roof.

Following its release, Watermark spoke with Hall about embracing both his feminine and masculine sides and more.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

WATERMARK: YOUR ALBUM’S TITLE COMES THROUGH LOUD AND CLEAR ON THE SONG “BOTH.” HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS TO BE VERSATILE AND FLEXIBLE IN LIFE AND IN LOVE?

I think that it was something that was so scary for me. Even if you’re a proud number of the LGBTQ community, there are so many rules even within that community that have already

FEMININE AND MASCULINE been so shunned and judged and put into boxes, that we as a community oftentimes put ourselves in. Oftentimes somebody who blurs with the feminine side, at least publicly, gets shunned and becomes less desirable to other men that are in the gay community.

That was a part of being in the community that I was super insecure about. In my relationships, I never wanted the guys that I was dating to see me having heels or wigs around.

I know a couple of guys who told me when people come over for dates they hide their heels. It was such a sad part of our community.

I think writing an anthem that made people feel comfortable and confident about that aspect

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of being gay was something that was really important. I wrote that song and it is actually my favorite song. I think it’s such a powerful song. There aren’t many songs you can ride where you can say there’s no other song like this.

As far as I know, there are no other songs that tackle that topic.

I’m grateful that people have gravitated towards that song in the way they have.

“FEMULINE” WAS RELEASED IN PRIDE MONTH, WHEN JUNETEENTH WAS ALSO ESTABLISHED AS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE TWO EVENTS HAPPENING CONCURRENTLY?

I think that is so important.

I had a close friend who didn’t know what Juneteenth was. It was somebody who I would consider to be typically “woke” and aware of everything that’s happening, but I think a lot of times – even people who are part of the Black community – have celebrated Juneteenth for so long but didn’t really know what its origin was.

A lot of people who celebrate Pride month never knew why Pride existed. They don’t know anything about Stonewall or anything that has happened in the gay community.

What’s so incredible about social media and the platforms that people have to receive information is that some people are educating themselves on things that they would not normally be introduced to, because their school districts are too conservative to give them that information. I’m happy that both of those things are being presented in a way that is easily digestible to people who might not get that information in other places. This is the first year that I realized that Pride Month and Juneteenth were in the same month. I grew up celebrating Juneteenth every year of my life.

I wasn’t an open member of the gay community at that point. It’s a beautiful month for me … it’s been incredible to be able to come into my own and embrace the two things about me that people have used to criticize me and put me down my entire life.

THE DIVAS CAME OUT TO PLAY ON “FEMULINE,” BEGINNING WITH CHAKA KHAN. HOW DID THIS COLLABORATION COME ABOUT?

Chaka Khan and I did “The Color Purple” on Broadway in

2007 or 2008. She didn›t actually remember that I was in the ensemble because she was only in it for such a brief amount of time, but I’ve always had such a huge love for her. When you hear someone sing eight shows a week on a Broadway stage it lets you have a huge amount of respect for their instrument and their gift.

Undeniably, it was like a gift when she walked into the room to sing “Fabulosity.” She needed no warmups. She just said, “Press record and let’s go.” (Laughs.) It was incredible to watch … one of those moments in my life where I was like, “This is iconic!” To be able to soak up her energy and listen to her stories from being a legend and working with people that to me are like figments of my imagination.

throughout my entire life. To get to work with her is game-changing.

That movie is what planted the seed in me that made me want to be a Broadway performer and pursue dancing and singing. In a lot of ways, Brandy has been an icon to me my whole life. She’s now a mentor to me and in some weird way, she is my fairy godmother the way Whitney Houston was her fairy godmother in that movie, and in real life.

In so many chapters in my life, I’ve gone through things that celebrities or public figures go through that you can’t really get advice from your close friends, because it’s something that are unimaginable experiences and heartaches and back-stabbings that I’ve gone through. Brandy has been somebody who, if you

It’s just so much fun and it allows me to express myself in ways I’ve never been able to before. I love that it’s constantly evolving. I just live for fashion!

I was so grateful that Tyra Banks found the time to squeeze me into what I’m sure was her crazy schedule.

THE ALBUM ALSO FEATURES TS MADISON.

She is a superstar and has been doing so many things to break down barriers and boundaries.

Things that, at the time, could have seemed like a grotesque statement, but looking back at it now in 2021, you look at the things that she’s done and she’s always been trailblazing and standing up for people who are in that category that people didn’t understand.

In 2021, when we have all the technology in the world and can fly people to outer space ... the fact that we have not advanced to the place where men can sing to other men on the radio ... is a sad thing.

— TODRICK HALL To talk to someone who knew Prince or knew Luther Vandross or was friends with Whitney Houston was a remarkable thing that a lot of people don’t get to experience. That was eye-opening and life-changing for me and one of those like bucket list things, a milestone in my career that I’ll never forget.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH BRANDY?

Brandy and I have been friends for a while. It’s really cool to work with Chaka Khan, but to be in the presence of Brandy is otherworldly to me. She was the first Black princess [in 1997’s “Cinderella”] that I saw and one of the first times I realized how beautiful a Black woman could be.

I had seen many beautiful Black women around me growing up, but to watch all of the characters and of all the ethnicities be obsessed with how gorgeous she was when she walked into the ball – I didn’t realize how impactful that would be for me.

Not just at that moment, being a kid in fifth or sixth grade, but

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look through her career, she has gone through such tragic things so many times and she’s come through victorious, and still her voice shines. She’s been able to give me some lifelong advice that has helped me. She’s not just somebody that I collaborate with, she’s somebody I consider to be a very good, close friend.

TYRA BANKS JOINS YOU ON “FASHION.” WHAT ROLE DOES FASHION PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

It’s everything to me. When I grew up, I used to try to fit into the status quo and wear the things that young Black boys were supposed to wear in Texas at that time. It took me a while. I’ve made some questionable fashion choices.

My mom called me at one point and asked, “Why do you have to wear waffles and ice cream on your head?” I think it was a form of expression for me to scream out and stick out from the crowd ... I always wanted to wear things that were one of a kind and you wouldn’t even know where to where to get it from.

She’s been somebody who’s been unapologetically herself for so long. She’s given so many people the confidence to walk in her footsteps. I just think she’s incredible. She’s such a badass.

That term gets thrown and stamped onto people who I don’t feel possess that badass energy.

But Ts Madison is the definition of what it means to be badass after living her truth, even if everybody doesn’t understand it. I just love that! I’m so grateful that she was willing to join me and the cast of characters on this album. (Laughs.)

To have a trans woman of color on the album is revolutionary. For her to sing on that song, specifically, is boundary-pushing. I’m so here for the fact that I got to work with her. I hope this is the first of many times because I love her energy.

“RAININ’ FELLAS” IS YOUR HOMAGE TO “IT’S RAINING MEN”

BY THE WEATHER GIRLS. THEY GOT THEIR START WITH OPENLY LGBTQ PERFORMER SYLVESTER. HOW MUCH OF AN INFLUENCE WOULD YOU SAY THAT HE HAD ON YOU?

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A couple of years ago, I went down this rabbit hole and I started watching interviews with Sylvester’s parents and his closest friends. I saw how groundbreaking he was. The fact that he took his head voice, which a lot of people don’t have or shy away from. There are few acts that have become known and synonymous for singing in their head voice, but it was similar to the way that Prince sang. It crossed the boundaries of masculinity and femininity, which I think is what this entire movement is about.

And the clothes that Sylvester wore! I think he was so fabulous!

I wish that I could go back in time and have met him. I hope that someday I’m able to work on a project or something that is a tribute to him. I think he was one of the most trailblazing people.

I don’t know any other LGBTQ people who have been able to break into mainstream radio; I think Sylvester is the only person that I know that has been able to successfully do that because of his talent and his gift. I’m a huge fan of Sylvester. I wish that more people knew about how legendary he was and how difficult it was for him to do what he did at the time that he did.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RAPID STRIDES THE COMMUNITY HAS MADE IN RECENT YEARS?

It makes me feel optimistic about where the world is going, but I feel like we’re nowhere near where we need to be. As a queer person in 2021, I don’t think I can list you a single song where a man is singing to another man using a pronoun that would typically be used to describe a man. In 2021, when we have all the technology in the world and we can fly people to outer space … the fact that we have not yet advanced to the place where men can sing to other men on the radio without it being a subliminal thing ... is a sad thing.

I’m grateful for the strides that we’ve made, but we’re nowhere near where we need to be in normalizing being a part LGBTQ community. That is my goal with every project that I do.

To introduce my music and my message not just to people who are from my community, but to the allies and people who are heterosexual fans and followers that happened to tumble across my videos on YouTube.

Todrick Hall’s “Femuline” is available now wherever music is streamed and sold.

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GENERATION RADIO

Featuring Legends from Journey, Chicago & Rascal Flatts

August 14

Air Supply November 12

S U P P O RT E D BY

Mary Chapin Carpenter, Marc Cohn & Shawn Colvin November 13

SUPPORTED BY

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Enjoy dinner and drinks delivered to your box at our revamped outdoor venue.

Big Band Holidays

December 4

The Temptations & The Four Tops December 9

The lineup keeps growing:

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FRONTYARDFESTIVAL.ORG Mainstage at Senee Arts Plaza

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David Foster D ecember 11

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POP CULTURE

The Path of Con

MegaCon returns to Orlando with a mega-inclusive pop culture convention

(ABOVE)

SUPER FANS:

Fans from a variety of pop culture genres come out to MegaCon dressed as their favorite characters.

PHOTO COURTESY MEGACON ORLANDO

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Jeremy Williams

FTER BEING FORCED TO CANCEL LAST

year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MegaCon Orlando is returning in full force with four days of pop culture fandoms from the worlds of comics, anime, gaming, TV, film, voice acting, cosplay and so much more at the Orange County Convention Center Aug. 12-15.

“The purpose we sort of work toward through all of our events is this element of discover, celebrate, belong,” says Andrew Moyes, Fan Expo HQ vice president. “Pop culture conventions have, since their inception, been places where fans who are passionate about certain genres can find a really safe place to come and celebrate with each other and not feel like outliers.”

MegaCon has been providing that space for its fans since the early 1990s and is now one of the largest conventions in Central Florida,

bringing tens of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars in revenue to The City Beautiful.

The message of “discover, celebrate, belong” was something MegaCon wanted to resonate with everyone attending its event, including the LGBTQ community, which led them to partner for the first time with the LGBT+ Center Orlando on a project at the convention.

“MegaCon reached out to us several months ago,” says Dr. George Wallace, executive director of The Center

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Orlando. “They had done an inclusive space at another MegaCon event in a different city and they wanted to see if we were willing to partner with them.”

“This ‘discover, celebrate, belong’ philosophy is a theme across all of our events so we work where we can with certain partners to champion it,” Moyes says. “Over the last few years, society has really embraced the convention and it has become more mainstream but it’s still a great opportunity to provide everyone with a safe space to come and celebrate their fandom, and that’s what we’re doing with this inclusive space.”

The inclusive space at this year’s MegaCon will be a 20 ft. x 20 ft. space called the Garden Cafe and will be attended to by The Center Orlando.

“It will be decorated with garden gnomes, there’ll be places to sit and we will be there providing information on The Center and we’ll have swag for visitors,” Wallace says. “It’s a safe space to come and hang out that will be open to everyone.”

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Along with a safe space to relax and meet new friends from Middle Earth to a galaxy far, far away and everywhere in between, visitors will also be able to share where they are visiting from and what they love about their hometown with The Center’s interactive “Love Makes the World Go Round.”

“Our activity map is 20 feet long and 8 feet tall,” says Marshall Turner, The Center’s volunteer coordinator and the person who is behind most of the interactive map’s creative work.

“The idea is that with custom printed sticky notes, you share something about your life that you love. Your hometown, your favorite restaurant, your favorite organization, anything that sparks love and joy in you. Then place it on the map from wherever you are visiting from.”

The map will display the entire world but emphasizes the U.S., Canada and Florida based on where they anticipate travelers will be coming from. The custom sticky notes will feature a rainbow-colored circle with The Center logo on it.

“It’s a space where people can come and share a love story and speak to something that is special to them,” Moyes says. “I think it’s even more empowering for the fans to have a key partner like The Center backing the space for us.”

When MegaCon reached out to The Center this year, Wallace says agreeing to partner with them was a no brainer.

“The reach of MegaCon is pretty amazing,” he says. “I know a lot of people that do cosplay and go to MegaCon are a part of the LGBTQ community or are an ally who believes in inclusion. It helps us spread the message of what The Center is and what The Center does and how they can get involved or see if they need our services.”

While this is the first time The Center Orlando is partnering with MegaCon, it isn’t the first time the southeast’s largest pop culture fan convention has stood with the LGBTQ community. During MegaCon Orlando 2017, the organization partnered with DC Comics’ Marc Amdreyko and held the Love is Love project, a series of events honoring the victims of the Pulse tragedy. The project raised more than $18,000 for Equality Florida.

Along with offering inclusive, safe spaces to all its visitors, MegaCon also says it will be offering a safe and healthy space as well, noting they are well aware of the rising COVID-19 case numbers in Florida.

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Titian & Rembrandt & Botticelli & Rubens September 25, 2021 Titian (Tiziano Vecelio), Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, 1539, oil on canvas, 71 x 58 x 4 in. (framed). William S. Todd, G.P., Dossett Enterprises, LLC, and The Titian-Mantua Group, LLC.

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BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE: Tens of thousands of fans, and their pets, come out to the Orange County Convention Center every year dressed in ellaborate cosplay. PHOTOS COURTESY MEGACON ORLANDO

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“Over the last 16 months, even though we hate to do it, we have postponed when we needed to because everyone needs to do their part,” Moyes says. “Same things applies to our Aug. 12-15 event. We are working with all of the key stakeholders, watching all developments and we are going to act accordingly. Currently all measures we have in place are in line with the local government officials and recommendations and will continue to evolve to stay in line with those guidelines to provide a safe event for everyone to come enjoy.”

MegaCon’s website lists its COVID-19 guidelines which include mandatory wearing of masks when you come to the convention.

They are also asking attendees to work to keep socially distanced from others outside of their group when and where they can, stay home if you are not feeling well and of course wash and sanitize your hands.

For their part, Wallace says The Center will be following all CDC recommendations within the

Garden Cafe and will have plenty of hand sanitizer and disposable masks for anyone who wants to use them.

“We are not taking COVID lightly but at the end of the day, we are going to be there and we are going to provide the services that they asked us to,” he says. “We are taking all the extra precautions we need to and we are looking forward to having an impact on MegaCon.”

WHO WILL BE AT MEGACON

One of the biggest draws every year at MegaCon are the celebrity guests that attend.

“There is nothing like seeing a fan when they meet their hero,” Moyes says. “There is nothing more gratifying and we sit around and talk about these memories.

I remember the look of fans when they met the legendary Stan Lee. You just can’t buy that kind of magical moment, it’s just priceless.”

With MegaCon covering multiple genres of pop culture, the celebrities reflect that as well.

Trekkies will have the opportunity to meet two legendary “Star Trek” performers – William

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Shatner and George Takei. Shatner became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the original “Star Trek” series as well as starring in the first seven film’s in the popular sci-fi property.

Takei not only starred opposite Shatner in the original “Star Trek” television series and films, but became a social media icon and LGBTQ activist when he publicly came out as gay in 2005. Shatner is scheduled to be in attendance Aug. 12 and 13 while Takei will be greeting fans Aug. 14 and 15.

If your “Star” fandom ends with a “Wars” rather than a “Trek,” you’ll be happy to know that Giancarlo Esposito, Moff Gideon from “The Mandalorian” will be at this year’s MegaCon. Fans of AMC’s hit shows “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” will also recognize Esposito as Gus Fring. Esposito will be at the convention Aug. 14 and 15.

Fans of Marvel and DC Comics will have several celebrities to see from both film and television.

Ray Fisher, Cyborg from “Justice League”; Danielle Panabaker, Killer Frost from The CW’s “The Flash”; and Michael Rooker, Yondu Udonta from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will all be signing autographs Aug. 14 and 15. Stephen Amell, Green Arrow from The CW’s “Arrow,”

and Ron Pearlman, the titular character from Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy” films will be in attendance Aug. 14 only.

Hollywood heavy hitter Brendan Fraser – star of “The Mummy” film series, “Gods and Monsters” opposite Sir Ian McKellen, Robotman in the HBOMax series “Doom Patrol” and Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming film “The Whale,” in which he plays a reclusive, openly gay English teacher suffering from severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter – will be meeting fans Aug. 14.

MegaCon will also be reuniting cast members from some of your favorite TV shows, including Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, David Koechner and Oscar Nuñez from “The Office”; Perlman, Mark Boone Jr. and Ryan Hurst from “Sons of Anarchy”; Kevin Alejandro and DB Woodside from “Lucifer”; “Christopher Eccleston and John Barrowman from “Doctor Who”; and Bob Saget, Dave Couler and John Stamos from “Full House.”

Along with celebrities, attendees will also have the opportunity to meet dozens of voice actors, comic creators,

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cosplayers, gamers and tattoo artists.

“What we pride ourselves on at MegaCon and across our HQ shows is that we have multi-genre fans,” Moyes says. “You don’t just have someone who comes in and loves comics or sci-fi or anime, so we really put a lot of effort into creating fillers with each of those genres, you find that someone might come in as a cosplay fan who leaves as a cosplay fan who also loves comics. That sense of collaboration and that sense of community is really driven by how we approach our genres and how inclusive we make the consumption of all those genres so that everyone feels like they are welcome to participate.”

MegaCon Orlando will be held at the Orange County Convention Center and kicks off Aug. 12 from 4-9 p.m. and continues Aug. 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and concludes Aug. 15 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets range $25-60 for a single day pass and $115 for a full 4-day convention pass. Guests are subject to cancellation or schedule change due to professional commitments. For a full schedule and list of celebrity attendees, go to FanExpoHQ.com/MegaConOrlando.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TICKETS AVAILABLE

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Dog Bar St. Pete won Outstanding Business of the Year in the Secretary of State Main Street Awards July 22.

Empath Partners in Care held the ribbon cutting ceremony for its new sexual health center July 23. Read more on page 12 and view photos at WatermarkOnline.com.

Travis Geerdes and David Doolin were engaged July 24.

Red Mesa Cantina donated $3,000 to Metro Inclusive Health July 26 from its drag brunch shows held during Pride Month. The restaurant called it an honor, adding they “appreciate all they do for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Tyler’z Barbershop opened its downtown location July 27, located at 880 3rd Ave. S. in St. Petersburg. Learn more at Facebook.com/TylerzBarbershopDowntown.

PFLAG Tampa celebrates 10 years of serving Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community Aug. 6. A 10-year anniversary celebration will be held Aug. 20 at Yura Vine Brothers. Visit PFLAGTampa.org for details.

CONDOLENCES Tampa’s Andrew Kennedy died July 19.

He will be dearly missed.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Former Watermark contributor Aaron Drake, St. Petersburg Starbucks supervisor Mark Mercado, JenSpa and Blush Beauty Center owner Jen Warden, Tampa scuba diver Nick Walters, Enigma manager Sean Grover (Aug.5), Tampa staple Carol “Mama” Steen (Aug. 6); Hillsborough County ally Russell Patterson, GaYbor District Coalition board member emeritus Rich Kerin, Tampa showgirl and laser professional Jamie Cole, Got Split Ends? stylist Mick Ferrari, Love The Golden Rule’s Dr. Bob Wallace(Aug. 7); St. Petersburg doctor Kush Patel, St. Petersburg realtor Doug Parton(Aug. 8); Sarasota actor/ writer Steve Warren, PFLAG St. Pete President Abbie Rolf (Aug. 9);St. Petersburg activist Karen Murray, St. Petersburg clothing designer Raul del Castillo, Tampa health restaurateur Trent McAree, Largo beautician Jay Berwanger (Aug. 10);Community builder Kevin Johnson, GTE Financial specialist Jared Acuff, Florida Army National Guard company commander Katie Mace, Salon Swank stylist Mikey Bessette, Tombolo Books’ Alsace Walentine, Tampa Bay bartender Robbie Parks (Aug. 11); Tampa Bay leather bear Eric Siglin, Stand Up Florida’s Bryan Arnette (Aug. 13);Sarasota activist Chuck Redding, Tampa mortgage VP Andrew Bolton, Tampa Bay chef Andrew Bolton (Aug. 14); former Tampa Bay bartender CJay Tauber (Aug. 15); Tampa Bay entertainer Jay Miah, Tampa Bay photographer Josh Shipp (Aug. 16); St. Petersburg LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon, St. Pete photographer Jacie Ramsey, St. Petersburg interior designer Scott Velez, Tampa Bay entertainer Alexis De La Mer, political photographer Kimberly DeFalco (Aug. 17);Tampa Bay performer Macaviti, Sarasota orthodontist Michael Radall, St. Petersburg realtor Dan Casper (Aug. 18).

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SPECIAL DELIVERY: Red Mesa Cantina donates proceeds from its Pride Month drag brunches to Metro Inclusive Health July 26. PHOTO COURTESY RED MESA CANTINA

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MARILYN & ME: Joanie Werner strums along during Come OUT St. Pete’s Aug. 1 T Dance at The Garage on Central Ave. PHOTO COURTESY COME OUT ST PETE

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CAM CORNER: Cam Parker paints an original piece for GayStPete House July 31. PHOTO

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COURTESY GAYSTPETE HOUSE

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BREAKING BARRIERS: Balance Tampa Bay President Jason Fields (L) frees Britney July 31 with Vice President Ryan Young for Masquerade benefiting EPIC at the Tampa River Center.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

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PINELLAS PROUD: The Pinellas County Young Democrats host a St. Pete mayoral race candidate forum at Pinellas Ale Works July 28. PHOTO COURTESY PINELLAS

COUNTY YOUNG DEMOCRATS

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WARM WELCOME: (L-R) Empath Health CEO Rafael Sciullo, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim, Florida LGBTQ Consumer Advocate Nathan Bruemmer and EPIC Special Events Coordinator Molly Robison attend the grand opening of EPIC’s sexual health center July 23. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

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TOGETHER AGAIN: The team behind ALSO Youth’s variety show “Together Again” thanks supporters July 31. PHOTO COURTESY ALSO YOUTH

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TEAM RICE: Equality Florida Action PAC hosts a fundraiser for mayoral candidate Darden Rice (C) at Station House St. Pete July 21. PHOTO COURTESY

EQUALITY FLORIDA ACTION PAC

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The LGBT+ Center Orlando handed out the Center Diversity Awards during the 9th annual Harvey Milk Breakfast July 21, honoring U.S. Rep. Val Demings and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings with the Lifetime Achievement Award, State Sen. Linda Stewart with the LGBT Ally award, Bros in Convo Initiative founder Daniel Downer and The Center’s Joel Junior Morales with the Orlando Trailblazer award, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto’s outreach coordinator Vivian Rodriguez with the Kissimmee Trailblazer award, the City of Orlando with the Champion of Equality award, Miracle of Love with the Nonprofit Business Award, Green House Realty with the Small Business Award and State Farm with the Corporate Business Award.

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Green House Realty celebrated 11 years in Orlando on July 31.

Southern Nights Orlando celebrates its seventh anniversary this month with three days of events Aug. 11-13.

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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 Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Mike Eghbal, real estate agent and Southern Nights bartender Colleen Green, Central Florida realtor and environmental activist Eric Rollings (Aug.5), Palm Coast super mom to a trans teen Jennifer Bertrand (Aug. 6); Orlando designer and “Project Runway” alum Jesse LeNoir, Orlando-based traveler of the friendly skies Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital manager Victor Daza, Orlando softball champion Scott Dunkle, Former Watermark interns Layla Ferris and Isaiah Peters (Aug. 8); Equality Florida Development Officer & Media Relations Manager Brandon J. Wolf, Orlando accountant Rose Gamba, QLatinx executive director Christopher J. Cuevas (Aug. 9); Lady Boy of the Peek-A-Boo Longue “Sorcha Mercy” Lance Austin (Aug. 11); Orlando hair stylist Bobby Kantz, Rotten S’more’s Shiala Morales (Aug. 12); Central Florida singer Billy Mick, Regalia owner David Lang (Aug. 14); Orlando performer David Almeida (Aug. 15); Central Florida performer Tymisha Harris (Aug. 16); Orlando entertainer TodKimbro, Tony Award-winner Kenny Howard (Aug. 17); Orlando actor Chris Shepardson, Orlando lawyer Paul San Giovanni (Aug. 18).

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: The team from Green House Realty — (L-R) Scott Benson, Julie Hoffmeyer, Joshua Cooper and Chuck Ferdinandsen — celebrate their 11th anniversary at Savoy in Orlando July 31. PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: (L-R) State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Joél Junior Morales and Jerick Mediavilla attend the LGBT+ Center Orlando’s 9th annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel July 21.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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BRUNCH BARTENDERS: Jan (L) and James serve up cocktails for Sunflower Brunch at HÄOS on Church Aug. 1. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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WINTER GARDEN WELCOME: Welcome to Sam José’s Sam Cloward (L) and José Cabranes take a stroll around Winter Garden July 21. PHOTO COURTESY

GOT THE T-SHIRT: One Orlando Alliance Executive Director Josh Bell visits Kim Murphy’s Pulse mural on the side of the LGBT+ Center Orlando while sporting the matching T-shirt July 26. PHOTO BY JOSH BELL ORLANDO STRONG: Andrea Montanez (L) catches a selfie with Yasmin Flasterstein during the Orlando Strong Symposium at Ace Cafe in Orlando July 30.

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PHOTO BY ANDREA MONTANEZ

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BINGO BEAUTY: April Fresh (front) grabs a photo with a table of admirers during Naughty Bingo at Neon Beach in Orlando July 21. PHOTO BY APRIL FRESH

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TO THE STREETS: State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani has some swag ready July 31 for the People Power for Florida Orange County Canvassing Kickoff set for Aug. 7. PHOTO BY ANNA V. ESKAMANI

WELCOME TO SAM JOSÉ

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T A M P A

B A Y

ACCOUNTING

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HEALTHCARE Attorney Alison M. Foley-Rothrock se habla Español!

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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Primary Care for All Combined HIV/Primary Care PrEP (Descovy) Same Day Transgender Care and HRT STI Testing/Treatment Same or Next Day Appts.

REALTOR

www.DiversityHealthCenter.com info@DiversityHealthCenter.com 4302 N. Habana Ave, #200, Tampa, FL 33607 CALL US TODAY! Ph: (813) 518-0881

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Join your local LGBT Chamber, as we are the premier advocates for the Tampa Bay Area’s LGBT business community.

MEDICAL

YOUTH SERVICES

Youth Drop-In Centers, Group Activities, Inclusion and Anti-Bullying Trainings for Schools and Other Organizations, Annual Alternative Prom, Music, Crafts, Arts.

Now serving young people in locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA /WatermarkFL @WatermarkOnline www.diversitytampabay.org 42

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C E N T R A L

F L O R I D A

M A R K E T P L A C E

ATTORNEYS

ACCOUNTING + BOOKKEEPING

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

MARRIAGE & DOMESTIC PARTNER PLANNING PERSONAL/BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION, e-file QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED PROADVISOR®

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ACCOUNTING + BOOKKEEPING Personal Returns from

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Individual, Corporation, and Partnership Put 30+ years of experience to work for you.

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Tax Preparation Immediate appointments Taxes prepared while you wait!

407-433-9995 407-435-9995

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AIDS ORGANIZATION

COUNSELING Mary Lieberman, LCSW Certified Imago Therapist Helping our Community Since 1987

Original

FINANCIAL PLANNERS

DICTOR FINANCIAL, LLC Wayne S. Dictor, President

Individuals & Couples ・ Adult Children of Alcoholics ・ Anxiety Gay & Lesbian Issues ・ Co-Dependancy ・ Depression

Office: 407-942-3366

Counseling Services of Central Florida, Inc. 1954 Howell Branch RD., Suite 106 ・ Winter Park, FL 32792

Phone: 407-657-8555, ext. 4・Fax 407-657-5774

Mobile: 941-230-4797 Wayne@DictorFinancial.com

2727 N Atlantic Ave - Box 900 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member SIPC

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

FUNERAL SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING

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We have the perfect deal on

PERFECT AIR for your home

FL License#: CAC056308

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in Rebates plus additional utility company incentives on qualified units.

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C E N T R A L

F L O R I D A

INSURANCE

GARDEN + NURSERY

CITY OASIS Your Downtown Garden Shop 407-898-8101 1214 N. Mills Ave. Orlando Mention Watermark and Save!

M A R K E T P L A C E

Exotic Orchids, Bonsai, Ornamentals, Tropical Plants Full Service Interior Design and Maintenance Free Estimates, Prices start as low as $99/mo

LGBT MEDICAL

Are eligible to Are you eligible switch switch your your Medicare Medicare coverage? coverage?

Kathleen Donnelly

Licensed Sales Representative

407-414-6133, TTY 711

HEALTH + FITNESS

Discount Nutrition Center Serving Orlando for 24 years

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We will match or beat local prices!

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Insurance Company one of its affiliated Advantage organization withor a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with companies, a Medicare Advantage Medicare. organization with a Medicare contract.

SPRJ27925A Enrollment in the plan depends on the Y0066_160721_094120 Accepted 0027FAF6

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Come see Dave, Ed & Staff for a Free Consultation!

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Exterior and Interior Shutters Custom Blinds - Shades - Draperies

Julie Rose (407) 949-1969 620 Douglas Ave Suite 1302 Altamonte Springs Fl. 32714 email: web:

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jrose@SuperiorCustomShutters.com www.SuperiorCustomShutters.com

Read It Online!

Head to WatermarkOnline.com and click on the Digital Publications link to a read a digital version of the printed newspaper!

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MEDICAL

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ROOFERS

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FREE TRIAL PASS 1 WEEK UNLIMITED CLASSES 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING 820 Lake Baldwin Lane p. 407.802.4631

Proudly Caring for the Pets and People of the LGBTQ Community since 1955 Open 7 Days a Week!

BOARDING

DOGGIE DAYCARE

NEW WELLNESS CENTER

1601 Lee Rd. Winter Park (407) 644-2676 YOUTH SERVICES

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Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 30 years Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk Counties

· Join · Volunteer · Donate

info@OrlandoYouthAlliance.org www.OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Call 407-481-2243 FOR MORE INFORMATION

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER

CENTRAL FLORIDA

An Equality Town Hall, Aug. 10, Rohan Rec Center the Villages, Tampa. 813-870-3735; EQFL.org

Illusions in Revue SATURDAY, AUG. 7, 8 P.M. HAMBURGER MARY’S, ORLANDO Orlando’s #1 celebrity female impersonator show returns! Leigh Shannon hosts as Bette Midler with an all-star program featuring Lady Gaga, Cher, Reba, Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Turner, Elton John and more. Seating is at 7 p.m. with a $5.99 per person entertainment fee. Guests must purchase an entree or two alcoholic beverages and reservations are required. Visit HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando for more information or call 321-319-0600 to make your reservation.

7th Anniversary Weekend FRIDAY, AUG. 12 – SATURDAY, AUG. 13 SOUTHERN NIGHTS, ORLANDO Southern Nights Orlando’s 7th anniversary weekend begins with a “tops vs. bottoms” party Aug. 12; tops wear black, bottoms wear white. The main show will be held at 12:30 a.m. and feature host Axel Andrews with Roxxxy Andrews and Kai’Ja Adonis. The party continues Aug. 13 with Willam of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Learn more at Facebook.com/SouthernNightsOrlando.

TAMPA BAY

Dinner & Open Mic, Aug. 11, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

ISN’T IT ICONIC Alanis Morrissette’s rescheduled tour with Garbage and Cat Power will be held Aug. 17 at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa.PHOTO VIA MORISSETTE’S FACEBOOK PAGE

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL FLORIDA

Woodfield’s Grand Reopening SATURDAY, AUG. 14, 5 – 9 P.M. WOODFIELD FINE ART, ST. PETERSBURG Join Woodfield Fine Art duringSecond Saturday Art Walk for the grand reopening at the gallery’s new location at 2323 Central Ave. in the Grand Central District. The gallery itself will open at 11 a.m. and the celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with live music.

To celebrate, the opening will highlight artwork from more than 20 Tampa Bay artists in various mediums.

Learn more at WoodfieldFineArt.com.

PFLAG Tampa’s 10-Year Anniversary FRIDAY, AUG. 20, 6 – 8 P.M. YURA VINE BROTHERS, TAMPA PFLAG Tampa celebrates a decade of advocacy, education and support in Tampa Bay. This wine and cheese event will feature special entertainment by drag performer and PFLAG-er Galaxy and more.

Tickets are $25 and support PFLAG’s mission to unite parents, families, friend and allies of Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community. Learn more, buy your ticket or make a donation by calling 863-535-5239 or visiting PFLAGTampa.org.

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My Project FREE Drag Queen Bingo, Aug. 10, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

Deicide, Kataklysm, and more, Aug. 6, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Active Shooter & Crisis Training, Aug. 7, The Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com No-Self at HAOS, Aug. 7, HAOS on Church, Orlando. 407-203-4099; HAOSOnChurch.com JB Crockett & Jamie Davis, Aug. 7, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com “Dear Broadway,” Aug. 8, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com “Psycho Beach Party,” Aug. 10, Enzian Theater, Orlando.

407-629-1088; Enzian.org

Twisted Bingo, Aug. 10, Hamburger Mary’s, Orlando. 321-319-0600; HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

Maks & Val, Aug. 19, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

7th Annual Turnabout, Aug. 11, Southern Nights, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando.com

Jocks and Socks, Aug. 20, Stonewall Bar, Orlando.

407-373-0888; Facebook.com/ Stonewall.Orlando

“Injured,’ Aug. 11, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

TAMPA BAY

“Captain America, The First Avenger,” Aug. 12, Central Park, Winter Park.

407-629-1088; Enzian.org Dial Drive, Problemaddicts, Suck Brick Kid & More, Aug. 13, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Generation Radio, Aug. 17, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Selling Your Home?, Aug. 19, The Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com

Judy B. Goode, Aug. 7, The Hollander, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com LGBTQ Social@5663, Aug. 7, Studios at 5663, Pinellas Park. 727-313-2250; PinellasArtsVillage.com DJ Dan De Leon’s Birthday Celebration, Aug. 8, Cristoph’s, Tampa. 813-450-3877; CristophsTampa.com Every Bark Counts Bingo, Aug. 8, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

Poetry Reading, Aug. 12, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg. 727-755-9456; TomboloBooks.com “It’s A Vibe,” Aug. 13, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg.

727-251-8529, ChadMize.com Willam at Southern Nights, Aug. 14, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SoutherNightsTPA.com Simply The Best Community Program 2021, Aug. 15, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater “Shout! The Mod Musical,” Aug. 17, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org Alanis Morissette w/ special guest Garbage, Aug. 17, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa.

813-600-1000; MidFlorida.com Tampa Bay Rays Pride Night, Aug. 20, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.

888-326-7297; MLB.com/Rays

SARASOTA “Pippin,” Aug. 12, Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton. 941-748-5875; ManateePerforming ArtsCenter.com “The L Word,” Dinner & Music, Aug. 14, The Reserve Retreat, Sarasota. 941-253-6003; ProjectPrideSRQ.org

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

AUGUST 5 - 18 , 2021 // ISSUE 28 .16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Care you can trust. “ Over the years I’ve

learned a lot about myself and grown more comfortable in my skin.

But there are still many days where I feel like I don’t belong. Sometimes it’s hard to be kind to yourself, and I’m constantly working to be better at that. For those who trust us in their vulnerable moments, it is an honor and privilege to serve you.

“

Andy Doan

PharmD, AAHIVP

Pharmacist-in-Charge, Avita 1036 (Austin, TX)

Pride month may be over, but Avita celebrates Pride all year long.

See how Avita’s expert, affirming care can mean better health for you.

Visit avitapharmacy.com to learn more.

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As you continue protecting yourself and others, Orlando Health wants to

remind you that your primary care is important. And at Orlando Health Physician Associates maintaining the safest environment possible continues to be a top priority. Choose a trusted provider. Choose Orlando Health.

ADULT | FAMILY | PEDIATRICS | WOMEN’S HEALTH SAME-DAY, NEXT-DAY AND VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. OrlandoHealth.com/PhysicianAssociates | (321) 841-3724

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