Arrest made in July murder of Orlando trans woman
Shooter acquitted in murder of Tampa gay man
— TREVOR
Jeremy Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeremy@WatermarkOutNews.com
It’s Oscar season!
America got to indulge in pizza and chicken wings while they watched their Super Bowl and Florida had its required one week of winter, which means it’s now my favorite time of year — Oscar season.
This year — while less than two months in — has been an abnormal one when it comes to Hollywood. Well, I guess it has been an abnormal year for a lot of people for many different reasons, whether it is the current hellscape that is the Trump administration systematically tearing rights away from the country’s most marginalized communities or one of the many countries that Trump has decided he wants to takeover and make additional states. I think he is up to five now.
When Trump was in charge the first time, little things like the Oscars became even more important as it served as a short-term distraction to those anxiety-filled days. Unfortunately, the Oscars come with its own bit of controversy this year.
Some of the controversies are small by comparison, like “The Brutalist” using AI in the film or the director of “Anora” not using an intimacy coach for his actors on set, while others have tarnished milestones that should be cause for celebration, namely that of “Emilia Pérez.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selected an eclectic bunch for its 10 Best Picture nominees, several of which bring a much-needed spotlight to important subjects. “The Brutalist” deals with antisemitism and immigrants coming to the U.S. after World War II, “The Substance” looks at how women are perceived in society as they age, “Nickel Boys” takes on race during Jim Crow-era Florida and “Emilia Pérez” gave voice to the issues transgender folks deal with and the impact that cartels have on the Mexican people.
While the film has made a splash with award bodies — namely earning 13 Oscar nominations (the most of any film this year), 11 British Academy Award noms and 10 Golden Globe noms (winning four Globes) — audiences online have been less enthusiastic. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Emilia Pérez” currently has a 72% from critics and a 17% from audiences.
Criticism for the film has ranged from co-star Selena Gomez not speaking Spanish very well in what is a Spanish language movie to the film’s director (who is French) not researching Mexican culture to tell a very Mexican-focused story. The film has also been criticized for its insensitive musical numbers (I should mention that this film is a musical), glorification of Mexican cartels and the mishandling of transgender stories. These are not my criticisms necessarily, but what I have seen many people — both specifically from the trans community and from Mexican filmgoers — post about.
While the film has its issues, there were two individuals in “Emilia Pérez” that were universally praised. The first was actress Zoe Saldaña, who has earned several awards already, and Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays the titular Emilia Pérez and who became the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Gascón being nominated for Best Actress was, and still is, a huge deal and something to celebrate. That celebration, however, was tainted as many past problematic tweets from Gascón started to come to light. In the tweets, she attacked Muslims, Black Lives Matter, lesbians (which is odd since Gascón is married to a woman) and Korean filmmakers, to name a few.
As when past tweets come back to haunt, Gascón and the film’s distributor Netflix started on damage control, but Gascón
went rogue and started putting out many of her own statements and giving interviews without Netflix’s involvement to basically say “I’m sorry you were offended” and called herself a victim of cancel culture. Gascón has since deleted her Twitter account and stated on her Instagram that she will now be silent in hopes that it “will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference.”
This has cast a shadow over
It’s now my favorite time of year — Oscar season.
what should be a huge celebration for the trans community, especially given what the community has been faced with since Trump took office. LGBTQ+ people and their stories are scarcely represented in film, and transgender and nonbinary folks are represented even less so.
Gascón and “Emilia Pérez” had a worldwide stage to show why these stories matter and why they should be told and they have seemingly fumbled the ball the whole way but don’t let that turn you away from seeking out these stories.
There are a few films from the past year that tell queer stories and/or were created by queer filmmakers that deserve to be seen and you should take the time to watch if you haven’t already. “I Saw the TV Glow,” written and directed by trans filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun; “Problemista,” created by and starring queer comedian Julio Torres; and “The People’s Joker,” directed by and starring trans artist Vera Drew, are a few films that made a splash in 2024 and that share very personal stories about the community.
SISTER JUANA REACTION is an educator and member of the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. She spreads joy and helps with fundraising for many local charities. Page 19
MELODY MAIA MONET has her own trans lesbian themed YouTube channel at YouTube.com/MelodyMaia. Page 19
KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE-BAEZ, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI
BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, DYLAN TODD, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT PHOTOGRAPHY
Ryan Williams-Jent MANAGING EDITOR Ryan@WatermarkOutNews.com
No LGB without the T
had 19 days of dread, a quick reprieve for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — with literally nothing else worth celebrating on the 20th — and then chaos until the 31st.
I can’t say I was sad to see it go, even if February hasn’t been much better on the political front. But at least we’re one month closer to the end of Donald Trump’s final term, constitutional crisis pending.
As Project 2025 instructed, the 47th president has used his return to power to target diversity, equity and inclusion across the globe, in ways only the U.S. figurehead can. Like so many of us knew he would, his explicit attacks on LGBTQ+ Americans began on day one.
If you’re like me and have casual acquaintances or sadly, loved ones who assured you Trump wouldn’t come for the LGBTQ+ community, you can point them toward his string of executive orders to prove otherwise. Here’s a list of some existing ones he immediately rescinded:
“Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.” It directed agencies to advance equity for underserved populations like the LGBTQ+ community.
“Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.” It directed agencies to update their rules, policies and guidance to implement the Supreme Court’s landmark Bostock v. Clayton County decision, which protects LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination in the workplace.
“Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council.” It created a council to advance gender equity, including for LGBTQ+ Americans.
“Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation
or Gender Identity.” This added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics in schools.
“Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals.” This addressed medically necessary care and more, but the title is pretty self-explanatory.
Like a true bully, of course, most of Trump’s political ire has been aimed at the most marginalized members of our community. Our transgender siblings.
Instead of addressing real issues impacting Americans, he set his sights on trans military service and inclusion in sports, restricted access to gender-affirming care and has worked to erase even the most basic trans recognition on the federal level.
His efforts have even included attempts to separate trans Americans from the rest of our community. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which offers guidance for Americans traveling abroad, updated its “LGBTQI+ Travelers” section to read “LGB Travelers” last month.
My husband, our friends and I were fortunate enough to travel overseas in 2024 and the resource was incredibly helpful for us. It was top of mind for me because I highlighted it in last year’s LGBTQ+ travel issue.
The State Department didn’t stop there. Under “other useful links,” they list The Trevor Project — the nonprofit that focuses on suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth — as a resource “for LGB young people.”
It may seem small, but the change is indicative of how the Trump administration will try to appeal to members of our
community who are prone to leave our trans siblings behind. We can’t let that stand — if you’re against one of us, you’re against all of us.
Transgender people existed long before the Trump administration and they will exist long after it.
For readers who are trans, you are loved and you are valued. Watermark Out News sees you, I see you and we’ll do everything we can to keep telling your stories
If you’re against one of us, you’re against all of us.
because they matter. You matter.
With our rights under attack, we look at 10 years of marriage equality in this issue. Florida couples and LGBTQ+ advocates reflect on the milestone and how safe our marriages are under the Trump administration.
In Tampa Bay news, a local jury finds a shooter not guilty in last year’s murder of a Tampa gay man. The Ball also opens in St. Petersburg, the region’s newest LGBTQ+ lounge.
In Central Florida, an arrest is made in the murder of an Orlando trans woman and we look at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department’s Safe Place Initiative. Advocates across the state also prepare for Pride at the Capitol and the Let Us Live March before they return to Tallahassee next month.
Watermark Out News is proud to be your LGBTQ+ news source, so thanks for reading and supporting our advertisers. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
SISTER JUANA REACTION is an educator and member of the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. She spreads joy and helps with fundraising for many local charities. Page 19
MELODY MAIA MONET has her own trans lesbian themed YouTube channel at YouTube.com/MelodyMaia. Page 19
KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE-BAEZ, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI
BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, DYLAN TODD, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT PHOTOGRAPHY
Jeremy Williams
ORLANDO | Orange County Sherriff’s Office announced Jan. 27 that an arrest has been made in the killing of an Orlando transgender woman.
Jeremy Jamal Smith, 38, was arrested for the shooting and killing of 49-year-old Monique Jade Brooks. Brooks was found shot near the Florida Mall in Orlando July 19. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.
OCSO posted that Smith was already in jail on unrelated drug charges and is now facing first degree felony murder charges.
Brooks was an LGBTQ+ rights activist who was actively involved with Divas in Dialogue.
Mulan Montrese Williams, executive director of Divas in Dialogue, posted to Facebook Jan. 28, writing “When I heard the news, I went through so many emotions — grief, relief, gratitude — but most of all, I felt overjoyed that her family can now have the justice they deserve. Knowing that someone is being held accountable for taking Monique’s life brings a sense of closure, even though the pain of losing her will always remain.”
Fabiana Ungaro
ORLANDO | Cupid’s Undie Run provides support for those suffering from varying types of Neurofibromatoses, a group of genetic conditions that causes tumors to grow on nerves, by fundraising for the research and care provided by the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
XL106.7, an iHeartRadio-owned Orlando station, has been fundraising for the event since it first came to town almost 10 years ago.
“It’s great to have people come together, raise awareness, raise funds and to just celebrate life to begin with,” says Sondra Rae, co-host and assistant producer for Johnny’s House, the morning show on XL106.7.
This year, Cupids Run Orlando hopes to raise $30,000 for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The run will kick off at Elixir Kitchen and Bar Feb. 22. from 12-4 p.m. The “mile-ish” run ends with a fundraiser-affiliated dance party downtown.
“The cool thing is it’s called the Undie Run but you don’t have to wear underwear,” Rae says. “Some people go all out, but then some people just wear pajamas!”
Rae says the queer community’s involvement in the event has grown a lot throughout the years.
“I feel like the LGBTQ+ community, we’re very passionate whenever we put our heart behind something and so just to see all my friends come out and support this organization, it’s such a cool thing to dress up for awareness and just have a good time,” Rae says.
For more information go to My.Cupids.org.
ORLANDO | In 2016, officials in Orlando launched the Safe Place Initiative. Its purpose is to provide a haven for the LGBTQ+ community throughout the city who find themselves in unsafe situations. Businesses that are part of the Safe Place Initiative are identified by a sticker on the interior front window of their establishment. The Pride Chamber, Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department to help expand the initiative.
The OCSO and OPD have a set group of officers who participate in a program known as the LGBTQ+ Liaisons. Watermark Out News spoke with the LGBTQ+ Liaisons from both law enforcement agencies, including Lieutenant Eulalia Colon, Master Deputy Mara Everson and Officer Danielle Torres. These officers are responsible for conducting an overview of the businesses involved in the Safe Place Initiative and providing the
“Safe Place Initiative” stickers for those establishments.
“The important part is that [OCSO and OPD] work together, and we do. It doesn’t matter who’s running it or who’s not running it. As far as everybody’s concerned, especially when it comes to the Safe Place program, we’re one and the same,” says Torres.
In 2025, these liaisons aim to gain exposure for the initiative. Aside from social media, they believe that more advertising is essential to bring awareness to the program. The liaisons want to ensure the LGBTQ+ community of Central Florida is conscious of an initiative meant to protect them from potential hate crimes.
“Sheriff [John W.] Mina has put us in place to stand up for the people who need us and to say we’re not going to tolerate that type of behavior that was in the past,” Everson says.
The Safe Place Initiative has been beneficial for the LGBTQ+ community as it enters its ninth year since launch but it also presents an opportunity for businesses.
“This is another way for them to advertise their business, invite the
LGBT community and let them know they’re welcome,” says Colon.
In their efforts to expand the Safe Place Initiative, The Pride Chamber, in collaboration with the OCSO and OPD, is hosting a registration event led by LGBTQ+ Liaison Lieutenant Brandon Ragan. As of Jan. 28, the Winter Park Police Department confirmed their attendance as well.
The event will give an overview of the Safe Place Initiative and how organizations can become a “Safe Place” location.
According to The Pride Chamber’s Director of Membership and Events, Vinnie Silber, businesses that attend and enroll in the initiative receive a discount on their first year of membership if they choose to join the chamber. Current members who attend and enroll in the initiative receive a discount on their renewal.
“Because we are an LGBTQ+ and an ally-owned business chamber, we should have more of our businesses actively engaging in this initiative. I’m just hoping that we can get as many businesses actively engaged for our community,” says Silber.
The registration event will be held at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando March 13, starting at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on the Safe Place Initiative, visit Orlando.gov and for more information on The Pride Chamber’s registration event, you can go to ThePrideChamber.org.
Ryan Williams-Jent
TAMPA | A jury found Gerald Declan Radford not guilty Feb. 6 in the fatal shooting of John Walter Lay, a gay man murdered in the Egypt Lake-Leto area’s West Dog Park last year.
The State Attorney’s Office filed second-degree murder charges against Radford in March 2024 after a death investigation was conducted the month prior. They were also seeking a hate crime enhancement.
The state shared at the time that evidence showed Radford “was the aggressor and was motivated by the fact that the victim was a gay man.” If convicted, he faced up to life in prison.
Lay’s friends and family had shared with law enforcement that Radford “had been harassing him at the park for months, hurling homophobic slurs and threatening him.” When announcing the charges, State Attorney Suzy Lopez noted “evidence shows the defendant’s actions were motivated by hate, and he will be held accountable.”
Radford sought to dismiss the case last December, testifying that Lay repeatedly hit him in the face prior to the shooting. His attorneys cited Florida’s stand-your-ground law in his defense, arguing at this month’s trial that their client acted in self-defense.
Jury selection was held in the case Feb. 3 before jurors heard from the prosecutors and the defense Feb. 4-5. The case’s six-person jury deliberated for around 2.5 hours before acquitting Radford Feb. 6.
“Prosecutors argued that Radford shot Lay during a fight without the legal justification to use deadly force, and was motivated by the fact that Lay was gay,” the Tampa Bay Times reported. “They had to build a case without any eyewitnesses or video surveillance of what unfolded on the morning of Feb. 2, 2024.”
The outlet also noted that Radford’s defense attorney “told jurors in his closing argument that prosecutors presented no evidence that contradicts Radford’s account [in which] Lay was committing felony battery on Radford, which gave him the right to use deadly force.”
Lopez subsequently responded to Radford’s acquittal in a statement.
“We respect the jury’s decision in this case and thank them for their service. We especially thank the community members who stepped up in the hours and days following the shooting to provide critical information that helped law enforcement investigate this case,” the State Attorney shared.
“While it is not the outcome we sought, we are proud to stand with Walt’s friends and family as we fought for justice together,” she continued. “The fact that this victim was forced to endure hatred and prejudice from the defendant based on his sexual orientation shows that our society still has progress to make toward equality.”
ST. PETERSBURG | The Ball opened Feb. 1, replacing speakeasy The Saint.
The 21+ space is the latest venture from Pour Behavior Hospitality’s David Fischer, owner of Cocktail, The Wet Spot, Mari Jean Hotel and more. The LGBTQ+ businesses share the same complex. Its rebrand was originally announced in Aug. 2024 for a November opening, efforts which were delayed after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Saint officially closed Jan. 18. “We felt that the bar had achieved what it set out to do,” Fischer says. “Themed bars have become the norm in St. Petersburg and we wanted to make sure The Saint went out on top … Pour Behavior is known for pushing the envelope and innovating new experiences.”
The venue is billed as a “pop art paradise doused in glimmering lights and bold colors.” Its décor pays homage to the disco ball and
community icons from across the ages. “We really wanted a place that focused on LGBTQ+ history and with that came the idea of designing it around queer icons,” Fischer explains.
The Ball’s drink menu includes over 15 signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Their namesakes include LGBTQ+ entertainers, allies and activists like Elton John, Marsha P. Johnson, Freddie Mercury, Dolly Parton and RuPaul.
“Our team came together to select some of the most influential queer icons to pay tribute to on our cocktail menu, from Venus Xtravaganza to Chappell Roan,”
The Ball first detailed Jan. 22 via social media. “Our menu of Icons & Legends is not only a fun way to pay homage to some of our favorite leaders & artists, but also a way to symbolize how our entire community comes together to offer something unique and important.”
“Elevated tapas inspired by classic bar bites” also feature. Offerings include candied bacon,
grilled kabobs and “sweet tooth” options like fried oreos.
“At the center of The Ball is community and connection, which is why our environment is curated to prioritize conversation over a loud atmosphere,” its website adds. “While friends connect under our glittering ceiling, Tampa Bay’s best DJs play the hits you know and love from a giant disco ball overlooking the lounge.” Additional entertainment is still being conceptualized.
“We are trying to keep it diverse for all in the LGBTQ+ community,” Fischer says, noting that patrons can expect “all gender go-go dancers, pop culture inspired burlesque, top local DJ’s and much more.”
The Ball is currently open weekdays from 4 p.m.-3 a.m. and weekends from noon-3 a.m. Happy hour is offered seven days a week and private rentals for up to 120 guests are also available. Later this month, the venue will host Winter Pride’s inaugural Trans-N-Dance.
“We have tried to create another space we felt was missing in the LGBTQ+ offerings in the city,” Fisher says. “We wanted a bar and lounge atmosphere where conversations could be had while enjoying the company of friends and loved ones.”
The Ball is located at 49 24th St. N. in St. Petersburg. Learn more at The BallStPete.com and view Watermark Out News’ photos from its VIP opening at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Julia Ferrara and Ryan Williams-Jent
TALLAHASSEE | Equality Florida’s Pride at the Capitol will return March 18-19 followed by the second Let Us Live March on March 20, kicking off the 2025 Legislative Session with a call to action.
The campaign is designed to “fight back against Governor Ron DeSantis and his legislative allies’ bills aimed at taking our freedoms, censoring our voices, and infringing on our rights,” Equality Florida notes.
The second annual Let Us Live March will once again feature transgender Floridians and allies rallying for trans rights. “The fight continues,” the group shared. “The stakes are high and we need you to stand with us as we tackle the 60 most dangerous days in Florida politics.”
Pride at the Capitol will be held March 18-19 in Tallahassee, followed by the Let Us Live March on March 20. Register and learn more at EQFL.org/PATC.
MIAMI | The Florida Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus has released a statement responding to the ban on transgender Americans from serving in the military.
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders Jan. 27 to revise the U.S. military’s standards to effectively exempt transgender individuals from serving. On Jan. 28, six active duty service members and two former service members filed a lawsuit to challenge the ban.
“The level of stupidity displayed by Trump’s attack on American heroes, volunteers who defend our nation with strength and competence, is matched only by his apparent ignorance of what it means to be transgender and
who it is who is transgender,”
Florida Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus President Kristen Browde said. “Trump seems to think that being Commander in Chief makes the military his personal plaything. It is not.”
Her statement echoes those released by the trans service members, who shared that their gender identities have no impact on their military readiness. She also tied the ban to Trump associate and X owner Elon Musk, who has a history of making anti-transgender statements.
“The move to ban the service of individuals based on their gender is an absurd extension of First Bro Elon Musk’s animosity towards his daughter, who is transgender,” Browde said. “Trump should reverse course before he damages our national security by pandering to the ignorant.”
The ban on transgender service members comes alongside the removal of the Pentagon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, which offered anti-discrimination policies to many marginalized groups, including transgender individuals. This ban applies to those already enlisted, including high-ranking and experienced personnel.
Advocates have noted that Trump’s transgender military ban is more comprehensive than his ban in 2017, which was revoked by former President Joe Biden. The new ban targets active-duty members in addition to banning new transgender individuals from enlisting.
Learn more about the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus at LGBTQDems.org.
Two of President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting the rights of transgender and nonbinary people face court challenges filed Feb. 7.
A group of transgender people sued in U.S. District Court in Boston over an order that led to the halting of allowing gender markers to be changed on passports and barring the use of the “X” marker used by many nonbinary people.
The plaintiffs, represented by the ACLU, say the abrupt policy change last month did not comply with a requirement for a 60-day notice and comment period — and that it discriminates based on sex and, in some cases, transgender status.
The order in question was one that Trump signed his first day back in office that said the government would recognize only people’s sex and not their gender — and defined sex as unchangeable. That position is at odds with what the American Medical Association and other mainstream medical groups say.
On the same day, three Democratic states sued the Trump administration on over its order to ban federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender people under 19.
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown filed the federal lawsuit in the Western District of Washington. The attorneys general of Oregon and Minnesota, and three doctors, also joined as plaintiffs. The complaint argues that the order discriminates against transgender people.
Trump signed an executive order last month directing federally run insurance programs, including Medicaid and TRICARE for military families, to exclude coverage for such care. It also calls on the Department of Justice to pursue litigation and legislation to oppose it.
Medicaid programs in some states cover gender-affirming care. The new order suggests that the practice could end, and targets hospitals and universities that receive federal money and provide the care.
The complaint argues that the order violates equal rights protections, the separation of powers and states’ powers to regulate what is not specifically delegated to the federal government.
The development comes after families with transgender or nonbinary children filed a separate lawsuit in a Baltimore federal court this month.
While the legal fights go on, some providers have halted gender-affirming care for transgender young people while officials in New York have told hospitals that it would violate the law to stop the services.
In addition to the orders on health care access and defining the sexes as unchangeable, Trump has also signed orders that open the door to banning transgender people from military service and set up new rules about how schools can teach about gender.
Legal challenges have already been filed on the military order and a plan to move transgender women in federal prisons to men’s facilities.
Lou Chibbaro Jr. from the Washington Blade, courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association
Egale Canada, one of Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, announced in a Feb. 6 statement that its members will not be attending any events in the U.S., including WorldPride set to take place in Washington, D.C. from May 17-June 8, because of policies put in place by President Donald Trump.
The statement says the decision not to come to the U.S. resulted in its cancellation of plans to attend a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United
Nations headquarters in New York in March, at which it planned to discuss LGBTQ+ related issues.
“This decision is foremost based on the need to safeguard our trans and nonbinary staff who would face questionable treatment at land and aviation borders to attend such convenings, and to stand in solidarity with global colleagues who are experiencing similar fear around entry to the U.S.,” the statement reads.
“It is also founded in the unique situation that has been thrust on Canadians (and citizens of other countries) regarding economic warfare and threats to our national sovereignty,” the statement continues. “We cannot in good conscience engage in a process of disentangling our organization
from the U.S. goods and services (as we have recently released in a statement) and then proceed to travel to the U.S.”
The Egale Canada statement marks the first known time that an international LGBTQ+ rights organization has declared it will not come to the U.S. to attend WorldPride because of the controversial policies adopted by the Trump-Vance administration, which so far have included a roll back of programs and policies in support of transgender people.
The National LGBT Media Association represents 13 legacy publications in major markets across the country with a collective readership of more than 400K in print and more than 1 million + online. Learn more here: NationalLGBTMediaAssociation.com.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Feb. 5 taking aim at the transgender community, focusing on eligibility for sports participation. In a signing ceremony for “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” in the East Room of the White House, the president proclaimed “With this executive order, the war on women’s sports is over.” Despite the insistence by Trump and Republicans that trans women and girls have a biological advantage in sports over cisgender women and girls, the research has been inconclusive, at best. The Trump-Vance administration has reversed course from the Biden-Harris administration’s policy on Title IX rules barring sex-based discrimination.
New York Attorney General Letitia James on Feb. 3 told hospitals that they would be violating state law if they stop offering gender-affirming care for people under age 19 in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at curtailing federal funding for such treatments. In a letter, James told health care facilities that refusing to provide the treatments would violate New York’s anti-discrimination laws. The letter from James came as some hospitals in Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C., said they were pausing gender-affirming treatments for young people while administrators evaluate the order.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked prison officials from transferring three incarcerated transgender women to men’s facilities and terminating their access to hormone therapy under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The judge granted the inmates’ request for a temporary restraining order Feb. 4. He issued a written ruling several hours after a hearing where a plaintiffs’ attorney argued that Trump’s order discriminates against trans people and violates their constitutional rights.
Argentina President Javier Milei signed a decree banning gender-affirming care for people under age 18. The announcement comes days after a massive mobilization of the LGBTQ+ collective in repudiation of Milei’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, during which he slammed “wokeism,” feminism and referred to homosexuals as “pedophiles.” Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni in a statement to the press announced the repeal of a 2012 gender identity law provision allowing such practices with parental or guardian consent.
THIS YEAR, I AM BLESSED once again to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and recommendations with you at Watermark Out News.
When I started this column last year, it would never have occurred to me that I would write a column where the main message would be that sometimes, it might be better just not to react. Not everything deserves a reaction, sometimes it is okay to step back and focus inward.
It is undeniable that recent events in the state and federal governments have left many people in our community feeling frustrated, scared and upset. Between social media, the regular media and word of mouth, it feels like we are hearing a fresh batch of disappointing news every hour on the hour.
We might feel the urge to respond to every post, every headline, every text message, and every conversation with an elevated level of outrage and fury, but that is not sustainable nor healthy in the long run. Furthermore, there are bad actors who might bait you and trigger you on purpose, draining your energy as much as they can.
I will never advocate for sitting down and doing nothing in the face of injustice, but there must be a balance for our own mental health and plentiful living. We cannot spend our whole day constantly reacting to negative stimuli, as sooner or later you will feel burned out.
There must come a moment in the day when we put our phone down, turn the 24/7 news channel off and focus on recharging our joy. Let’s be less
reactive to the cacophony around us and more proactive to looking after our essential needs as queer human beings.
I consider joy to be one of our most essential needs. Now more than ever, we need to guard and prioritize our joy against everything happening around us. Think about your happy place, think about what brings you simple and authentic joy; make sure you build that into your daily schedule. It might be a daily phone call with a family member, playing that videogame you bought months ago but have barely explored, cooking yourself a delicious and satisfying meal, meeting a few friends at your local queer bar, putting your favorite album on and dancing around your home, going on a nice nature walk, or rewatching your favorite comfort show for the millionth time.
Be intentional and purposeful when it comes to finding and cultivating your joy every single day.
Sister Wanda Ita Schrüm, one of my sacred siblings from the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, shared with me that she finds joy in meditation. She told me: “Meditation can be an extremely vital practice during times of great trouble. By sitting with our thoughts, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of our own mind. Through this deeper awareness, we can regulate our emotions, respond more clearly to stressful situations, and better tune the mind and body to each other.”
Meditation can help remind you of what is truly important and of what is worth your time and attention. I encourage you to give it a try. If you don’t know where to start, you can even find meditation videos prepared by Sister Wanda on YouTube. You know what’s the other great thing about joy? Joy is a form of resistance. When somebody is against
you, there is nothing that will upset them more than seeing you living your best life full of joy and purpose.
Local artist and charity organizer John Gascot reminded me of this recently. He told me: “In these trying times, focus on keeping authentic joy alive. They
is not designed to address our particular needs and to provide the specific tools we need to succeed; that is why we need community because we have to make things happen for us and for each other.
We must be able to depend on each other. This
hate our joy. Our joy is our resistance.” This resonated immensely with me. What is a more positive reaction than insisting on cultivating joy every single day?
The other need I consider to be essential, especially for queer people, is community. We face distinct challenges and obstacles which often can only be understood by others who have also gone through the same situations. It can feel like our society
is why the concepts of a “chosen family,” “LGBTQ+ family,” “drag family” and more are so prevalent in our community. For many queer people, that is the only family they have. Let’s look out for everyone in our community, lend a helping hand, a friendly ear, a warm hug, a tasty meal, or just the comfort of quiet company so that nobody feels alone.
We need you physically and mentally healthy so that we can prevail — and we will, in fact, prevail. It’s what we do.
Sister Juana Reaction is an educator by both vocation and training. As a fully professed member of the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, she spreads joy at local queer events and helps with fundraising for many local charities.
The road to progress is not a straight line. It goes up and down, left and right, but in the end, it always bends toward justice. If you have the time and the means, join active queer groups that are fighting injustice and claiming space and dignity for the local LGBTQ+ community. But take care of yourself first.
Melody Maia Monet
describe what it feels like to be a trans person in Donald Trump’s America today.
What pops immediately to mind is persecuted, hunted, vilified, hated, defamed, maligned and abandoned. As proud as the English teachers I had growing up might be to know I came up with all those SAT words off the top of my head, none of them come close to capturing the soul-chilling feeling of knowing your own government is actively using every lever at its disposal to make your world smaller and smaller until you cease to exist.
Of course, all of what is happening to the trans community was prophesied by Trump’s first term, justified by the conservative’s $210 million anti-trans advertising campaign this past election cycle and strategized within the 900 pages of Project 2025. And yet, so many of my cisgender gay friends were caught flat-footed after assuring me we would be “OK” because they would “stand with us” no matter what happened. Apparently, that was a check they never thought would be cashed, because it IS happening, trans people are NOT ok, and when I look to my left and right, I don’t see much of the “standing” we were promised.
When I do cry out for cis gay people to do something, they tell me they don’t know what to do. It reminds me of Ned Flanders’ beatnik parents on “The Simpsons” who, exasperated with Ned’s bad behavior as a little boy, went to a doctor and told him, “We’ve tried nothing, and we’re all out of ideas!” My greatest fear is that because Trump hasn’t come hard for them yet, their sympathy is actually performative. It assures them they are good people but they will not actually fight until it is too late for the trans community.
Since we don’t have eight months to wait for cis gay people to receive the University of Minnesota Spankological Protocol that Ned did, I am going to try this hail mary act of desperation. I recently asked myself, what would it look like if what the Fed had done to trans people in the last two weeks had actually
been done to cisgender gay people instead? Here is what I came up with and I hope it resonates deeply enough to generate some outrage. I apologize to my bi and pan siblings, but much like how the Fed’s real policies don’t account very well for nonbinary and intersex people, you don’t fit neatly in my made up ones. That said, cis gay people, imagine if the federal government:
1. Denied your passport applications and held on to your supporting documents submitted, indefinitely. This would effectively ban you from international travel as well as put you at risk of deportation by ICE because you wouldn’t be able to prove citizenship.
2. Threatened to detain you upon returning to the country after travelling abroad with your “fraudulent” passports issued under the previous administration.
3. Issued an Executive Order with language claiming that you don’t exist because you are actually delusional and thus pose a threat to straight people in accordance with your so-called sexual attraction. To address the danger, the EO would deny gay men access to male-only spaces and lesbians to female-only spaces such as bathrooms, changing and detention facilities in federal buildings, programs and prisons. It would also end the issuance of “gay” marriage licenses in states to avoid supporting the gay delusion.
4. Denied funding to any organizations that support the rights of gay people. This would end lifesaving PrEP, PEP and HIV treatments under the 340b program, as well as gay support and affiliation groups, at federally funded clinics, prisons and centers.
5. Forced Fed funded schools to end all acknowledgement of gay kids in classrooms, disallowed their use of school single sex facilities in correspondence with their
so-called sexual attraction, denied their participation on sports teams and outed them to their parents. This would be enforced in K-12 and Fed funded colleges as well.
6. Denied gay kids and youth under 19, including legal adults who are 18, access to all puberty
9. Forced government employees to remove any visible support of gay people in the workplace. So no rainbow flags, lesbian pride flags, employee Pride groups, etc.
10. Directed the CDC to remove references of “forbidden” words like
but we will be far from the last, and once they get that momentum going it will be hard to stop. So volunteer, go to “trans” events and rallies even if you aren’t trans, give money to trans nonprofits and any politician brave enough to be vocal and annoying to our enemies. Let
Let trans people know that you are doing more than offering sympathy from the sidelines.
blockers to arrest precocious puberty or hormone treatments to correct low levels of testosterone or estrogen at Fed funded medical facilities. Non-gay kids though would have full access to that care.
7. Forced gay people out of the military and promised to deny them access to medical care through the VA.
8. Removed all remaining references to gay people on government websites.
gay, lesbian, homosexual, AIDS and HIV from all websites, literature and submitted studies.
11. Directed the EEOC to stop processing claims of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
These might seem ridiculous, but #10 is already partially happening and #11 has already happened. Obviously, they are not stopping at trans people. We are the first targets
trans people know that you are doing more than offering sympathy from the sidelines because if the entire LGBTQIA community doesn’t get outraged and push back hard and soon, we will all find ourselves back when America was “great” but only if you were cis, straight and white.
positive LGBTQ+ news in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, uplifting and inspiring stories highlighting locals in our community. In this issue, we check in with the Blue Trunk Community Network.
In the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria, many were left searching for ways to rebuild. But for Itiba and the team behind Blue Trunk Community Network, the devastation became a call to action — a chance to create something deeply rooted in resilience, sustainability and community.
“We were looking to revive this ancestral diasporic tendency that we had as a community throughout the Americas,” Itiba says. “And seeing the way that Puerto Rico and the Caribbean overall responded to those tragedies and emergency moments really made us realize that we didn’t have enough sense of that in our communities as migrants.”
Blue Trunk Community Network was born out of this vision. What started as a grassroots effort has blossomed into a multifaceted organization centered on food sovereignty, sustainable living and cultural empowerment. Over the past seven years, Blue Trunk has cultivated programs that not only provide practical
resources but also honor the traditions of collective care and environmental responsibility.
At the heart of their mission is a commitment to ecological sustainability. “We are unable to function properly as communities if the environment that we are in is polluted, unsafe, uncomfortable or inaccessible,” Itiba says. “This is the way that our people were able to manage Earth prior to colonization.”
One of Blue Trunk’s most impactful initiatives is its food drive program, which began in 2020 as a pivot early in the pandemic. Originally, the organization focused on community gardens and food exchanges, but when large gatherings became impossible, they shifted their efforts to direct food distribution. What started as an emergency response effort has now grown into a well-organized operation, reaching over 500 community members across Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties this past year alone.
“The way that our food drives and resource drives happen… it’s very individualized and
personalized for the people that are requesting those resources,” Itiba says.
At Blue Trunk, the belief is simple: “People themselves are what create community,” Itiba adds. “You don’t need to be labeled anything to develop yourself as a community member; what matters is creating safe spaces for yourself and those around you.”
This philosophy is woven into everything they do, from fostering mutual aid networks to cultivating spaces where people can gather, share knowledge and support one another. Community isn’t just about shared resources — it’s about belonging, connection and the collective effort to build a more sustainable, empowered future.
For those interested in joining the movement, Blue Trunk offers multiple ways to get involved. Community members
can participate in workshops on sustainable living, lend a hand at monthly volunteer events or host a gathering to bring people together in meaningful ways. The organization partners with Central Florida Mutual Aid for these events because they believe in the power of different communities coming together and the importance of leaning on one another.
Beyond food security and environmental education, their work is deeply informed by their lived experience. “The discrimination, the disparities that we’ve experienced, the difficulties that we live day to day are part of who we are,” Itiba says. “And that is reflective of the type of support that we’re seeking and the kind of help that we need.”
Education is also a crucial part of their mission. “The workshops or sometimes round table events create a space where we have
a classroom without doors, a university without borders. It allows for us to be educated and learn in a way that’s respectful to our elders, our youth and outside of the academic frame that is very classist,” Itiba says.
Whether through food drives, cultural workshops or community-led initiatives, Blue Trunk Community Network is proving that sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s about people.
For more information about Blue Trunk Community Network or to get involved, visit their Instagram or email Info@ BlueTrunkGarden.org.
Interested in being featured in The Good Page? Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams at Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com in Central Florida or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent at Ryan@WatermarkOnline. com in Tampa Bay.
Marriage Equality celebrates a decade as law. Is there a chance it could be reversed?
Caysea Stone
Stevens and Robert Brings were among two couples involved in a lawsuit against Orange County after their marriage license request was denied. By Jan. 6, 2015, the two became the first gay couple in the county to obtain a same-sex marriage license, just seven months prior to the historic Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which required all states to license and recognize same-sex marriages.
Ten years later, some are beginning to question whether the Supreme Court will reconsider its ruling under the new Trump
administration, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
“I don’t think there’s anything off the table, and it’s unfortunate to feel that way,” Stevens says. “It’s just changed everything.”
Within the first week of President Donald Trump’s second term, he signed 37 executive orders targeting diversity programs, migrant status and climate change policies. LGBTQ+ rights took an exceptionally hard hit, with Trump eliminating DEI programs for federal positions intended to prevent marginalized groups from discrimination in addition to ridding the White House of its Gender Policy Council and the Department of Education’s guidelines on how to protect and support LGBTQ+ folks in school systems. He also announced that the United States government
will now only recognize the sexes male and female.
Stevens and his husband were together for seven years before they got married, though he states they would’ve gotten married much sooner had they had the chance. Even before they were legally bound, the pair took the necessary steps to ensure they were “covered” in the event of a tragedy, like establishing power of attorney and having a trust for their home. Now, they simply check “husband” on any government document.
“All that stuff just comes with being legally married; you don’t even realize until you don’t have those rights,” Stevens says.
The fight for marriage equality in the United States faced many
challenges at the state and national levels and spanned decades. The first lawsuits seeking same-sex recognition date back to the early 1940s when Americans began to question civil marriage rights.
By the 1990s, many civil unions existed from state to state. However, they followed a “separate but equal” standard, and same-sex couples were still denied access to more than 1,100 federal rights associated with the institution. In 1996, then President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act, which banned federal recognition of same-sex couples.
Gail Foreman, a former Sarasota PRIDE board member and high school teacher for over 30 years, married her wife the first day same-sex marriage became legal in Florida. Even though she had already been with her wife for 23 years, this was not her first wedding.
Decades before the ruling, Foreman married her best friend at the Sheriff’s Department for protection. Even after getting divorced 10 years later, she still had to “play the game” of having one of her gay male friends escort her to work functions due to the Ohio school’s “good moral conduct clause.” Had anyone found out she was dating a woman, her job would’ve been at risk.
“We marched, we did all of the standard old dog protest stuff, we fought for the rights that we all enjoy now,” Foreman says. “To see it being more widely accepted, and
then all of a sudden, there’s a shift in political viewpoints. I equate it to history repeating itself — now I have kids that come into my room every day afraid that because they’re gay, they’re going to get bullied again.”
Foreman was one of the first teachers to have her classroom emptied following Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, which targeted classroom discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity. All of the flags Foreman’s students had hung up to make the classroom feel like their own had been removed.
Due to the law, district policy now requires permission slips from the guardians of students seeking to become a member of an LQBTQ+-centered club like the Gender-Sexuality Alliance. Therefore, if a queer student is seeking support, advice or resources but doesn’t have accepting parents, Foreman says they’re putting their child in danger.
“Are we going back to where I was 50 years ago when lesbians
or left hands for signals, flipped up collars on their shirts on one side or the other?” Foreman asks. “Are we going to have to go back to that nonsense again to protect ourselves?”
Stratton Pollitzer, Deputy Director and Co-Founder of Equality Florida, doesn’t think so.
Pollitzer has co-led Equality Florida since 1997. During that time, he helped grow the organization into the largest LGBTQ+ state-based advocacy organization in the country. He oversees Equality Florida’s Safe and Healthy Schools project, which, according to the website, has “trained over 40,000 principals, counselors, and teachers from all 67 Florida school districts.”
He recalls the biggest day of his career, the day he changed the most minds and the most hearts: his wedding day, back in 1999, at the end of a little dirt road in South Carolina.
“My family was supportive of me as a gay young man, but there was sort of a limit to their
understanding,” Pollitzer says. “When they saw us standing there, saying our vows, that was something they could really recognize and relate to — the desire to dedicate your life to another person, to say that you wanted to care for them in sickness and health, be there for them throughout their life, raise a family together.”
Through all his years of advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community, he discovered that the key to making people understand the community was not through the rights they were denied, their lack of health insurance or various tax implications, but instead through the love stories of other same-sex couples.
“We kept losing; we lost in 26 states, one after the next, after the next, after the next,” Pollitzer says. “Then, we figured out that we had the secret weapon, the secret tool in our toolbox all along, and that tool is love. We started talking about our love stories, about our families— something we had tried to hide during the fight.”
This catalyst led to the interviewing of more than 1,000 same-sex couples in town halls all over the state to serve as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Florida for refusing same-sex marriage licenses. Even though Equality Florida only picked two couples to serve in the lawsuit, the fight was won by telling bits and pieces of the hundreds of love stories they heard — one of which was Stevens’.
A decades-long fight had finally reached an end in Florida. In the two days following the ruling, Equality Florida estimated that more than 1,400 same-sex couples got married.
Pollitzer and his husband of 16 years held a “recreation” of their wedding the same day the court ruled in their favor. Nadine Smith, co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida, officiated the wedding.
“That moment when Nadine said, ‘By the power vested in me by the State of Florida,’ you realize how hard and how long you have
been fighting for something that part of you thought would never come,” Pollitzer says. “And that is the moment when the full impact of the achievement sinks in.”
Because the overwhelming majority of Americans support marriage equality, Pollitzer believes it’s here to stay. So does Florida Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, who married his husband, Watermark Out News contributor Jerick Mediavilla, in 2019. Guillermo Smith states that same-sex marriages in Florida being overturned is very unlikely, adding that hypothetically, if there were an overturn, Florida would have an extra layer of protection, and existing marriages would not be impacted.
“Florida is in a strong position — The Florida Supreme Court struck down the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in our state constitution even before the Supreme Court of the United States did the same,” Guillermo Smith says. “Same-sex marriage in Florida is already the law of the land.”
Obergefell v. Hodges is protected under the 14th Amendment, which means it cannot be overturned through an executive order or federal law and instead would require a Supreme Court ruling.
Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion on the case in 2015 states that “the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, couples of the same sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty.”
Additionally, former President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law in 2022, repealing the already invalidated Defense of Marriage Act of the mid‘90s. This act states that all state and federal governments must recognize all marriages regardless of race, sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin.
Although Supreme Court rulings are rarely overturned, the court has a conservative supermajority of 6-3, three of whom were appointed during Trump’s first term.
When the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Justice Clarence Thomas noted he would be interested in revisiting other cases rooted in similar legal footing, such as Obergefell v. Hodges.
Roe, Obergefell and other cases that guarantee the right to contraception and same-sex sexual relations are all built around the Fourteenth Amendment’s right to substantive due process.
Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion in Roe’s overturning, stated that “nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion.” However, Thomas’ concurring opinion suggests differently.
Thomas wrote, “As I have previously explained, ‘substantive due process’ is an oxymoron that lacks any basis in the Constitution.”
If the Due Process Clause doesn’t secure substantive rights, various rights are at risk — including same-sex marriage.
“Roe recognized the fundamental right to privacy that has served as a basis for so many more rights that we’ve come to take for granted, that are ingrained in the fabric of this country,” Biden stated. “The right to make the best decisions for your health. The right to use birth control. A married couple in the privacy of their bedroom, for God’s sake. The right to marry the person you love.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who was a part of the majority opinion in Obergefell, warned that the Supreme Court may target marriage equality after a 6-3 ruling that stated, “U.S. citizens have no constitutional interest in their noncitizen spouses being able to enter the U.S.,” according to The New Republic. In her dissenting opinion, she states that the majority fails to respect the right to marriage.
She gave similar criticism to the conservative supermajority after another Supreme Court case ruled in favor of a website having the right to deny business to same-sex couples.
Her dissenting opinion stated, “This is heartbreaking. Sadly, it is also familiar. When the civil rights and women’s rights movements sought equality in public life, some public establishments refused. Some even claimed, based on sincere religious beliefs, constitutional rights to discriminate. The brave Justices who once sat on this Court decisively rejected those claims.”
Last month, the Republican majority Idaho House of Representatives called on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its 2015 same-sex marriage ruling, voting to pass a memorial Jan. 27. While a memorial does not carry any legal weight to it, it does show that the current GOP feels empowered to take on marriage equality. So far, the Supreme Court has not shown cause that they would revisit the decision.
Trevor Rosine-Baez, newlywed, president of PFLAG Tampa and current Watermark Out News contributor, fears the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction.
“Thinking from a power stance, what better of a time for Trump to attack marriage rights than the 10-year anniversary?” he says. “If we look at their playbook from the last administration, they very intentionally attacked rights during a time where those rights were being celebrated by that specific community.”
Whether they believe same-sex marriage is at risk or not, all who spoke with Watermark Out News said the same thing: the queer community has fought this fight before and, if it calls for it, they’ll do it again.
“I’m 60 now, so I’ve seen a lot of things happen and change, and there are things like gay marriage that when I was growing up, I thought would never, ever be a possibility,” Stevens says. “I think this is just, unfortunately, a horrible speed bump in time.”
Stevens stresses the importance of fighting battles that aren’t necessarily your battles — “if you’re queer, fight against racism. If you’re a feminist, fight for the queer community. If you’re a U.S. citizen, fight against mass deportation. Change only comes when we fight not only for ourselves but for our friends, families and neighbors.”
In addition to Trump reclaiming office, many are drawing concerns from Project 2025, which defines itself as a “historic movement, brought together by over 100 respected organizations from across the conservative movement, to take down the Deep State and return the government to the people.”
“I would really submit that this is a very small but loud minority of folks that are very well-resourced,” Rosine-Baez says. “They have a lot of money, they’ve got the lawyers, they’ve got the time, they’ve got the bank account — but we’ve got the moral high ground, and looking at history, that always shines through.”
Although Trump has separated himself from the project, many of the executive orders signed within his first week of office heavily align with the project’s policies, which outline plans to escape the country’s grip from the “radical Left,” explicitly targeting LGBTQ+ rights, denying the existence of transgender people and same-sex marriage.
“As long as we’re holding each other together and collectivizing our power, I really feel that we can get through this, and we’ve got to see it through all the way this time; we’ve got to see these protections codified into our Constitution,” Rosine-Baez says. “These are the same people that are working to erode reproductive freedom and voting rights protections for marginalized communities. These are not original ideas. They’re just throwing shit at the wall and trying to make it stick.”
Pollitzer shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need to highlight the trans community at such a dire time in history — a time when their very existence is being denied.
“[The far-right] are relying on the fact that people don’t know transgender folks,” Pollitzer says. “This has to be the moment that we tell stories about the real impacts of these laws, about the good people out there in the world who aren’t being heard and bring their stories and humanity forward.”
Foreman comes from a family of protestors. She says when she was about 11, her mom dragged her to the protests advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment, which later passed Congress in 1972. She was also on the picket lines for the Ohio Bell strike, had family members arrested for advocating for the 19th Amendment and others that were involved in the Freedom Rides.
Her history with protests taught her how to fight for what you believe in, and she wants to ensure that younger folks know how to as well.
“We have to make sure the kids know that they can make change, that they don’t have to sit back and accept whatever is thrown at them, that they are truly, truly the future,” Foreman says. “We have to raise them well, and we have to teach them how to be independent and autonomous and to go out there and fight for what you believe in. That’s our job. That’s our legacy.”
Lola Fontanez
(ABOVE) CLASSIC TALE:
Dancers from Orlando Ballet rehearse for their producation of “Peter Pan.”
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KLIMEK
bringing the classic tale featuring Peter Pan and his band of Lost Boys back to the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall. The ballet company previously performed an abridged version of the production in 2021 due to pandemic protocol.
“That means this production contains more flying, dancing and more fairy dust than ever,” says Jorden Morris, artistic director for the Orlando Ballet.
Morris approached the production with the same courage, edge and enthusiasm the original story possesses, noting an abundance of flying and sword fighting throughout his rendition.
“Peter was happiest when he was taking risks and having adventures, which are my creative drivers,” Morris says. “His life was more than just a fairy tale about a
wild young boy but was a way for [‘Peter Pan’ author] J.M. Barrie to tell a story that is fundamentally about the importance of family — all told through a prism of whimsy and sparkle.”
Morris hopes to encapsulate all of the beloved elements of the traditional story while embedding the production with exciting flair.
“Peter Pan” follows a sold-out run of the company’s popular production of “The Nutcracker.”
“There is so much thought and intention behind telling a story through dance and music with these
“I admit, I love this ballet because I love Peter’s youthful perspective about life,” Morris says. “This is a particularly challenging production for our dancers but they thrive on the challenge so their joy of performing this story can be felt by everyone. That is the magic of telling stories through movement and music.”
Collaboration has been essential for both Morris and the dancers.
classic tales that have been a part of everyone’s lives for decades,” Morris says. “Presenting a bright and fresh production while protecting and preserving the nature of these classics is why we are able to build new generations of audiences that will enjoy ballet and the performing arts for years to come.”
Morris’ commitment to authenticity and engaging balletic experiences is also evident through his creative choices for the show’s score. When designing the score, he curated a selection of music that was either written or performed by composers during the period when Barrie was writing his beloved story of a young boy who never wanted to grow up.
Morris also committed to cultivating an experience for his audience that accurately represents the beloved tale, which is evident in the show’s flying.
“There’s been lots of different recipes for ‘Peter Pan,’ so what I tend to do is go back to the genesis and where it started and then look at what fun and interesting things that we can do there. [These dancers] were talking about the flying in ‘Nutcracker,’ that’s all automated flying so it’s done by a computer, they take off exactly at the same time,” says Morris. “In ‘Peter Pan,’ when they originally did the play in London, people were pulled on hemp ropes into the air and flown and it was really important to me in this version we didn’t go automated, that we actually kept it the way it was first performed in London at the turn of the century.”
During rehearsal, Morris works closely with his dancers, honing in on every detail of the choreography. The dancers first give their performance, gracefully leaping around the iconic London bedroom scene with toy swords to various pieces from Montague Phillips Symphony in C. When they are concluded, Morris approaches with his notes, demonstrating his vision himself to the cast. He doesn’t just tell them what he wants them to do, he shows them.
“I think we’ve all watched it, from kids to now, so seeing that coming up on the rep for this season, I think we’re all really excited to get the opportunity to be a part of such a classic story,” says Maya Fazzari, one of the Tinkerbells for this production.
A benefit to working so closely with the choreographer is establishing the relationships between characters to facilitate a more accurate portrayal of the story, according to Nathan Rowell, one of the dancers who plays Peter Pan.
“I think he’s great with character interactions and making it light but still driving the story forward,” says Rowell. “With a story like this that’s so fun and has a lot of camp to it, it’s nice for the audience to have that relief because there are so many ballets that are intense and heavy.”
One of the more notable aspects of the story is the exploration of familial bonds. Ellie Iannotti, one of the Wendys for this production, finds that to be a driving force in her own portrayal of the beloved character.
“I see a lot of myself in her,” Iannotti says. “I have a younger sister in real life. In the beginning scenes of the ballet you see Wendy reading fairy tales to her younger siblings and keeping stories and playing make believe ... I love acting those scenes out because I feel like I get to sort of relive how I did that when I was younger with my little sister.”
To those intimidated by the idea of attending a ballet, Morris believes that this show could be your “entry-level” ballet.
“These are the kinds of shows that I do to bridge the gap between really serious classical ballet and dance being a form of entertainment and emotional movement at the same time,” he says. “There’s an accessibility factor to it, don’t be afraid to come and see ‘Peter Pan’ … It’s the same story with all the wonderful sets and costumes and lights and flying and humor.”
Orlando Ballet’s production of “Peter Pan” runs at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall in Orlando Feb. 20-23. Tickets and performance details can be found at OrlandoBallet.org.
Florida Entertainer of the Year announced Jan. 31 that the National EOY preliminary will move to Orlando in 2025 after two years in Tampa. Twila Holiday and Joshua Collins will now serve as its promoters. Read more at FLEOY.com.
LGBTQ+ lounge The Ball officially opened Feb. 1 in St. Petersburg. Read more on p. 10.
AJ Slater, who saved a 3-year-old boy from a burning vehicle in Lakeland last year, was recognized for his bravery by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department Feb. 3. Read more about the LGBTQ+ hero at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The joy ride organizers held their official check presentation party in Orlando Feb. 8, celebrating the $255,000 raised to benefit local orgs including Tampa Bay’s Empath Partners in Care and Central Florida’s Miracle of Love. Read more about the fundraiser at WatermarkOutNews.com.
City Side Lounge announced Feb. 10 that its final day of operation will be March 2. “It is with a sad and heavy heart that I have some difficult news to share,” the bar shared via social media. “After much consideration, we have decided to close down City Side Lounge ... We [would] like to thank ALL of our customers that have supported us over the many years!” Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
USF Vegetarian Society President Mark Weber, Tampa Suncrest Home Health director Portia Weiss, Tampa Bay entertainer Aquariius (Feb. 13); Makeup queen Jaeda Fuentes, Tampa Bay realtor Ryan Thompson (Feb. 14); Tampa staple Mark Eary (Feb. 15); Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Secretary Dave Cutler, Tampa activist Chris Goldsmith, Seminole Hard Rock’s Brian Bloomfield, Tampa Bay activist Prin Ocea (Feb. 16); Tampa Bay entertainer Iman, Tampa Bay entertainer Monique Love, Semi Sweet Designs co-owners Mike and Billy Tamplin, Enigma bartender Adam Scott (Feb. 17); Tampa’s Xtreme Total Health and Wellness consultant Ty Williams; Stonewall Pinellas Democrat Rick Boylan, St. Petersburg artist Jay Hoff (Feb. 19); Watermark Out News husband Wade Williams-Jent, Tampa model Michael Vought, Tampa Bay leather entrepreneur Billy Seablom, Lighthouse Credit Foundation founder David Crow, Sarasota realtor Michael Grady (Feb. 20); Tampa Bay entertainer Jade Embers, Tampa Bay entertainer LaDiamond Haze (Feb. 21); Tampa consultant Bart Nagy, TIGLFF superstar Renee Cossette, St. Petersburg volunteer Solomons, Graphi-ko Gallery owner Wilmer E. Vergara Homez, Atlas Body + Home owner Tony Loeffler (Feb. 22); Sunrise Body Revival Chiropractic’s Dr. Travis France, Holiday Visions decorator Sean Reynolds-Steele (Feb. 23); Tampa hairstylist Christopher Nejman, FabStayz Founder Robert Geller, Tampa Bay activist Janice Carney, Banking pro Bob Sanders (Feb. 25); Ballard Managing Partner and Tampa First Lady Ana Cruz (Feb. 26).
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LOCAL LEGEND: Season 17 contestant Jewels Sparkles invites fans to The Wet Spot for the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watch party Feb. 7. PHOTO FROM JEWELS SPARKLES’ INSTAGRAM
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PRETTY IN PINK: Josie Jay dazzles at Shelter Strong’s Thyrst Feb. 8 for the venue’s Satur-Slay show. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
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FAMILY FUN: Alex Quinto (L) and Mr. Gripp strike a pose at Enigma Feb. 7. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
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HAVING A BALL: Entertainment Director Adriana Sparkle (L) and Owner David Fischer welcome guests to the VIP opening of The Ball Jan. 31. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
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ROLL OUT: Jason Champion pitches during SRQ Kickball’s pickup game Feb. 8 in Sarasota. PHOTO FROM SRQ KICKBALL’S FACEBOOK
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KNIGHT TIME: (L-R) Alan Clendenin, Ana Cruz, Jane Castor, Harry Cohen and Guido Maniscalco represent Hillsborough County and Tampa at this year’s Knight Parade in Ybor Feb. 8. PHOTO FROM CITY OF TAMPA’S FACEBOOK
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EPIC EVENING: Shariah Mayes, Joy Winheim and Christian Klimas represent Tampa Bay at the joy ride’s check presentation party at SAVOY Orlando Feb. 8. PHOTO FROM THE JOY RIDE’S FACEBOOK
8 LGBTQ+ HERO: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (L) recognizes Lakeland hero AJ Slater Feb. 3, presenting him with a special commendation for his bravery. PHOTO COURTESY AJ SLATER
Peer Support Space celebrated six years on Feb. 1. 26Health celebrated its health care facility remodel and introduction of new services Jan. 29 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Come Out With Pride announced Feb. 4 three new members to its 2025 board. Rob Ward was named Entertainment Director and Victoria Toghia and Travis Lefke were named Members at Large.
Pandora Events announced Feb. 6 the dates and location for its Girls in Wonderland 25th Anniversary celebration. Girls in Wonderland will return to its host hotel, the Springhill Suites/Townhill Suites by Marriott in Winter Garden, June 5-9. The June celebration focused on queer women will include indie-pop duo 76th Street, a Mardi Gras Femme Fest and the annual comedy show as well as the traditional pool parties and dance parties. This year the festival will benefit Our Rainbow Nest, a nonprofit that provides support to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples looking to start or grow a family. For more information on Girl’s in Wonderland’s 25th celebration, visit GirlsInWonderland.com.
BarCodes Orlando celebrates 16 years on March 5.
Renaissance Theatre Company owner Donald Rupe, J. Meyer’s Insurance co-owner Cathy Meyers-Keene (Feb. 13); Central Florida activist Steven Hogue, Orlando banking guru Diana Cox (Feb. 14); Gary Lambert Salon & Spa co-owner Shawn Hunt (Feb. 15); Central Florida performer Blue Star, Orlando cover model Diego Larenas (Feb. 16); Downtown Arts District board member Ben Laube, Orlando playwright-actor John Ryan, Disney entertainment guru John Bearse (Feb. 17); Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs director Terry Olsen, Central Florida performer Evan Fagin (Feb. 18); R.I.S.E. Initiative co-founder and One Orlando Alliance board member Shea Cutliff (Feb. 19); Central Florida culinary artist Steven Galan, Owner of Crabtree Healthy Living Toni Crabtree; Orlando realtor Sam Gallaher, Central Florida funeral director Sam Odom (Feb. 20); Orlando educator John Albritton (Feb. 21); Central Florida HIV Planning Council’s Andres Acosta Ardila, Central Florida performer Heather Abood, Roller girl Jessy “Spikey” Wayles, Orlando photographer/videographer Savannah Powell, Orlandobased writer Sarah Kinbar, Entertainment producer and owner of Studio Lot Orlando Beth Wheatley (Feb. 22); Orlando’s singing cowboy cub CiJay Bailey, Central Florida activist Jason Lambert, Central Florida realtor David Dorman (Feb. 23); Orlando spoken-word activist, artist and photographer Quincy Wilson aka Q Major, Metro City Realty owner Jon Sheehan (Feb. 24); Songbird Megan Monesmith, Geek Easy’s Oral Frier, Orlando set designer Lisa Buck, Framing of Central Florida co-owner Mike Van Der Leest (Feb. 25); Central Florida Community Arts founder and Encore Creativity for Older Adults CEO Joshua Vickery, Former Come Out With Pride board member Matthew Riha (Feb. 26).
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MAKING ART: Dylan Todd (L) and Caitlin Sause recreate iconic works of art during Epcot’s Festival of the Arts Feb. 8. PHOTO FROM DYLAN TODD
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EXCITING DISHES: Chef Pom Moongauklang (L) and Chef Vinnie Nguyen showcase their culinary skills at the Lunar New Year Cognac Edition chef’s table experience at Henry’s Depot Food Hall in Sanford Feb. 5. PHOTO BY AARON SANFORD-WETHERELL
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BIRTHDAY TIME: Caitlin Sause celebrates her birthday with the Watermark Out News’ Orlando team Jan. 27. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS
4LIFE OF THE MARDI: Universal’s Mardi Gras couple greet media attendees during its Curse Coconut Club event at Universal CityWalk in Orlando Feb. 1. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS
5 FORTUNE TELLER: Madame Stratera reads fortunes at Curse Coconut Club during Universal CityWalk’s Mardi Gras celebration in Orlando Feb. 1. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS
6 COMMUNITY LEADERS: Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (L) recognizes Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet (center), with husband Luis Alberto Sousa-Lazaballet, at Mills Gallery in Orlando in January. PHOTO FROM ORLANDO PRIDE’S FACEBOOK
7 CITY BEAUTIFUL: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, with Commissioner Patty Sheehan, speaks at the Butterfly Sculpture Garden groundbreaking at Lake Eola in Orlando Feb. 6. PHOTO FROM MAYOR BUDDY DYER’S FACEBOOK
8 OPEN TO SERVE: 26Health CEO/President Latrice Stewart (L) and Director of Development Terrance Hunter during 26Health’s ribbon cutting ceremony in Orlando Feb. 4. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KLIMEK
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 6:30 P.M. ORLANDO SHAKES, ORLANDO
Come out for a night of theater as Orlando Shakes, in partnership with Watermark Out News, presents a special Pride Night edition of “Cabaret.” This evening will feature a safe and welcoming space for the community that includes a pre-show happy hour for professional and personal networking. Tickets are just $49.50 (Use Promo Code: PRIDE36) and includes “Cabaret” performance and pre-show gathering. Seating is limited. Visit OrlandoShakes.org/Show/Cabaret for more.
THURSDAY, FEB. 27, 7-10 P.M. RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY, ORLANDO
Join Watermark Out News as we celebrate the winners of your favorites in the local LGBTQ+ community with our annual WONDER Awards. The event will feature live performances, food, drinks and more. This year’s awards celebration is proudly sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF Pharmacy and Out of the Closet Thrift Stores. For more information, go to WatermarkOutNews.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 15, 9 P.M. FLORIDARAMA, ST. PETERSBURG
Entertainer Apollo Infiniti pays homage to the Club Kids, a New York City-based artistic movement. The show is inspired by the glamor and revelry of Studio 54. Performers will model and assist the judges with a best-dressed contest, where one lucky audience member will win a prize of $100. Read more at WatermarkOutNew.com and purchase tickets at FloridaRAMA.art.
FEB. 16-23, TIMES VARY THE GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT, ST. PETERSBURG
The inaugural Winter Pride, a new LGBTQ+ celebration organizers hope will become a seasonal staple, will feature events all week long. They include an opening night street party and tea dance, dive-in movie, performances from headliners such as “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” winner Jimbo and more. Read all about it a WatermarkOutNews.com and WinterPrideSaintPete.com.
“Cabaret,” Feb. 5-March 2, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org
Alan Cumming: Uncut, Feb. 13-15, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Day Ball, Feb. 14, High T, Orlando. 407-885-3558; ExploreTock.com/High-T
2nd Annual Love Out
Loud Brunch, Feb. 15, 808 E. Washington St., Orlando. 407-553-6336; PineappleHealthcare.com
Love is Love Pride Fest
2025, Feb. 15, East Indiana Ave, Downtown DeLand. VolusiaPride.org
Corsets & Cuties
Valentine’s Hangover, Feb. 15, Boardwalk Bowl, Orlando. 407-384-0003; AlomaBowlingCenters.com/ Boardwalk
Danae Hays, Feb. 15, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org
Love at First Woof, Feb. 16, BarkHaven Dog Bar, Orlando. 407-787-2275; BarkHaven.com
Lazy Lovers Milk Mart, Feb. 16, The Milk District, Orlando. MilkMartOrlando.com
Strikes for Stripes, Feb. 16, Aloma Bowling Center, Orlando. 407-228-1446; ZebraYouth.org
Garden Tour, Feb. 18, UF IFAS Extension Orange County, Orlando. 407-254-9200; Orange. IFAS.UFL.edu
LGBTQBE Certification Meeting, Feb. 20, National Entrepreneur Center, Orlando. 407-420-4895; ThePrideChamber.org
February Out and About Networking, Feb. 20, Savoy, Orlando. 407-481-2243; WatermarkOutNews.com
Mardi Gras Party, Feb. 21, Cocktails & Screams, Orlando. 407-904-0124; CocktailsAndScreams.com
Kate Pierson, Feb. 27, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org
“The People Downstairs,” Through Feb. 23, Stageworks Theatre, Tampa. 813-374-2416; StageworksTheatre.org
ReadOUT 8, Feb. 14 – Feb. 16, Catherine A. Hickman Theatre, Gulfport. OutArtsAndCulture.org/ readout
“Sondheim and Weidman’s Road Show,” Feb. 14Mar. 16, freefall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; freeFallTheatre.com
“Love Is My Drug: Valentine’s Drag Show,” Feb. 14, 10 pm, The Floridian Social, St. Petersburg. 727-322-4600; TheFloridianSocial.com
Shade Showcase, Feb. 15, The Garage, St. Petersburg. 727-258-4850; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage
Golden Girls Drag Brunch, Feb. 16, Blur Nightclub, Dunedin. 727-736-2587; BlurDunedin.com
Between the Arches: A Love Letter to Florida with Readings from Gloria Muñoz, Tyler Gillespie, and Maria Ingrande Mora, Feb. 18, Book + Bottle, St. Petersburg. BookAndBottle.com
“MANIA: The ABBA Tribute,” Feb. 20, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-898-2100; TheMahaffey.com
Art After Dark, Feb. 20 & 27, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667. MFAstPete.org
“It’s Britney Brunch Drag Show,” Feb. 22, Red Mesa Cantina, St. Petersburg. 727-896-8226; RedMesaCantina.com
TBBL Karaoke, Feb. 22, Gaspar’s Grotto, Tampa. 813-248-5900; TampaBayBlackLesbians.org
Localtopia, Feb. 22, Williams Park, St. Petersburg. 813-500-7708; Localtopia. KeepSaintPetersburgLocal.org
Moments in Black Film Celebrating Arts, Entertainment and Creativity, Feb. 27, St. Petersburg City Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-866-1973; SPCityTheatre.org
Black History Month Reception, Feb. 28, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa. 813-228-0097; TampaBayHistoryCenter.org
Outdoor Cleanup and Cookout, Feb. 16, Fab LGBTQIA+ Center, Sarasota. FabAF.org
ALSO Youth Annual Prom: Space Cowboy, Feb. 22, Harvest Life Enrichment Center, Sarasota. ALSOYouth.org
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