Watermark Issue 30.26: Year in Review by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ+ News Source.

Dec. 21, 2023 - Jan. 3, 2024 • Issue 30.26

YEAR IN REVIEW Watermark reflects on 2023’s impact on LGBTQ+ Central Florida and Tampa Bay

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // EDITOR’S DESK

page

8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS 12 // STATE NEWS

The outpouring of love and support from our community … has been inspiring, selfless and brave. Watching our community’s resistance and display of love has been so joyous for our family — the light leading us through this darkness. – JESSICA NORTON, MOTHER OF A FLORIDA TRANSGENDER STUDENT WHO PLAYED ON A GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM LEADING TO THE FHSAA TO FINE THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOL

13 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 17 // VISIBILI-T 19 // TALKING POINTS 29 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 31 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 32 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 33 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 38 // EVENT PLANNER ON THE COVER

page QUEER POP: A look at 2023’s most talked

page YEAR IN REVIEW:

2023’s impact on the LGBTQ+ communities of Central Florida and Tampa Bay.

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

about moments in LGBTQ+ pop culture, including Sam Smith and Kim Petra’s Grammy winning song “Unholy.” SCREENSHOT FROM “UNHOLY” MUSIC VIDEO

WATERMARK ISSUE 30.26 // DEC. 21, 2023 - JAN. 3, 2024

EXPANDING HATE

“NO TEETH”

YOUR QUEER CAREER

VISIBILI-T

page Community leaders say new bill “an attack” on LGBTQ+ Floridians.

page Sarasota school board calls for Bridget Ziegler’s resignation.

page

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

Read what Dr. Steve Yacovelli has to say in his latest Viewpoint.

Read all about Britney

in the most recent 17 Stinson Visibili-T profile.

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EDITOR’S

Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

HEY SAY TIME FLIES WHEN

you’re having fun but they neglect to tell you that time also flies faster and faster the older you get, and apparently turning 44 this year has flipped my internal clock to double time because here we are with another Watermark annual Year in Review. In these pages you will find a time capsule of 2023 curated by myself and Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent highlighting all of the stories that made headlines in the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida, Tampa Bay and beyond. For my final desk of 2023, I want to countdown 23 things that happened in 2023 that I loved, fangirled over or was obsessed with. 23. While I have mocked adult Disney fans over the years, I discovered in 2023 — with the help of some friends — that I am, in fact, and adult “Disney Gay.” I not only embraced it this year but celebrated it.

WATERMARK STAFF

Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

22. I’m a fan of cheesy horror films and I saw two fantastic flicks that fall into this category: “M3GAN” and “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” both of which have sequels coming. 21. Thanks to queer goddess Ariana DeBose, I found out this year that “Angela Bassett did the thing.” 20. The trainwreck in me loved watching Jada Pinkett Smith continue Lady Macbething her way through Will Smith’s career with the release of her memoir “Worthy.” 19. The United States Congress held a hearing that confirmed the existence of UFOs and it seemed like most people didn’t care at all.

18. Smarmy ass hat Tucker Carlson got fired from FOX News. 17. Social media lit up with the mugshot of our 45th president, Donald Trump. 16. Brendan Fraser won the Best Actor Oscar for playing a morbidly obese gay man in “The Whale.” 15. “Spider-Man 2” was released on the PS5 and it did not disappoint. 14. HBO premiered the first season of “The Last of Us,” the TV adaptation of one of my favorite videogames, and again I was not disappointed. I have personally watched the Bill and Frank episode of the show dozens of times. 13. As editor-in-chief of Watermark, I managed to get Lego on the cover of one of our publications — the 2023 Holiday Guide. 12. Speaking of Lego, I reached peak obsession with my favorite toy this year with the purchase of the Lego Batcave shadowbox, based on one of my favorite films of all time, “Batman Returns.” It wasn’t every Lego fan’s cup o’ tea but for me it is the most beautiful set I have ever seen. 11-6. Starting in May, singer/ rapper Jake Hill started releasing singles from his queer country music persona, Dixon Dallas. Most of the singles he released contain intense sexual lyrics such as “He’s bouncing off my booty cheeks, I love the way he rides, I can hardly breathe when he’s pumping deep inside. I kiss him on his neck and then he kisses on my bussy, call him Daddy while I holler, man that boy so damn good looking.” Over the course of 2023, Dallas released six singles — “Something To Feel,” “Better Without You,” “F-150,” “Sleeping All Alone,” “Good Lookin’” and “Like Whiskey” — everyone of them is a bop that slaps so hard. 5. “Red, White & Royal Blue,” the film based on the 2019 queer

rom-com novel of the same name and starring Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine as the bisexual son of the U.S. president and gay prince of England, respectively, who fall in love, is released on Prime Video and became my whole personality for months. 4. Continuing with my “RW&RB” obsession, I got the chance to interview the film’s director, Matthew López, and I mean no disrespect to any of the amazing people (and Andy Cohen) that I have had the opportunity to chat with, but López was the most amazing person I have ever interviewed. He indulged my silly questions about things I obsessed over

Here we are with another Watermark annual Year in Review.

in the film and was the nicest person. When they say “Never meet your heroes,” they were obviously not talking about him. 3. I had not one but two amazing “work trips” this year, one in Dallas and one in Philadelphia, the latter of which was so amazing that I am already working on another visit. 2. I moved into a new house this year which had the space for me to have a room solely dedicated to displaying my Lego sets. 1. Publisher Rick Todd and I started a Watermark podcast: “Wine, Wine Not: A Queer Podcast.” We talk about queer media while I get to “Mad Men” it up by drinking at work and Rick watches me do it. We have a lot of fun doing it and I hope everyone reading this checks it out, if you don’t already.

ORLANDO OFFICE Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Caitlin Sause • Ext. 104 Caitlin@WatermarkOnline.com

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CONTRIBUTORS DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

is owner of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, change management and diversity consulting practice based in Orlando. He’s also the Chief Inclusion Officer of LGBTInclusivity. com, a consulting group focused on LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. Yacovelli is the author of “Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King or Queen of their Jungle.” Page 15

HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, NATHAN BRUEMMER, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TIFFANY RAZZANO, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, ANGELIQUE YOUNG, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

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EDITOR’S

Ryan Williams-Jent MANAGING EDITOR Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

E OPERATE IN NONSTOP NEWS

cycles here at Watermark, so by the time December rolls around a lot of our coverage blends together for me. Maybe it’s because I just turned 39.

I can usually recall what happened on a higher level, but some of the details can get fuzzy. It’s one of the reasons our annual Year in Review issue has always been a favorite of mine, giving me the chance to revisit the stories that helped shape our community over the last 12 months. These issues are also special to me because Watermark’s 2017 Year in Review was one of the first I worked on as a staffer. I officially joined the team on Dec. 11 after freelancing for some time, which means this month marked six years as a full-time employee. I’m still so thankful, both that I get to do what I love and for everyone who makes it possible. I’m lucky to serve our community

and to interact with so many of its members, work with an amazing team and have the support of my wonderful husband while doing it all. To give you a year-end peek behind the keyboard, there are two main elements to our Year in Review coverage. The first is the most obvious: Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams and I recap what happened from January until December. Some if it’s good, some of it’s bad, but all of it impacted us somehow. The second is something the readers decide. Throughout each news section you’ll find the Top 5 most-read stories from that beat, compiled using data from WatermarkOnline.com. We give

you an objective overview there, but this year I wanted to add a few of my personal thoughts about each Tampa Bay story. The first was “Steven Cozzi was ‘brilliant, loving and caring,’ husband says,” published March 27. Watermark spoke with Michael Steven Montgomery just days after his husband Steven’s murder and I’ll always remember our conversation. I want to thank Michael for sharing some of their love story with readers. It matters and you remain in our thoughts. The second was “LGBTQ+ leather bar MR D’z opens in Tampa,” published Sept. 8. In a year where the LGBTQ+ community faced an onslaught of attacks from Tallahassee, I want to thank owners Delon Cunningham and Michael Rivera for creating another safe space in our area. “MCC Tampa withdraws from Tampa Pride 2023” was Tampa Bay’s third most-read story, published March 9. The church’s board made the decision after Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw was publicly misgendered by Tampa Pride President Carrie West. I’m certain it wasn’t an easy decision. Coming in fourth was “Tampa Bay husbands adopt 6 siblings, create ‘forever family.’” It was a delight to meet Dustin and Daniel Johnson, lovely fathers who would go on to be named two of Watermark’s Remarkable People of 2023 for obvious reasons. The fifth most-read headline was “Zoie’s announces immediate, permanent closure” and published June 26. The loss of the LGBTQ+ venue underscored the importance of our safe spaces and it’s my hope that more open in 2024. This year was also memorable for Watermark’s arts and entertainment coverage. We highlighted incredible local acts like Divine AF and events like TIGLFF, including their first in-person Transgender Film Festival, and

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

got to chat with amazing artists as they made national news or came through town. For me, that meant interviewing Broadway and Disney superstar Idina Menzel before she headlined St Pete Pride, “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” winner Jimbo after she snatched the crown and the “Trans Handy Ma’am” herself, Mercury Stardust as she brought her book tour to Tampa. They were all lovely. I also had the opportunity to chat with “Star Trek” legend William Shatner before his stop at the Straz. As a nearly lifelong Trekkie who wasn’t sure how he felt, getting Captain Kirk on

I want to say thank you to our readers.

the record as pro-LGBTQ+ is something I’ll always be proud of. Of all of our coverage this year, however, I’m probably proudest of Visibili-T, a feature championed by Publisher Rick Todd. It was introduced in the first issue of 2023 to amplify trans voices in our community, the most marginalized among us, and for 26 issues we did exactly that. I want to say thank you to everyone who shared a glimpse into their life with readers this year, especially those I was lucky enough to chat with in Tampa Bay. It makes a difference and I want to unequivocally state that trans rights are human rights, something I hope every member of our community can agree on. Finally, I want to say thank you to our readers. Thank you for supporting Watermark and our advertisers this and every year, and for looking back on 2023 and toward 2024 with us now. Please stay safe, stay informed and have a Happy New Year!

ORLANDO OFFICE Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Designer: Caitlin Sause • Ext. 104 Caitlin@WatermarkOnline.com

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CONTRIBUTORS DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, RAYLENE HUNT, ZACHARY WELCH

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central florida news

WATERMARK’S TOP 5 ONLINE HEADLINES OF 2023

ORLANDO PUBLIX REFUSES TO WRITE ‘TRANS’ ON CAKE FOR PEER SUPPORT SPACE’S TRANSGENDER JOY EVENT The founders of Peer Support Space look for answers after they’re told by an Orlando Publix bakery in April that they could not write “Trans People Deserve Joy” on a cake because of a corporate policy. In an email to Peer Support Space sent by Publix’s public affairs office, the supermarket giant offers “sincere apologies” and states “our associates should have fulfilled your request.”

STANDING TALL:

ONEPULSE FOUNDATION TO BE DISSOLVED The onePULSE Foundation’s trustees vote in November to initiate the transfer of assets and the dissolution of the foundation, according to a press release sent by the organization. The announcement came as the foundation faced a year of problems from not securing the Pulse property to canceling plans to build a Pulse museum, the latter of which has raised financial concerns with both Orange County and the state.

NEW DRAG COMPETITION SHOW TO FEATURE ORLANDO QUEEN GIDGET GALORE LGBTQ+ TV network and streaming platform, OUTtv premieres a new drag competition series in April focused on the craft and fashion of drag. “Sew Fierce” brings together eight of the world’s top drag designers who competed against each other in weekly challenges. Among the inaugural season’s contestants is Rich Kuntz, best known by many in Central Florida as drag icon Gidget Galore.

DISNEY TO HOST OUT & EQUAL WORKPLACE SUMMIT ON LGBTQ+ RIGHTS Walt Disney World announces in March it will be hosting one of the largest LGBTQ+ workplace conferences at its resort in 2023. Out & Equal’s annual LGBTQ Workplace Summit takes place in September on Disney property in Orlando. The mass media and entertainment conglomerate has committed to host next year’s conference as well.

THE CENTER ORLANDO, ZEBRA YOUTH VANDALIZED BY HATE GROUP The LGBT+ Center Orlando and Zebra Youth are vandalized by a hate group overnight in August. Members of The Center Orlando discover messages of hate spraypainted across LGBTQ+ murals that were painted on the outside walls of The Center Orlando and Zebra Youth’s Drop-in Center across the street. Within hours, members of the community come together to repair the murals. Several weeks later, police arrest a suspect and charge him with three counts of criminal mischief.

Carlos Guillermo Smith speaks at a press conference decrying HB 599. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

Expanding Hate Community leaders say new bill ‘an attack’ on LGBTQ+ Floridians Federico Soto

RLANDO | Local LGBTQ+ community leaders and activists held a press conference at the LGBT+ Center Orlando on Dec. 11 to express their rejection of the recent anti-LGBTQ+ bill filed for the 2024 legislative session. Legislative Bill 599, also called the “Gender Identity Employment Practices” bill, introduced by freshman state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin (R-Belleview), proposes sweeping changes to Florida employment statutes and threatens to undermine rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community in both the public and private sectors. The legislation establishes that it is “state policy that a person’s sex is an immutable biological trait and that it is false to attribute to a person a pronoun that does not correspond to their sex.” If passed, the new law would prohibit government employees or contractors from using a person’s pronouns that “do not correspond

to their sex.” It would also prohibit employers from asking workers to state their own pronouns and prohibit them from sharing their pronouns if they differ from their assigned sex. Additionally, Chamberlin’s bill would restrict tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and state-funded employers from providing training or instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Daniel Sohn, president and CEO of The Pride Chamber, was one of several speakers who rebuffed the bill, stating that HB 599 “takes alarming measures to enforce” the notions it proposes and that the proposed law “silences trans employees by banning them.” This regulation may not only have social implications, but also economic repercussions. According to state Rep. Rita Harris, who represents Florida’s District 44, “Wells Fargo recently conducted a study that showed that states that have a larger LGBTQ+ community often have higher rates of economic growth,” and referred to this proposed law as “an insult to our constitution.”

Former state House Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith summarized the impact of the bill when speaking to Watermark En Español: “This is another attack on the LGBTQ community, as the proposal expands ‘Don’t Say Gay’ to public and private workplaces. What it shows is that the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law was never intended to protect children, but rather to promote homophobia and transphobia. The bill also attempts to censor the work of organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other entities that specifically serve the LGBT community … This is not just a bill about pronouns, this is an attack on non-profit organizations that serve in LGBTQ communities.” Guillermo Smith, who called the new legislation the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans at work bill,” says bills like these are being created because “right wing lawmakers who can’t solve real problems, instead engage in these culture war attacks against our communities because they have nothing else.” Currently a companion bill has not been filed in the state Senate. Activists will be joining The Pride Chamber and Equality Florida in Tallahassee for Pride At The Capitol on Jan. 16-17, a campaign to “show up, make our voices heard, and hold lawmakers accountable for their actions.” For more information on attending, go to EQFL.org/PATC.

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tampa bay news

WATERMARK’S TOP 5 ONLINE HEADLINES OF 2023

STEVEN COZZI WAS ‘BRILLIANT, LOVING AND CARING,’ HUSBAND SAYS Michael Steven Montgomery speaks with Watermark after the murder of his husband Steven Cozzi, an associate attorney in Largo. He reflects on their love story because “I want people to know who Steve was. Everybody’s going to talk about what happened to him, and to me that’s not who he was. At all. He was such an amazing person. He was so loved and he loved so many people.”

LONE VOTE:

Bridget Ziegler votes against a resolution calling for her resignation at a school board meeting Dec. 12.

LGBTQ+ LEATHER BAR MR D’Z OPENS IN TAMPA MR D’z Men’s Emporium holds its official grand opening Sept. 1-2, becoming Tampa Bay’s newest LGBTQ+ bar and the only one with a primary focus on the leather community. The establishment is the latest venture for life and business partners Delon Cunningham and Michael Rivera, who purchased City Side Lounge in late 2020. They say they wanted to create a venue where all are welcome.

MCC TAMPA WITHDRAWS FROM TAMPA PRIDE 2023 The Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa shares March 9 that they will not participate in Tampa Pride after President Carrie West “once again used his public platform to misgender a member of the trans community,” their pastor Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw. Tampa Pride issues a public apology, which is later removed from social media, while West says he made “a pronoun mistake” and denies ill will toward transgender individuals.

TAMPA BAY HUSBANDS ADOPT 6 SIBLINGS, CREATE ‘FOREVER FAMILY’ Dustin and Daniel Johnson finalize the adoption of their six children May 12, a process the husbands began over two years prior. They detail their adoption process and encourage other couples to explore creating families of their own before becoming two of Watermark’s Remarkable People of 2023. “There’s a need for it and we wouldn’t change it for the world. We’re so excited to have our forever family,” they share.

ZOIE’S ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE, PERMANENT CLOSURE Zoie’s announced its immediate and permanent closure via social media late June 25, thanking the community for their months of support as an LGBTQ+inclusive space in the Grand Central District. The restaurant and bar initially opened in Oct. 2022 as “a place for everyone,” followed by an official grand opening Dec. 31 before expanding to offer LGBTQ+-led staples like brunch, Drag Queen Bingo and more.

SCREENSHOT VIA SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS

‘No Teeth’ Sarasota school board calls for Bridget Ziegler’s resignation Ryan Williams-Jent

ARASOTA | The Sarasota School Board passed a resolution Dec. 12 calling for the voluntary resignation of Bridget Ziegler, former board chair and current District 1 rep. Ziegler is also a co-founder of the anti-LGBTQ+ group Moms for Liberty and the wife of Christian Ziegler, the Florida GOP chairman currently accused of raping another female, detailed on p. 12. She admitted to local authorities that the couple had previously had a sexual relationship with her. The board’s resolution was introduced by School Board Chair Karen Rose, who noted “it’s not about the left, it’s not about the right, it’s about students.” The resolution was passed and adopted Dec. 12 but is nonbinding; the school board lacks the authority to remove her. The Florida Constitution requires gubernatorial suspension via executive order followed by a majority vote in the state Senate. The school board’s resolution outlines this. It also cites “recent

occurrences that involve Bridget Ziegler” that “would cause an irreparably harmful distraction to the School Board’s ability to fulfill its critical Constitutional mission.” “The School Board hereby recommends that Bridget Ziegler immediately take all steps necessary to voluntarily resign her position,” it concludes. The resolution passed on a 4-1 vote with Ziegler alone opposing. Ziegler addressed the measure ahead of its passage, noting it “does not have any teeth” in reference to the board’s inability to remove her. Public comment was also held, with LGBTQ+ and ally voices echoing a press conference held before the meeting. The protest was organized in part by the nonprofit Support Our Schools, a “coalition of parents and community volunteers committed to safeguarding the future of our public education system.” They were joined by representatives from Equality Florida and more. “Support Our Schools … denounces the hypocrisy displayed by the Zieglers, particularly their sense of moral superiority cloaked in ‘family values,’” they said in a

press release. “While most of us don’t care what consenting adults do in the privacy of their home, the disingenuousness of the Zieglers is deafening as they have spent years casting aspersions on the LGBTQ+ community.” Equality Florida Deputy Director of Development Nicholas Machuca was among the speakers. “Let me be clear: participation in same-sex activities is not shameful, however Bridget Ziegler has done this while simultaneously denigrating our community and working overtime to instill policies that directly marginalize us,” he said. “That hypocrisy is unacceptable … this board member and her husband have created wedge issues to pull us apart in an effort to enflame tensions around imagined issues while real problems persist.” Following the vote, board member Tom Edwards, who has been targeted by conservatives because he is gay, called the meeting “political theater.” “It’s time to refocus on what truly matters — the education and future of our students,” he shared. “Let’s ... advocate for a board that prioritizes our students’ well-being.” Support Our Schools also noted that while “Bridget Ziegler has dug in her heels and from all appearances, is not planning to resign,” they will continue to advocate for her removal. Zieger’s current term is scheduled to end in 2026.

watermark Your LGBTQ+ News Source. DECEMBER 21, 2023 - J A NUA RY 3, 2024 // ISSUE 3 0. 26 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

state news

WATERMARK’S TOP 5 ONLINE HEADLINES OF 2023

BILL ALLOWING PROVIDERS TO REFUSE LGBTQ+ PATIENTS SENT TO DESANTIS The Florida House passes Senate Bill 1580, “Protections of Medical Conscience” on May 2 and sends the measure to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signs it into law May 11. It allows healthcare providers and insurers to deny a patient care on the basis of their religious, moral or ethical beliefs. LGBTQ+ advocates caution its language could be used to deny essential medical services to LGBTQ+ Floridians.

DESANTIS EYES LAWSUIT OVER BUD LIGHT’S DEAL WITH TRANS INFLUENCER Following months of conservative backlash against Bud Light for partnering with social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is trans, Gov. Ron DeSantis announces July 21 he will explore a potential lawsuit against the brand’s parent company Anheuser-Busch. “Gov. DeSantis will make no friends in the business community with these over broad attacks,” skeptical experts say.

FLORIDA INTRODUCES LAW THAT WOULD REMOVE TRANS KIDS FROM PARENTS Florida Republicans introduce a measure March 3 mandating state intervention in certain cases of transgender minors receiving gender-affirming care. Senate Bill 254 is signed into law May 17 and will be challenged in court. This portion specifically deals with child custody disputes related to the dissolution of a marriage and “does not give the DeSantis administration unilateral power to come and take people’s transgender children,” Equality Florida tells Watermark.

EQUALITY FLORIDA PROJECT SHOWS ‘DRAG IS NOT A CRIME’ Equality Florida mobilizes supporters for “Drag is Not a Crime” events in Wilton Manors and St. Petersburg in June. They provide makeovers and photoshoots in a show of solidarity as attacks on the art form mount across the state. “Drag is not a crime. Drag is art. Drag is protest. Drag is community,” Executive Director Nadine Smith tells supporters.

DESANTIS ADMINISTRATION MOVES FORWARD TO REVOKE THE PLAZA LIVE’S LICENSE Florida begins to revoke the liquor license of The Plaza Live for hosting “A Drag Queen Christmas” in Dec. 2022. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation files a formal complaint Feb. 3 against the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, the venue’s operator, and alleges they exposed children to “sexually explicit content.” One year after the show, it’s revealed the foundation settled by paying a fine of $5,000.

FLORIDA REPUBLICANS SUSPEND CHAIRMAN Wire Report

he Republican Party of Florida suspended Chairman Christian Ziegler and demanded his resignation during an emergency meeting Dec. 17, adding to calls by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top officials for him to step down as police investigate a rape accusation against him. Ziegler is accused of raping a woman with whom he and his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, had a prior consensual sexual relationship, according to police records “Christian Ziegler has engaged in conduct that renders him unfit for the office,” the party’s motion to censure Ziegler said, according to a document posted on the social

media platform X by Lee County GOP Chairman Michael Thomason. Ziegler tried to defend himself during the closed-door meeting, but the party board quickly took the action against him, Thompson said. “Ziegler on soap box trying to defend himself, not working,” Thompson posted before confirming the votes. The party’s executive committee will hold another vote in the future on whether to remove Ziegler. The Sarasota Police Department is investigating the woman’s accusation that Ziegler raped her at her apartment in October. Police documents say the Zieglers and the woman had planned a sexual threesome that day, but Bridget Ziegler was unable to make it. The accuser says Christian Ziegler arrived anyway and assaulted her..

Christian Ziegler has not been charged with a crime and says he is innocent, contending the encounter was consensual. The accusation also has caused turmoil for Bridget Ziegler, an elected member of the Sarasota School Board, though she is not accused of any crime. The board has voted to ask her to resign. She refused, detailed on p. 10. The couple have been outspoken opponents of LGBTQ+ rights, and their relationship with another woman has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy. In addition to DeSantis, Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Florida’s Republican House and Senate leaders have all called for Christian Ziegler’s resignation.

sports and we will not tolerate any school that violates this law,” Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said in a statement. “We applaud the swift action.” DeSantis’ office declined comment. The governor was in Iowa Dec. 12, campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination. Jessica Norton, the girl’s mother and a Monarch information technician, reissued a statement Dec. 12 calling the outing of her daughter a “direct attempt to endanger” the girl. The Human Rights Campaign said the ruling “does not change the fact that the law preventing transgender girls from playing sports with their peers is unconstitutionally rooted in anti-transgender bias, and the Association’s claim to ensure equal opportunities for student athletes rings hollow.” “The reckless indifference to the well-being of our client and her family, and all transgender students across the state, will not be ignored,” wrote Jason Starr, the group’s litigation strategist. According to court documents filed with a 2021 federal suit challenging the law on the girl’s behalf, she has identified as female

since before elementary school and has been using a chosen name since second grade. At age 11 she began taking testosterone blockers and at 13 started taking estrogen to begin puberty as a girl. Her gender has also been changed on her birth certificate. A judge dismissed the lawsuit in November but gave the family until Jan. 2024 to amend it for reconsideration. The association also ruled that Monarch Principal James Cecil and Athletic Director Dione Hester must attend rules compliance seminars and the school must host a seminar for other staff. The school district recently temporarily reassigned Cecil, Hester, Norton and the assistant athletic director and suspended the volleyball coach pending the outcome of its investigation. After the group’s reassignments, Norton thanked students and others who protested on their behalf. “The outpouring of love and support from our community … has been inspiring, selfless and brave,” Norton said. “Watching our community’s resistance and display of love has been so joyous for our family ... leading us through this darkness.”

FLORIDA FINES HIGH SCHOOL OVER TRANS ATHLETE Wire Report

lorida’s athletic board fined a high school and put it on probation Dec. 12 after a transgender student played on the girls volleyball team. The Florida High School Athletic Association fined Monarch High $16,500, ordered the principal and athletic director to attend rules seminars and placed the suburban Fort Lauderdale school on probation for 11 months. The association also barred the girl from participating in sports for 11 months. A GOP-backed 2021 law, dubbed “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” bars transgender girls and women from playing on public school teams intended for student athletes assigned female at birth. The student, a 10th grader who played in 33 matches over the last two seasons, was removed from the team after the Broward County School District was anonymously notified about her participation. Her removal led hundreds of Monarch students to walk out of class in protest. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida passed legislation to protect girls’

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nation+world news

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS WASHINGTON STATE’S CONVERSION THERAPY BAN Christopher Kane of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

he U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 11 allowed Washington State to continue enforcing its ban on conversion therapy for minors, another blow to the dangerous and discredited practice of endeavoring to change a patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity. With a 6-3 vote declining to hear a challenge brought by the anti-LGBTQ+ Alliance Defending Freedom, SCOTUS allowed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision protecting the law to remain in effect. Conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas voted to take up the case, with Thomas writing a five-page dissent in which he argued “licensed counselors cannot voice anything other than the state-approved opinion on minors

with gender dysphoria without facing punishment.” “In recent years, 20 States and the District of Columbia have adopted laws prohibiting or restricting the practice of conversion therapy,” Alito wrote in a dissent. “It is beyond dispute that these laws restrict speech, and all restrictions on speech merit careful scrutiny.” NCLR represents one of the litigants in the case, Equal Rights Washington, which was involved in defending the law — which allows providers to discuss conversion therapy with patients younger than 18 or recommend that it be administered by a religious counselor, but prohibits licensed therapists from performing it. Major scientific and medical groups as well as LGBTQ+ and other civil rights organizations support conversion therapy bans for minors, which have passed in 22 states and D.C. according to the Movement Advancement Project. Judge Ronald M. Gould, writing for the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit, argued in his decision on the case challenging Washington’s

ban that, “States do not lose the power to regulate the safety of medical treatments performed under the authority of a state license merely because those treatments are implemented through speech rather than through scalpel.” Gould noted that Brian Tingley, a family counselor and advocate for conversion therapy who challenged the law, was still able to communicate about conversion therapy, express his personal views on the subject to his patients, practice conversion therapy on adults, and refer minors to counselors not licensed by the state. “For decades,” wrote Washington state Attorney General Robert W. Ferguson in a brief, “this court has held that states can regulate conduct by licensed professionals, even if the regulations incidentally impact speech.” “Conversion therapy,” he added, “puts minors at risk of serious, long-lasting harms, including increased risks of suicide and depression.”

MOROCCAN ADVOCACY GROUPS CRITICIZE CONTINUED ANTI-LGBTQ+ CRACKDOWN Daniel Itai of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

oroccan advocacy groups have criticized continued attacks against the country’s LGBTQ+ community. A minor on Nov. 15 was sentenced to six months in prison for being gay and fined close to $200. According to TALAY’AN NGO, the young boy from Ouarzazate endured a traumatizing assault and rape for more than three years at the hands of a “muezzin,”

an authority figure in a mosque. This “muezzin” was found guilty of indecent assault and rape of a minor and received an 8-year sentence. The court nevertheless sentenced the minor to prison time. “While the ‘muezzin’ received an 8-year prison sentence for his actions spanning over three years, the minor’s sentence is both alarming and unacceptable,” said TALAY’AN NGO. “Already deeply traumatized by the violence he endured, he was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 20,000 dirhams (approximately $200) after being accused of being gay.” TALAY’AN NGO also said the incident mirrors myriad challenges the country’s LGBTQ+ community is facing.

“This incident isn’t isolated, it mirrors the broader challenge of outdated laws in Morocco that criminalize the LGBT+ community,” said the group. “That’s why we strongly call for the immediate release of the minor survivor. It’s a travesty of justice that a child, already traumatized by assault, faces further harm due to outdated laws.” Due to the country’s deep cultural and religious beliefs, those who identify as LGBTQ+ are often harassed and victimized. Same-sex relations remain criminalized and those convicted of homosexuality face up to three years in prison and a fine. Activists also face stigma and repression, making it difficult for them to openly advocate on public platforms.

WATERMARK’S TOP 5 ONLINE HEADLINES OF 2023

NEW ARGENTINIAN PRESIDENT ELIMINATES WOMEN, GENDER AND DIVERSITY MINISTRY Argentinian President Javier Milei fulfills one of his campaign promises, which is to eliminate the Women, Gender and Diversity Ministry. Milei took office on Dec. 10. He defeated then-Economy Minister Sergio Massa in the second round of the country’s presidential election that took place on Nov. 20.

UK TWITCH STREAMER RAISES $50K FOR TRANS HEALTH CARE Popular Twitch streamer F1NN5TER raises $50,000 in May for the online transgender health and wellbeing clinic Gender GP. Gender GP is a private, global-reaching transgender health care service headquartered in the U.K. F1NN5TER, who has just over 700,000 followers on Twitch, is a self-identified cross dresser and uses he/him pronouns. He can regularly be seen on stream trying on new outfits, applying makeup and playfully bantering with his audience.

WISCONSIN OFFICIALS BAN MILEY CYRUS, DOLLY PARTON SONG FROM CLASS CONCERT Administrators at a Wisconsin elementary school in March stopped a first-grade class from performing a Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance because the song “could be perceived as controversial.” Students at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha had prepared a rendition of “Rainbowland” for their spring concert, but school officials struck the song from the lineup. Parents in the district say the decision was made because the song encourages LGBTQ+ acceptance and references rainbows.

OHIO HIGH SCHOOL CROWNS LGBTQ+ PROM COURT, RECEIVES THREATS The student body of Kettering Fairmont High School in an inner suburb of Dayton, Ohio makes history by crowning two LGBTQ+ students, seniors Dai’sean Conley and Rosie Green, as prom king and queen. What follows next is a heated debate, acrimonious social media posts, physical threats against the LGBTQ+ community and an arrest.

PROMINENT CHILEAN ACTIVIST LUIS LARRAÍN DIES AT 42 Luis Larraín, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist in Chile, dies in November after a battle with blood cancer. He was 42. Larraín, along with writer Pablo Simonetti, in 2013 co-founded Fundación Iguales. Larraín was the group’s president until he stepped down in 2017 to run for the Chilean Congress. Larraín in January announced doctors had diagnosed him with an “aggressive” form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His family on Nov. 17 released a video in which Larraín said he had not responded to the third treatment he had undergone.

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Dr. Steve Yacovelli

YOUR QUE E R C A R E E R :

WORK ADVICE FROM THE

GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE WHATDIDJASAY? Effective Listening for the Queer Leader

N HIS LATEST COLUMN, DR.

Steve Yacovelli, (a.k.a. “The Gay Leadership Dude”) shares his expertise on submitted workplace questions from members of the LGBTQ+ community.

HELLO “GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE”: I FOLLOW YOU ON LINKEDIN AND ENJOY THE ARTICLES AND CONTENT YOU SHARE. ONCE YOU POSTED SOMETHING ABOUT LISTENING BEING A SECRET WEAPON FOR EFFECTIVE QUEER LEADERSHIP (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT). WHAT ARE YOUR BEST TIPS FOR BEING A BETTER LISTENER? ~LESBIAN LISTENER

WHAT DID YOU SAY? (Just kidding!) Thanks for writing, LL. As we end the year, do all those performance reviews and provide feedback to our coworkers on how the year went and where we’re going next year, it’s time to leverage listening as the leadership superpower that it is. One of my favorite quotes about listening is by famed leadership guru Stephen Covey. He says, “Listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to reply.” Far too often we’re listening to someone, waiting for our time to pounce and interject what they should do or to solve their problem/issue without just listening and absorbing what is just being said (and sometimes not said). Smart Queer Leaders are those who are able to listen to others, understand their perspectives and needs, and make informed decisions based on what they hear. This is why listening is such a crucial skill for Leaders to have. Listening is about more than just hearing what others say: it’s about actively engaging with them,

understanding their point of view, and showing that you value their input. When Leaders are good listeners, they create an environment of trust and respect, which in turn leads to better collaboration, increased productivity, and higher morale among their teams. Listening is a leadership superpower! So, what are the best ways to leverage this superpower, LL? Here are five strategies to help you out: 1. Engage in what’s called “Active Listening.” This is the process of actually not just listening with our ears but our whole body. Lean in, look at the speaker, and—when appropriate— paraphrase what you’re hearing from the speaker to make sure you are understanding their intent correctly. Paraphrasing involves a restatement of the information given by the speaker and demonstrates to them that you are both listening to them and actually understanding what they are saying. 2. Use open-ended questions. OEQs help start a dialogue versus a one-sided conversation. OEQs not only show that you’re listening but it also engages the speaker. Give some of these OEQs a try: -“Help me understand how you got to that perspective.” -“What alternatives have you thought about? -“What do you mean by...?” -“What could some of the consequences be?” -“What other possibilities are there?” -“What were the considerations that led up to this...?” -“Why is this element the most important aspect?” -“How else could this situation be explained?” Don’t ask OEQs simply with the intent to respond. Listen to the speaker’s response, the words they are using, how they are sharing their perspective and what’s not being said.

3. Leverage empathy for the person speaking. Try to put yourself in the speaker’s pumps and understand their perspective. Be a smart Queer Leader and show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and experiences; make it about them not about you. This will not just show you’re listening from the head and the heart but will also help build trust and rapport with the person speaking. 4. Provide feedback to the person you’re listening to. A little different than acknowledging that you’re listening, provide your input and perspective when the person is done sharing. Yes, you can provide feedback using Strategies #1 and #2 but also consider leveraging “Provide Feedback” on what the speaker has said, such as by summarizing the main points or asking follow-up questions. This can help to confirm that you have understood the speaker’s

message and can also provide an opportunity for further discussion. In Pride Leadership I shared my favorite feedback model — EECC or E2C2 Method. It’s a simple method to ensure that — when you’re providing feedback to someone, you include all the right “parts” (E = example, E = effect, C is either “change” or “continue”). When you’re listening and you want to provide your two cents, use this model to make your feedback clear and something on which the speaker can take action. Finally, 5. Remember perspective and bias. When listening, be sure you are hearing not just the speaker’s perspective but also remembering that we all have our own communication context with which we’re sharing our story; we’ve all our own shiny lens of reality that filters our stories.

While you should be paying attention to the speaker at hand, understand that they’re presenting their perspective of the situation. Suspend your judgment as best as you can until you’ve had the opportunity to hear the whole story, ask questions and seek to truly understand. Assume good intent, but also feel free to seek out other perspectives to understand the full complexity of the situation. And one bonus piece of advice to maximize your listening superpowers, LL? Put the damn phone down. ;^)

HAVE A QUESTION FOR “THE GAY LEADERSHIP DUDE”? Submit at YourQueerCareer.com. Please note the advice shared is for informational use only; it is not intended to replace or substitute any mental, financial, medical, legal or other professional advice. Full disclosure can be found at the website listed above.

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Visibili-T Britney Stinson (pictured center in left photo) helped to organize the Trans Day of Rememberance event in Orlando Nov. 20. The City of Orlando presented a proclaimation (above) to the organizers at the event. PHOTOS BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

BRITNEY STINSON 30, She/Her/Hers

Jeremy Williams

ISIBILI-T IS DEDICATED TO

transgender members of our community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, some you know and many you don’t. It is designed to amplify their voices and detail their experiences in life.

In this issue we check in with Central Florida’s Britney Stinson, a United States Army veteran, a mental health professional and the founder of Transitional Space. Transitional Space began in 2018 as a Discord server Stinson created after a bad breakup. “I was really, really lonely so I started up this Discord server just to try and meet people and have somebody to talk to and stuff because my boyfriend that I was spending all my time with was now gone,” she says. “I felt

alone so I reached out, created that server and then it just kind of blossomed.” When the server reached 5,000 members from all around the world, Stinson realized she had something that could be impactful. “I was thinking, with my background in mental health, I could do some good. I can make this into a real-deal nonprofit and really help some people,” Stinson says. “I’ve met so many awesome people, a lot of who started their

transition within the server, which is really cool because you can see their progress from ‘I don’t know if I want to come out, I’m scared’ to coming out and now they’re on HRT, full-time name change and everything.” Stinson’s own coming out started when she was a teenager growing up in Central Florida. “When I first started to transition, the only support I had was from people online,” she says. “It was like I had two different lives. At school and at home with my family I was the jock kid but then I also had this other life where I was able to be Britney, so that was kind of the struggle every day.” Stinson was raised in the rural areas of Central Florida, growing up in Narcoossee and Eustis. “It was amazing. Out where I grew up we had cow fields as far as you can see. Swamps and orange trees, I remember us having to hire people to help us pick all our oranges because we had so many orange trees,” she recalls. “People think of Disney when you say Central Florida but I think of cow fields and swamps and horses.” Growing up in rural Florida gave Stinson an appreciation for things that are stereotypically not

always seen as hobbies LGBTQ+ folks would be into. “I love country music, I love shooting sports, I’m pro Second Amendment and I’m really into sports; a lot of people think if you’re trans then you have to hate guns, if you’re trans then you have to hate sports, if you’re trans you have to hate country music. I kind of break those stereotypes,” she says. Another topic that Stinson is passionate about is true crime stories. It’s partly what led her to study forensic psychology in college. “Forensic psychology is kind of the marriage between the criminal justice system and the application of psychology to criminal justice,” she says. “For me personally, I’ve had some experiences where people were less than kind to me so working with victims is probably one of my main reasons for studying forensic psychology.” Stinson uses her skills in her daytime job as a counselor for teenagers who have dual diagnosis — kids who have a substance abuse history and mental health history. After a long day at work, she then has to make time for Transitional Space, Come Out With Pride’s Trans and Non-Binary Task Force (which she is a member of) and

working on football plays for the Women’s Football Alliance (which she plays on). “I love football and that is the sport I play the most because there is the WFA, but baseball is my passion,” she says. “I played semi-pro baseball in Australia for one season. Baseball and the romanticism that goes along with baseball, I just love it.” Stinson’s love of sports has led her to start on an initiative within Transitional Space where they can bring sports to LGBTQ+ kids in Central Florida. “Right now trans youth have nowhere to play sports really in Florida, and since sports were such a big part of my life, I want to bring that to other kids,” she says. “I want to bring in some more opportunities for LGBT+ kids and kids who are allies. I’m not going to discriminate; everybody is welcome to come out and play.” Stinson was asked what advice she would give to her younger self if given the chance. “I’d tell my younger self don’t be so afraid of what other people think and hug my maw maw and paw paw a little bit more.” Interested in being featured in Visibili-T? Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams in Central Florida or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent in Tampa Bay.

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talking points The Supreme Court has allowed a lower court’s ruling on Washington state’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban to stand — a decision that should have been status-quo and not at all controversial but given the recent decisions of this Court, today’s ruling is an important victory as we fight to protect the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth across the country. —CATHRYN OAKLEY, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF LEGAL POLICY AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, IN A STATEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON BLADE

62% OF

LGB YOUTH

GOLDEN GLOBES NOMINATE QUEER STORIES

HE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED DEC. 11 with several LGBTQ+ films and performers being recognized. Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” a biopic about Leonard Bernstein, earned noms for Best Motion Picture, Best Actor (for Cooper) and Best Actress (for Carey Mulligan) in the Drama categories as well as Best Director, also for Cooper. Netflix also scored with another biopic film, “Nyad.” The film, based on swimmer Diana Nyad, picked up Best Actress in a Drama for Annette Benning and Best Supporting Actress for Jodie Foster. Colman Domingo also scored a Best Actor in a Drama nod for his film “Rustin,” another biopic from — you guessed it — Netflix, based on Bayard Rustin. Andrew Scott also picked up a nomination in the Best Actor Drama category for his performance in “All of Us Strangers.” On the TV side, Showtime’s queer miniseries “Fellow Travelers” picked up nods for Best Television Limited Series and Best Actor in a Limited Series for Matt Bomer. HBO’s “The Last of Us” also scored big with noms for Best TV Darma, Best TV Drama Actor (for Pedro Pascal) and Best TV Drama Actress (For Bella Ramsey). Wanda Sykes earned a nomination for Best Stand-Up Comedy on TV. The Golden Globes will announce the winners during a live ceremony Jan. 7, airing on CBS and Paramount +.

DESCRIBED THEIR

MENTAL HEALTH AS

FAIR OR POOR, COMPARED TO 38% OF

STRAIGHT YOUTH

WHO ANSWERED BRITTNEY GRINER TO SHARE HER STORY

RO BASKETBALL PLAYER BRITTNEY GRINER ANNOUNCED A DEAL WITH DISNEY ABC, OWNER OF ESPN, to share her story. One year after her release from a Russian gulag, Griner says she’s decided to share her experiences with Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” In addition to her first sit-down interview with Roberts, the Phoenix Mercury star will also appear in an ESPN documentary. The documentary will feature exclusive footage and rare archival material that will shed new light on her story, including the circumstances that led to the Mercury center playing overseas in her off-season, what she experienced during her long detainment and the fight to gain her freedom. No air date was given for these projects.

EMMY-WINNING ACTOR ANDRE BRAUGHER DIES AT 61

NDRE BRAUGHER, THE EMMY-WINNING ACTOR FROM “HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET” AND “BROOKLYN 99,” died Dec. 11 at 61 after a brief illness. The Chicago-born actor played Det. Frank Pembleton on “Homicide: Life on the Street” for seven seasons and earned an Emmy Award. Braugher’s other major role came as Captain Raymond Holt, the NYPD’s first Black openly gay police captain, on the hit comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The role earned him four Emmy nominations and two Critics’ Choice Awards. Braugher was married for more than 30 years to his “Homicide” co-star Ami Brabson. He is also survived by sons Michael, Isaiah and John Wesley.

‘DRAG RACE’ ANNOUNCES SEASON 16 QUEENS

HE 16TH SEASON OF “RUPAUL’S DRAGE RACE” PREMIERES ON MTV JAN. 5, and the show has released the names of the queens we will see compete. Amanda Tori Meating and Hershii LiqCour Jeté from Los Angeles, Dawn and Megami from Brooklyn, Geneva Karr from Texas, Mhi’ya Iman LePaige and Morphine Love Dion from Miami, Mirage from Las Vegas, Nymphia Wind, Plasma and Xunami Muse from New York City, Plane Jane from Boston, Q from Kansas City and Sapphira Cristál from Philadelphia. RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison are the judges for season 16 with Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron to appear as a guest judge in the season’s first episode.

THE SAME. ONLY 8% OF LGB AND

17% OF STRAIGHT

YOUTH SAID THEIR MENTAL

HEALTH WAS

EXCELLENT. —Gallup poll on Gen Z mental health based on sexual orientation

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We provide care and services to all, regardless o cancommunityhealth.org

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of your insurance status or ﬁnancial circumstances.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2023’s impact on LGBTQ+ Central Florida and Tampa Bay

Jeremy Williams and Ryan Williams-Jent

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

fter a surprising midterm where Democrats expanded their legislative pull nationwide — except in Florida, where Republicans gained a supermajority — Watermark begins 2023 with a look at Generation Z. Nearly one in eight of the critical voting bloc’s members supported Democrats in the election and LGBTQ+ locals tell us why. We also speak with entertainer L Morgan Lee of “A Strange Loop,” the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Tony Award, and introduce Visibili-T, a recurring feature that amplifies local transgender voices. An Orange County Public Schools District 3 board member begins the year by asking the district to remove its gender-neutral bathroom policy. Reproductive rights activists also fill the streets to rally on what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Southern Nights Orlando is vandalized. To “serve as a beacon of support and safety” for LGBTQ+ community, Equality Florida unveils a new mural in Tampa. Metro Inclusive Health announces important work of its own, sharing that the organization’s Copay it Forward program generated $660,485 in free healthcare throughout the region for those in need the previous year. Conservative control in Tallahassee begins to take shape as Florida’s rejection of AP African American Studies makes national news. Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration say the course pushes a political agenda, in part for including “Black Queer Studies.” Free speech groups also condemn a Florida high school’s cancelation of the play “Indecent,” which explores Jewish and queer theatrical history. Playwright Paula Vogel, who is Jewish and a lesbian, says “censorship of the arts is always the first step towards totalitarianism.” States across the nation target transgender health care in the first bills filed in 2023. More than two dozen seek to restrict transgender health care access. Meanwhile, the Pope says laws that criminalize homosexuality are “unjust.”

s lawmakers convene for a special session regarding the state’s takeover of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district for opposing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, LGBTQ+ advocates share how they’re preparing for the next legislative session. We also speak to gay men about being plus size in the LGBTQ+ community and reintroduce Watermark’s annual Love, Sex & Marriage coverage. In Orlando, the DeSantis administration officially begins the process of revoking The Plaza Live’s liquor license for hosting of “A Drag Queen Christmas” in Dec. 2022. A formal complaint alleges they exposed children to “sexually explicit content.” The LGBT+ Center announces the recipients of their 11th annual Diversity Awards, honoring GayDayS President Chris Manley with the LGBT+ Center Lifetime Achievement award. The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber honors local changemakers as well, marking 40 years with a State of the Chamber event. CAN Community Health is awarded Nonprofit of the Year and Watermark Publishing Group proudly receives LGBTBE of the Year. Metro Inclusive Health CEO announces the retirement of Lorraine Langlois after 30 years and that Metro Chief Operating & Programs Officer Priya Rajkumar will serve as their next CEO. The Florida Entertainer of the Year pageant returns after a hiatus, taking place in Tampa and crowning Central Florida entertainers Kenya M. Black and Twila Holiday. At the request of the DeSantis administration, a prohibition against gender-affirming care for minors is tightened after a board eliminates an exception for certain trials. New details emerge about the fatal shooting at the Colorado LGBTQ+ nightclub Club Q in 2022, where five people were murdered and 17 others were injured. LGBTQ+ advocates continue to call for gun reform. Finland’s parliament makes it easier for people to change their legally recognized gender.

CONTINUED ON PG. 23 | uu |

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| uu | Year in Review FROM PG.23

MARCH

he Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence recognize readers’ favorite LGBTQ+ and ally activists, entertainers and more. Watermark also examines bisexual erasure and the ninth annual Tampa Pride as Florida’s 2023 legislative session kicks off with bills targeting LGBTQ+ Floridians. Openly trans Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visits Orlando to meet with local leaders about access to care. Drag queen-led events are also canceled throughout Central Florida after the introduction of legislation used to target the art form. In response to the same proposals, Tampa Pride restricts drag performances to 18+. The event is a success but returns without the support of MCC Tampa; the church doesn’t participate after Tampa Pride’s president misgenders their pastor. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also wins a second term. A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit challenging Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law. DeSantis, rumored to announce a run for U.S. president, simultaneously works to expand the measure to all grades. “Everything he does is about what can further his own career ambitions,” Equality Florida tells Watermark. Anti-LGBTQ+ laws also continue to mount nationwide, but a federal judge temporarily blocks Tennessee’s first-in-the-nation law placing strict limits on drag shows. He sides with those who say it violates the First Amendment.

APRIL

atermark highlights India, Morocco and Cabo through an LGBTQ+ lens for our travel issue. We also preview the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Tampa Fringe and Florida Film Festival, which features a special premiere. Watermark Publishing Group’s documentary “Greetings from Queertown: Orlando” makes its debut, tracing the history of Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community from the mid-1970s to today. Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar, with locations in Cape Canaveral, Melbourne and Orlando, calls being transgender a “social experiment” and halts sales of Bud Light due to the brand’s partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. CAN Community Health and Metro Inclusive Health, which first partnered to serve Tampa Bay in 2013 and constructed health care centers in St. Petersburg and Ybor, detail their formal split. Metro announces they will vacate the shared spaces to redistribute services to satellite offices, while CAN will move its headquarters from Sarasota to Tampa. Equality Florida takes an unprecedented step as the state advances anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, issuing an LGBTQ+ travel advisory warning for those seeking to visit or relocate. They do so before hundreds of Florida’s drag entertainers make a statement of their own — led by Orlando’s Darcel Stevens, entertainers converge in Tallahassee for the first-ever Drag March. Overseas, South Africans protest the Anti-Homosexuality Act passed in Uganda. The social media platform Twitter also makes waves under the new ownership of Elon Musk for removing its deadnaming policy, bolstering anti-trans activity. Some organizations leave the platform, including Watermark.

MAY

atermark examines Equality Florida’s travel advisory at length as organizations plan major LGBTQ+ events. Come Out with Pride, St Pete Pride and others weigh in. We also preview Orlando’s big LGBTQ+ weekend and Project Pride’s LGBTQ+ events in Sarasota, both coming in June. Citing failed negotiations with landowners, the onePULSE Foundation announces the planned Pulse memorial will no longer be built at the site of the nightclub. An Orlando traffic sign is altered to say “KILL ALL GAYS” and Peer Support Space says Publix refused to write “Trans People Deserve Joy” on a cake. In Tampa, Alan Clendenin wins his race for City Council and becomes the body’s first openly LGBTQ+ representative. The City of Clearwater announces its “Living the Culture” series will celebrate Pride and Tampa Pride cancels Pride on the River, scheduled for September. The organization cites four explicitly anti-LGBTQ+ bills signed into law by DeSantis the day prior, the largest slate in in Florida’s history. They are House Bill 1069, the “Don’t

Say Gay or Trans” expansion; Senate Bill 254, a gender-affirming care ban; House Bill 1521, banning trans individuals from using certain restrooms that align with their gender identity; and House Bill 1423, utilized to target drag. DeSantis announces his campaign for president soon after. The FDA finalizes new blood donation rules to allow more gay and bisexual men to donate. While marking International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the Biden-Harris administration reiterates its support of LGBTQ+ rights amidst setbacks here and abroad.

JUNE

rganizers say you can’t stop Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration. St Pete Pride marks 21 years with events throughout the month, all of which feature drag. Watermark also examines what Florida’s new anti-LGBTQ+ laws do and do not mean. Owners of Hamburger Mary’s Orlando file a federal lawsuit against DeSantis and Florida, arguing the state’s anti-drag law violates their First Amendment rights. The Pride Chamber welcomes Daniel Sohn as its new CEO and the city remembers Pulse seven years later. Former Tampa Pride board members call for a change in leadership after March’s celebration and Pride on the River’s cancelation, both of which they say were mismanaged. Tampa Pride does not return Watermark’s requests for comment. The Mari Jean Hotel, St. Petersburg’s adults-only LGBTQ+ hotel, opens its doors and Polk Pride returns. A federal judge temporarily blocks portions of Florida’s law targeting gender-affirming care, allowing some trans youth to proceed. Trans adults are also blindsided by limitations in their health care as restrictions begin to take shape. Tennessee’s anti-drag law is ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge. In Colorado, the Club Q mass shooter pleads guilty in court and will spend life in prison. Recognizing Pride Month, Biden says the U.S. is at a “critical inflection point,” pointing toward over 600 anti-LGBTQ+ laws utilized to target LGBTQ+ Americans in 2023.

JULY

s we reach the year’s midpoint, Watermark focuses on a few positive stories in the community. First, we spotlight the Florida chapter of “Free Mom Hugs,” a nonprofit that empowers the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and offer hugs when needed. We also highlight LGBTQ+ members of the cosplay community with a beautiful photo spread by Dylan Todd featuring our models dressed as some of their favorite characters. As Tallahassee’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda ravishes the state, Central Florida organizations remind the community that they are still here for them, including the Orlando VA, who announces that — because it is under the federal government — they can and will continue to offer gender-affirming care. St. Dorothy’s Catholic Community also announces that they will support the queer community, hosting special religious services geared toward the trans and drag communities. The Tampa Bay area enters July with one less safe space after Zoie’s announces its permanent and immediate closure. The LGBTQ+-inclusive venue had only opened its doors in Oct. 2022. As one door closes, another one opens as Bell Pharmacy holds its grand opening, promising to be a beacon of care for LGBTQ+ patients in the region. Republican state Rep. Fabian Basabe makes headlines after two male aides accuse the lawmaker of sexual harassment and battery. A lawsuit was filed in Leon County. Basabe publicly denied the allegations. In Louisiana, the state’s Republican-led legislature overrule the Democratic governor’s veto of a gender-affirming care ban for minors and in Michigan, the Democratic governor signs a bill into law banning conversion therapy.

AUGUST

s Florida’s youth head back to the classroom, Watermark speaks with LGBTQ+ students and parents who are worried about how the state’s new anti-LGBTQ+ laws and rules will impact their education. We also sit down with local LGBTQ+friendly financial experts to talk about banking, investing and more. It’s revealed at the start of the month that the Orlando Magic donated $50,000 to a Super PAC supporting DeSantis’ presidential campaign earlier this year, sparking outrage from community leaders. The month ends in Orlando with members of a hate group

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vandalizing LGBTQ+ murals on the walls of The Center Orlando and Zebra Youth’s Drop-in Center. OutCoast launches the inaugural Florida Out Coast Convention, the first and only conference focused solely on the state’s LGBTQ+ tourism industry, in Tampa. The inaugural conference welcomes more than 150 attendees. While Gulfport’s next Pride celebration is nearly a year away, the event sparks controversy as the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the event’s previous organizer, and the newly formed Gulfport Pride nonprofit butt heads. Equality Florida launches its statewide Parenting with Pride initiative, a resource and information center online. The initiative is created as a response to the state’s slate of anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have been passed this year. The Red Cross announces that it has changed its policies allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood. The policy now will be to assess blood donations based on individual risk factors rather than sexual orientation. In California, a woman is killed for refusing to remove an LGBTQ+ Pride flag from outside of her store. In Kuwait and Lebanon, it is announced that the hit film “Barbie” will not be allowed to be shown because of the movie’s message of inclusion and gender equality.

Statewide, October is a good month for the LGBTQ+ community as the courts rule that Florida’s anti-drag law cannot be enforced until a trial is held to determine its constitutionality and, thanks to the efforts of former state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida’s Department of Health must provide COVID-19 data to the public. Also, the former state lawmaker who sponsored the controversial “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law is sentenced to six months in federal prison for defrauding the federal coronavirus relief loan program. The FBI releases its 2022 hate crimes numbers revealing that the country had an increase in LGBTQ+ violence from the previous year. In other part of the world, India’s Supreme Court rules against recognizing same-sex marriages while Pope Francis suggests that same-sex unions can be blessed by the Catholic Church.

NOVEMBER

ed, White & Royal Blue,” the rom-com about a secret love affair between the son of the U.S. president and the prince of England, is a huge hit for Amazon Prime Video. Watermark chats with the film’s openly gay director, Matthew Lopez, about the movie’s success. We also speak with LGBTQ+ advocates in Florida who say that while the state is experiencing a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ hate that it is still a safe and welcoming place for queer travelers. Equality Florida’s press secretary and bestselling author Brandon Wolf announces he is leaving Orlando for Washington, D.C., where he will serve as the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. The Pride Chamber also partners with NASCAR in Daytona Beach for the automotive sport’s Drive for Diversity event. In Tampa, MR D’z Men’s Emporium opens. It is an LGBTQ+ bar with a primary focus on the leather community. Across the bay, Come OUT St. Pete kicks off its seventh annual festivities with its 2023 Royal Court Pageant, crowning Veronica Vixen as Miss COSP 2024 and Silver Foxx as Mr. COSP 2024. DeSantis continues to appoint anti-LGBTQ+ advocates to positions of authority, naming Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Desovich to the Florida Commission on Ethics. On the legal front, a Florida judge says a new state law restricting health care for trans people can still be applied to adults while it’s being challenged in the courts. While lawmakers continue to restrict the rights of queer people, voters support LGBTQ+ candidates as Mississippi elects its first openly gay lawmaker and Tennessee elects their first openly transgender official. Meanwhile, Canada issues a U.S. travel advisory to its citizens due to the large number of anti-LGBTQ+ laws that have been passed in the country.

ith so much misinformation about gender-affirming care, largely stemming from DeSantis and conservative lawmakers, Watermark talks with health care professionals about exactly what it is and isn’t. Ahead of World AIDS Day, Watermark also looks at the advancements in HIV care and prevention, focusing on the recent injectable options being offered. In Central Florida, we highlight the good works being done by Abrigando Corazones, an initiative started by Venezuelan immigrant Yosmar Rumbos, that helps to get clothing, food and other services to those in need. Orlando also re-elects openly lesbian City Commissioner Patty Sheehan to her seventh term in office. Voters also re-elect Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who announces that after this new term he will not seek re-election. After postponing, Come OUT St. Pete holds its seventh annual celebration at Seminole Park. Equality Florida also holds its annual Tampa Gala in November at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC. The event sets a new record for the LGBTQ+ civil rights group as its raises $550,000. HRC releases its annual Municipal Equality Index and while several Florida cities score a 100 — including Orlando, St. Petersburg and Tampa — the state is deemed a “state of emergency” by the LGBTQ+ organization. Following suit, Campus Pride releases its annual “Best of the Best” list naming the country’s most LGBTQ+-inclusive colleges. All Florida schools are left off of the list, with Campus Pride stating the reason was the state’s passage of Senate Bill 266, which “effectively bans LGBTQ+ services.” In South Florida, the 20th and final SMART Ride is held, raising nearly $1.3 million. LGBTQ+ advocates and allies mark Transgender Day of Remembrance, the annual commemoration honoring the lives lost in acts of anti-transgender violence each year. At least 30 transgender or gender nonconforming people were murdered in 2023. They also remember Matthew Shepard, 25 years after the openly gay University of Wyoming student was savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die. While Shepard would die days later, his memory would go on to create change in the U.S., which enacted a national hate crimes law. On the other side of the world, the 2023 Gay Games open in Hong Kong.

SEPTEMBER

“R

OCTOBER

atermark celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month highlighting two of our area’s biggest events. In Orlando, Come Out With Pride celebrates October with its annual parade and festival downtown. In the bay area, the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival celebrates its 34th outing with an updated formula. TIGLFF splits its nine-day film fest into two separate festival weekends — the Tampa edition of the festival takes place in October while the St. Petersburg edition will premiere in Jan. 2024. We close out the month with our annual Halloween issue, highlighting local scares like Tampa Bay’s haunted B&B, the Phantom History House, Spooky Empire’s 20th horror convention and more. In Central Florida, after seven years and much uncertainty, the City of Orlando works out a deal to purchase the Pulse nightclub property for $2 million after talks between the onePULSE Foundation and the property owners break down. The purchase of the property by the city cements the fate of onePULSE, which announces the following month that the foundation is dissolving, creating many questions about what happened to all the money raised. Orlando’s OUT Sports League expands into Tampa Bay, merging with the Rainbow Sports League. In St. Petersburg, Come OUT St. Pete announces it is postponing its seventh annual Family Day and Chili Cookoff event due to, among other reason, “lower than expected participation.” In Sarasota, Project Pride hosts the Sarasota Pride festival. While it is the 32nd Pride festival in Sarasota, it is the first one organized by Project Pride.

DECEMBER

he end of the year brings Watermark’s annual Remarkable People of Central Florida and Tampa Bay list. Among the list of 10 remarkable people are Orlando’s Darcel Stevens, for organizing the drag rally and march in Tallahassee, and Dustin and Daniel Johnson, a Tampa Bay couple who adopted six siblings who needed a home. In Orlando, trans activist Nikole Parker is named the new COO of The Center Orlando. It is also revealed that the foundation behind The Plaza Live agreed to pay the state $5,000 as part of a settlement for allowing children to attend “A Drag Queen Christmas” the previous holiday season. In Tampa Bay, LGBTQ+ bar The Honey Pot returns to Ybor City through a new partnership with PTL Nightclub. St Pete Pride also wraps up the year with its annual Red & Green fundraiser which brings in more than $40,000. In Florida, Christian Ziegler, Florida GOP chairman, is accused of rape. The allegations reveal details of a secret sexual relationship between Ziegler and his wife — co-founder of Moms for Liberty Bridget Ziegler — with another woman. The Florida High School Athletic Association fines Monarch High $16,500 for allowing a trans athlete to play on the girls volleyball team and the trial challenging Florida’s trans health care ban begins. Disgraced Congressman George Santos is expelled from Congress. He is only the sixth member of the House to ever be expelled. Congress acted after a report by the U.S. House Ethics Committee found Santos had siphoned campaign contributions to shop at luxury retailers and for OnlyFans purchases. The Supreme Court also upholds a conversion therapy ban in Washington state and the Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples as the LGBTQ+ community look toward 2024.

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P hotography in your best light! Fine Art | Portrait | Wedding | Commercial

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POP CULTURE TONY AWARDS

Queer Pop

A look at 2023’s most talked about moments in LGBTQ+ pop culture

Jeremy Williams

HE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY’S

2023 was the year of Barbenheimer, Taylor Swift and the Super Mario Bros. It was also the year of lackluster box office returns for Disney, the further descent into madness of Twitter/X and, oh yeah, the full stop of film and TV due to the writers and actors strikes. But something that thrived in 2023 was queer representation. From online to primetime, from the big screen to the small screens we hold in our hands, LGBTQ+ movies, shows, songs, influencers and more went out there and “did the thing.” As is tradition at Watermark, we have gathered some of the best LGBTQ+ pop culture moments from 2023 and put them together in a list that’s as easy to read as your ABCs.

ANNETTE BENNING

Annette Bening — who stars in “Nyad,” a biopic about out swimmer Diana Nyad and her efforts to swim from Cuba to Florida — speaks about the love she has for her trans son during a speech at the GLSEN Awards in October.

“BOTTOMS”

“Bottoms,” a teen comedy about two unpopular lesbian students who start a fight club in order to have sex before graduation, is a hit with critics appearing on many “Best in Film” lists for the year.

CHE FLORES

Che Flores becomes the NBA’s first out nonbinary trans referee — a first for any U.S. pro sports league — after coming out in an October interview with GQ.

DEBOSE, ARIANA

Ariana DeBose breaks the internet with her female empowerment rap song at the 76th British Academy Film Awards. Among her most iconic lines, DeBose sang “Angela Bassett did the thing.

“EVERY BODY”

“Every Body” is released during Pride Month by Focus Features. “Every Body” is a revelatory documentary film that looks at the lives of three intersex people.

FRASER, BRENDAN

Brendan Fraser takes home the Best Actor trophy for his performance as Charlie, a gay obese man trying to reconcile with his teenage daughter, in the film “The Whale” at the 95th annual Academy Awards.

GRAMMYS

Kim Petras makes history as the first openly trans person to win a Grammy at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Petras wins the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her collaboration with Sam Smith on their hit song, “Unholy.”

“HEARTSTOPPER”

The second season of Netflix’s “Heartstopper” premieres with 6.1 million views in its first week, making it the most watched new series on the streamer for the first week of August.

IZZARD, EDDIE

NOAH SCHNAPP

Eddie Izzard announces plans to return to the New York stage in 2024 for an ambitious version of “Hamlet.” In this version the actor-comedian will be the only one on stage, playing all the William Shakespeare parts in the one-person staging.

Noah Schnapp, the 18-year-old actor who plays closeted gay teenager Will Byers on Netflix’s science fiction series “Stranger Things,” comes out as gay himself in a TikTok video.

JORDAN, LESLIE

Beloved out actor and comedian Leslie Jordan dies in a single-car crash on Oct. 24 in Hollywood after suffering an unspecified medical emergency. The 67-year-old was best known for his roles in “Hearts Afire,” “Will and Grace” and several seasons of “American Horror Story.”

“KNOCK AT THE CABIN”

M. Night Shyamalan’s “Knock at the Cabin,” a thriller starring Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge as a couple vacationing in a rural cabin with their young daughter who are attacked by four strangers, debuts at No. 1. It is Shyamalan’s seventh film to open atop the domestic box office.

“LAST OF US, THE”

HBO’s adaptation of the popular videogame series “The Last of Us” is not only a huge hit but also puts LGBTQ+ characters and queer storylines front and center with couples like Ellie and Riley and Bill and Frank.

MEGAN RAPINOE

Two-time World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe announces on Instagram July 8 that this year’s championship season will be her last. Her final match isn’t the storybook ending she hoped for when just minutes into the National Women’s Soccer League final she suffered a non-contact injury.

OUTED

MMA Fighter Jeff Molina, who goes by “El Jefe” in the octagon, comes out as bisexual after being outed by someone who shared a video of him being intimate with another man. Molina became the first openly LGBTQ+ male fighter in UFC.

PRIME VIDEO

Prime Video sees “a huge surge” in subscribers after the streaming service premieres its hit queer rom-com “Red, White & Royal Blue,” directed by Matthew López and starring Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine.

“QUEER EYE”

Bobby Berk, who has been the interior designer on Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” announces he is leaving the show after its eighth season. Berk as been one of the show’s Fab Five since the streaming giant rebooted the series in 2018.

“RUSTIN”

Netflix releases the film “Rustin,” which stars Colman Domingo, a biopic putting a spotlight on Bayard Rustin, the Black gay civil rights activist who was the primary architect of the 1963 March on Washington.

“STRANGE WAY OF LIFE”

“Strange Way of Life,” Pedro Almodóvar’s queer short film, premieres at Cannes Film Festival in May. The Spanish western drama stars Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal.

Broadway’s Tony Awards make history June 11 when J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell become the first nonbinary people to win Tonys for acting. Ghee wins leading actor in a musical for “Some Like It Hot” and Newell takes home best featured actor in a musical for “Shucked.”

“UNHOLY”

“Unholy,” Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, is certified double platinum in March. The song surpasses one billion streams a month later making it Smith’s fifth song to do so and Petras’ first.

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Netflix’s “Maestro,” a biopic about gay composer Leonard Bernstein, makes its premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, receiving a near 10-minute standing ovation from its audience.

WAYNE BRADY

Wayne Brady, who currently hosts the game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” comes out as pansexual in an August interview with PEOPLE magazine, joking that it is “bisexual — with an open mind.”

X, LIL NAS

“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero,” a documentary on the pop superstar’s first-ever tour, has its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival delayed for 20 minutes after a bomb threat was called in to the theater.

YOUTUBER

YouTuber Kris Tyson, best known for appearing in Mr. Beast videos, comes out as transgender during a July interview with fellow YouTuber Anthony Padilla.

ZIWE

Ziwe, an online satirical talk show host, tweeted to disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos about doing a sitdown interview, which Santos replied “Let’s do it.” The nearly 18-minute interview is released online Dec. 18.

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The Rose Dynasty Foundation won Most Original Float Dec. 7 in the 2023 Lakeland Christmas Parade. Anthony Styles was named Bulge Boy 2024 in the Bulge Apparel & Gifts’ Bulge Boy Contest Dec. 9. Sky Lemay came in second and Duncan Cheekz came in third. Learn more at Facebook.com/BulgeBoyUSA. Empath Partners in Care Executive Director Joy Winheim announced Dec. 13 that she has been elected to the National Dining Out for Life Board of Directors. Learn more about their work at DiningOutForLife.com. Gabe Alves’ “My Agent Cabe” YouTube channel launches in St. Petersburg Dec. 21. Metro Inclusive Health will complete its transition to satellite offices Dec. 29. Read more soon at WatermarkOnline.com.

CONDOLENCES St. Petersburg’s Dan Radwanski died Dec. 9. He will be missed.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Tampa Bay entertainer Kathryn Nevets, Tampa Bay realtor Gabe Alves (Dec. 21); Academic tutor and interventionist Cynthia Wurner (Dec. 22); Big Gay Radio Show co-host Josh Morrow, Joel Schmitz CPA partner Mike Lang, Tampa General physician Dr. Kyle Bowers, Architect John Del Vitto, Tampa Bay Time Lord Jeffrey Lucas (Dec. 23); Creative Design Weavers owner Amy Oatley, Tampa realtor Callen Jones, Watermark contributor and activist Johnny Boykins (Dec. 24); Quench Lounge bartender Tim Seward (Dec. 25); St. Petersburg bartender Jeff Nicolaus, Metro Inclusive Health’s Chad Chaddington, Moffitt Cancer Center Community Outreach Specialist Topher Larkin, St. Pete Leisure Services Administrator Mike Jefferis, Tampa Bay activist Alex Barbosa (Dec. 26); Sarasota realtor Nate Brooks, Clearwater realtor Keith Gill, Tampa Bay talent coordinator Tom Penman (Dec. 27); TransNetwork Co-Founder Andrew Citino, Equality Florida Pinellas County Safe & Healthy Schools Coordinator Esme Rodriguez, St. Petersburg bartender Eric Welch (Dec. 28); Gulfport staple and St Pete Pride Co-Founder Greg Stemm, St. Petersburg socialite Eddie Pruett (Dec. 29); Tampa Bay DJ Mike Sklarz, Tampa ROTC member Steve Deal, Tampa Bay entertainer Stephanie Stuart, Tampa Bay activist Michael Womack, Drag It Up LLC owner Michael Richardson (Dec. 30); Mr. Ybor Eagle 2010 Carlos “Wolfy” Diaz, Tampa massage therapist Russell Fox, St Pete Pride volunteer Paul LeCouris, Tampa historian David K. Johnson (Dec. 31); Chanel pro Jeremy Skidmore, St. Pete Young Professionals organizer Brandon Dysard, Family Resources president Lisa Davis, Author and activist Cindi Grace Miller (Jan. 1); St Pete business analyst Jason Bracewell, Gators gal Deidre Favero (Jan. 2); Sarasota graphic designer Tim Cameresi, Tampa photographer Charles Allen, Rose Dynasty Foundation President Jason DeShazo, aka entertainer Momma Ashley Rose (Jan. 3).

2 3

MAKING THE YULETIDE GAY: The GaYBor District Coalition and supporters have a holly jolly time Dec. 17 in Ybor after their Bar Crawl. PHOTO FROM GAYBOR’S FACEBOOK

MAKE-UP MOMENT: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Kim Chi makes up for lost time at Southern Nights Tampa Dec. 9.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

PARTY 4 PRESENTS: Brooke Walks (L) and Ryan Young welcome Balance Tampa Bay supporters to Cocktail for the organization’s Party 4 Presents Drop Off Party Dec. 7. PHOTO FROM BALANCE

TAMPA BAY’S FACEBOOK

SEASON’S GREETINGS: Polk Pride’s board and supporters participate in the 2023 Lakeland Christmas Parade Dec. 7. PHOTO FROM POLK PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

SAY HOLIDAY: Project Pride’s board and supporters celebrate the season with Disco Brunch at the Art Ovation Hotel Dec. 17.

PHOTO FROM PROJECT PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

QUEENS SUPREME: (L-R) Maravillosa Placer, Dominink, Felicity Lane and hostess Amy DeMilo get Bradley’s on 7th in the holiday spirit Dec. 9. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

TAKING ACTION: (L-R) ALSO Youth’s Becky McDonough, Equality Florida’s Nicholas Machuca and Support Our Schools’ Lisa Schurr unite in protest against Sarasota School Board Member Bridget Ziegler Dec. 6. PHOTO FROM PROJECT PRIDE’S FACEBOOK

BOYS NIGHT: (L-R) Sky Lemay, Anthony Styles, Morgan LeShade and Duncan Cheekz celebrate a successful Bulge Boy Contest at the Garage on Central Ave. Dec. 9. PHOTO BY VOLKER HIRSINGER

FROM BULGE’S FACEBOOK

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS The LGBT+ Center Orlando announced Dec. 5 four new board members: Temika L. Hampton-Johnson, Lee Cohen, Chris Larson and Shannon L. McElroy. On Dec.13, The Center Orlando awarded both Jorge Lanza and Kynthia Arrington with the 2023 Staff Excellence Award. Orlando Fringe celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Fringe ArtSpace Jan. 11.

The Universal Orlando Foundation awarded $1.3 million in grants to 33 Central Florida organizations this month. That list of local groups include Orlando Fringe, Orlando Science Center, United Arts of Central Florida and Zebra Youth.

CLOSURES Gay-owned vegan eatery Hungry Pants announced on its social media Dec.11 that it was closing indefinitely. “It has not been a secret that our opening in November 2019 provided many financial challenges for this business to get off the ground,” a message read on the restaurant’s Instagram. “It was with sheer grit, determination and a commitment to share our concept with our community that we have continued on for the past 4 years.” The message finished by asking the local community: “If you have the money to spend, spend it locally.”

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Disney darling Rae L’Heureux, Universal Orlando team captain Christian Conde, Orlando’s Hamburger Mary’s co-founder Tom Schneider; Former Watermark creative designer Kyler Mills (Dec. 21); Pilot Abel Marowitz (Dec. 22); Orlando entrepreneur Eve Hunt, Singer Joey Suarez (Dec. 24); UCF Assistant Director Hank Lewis, Sounds of Freedom trombonist Jeremiah Catherwood, Penguin Point Productions owner James Brendlinger (Dec. 25); Art and History Museums Maitland Marketing Director Hannah Miller, Central Florida bartender Jeff Munzing, Darden’s Boyd Geary, Southern Nights Orlando General Manager Danny Vega (Dec. 26); WAVE-winning drag performer Lacie Browning (Dec. 27); Former Watermark account manager Dillan Ramirez, Stonewall Orlando owner Steven Watkins, Central Florida performer Gadiel Vazquez, Founder of Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Doug Swallow (Dec. 28); Phish Phest phenom and realtor Sue-Bee Laginess, Former Miss America Ericka Dunlap (Dec. 29); The Hammered Lamb’s owner’s husband J Colón Acevedo (Dec. 30); The Center Orlando’s CEO Dr. George Wallace, Orlando bear Justin Homer, Teacher and activist Clinton McCracken, Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (Dec. 31); YouTuber Joe Dodd (Jan. 1); Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s board chair Dr. Boyd Lindsley, Orlando attorney Joe Seagle (Jan. 2); Central Florida performer Jose Navarro, Promoter Chris Pittman, Ginger Minj’s husband CJ Russell (Jan. 3).

STANDING TOGETHER: The Pride Chamber CEO Daniel Sohn speaks Dec. 11 during a press conference at the LGBT+ Center Orlando with community leaders behind him. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

A SONG FOR US: Sheléa Frazier performs during a press event Dec. 5 one of her original songs featured in the new firework spectacular “Luminous The Symphony of Us” at Epcot. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

MEXICAN VACATION: Luis Alberto Sousa-Lazaballet (L) and Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet visit Chichén Itzá in Mexico Nov. 24. PHOTO FROM FELIPE

SOUSA-LAZABALLET’S FACEBOOK

HELLO NURSE: “Wine, Wine Not” hosts Jeremy Williams (L) and Rick Todd pose with a cutout of Nurse Blake before his show at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Dec. 11. PHOTO FROM

CENTER VISIT: Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (L) poses with Dr. George Wallace at The Center Orlando Dec. 9. PHOTO

FROM GEORGE WALLACE’S FACEBOOK

NORTH POLE ALLY: Santa Claus and his helpful elf visit The Center Orlando Dec. 7 to ask all the kids (and kids at heart) what they want for Christmas this year. PHOTO FROM

THE CENTER ORLANDO’S FACEBOOK

LAUGH OUT LOUD: Orlando-based comic Lee Cohen (R) and comedian Vinny Borelli are all smiles at a Don’t Tell Comedy show in Tampa Dec. 6. PHOTO

FROM LEE COHEN’S FACEBOOK

WORLD TRAVELER: Singer CeCe Teneal makes friends with Lucy the elephant during a trip to Thailand Dec. 16. PHOTO FROM

CECE TENEAL’S FACEBOOK

THE “WINE, WINE NOT” FACEBOOK

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Film Festival 34th Annual

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THE JAMES MUSEUM

OPEN NOW - JAN. 28, 2024 thejamesmuseum.org This exhibition is organized by The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Benjamin Wu (b. 1961), Supply Station, 2015, oil on canvas. Private collection of Steve and Debra Rowley. Photograph by Krista Steed-Reyes.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER EPIC Generations Coffee Hour, Dec. 22, Senior Center, Gulfport. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

CENTRAL FLORIDA DeLand Pride Holiday Party

Mad Hatters Yule Ball, Dec. 22, Mad Hatters Kava Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-800-5030; MadHattersTeaBar.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 23, 8 P.M. ABBEY BAR, DELAND Come celebrate the holidays with DeLand Pride as they host their Holiday Party ay the Abbey Bar in DeLand. Hosted by Kirk DaVinci, the event will feature performances by Theater Guy, Porsha Evermore Ross, Angus McVag, Tiffani Ross, Daya Dupree, Twisted T and Elenora Diamond, as well as a holiday outfit contest with prizes. The event is 18 and up to party, 21 and up to drink. Call 386-299-6670 to make reservations. Showtime is at 8 p.m.

New Years Eve – Around the World SUNDAY, DEC. 31, 4 P.M. IVANHOE 1915, ORLANDO Experience New Years Eve with traditions from different countries all in one place. From the dazzling fireworks of Sydney to the vibrant street parties of Rio de Janeiro, Ivanhoe 1915 has got it all covered. Dance the night away to international beats, savor delicious global cuisines and raise a toast to new beginnings. Tickets start at $12 and are available through Savoy Orlando’s Facebook page.

TAMPA BAY Christmas at The Castle MONDAY, DEC. 25, 9 P.M. THE CASTLE, YBOR The Honey Pot takes over the Castle to create a magical evening of merriment. DJ Mike Sklarz will provide music and guests can expect giveaways, dancers and other performances. No cover before 9:30, $10 after 10 p.m. for those 21+. 18-20 year olds are $12 all night long. Visit The Honey Pot’s Facebook page for more information.

The Cock + Sparkle Drop SUNDAY, DEC. 31, 6 P.M.-MIDNIGHT COCKTAIL, ST. PETERSBURG Ring in the new year at Cocktail and The Wet Spot! The annual Cock + Sparkle drop with Adriana Sparkle is Cocktail’s version of the NYC ball drop and Key West shoe drop. Events will be held indoors and out with entertainment that includes “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Thorgy Thor. VIP experiences available at CocktailStPete.com/NYE-2023, general admission is no charge.

FINDING FORTUNE Fortune Feimster brings her “Live, Laugh, Love” tour to The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg Dec. 28 and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Dec. 29. PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBERG

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL FLORIDA “The Nutcracker,” Through Dec. 24, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org “A Christmas Carol,” Through Dec. 24, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, Through Dec. 30, Epcot, Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld. Disney.Go.com ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Through Jan. 3, Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee. 407-586-0000; ChristmasAtGaylordPalms. Marriott.com Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, Through Jan. 14, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford. 407-323-4450; CentralFloridaZoo.org

Holiday Movie in the Park – “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Dec .22, Lake Eola Park’s East Lawn, Orlando. 407-246-2555; DowntownOrlando.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, Dec. 22, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Phantasmagoria’s “A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas,” Dec. 22-23, Athens Theatre, DeLand. 386-736-1500; AthensDeland.com Naughty or Nice Party, Dec. 23, Savoy, Orlando. 407-898-6766; SavoyOrlando.com Merry Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Pride Night, Dec. 26, Café DaVinci, DeLand. 386-736-0008; CafeDaVinciDeLand.com

Fortune Feimster, Dec. 29, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org Sunday Funday NYE, Dec. 31, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando James Bond New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

TAMPA BAY “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play,” Through Dec. 24, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com “Category Is…,” Through Jan. 28, The Werk Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-289-8685; TheWerk.Gallery My Agent Gabe YouTube Launch, Dec. 21, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com

Devil’s Den, Dec. 24; Jan. 7, SpookEasy Lounge, Tampa. 813-373-6452; SpookEasyLounge.com Christmas Day at Cocktail, Dec. 25, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com Drag Queen Bingo, Dec. 27, Corner Club, Tampa. 813-232-1482; CornerClubTampa.com Karaoke Nights, Dec. 27; Jan. 3, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage Fortune Feimster, Dec. 28, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-300-2000; TheMahaffey.com Kava Karaoke, Dec. 28; Jan. 4, Dharma Kava Lounge, Largo. 727-223-9954; DharmaKavaLounge.com Quench New Year Pary, Dec. 31, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuengeLounge.com Enigma’s NYE, Dec. 31, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com Ringing in 2024, Dec. 31, Bradley’s on 7th, Tampa. 813-241-2723; BradleysOn7th.com Drag Queen Bingo, Jan. 3, The Pesky Pelican, St. Petersburg. 727-302-9600; PeskyPelicanBrewPub.com

SARASOTA “Little Shop of Horrors,” Through Jan. 14, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota. 941-366-9000; FloridaStudioTheatre.org

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

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