Watermark Issue 28.20: Frights & Delights by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ Life.

Oct. 14 - 27, 2021 Issue 28.21

Frights &

Delights Central Florida, Tampa Bay plan an LGBTQ Halloween

Bianca Del Rio brings tour to Hard Rock Live Orlando Orlando hosts Come Out With Pride, National Trans Visibility March DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

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Your LGBTQ Life.

Oct. 14 - 27, 2021 Issue 28.21

SPECIAL

! E D I S N I

L FFICIA THE OUT ST PETE O COME GUIDE

St. Pete mayoral candidates commit to equality Tampa’s Jay Miah introduces ‘Alter Ego’

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun Tampa Bay, Central Florida plan an LGBTQ Halloween

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

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8 // CENTRAL FLORIDA NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

Make no mistake, this legislation has nothing to do with the health and safety of children. In fact, it gets in the way of doctors providing care and stops parents from doing what is best for their kids. —EQUALITY FLORIDA’S NADINE SMITH SPEAKING ABOUT FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 211

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page FINDING HIS VOICE:

page

Watermark’s annual Halloween issue: Central Florida and Tampa Bay plan an LGBTQ Halloween.

SHARON NEEDLES PHOTO COURTESY PRODUCER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP. PHOTO OF FRONT OF

Tampa Bay-based performer Jay Miah talks about appearing on FOX’s newest singing competition show “Alter Ego.”

WATERMARK ISSUE 28.21 // OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021

MAKING NOISE

ON THE ISSUES

HALLOWEEN PLANNER TALKING ABOUT BIANCA

page City Commissioner Robert Stuart addresses comments about Savoy.

page St. Petersburg’s mayoral candidates commit to equality.

page

HOME COURTESY DYLAN TODD / NICK SMITH.

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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

See what events are bringing the scares near you.

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Drag icon Bianca Del Rio talks about her latest tour coming to Florida.

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PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

CTOBER IS ALWAYS A NOSTALGIC

time for me. It reminds me of my coming out, not as a gay person, but as an active member of this LGBTQ community.

I started working at Watermark in February 2002 under the leadership of founder Tom Dyer and business manager Mike Ames. My first couple of years I was a quiet, shy administrative assistant who kept his head down and got his work done. I really enjoyed it. I was like a sponge, learning everything I could from the two men who knew how to run a business that operated like a community service. Not long after I got my bearings at Watermark, Mike started to push me to get involved in the Metropolitan Business Association, now called The Pride Chamber. Honestly, I’m not sure if he wanted me to get involved to better myself and the community or because he wanted an assistant in the nonprofit world, but either way I am glad

WATERMARK STAFF

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

he pushed. I admired Mike and would follow him anywhere at that point, so I stepped into the role of board member-at-large under the guidance of then-board president Debbie Simmons. To say she changed my life would be an understatement. She is inspiring, passionate and not afraid to speak her mind. She made me want to be a better community member. I also had the privilege of meeting Michael Thomas, owner of the amazing John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Events. He was treasurer of the MBA at the time and was every bit as passionate for this community as Debbie. It’s important to remember their names because we celebrate Come Out With Pride because of them. In July of 2005, The MBA held a meeting to discuss the future of Pride. The normal June celebration

put on by Central Florida Pride did not happen for various reasons, and Michael and Debbie wanted the MBA to save it. The discussion entertained the idea of waiting until the following June to carry on the June tradition, but we all felt it was too far away. We didn’t want to skip the year. Pride was too important. It made sense for the board to host a celebration around National Coming Out Day in October. UCF’s GLBSU already hosted a rally at City Hall to commemorate the day, with Joe Saunders as the president of the college-based youth group. A handful of us set out to meet Saunders at the Panera Bread outside of UCF with the hopes of combining his rally and Pride, and that’s where Come Out With Pride was born. In less than three months our small group threw the inaugural event in Heritage Square Park, outside the Orange County Regional History Center. Fitting, since October is LGBTQ History Month. We were pretty excited that first year. Mike Ames and I were up early to mark off the vendor booth areas, the dearly loved Miss Sammy was hosting and we had lined up a pre-Oscar winning Jennifer Hudson to perform. I like to think this event is what set her career in motion. I remember how excited we were, how exhausted we were and how covered in trash we were at the end of the day. We had a small budget so we did most everything ourselves, including taking the trash to the dumpster. Unfortunately the bags were thin so some of us ended up wearing the trash. You live, you learn. Come Out With Pride grew bigger and got harder to pull off, but its impact became immeasurable. My favorite memory of working in Orlando came from a Come Out With Pride event, where an 18-year-old at his first Pride stopped me to say thank you for

Managing Editor: 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.

giving that day to him. It’s hard while you are in the moment and working to realize how important Pride is to everyone. I am grateful to that kid for reminding me. Thank you, Michael Thomas and Debbie Simmons, for starting something so meaningful and for taking me along for the ride. Thank you to the current board, executive director and volunteers who work so hard to give us this celebration. No matter how big or small the day, I know the amount of time, dedication and passion it takes to pull off pride. So, thank you. Thank you to St Pete Pride, Come Out St. Pete, Tampa Pride, Manatee County Pride, Sarasota Pride, Polk County Pride, Pasco Pride, Sanford Pride

No matter how big or small the day, I know the amount of time, dedication and passion it takes to pull off Pride. So, thank you.

and anyone who volunteers to help us all celebrate who we are. I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to say I celebrate six years of sobriety this month. Alcohol had a negative impact on my life and yet I felt like if I stopped drinking my life would end. I couldn’t see a way out until I reached out for help. If you feel like drinking is affecting you negatively, I promise you there is a better way. We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

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CONTRIBUTORS MIGUEL FULLER is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! Page 17

MICHAEL WANZIE is

an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area. Page 19

TIFFANY RAZZANO

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 46

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

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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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central florida news

ORLANDO TURNS OUT FOR COME OUT WITH PRIDE, NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Hundreds of thousands of people surrounded Lake Eola and filled the streets of downtown Orlando to celebrate the return of Come Out With Pride Oct. 9. Last year, COWP was celebrated with a vehicle processional and virtual Pride entertainment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Being able to see the happiness we were able to bring to the community, seeing them out there having a good time and enjoying themselves, just celebrating especially after the last year and a half we’ve all gone through was amazing,” says COWP Executive Director Tatiana Quiroga. “Having gone through quarantining and having to stay away from each other, it was just a wonderful reminder to folks that there are hundreds of thousands of people who love you, who accept you, who support you, knowing that you’re a part of this incredible, much larger community is so critical at this time.” Thousands lined the streets to watch more than 300 groups and organizations in The Most Colorful Parade, which made its way through a new parade path in downtown Orlando. Prior to the parade, hundreds attended the rally and march for the third National Trans Visibility March, the first outside of Washington, D.C. “The first year we talked about visibility, the second year we talked about capturing the vote, the third year we talk about no lives left behind,” said NTVM founder Marissa Miller from the stage prior to the march. “You define what that means. You define how you go back in the community and get people that are more marginalized than any other community, you make the decision about how you engage the next people of our generation.” As she left the stage, Miller played a video showing trans individuals who had died in 2021 at the hands of violence. “This will be our third time watching this video because we want you to see how many lives we have lost. We good at burying people, we good at GoFundMe. We good at all that stuff. Are we good [at] preventing the death of Black and Brown trans people?” This year also marks the final year that Jeff Prystajko will serve as Come Out With Pride’s board president. Prystajko began serving in the role in 2018. “I love what this organization has accomplished, and I love having been a part of it for the last seven years,” wrote Prystajko on Facebook Oct. 11. “I’m not entirely sure what my role will be going forward and I definitely need to take some time to focus on reconnecting with friends and figuring out career goals, but I’m tremendously grateful for every moment I’ve experienced so far.” Prystajko’s term will officially end in February 2022. Quiroga says the application process for COWP board members, including board president, will open in November.

ADRESSED ISSUE:

Savoy says a new sound system installed will help stop the noise complaints. PHOTO COURTESY SAVOY’S WEBSITE

Making Noise City Commissioner Robert Stuart addresses comments about Savoy Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn, owner of the LGBTQ bar Savoy, took to Facebook Oct. 4 calling out District 3 City Commissioner Robert Stuart about comments Stuart allegedly said about fining Savoy for noise complaints at a recent neighborhood meeting. “[W]e have been successfully working with our neighbors to address and rectify their concerns about noise at night for several weeks now. Including spending thousands for [a] new sound system inside and out to mitigate sound outside our space. During this meeting, Commissioner Stuart referenced that he would get Code Enforcement involved and potentially start leveling fines of $100/day against Savoy,” Bracale-Llewellyn wrote. Stuart, speaking with Watermark by phone Oct. 8, says that several points in Bracale-Llewellyn’s post were inaccurate and that the issue with Savoy’s noise complaints is not

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a city council issue but one with the code enforcement board. “The code enforcement officer said that, in response to the neighborhood complaints about the noise coming from Savoy, that they had gone to Savoy and asked them to take those speakers down because they were not legal,” Stuart says. “You can’t have outside sound without permits in the City of Orlando. They didn’t have a permit.” Stuart says that during the meeting he did not threaten Savoy with fines, he simply said that code enforcement’s goal is to bring businesses into code. “The goal isn’t to go around fining people. But if you don’t come into code the only option the code enforcement board has is fining. So all I was saying was let’s get you up into code,” Stuart says. Nicolette Springer, one of the candidates looking to unseat Stuart from District 3 in next month’s election, says she was at the meeting and was upset at the way Stuart addressed the issue. “Some residents brought up issues about noise coming from Savoy and the M Lounge, and code

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enforcement had a representative there,” Springer says. “Code enforcement said that they were working with both establishments to rectify the problem … When we got to the subject of Savoy, the commissioner did interject and stated that he would encourage the fine of $100 a day and that if they didn’t comply then they should put a lien on the leases.” Stuart says during the meeting all he said was that code enforcement’s goal is to bring you into code and the way to do that is to get a permit. “As a commissioner, my role is not to go through this with them, my role is to make sure they have an avenue to solve this,” Stuart says. “If you have a speaker permit then the code enforcement will stop because they will be in compliance. If they aren’t in compliance the only choice the code enforcement board has is to fine them to bring them into compliance, but nobody wants to do that.” For his part, Bracale-Llewellyn says he has invested in a new sound system that will cut down the noise and hopefully stop any noise complaints. “We spent a few thousand dollars redoing the whole patio sound system so instead of two speakers trying to cover the space, we now have 12 speakers that surround the space so it feels loud inside but the sounds doesn’t carry out. It has been operational for a few weeks now and we haven’t had any noise complaints,” he says.

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tampa bay news

COME OUT ST. PETE RETURNS Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | Come OUT St. Pete will celebrate National Coming Out Day Oct. 15-17, a precursor to its main festival held Oct. 31 in conjunction with the inaugural Halloween on Central. COSP was founded in 2017 to advocate for all sexual orientations and gender identities. It promotes a sense of community through inclusive events, including last year’s reimagined celebration and gatherings held throughout 2021, always with the safety of those they serve in mind. “Come OUT St. Pete is celebrating its fifth year and continues to find new ways to reach the LGBTQ+ community, carrying on its spirit to honor National Coming Out Day every October,” the organization’s leadership says. “The past year has been one of discovery and growth.” COSP will reflect on that and more beginning Oct. 15 for “Uncorked,” a wine tasting and celebration of coming out stories. COSP Chair Chris Jones will welcome St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon, Project No Labels Executive Director Claire Elisan and members of COSP’s 2021 Royal Court to share their experiences at Hawthorne Bottle Shop beginning at 6 p.m., located at 2927 Central Ave. Two events will follow Oct. 16, beginning with its second annual Car Cruise Around at 4:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to decorate their cars and drive through St. Petersburg, its Grand Central District and the neighboring Gulfport to showcase their LGBTQ pride. That evening, COSP will present a screening of “Milk,” the award-winning autobiographical film based on LGBTQ activist and politician Harvey Milk. The film will be presented at 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Empath Partners in Care, the gathering’s sponsor, located at 3050 1st Ave. S. Donations by carload are appreciated. On Oct. 17, COSP will host its Sunday T-Dance at the Garage on Central Ave. from 4-9 p.m. Its 2021 court will entertain. “In these changing times, we’re excited to bring multiple events over three days in celebration of National Coming Out Day this year,” Jones says. “Come OUT and join us in the celebratory weekend festivities!” COSP’s annual festival will follow Oct. 31 during Halloween on Central, a collaborative initiative which will shut down 22 blocks of Central Ave., from MLK Jr. St to 31st St. from noon-5 p.m. The organization will be responsible for the 2600-3100 blocks and present the “West End Ghoul Fest.” “Curated collections of vendors and entertainers will be assembled throughout those blocks to create a self-guided community experience,” COSP also teases. “You are more than welcome to dress in costume to add to the festivities!” Read more on pg. 30.

For more information about this year’s celebration, read the official COSP Guide in Tampa Bay editions of Watermark and at WatermarkOnline.com. Learn more about this year’s fifth annual celebration at ComeOUTStPete.org.

WELCH V. BLACKMON:

Mayoral candidates Ken Welch (L) and Robert Blackmon. PHOTOS VIA EACH CAMPAIGN.

On The Issues Welch, Blackmon discuss equality Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | Mayoral candidates Robert Blackmon and Ken Welch are each affirming they will support the city’s LGBTQ community. Blackmon (R) is a first-term city councilmember. Welch (D) is a former Pinellas County commissioner who served in the role for five terms. Voters will choose which will lead St. Petersburg Nov. 2. Welch was endorsed by a number of LGBTQ organizations and advocates ahead of the primary, including the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. They cited his tenure on the county commission, where he led a number of high-profile, LGBTQ-focused initiatives. Watermark asked each candidate five questions ahead of the election, the full responses of which are available at WatermarkOnline.com. First, if their administration will work to ensure the city continues its trend of receiving a perfect Municipal Equality Index score, which the Human Rights Campaign

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

uses to track how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are. Second, if the roles of LGBTQ liaison to the mayor’s office and police department will continue. They noted they will work to maintain the score and that the positions will remain. Watermark also addressed concerns LGBTQ voters have expressed about each candidate. Earlier this month, reports from the early 2000s in which Welch is tied to a church with anti-LGBTQ views resurfaced. “I am an unapologetic ally of the LGBTQ community,” he says. “Twenty years ago, I was not the strong ally that I am today, but I never came from a position of hate or mockery, as some have. I listened, I learned, I developed relationships with members of the LGBTQ community, and I have effectively led impactful policies for equality and inclusion countywide. “I would ask [LGBTQ voters] to judge me on my status as a strong ally, and our impactful collaboration over more than a decade, not on where that journey began early in my elected service,” he adds. Prior to this, an anti-LGBTQ social media post made by

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Blackmon from the same era also made headlines. It came to light along with screenshots of posts disparaging Asians, women and others. “I regret the comments attributed to me and they don’t represent who I am,” he says. “I have been fortunate to have many great LGBTQ people as a part of my life and to have learned and grown from their stories.” Earlier this year, Florida’s Republican-led legislature passed the state’s first explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill since 1997. The candidates vowed to protect St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ citizens. “I will be intentional about continuing the great work of Mayor Kriseman and foster a city where everyone has a seat at the table,” Welch says. Blackmon says that “as mayor, I will ensure St. Petersburg is a city that is open and welcoming to all.” LGBTQ voters should know that Welch has been “at the forefront of legislative protections for the LGBTQ community in Pinellas for more than a decade,” the candidate stresses. It’s something that led the Equality Florida Action PAC to endorse him in September. As for Blackmon, he says the community should see him as a friend and an ally. “I am from a new, younger generation – like most people my age I see LGBTQ rights as totally non-negotiable,” he notes. Learn more about each candidate at KenWelch.com and Blackmon4StPete.com.

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state news

STATE GOP ATTACKS YOUTH Ryan Williams-Jent

ALLAHASSEE | Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini filed House Bill 211 Sept. 29, the state’s latest attack on transgender youth. HB 211 would criminalize health care providers who perform gender-affirming care for the vulnerable population. Sabatini (R-Clermont) is also a candidate for Congress who bills himself as an “America-First conservative.” “Make no mistake, this legislation has nothing to do with the health and safety of children,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said. “In fact, it gets in the way of doctors providing care and stops parents from doing what is best for their kids.” Sabatini’s “Vulnerable Child Protection Act” states that any health care practitioner who performs gender-affirming care on a minor would commit a misdemeanor in the first degree. In Florida, the sentence is punishable by jail terms of up to one year and fines of up to $1,000. Equality Florida vowed to continue their fight to protect those targeted. Support their efforts at EQFL.org.

LAWMAKERS SEEK TO BAN LGBTQ ‘PANIC DEFENSE’ Ryan Williams-Jent

ALLAHASSEE | Florida lawmakers filed Senate Bill 374 and House Bill 205 Sept. 28, legislation to ban the use of the LGBTQ “panic defense,” used to legally defend assaults and deadly attacks on members of the community. SB 374 was filed by Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, who represents Plantation, while HB 205 was filed by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando. Each would “disallow the legal strategy of asking a jury to find that a crime victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity caused the defendant to ‘panic’ and react violently.” “It is discriminatory and unacceptable for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be held responsible for their own assaults or even murders on the grounds of simply being themselves,” Book said in a press release. She first introduced

legislation to prohibit the practice last year. “The current state of the law which allows someone to assault another person simply based on sexual or gender identity cannot stand – the use of a ‘panic’ defense is essentially doing legal gymnastics to defend a hate crime,” Book also said. “As a survivor of hate violence, I understand how gay or trans ‘panic defense’ can be used as a legal strategy to justify or excuse violence against the LGBTQ community,” Smith added. “It happened to me. “The continued use of panic defense in legal proceedings perpetuates anti-LGBTQ bias and shifts blame onto the victims of violent crimes rather than their perpetrators,” he continued, “which is why Florida must follow the lead of several states who passed laws prohibiting its use in court.” According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2020 was the deadliest year on record for members of the LGBTQ community. At least

37 transgender and gender nonconforming people were violently killed. “These victims, like all of us, were loving partners, parents, family members, friends and community members,” HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative shared lasted November. “They were real people – people who did not deserve to have their lives taken from them.” According to Book, legal defense teams continue to utilize LGBTQ “panic disorder” in their legal defense, with one-third of cases finding that charges were reduced for the defendants. While the American Bar Association has called on states to take legislative action to end its use since 2013, only 15 states have done so. States with bans include New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Illinois and California. The lawmakers hope Florida could become the 16th. Read the text of the bills at WatermarkOnline.com.

To whom it may concern: Undersigned pursuant to the “Fictitious Name Statute”, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations, Department of State, State of Florida upon receipt of proof of the publication of this notice, the ﬁctitious name, to-wit: Balance Orlando Chiropractic under which we are engaged in business at 1220 Edgewater Dr Ste 7. That the parties interested in said business enterprise is as follows: Sondra Warner, Orange County Florida. 12

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nation+world news

BIDEN NOMINATES COORDINATOR FOR HIV/AIDS TEAM Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

ASHINGTON | With the goal of beating HIV by 2025 domestically and a pledge for a renewed effort to fight the disease globally, President Joe Biden has put in place officials charged with making that happen. The White House announced John Nkengasong, who has served as a top official on global health at the Centers for Disease Control, would be nominated as ambassador-at-large and coordinator of U.S. government activities to combat HIV/AIDS globally at the State Department. Meanwhile, leadership within the Presidential Advisory Council

on HIV/AIDS, otherwise known as PACHA, was restructured in August as the Biden administration has continued the Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan health officials started in the previous administration. Carl Schmid, who served as co-chair of PACHA during the Trump years, no longer holds that position, and has been replaced by Marlene McNeese, a woman of color and deputy assistant director of the Houston Health Department. John Wiesman, former secretary of health for Washington State, will continue to serve as co-chair. McNeese is among eight new members of PACHA. The others are Guillermo Chacón, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS; Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative at the Human Rights Campaign; Raniyah Copeland, CEO

of the Black AIDS Institute; Leo Moore, medical director for clinic services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Kayla Quimbley, national youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day ambassador for Advocates for Youth; Adrian Shanker, founder and executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center; and Darrell Wheeler, senior vice president for academic affairs at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. The changes underscore the new approach to HIV/AIDS Biden promised during his presidential campaign. Among them is beating HIV/AIDS domestically by 2025, which is five years earlier than the plan under the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative that began in the Trump administration. Whether or not Biden will meet that ambitious goal remains to be seen.

or in the line of duty, and said Byun’s loss of male genitals amounted to a disability. Byun, who said she had sex reassignment surgery in Thailand in November 2019 after suffering depression over her sexual identity, expressed a desire to continue serving, but a military panel rejected her appeal. She filed a lawsuit against the military in August 2020, and her relatives inherited the suit after she was found dead at her home in the central city of Cheongju in March this year. The Daejeon court said the army’s decision to discharge Byun couldn’t be legally justified because it was based on an assertion that she was male. The court pointed out that the army already knew Byun had applied to the Cheongju District Court to change her legal status as a woman before it decided to discharge her. The Cheongju court granted Byun’s request weeks after she was discharged. “In deciding whether Byun Hui-su’s case could be interpreted as a physical and mental disability as defined by the military personnel law, it’s obvious that the decision should have been based on the premise that (Byun) was a woman following gender reassignment,” the

Daejeon court said in a statement explaining its ruling. “Therefore, the (army’s) conclusion that Byun Hui-su’s loss of (her male genitals) amounted to physical and mental disability, which was based on the premise that Byun Hui-su was male even after gender reassignment surgery, is undoubtedly illegal and should be canceled,” it said. Byun’s plight struck a nerve in a deeply conservative country where transgender people and other sexual minorities often face harassment, abuse and discriminatory treatment, leaving many fighting depression. A coalition of human rights groups, including the Center for Military Human Rights Korea, issued a statement saying that the ruling created hope for sexual minorities and demanded that the military not appeal it. In a text message sent to reporters, the army said it respects the court’s ruling and will hold “comprehensive” discussions on how to respond. The army said it hasn’t decided whether to appeal. At the time of Byun’s death, the Defense Ministry expressed condolences but said the military had no ongoing discussions about allowing transgender people to serve.

S KOREAN COURT: DISCHARGE OF TRANS SOLDIER UNJUST Wire Report

EOUL, SOUTH KOREA | A South Korean court ruled Oct. 7 that the military unlawfully discriminated against the country’s first known transgender soldier by discharging her for undergoing gender reassignment surgery, in a landmark verdict that came seven months after she was found dead at her home. Activist groups said the decision by the Daejeon District Court advances the rights of sexual minorities but also described it as delayed justice for Byun Hui-su, who had protested the army’s decision to force her out. South Korea prohibits transgender people from joining the military but has no specific laws on what to do with those who have sex reassignment operations during their time in service. Byun, who had been a staff sergeant and tank driver, was discharged in January 2020 after the army concluded that her operation could be a reason for dismissal. The army then cited a law that allows the military to discharge personnel with physical or mental disability if those problems didn’t result from combat

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

IN OTHER NEWS NC LT. GOV. CALLS LGBTQ PEOPLE ‘FILTH’ Speaking at a local church in June, North Carolina’s Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson called LGBTQ people “filth.” In a video shared by Right Wing Watch Oct. 5, Robinson is heard telling the audience that Christians must take control of public schools because children are being abused by being taught “filth.” “There’s no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth,” Robinson says. “Yes, I called it filth. And if you don’t like it that I called it filth, come see me and I’ll explain it to you.” State Senator for North Carolina’s 37th District, Jeff Jackson, has called on Robinson to resign.

HHS FUNDS RYAN WHITE PROGRAM ADD’L $2.21B The Biden administration announced Oct. 5 $2.21 billion in new funding under the Ryan White HIV/ AIDS Program for cities, counties, states and local community-based organizations providing care for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. This funding, provided under the fiscal year 2021 budget through the Health Resources & Services Administration, will support a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care for an estimated 560,000 people with HIV in the U.S., according to the Department of Health & Human Services. Secretary of Health & Human Services Xavier Becerra said in a statement the funding represents the latest in efforts in three decades of the department fighting HIV/AIDS.

TWO TRANS WOMEN ELECTED TO GERMAN PARLIAMENT Activists in Germany celebrated the Sept. 26 election of two transgender women to the country’s parliament. The two transgender women elected are both from the Green party: Tessa Ganserer, 44, a forester from Nuremberg in Bavaria, and Nyke Slawik, 27, who grew up in and represents the western city of Leverkusen and whose father emigrated from Poland.

SWISS VOTERS APPROVE ‘MARRIAGE FOR ALL’ LAW Voters in Switzerland on Sept. 26 voted overwhelmingly in favor of a law that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples. Swiss voters supported the “Marriage for All” law by a 64-36 percent margin in the referendum. Lawmakers approved the statue late last year. Marriage equality opponents were able to force a referendum on it. Switzerland joins neighboring France, Germany, Austria and other European countries that have extended marriage rights to same-sex couples.

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

viewpoint

Miguel Fuller

HIGH FIDELITY Diving In

AM A 36-YEAR-OLD MAN

and I don’t know how to swim. There. I said it. I put it out into the universe for all the world to see, read and judge.

I’ve been saying that statement a lot the past few weeks. This past summer I went on vacation with my fiancé and another couple to the Virgin Islands. The restaurants were great, the people were nice but there was just one part that had me very nervous. Our boat day. Coming from the land-locked city of Atlanta, Georgia I did not grow up going into the water and especially not the beach. I just never learned to swim. When I moved to Florida in 2008 I would always make plans to learn how to swim in the summer time, but I did never did. It all caught up to me on this trip during our boat day. My fiancé and the other two couples we were with would get off the boat at each stop, swim around, do some snorkeling and climb back on the boat. Meanwhile I was just having a little dance party by myself on the boat. There was one point where the captain was able to get me kind of close to the shore. I would just have to use a pool noodle, life jacket and my fiancé

to pull me a couple of inches where my feet could hit the bottom and I could walk on shore. I. Was. Horrified. Those might have been the scariest 30 seconds of the past few years of my life. I knew at that point that I needed to learn how to swim. So here I am, a grown man, signing up for swim classes at the Y, like I’m eight years old. It’s been amazing actually, going out of my comfort zone and learning a new skill. I yelped with shock and glee when I was able to finally float on my back! So why am I telling you about my adventures in learning how to swim? Because now is the time to step out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve always wanted to do. As a gay man, I’ve always been in touch with my feminine side. Because of the era that I grew up in, I never wanted to be one of “those” gays. Wearing high heels, wearing a wig, sporting short shorts. I always stuck up for “those” type of gays that wanted to wear those types of things, but I wasn’t one of them. I always wanted to be described as “masc.” I don’t know if it’s the pandemic, being stuck in our homes or not traveling, but I feel like we have finally busted out of those roles that the straight world made us feel like we had to have to be an “acceptable” gay. I’m so sad that so much of my life I hid away from things that brought me joy, just because I wanted my personality and likes to be acceptable to a straight world. I kid you not, because I put myself out there and wanting to learn how to swim and talking about it publicly, I decided to throw caution to the wind and finally buy a wig. Just because I wanted one.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

My fiancé and I have become friends with this wonderful couple that lives in Tampa. They have invited us over for a couple of dinner parties and it was like stepping into a world of freedom and acceptance.

Why do we put limits on ourselves to truly live the authentic life we want to live? After watching my grandmother slowly grow old and eventually end up in a bed, not able to walk

myself at her funeral that I would live my life with no fear. From the small, like wearing a wig, to the big, like learning how to swim, I didn’t want to leave any dreams unfilled. So what are you holding

After appetizers and dinner were served and the booze was flowing, they brought out a box of wigs and heels and we had a little dance party in their living room. At first I was shy to try on a wig. Past traumas and not wanting to be “too gay” were floating around my head. I through caution to the wind and tried one on. It was an amazing time.

or do anything for herself, I often thought about if she had any regrets. Was there anything she wanted to do that she felt like she couldn’t do because of a society? I’m sure as a Black woman born in the 30’s in a racist world that looked down on her for her skin color and gender, there were lots of dreams left unfulfilled. I promised

your life back from?

I’m so sad that so much of my life I hid away from things that brought me joy, just because I wanted my personality and likes to be acceptable to a straight world.

Miguel Fuller is the host of Miguel and Holly on HOT 101.5 in Tampa Bay and hosts daily segments on the nationally syndicated Dish Nation. See his life in pictures and videos on Instagram @MiguelFuller.

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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THURSDAY October 14 at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY October 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Meet playwright and poet T. K. Lee during cocktail hour before the show!

Poetry reading by T. K. Lee on the outdoor stage before the show!

Live Delta blues and a complimentary whiskey tasting by Fish Hawk Spirits

Blues and booze on the patio for a beautiful fall evening of luminary talent

When buying your PAPER THIN tickets for opening night, let the box office know you’d like to attend the free cocktail hour as well.

When buying your PAPER THIN tickets for that night, let the box office know you’d like to attend the free poetry reading as well.

• A signature dish from the newest restaurant opening at

T. K. Lee’s works will be available for purchase and autographs at both events.

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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• A variety of live musical entertainment options • Our Commitment to Clean Program featuring enhanced cleanliness & safety protocols

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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viewpoint

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE We can all do better

ITH HALLOWEEN

upon us my thoughts unavoidably return to memories of trick-or-treating as a kid in my Pine Rock Park neighborhood of Shelton, Connecticut.

Even as a small child I was never a fan of the popular dime-store costumes with those horribly cheap plastic masks intended to be held in place by a flimsy black elastic cord. The boxed set always came with some sort of satin-like overalls that were not at all an actual costume but just a colorful overlay to hide your real clothes and on the chest area would be a picture of the character whose face you would be wearing. This to me never qualified as being a costume so I always made my own, or rather my mother and I always made my own costume. My very favorite Halloween was the year I went as Aunt Jemima, and until my recently woke awareness I never thought anything of that choice other than, at 10 years of age, I had never seen anyone else go out as the iconic Black woman of pancake mix and syrup fame so I just knew I would be a hit, and indeed I was. I recall that my totally oblivious mother very enthusiastically over saw the burning of cork, the soot from which was rubbed all over my face and hands to turn my skin brown. Mom created huge fake boobs for the occasion — behind my father’s back, of course, so as not to have to deal with his wrath — and an old house dress of hers was altered to perfectly fit me. The only purchased item was the fabric from which mom sewed me an apron and head-kerchief to precisely match those Aunt Jemima was seen to be wearing on labels, in commercials and on print ads of the day. In one hand I carried my pillowcase in which to collect my “treats” and in the other hand I carried the biggest pancake flipper I could find direct from our kitchen utensil drawer. Can you imagine a white kid going out in blackface now-a-days?

When I think back to the time I did just that, it is with very mixed emotions. On one hand, I am appalled to realize the general and widespread insensitivity to the whole concept of blackface at that time as well as the powerfully negative implications which that practice heaved down upon people of color. On the other hand I miss the bliss and innocence that came with such a measure of ignorance to the plight of a much maligned segment of society, the facts about which, and reality of, are now so late in coming to full light in the wake of far too many murders of Black persons in this country that should have never occurred. But innocence can only be claimed for so long before one eventually transgresses into the realm of willful ignorance, if, in the face of so much truth coming to undeniable light in the age of cellphone videos one could ever possibly still claim ignorance. I will be the first to sheepishly and somewhat shamefully admit that I sometimes catch myself, if not startle myself, having a thought about the inconvenience of being completely woke regarding the plight of people of color in this country. Even among those of us who have never considered ourselves racist or insensitive to the ongoing inequities in the treatment of people of color in almost all endeavors of daily living in America, we can sometimes be tempted to resist taking the extra step to ally ourselves with those whose skin tone is different than our own. It’s sometimes socially uncomfortable, especially when among friends, work colleagues or drinking buddies, to raise an objection and register disdain when one among us attempts to minimize the magnitude of the problem of systemic racism in many, if not most, of our institutions but object we must.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Considering the myriad of legitimate and unfortunate circumstances around which the Black Lives Matter movement has come to be, certainly now is not the time to quibble over whether or not companies are overreacting in removing stereotypical images of an Uncle Ben or an Aunt Jemima or a Mrs. Butterworth from

regularly resulting in death, I don’t think anyone should waste a moment voicing an opinion regarding the re-theming of Splash Mountain when your voice is so desperately needed to register a call for change. These are challenging times, especially for those of us who publicly operate in the realms of comedy and

only been hurtful to others but perhaps gave license to others to willfully offend. We can all do better, especially those of us of a certain age in the LGBTQ+ community who have ourselves suffered certain indignations borne out of willful ignorance, religious intolerance or just downright hatred. Certainly, we MUST

marketing campaigns. So long as grossly transparent voter suppression efforts, specifically in areas with a high number of non-white residents, remains a thing and so long as white policemen continue to treat Black persons differently than white persons, so

parody. It’s much easier to just throw up one’s arms and declare, “Well, you can’t say anything anymore without someone being offended” than it is to thoughtfully examine the things you accepted as humor in the past that might — even if unintentionally — have not

do better in standing up for, standing with and unashamedly speaking up on behalf of our Black and Brown neighbors even when it may prove inconvenient or uncomfortable. I’m Wanzie and that’s all I wrote!

We MUST do better in standing up for, standing with and unashamedly speaking up on behalf of our Black and Brown neighbors even when it may prove inconvenient or uncomfortable.

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

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

PRESENTS

A HARVEST OF MEMORIES SKYCREST UMC Friday, October 15th, 8PM

THE PORTICO Saturday, October 16th, 8PM

Tickets available for purchase at www.gmctb.org

THE BARBER FUND HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

talking points I love my sister very much. I love her family very much, and I was wrong. It’s a very personal issue and very personal for my family. I believe my dad was right, and my sister and I have had that conversation. —REP. LIZ CHENEY ON “60 MINUTES” ABOUT CONDEMNING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN 2013 WHICH CAUSED HER TO BECOME ESTRANGED FROM HER OPENLY LESBIAN SISTER.

ELVIRA REVEALS 19-YEAR LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH A WOMAN

ISTRESS OF THE DARK, ELVIRA — WHOSE REAL NAME IS CASSANDRA PETERSON — released her memoir “Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark” on Sept. 21. The Queen of Halloween opens up about her childhood, life as a semi-successful actress and her secret 19-year long relationship with her partner, Teresa “T” Wierson. Peterson met her partner at the Hollywood Gold’s Gym and was immediately drawn to Wierson. After getting to know each other they became close friends. It wasn’t until the end of Peterson’s 25-year-long marriage with ex-husband Mark Pierson, and Wierson’s break-up with her longtime partner, that the two began developing romantic feeling for each other. The couple decided to keep their relationship a secret for the past 19 years because the two felt the need to protect the Elvira brand. Wierson stayed close-by to Peterson becoming her assistant. Peterson finally felt comfortable going public about her relationship in her book, feeling like the time was finally right for her fans to know.

AMONG ALL

LATINX ADULTS,

5.6%

IDENTIFY AS LGBT.

64% OF LATINX LGB ADULTS AND

40% OF LATINX

FEEL TRANSGENDER ADULTS

CARLILE WINS AMERICANA’S ARTIST OF THE YEAR

RAMMY-WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER BRANDI CARLILE won artist of the year at the 2021 Americana Honors and Awards show. The annual awards show returned in-person Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville after it was canceled last year due to the pandemic. “To be artist of the year after a year like we have all had as a community, there’s a weight to it and I know it’s profound,” said Carlile. “Because it was hard to be an artist this year.” Carlile made the most of her pandemic year, releasing a memoir and working on a follow-up to her breakout 2018 record “By The Way, I Forgive You.” This is her second artist of the year trophy, after winning in 2019.

FORMER DISNEY STAR TOMMY KIRK DIES AT AGE 79

OMMY KIRK, A CHILD STAR WHO PLAYED IN DISNEY FILMS SUCH AS “OLD YELLER” and “The Shaggy Dog,” has died. He was 79. Kirk’s longtime friend and former child star, Paul Petersen, said he was found dead in his Las Vegas home Sept. 28. Petersen said Kirk lived a private life as a gay man and was estranged from what “remains of his blood family.” Kirk started his career with several television shows with his big break coming as Travis Coates in the 1957 film “Old Yeller.” In 1973, Kirk publicly came out as gay during an interview, stating that his career was destroyed by his sexual orientation.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

HUBBARD NAMED SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

LYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTER LAUREL HUBBARD WAS NAMED SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR at New Zealand’s prestigious 113-year-old University of Otago’s OUSA Blues and Golds Awards. The 43-year-old Queenstown, South Island, native was the first openly transgender woman to compete in an Olympics when she competed in the women’s 87kg weightlifting event at the 2021 Tokyo Games. Hubbard’s participation at the Tokyo Games provoked controversy as she prepared to compete as the world’s first out trans woman Olympian. The director of medicine and science for the International Olympic Committee defended Hubbard, saying “everyone agrees that trans women are women.”

CONNECTED TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY.

43% OF LATINX

LGBT ADULTS

REPORTED FEELING

CONNECTED TO THE

LATINX COMMUNITY.

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

— Williams Institute report “Latinx LGBT Adults in the US”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Nick's Party Tricks Orlando’s own Nick Smith, offers up ways to take your Halloween party to the next level

Jeremy Williams

ICK SMITH IS NO STRANGER TO

throwing an epic party. He is creator of Situation Sundays, Orlando’s ultimate downtown weekend event which includes five parties throughout the day. He is also Halloween obsessed and is known for throwing one of the most talked about annual Halloween parties in the community.

We chatted with Central Florida’s unofficial Pumpkin King to get some tips, tricks and ideas to help you elevate your Halloween game as you plan to throw a party of your own.

Picking a theme

HILE SOME PLAN THEIR ENTIRE YEAR around going all out with a costume, others are going to feel a little stressed trying to

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

figure out what to wear. You can help narrow down the choices by having a theme for your Halloween party. “I try to find a theme that is easy for everyone to get dressed up for because a lot of people are going to groan when they know there’s a costume involved,” Smith says. “I try to make it fun and put a dark twist on something I know people coming are passionate about. I’m a nerd, so in the past I had twisted Disney fairy tales, zombie superheroes, just find unique things that sound fun.” Don’t go too specific with your theme. Make sure it is wide enough to elicit a variety of costume ideas.

CONTINUED ON PG. 27 | uu |

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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.

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CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

ut t

KEEP CREATING.

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 Chad’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

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4/7/21 9:52 AM

ST PETE PRIDE PRESENTS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31 FROM 12-5PM 2400 & 2500 BLOCKS OF CENTRAL AVE

A Family-Friendly Event!

Vogueing Mummies!

Cabaret Witches!

CMY

Spooky Drag Queens!

Trick Or Treating! G ames & Prizes! Haunted House!

Featuring

Jay miah

From The Voice & Alter Ego

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Featuring

Ashlee T. Bangkx Miss St Pete Pride 2021

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

WELCOME TO THE PARTY: Nick Smith goes all out decorating to bring

an air of terror to his parties. PHOTO COURTESY NICK SMITH

| uu | Nick’s Party Tricks FROM PG.23

“This year I was looking at ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ and ‘Friday the 13th’ but instead of going with a single movie, I went with ‘80s slasher films,” Smith says. “People are always looking for a direction. If you pick a wide theme then at least you can say ‘here’s the realm of what you’re looking for.’”

Who and when

HEN YOU START TO SEND OUT THE INVITES, have realistic expectations about how many will show up. “Your guest list will be bigger than who actually shows up,” Smith says. “Anytime you do any kind of invite, you’re most likely only going to get about half of those. Even with the people who RSVP, only a portion of them are going to show up. Plus keep in mind how big your house is when you’re figuring out how many to invite. You want guests to feel comfortable and not be piled on top of each other.” Also keep in mind that the people who show up will be rotating in and out; some will come late, some will leave early, some will stop in for a few minutes and some will stay all night. Smith says for better odds that you’ll have a big turnout, do not throw your Halloween party on actual Halloween night. “I usually throw my parties a week or two before Halloween,” Smith says. “October is a busy month for the LGBTQ community. Besides competing with the usual

Halloween parties and costume contests at the bars, there are also several Prides that hold events during October.” Once you have picked out the theme and date, get those invites out immediately. “Like I said, October is a busy time of the year for a lot of people in the community, so if you are going to invest time and money into a party, get the invites out as soon as you can.”

Less is more

HEN YOU START TO PREPARE AND DECORATE your house for your guests, Smith says less is more when you are going for a scary atmosphere. Let their imaginations fill in a lot of the fear. “One year I did a Ouija board room that was a big hit,” Smith says. “And it took almost nothing to set up, you just have an empty room or space with candles, a couple creepy pictures and a Ouija board in the middle, instant creepiness.” Smith also says to not worry about the small details when decorating because most guests won’t even notice. Instead create a scary atmosphere using fabric and lights. “You’d be surprised by how scary you can make a space look just by draping dark fabrics over items and strategically placed lights,” Smith says. “Another year, I had a strobe light going at the end of the hall that people had to walk down to get to the bathroom. By the time they got to the end of it, they ran into a life-size Jason.” Don’t start to gather decorations for your party only in

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the weeks leading up to it. A well decorated party starts the day after Halloween. “The day after Halloween is the best time to get stuff for next year’s party,” Smith says. “It all goes on sale but you have to start early in the day. It’s just like Black Friday shopping, people get serious about it.” If you are more of a DIY person, Smith recommends spending some time online checking out Facebook groups dedicated to sharing Halloween decorating tips. “I love the Facebook group Halloween DIY,” Smith says. “I got a great tip on how to keep your tombstones standing in your yard all season long.”

Out of the scare zone

HILE HALLOWEEN IS ALL ABOUT THE SCARES, Smith says you’ll want to section off the party so that there is an area that is not all Halloween, all the time. “Usually the inside of the house of my party is more the Halloween area with the decorations and themed music,” Smith says. “While the outside, that’s more some general mainstream music. If you’re inside you’re like, ‘Oh, this is a creepy house.’ Outside it’s more get me away from all that for a minute. It’s a good idea to have a section of your party that is not emerged in the theme.”

Costume’d up

F YOU ARE THE ONE THROWING THE PARTY, make sure you are in costume but you don’t have to go all out. “When I’m the one hosting the party, I’m running around and turning on like 30 or 40 things inside the house and stuff like that and I’m sweating. I always fit the theme but I encourage everyone else to wear the big costumes,” Smith says. Also take some time to reward your friends’ efforts. “I don’t go all out with planned games or anything because most people just want to come, show off their costume and drink,” Smith says. “But I like to have costume contests during the night. I’ll pick a few categories and award them to those who really went all out.”

HALLOWEEN POLL Are you celebrating Halloween with in-person events this year?

62% 19%

19%

Yes - 62% | No - 19% | Unsure - 19%

Favorite Halloween tradition Costume Party 49% Trick-or-treating 26% Watching scary movies 18% Haunted House 2% Carve pumpkins 1%

Top 3 favorite scary movies “The Exorcist” “The Conjuring” “The Shining”

Top 3 favorite types of candy to pass out to trick-or-treaters Reese’s peanut butter cups Snickers M&Ms — Watermark Readers’ Poll, October 2021

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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QUEER MOMENTS IN HORROR FILMS

Jeremy Williams

HILE BEING LGBTQ HAS BEEN

explored in all types of movies, horror has been one of the more interesting genres of film to watch queer characters evolve in. From the early days of queer-coding and vilifying anyone gay, horror films today have started to let LGBTQ characters take the lead as the hero, final girl and all-around badass killing monsters. As you prepare your list of horror films to binge this Halloween season, we have gathered five queer moments in horror cinema that you should check out.

“BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN” (1935)

James Whale is not only an early pioneer of horror movies in Hollywood but he is also well known for being an openly gay film director in a time when it was considered risky and dangerous to do so. Whale is responsible for several of Universal’s classic monster movies from Hollywood’s Golden Age including “Frankenstein,” “The Invisible Man” and “Bride of Frankenstein,” the last of which is filled with queer subtext. Film historians equate many of the film’s relationships to queer-coded same-sex marriages. The film’s biggest queer moment comes when the effeminate Dr. Pretorius, played by bisexual actor Ernest Thesiger, pulls Dr. Frankenstein, played by bisexual actor Colin Clive, away from his wedding night to “create life” together — enter Bride of Frankenstein. Only a daughter with two gay dads could sport such a daring and fashionable hairstyle.

“ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” (1975)

A send up to the old B horror films from the mid-20th Century, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a musical comedy horror extravaganza celebrating being different and unapologetically embracing your otherness. From the songs “The Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite” to Frank-N-Furter building a man and seducing Janet and Brad, the film is in no short supply of queer

moments. The one we pick though is the film’s big finale as the main cast — Frank-N-Furter, Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky and Dr. Scott — perform a collection of songs with faces done in exaggerated makeup and dressed in fishnets, boas and heels. Not only does the scene play out like a magnificent drag show but it also explores Frank-NFurter’s need to be accepted as his true authentic self. As he sings out about watching Faye Wray in “King Kong” and crying because he wanted to be dressed just the same and as he exclaims to not only dream it but be it, you can’t help but think he is singing out to every queer kid watching at home.

“A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE” (1985)

my body,” Jesse tells him before Freddy has his big “coming out.”

“PARANORMAN” (2012)

“ParaNorman” is a stop-motion animated film about Norman, a boy who can communicate with ghosts. The film’s themes of acceptance and being yourself as well as the way it deals with bullying are all excellent messages for any LGBTQ kid to hear. The film’s big queer moment comes at the end of the movie, when Norman’s cheerleader sister Courtney – who has been pining over Mitch, Norman’s best friend Neil’s jock brother – asks if he wants to catch a movie with her sometime. “That sounds great Courtney,” Mitch says. “You know you’re gonna love my boyfriend. He’s like a total chick flick nut.” Oh Courtney, it seems like the good ones are always gay. The scene is not only a playful way to reveal Mitch’s sexual orientation but it also was the first openly gay character to appear in a mainstream animated film, making it the film’s big queer moment as well as a big moment in all of LGBTQ cinema.

“FEAR STREET” (2021)

While not intentionally a “Fear Street” is a trilogy of gay horror film (according to films released on Netflix this past the film’s creators), in the years summer which are based on the since its release “A Nightmare popular R. L. Stine book series of on Elm Street 2” has assumed the same name. the position as the ultimate gay The films take place at three slasher classic. different time periods — 1994, A big reason for that is the 1978 and 1666 — and center film’s “scream queen” is played on the same story of the legend by openly gay actor Mark Patton. of a witch named Sarah Fier Patton, who was not out at the time, who placed a curse on the town plays Jesse, a high schooler trying Shadyside after being murdered for to deal with his secret that the witchcraft in 1666. murderous Freddy Kruger is living While “Fear Street” explores the inside him. The film is filled with history of the Sarah Fier curse, that homoerotic subtext from Jesse’s story is told with the relationship close relationship with his friend between Deena and Sam, played Grady to Jesse wandering into a gay by Kiana Madeira and Olivia Scott bar and running into his leather Welch, at its center. Deena and clad gym teacher. Sam’s love is not just a side story, One of the film’s biggest it is integral to the plot and places moments comes when Jesse flees a Deena in the spotlight as the hero. pool party after a Freddy-induced The trilogy’s biggest queer tongue incident with his girlfriend. moment comes at the end of the Jesse heads right to Grady’s house, third film when – SPOILER ALERT hopping into his bed to ask if – our couple share a kiss after he can stay the night with him. battling supernatural forces and “Something is trying to get inside pay their respects to Sarah Fier in the very spot she was murdered.

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“WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST MEMORABLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME GROWING UP?” “In 6th grade, when trick-or-treating at the mall was the new rage, I decided to accompany my little brother dressed as a witch. For the sake of authenticity I used the paper mache flour and water recipe with a few drops of green food coloring. It felt cool and soothing as I slathered it on my face and neck and waited for it to firm up sufficiently. An hour into our candy grab, that flour paste began to shrink fast and harden, pulling out my eyebrows and a few layers of skin as it turned into indestructible cement.” — NADINE SMITH, EQUALITY FLORIDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“One of my fondest memories of Halloween was when I was about 8 years old. I wanted to go as Wonder Woman and my father told me that I couldn’t, so my sister made me a costume. She bought WW Underoos from Ames Department Store and spray painted some boots red. We wrapped a jump rope in gold foil and used toilet paper rolls as bracelets. I was the best Wonder Woman in the neighborhood that year. My father thinks I went as Aquaman!” — DR. GEORGE WALLACE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LGBT+ CENTER ORLANDO

“One of my favorite costumes was later in life at ‘All Hallows,’ when the theme was Monster’s Ball. Everyone went with the traditional route of classic monsters, but I decided to go outside the box and pull off Halle Berry’s famous Eli Saab Oscar dress when she won FOR “Monster’s Ball” in 2002. It was my first time designing a costume, conceptualizing and planning all the details and truly getting into the Halloween spirit!” — TOPHER LARKIN, METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH LGBTQ & MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER

“My favorite [Halloween costume] was my first. My mom went against all advice. She let me wear makeup and a girl’s rancher (cowgirl) costume. She lied and told people I was Howdy Doody.” — SHEA CUTLIFF, FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE R.I.S.E. INITIATIVE

“I remember being so excited to be the Tin Man when I was young. Every year my entire family would pick a theme and all dress up, it’s a tradition my husband and I carry on today with our son. We even recreated the “Wizard of Oz” a few years ago with many improvements to the home-made costume, including an oil can/flask.” — RYAN ZUBRICK, CO-OWNER OF ZUBRICK MAGIC THEATRE

“My elementary school put on a Halloween Concert and Disney was the theme. My mom dug up my first communion tux and I wore the Mickey ears that we had bought one summer vacation. If I only knew then how much of an impact Disney would have on so many aspects of my life.” — PHILIP ANCHETA, CENTRAL FLORIDA-BASED ENTERTAINER

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A SCARE IS BORN!

Inaugural Halloween on Central includes LGBTQ spooktacular

PHOTO COURTESY PRODUCER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Ryan Williams-Jent

T’S NO TRICK: ST. PETERSBURG

knows how to throw a good party. In addition to treating residents and visitors alike to St Pete Pride each June, traditionally the state’s largest LGBTQ celebration, inclusive establishments and organizations happily haunt the city year round.

Among them is Car-Free St. Pete, which works to build a sustainable future for the community it serves. The organization exists to show that driving less can result in “healthier individuals, safer streets, a cleaner environment and a stronger economy.” That mission will take center stage this year Oct. 31 for Halloween on Central, their collaborative event with the City of St. Petersburg, Grand Central District, EDGE District and Open Streets St. Pete. From 12-5 p.m., an impressive 22 blocks of Central Ave. – from MLK Jr. St. to 31st St. – will close to traffic for a holiday spooktacular. Car-Free St. Pete says that the free, all-ages and pet-friendly event “will showcase our vision for what a car-free Central Avenue could

look like for locals, businesses and visitors to enjoy.” The organization urges attendees to “rediscover their favorite local businesses and interact with the community in fun, healthy ways.” Participating was a natural fit for the Grand Central District, the area’s traditional gayborhood and birthplace of both St Pete Pride and Come OUT St. Pete. More than 100 banners in the traditional colors of the Pride flag line its 15 blocks of Central Ave., which is home to the LGBTQ-owned, operated or affirming Cocktail, Dog Bar, The Garage, Love Food Central, Mixers at OKW, Punky’s Bar and Grill and more. “We just seized the opportunity,” Grand Central District Association Executive Director David Foote says of joining this year’s frightful fun.

“It’s basically a gay Halloween in Grand Central, where Halloween meets Pride and the costumes can be outrageous and theatrical,” he explains. “The event’s going to welcome everyone without any worry that someone will be offended by a costume or a drag queen. We’re that way all year here.” The GCD was originally approached about holding a Car-Free event pre-COVID but plans were delayed to ensure the safety of participants. Once they were solidified, Foote worked with the businesses and organizations in the district to create “zones” responsible for their own blocks of activities and entertainment. Come OUT St. Pete will be responsible for the 2600-3100 blocks, presenting the West End Ghoul Fest in lieu of this year’s traditional festival marking National Coming Out Day. Organizers promise “curated collections of vendors and entertainers will be assembled throughout those blocks to create a self-guided community experience.” Festivities will include a West End Ghoul Fest Stage at Punky’s

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Bar and Grill and a costume contest hosted by Halloween mistress Kori Stevens. Pumpkin carving contests and pub crawls will also be featured. St Pete Pride will transform the 2400-2500 blocks into the family-friendly FrankenPride. The organization promises music from a monster DJ, cabaret witches, vogueing mummies, spooky drag entertainment and more. “It’s unlike anything St Pete Pride has done before,” St Pete Pride President Tiffany Freisberg says. “FrankenPride reflects our commitment to making our programming more inclusive and diverse; it’s an event that welcomes families, celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and will feature the traditionally Black queer dance form of vogueing. We have lots of volunteers helping make it happen, and we always welcome new volunteers to join our team.” The space will feature an activation from the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay’s first children’s museum as well as a haunted house at VFW Post No. 39. St Pete Pride proudly sponsored the more than 100-year-old, LGBTQ-affirming space to showcase its spooky side. “Halloween has always had a special place in the LGBTQ+ calendar,” Freisberg says. “For many who struggled, or still struggle, to show our true selves to the wider world, Halloween provides a liberating sanctuary in which we can freely express our subcultural identities with reduced fear of judgment. Makeup, glitter, drag, face paint, heels – it’s all considered the norm for one glorious day. Taking part in a city-wide Halloween celebration feels like a natural fit for us.” It was also a must for David Fischer, owner of the celebrated speakeasy The Saint and Cocktail, St. Petersburg’s newest LGBTQ bar. The Saint will hold a ticketed Repentance Ball for sinners Oct. 29-31 featuring entertainment director Adriana Sparkle as Morticia Addams and more while Cocktail will present the

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free Cock-O-Ween, featuring the Cock’d ‘N Loaded main stage in the 2300 block. In addition to local entertainment during and after Halloween on Central, Cock-OWeen will welcome two headliners. Taking the stage will be Sharon Needles, the frighteningly boo-tiful winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season four and the iconic Lady Bunny, who will also DJ at Cocktail that evening. “I think members of our community enjoy dressing up period,” Fischer says. “Having a holiday centered on dressing up gives people an opportunity to have alter egos and do things they don’t always get to do. It gives our community another creative outlet.” Cocktail will host a number of costume contests throughout Halloween weekend for that reason. Categories include Cockiest, or best overall; Woody Worthy, or sexiest and Cocks’ Choice, the peoples’ choice award. Prizes include cash and cash equivalents. “We didn’t have a Pride parade this year, so anytime the community can come together and celebrate it’s important to do so,” Fischer notes. “We need to lift our spirits during the crazy times that we find ourselves in and just have a good time.” LGBTQ-owned, operated or affirming spaces like Atlas Body + Home, Dr. BBQ, Enigma St Pete, Zubrick Magic Theatre and more will help Halloween fans do so in the EDGE District. They’ll each celebrate in their own fangtastic forms before, during and after Halloween on Central, especially Enigma. The LGBTQ haunt spot will feature costume contests Oct. 30-31 with spooktacular prizes, bewitching drag performances and more. “Dozens of EDGE businesses are participating by offering Halloween games, contests, door prizes and raffles, treats and other special activities,” EDGE Business District Association Executive Director Barbara Voglewede says. “We greatly look forward to hosting this massive car-free Halloween celebration on our beautiful Central Avenue corridor!” Halloween on Central will be held from 12-5 p.m. and is free for all ages. While smaller transportation options are allowed, motorized vehicles are prohibited. For more information about celebrating in the Grand Central and EDGE Districts, visit HalloweenOnCentral.com.

EVENT PLANNER CENTRAL FLORIDA

Haunted River Tours, Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 30, Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa. 813-223-7999; PirateWaterTaxi.com

13 Films and Cocktails of Halloween, select nights through Oct. 30, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-0054; Enzian.org

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Fri.-Sun. through Nov. 6, 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City. 844-754-7900; SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com

A Petrified Forest: Wrath of the Wendigo, Thurs.-Sat. through Oct. 30, 1360 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs. APetrifiedForest.com

The Haunting of Studios @5663, Oct. 23, 29-31, Studios @ 5663, Pinellas Park. 727-313-2250; PinellasArtsVillage.com

Scream N’ Stream Haunted Drive Thru, Thurs.-Sun. through Oct. 31, Oviedo Mall, Oviedo. ScreamNStream.com Halloween Horror Nights, select nights through Oct. 31, Universal Studios, Orlando. 407-224-7840; Orlando. HalloweenHorrorNights.com Disney After Hours Boo Bash, select nights through Oct. 31, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney. go.com Howl-O-Scream Orlando, select nights through Oct. 31, SeaWorld, Orlando. 407-545-5550; SeaWorld.com “Nosferatu,” select nights through Oct. 31, Renaissance Theatre Company, Orlando. RenTheatre.com Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, select nights through Oct. 31, Gatorland, Orlando. 407-855-5496; Gatorland.com Screamin’ Green Hauntoween, through Oct. 31, Crayola Experience, Orlando. 407-757-1700; CrayolaExperience.com The Haunted Road, select nights through Nov. 7, 15239 Lake Pickett Rd., Orlando. TheHauntedRoad.com Killer Carnival, Oct. 16, 23 & 31, LGBT+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; KillerCarnival.com Spooky Empire, Oct. 22-24, Hyatt Regency, Orlando. 954-258-7852; SpookyEmpire.com

KILLER CARNIVAL Nick Comis brings his Killer Carnival, a sideshow of the macabre, to the LGBT+ Center Orlando on select days in October.

Zoo Boo Bash, Oct. 23, 24, 30 & 31, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford. 407-323-4450; CentralFloridaZoo.org

Spooktacular, Oct. 30, Avalon Park, Orlando. 407-658-6565; AvalonParkOrlando.com

Brew & View: “Halloween (1978),” Oct. 29, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Orlando. 407-270-6749; IvanhoeParkBrewing.com

Halloween at Old Town, Oct. 31, Old Town, Kissimmee. 407-396-4888; MyOldTownUSA.com

Sharon Needles, Oct. 29, South Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Trick or Treat Brunch, Oct. 30, Cocktails & Screams, Orlando. 407-904-0124; CocktailsAndScreams.com Halloween Movie at Lake Eola – “Beetlejuice,” Oct. 30, Lake Eola’s East Lawn, Orlando. 407-246-2555; DowntownOrlando.com

“Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 31, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

TAMPA BAY Creatures of the Night, select nights through Oct. 30, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa. 813-935-8552; ZooTampa.org Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay, select nights through Oct. 31, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-884-4386; BuschGardens.com/Tampa

Brick-or-Treat, select nights through Oct. 31, LEGOLAND, Winter Haven. 888-690-5346; LEGOLAND.com/ Florida Scream-A-Geddon, through Oct. 31, 27839 Saint Joe Rd., Dade City. ScreamAGeddon.com Scare House Pinellas, select nights through Oct. 31, 12461 Creekside Dr., Largo. 727-371-0995; ScareHousePinellas.com Haunted Cruise, Fri.-Sat. through Oct. 30, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa. 813-223-7999; TampaPirateShip.com Undead in the Water IV: SOS, select nights through Oct. 31, Sparkman Wharf, Tampa. 813-228-8766; UndeadInTheWater.com

A Nightmare on Franklin Street, Oct. 16-31, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org An Eerie Evening at the Tampa Bay Hotel, Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa. 813-254-1891; PlantMuseum.com Halloween Mansion Party, Oct. 29, The Orlo House & Ballroom, Tampa. 813-898-2438; TheOrlo.com Riverwalk Trick or Treat, Oct. 30, Riverwalk, Tampa. 813-221-1539; TheTampaRiverwalk.com Howl-O-Ween at Paw!, Oct. 30, Pinellas Ale Works, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0970; PawBeer.com Lighted Halloween Boat Show, Oct. 30, The Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa. 813-221-1539; TheTampaRiverwalk.com Halloween Spree, Oct. 31, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa. 813-443-38-61; GlazerMuseum.org A Little Hocus Pocus, Oct. 31, Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-341-4596; TIGLFF.com Cock-O-Ween, Oct. 31, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

SARASOTA “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 24, The Reserve Retreat, Sarasota. ProjectPrideSRQ.org ALSO Youth Halloween Party, Oct. 29, ALSO Youth, Sarasota. 941-951-2576; ALSOYouth.org

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

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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PHOTO OF JAY MIAH AS HIS AVATAR, COURTESY MIAH

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Jay Miah shares his gift and ‘Alter Ego’ with the world

Ryan Williams-Jent

EARLY 9 MILLION AMERICANS

tuned into the 2019 premiere of “The Voice” on NBC, but to Tampa Bay vocalist and drag performer Jay Miah there was an audience of four. Industry icons Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.

Then in its 17th season, the competition once again vowed to find the strongest singers

from across the country and award them with a record deal and cash prize. It’s a process

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that began for Miah with an open audition and led him all the way to the show’s first

televised step, the blind auditions. Contestants perform to the back of four rotating chairs during the round. Each holds one of the show’s coaches, who based off of sound and not sight press a button to rotate toward performers they want to see advance in the competition. The process plays out in various ways each audition. Miah was the third to perform

OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

that year and sang “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman,” popularized in the film in a traditionally female key. “‘Nobody turned around for me,” he says. “I remember being on stage thinking, ‘they’re not going to do it.’” After Miah finished, each chair rotated to reveal awestruck coaches who shared their praise and regret. Shelton, the show’s only remaining original coach, advised Miah that “if we could have seen you perform, we would have all hit our buttons. It would be a no-brainer.”

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

| uu | Finding His Voice FROM PG.33

“The Voice’ was amazing and such a cool experience,” Miah recalls. He opted to perform out of drag to showcase his full brand as a vocalist. “America sees our blind audition, but before that there’s a system and a process with several rounds of interviews and evaluations,” he explains. “There are all these layers before you’re even considered. It’s a well-oiled machine.” The entertainer chose to focus on the positive after his experience, reflecting on the coaches’ encouragement to return for another season and how he’d solidified Jay Miah as a stage name. Born Jeremiah, he’d performed under various monikers throughout Tampa Bay in recent years. “I really feel like when I made it to ‘The Voice’ and got my no, it was my yes,” Miah explains. “I remember in my unpacking of the process and doing the work, I changed something in my consciousness. They didn’t turn, but I was able to come up with Jay Miah who was here the whole time. That was my yes. My yes to really keep going.” A classically trained singer with a religious background, Miah moved to Tampa Bay from an Orlando suburb in 2009. The 32-year-old vocalist first performed in drag at 19 during a talent contest at Pulse. “At the time, I felt like I wasn’t accepted because of my church,” Miah remembers. “I have a very interesting voice and they wanted me to sing as a tenor. I was a soprano, but they said they wanted me to do it because I’m male. “I’ve never felt like I should be put in a box. Nobody should,” he continues. “So when my friend put me in drag and I won the show, it birthed a whole new form of expression in me. I’ve always been hyper feminine and I just ran with it.” After years of entertaining, Miah decided to focus on his musical career when his best friend and fellow drag performer Beyja King died in 2019. The two competed at St. Petersburg’s now-defunct Flamingo Resort in 2017 for “Tampa Bay Drag Race,” another competition Miah won, and

CREATING HIS KING: Jay Miah performs on the third episode of FOX’s “Alter Ego” in a motion capture suit that relays his performance as contestant Nevaeh King to series judges. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2021 FOX MEDIA LLC BY PATRICK WYMORE/FOX frequently worked together at venues like Quench Lounge. “She was a queen in our community and she took her own life,” Miah says. “She struggled for many years with mental illness and I carry that with me. It keeps you responsible.” Miah continued to work locally after “The Voice,” performing regularly in an affirming church, during events like St Pete and Tampa Pride and in local hotspots like City Side Lounge and Cocktail. He’s thankful to still entertain at each, the former of which he represents as the reigning Miss City Side. “Music breaks down barriers and is a language that connects everyone,” Miah says. “Whatever you’re called to do, you have to trust the journey.” That journey took an unexpected shift for Miah earlier this year. Still hopeful for another chance to progress on “The Voice,” he received a private Instagram message from a television producer. “He said that he saw my blind audition and if I was interested in doing another show, he’d like to submit me for one,” Miah says. “He wouldn’t even tell me the name of it, just that he thought I was great and wanted to see what would happen. I went through the submission

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process and then they started telling me about it.” That show was “Alter Ego,” a first-of-its-kind singing competition that premiered on FOX Sept. 29. The network announced the series in July, around the time Miah was flown to California to compete. “‘Alter Ego’ is the world’s first avatar singing competition series and the next iteration of the musical competition show,” FOX’s press release reads. “On ‘Alter Ego,’ lost dreams and second chances are reignited when singers from all walks of life become the stars they’ve always wanted to be.” The inaugural season’s 20 contestants do so as avatars, reinventing themselves to perform digitally using motion capture technology. They compete for the chance to win $100,000 and celebrity mentorship from the show’s judges, musical veterans Nick Lachey, Alanis Morissette, will.i.am and Grimes. It’s hosted by Rocsi Diaz. “‘Alter Ego’ merges talent and technology to revolutionize the singing competition show in only a way FOX can,” FOX Entertainment’s President of Alternative Entertainment and Specials Rob Wade said in July. “We are so excited to bring the fantastic will.i.am, Alanis, Grimes, Nick and Rocsi together as they search for the next big

singing star, allowing incredible vocalists a chance to realize their dreams and perform like never before.” Miah created Nevaeh King for the series, who made her debut on the show’s third episode. After flirting with will.i.am and Lachey while garnering praise for her rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” she advanced beyond the audition round. “My whole life I’ve had people try to put me in some pretty box,” Miah shared in the episode. “I carry my community and I want it more than ever to be able to represent us. The different. Them.” In addition to aligning with elements of Miah’s drag persona, his avatar also pays tribute to Beyja. “Nevaeh is ‘heaven’ backwards and I get to represent my best friend with her,” Miah says. “I thought it was a beautiful name. During my audition I talked about my friend’s suicide and it sucked the air out of the room. We learn with art and as we grow that we have the power to really change the tide, but my character is very jovial. I pray that people get to receive that.” Creating Nevaeh was a partnership between Miah and the “Alter Ego” team. “Contestants got to decide if we wanted them to be male, to be female or to be nonbinary,” he

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says. “I picked female because of my voice; she’s the doll. “When they told me she would be a glamor diva, someone between Jessica Rabbit and Marilyn Monroe, I knew it was going to be gorgeous,’” he laughs. “Once they showed me a picture of her, I got to tweak a few things and made her more vivacious. She was going to be regal.” Bringing Nevaeh to life via motion capture required Miah to wear a full body suit and partner with a body double for choreography. He calls the experience “so freaking out of this world.” “I got to gender bend, which in itself I hope expresses for young people that they should just be themselves,” Miah says. “I got to perform for leaders in the industry; flirt with Nick, which was hysterical and sing incredible songs on an international platform. I shook the walls and I’m so grateful for the entire experience.” While Miah’s head-to-head battle on “Alter Ego’s” fifth episode Oct. 13 led to his elimination, the series continues with his support. He hosts weekly watch parties at City Side Lounge every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m., followed by karaoke. Episodes begin at 9 p.m. “This is state of the art,” Miah says of the show. “I’m excited to have been on the pilot season and I’m excited for people to see a beautiful new side of me. “I’m so proud to be one of the characters on the show that gets to flip their gender and I think that’s such a win,” he adds. “It’s a testament to how music really pulls us together and breaks everything down. Win or lose, I’m a winner because I got to represent our community.” As for what’s next, Miah says big things are already here. “I’m working on a single and I’m excited for its release,” he says. “It’s called ‘Go’ and I’m ready to share it with everyone. It’s something fresh and heartfelt about loving all parts of yourself.” “Alter Ego” airs Wednesdays on FOX at 9 p.m. EST. You can watch with Jay Miah at City Side Lounge from 8-10 p.m., located at 3703 Henderson Blvd. in Tampa. Learn more about the series at FOX.com/ Alter-Ego and follow Miah on Instagram @JayMiahMusic and @NevaehKingFox.

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DRAG

Everybody’s Talking About Bianca Drag icon Bianca Del Rio talks about returning to the stage after a pandemica hiatus

to “Drag Race.” A lot has gone on so I always say expect the unexpected because I have my usual script but then it’s changed because I do a lot of audience participation and kind of interacting with the crowd just because of whoever I’m dealing with. So each city is a different scenario and Florida comes with its own set of comedy. Everything from COVID rules to voting. I’ve got a lot to say about Florida, so I say expect the unexpected.

DID BABYSITTING ADORE DELANO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ROLE AS HUGO/LOCO CHANEL IN “EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE?”

(ABOVE)

ON THE ROAD:

Bianca Del Rio heads back out with her Unsanitized Tour. PHOTO COURTESY RIGHT ON! PR

J.D. Casto

INNER OF SEASON SIX OF “RUPAUL’S

Drag Race,” drag queen and pop-culture icon Bianca del Rio returns to the stage at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live on Oct. 19 with her Unsanitized Tour. Watermark caught up with the larger-than-life queen by phone to discuss behind the scenes pranks, reprising her role as Hugo/Loco Chanel in the hit musical and Amazon original film “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” and the next generation of drag queens. WATERMARK: YOU’VE BEEN TOURING JUST UNDER A MONTH NOW. WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE GETTING BACK ON THE STAGE?

BIANCA DEL RIO: Well, I mean, it’s a wild ride. In the beginning it was a little awkward but it’s been something that I have been missing for quite some time, you know, just seeing people and just having an audience has been a pure delight. It definitely took some adjustment with new COVID rules

and regulations and all that kind of madness but we’re working through it. What I appreciate the most is people’s dedication and appreciation to show up. We do have a lot of COVID protocol things that happen, obviously masks and socially distant meet-and-greets, but now that we’ve kind of worked out the kinks, it seems to be flowing well, so I’m not mad about it. WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR RETURN TO ORLANDO WITH YOUR UNSANITIZED TOUR?

I would say expect the unexpected because you never know what you’re going to get with me. We have a lot to talk about. A lot has happened within the past year and half so there’s everything from COVID to politics

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

[Laughs] Well, it’s very funny. I’ve already done the role twice on the West End and in the beginning it was a little - I was shocked because I was asked to play an elderly drag queen who was generous, which I thought, well that’s going to be a stretch, but anyone who knows me knows I love musical theater and the best part about getting to do the show obviously is that it’s a break from what I normally do. I’m not the lead, it’s not my material, I get to be a part of an amazing cast, which is great, and it’s a show that I actually love. The film is out now too, which is great, on Amazon. It’s called “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” as well. I have a small cameo in that film, but I’m just excited to get back to the stage again. I never think of myself as old, I just consider everyone else around me getting younger and younger, so, that’s kind of what’s happening. And then, I just realized this year, next January, it’ll be 26 years that I’ve done drag. So, I guess, I am officially old. I’m considering facing it and owning it now. DID YOU HAVE A HUGO FIGURE GROWING UP WHEN YOU WERE GETTING INTO THE DRAG SCENE?

I didn’t have just one, I had many people that were factored into it and I think that with my transition into drag it was through the theater. There were several actors and actresses and directors, and it was also my first introduction to talented gay people that exposed me to the world. I mean, we were living in a different time

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then, there was no internet. You had to go to a gay bar to meet other gay people. So I think there’s a mixture of people that kind of introduced me to the drag world, but I was very lucky to have met them at the right time in my life, because I think things could have gone awry as it has for many people that didn’t have a great support team. So I was very lucky that my chosen family guided me in the right direction, which has been pretty amazing to have all these years. So that’s always been my attempt - whenever I’m around younger people is to encourage and show them. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD TELL THE UPCOMING GENERATION OF DRAG QUEENS AND WHAT WOULD YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW?

Research everything. Everything is not just “Drag Race.” Everything is not just seen on the television. Everything is not just a lip sync and a death drop. There’s so much more to drag, which is why I appreciate the fact that drag is so celebrated now, because there’s so many different aspects of it. Go on a YouTube hole, you can find everything. Look up Charles Pierce. Look up Kenny Kerr. These are all talented performers that were doing stuff many, many years ago, and honestly, they were like the pioneers of doing drag and doing it in small cabaret spaces or in Las Vegas and just seeing the other side of it. It’s not just one element. IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHEN YOU WERE JUST STARTING YOUR DRAG JOURNEY WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOURSELF?

Don’t do it, it’s a trap [laughs]. No, I think basically, don’t take yourself too seriously, which is what I do. I take the business side of it seriously, obviously, and I think that’s what has kind of prepared me for my life after Drag Race. I had some amazing opportunities and I think that just came with maturity, and also taking it serious from a business aspect, but not taking the madness of it or the bullshit seriously. I’m kind of glad I kind of started before social media, but I’m also glad I’m experiencing social media. So, it’s a double-edged sword, but I think not to take everything so seriously or personally, I should say, seriously is not the answer. I think personally is. You know, when you have somebody say something on Twitter, it can feel like 10,000 people, but it’s phantom people ... You’re not going to please everyone.

Bianca Del Rio’s Unsanitized Tour comes to the Hard Rock Live in Orlando Oct. 19 starting at 8 p.m. For ticket information, go to HardRock.com.

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

overheard

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Brian Longstreth and Sam Xatan were married Oct. 3. City Side Lounge celebrates 31 years of serving the LGBTQ community in Tampa this month. Cocktail announced that the pool and pool bar plans for their “baby brother” The Wet Spot were approved Oct. 5. Read more soon at WatermarkOnline.com. The Manatee Community Foundation awarded ALSO Youth with $12,000 Oct. 5 for their LGBTQ advocacy. Participants in and supporters of “Cocktail Presents: Heels for Wheels, a SMART Ride Benefit” raised $4,000 for the organization Oct. 7, 100% of which funds HIV care across the state. Eric Casaccio and Jeff Multer were married Oct. 9. Author Rob Sanders’ latest picture book “Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt,” billed as an “evocative biography [and] touching tribute to Jones’ life of advocacy” was released Oct. 12. Learn more at RobSandersWrites.com. Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith is scheduled to receive a key to the city of St. Petersburg from Mayor Rick Kriseman Oct. 14, honoring her decades of service to the LGBTQ community. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay kick off their 20th season Oct. 15-16 with “A Harvest of Memories,” their first in-person concert in 18 months. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com and buy tickets at GMCTB.org.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Freelance writer Michael Kilgore, Ybor City Barbering Co. owner Lisa Ann Harmon, GaYbor entertainer Joey Brooks (Oct. 14); St. Pete socialite Art Lawrence, Tampa retiree Howard Hawk, comic guru Eddie Riordan (Oct. 15); Suncoast softballer Michael Monnich, Out & About host Tyler Butler (Oct. 16); Tampa political campaign guru Mitch Kates, Lakeland-based Geico expert Barry Stemle, Ybor City’s King Corona Cigar expert Willy Emerson, Metro Inclusive Health nurse Amanda Graves (Oct. 17); Pinellas County Young Democrat Blaine Lawson, DJ Cubby Pat O’Rourke (Oct. 18); St. Pete strategic advisor Mike Callahan, Former Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber president Eric Mathis, Cider Press Cafe owner Johan Everstijn, Tampa photographer Byron Schaerr, Tampa Bay Pride Band’s Daniel Stevens, Tampa Bay entertainer Chanel P. Cartier, Chago’s Barbershop barber Kevin Rix, Center for Discovery program director Don Ford (Oct. 19); Flamingo Car Club president Robert “Tiny” Nasworthy, Ybor entertainer Blu Yake (Oct. 20); St. Pete DJ Jayson Chancey, Former St Pete Pride Grand Marshal SueZie Hawkes (Oct. 21); Honey Pot co-owner Steven Donahue (Oct. 23); Hillsborough LGBTA Democratic Caucus Vice President Sally Phillips (Oct. 24); Owner of Lakeland’s The Parrot Rich Dunn, Tampa Bay entertainer Austin Hagge, Tampa Bay bartender Sebastian Hathcock, Cosplayer Charles Parilla, St. Pete staple Barbra Ann (Oct. 26)

2 3

WARM WELCOME: APRN Kellie Bonsor greets guests at Empath Partners in Care’s recently opened sexual health center Oct. 9. PHOTO COURTESY EPIC

PARTNERS IN PRIDE: Tampa Pride proudly treks to Come Out with Pride in Orlando Oct. 9. PHOTO COURTESY TAMPA PRIDE

HEELS FOR WHEELS: Chris Hannay (L) and Dominic Henry feel their fantasy while raising funds for SMART Ride at Cocktail’s turnabout Oct. 7.

PHOTO COURTESY COCKTAIL

EQUALITY CONNECTION: Equality Florida and Project Pride partner Sept. 29 for an LGBTQ workshop in Sarasota. PHOTO

COURTEYS PROJECT PRIDE

BIG WINNERS: The Tampa Bay Jokers place first in the Bourbon Street Classic Oct. 3 in New Orleans. PHOTO COURTESY

SUNCOAST SOFTBALL LEAGUE

BLASTING OFF: The cast and crew of Jobsite Theater’s “Dr. Ride’s American Beach House” welcome writer Liza Birkenmeier (2nd from L) to their final preview Sept. 30. PHOTO COURTESY JOBSITE THEATER

SISTER TIME: (L-R) Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Agatha guides novice sisters Goblin and Shirley through Ybor for novice tea Sept. 30. PHOTO

COURTESY TAMPA BAY SISTERS

BANS OFF: St. Pete mayoral candidate Ken Welch (L) and city council candidate Mhariel Summers attend Bans Off Our Bodies Tampa Bay Oct. 2 in support of reproductive rights. PHOTO COURTESY WELCH CAMPAIGN

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

Presents

A Documentary on the LGBTQ Community of Central Florida

Go to

GreetingsFromQueertown.com to learn how you can be a part of history!

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The Bros in Convo Initiative celebrated four years as a community organization Sept. 23. Rainbow Democrats endorsed Sept. 28 Commissioner Regina Hill for City of Orlando Commissioner District 5 and Nicolette Springer for City of Orlando Commissioner District 3. Zebra Coalition raised more than $30,000 from its fourth annual Drag Race 5K as Lake Baldwin’s Harbor Park Oct. 3.

Maven Leadership Collective, Basically Wonderful, QLatinx, the LGBT+ Center Orlando and H.O.M.E. were announced Oct. 11 as the grantees for Contigo Fund’s COVID Emergency Grant Cycle for Organizations.

CONDOLENCES Luke Davis passed away Oct. 8. He was 38. Davis is survived by his husband, Tim Collins, and son, Keagan.

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 Pink Flamingo Group Trips coordinator Dan Warren (Oct. 14); Orlando realtor Scott Benson, Central Florida Sounds of Freedom musician Melissa Fallcenbury, Art curator Mendi Cowles (Oct. 15); Divas in Dialogue founder Mulan Montrese Williams, Orlando Fringe show director Michael Marinaccio, Orlando ally Joey Williams, Real estate agent Kase Elders, Orlando attorney Mary Meeks (Oct. 16); Gecko accountant Judy L. Hines, singer Sunshine Matthews, Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph (Oct. 17); Come Out with Pride Executive Director Tatiana Quiroga, LGBTQ advocate David Moran (Oct. 18); Softball star Jennifer Friedman, Orlando make-up artist Scott Juszczak (Oct. 19); Orlando’s own “Divine Miss M” Jennica McCleary, Quality Analyst Chris Hamlett, Orlando photographer Chris Stephenson (Oct. 20); QLatinx Gender Justice Program lead Andrea Montanez, DJ Ants Adam Brenner (Oct. 21); Karaoke legend Nick Rogers, Orlando maintenance specialist Joe Arlotta, America-lover Jaime DeFrancesco, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s bartender Juan Torres, Sprinkles Custom Cakes owner Richard Gregory (Oct. 23); Equality Florida’s former Director of Transgender Equality Gina Duncan (Oct. 24); Bricks Galore & MORE Toys owner Ryan Malin (Oct. 25); The Pride Chamber’s Rich Crabtree, Watermark wingwoman Nicole Vecchioni (Oct. 26).

FELIPE SOUSA-LAZABALLET

FAMILY FLOAT: Team Watermark are ready for The Most Colorful Parade at Orlando’s Come Out With Pride Oct. 9. PHOTO COURTESY DYLAN TODD SAVOY ENDORSED: (L-R) Brandon Bracale-Llewellyn, Nicolette Springer, Hal Warren and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith attend Springer’s event at Savoy Orlando Oct. 6. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

CHEERING ON: Volunteers for the Zebra Coalition cheer on the runners at the fourth annual Drag Race 5K at Lake Baldwin’s Harbor Park in Orlando Oct. 3. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

THE GAY 90S: (L-R) Robert Crane, Jessica Helen and Jamie DeHay celebrate after a showing of “The Gay 90’s Musical” at Savoy Orlando Oct. 7.

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA HELEN

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

PRIDE MARSHALS: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and wife Susie (3rd and 4th from L) pose with Come Out With Pride’s 2021 Grand Marshals (L-R) Blue Star, Trina Gregory-Propst, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Chelsea Wolfe and Brandon Wolf in downtown Orlando Oct. 9. PHOTO COURTESY

ROOFTOP RECEPTION: Ginger Minj (L) and Andres Acosta Ardila grab a photo after Ginger performed at the WorldPride community reception at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa in Orlando Oct. 4. PHOTO

COURTESY ANDRES ACOSTA ARDILA

WATCH PARTY: Kim Murphy (L) and Octavia Yearwood grab a selfie at the screening of Yearwood’s docuseries “The Tranz Form” at the LGBT+ Center Orlando Oct. 5.

PHOTO COURTESY KIM MURPHY

PROUD OFFICERS: (L-R) Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, Congressman Darren Soto, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Deputy Chief Jim Young get ready to march in the Come Out With Pride parade in downtown Orlando Oct. 9. PHOTO COURTESY GOALCFL

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

WEDDING BELLS

Ed Halleran and Tyler Grisham from Tampa, Florida

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

Feb. 14, 2021

WEDDING DATE:

July 6, 2021

WEDDING PLANNER:

Kauai Elopements

WEDDING VENUE:

Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii

FIRST DANCE SONG:

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

OFFICIANT:

Tommy Tokioka

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Sandy Swift

HONEYMOON:

Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii

HEN ED HALLERAN AND TYLER

Grisham first met more than four years ago, they were grieving in different ways.

Halleran was two years out from ending a 35-year relationship, while Grisham had recently lost his husband to cancer. Though they had been married for only two years, they were together for 22, he says, and he was training for a half marathon after his husband passed away. “I was a caretaker. I had a husband that had cancer and was in hospice. That half marathon was sort of my escape,” he explains. “That was the one thing I have myself. The training.” During this training, he found the need to meet with a medical and sports massage therapist and started seeing Halleran, who runs a practice in Safety Harbor. During the several months Grisham was his client, they got to know one another. He invited Halleran out with him and some friends on New Year’s Eve and by January they went on their first official date.

“After a couple of months, he stopped being a client and started being a partner or boyfriend. We found out we have so much in common, a crazy amount as far as family and faith,” Halleran says. “Everything from musical taste to movies,” Grisham adds. “He was a hardcore Southern Baptist and I’m a Catholic,” Halleran also muses, “but we figured it out.” The relationship moved slowly at first because of their past relationships. “We both had been in long-term relationships, and we took it slow because of that,” Grisham says. “We didn’t want to make any bad decisions.” They even waited more than a year to move in together. “Because we had both been in long relationships before this, that’s why we decided to elope to Hawaii,” Halleran said.

Grisham told him, “It’s your first wedding. Whatever you want to do.” Having proposed to his first husband, he also told Halleran that ball was in his court. “I’ve done it once and I was the one who proposed. So I told him, ‘I’m not doing it again,’” Grisham says, and though they had talked about it before, Halleran was “caught off guard” on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. They were spending an evening at home, enjoying a steak and lobster dinner and an expensive bottle of wine, when Halleran gifted him with a comic book about all the things he loved about their relationship and Grisham. Everything was in the book as the flipped through it together – hiking, movies, dinners, their pets. Grisham was touched – and on the same page – but chalked the gift up to thinking, “This guy is overboard. He really loves this Valentine’s Day.” On the very last page of the book was written, “Will you marry me?” Grisham said yes and they didn’t want to wait. They had a trip already

planned to Hawaii in July and decided to elope. They hired a wedding planner who helped them set up their wedding at Hanalei Bay. Other than the two of them, only Halleran’s close friend flew in from Denver to join them. “It was beautiful. You had the beach and the mountains in the background,” he says. They enjoyed a traditional Hawaiian wedding with a ukulele player, hula dancer and various ceremonies. “What made it so special was on the way over to the beach, it started to rain, like really rain,” Grisham remembers. “Obviously, it’s Kauai and that’s to be expected. So, we sat in the car and waited it out until it stopped. The beach was empty – this huge beach – and we literally had the whole bay to ourselves. It was unforgettable.” — Tiffany Razzano

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

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OCTOBER 14 - 27, 2021 // ISSUE 28 . 21 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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