Watermark Out News Issue 32.05: Wonder Awards

Rick Todd PUBLISHER Rick@WatermarkOutNews.com

PUBLISHER’S DESK

Our moment has arrived

IN FEBRUARY 2017, I SAW

something that inspired me. Central Florida and the queer community were barely six months past a mass shooting event that rocked us and I, like many, was searching for something meaningful and hopeful.

I tuned into NBC’s miniseries “When We Rise.” I am a big fan of LGBTQ+ history so I was excited to see it but I don’t think I was prepared to be as moved as I was. The soon-to-be heroes of the early LGBTQ+ rights movement were living in a time where they were not only hated but blatantly and sometimes violently discriminated against.

There is a scene where a group of lesbians rallied in a park, fighting for visibility and empathy to an unsympathetic community. They did so with the absolute knowledge that they would be beaten and they did it anyway.

That was inspiring.

It made me think about those brave people who built our local communities and set me on a path to tell their stories. I am so passionate about it because their sacrifices paved the way for me to have the life I have, the acceptance that I have found.

I did grow up in a time where I felt I had to hide who I was, looking over my shoulder because my existence somehow threatened someone else’s ideal of what my life should be. I faced bullies who questioned my gender because I hated getting a haircut and had longer hair than the rest of the boys.

Although I lived in these times, I never had to put my safety on the line because those who came before put their safety at risk. It all seems

like a distant memory. In the past 10 years LGBTQ+ acceptance has grown exponentially. Corporate America was practically falling over itself to prove their support in Pride parades and with diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

LGBTQ+ acceptance became a commodity. Money was flowing. We were living the life so many had fought for. We could get married and openly talk about our spouses. It was not socially accepted to bully LGBTQ+ people.

Disclaimer: I need to acknowledge that although strides have been made for all members of our alphabet soup, I am not ignorant to the fact that the transgender community continues to be beaten down, bullied and murdered at alarming rates. For what? For the same reasons the L, G and B were beaten and murdered. It wasn’t OK then and it is not OK now.

It’s an understatement to say that there is now a dark cloud looming over our community. The fear that we are moving backwards is real and scary. For me, it’s scary because I worry about going back to a time where I feel the need to hide, where I need to worry about the well-being of my husband and those I care about most.

The reality is corporate America is running away in alarming numbers. Words like diversity, equity and inclusion are mocked. What comes next, after they are able to demonize the words that offer us acceptance?

Maybe it’s deeper than that, though. Like I said earlier, I didn’t have to march against police forces who were there to literally beat me down. I didn’t have to sneak into a gay bar for fear I would be beaten if seen there.

I wonder if that is where we are heading. Will I have the same

strength as the women in the park on “When We Rise”?

I found some more inspiration recently. I watched Jane Fonda accept the SAG/AFTRA Lifetime Achievement Award. I encourage you to watch it, too. She asked the audience if they had seen documentaries where people marched across bridges or stood in front of fire hoses, then asked them to question whether they had the strength to do it.

“We don’t have to wonder

What comes next, after they are able to demonize the words that offer us acceptance?

anymore. We are in our documentary moment. We must not isolate, we must stay in our community,” she said.

Maybe it’s time we put less focus on angry social media posts that preach to the choir and focus on organizing, marching, while creating meaningful visibility and greater empathy. It’s time for us to take a lesson from those who came before us and stand on the front lines.

In this issue of Watermark Out News we showcase the winners of our WONDER Awards as voted by our readers. Let’s celebrate the best of our community and then do what is best for our community, all of our community.

Stay visible, stay strong and support each other.

BIANCA GOOLSBY is a digital strategist and activist who partners with mission-driven organizations to increase their impact through innovative and effective online communications. Page 15

MICHAEL WANZIE is an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area. Page 23

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, 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

ZEBRA YOUTH RAISES $26K DURING BOWLING FUNDRAISER

Lola Fontanez

ORLANDO | Zebra Youth’s second annual “Strikes For Stripes” event took place Feb. 16 at Aloma Bowling Center in Winter Park. The fundraiser was named a success by the coalition, not only bringing in more than $26,000 in donations, but also bringing the community together for a night filled with bowling, raffles, a silent auction and a myriad of other competition-driven events.

“Typically with our fundraisers, we try to do at least one a year that is accessible and affordable for the average person and family-friendly,” said Zebra Youth Executive Director Heather Wilkie.

The event welcomed community members in Orlando for a positive night of support and wholesome fun. Zebra Youth has continued to receive donations and bids since the night of “Strikes For Stripes.”

The group’s goal for the event was $50,000, a sum that would go toward purchasing a new passenger van and getting auto insurance in order to allow Zebra to accommodate accessibility needs, assist with youth move-ins and provide transportation for youth in crisis. With the help of sponsors and attendees, Zebra Youth was able to rack up an impressive $26,947.01, over halfway to their goal.

Zebra Youth has not previously owned or provided transportation services but hopes to add it to their arsenal of community support services. Wilkie notes that a vehicle is not always accessible for many young people, particularly those in crisis or experiencing uncertain circumstances.

“The goal is to buy a vehicle for Zebra, a lot of times our youth need transportation,” says Wilkie. “It’s a really important service to be able to offer to the youth because young people can’t drive or may not necessarily have the ability to use a vehicle, so we’re [Zebra Youth] expanding accessible services to the youth that we serve in the community.”

The event was presented by Crew Health and Zebra Youth’s community partners — Aloma Bowl, Come Out With Pride Orlando, Addition Financial, Universal Orlando Foundation, Jamie Billotte Moses, Heath Arnsperger, Watermark Out News, Central Florida Public Radio, A La Cart Orlando, Elizabeth Gianini, Sodexo and Holland & Knight LLP.

The fundraiser page will remain active through March 21, allowing supporters to continue to donate and aid Zebra Youth in reaching their overall goal.

Zebra Youth is a local nonprofit focused on providing services to LGBTQ+ youth. The organization recently expanded its short-term housing for queer youth thanks to a grant from the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida through its Brighter Days initiative.

You can continue to donate to the Strikes for Stripes campaign at GiveButter.com/c/S4S24. You can find more information about Zebra Youth by going to ZebraYouth.org.

central florida news

Hope in the House

Activist Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet announces run for Florida House seat

Caysea Stone

ORLANDO | Felipe

Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of Hope CommUnity Center and decades-long immigration and LGBTQ+ activist, is running for Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskmani’s District 42 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

The district, which stretches from just north of Maitland to Belle Isle, has been represented by Eskamani since November 2022.

“I see this as an opportunity for me to continue her legacy of fighting for what’s right, of serving the residents of District 42 and making sure that all of our voices are heard in Tallahassee,”

Sousa-Lazaballet says.

Sousa-Lazaballet’s lived experience and dedicated activism have led him to launch a campaign founded on solving the issues affecting everyday people, like health care access, rising grocery costs and a lack of affordable housing.

According to data from the 2023 Census Reporter, the average

per capita income in District 42 is $61,000, while the median value of housing units is $424,000 — 1.3 times the Florida average. Of the 182,000 citizens that reside in the district, 10.3% live below the poverty line.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and former undocumented immigrant, Sousa-Lazaballet has experienced discrimination firsthand and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all marginalized communities.

“I know what it’s like to wake up in the morning and not know if I have to choose between groceries or my rent — I lived it,”

Sousa-Lazaballet says. “I know what it means to feel discriminated against and ostracized. I know the pain our community faces every single day because we are misunderstood. But at the end of the day, I’m a human being. This is who I am. This is why I’m here.”

Sousa-Lazaballet hopes to bring his story to Tallahassee to show elected officials that all immigrants deserve dignity. If elected, he will be the first Dreamer ever to be elected to the Florida House.

FOR YOU

IN 42: Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is ready to be the next representative for Florida’s House District 42. PHOTO BY CAITLIN

Someone who recognizes Sousa-Lazaballet’s ability to be the person to represent District 42 is the district’s current representative. Eskamani endorsed Sousa-Lazaballet as her successor, writing on social media “I am thrilled to support my good friend [Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet] as he embarks on his next chapter of leadership in running to succeed me in serving House District 42. I’ve known Felipe for over a decade as a leader at the City of Orlando, and then as the Executive Director of Hope Community Center. As an LGBTQ+ immigrant and advocate, he has been on the frontlines in fighting back against extreme policies coming out of the Governor’s Office and White House, while still leading with grit and grace to provide support to those in need. He’ll be an effective lawmaker and I encourage you to follow him on social media so you can learn more about his story.”

Sousa-Lazaballet has held various titles in different organizations across Central Florida, like the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Sr Specialist for the Office of Multicultural Affairs with the City of Orlando and the Manager of Collaborative Partnerships, where he assisted in the city’s recovery following the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.

You can read this full story at WatermarkOutNews.com and learn more about Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet’s campaign at FelipeForFlorida.com.

SAUSE

TAMPA’S CITY SIDE LOUNGE ANNOUNCES PERMANENT CLOSURE

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | City Side Lounge announced late Feb. 10 that its final day of operation will be March 2.

Billed as an “LGBTQ+ neighborhood bar,” City Side has served Tampa Bay since 1991. It was purchased by owners Delon Cunningham and Michael Rivera in 2020, who also own Tampa’s MR D’z Men’s Emporium.

Cunningham and Rivera first shared news of its closure via social media.

“It is with a sad and heavy heart that I have some difficult news to share, as we approach the end of this Month,” the owners wrote. “After much consideration, we have decided to close down City Side Lounge.

“This journey has been one of immense learning and growth, but despite our best efforts, unfortunately there was no other way forward due to circumstances beyond our control,” the statement continued. “We [would] like to thank ALL of our customers that have supported us over the many years!”

Watermark Out News spoke with Cunningham afterwards, who cited rising operational costs for their decision.

“It’s the cost of everything, not just one particular thing,” he explains. “Rent is very high in that area, South Tampa is premium living and back in its prime, when there were 10 people deep waiting to get a drink, no one blinked at the rent because money was coming in.

“Now the costs of goods have gone up, the cost of employment has gone up, the cost of insurance has gone up. Everything has gone up,” Cunningham continues. “[The business] can’t sustain itself anymore because you just can’t keep on raising drink prices and raising drink prices.”

Cunningham notes that City Side currently has nine employees, some of whom may retain employment at MR D’z, which will continue to operate. The latter establishment will also begin opening daily at noon to see if it “brings in any kind of day drinkers or helps kill the crush of [closing] City Side” for happy hour patrons.

While City Side isn’t actively for sale, Cunningham adds that he would entertain selling the business.

“At this point if someone made me an offer and we talked about it, sure, we could resolve something,” he says. “But we’re not quite sure what landlord is going to do. I’m sure he would want someone in there too; the business has been there for 35 years, so it’s been a big part of the community.

“A lot of people would love to have the space and I would love for it to stay open, but we’ll see,” Cunningham adds. “The biggest thing I want to say is thank you for supporting me, my family and my dream. I want to say thank you and please continue to support gay businesses. If you don’t support them they’re not gonna survive.”

tampa bay news

Polk’s Pride

Polk County Sheriff’s Office honors LGBTQ+ hero

Ryan Williams-Jent

LAKELAND, FLA. | The Polk County Sheriff’s Office issued a Sheriff’s Commendation to AJ Slater this month, honoring the LGBTQ+ hero for saving a child’s life last November.

“On November 7, 2024, you witnessed a severe crash whereby a vehicle collided with a tree and immediately caught fire,” it reads. “Without hesitation, you rushed to the scene navigating thick smoke and intense heat to access the small children trapped inside the vehicle.

“Despite the immediate danger posed by flames and the potential for severe injury, you demonstrated remarkable courage and swift judgment in extricating one of the children from the wreckage,” the commendation continues. “Although critically injured during the rescue, you were not deterred from performing this selfless act of heroism.”

Slater suffered significant burns across his hands, forearms, back and face while attempting

to rescue 3-year-old Walker and 5-year-old JoLynn Wills from the vehicle, the latter of whom did not survive. He also assisted their father Kody Wills, who was subsequently charged with DUI manslaughter and more Dec. 31.

PCSO’s commendation notes that Slater’s “rapid response … and fearless commitment to the well-being of others directly contributed to saving the life of a young child. Risking personal safety to assist others, despite the potential risks, [exemplifies] the highest standards of courage and compassion.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Polk County, I commend you on a job well done,” it concludes.

Sheriff Grady Judd issued it Feb. 3. His office also reflected on Slater’s heroism Feb. 7 via social media, the same day his GoFundMe was also updated.

“Coming home was difficult for AJ,” it reads. “Living in walking distance of this horrific accident has affected his mental health more so than we anticipated.

Finding a place to move to while being unemployed coupled by the cost of living has been impossible to do, so that adjustment of having to see this accident site daily has been extremely difficult.”

Watermark Out News reached out to Slater after he received the commendation.

“I’m sad and angry for Logan with the fact that she lost a child due to a 100 percent preventable ‘accident,’” he says. “I am angry that I will have permanent disfigurement because someone chose getting drunk over the safety and care for his children.

“This has been life changing for myself and my family,” Slater continues. “Trying to process this has been extremely difficult. My heart hurts for Logan. I replay the scenario over and over and wish the outcome could have been different for Logan’s sake and she be able to have both of her children here with her.”

Slater has had multiple surgeries since the accident and will require a series of additional procedures as his recovery continues. As of Feb. 25, his GoFundMe has raised $42,411.

“I appreciate the recognition,” he adds of PCSO’s commendation, “but I so badly wish this outcome would have been different.”

Read more and support AJ Slater’s recovery efforts via his GoFundMe at WatermarkOutNews.com.

LOCAL HERO: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (L) presents AJ Slater with a commendation Feb. 3. PHOTO

COURTESY AJ SLATER

DELMAY LAUNCHES FLORIDA HOUSE BID

Shyler Oras

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. | Democrat Todd Delmay announced Feb. 12 that he is running for Florida House District 101 after Broward County’s State Rep. Hillary Cassel switched her party affiliation to Republican last December.

The LGBTQ+ candidate promised to “be a steadfast advocate for the issues that matter to South Florida families — lowering costs, protecting reproductive freedom and standing up for every community that calls this district home.”

Delmay and his family are deeply rooted in Florida’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Just over 10 years ago, Delmay and his husband were plaintiffs in the historic lawsuit that legalized same-sex marriage in the state. A year later, they were among the first six same-sex couples to be wed in Florida.

Cassel and Delmay are currently the only candidates in the race for the seat. The 2026 Primary is on Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.

FLORIDA FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST TARGET

Jay Waagmeester via Florida Phoenix

Afew days after being named attorney general, James Uthmeier filed a class action against retail giant Target, claiming it defrauded investors in the process of promoting “radical LGBTQ activism.”

The suit focuses on the Minnesota-based company’s 2023 Pride campaign, a product collection in advance of Pride Month. The collection raised tensions in favor of and against the campaign, ultimately resulting in Target removing some items, moving displays to the back of the store, and releasing an official statement.

Uthmeier’s office, with the help of conservative legal nonprofit America First Legal, claims Target “misled investors by claiming to monitor the social

and political risks posed by its DEI [environmental, social, and governance] initiatives.”

“Corporations that push radical leftist ideology at the expense of financial returns jeopardize the retirement security of Florida’s first responders and teachers,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “My office will stridently pursue corporate reform so that companies get back to the business of doing business — not offensive political theatre.”

The campaign caused shareholders to lose $25 billion in six months, the suit claims, with $10 billion of that in the first 10 days.

“This is a fight worth having,” Uthmeier said in a video posted to his X account. “And we will fight to hold Target financially accountable for these wrongful practices, and force them and other corporate giants to get back to the business of doing business.”

Target’s campaign prompted boycotts and bomb threats to stores, USA Today reported.

Uthmeier was sworn in as attorney general Feb. 17, replacing Ashley Moody, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. Surrounded by prominent politicians in Tallahassee, Uthmeier promised to promote an “America First agenda,” and “not stand idly by as the Left tries to infiltrate our institutions and use the court system to indoctrinate our kids.”

In January, Target announced it would end its diversity goals.

Florida Phoenix is a nonprofit news site, free of advertising and free to readers, covering state government and politics with a staff of five journalists located at the Florida Press Center in downtown Tallahassee. Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

JUDGE QUESTIONS MOTIVES FOR TRUMP’S ORDER BANNING TRANSGENDER TROOPS

Wire Report

WASHINGTON | A federal judge questioned President Donald Trump’s motives Feb. 18 for issuing an executive order that calls for banning transgender troops from serving in the U.S. military, describing a portion of the directive as “frankly ridiculous.”

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes indicated that she won’t rule before early March on whether to temporarily block the Trump administration from enforcing the order, which plaintiffs’ attorneys have said illegally discriminates against transgender troops.

But her questions and remarks during the hearing suggest that she is deeply skeptical of the administration’s reasoning for ordering a policy change. Reyes also lauded the service of several

active-duty troops who sued to block the order.

Trump’s Jan. 27 order claims the sexual identity of transgender service members “conflicts with a soldier’s commitment to an honorable, truthful and disciplined lifestyle, even in one’s personal life” and is harmful to military readiness. It requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to issue a revised policy.

Six transgender people who are active-duty service members and two others seeking to join the military sued to block the Trump administration from enforcing the order. In a court filing, plaintiffs’ lawyers argued that Trump’s order openly expresses “hostility” and constitutionally impermissible “animus” toward transgender people.

Trump’s order also says that “use of pronouns that inaccurately reflect an individual’s sex” is inconsistent with a government

policy to “establish high standards for troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity and integrity.”

Reyes said it is “frankly ridiculous” to suggest that pronoun usage could impact the military readiness of the U.S. armed forces.

Reyes peppered Justice Department attorney Jason Lynch for several hours with questions about the executive order. They disagreed on whether the language of the executive order explicitly bans transgender people from serving in the military.

Reyes asked Lynch if Trump himself would call it a ban, then added, “He would say, ‘Of course it is,’ because he calls it a transgender ban.” Lynch said the order itself doesn’t require the discharge of service members while Hegseth crafts a policy that reflects it.

Reyes is expected to hear more arguments on March 3.

THE 1ST OPENLY GAY MUSLIM IMAM IS KILLED IN SOUTH AFRICA

Wire Report

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

| A man regarded as the first openly gay Muslim imam has been fatally shot while sitting in a car in South Africa in what many are calling an assassination because of his teachings.

Muhsin Hendricks was ambushed by two men in a pick-up truck while visiting the southern city of Gqeberha Feb. 15. Police said the men involved in the killing had their faces covered. A security video of the shooting shows one of them jumping out of their vehicle, running up to the car Hendricks was in and firing a pistol multiple times through a side window. Police said Hendricks was with a driver, who survived.

Police have not established a motive for the killing, but political parties and LGBTQ+ organizations say Hendricks was targeted

because he started a mosque in Cape Town for gay Muslims and called for members of the LGBTQ+ community to be welcomed into Islam. Homosexuality is forbidden in the Islamic religion.

South Africa’s Justice Ministry said it was investigating claims that Hendricks was the target of an assassination.

Hendricks was known internationally and spoke at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s conference in South Africa last year.

The ILGA family “is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” said Julia Ehrt, executive director of ILGA. “He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith.”

The ILGA said Hendricks had spoken of how some people were calling for the closing of his mosque and had branded it the “gay temple.”

Hendricks was the subject of a documentary film called “The Radical,” in which he said that there had been threats against him but “it just didn’t bother me. The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die.”

The film also focused on young gay Muslims who said Hendricks provided somewhere they could pray and practice Islam while still being themselves.

The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa said in a statement that while it had consistently stated that Hendricks’ position was incompatible with Islamic teachings, “we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community.”

IN OTHER NEWS

RFK JR. DEBUTS ANTI-TRANS WEBPAGE

Less than a week after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency rolled out a webpage promoting the Trump administration’s anti-trans executive orders and issued a public guidance asserting that a person’s sex is “unchangeable.” The webpage, which went live Feb. 19, for HHS’s Office on Women’s Health highlights President Donald Trump’s executive actions defining sex in a manner that excludes transgender, nonbinary and intersex populations, prohibiting trans women and girls from participating in competitive sports, and restricting people younger than 19 from accessing medically necessary gender affirming health care interventions.

KANSAS BANS GENDERAFFIRMING CARE FOR MINORS

Kansas became the latest state to ban gender-affirming care for minors Feb. 18 after the Republican-controlled Legislature overrode the Democratic governor’s veto of the measure. Kansas is the 27th state to ban or restrict such care. GOP lawmakers reversed Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto less than a month after President Donald Trump issued an order barring federal support for gender-affirming care for youth under 19. The new law is set to take effect this month, and critics have predicted that doctors or parents or both will file a state-court lawsuit challenging it.

ARGENTINA RESTRICTS TRANS MINORS ACCESS TO TREATMENT

Argentine President Javier Milei issued a decree Feb. 5 that restricts minors’ access to gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatments. The decree is in addition to other measures implemented by Milei’s government including placing limits on housing transgender women in female prisons. Several LGBTQ+ organizations have condemned the decree. The LGBT Argentine Federation announced it will go to court to stop the modification of the Gender Identity Law and, if necessary, will turn to international organizations.

KENYAN PRESIDENT DEFENDS TRUMP EO ON 2 GENDERS

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing backlash for backing U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order that recognizes only two genders: male and female. Ruto’s support for Trump’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in the U.S. military and competing on women’s sports teams has drawn criticism from human rights defenders, lawmakers, lawyers and intersex activists. Ruto’s position to side with Trump contradicts his previous stance during the Biden-Harris administration when he was cautious about speaking about transgender and queer rights in order not to jeopardize his relationship with Washington.

Bianca Goolsby

When Hope Feels Heavy UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME

THERE COMES A POINT when you realize that staying in a place is no longer about comfort but about survival. For me, that moment came when I knew I had to leave the United States before Donald Trump took office.

I had spent years pouring my heart and soul into advocacy, fighting for the people I love, pushing for justice in a system built to resist it. But I also had to recognize that my heart — literally — could not take it anymore.

Every news headline, every law passed that stripped away rights, every hateful interaction that reminded me of how much this country was shifting toward intolerance, all of it made my heart race, made it harder to breathe, made me question if I even had the energy to keep fighting. I felt the weight of the world pressing against my chest, and with my heart condition, stress is not just an inconvenience — it is a danger.

I was living in an environment where my physical and emotional well-being were at risk every single day. And so, I made a choice — to protect myself. To walk away before the pressure, the fear and the grief consumed me entirely.

I wasn’t alone in that decision. Over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more people — especially Black and LGBTQ+ individuals — leave the United States in search of something safer, something freer, something that doesn’t feel like an uphill battle just to exist. Because that’s what it has become: a battle.

A battle against politicians who see us as disposable. A battle against a justice system designed to protect the privileged. A battle against neighbors who feel emboldened to spew hate because they know they won’t face consequences. The moral fabric of this country has been unraveling thread by thread, and the people it impacts most are the ones already exhausted from holding it together.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs once seen as a step toward progress are being dismantled, replaced with policies that silence, erase and oppress. The very idea of acknowledging systemic racism is being outlawed, as if ignoring the truth makes it any less real. And people who once hid their bigotry behind closed doors now wear it openly, proudly, knowing they have the backing of those in power.

Every day, we are bombarded with tragedy, with loss, with a world that seems to be falling apart faster than we can process it. We see footage of police brutality, of mass shootings, of lawmakers laughing as they sign bills that strip people of their rights. And then we are expected to move on, to keep functioning as if this is normal, as if we are not living through a collective trauma that feels never ending.

I think about my LGBTQ+ family, those who don’t have the option to leave, who are forced to navigate a reality where their existence is seen as a problem to be solved rather than a life to be cherished. I pray for them. I mourn for them. Because I know that what’s happening now is not just about laws — it’s about the message those laws send. They tell us that we are not welcome, that our lives are not valuable, that our love is not real. And when a country tells you that over and over again, it becomes harder and harder to hold onto hope. And yet, somehow, we must. Because even when hope feels heavy in our hands, it is still there. Even when we don’t know what the path forward looks like, we have to believe that one exists. Because if we let go of that belief, they win. And we cannot let them win.

One thing that has helped me in this journey is conducting a Village Audit — a deep, intentional evaluation of the people I allow into my space. When

viewpoint

the world feels unstable, the people around you matter more than ever. Are they uplifting you or draining you? Are they advocating for you or simply tolerating you? Who consistently shows up for you without expecting something in return? These

I don’t know how we fix a country that doesn’t seem interested in fixing itself. I don’t know how we continue fighting when the fight feels endless. I don’t know how we heal when the wounds keep getting reopened. But I do know this — we are still here, and that

and no instant remedy to the exhaustion we carry. But what I do know is that we are still standing. We are still finding ways to carve out spaces of safety, connection and love. We are still resisting, even when resistance looks like resting, healing and refusing to let

We cannot afford to be surrounded by those who secretly root against us.

are hard questions but necessary ones.

Conducting this audit has allowed me to build a community of people who not only respect me but also pour into me in ways that sustain my well-being. Because in times like these, we cannot afford to be surrounded by those who secretly root against us. We need villages that empower, uplift and protect.

means something.

To those who feel like they can’t breathe under the weight of it all, who feel like this world is swallowing them whole, I see you. I feel you. I want you to know that you are not alone in this. You are not crazy for feeling exhausted. You are not weak for needing to step away. You are not wrong for choosing to protect yourself. There is no neat resolution to this struggle

this world harden us. Say this affirmation with me:

“I am reclaiming my peace, protecting my energy, and prioritizing my well being. I am no longer sacrificing myself for systems that refuse to see my humanity. I am walking in my power, setting boundaries unapologetically and creating a life filled with love and intention.” I love you!

AZupka Counseling

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE

THIS WILL NOT IN ANY way be a political rant and I promise not to even mention our orange Felon-in-Chief beyond this opening sentence.

God knows we all could use a little light-hearted addition to our day-in and day-out onslaught of bad news and horribly destructive decisions and edicts coming from the Oval Office and the zany, unqualified cast of circus characters that now comprise the cabinet of the current administration. So, tempting though it may be, I shall herein attempt to make you chuckle, or at the very least, smile by sharing some random happy thoughts and memories.

Here we are winding down Black History Month; a time that always brings to my mind the wonderfully eccentric and brilliantly blue comedian, Moms Mabley. If you are too young to know who she was, I entreat you to check her out. Moms began performing on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” in the 1920s and later became the first female comedian to appear as a solo act at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. During the height of racial unrest in America, she became a successful “crossover act” with her high-selling comedy albums showcasing their stand-up material.

I bought my first Moms album when I was in the fifth grade and I recall that being the first time I ever purchased an album with a bright sticker affixed to it which read “Not for Airplay,” which translated to “The old lady’s material is not just adult in nature, much of it is downright filthy.” Moms also became a fixture on TV with multiple appearances on various variety shows. Of course, her material had to be toned waaaaay down in order to get past network sensors, not only due to its adult and often sexually explicit material but also because Moms’ humor was, more often than not, political satire that, in the 60’s, made network programmers quite nervous.

If the fabulously funny and totally toothless Moms Mabley were alive today, she would be absolutely hated by MAGA Republicans and all right-wing Christian nut jobs, which is precisely why I loved her.

Now on to the part where I hopefully coax a smile from your politically weary face.

Valentine’s Day just passed and as usual I got nothin’ from nobody ‘cept for one card from an elderly married friend and her dogs. Now that I’ve lost 100 pounds I’m feeling a tad bit more confident in putting myself out there as being on the market and available, so please do consider this section of this column as my having done just that.

For the record, I tend to gravitate toward persons a bit younger than myself and I prefer those who are more slight of frame but I’m not picky. Much.

My birthday is coming up. I’ll be turning 68 on March 6 and while that may or may not make you smile, citing my age always makes me grin because I can never quite wrap my head around the fact that I am a bona fide senior citizen even as I absolutely refuse to act like one.

I say that but my body says otherwise in many ways. First and foremost being my near constant urge to pee. And I am becoming alarmed by how quickly after getting the urge to do so, I absolutely must pee and it’s often a mad dash to the nearest urinal, bush or shoulder of the highway. Seriously, I’m not kidding. The only good thing to come from this side effect of being 68 years young is that it costs me far less money now to attend a play, musical or concert because I honestly can no longer enjoy a libation anywhere close to curtain time lest I risk having to get up during the show. So, there’s that. Meanwhile, I, like many among you, am completely psyched about the fast-approaching opening of

Epic Universe. I’ve already been out there to check out the now operational Stella Nova Resort and this is what I can report: it’s stunningly beautiful in a budget kind of way. Actually, it’s really very pretty and sleekly designed for a value-classed resort, albeit with very limited dining options. However, the entire lobby, like most of this hotel’s public areas, is white on white on white with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the sun to streak in and set the all-white lobby ablaze with blinding white light making it impossible to divert one’s eyes to a more subdued intensity. Seeing the bright white everywhere set off my vertigo and I had to stagger my way to an off-to-the-side seat where

I’m

I closed my eyes as I sat for a while in order to regain my bearings. So, now we’ve established that while I may be a greatly reduced-in-weight version of my former self, I am in fact a going-on-68-year-old guy who absolutely has to pee along the side of the road and who loses his equilibrium in bright

adventurous and I love going on unplanned road trips. I am a very good cook and I especially enjoy cooking for others. I’m a good housekeeper, an excellent party host and when I have a man in my life that I love, I very much enjoy making a fuss over him. I am ready to meet my next life partner for whom I look forward to

white hotel lobbies. Quite the catch, huh?

But on the flip side, I am highly active and very socially engaged. I’m walking a lot these days and I am a regular at Planet Fitness. I go to the parks a lot and I still enjoy all the thrill rides and I am quite happy to be flipped upside down multiple times a day. I am spontaneous,

helping create a home. All referrals are welcome. I promise, I don’t pee the bed!

Michael Wanzie is an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Central Florida area.

Michael Wanzie

In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

The Good Page

Krista Post

THE GOOD PAGE FEATURES

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 Qmunity.

Located in Venice, it is more than just a restaurant: it’s a testament to the power of inclusion, community and resilience. Owned and operated by Gina M. Garcia, it serves as a welcoming space for all — whether they are members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies or simply looking for good food and great company.

For Gina, Qmunity is deeply personal. Born in the Middle East and raised in Orlando, her heritage is a blend of Filipino and Spanish cultures. Gina’s life experiences, including serving under a diverse chain of command during her career in the Navy, have instilled in her a profound appreciation for inclusivity.

“I grew up surrounded by people from everywhere,” she explains. “Qmunity isn’t just about being an LGBTQ+ safe space; it’s about celebrating diversity in all forms. When I celebrate diversity, I’m celebrating my history.”

This philosophy is reflected in Qmunity’s decor, which pays homage to LGBTQ+ history. But

Gina’s mission extends beyond food and aesthetics; Qmunity is a place where everyone can feel at home, safe and valued.

Gina emphasizes that Qmunity is a restaurant, not a bar. Its menu is inspired by global cuisine, a culinary experience that reflects her belief in celebrating all cultures.

The idea for Qmunity arose at Gina’s annual bonfire, where guests write their hopes and goals for the coming year on a whiteboard. Last year, all their whiteboards included a common theme: community, friendship and a place to belong. At a personal crossroads, six months after an accident and having paused her previous business, Gina wrote on the board, “I need to find a new business.”

The very next day, she discovered an available bar/ restaurant space. Inspired by the community’s desire for a place to belong, she created Qmunity.

“I wrote to my friend that I wanted to create a ‘Qmunity’ space for us — a restaurant that

Qmunity offers a safe space and celebrates diversity in Venice

would serve as a gathering place,” Gina says. “Confused by my spelling, she responded, ‘Qmunity?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, that’s it! For the Queens, Queers, Questioning, and everything in between.’”

Qmunity’s opening was a labor of love, supported by a community of volunteers. Gina, who had no prior experience in the restaurant industry, relied on her background in directing documentary films to hire and manage the right crew. She purchased the space on April 13, 2024, and had the help of 63 volunteers to clean, paint and prep the building.

“We had an obscene amount of people eager to help because they so desperately wanted Qmunity,” Gina shares. “I feel so blessed, and all I did was try to find a space for people who felt hopeless.”

Safety is a priority at Qmunity. Gina’s commitment to creating a secure environment stems from her experience in Orlando during the Pulse shooting, where she assisted in relief efforts and witnessed the devastating impact on her community. Thus, she designed the building with six exits.

“It’s very easy for people who have hatred to target the queer community, but I am very intentional about the safety plan here and I have a responsibility to my patrons to create a space

that is both welcoming and secure,” she notes.

Since its opening on June 1, 2024, Qmunity has quickly become a cornerstone for Venice’s LGBTQ+ community and their allies. It offers a space for social groups and activities that bring people together, such as Venice Pride and PFLAG meetups, an under-30 soccer club, LGBTQ+ veterans’ coffee and bagel gatherings and hosts monthly concerts by Hannah Falestiny, a talented singer and dedicated music therapist.

With six years of experience, Hannah provides therapeutic music for hospice patients, bringing comfort and peace during their final stages of life. Her performances at Qmunity reflect her deep compassion and love for creating meaningful connections through music.

“What makes Qmunity special to me is the support and acceptance I’ve found there,” Hannah says. “Coming out as bisexual wasn’t easy, especially coming from a Middle Eastern and Catholic background where family support wasn’t always present. The people at Qmunity have been a source of encouragement and kindness … Having a platform to share my music and showcase my talents, thanks to Gina, has been deeply fulfilling.”

Hannah also says Qmunity is a welcoming space with something for everyone, including Gen Z members of the queer community. She says finding queer support in Venice can be challenging, especially in environments that don’t revolve around drinking or nightclubs. Qmunity fills this gap by providing a safe, inclusive space for connection and support.

Qmunity’s journey is just beginning and Gina is envisioning even more ways to bring people together. With plans to expand programming and deepen community ties, it is poised to become a lasting fixture in Venice.

“If you’d told me a year ago that Qmunity would exist, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Gina says. “But here we are, and it’s all thanks to the incredible people who’ve come together to make it happen.”

Qmunity isn’t just an LGBTQ+ space — it’s a celebration of humanity. Whether you come for the food, the camaraderie or the sense of belonging, one thing is certain: at Qmunity, you’ll always feel at home. Learn more at Qmunity.us.

Interested in being featured in The Good Page? Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams at Jeremy@WatermarkOutNews.com in Central Florida or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent at Ryan@WatermarkOutNews. com in Tampa Bay.

PHOTOS COURTESY QMUNITY

talking points

As the proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people.

—ZOË SALDANA, SPEAKING ABOUT HER TRANSGENDER NEPHEW AFTER WINNING THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS BAFTA AWARD FOR HER ROLE IN “EMILIA PÉREZ”

BUILDABLE STONEWALL NATIONAL MONUMENT SUBMITTED AS LEGO IDEAS SET

AMODEL OF THE STONEWALL NATIONAL MONUMENT IN NEW YORK CITY BUILT OUT OF LEGO BRICKS HAS BEEN SUBMITTED IN HOPES OF BECOMING AN ACTUAL LEGO SET, and you can help it become a reality. Lego Ideas, a website established by the popular toy brand, allows Lego fans to submit sets they have built for consideration of being turned into official Lego playsets. The submissions are presented to Lego fans and voted on. If a submitted model reaches 10,000 votes then Lego will consider making it an actual set. A Lego Builder, who goes by the name Feacebricks, submitted a brick build of the legendary Stonewall Inn, the setting of the Stonewall riots that kicked off the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement. The set is approximately 3,750 pieces and includes the Stonewall Inn, parts of Christopher Street, Christopher Park and more than a dozen minifigures, representing various LGBTQ+ identities. You can support Feacebricks’ Lego set submission by voting at Ideas.Lego.com.

‘BUFFY’

REBOOT

IN WORKS WITH OSCAR-WINNING DIRECTOR

ACTRESS SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR, BEST KNOWN FOR PLAYING THE TITULAR ROLE IN THE TV SERIES “BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER” for seven seasons, confirmed a revival of the show is being worked on. Gellar said in a social media post that she was contacted about a revival three years ago by former showrunner and friend, Gail Berman. Gellar then met with Oscar-winning director, Chloé Zhao, known for such films as “Nomadland” and “The Eternals.” Zhao expressed interest in directing a reboot of “Buffy,” according to Gellar’s post. Gellar, Zhao and the team behind the reboot are currently working with Hulu, which is nearing a pilot order for the series.

LADY GAGA SETS RELEASE FOR NEW ALBUM ‘MAYHEM’

EXPECT SOME MAYHEM THIS SPRING, COURTESY OF LADY GAGA. The Grammy-winning songwriter and actor will release her seventh studio album March 7, which will explore “themes of chaos and transformation.” The 14-track album will be titled “Mayhem.” It will follow last year’s “Harlequin,” a companion album for the film “Joker: Folie à Deux” that stalled at No. 20 on the Billboard 200. Two of the early singles from “Mayhem” have done well, with “Disease” hitting No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Die With a Smile,” a collaboration with Bruno Mars, spending three weeks at No. 1. Gaga debuted her third single, “Abracadabra,” during a commercial break at the Grammy Awards Feb. 2.

JLO,

TROYE SIVAN TO HEADLINE WORLDPRIDE

SUPERSTAR JENNIFER LOPEZ AND GAY POP ICON TROYE SIVAN WILL HEADLINE THE WORLDPRIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL in Washington, D.C. June 6-7. Taking place over two days and nights and across three stages, WorldPride Music Festival will showcase a diverse range of music and artists including Kim Petras, Rita Ora and more. RuPaul and Paris Hilton are also set to make appearances. The festival will feature art installations and immersive experiences that celebrate the spectrum of LGBTQ+ culture, along with food and drink, giveaways and a VIP section. WorldPride marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in the capital. The music festival is part of the events for WorldPride, happening May 17-June 8 in D.C.

3% OF NON-U.S. CITIZENS IDENTIFY AS LGBT, WHICH TRANSLATES TO AS MANY AS 640,000 LGBT IMMIGRANTS IN THE COUNTRY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT UP

—Williams Institute brief, February 2025

READERS RECOGNIZE THEIR FAVORITES IN THE WATERMARK OUT NEWS:

Jeremy Williams and Ryan Williams-Jent

HERE AT WATERMARK WE HAVE

decided it is time for us to be more visible, to come out of the closet so to speak. We cover the news in a state that is ground zero for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and we want everyone to know that we are here to inform and support our community.

It’s why we now operate under the name Watermark Out News. Same trusted news source, more visibly out.

We have also rebranded our best of WAVE awards, now the WONDER Awards or Watermark

Out News: Diversity, Excellence and Resilience Awards.

The WONDER Awards, just as the WAVES before, recognize the best in Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community in the areas of activism, service, entertainment and more.

The process is the same as it was before. In each category, we asked you, our readers, to nominate who best represents the values of the LGBTQ+ community in your area.

After we got your Top 5 responses, we then asked you

to tell us your favorites among those top nominees.

Now, here we present to you the Top 3 from Central Florida and Tampa Bay in each category, as voted on by you, our loyal readers.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and made it into this year’s Top 3. Thank you for being a vital part of what makes our community — and sharing your stories at Watermark Out News — so WONDERful.

DANCING QUEEN

Ivy Les Vixen

Central Florida’s 1st Place

Favorite Local Performer: Stage and Favorite Local Adult Content

Creator/Dancer/Entertainer

When Ivy started her own burlesque troupe, the Les Vixens, she had no idea that it would become the largest all-queer burlesque troupe in the country. Now, with more than 16 members, Ivy has taken the Les Vixens into the spotlight. The troupe has been featured in Forbes magazine, has been voted Best Burlesque Troupe several times and are the resident entertainment for the annual Girls in Wonderland events, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Ivy also heads Girl The Party, the largest, longest-running queer women’s weekly event in the U.S., at Southern Nights Orlando every Saturday for the last decade.

“When I first came out and started to perform, I thought I might go-go dance once a month somewhere at a gay bar and, within six months of me starting, it turned into me on the road doing shows in five different cities every month,” Ivy told Watermark Out News in a 2022 interview. “My career just took off, and it was all very surprising. It took me a very long time to wrap my head around it and to see it was what it was.”

Ivy and her Lex Vixens don’t only entertain but they lend their talents and fanbase to charitable causes, working with several LGBTQ+ organizations in Central Florida including Zebra Youth, Crew Health and Come Out With Pride. The community supports Ivy right back, evident in the fact that our readers named her their favorite local stage performer and favorite local adult dancer.

“I’m so honored and thrilled and excited. I’m so grateful that my audience sees me and loves me just like I see them and love them,” Ivy shared while posing for photos at our Watermark Out News photoshoot.

Ivy isn’t just loved in the community for her performances, she is loved because she represents what is good and joyful in Orlando, and she doesn’t take representing the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida lightly.

“Thank you for seeing my art and trusting in me to not only lead the Les Vixens but also your trust in my advocacy and my artistry, it means the world.”

— JEREMY WILLIAMS

2025 WONDER AWARDS

CENTRAL FLORIDA WINNERS

FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN

FIRST: Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani

SECOND: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

THIRD: Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost

FAVORITE LOCAL ACTIVIST

FIRST: Darcel Stevens, Harmony Healthcare

SECOND: Dr. George Wallace, CEO, LGBT+ Center Orlando

THIRD: Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan

GREATEST ALLY TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

FIRST: Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani

SECOND: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

THIRD: Brittani Acuff, Crew Health

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

FIRST: LGBT+ Center

Orlando

SECOND: Zebra Youth

THIRD: Crew Health

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING ORGANIZATION

FIRST: LGBT+ Center Orlando

SECOND: Crew Health

THIRD: Volusia Pride

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS LEAGUE / ORGANIZATION

FIRST: Orlando Pride

SECOND: OUT Sports League

THIRD: Orlando Gay Bowling - OBBA

FAVORITE LOCAL WRITER / JOURNALIST

FIRST: Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel

SECOND: Jeremy Williams, Watermark Out News

THIRD: Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel

FAVORITE LOCAL WEBSITE

FIRST:

WatermarkOutNews.com

SECOND: Bungalower.com

THIRD: OrlandoSentinel.com

FAVORITE ANNUAL LOCAL LGBTQ+ EVENT

FIRST: Come Out With Pride

SECOND: GayDayS

THIRD: Volusia Pride’s Love is Love Fest

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING EVENT

FIRST: Come Out With Pride’s Trans March

SECOND: All The Queen’s Men

THIRD: Unity Nite at Southern Nights

FAVORITE LOCAL NETWORKING EVENT

FIRST: Watermark Out News’ Third Thursday

SECOND: Winter Park Pride

Project’s Out on the Avenues

THIRD: The Pride Chamber’s Business Connect

FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB

FIRST: Out of the Closet Thrift Store

SECOND: MojoMan Swimwear & Clothing

THIRD: Drunken Monkey

FAVORITE NEW LOCAL BUSINESS

FIRST: Papi Smash’d Burgers

SECOND: Kaleidoscope Thornton Park

THIRD: Barkhaven

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY

FIRST: Pineapple Healthcare

SECOND: Crew Health

THIRD: Harmony Healthcare

FAVORITE LOCAL PHYSICIAN

FIRST: Rafael E. Pinero, MD

SECOND: Erick Suarez, APRN THIRD: Sterling Levie Brodniak, DO

FAVORITE

LOCAL THERAPIST / COUNSELOR

FIRST: Kim Murphy, Pineapple Healthcare

SECOND: Roberto Katz, Crew Health

THIRD: Adam Miller, Orlando Counseling and Therapy Group

FAVORITE LOCAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY

FIRST: Trulieve Orlando Dispensary

SECOND: FLUENT Cannabis Dispensary — Orange Ave.

THIRD: Curaleaf Dispensary Orlando

FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON / BARBER SHOP

FIRST: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

SECOND: Vamp Hair Studio

THIRD: Blake Elliot Salon and Gallery

Accepting new patients

FAVORITE LOCAL FITNESS CENTER

FIRST: Planet Fitness —

Fashion Square

SECOND: LA Fitness — Colonial Drive East

THIRD: Bodystreet Winter Park

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN CLINIC

FIRST: Winter Park

Veterinary Hospital

SECOND: Animal Medical Clinic of Orlando

THIRD: SODO Veterinary Hospital

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

FIRST: Woof Gang

Bakery & Grooming Winter Park

SECOND: Bark Orlando

THIRD: Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat

FAVORITE LOCAL PETFRIENDLY VENUE

FIRST: The Hammered Lamb

SECOND: Maxine’s on Shine

THIRD: Cafe Da Vinci

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR

FIRST: Scott Benson, Green House Realty

SECOND: David Dorman, CENTURY 21 Real Estate

THIRD: Ken Pozek, Pozek Group

FAVORITE LOCAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

FIRST: Veronica Woodard, Edward Jones

SECOND: Wayne Dictor, Dictor Financial

THIRD: Gabe Csizmadia, Edward Jones

FAVORITE LOCAL LAW FIRM

FIRST: Morgan and Morgan

SECOND: S.K. Burt Law

THIRD: Barry Miller Law

FAVORITE

LOCAL SHOPPING / ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

FIRST: Disney Springs

SECOND: Thornton Park

THIRD: Mills/50

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING SPACE

FIRST: LGBT+

Center Orlando

SECOND: Volusia Pride

Community Space

THIRD: Crew Health

FAVORITE LOCAL FAITH-BASED ESTABLISHMENT

FIRST: First United Methodist Church of Orlando

SECOND: Joy Metropolitan

Community Church

THIRD: St. Dorothy

Catholic Community

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST

FIRST: Lee

Forrest Design

SECOND: Dorothy’s

Florist & Gift Shop

THIRD: Windermere

Flowers & Gifts

FAVORITE LOCAL MUSEUM

FIRST: Orlando Science Center

SECOND: Orlando Museum of Art

THIRD: The Maitland Art Center

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL / B&B

FIRST: Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

SECOND: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown

THIRD: The Alfond Inn

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

FIRST: Patty Sheehan

SECOND: Kelly Stewart

THIRD: Parker Sketch

FAVORITE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

FIRST: Loc Robertson

SECOND: Lindsay Parks Photography

THIRD: Dylan Todd Photography

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT

FIRST: White Wolf Cafe

SECOND: The Hammered Lamb

THIRD: Linda’s La Cantina Steakhouse

FAVORITE LOCAL BRUNCH SPOT

FIRST: Savoy’s Drag Me To Brunch

SECOND: White Wolf Cafe

THIRD: The Hammered Lamb

FAVORITE LOCAL LATENIGHT DINING

FIRST: TaKo Cheena

SECOND: Gringos Locos

THIRD: The Hammered Lamb

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP / CAFÉ

FIRST: Drunken Monkey

SECOND: The Glass Knife

THIRD: Craft & Common

FAVORITE

LOCAL UNIQUE DRINK/EAT/TREAT

FIRST: Better Than Sex’s Cookie Nookie Pie

SECOND: Sidecar Market and Bar’s Pop-Up Oyster Bar by The Curious Oyster

THIRD: Papi Smash’d Burgers’ Papi OG

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ+ BAR / CLUB

FIRST: Savoy Orlando

SECOND: Southern Nights Orlando

THIRD: Barcodes Orlando

FAVORITE LOCAL ALLIED BAR / CLUB

FIRST: The Hammered Lamb

SECOND: Abbey Bar DeLand

THIRD: Kaleidoscope Thornton Park

FAVORITE LOCAL NONALCOHOLIC HANGOUT

FIRST: Drunken Monkey

SECOND: The Veranda Thornton

Park’s Ignite Your Flow Yoga

THIRD: Primrose Lanes Bowling

SONG BIRD

Tymisha Harris

Central Florida’s 1st Place

Favorite Local Performer: Musician

Tymisha Harris is at home on a stage, whether she is acting, dancing or wowing the audience with that amazing voice of hers, but she is more than just a triple threat as she is also a proficient puppeteer, acrobat, stilt walker, costume designer, choreographer and more.

Known as Tush to her friends, Harris has been lighting up Central Florida with star power for the last three decades getting her Orlando start by working with some of the most popular boybands of the ‘90s.

“I was assistant choreographer for *NSYNC and a backup dancer for LFO,” Harris said in a 2019 interview with Watermark Out News. “This was the very beginning and it was a crazy time. I had just come to Orlando, Lance [Bass] had just joined the group and I had no idea what was happening. Fresh-faced and everything, we started working with the boys at an old martial arts school off of Kirkman and 50. No one had a studio yet, so that was the only space we could use and we’re in there trying to teach the boys how to dance.”

Harris, who is also a founding member of the performance troupe VarieTease, took her spotlight to a national stage in 2016 when she began work with director-producer Michael Marinaccio on developing a one-woman show about legendary performer Josephine Baker for Harris to headline.

“We started digging into her life and brought in Tod [Kimbro, ‘Josephine’s’ playwright and musical director] and he is a genius and found a great voice for Josephine,” Harris said in 2022.

The show premiered at the San Diego Fringe Festival in 2016, where it won Best Show and Outstanding Solo Performance. Harris eventually took it Off-Broadway in 2018, where New York audiences, and RuPaul herself, praised her performance and realized something our readers already knew — Harris is one of our favorites, and that’s why our readers named her their favorite musical performer in Central Florida.

“I know there are other performers that were doing amazing things last year, so to know people saw me and that I stood out for them is amazing,” Harris said while striking a pose at our Watermark Out News photoshoot. “Orlando has been a home for me and holds me down, so this honor is really beautiful.”

— JEREMY WILLIAMS

FAVORITE LOCAL HAPPY HOUR

FIRST: Savoy Orlando

SECOND: District Dive

THIRD: Grumpy’s Underground

FAVORITE LOCAL

HOST: KARAOKE

FIRST: Ken Terrell

SECOND: Divine Grace

THIRD: Risa Risque

FAVORITE LOCAL HOST: TRIVIA

FIRST: Brianna Rockmore

SECOND: Kirk DaVinci

THIRD: George Wallace

FAVORITE LOCAL HOST: BINGO

FIRST: Daisy Dior

SECOND: Trixie Deluxxe

THIRD: Addison Taylor

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER / SERVER

FIRST: Tommy Ryan

Greene, Barcodes

SECOND: Ginger Beer, Savoy Orlando

THIRD: Joel Gran, District Dive

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: DRAG QUEEN

FIRST: Darcel Stevens

SECOND: Crystal Vahzz

THIRD: April Fresh

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: DRAG KING

FIRST: Axel Andrews

SECOND: Angus McVag

THIRD: Karl Withakay

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: STAGE

FIRST: Ivy Les Vixen

SECOND: Gregory Metts

THIRD: Billy Mick

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: MUSICIAN

FIRST: Tymisha Harris

SECOND: Craymo

THIRD: Billy Mick

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: DJ

FIRST: Edil Hernandez

SECOND: DJ Joanie

THIRD: Blue Star

FAVORITE LOCAL

BREAKOUT PERFORMER

FIRST: Gabriel Quijano

SECOND: Vivica Vendetta

THIRD: Asia Black

FAVORITE LOCAL TV / WEB PERSONALITY

FIRST: Nancy Alvarez, WESH 2

SECOND: Jesse Pagan, WESH 2

THIRD: Matt Austin, WKMG News 6

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO SHOW / PODCAST

FIRST: “Wine, Wine Not: A Queer Podcast” with Rick Todd & Jeremy Williams

SECOND: Johnny’s House, XL 106.7

THIRD: The News Junkies on Real Radio 104.1

FAVORITE LOCAL INFLUENCER

FIRST: Trixie Deluxxe

SECOND: Brendan O’Connor

THIRD: Pup Twigz

FAVORITE LOCAL ADULT CONTENT CREATOR / DANCER / ENTERTAINER

FIRST: Ivy Les Vixen

SECOND: Robby Joe Dodd

THIRD: Teddy Fournier

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

FIRST: Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts

SECOND: Renaissance Theater Company

THIRD: Theater West End

FAVORITE LOCAL CONCERT VENUE

FIRST: The Plaza Live

SECOND: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

THIRD: Kia Center

FAVORITE LOCAL THEATRICAL SHOW

FIRST: “Rocky Horror Show” at Athens Theatre

SECOND: “Nosferatu,” Renaissance Theatre Company

THIRD: “The City Beautiful: Tragedy at Hotel San Juan” by Blacklist Babes Cabaret

FAVORITE LOCAL ADULT NOVELTY STORE

FIRST: The Store at Barcodes Orlando

SECOND: Fairvilla Megastore

THIRD: MojoMan

Swimwear & Clothing

FAVORITE LOCAL TATTOO PARLOR

FIRST: Pinkie Orlando

SECOND: Fine Ink Studios

THIRD: The Alter Tattoo Company

FAVORITE LOCAL APP

FIRST: WFTV 9 News

SECOND: Click Orlando

THIRD: WESH 2 News

FAVORITE

LOCAL PLACE TO PLAY TOURIST

FIRST: Epcot

SECOND: Universal Studios

THIRD: Disney Springs

FAVORITE

LOCAL PLACE TO PAMPER YOURSELF

FIRST: Woodhouse Spa Orlando

SECOND: The Spa Orlando

THIRD: 26Health’s Spa & Aesthetics

FAVORITE LOCAL HIDDEN GEM

FIRST: The Maitland Art Center

SECOND: Barcodes Orlando

THIRD: Abbey Bar DeLand

MUSIC FOR ALL

Edil Hernandez

Central Florida’s 1st Place

Favorite Local Performer: DJ

In the simpler days of CDs and single copies, DJ

Edil Hernandez of Mayaquez, Puerto Rico, would make dance sessions for himself and his friends consisting of the top summer songs — think Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson.

After craving more extended mixes, he began experimenting with a few songs every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. After his friends made copies of these mixes and shared them with others, Hernandez gained notoriety in Orlando, and this feedback from friends and strangers alike encouraged him to pursue his creative passion and take it to the next level.

Fifteen years later, Hernandez has won Watermark’s 2025 WONDER Award for Favorite DJ in Orlando.

“If it weren’t for the city of Orlando, for the people here, I don’t think I would have made it this far,” Hernandez says. “I think it was the right moment and the right place to break through, to have the opportunities and the support I’ve gotten. It just feels like family.”

Hernandez got his start in the industry by being “persistent” with the owner of The Brink — an Orlando nightclub that has since closed — until they allowed him a performing slot.

“I told all my friends, ‘Okay, I have one day; I have to make an impression,’” Hernandez says. “It was like a big party, and from that point on, the rest is history.”

Since his debut, he has placed in the Top 10 of a National DJ contest and placed second for Best Of Orlando’s Best Club DJ in 2023. He performs at Southern Nights once a month, has DJ’d at two Equality Florida galas and will be one of the performing artists for One Magical Weekend. Hernandez’s advice for anyone interested in DJing is simple: Don’t be afraid to start, even if older DJs mock your new-age methods.

“Don’t get intimidated, don’t listen to anybody, don’t look at social media,” Hernandez says. “If you are a baker making a cake, it doesn’t really matter if you use a fork or a Betty Crocker mixer or whatever. What matters is the end result, how you made the people feel and if the people had fun.”

—CAYSEA STONE

2025 WONDER AWARDS

TAMPA BAY WINNERS

FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN

FIRST: Tampa

Mayor Jane Castor

SECOND: St. Petersburg

Mayor Ken Welch

THIRD: Largo

Commissioner Michael Smith

FAVORITE LOCAL ACTIVIST

FIRST: Alex Quinto, Equality Florida

SECOND: Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

THIRD: Nadine Smith, Equality Florida

GREATEST ALLY TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

FIRST: Carol “Mama” Steen, Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

SECOND: Molly Robison, St Pete Pride

THIRD: Andy Oliver, Allendale UMC

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

FIRST: Equality Florida

SECOND: St Pete Pride

THIRD: Trans Network

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING ORGANIZATION

FIRST: St Pete Pride

SECOND: Trans Network

THIRD: Come OUT St. Pete

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS LEAGUE / ORGANIZATION

FIRST: HotMess Sports

St. Petersburg

SECOND: Tampa Bay Rays

THIRD: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FAVORITE LOCAL WRITER / JOURNALIST

FIRST: Ryan Williams-Jent, Watermark Out News

SECOND: Immani Love, Blaque/OUT Magazine

THIRD: Dave Borman, Tampa Bay Gay

FAVORITE LOCAL WEBSITE

FIRST: I Love The Burg, ILoveTheBurg.com

SECOND: Watermark Out News,

WatermarkOutNews.com

THIRD: Tampa Bay Gay, TampaBayGay.com

FAVORITE ANNUAL LOCAL LGBTQ+ EVENT

FIRST: St Pete Pride

SECOND: Tampa Pride

THIRD: Equality Florida St. Pete Gala

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING EVENT

FIRST: TransMarch, St Pete Pride

SECOND: Tampa Bay

Transgender Film Festival, TIGLFF

THIRD: Trans and Ally Picnic, TransNetwork/ PFLAG Safety Harbor

FAVORITE LOCAL NETWORKING EVENT

FIRST: Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Coffee Connections

SECOND: Balance Tampa Bay Socials

THIRD: LGB2B+ Networking

FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB

FIRST: Atlas

Body + Home

SECOND: Tombolo Books

THIRD: Memphis Style BBQ Co.

FAVORITE NEW LOCAL BUSINESS

FIRST: Thyrst

SECOND: Barks and Brews Taphouse

THIRD: Mama G’s St. Pete

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE FACILITY

FIRST: Metro Inclusive Health

SECOND: Harmony

Healthcare Tampa

THIRD: Love the Golden Rule

FAVORITE LOCAL PHYSICIAN

FIRST: Dr. Kush Patel, MD

SECOND: Kimberly

Randolph, ARNP

THIRD: Dr. Antonio Luis, MD

FAVORITE LOCAL

THERAPIST / COUNSELOR

FIRST: Tristan Byrnes, LMHC

SECOND: Matthew Howard, LCSW

THIRD: Lizzi Wolfson, LCSW

FAVORITE LOCAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY

FIRST: Trulieve SECOND: MÜV Medical Cannabis Dispensary

THIRD: RISE Medical Marijuana Dispensary

FAVORITE

LOCAL HAIR SALON / BARBER SHOP

FIRST: Tyler’z Barbershop

SECOND: Fame & Foils Color Bar

THIRD: Top Notch Barber Co.

LEAGUES OF THEIR OWN

HotMess Sports St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay’s 1st Place Favorite Local Sports League/Organization

With sports leagues in cities across the country like Atlanta, Birmingham, Cincinnati, Colorado Springs, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, HotMess Sports has been “your home for LGBTQ+ sports” for over 12 years.

“Our goal is to offer an inclusive, safe, positive, fun and welcoming community for anyone wanting to be apart,” the organization’s website reads.

“When you play in a HotMess Sports league, you can be your authentic self and have fun while doing it.”

This year’s WONDER Awards mark the first time the organization came out on top for Tampa Bay’s Favorite Local Sports League, a testament to its growth in the region. Across the country, HotMess Sports offers dodgeball, kickball, volleyball, cornhole, bowling, tennis, flag football, beer pong, basketball and more to LGBTQ+ and ally players.

Commissioner Marta Opsanick previously played for HotMess Sports in Nashville for nine years before moving to St. Petersburg. She was contacted by her fellow athletes about starting a new league in the city and happily took up the helm.

She is responsible for scheduling, setting up new locations, helping leagues in other cities and managing her team, and says participating with HotMess Sports has helped her learn to celebrate being herself. When she began in Nashville, she was still in the closet.

“I found a safe community to be active with, to play sports with and to make lifelong friendships,” she recalls. It’s something she now works to cultivate for others.

Just this past season alone, Opsanick had over 400 players involved in the league, which recently began offering pickleball. Depending on skill levels, each sport has different divisions for those who want more recreational or competitive play.

The league’s only rules are that participants must be at least 21 years old to play, and players must follow their code of conduct, which does not allow hate speech, rough or dangerous play or excessive drinking.

Opsanick says that HotMess Sports receiving this year’s recognition was a nice surprise. “I feel very honored to be in this position,” she says.

Learn more about the league and how you can support its efforts at HotMessSports.com/ StPetersburg.

—JULIA FERRARA AND RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

FAVORITE LOCAL FITNESS CENTER

FIRST: Crunch Fitness

St. Pete Northeast

SECOND: Planet Fitness

St. Petersburg

THIRD: Jim & Heather Gills YMCA

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN CLINIC

FIRST: Pet Pal

Veterinary Clinic

SECOND: BluePearl Pet Hospital

THIRD: Pinellas Animal Hospital

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

FIRST: Woof Gang

Bakery & Grooming

SECOND: The Bow Wow Barber

THIRD: Two Mutts And A Poodle Pet Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL PET-FRIENDLY VENUE

FIRST: The Dog Bar

SECOND: Mutts and Martinis

THIRD: Pinellas Ale Works Brewery

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR

FIRST: Dan Casper, Smith & Associates Real Estate

SECOND: Immani Love, Turnkey

Real Estate Brokerage

THIRD: Callen Jones, Jones Home Team

FAVORITE LOCAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

FIRST: Michael Ragsdale, Raymond James

SECOND: Diane Hinckley, Thrive Financial Advisors

THIRD: Nathaniel Beaver, Edward Jones

FAVORITE LOCAL LAW FIRM

FIRST: The Abadia

Law Firm, PLLC

SECOND: Sheppy Law

THIRD: GBYS Law

FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPPING / ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

FIRST: The Grand

Central District

SECOND: Gulfport

THIRD: Ybor

FAVORITE LOCAL TRANS-AFFIRMING SPACE

FIRST: TransNetwork Events

SECOND: Tampa Bay

Transgender Film Festival

THIRD: Inclusive Care Group

FAVORITE LOCAL FAITH-BASED ESTABLISHMENT

FIRST: Allendale UMC

SECOND: MCC Tampa

THIRD: King of Peace MCC

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST

FIRST: Jennie’s Flowers

St. Petersburg

SECOND: Green Bench Flowers

THIRD: Bruce Wayne Florals

FAVORITE LOCAL MUSEUM

FIRST: The Dali Museum

SECOND: Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete

THIRD: Imagine Museum

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL / B&B

FIRST: Hollander Hotel

SECOND: Casa del Merman at GayStPete House

THIRD: Mari Jean Hotel

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

FIRST: Chad Mize

SECOND: John Gascot

THIRD: Painkiller Cam

FAVORITE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

FIRST: Morgan Le Shade

SECOND: Dylan Todd

THIRD: Samantha Ponzillo

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT

FIRST: Wild Child

SECOND: Uptown Eats

THIRD: Mangosteen

FAVORITE LOCAL BRUNCH SPOT

FIRST: Salty Nun

SECOND: Haiku Tampa

THIRD: The Wet Spot

FAVORITE LOCAL LATE-NIGHT DINING

FIRST: New York New York Pizza Ybor

SECOND: LALA St. Pete

THIRD: Angelo’s Grill & Bar

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP / CAFÉ

FIRST: Black Crow Coffee Co.

SECOND: Bandit Coffee Co.

THIRD: GulfPerk Coffee Bar

FAVORITE LOCAL UNIQUE

DRINK/EAT/TREAT

FIRST: 1905 Salad, Columbia Restaurant

SECOND: Orange Creamsicle

Vodka Soda, 3 Daughters

THIRD: Blue Balls, Cocktail

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ+ BAR / CLUB

FIRST: Cocktail

SECOND: Enigma

THIRD: Bradley’s on 7th

FAVORITE LOCAL

ALLIED BAR / CLUB

FIRST: Lost & Found

SECOND: The Dog Bar

THIRD: Showbar Ybor

FAVORITE LOCAL NON-ALCOHOLIC

HANGOUT

FIRST: Mad

Hatters Kava Bar

SECOND: SpookEasy Lounge

THIRD: Speakeasy Kava

FAVORITE

LOCAL HAPPY HOUR

FIRST: Enigma

SECOND: Cocktail

THIRD: Bradley’s on 7th

HOMETOWN HERO

Alex Quinto

Tampa Bay’s 1st Place

Favorite Local Activist

As Equality Florida’s regional manager for their Safe & Healthy Schools Project, Alex Quinto works to create safer environments for LGBTQ+ students and their families. He joined the organization in 2024 as their coordinator of professional learning, but worked as an award-winning school counselor for Pinellas County Schools before then.

“I work directly with school districts, educators and community leaders,” Quinto explains. “I provide training on best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ youth, advocate for inclusive policies and help schools navigate the challenges of ensuring every student has a safe place to learn.”

He also works with other organizations and advocates to address bullying, offer mental health support and more. It’s his mission on a personal level to “use my platform — whether through social media, public speaking or even drag — as a way to uplift and empower the community.”

Quinto regularly performs as Alice Marie Gripp, a celebrated local entertainer. He knows how important visibility and representation are, so he prioritizes supporting LGBTQ+ events, grassroots efforts and mutual aid initiatives in and out of drag.

Quinto holds a strong connection to Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community, saying “there’s a deep sense of chosen family here… Growing up, I felt like I did not belong and I was alone — but as I became a part of this community we have built here, I realized how much love there was around me, I just didn’t see it.”

He also praises the community’s perfect blend of activism and celebration, saying “queer joy itself is an act of resistance.”

Being recognized is “incredibly humbling,” Quinto says. He notes that “advocacy isn’t about awards or recognition — it’s about the work … to be acknowledged by the community that I grew up in and that I love so much means everything.”

“Knowing that people see, appreciate and BELIEVE in this work gives me even more determination to keep pushing forward,” he continues. “For those wondering how to support the LGBTQ+ community, it starts with listening and learning. Advocacy doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful; sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure the people around you feel seen, respected and safe.”

—SHYLER ORAS AND RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

FAVORITE LOCAL HOST: KARAOKE

FIRST: DJ Diego

Fuego, The Garage

SECOND: Jayson Chancey, Utopia Road Bar & Courtyard

THIRD: Kreweman Duane & DJ Tek, Enigma

FAVORITE LOCAL HOST: TRIVIA

FIRST: Greg Anderson, Enigma

SECOND: Indya Snatch, Alphabet Soup

THIRD: Josh Asencio, Florida Trivia League

FAVORITE LOCAL HOST: BINGO

FIRST: Brianna Summers, No Vacancy

SECOND: Alexis De La Mer, Cocktail

THIRD: KC Starrz, The Garage

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER / SERVER

FIRST: Sebastian Hathcock, Cocktail

SECOND: Erick

Henrriquez, Enigma

THIRD: Adam Scott, Enigma

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG QUEEN

FIRST: Veronica Foxx

SECOND: Brianna Summers

THIRD: Alexis De La Mer

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG KING

FIRST: Mr. Gripp

SECOND: Vyn Suazion

THIRD: Apollo Infiniti

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: STAGE

FIRST: Robert Rigsby

SECOND: Matthew McGee

THIRD: Jeff Klein

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: MUSICIAN

FIRST: Jay Miah

SECOND: Brittany Baldwin

THIRD: Kezra Leon

FAVORITE LOCAL

PERFORMER: DJ

FIRST: DJ Mike Sklarz

SECOND: DJ Ace Vedo

THIRD: DJ Diego Fuego

FAVORITE LOCAL

BREAKOUT PERFORMER

FIRST: Autumn Vee

SECOND: Cleo Patra

THIRD: Mister E

FAVORITE LOCAL TV / WEB PERSONALITY

FIRST: Denis Phillips, ABC Action News

SECOND: Chris Gibson, Chris Gibson Live

THIRD: Jewels Sparkles, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO SHOW / PODCAST

FIRST: “The Big Gay Radio Show,” WMNF

SECOND: “Necessary Pursuit”

THIRD: “The Joe Show,” 93.3 FLZ

FAVORITE LOCAL INFLUENCER

FIRST: Chris Gibson, @ChrisGibsonLive

SECOND: Jewels Sparkles, @TheJewelsSparkles

THIRD: Painkiller Cam, @PainkillerCamIsYourDaddy

FAVORITE LOCAL ADULT CONTENT CREATOR / DANCER / ENTERTAINER

FIRST: Scott Simon

SECOND: Tampa Tom

THIRD: Hunter Vance

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

FIRST: Straz Center

SECOND: Ruth Eckerd Hall

THIRD: American Stage

FAVORITE LOCAL CONCERT VENUE

FIRST: Jannus Live

SECOND: Amalie Arena

THIRD: The Floridian Social

FAVORITE LOCAL THEATRICAL SHOW

FIRST: “The Rocky Horror Show,” Jobsite Theater

SECOND: “The Evolution of Drag: Drag Through the Decades,” Daphne Ferraro

THIRD: “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” American Stage

FAVORITE LOCAL ADULT NOVELTY STORE

FIRST: Jack and Jill

SECOND: The Back Room by ZaZoo’d

THIRD: XTC Adult Supercenter

FAVORITE LOCAL

TATTOO PARLOR

FIRST: Foolish Pride Tattoo Co.

SECOND: AtomicTattoos Tyrone

THIRD: 13 Arrows Tattoo

FAVORITE LOCAL APP

FIRST: ABC Action News Tampa Bay

SECOND: ZooTampa at Lowry Park

THIRD: 10 Tampa Bay

FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO PLAY TOURIST

FIRST: St. Pete Pier

SECOND: Busch Gardens

THIRD: Sunken Gardens

FAVORITE LOCAL PLACE TO PAMPER YOURSELF

FIRST: The Don CeSar

SECOND: The Body Mechanic Massage Therapy

THIRD: Sunshine City Massage

FAVORITE

LOCAL HIDDEN GEM

FIRST: Lucky Star Lounge

SECOND: Dirty Laundry

THIRD: Thyrst

AND ATTORNEY

Mr. Gripp and The Abadia Law Firm, PLLC

Tampa Bay’s 1st Place Favorite Local Drag King and 1st Place

Favorite Local Law Firm

You may not see the similarities between practicing law and donning drag, but Edson Abadia Jr. — also known on stage as Mr. Gripp, Sissy Gripp and just Gripp — has found great success where they intersect.

“People think they’re big, different worlds, but they’re really not,” Abadia explains. “I feel often that being an attorney is drag. I go into rooms or conversations where I put on a character and do my best to kind of put on the show, to do what’s best for my client, and it’s the same for drag. They both have a lot of power to change law and society.”

It’s why he’s worked to bring them together on and off the stage for years, particularly since forming Abadia Law Firm in early 2024. It serves the LGBTQ+ community, other creators and small businesses with compassion and creativity, which made it Tampa Bay’s 1st place for Favorite Local Law Firm this year.

Abadia, who is barred in both Florida and California, previously worked at an employment defense firm. He says after a few years he “realized I got off track as to why I went to law school and why I’d been working my whole life to become a lawyer.

“It was to help people, to help LGBTQ+ people, to help Spanish people and to help low income people,” Abadia stresses. “So I took the scary step to leave a very comfortable position and start doing what I should have been doing, which was helping people.”

It’s a sentiment the performer carries with him on stage, whatever his gender expression may be in character. That authenticity led readers to recognize him as this year’s 1st Place Favorite Local Drag King.

“It’s interesting,” Abadia says. “I get asked a lot how I identify — as a drag king, drag queen, nonbinary performer, all these things … and I do think I’m kind of all of them. I had to remind myself that I can be all of these categories and embrace them all.

“That’s why I do both,” he says of drag and being an attorney. “That’s why I keep trying to make them more and more connected, because I think there really is more power when it’s all together.”

—RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

ARTIST

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

OUT Arts & Culture held the 8th annual ReadOUT Feb. 14-16. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.

The inaugural Winter Pride was held Feb. 16-23 in and nearby the Grand Central District, a week of LGBTQ+focused festivities organizers hope will become seasonal staples. Events included the transgender-focused Trans-N-Dance and a Drag Race, where teams of drag sisters competed to raise $5,000 to charities of their choice. Team Carson’s All Nighter Diner was victorious, winning the grand prize for Southern Legal Counsel. The celebration finished strong with a street festival, which welcomed headliners like Nick Adams of “Drag: The Musical” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Monet X Change, Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige and Jewels Sparkles. Read more and view our photo galleries at WatermarkOutNews.com.

The Dog Bar will mark (and bark) nine years in St. Petersburg March 1.

Bradley’s on 7th will celebrate 14 years in Ybor March 1. Pride at The Village, last held in 2023, will return March 1 from 3-9 p.m. at Studios @ 5663. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.

Venice Pride will hold its fifth annual celebration March 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at SunCoast MCC. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.

BIRTHDAYS

Tampa softballer Carlos Lopez, Sarasota Ballet marketing manager Mike Marraccini, Tampa massage therapist Eduardo Campos, St. Pete socialite James Brink (Feb. 27); Polk Pride’s Scott Guira, Riceplex Nutritionals’ Tomas Carlucci (Feb. 28); Tampa Bay activist Jason Toledo, Hollander Hotel’s Tim Calandrino, Tampa Bay bowler

Carmen Aguilar (March 2); Tampa photographer Todd Montgomery, Florida Rep. Fentrice Driskell, St. Petersburg realtor DJ Soucy, Tampa Pride’s Debbie Wilson Cano Ducko, Volunteer superstar Pete Schlensker (March 3); Tampa Bay songstress Judy B. Goode, Sarasota activist Mark Kidd, Yankees Fan Martin Jeavons, Tampa mama Patty Cannon (March 4); Carnival Cruise Line’s Seth Grunes, St. Pete socialite David Hines, Tiny Woods Campground owner Vaughn Howell (March 5); TIGLFF Program Director KJ Mohr (March 6); St. Petersburg muralist Derek Donnelly, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco’s Val Brinkley, Tampa Bay political expert

Randy Smith, Tampa Bay bear David Sparks, Ponytail

princess Cheryl Prestero (March 7); St. Petersburg

realtor Matt Lawrence, Jobsite Theater Producing Artistic

Director David Jenkins, St Pete Pride Board Member

Darius Lightsey (March 8); St. Petersburg mail carrier

Derek Wilkins, Sarasota advocate Misty Smeltzer, City of Tampa Communications Director Adam Smith, Tampa Bay bartender Vernon Vaden (March 9); Tampa Bay LMHC

Blake Williamson, St. Petersburg City Councilmember

Gina Driscoll, St. Petersburg artist Tom Amidon, St.

Pete gal Caitlin Esposito (March 10); Dunedin dentist

Mike Hopkins, St. Petersburg advocate Chrys Bundy, Foreign film aficionado Bob Austin (March 11); Burlesque performer Shena Lollar (March 12).

1

SHINING BRIGHT: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 17 contestant and hometown shero Jewels Sparkles gets ready to perform during the Winter Pride closing tea dance Feb. 23. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

2

MEATING THE MOMENT: “Drag Race

All Stars” winner and Winter Pride headliner Jimbo accepts bologna from a fan Feb. 20 at The Wet Spot. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

3

BEACH BUDS: The Nauti Beach Homes team strikes a pose in Gulfport Feb. 12. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

4 REUNITED: Mya Valentine (L) and Trans-N-Dance emcee Vyn Suazion share a moment during the inaugural event Feb. 18 at The Ball. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

5

GAME DAY: The Orlando Surge plays in the Suncoast Softball League’s Gasparilla Softball Classic Feb. 14. PHOTO FROM RICK TODD

6 SISTER SQUAD: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence take a breather after participating in Winter Pride’s Drag Race at FloridaRAMA Feb. 22. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

7 LGBTQ+ JOURNALISM: (L-R) Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent hosts a panel on LGBTQ+ journalism with David Warner, Valerie Smith and Tamara Leigh Feb. 14 at the Catherine Hickman Theater. PHOTO BY RICK TODD

8

DRAG U: Monet X Change (C) teaches Winter Pride attendees how to strut after calling them on stage in the Grand Central District Feb. 23. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Friday| March7,2025 at 7:30p.m. Sunday| March9,2025 at 2p.m.

Friday March7,2025 at 7:30p.m.

SYDONIEMANSION | MOUNTDORA,FL

Sunday| March9,2025 at 2p.m. SYDONIEMANSION | MOUNTDORA,FL

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, an LGBTQ+ and immigrants’ rights activist, announced Feb. 14 he is running for the District 42 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. Read more on p. 8.

Zebra Youth raised $26,947 during its “Strikes For Stripes” bowling event Feb. 16. Read more on p. 8. The LGBT+ Center Orlando announced Feb. 20 the award recipients for the 13th annual Diversity Awards. The LGBTQ+ Ally Awards will go to Brittani Acuff, interim CEO for Crew Health; the Trailblazer Awards will go to Mulan Montrese-Williams, founder of Divas in Dialogue, and Brain Reagan from Alexandria Restaurant Partners and The Center; Champion of Equality will be given to Ricardo Negron-Almodóvar with the organization All Voting is Local; the LGBTQ+ Center Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to Sister Ann Kendrick, one of the founding nuns at Hope CommUnity Center; the Emerging Leader award will be given to Matthew Grocholske, District 2’s Soil & Water Supervisor; Non-Profit Partner will go to the Central Florida Fair; Small Business Partner will go to SAVOY Orlando | Ivanhoe 1915; and the Corporate Partner will go to Lowes. The awards will be handed out during a ceremony on July 25.

Mojoman Swimwear & Clothing celebrates its one-year anniversary at its current Orlando location Feb. 28.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

A/V technician at The Social/Beacham Peter Smith, Orlando aesthete extraordinaire Jim Cundiff (Feb. 27); Orlando photographer J.D. Casto, Disney Cruise Line’s David Baldree (Feb. 28); Fields Motorcars Orlando’s Russ Fowler (Feb. 29); Drag beauty Chrysanthe Mum (March 1); Former Joy MCC pastor Lisa Heilig, Orlando community activist Heather Leibowitz, Girls in Wonderland’s Yesl Leon (March 2); Old Town Kissimmee marketing director Jason Saucier, former Watermark intern Tomas Diniz Santos (March 3); Hope CommUnity Center executive director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Club Orlando attendant Arthur Adams (Mar. 4); Orlando playwright, actor and Watermark contributor Michael Wanzie, Orlando realtor Rustin Davis, Rollins College theater director Thomas Ouellette, Les Vixens dancer Allyna NiKohl (March 6); Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell, Orlando actor Erik Branch, Co-owner of E.M. & Voss Solutions Event and Wedding Services Eric Muenks (March 8); Central Florida bartender Cathy Binkewicz (March 9); Founder and executive director of Gender Advancement Project Ashley Figueroa, Halcyon singer/songwriter Deb Hunseder, Biz Buzz Inc’s Bryant Dannic (March 10); Orlando-based actor Kevin Kelly, Orlando activist Margo Dixon, Central Florida artist Terry Hummel, BodyStreet Fitness Center co-owner Steffen Brandt, Former Doggie Door co-owner Jeff Brow (March 11); The Florida/Georgia Gay Rodeo Association’s Todd Garrett (March 12).

1

BOWLING BOARD: Members of Zebra Youth’s board and staff get a picture during the group’s “Strikes For Stripes” fundraiser at Aloma Bowl in Orlando Feb. 16. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

2

SAYING “I DO”: In an outdoor ceremony, Savoy Orlando’s Joshua Cooper (L) and Mario Cooper marry in front of friends and family Feb. 12. PHOTO BY RYAN GLAZE

3

DRAG FUN: (L-R) Twila Holiday, April Fresh, Tiffany T McCray and Divine Grace entertain at Secrets Hideaway Resort & Spa in Kissimmee Feb. 18. PHOTO FROM TWILA HOLIDAY’S FACEBOOK

4

LOCAL LEGEND: Broadway’s Michael James Scott sings to the crowd during the IMMERSE festival in downtown Orlando Feb. 21. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

5

HOT HOST: Brendan O’Connor cools down while hosting Zebra Youth’s “Strikes For Stripes” fundraiser at Aloma Bowl in Orlando Feb. 16. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

6

HOMETOWN HERO: Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (and future Orlando Mayor?) enjoys the IMMERSE festival in downtown Orlando Feb. 22. PHOTO FROM ANNA V. ESKAMANI’S FACEBOOK

7

DATE NIGHT: Gabriella Arias (L) and Lola Fontanez attend the opening night of Orlando Ballet’s “Peter Pan” at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Feb. 20. PHOTO FROM LOLA FONTANEZ

8

SELFIE TIME: Hope CommUnity Center executive director Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet and Watermark Out News editor-in-chief Jeremy Williams grab a selfie at Lake Eola Park in Orlando Feb. 18. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Singhaus Scholarship Foundation’s Oscar Watch Party

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 5:30-11:45 P.M.

THE ABBEY, ORLANDO

It’s time to roll out the red carpet for the 4th Annual Singhaus Oscar Party to benefit the Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts. Hosted by Gidget Galore and Divine Grace with special guest Darcel Stevens and live performances throughout the evening, it will be a night of fun with friends, food, fashion, cocktails, silent auction and more. Tickets start at $30 and are available at Eventeny.com/events/ singhausoscarparty-16394.

Pride Night at the CFL Fair

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 6 P.M.

CENTRAL FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS, ORLANDO

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at the Central Florida Fair’s Pride Night. Come out for the unbeatable food, games, live music and entertainment as you meet and mingle with folks from dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations. General admission tickets are $11.50 but you can get $3 off when you purchase your ticket online by using the discount code PRIDE25. For more information and to get tickets, go to CentralFloridaFair.com.

TAMPA BAY

COSP Chili Cook-Off

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1-6 P.M. GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT, ST. PETERSBURG

Come OUT St. Pete’s Chili Cook-Off returns as a part of the Mardi Gras Street Fair in the Grand Central District! Groove to live music, explore unique vendors and delicious eats. Bring your furry friends for the adorable Puppy Costume Contest at Mutts & Martinis and more. Read all about it at WatermarkOutNews.com.

Lightning Pride Night

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7 P.M.

AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA

The Lightning will host their sixth annual Pride Night, facing off against the Calgary Flames. In conjunction with the National Hockey League and You Can Play, the Lightning will dedicate the game to celebrate inclusion of everyone in the sport. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and more. Visit NHL.com/Lightning/ Community/Pride-Night for more information.

EVENT PLANNER

KING OF POP

55th Annual Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, March 1-2, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa. 813-876-1747; GasparillaArts.com

The Road to National Miss Comedy Queen Benefit, March 2, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com

WMNF’s Big Gay Bingo, March 3, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 813-239-9663; Facebook.com/BigGayRadio

Shakespeare on Tap! Jobsite Fundraiser, March 3, Independent Bar and Café, Tampa. 813-341-4883; IndependentBarTampa.com

Socialize & Strategize Networking Mixer, March 5, The Study, St. Petersburg. 727-247-8256

St. Pete CommUNITY Festival 2025, March 8, Azalea Park, St. Petersburg. StPeteCONA.org

Uptown Funk Market

TAMPA BAY

Central Florida

Matteo Lane, Feb. 28, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

One Year Puppiversary, Feb. 28, Club Orlando, Orlando. 407-425-5005; ClubOrlando.com

Dj Blue Star, March 2, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

“MJ The Musical,” March 4-16, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Forever ABBA Canada, March 5, Athens Theatre, DeLand. 386-736-1500; AthensDeLand.com

“Welcome to Matteson!,” March 5-29, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

Extraordinary Women and Their Music, March 6, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-645-0145; WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Matteo Bocelli, March 7, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen, March 7, Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach. 386-671-3462; PeabodyAuditorium.org

“Something Rotten!,” March 7-30, The Henegar Center, Melbourne. 321-723-8698; HenegarCenter.com

Ani DiFranco, March 8, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Howie Mandel, March 9, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRock.com & March 11, King Center, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com

Gladys Knight, March 11, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Timucua Jazz Jam, March 13, Timucua Arts Foundation, Orlando. 407-279-0902; Timucua.com

MAYHEM: A Lady Gaga Weekend, March 13-15, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

TAMPA BAY

“MJ The Musical,” Through March 2, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

WONDER Awards

Tampa Bay Celebration, Feb. 28, Cocktail, St. Petersburg. 813-655-9890; WatermarkOutNews.com

Pride @ The Village 2025, March 1, Studios@5663, Pinellas Park. 727-313-2250; PinellasArtsVillage.com

Pride Skate Tampa, March 1, Skateworld, Tampa. 813-884-7688; GregAndersonEvents.com

1 Year Anniversary and Spring Fling, March 8, Uptown Funk Market, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ UptownFunkMkt

Dog Bar’s 9th Birthday, March 8, The Dog Bar, St. Petersburg. 727-317-4968; DogBarStPete.com

Disabled & LGBTQ+ Social Gathering, March 10, Rose Dynasty Center, Lakeland. 863-267-6172; RoseDynastyFoundationInc.org

TBBL Karaoke, March 12, The Garage, St. Petersburg. TampaBayBlackLesbians.org

“The Pillowman,” March 12-April 6, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-476-7378; JobsiteTheater.org

SARASOTA

Venice Pride, March 8, SunCoast MCC, Venice. 941-271-0818; VeniceFLPride.com

“MJ The Musical” plays through March 2 at the Straz Center in