Watermark Issue 25.05 Tampa Bay: A WAVE of Success

Your LGBTQ Life.

issue 25.05 • march 8 - 21, 2018

WatermarkOnline.com

A WAVE OF SUCCESS It’s time to celebrate your favorite picks for Tampa Bay and Central Florida’s best!

daytona Beach • orlando • tampa • st. petersBurg • clearWater • sarasota

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e d E si in l RID 8 ia ec A P 201 P sp E TAMGUID

watermark TAMPA BAY EDITION

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex.

This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: ® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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I’m courageous, not careless.

I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

Learn more at truvada.com

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• Bone problems.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0159 07/17

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depaRtmentS 7 // buReau Chief’S deSk 8 // oRlando newS 10 // tampa bay newS 13 // StatenewS 15// nation & woRld newS 23 // talkinG pointS 51 // Community CalendaR 53 // tampa bay out + about 55 // oRlando out + about 56 // tampa bay maRketplaCe 57 // weddinG bellS/ announCementS 58 // oRlando maRketplaCe 62 // laSt paGe

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I am straight, but I owe everything that I have gained in the last three years to [the LGBTQ] community. I fit here, just for being Latin, being bubbly; with this personality… sometimes it doesn’t fit quite right in other environments.

—ZEyRA sANChEZ, WAVE AWARD WINNING TyLER’Z BARBER shOP.

on the CoveR

PAGE you’Re Gonna love heR:

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PAGE A WAVE OF

25

SUCCESS: It’s time

to celebrate your favorite picks for Tampa Bay and Central Florida’s best!

Photo by Jake Stevens

SCan QR Code foR

wateRmaRkonline.Com

Syreeta Banks stars as Effie in Venice Theatre’s production of Dreamgirls.

wateRmaRk i SSue 25.05 //maRCh 8 - maRCh 21, 2018

SummeR ChanGeS

luCk o’the pRide

all in

total nunSenSe

PAGE GayDayS Inc. will change host hotel for 2019 with the possibility of moving to a different weekend.

PAGE The 5th annual Manatee Pride will coincide with St. Patrick’s Day this year.

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read it online!

In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com

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Central Florida’s Scottie Campbell gives his take on the intricacies of all inclusive language.

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The musical sensation Nunsense A-men comes to the Winter Park Playhouse.

folloW us on tWitter and instagram at @WatermarKonline and liKe us on faceBooK. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

ContRibutoRS

TAMPA BAY

Bureau chief’s

ryan Williams-Jent tB Bureau chief

Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

I

deSk

RECENTLy LEARNED ThAT I’M A

monster. Before I get too far into how, I’d first like to thank readers for choosing me as Tampa Bay’s favorite LGBTQ–friendly writer in Watermark’s annual WAVE Awards. It’s a category I share with some very talented writers, like my Central Florida counterpart and syntax sister, Jeremy Williams. He’ll never let me win again.

It’s my goal as the Tampa Bay bureau chief to represent our community and our allies to the best of my ability, something I couldn’t do without all of you. I’m very proud to be in the position that I’m in, and so grateful that I get to learn so much from the community that we’re here to serve.

With that being said, I’m a monster and it’s too late to change your vote.

My husband and I live in a modest St. Petersburg apartment complex,

built sometime between 1634 and 1971. It’s outdated but large; cheap but full of character. As an added bonus, you can rent a covered parking space for a mere $25 per month. It allows you to dryly unload groceries in the inevitable Florida rain or give your car a break from the state’s subsequent and glaring sun.

We don’t rent the space—because like our apartment complex, I’m also cheap but full of character. But more so because you’re free to utilize them as long as they aren’t being rented.

Why spend the money when you can play parking roulette?

We’ve lived in the complex for over a year now, and more often than not, snagging a covered spot has been relatively easy. That changed a few months ago when new neighbors moved in with a van full of children and absolutely no regard for my unspoken rule that the spot they rented on the end was mine. I hated them immediately.

There were other covered spots, and even uncovered spots that were closer to our apartment.

I begrudgingly used both, typically parking in the last uncovered spot next to “my” spot that they’d stolen.

So close and yet so far.

Almost daily I lambasted their thievery from beside them—because on top of it all, their parking jobs were terrible, just atrocious. The covered area has two poles on the end, and within days we’d noticed that they’d been parking so close to the right that they’d struck them several times.

I judged them incessantly for the dents in their car, made even deeper by way of the covered area’s poles, as if I don’t drive a Chevy Dentbalt that’s nearly a decade old.

Until the note.

A handwritten, postcard-size note—tucked beneath my windshield wiper in beautiful penmanship by our neighbor who’d stolen everything from me. It cheerfully greeted me and moved to an apologetic tone, acknowledging their ridiculous parking with a tender explanation.

“The beautiful couple that parks to our left is handicapped,” it advised me, something I knew. They’re wonderful people and one of them works for our complex. “Since one of them is in a wheelchair, I park as far to the right as I can and remove my children from that side of the car so they’re comfortable.”

“If you could also park as far to your right as possible, I’d greatly

appreciate the extra room,” it continued, moving to the real gut punch. “As I’m sure you would, too!

Thank you so much!” Monster.

It was an important reminder that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, nor a driver by their parking skills. I’ve gladly parked as far to the right as possible ever since, and I’ve gone out of my way to express to our neighbors just how thoughtful they are.

And on the topic of expressing gratitude for thoughtfulness, that’s exactly what our readers have done for our community. In this issue we examine a plethora of non-monsters that were chosen as recipients of this year’s WAVE Awards.

It was an important reminder that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, nor a driver by their parking skills.

Congratulations to each winner and to the top three finalists—the work you do is important and it makes this community strong.

Also doing their part is the thriving Manatee Pride, now in their fifth year, which we examine in Tampa Bay news. Over in Orlando, we take a look at the future of the popular Gay Days event and some upcoming changes.

In Arts and Entertainment, you’re gonna love Syreeta Banks as she leads Dreamgirls to the Venice Theater—and be sure not to miss the musical sensation Nunsense as it heads to the Winter Park Playhouse.

Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

wateRmaRk Staff Founder and Guiding Light: tom Dyer • tom@Watermarkonline.com Owner & Publisher: Rick claggett • ext. 110 • Rick@Watermarkonline.com Business Manager: kathleen harper • ext. 101 • kathleen@Watermarkonline.com CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 • Jeremy@Watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • ext. 302 • Ryan@Watermarkonline.com Multimedia Assistant: Melody Maia Monet • ext. 100 • Maia@Watermarkonline.com Art Director: Jake Stevens • ext. 109 • Jake@Watermarkonline.com Creative Assistant: Jason Donnelly • ext. 102 • adProduction@Watermarkonline.com Proofreading: ed blaisdell

Sales Director: Danny garcia ext. 108 • Danny@Watermarkonline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam callahan ext. 103 • Sam@Watermarkonline.com Orlando Account Manager: Dillan Ramirez ext. 105 • Dillan@Watermarkonline.com Tampa Bay Account Manager: Debbie Reeves ext. 301 • Debbie@Watermarkonline.com Nat’l Ad Representative: Rivendell Media inc. • 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

oRlando offiCe 414 N. Ferncreek Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 TEL: 407-481-2243 FAX: 407-481-2246

tampa bay offiCe TEL: 813-655-9890 FAX: 813-849-2986

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

GREG sTEMM

lives in Gulfport, Fla., and has worked as a freelance writer for several local publications. He is a founding member of St. Pete Pride and active politically in Tampa Bay. Page 19

sCOTTIE CAMPBELL

is a longtime activist as a member the LGBT community. His work has resulted in a thriving community in the Lake Ivanhoe region and his wit has melted at least a few Orlando candles. Page 21

hOLLy KAPhERR ALEJOs is a

food, travel and lifestyle writer and editor born and bred in Orlando, Florida. Her work has appeared in local, regional and national publications. Page 57

SabRina ambRa, SCottie Campbell, miGuel fulleR, divine GRaCe, kiRk haRtlaGe, Samuel JohnSon, JaSon leCleRC, Stephen milleR, maia monet, david moRan, GReG Stemm, dR. Steve yaCovelli, miChael wanZie

photoGRaphy bRian beCnel, niCk CaRdello, anGie folkS, bRuCe haRdin, Julie milfoRd, tRaviS mooRe, ChRiS StephenSon, lee vandeRGRift, tinkeRfluff

diStRibution lvnlif2 diStRibutinG, liSa JoRdan, Jill bateS, ken CaRRaway CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

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

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

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

Watermark publishing group inc.

7

central florida news State Representatives Carlos Guillermo Smith and Amy Mercado hold roundtable ahead of gun bill vote Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Florida House Democrats Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Rep. Amy Mercado held a roundtable March 3 in Orlando with survivors and families of victims of the Pulse tragedy, along with parents, students, teachers and advocates to discuss current gun safety proposals introduced by the Florida legislature.

“Many of you are impacted by gun violence because you survived the horrific shooting at Pulse. Many of you are implicated by this legislation that the Florida Legislature is considering because you are students, teachers or parents,” Smith said in his opening remarks to the guests.

“Today is about lifting all of your voices right now so that we as lawmakers can take the feedback to Tallahassee.”

The roundtable, which consisted of a dozen people, was organized to discuss legislation going before the Florida House and Senate (House Bill 7101 and Senate Bill 7026) which address the issue of gun safety in schools.

Both bills are controversial with Democrats and some Republicans because of their inclusion of a school marshal program that would allow some school staff members to carry a firearm.

SB 7026, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, passed the state Senate by a narrow margin of 20-18 March 5. Along with the school marshal program, the bill also raises the age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21, requires a mandatory three-day waiting period on the purchase of all firearms and bans bump stocks.

Similar gun restrictions appear in HB 7101 along with the school marshal program.

Smith polled the table asking about a full assault weapons ban as well as whether they supported the school marshal program in the bill. Everyone at the table raised their hand to support an assault weapons ban and to ask for the removal of the school marshal program from the bill.

“I believe that guns have no place in our schools,” said Wendy Doromal, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Union. “Teachers don’t want to be armed with guns. We want to be armed with schools that have enough social workers and counselors. We want to be armed with small class sizes so that we can get to know our students and get to know if we have a student with a mental health issue so we can help them.”

“It’s ridiculous to expect a teacher to carry a gun and it’s reckless,” said one University High School student.

“One of my teachers has told us he is already looking for another job because he is not comfortable knowing one of his fellow teachers is armed.”

The school marshal program has also been opposed

by Florida Gov. Rick Scott who does not think arming teachers is the right approach to ending school shootings; however, he will most likely still sign a bill that included it.

As of press time the Florida House has not voted on HB 7101 but is expected to do so this week. The Florida legislative session ends March 9.

8

Pool Days:

DoubleTree has been host to GayDayS Inc.’s famous pool parties for the last nine years.

Photo by Rick Claggett

Summer Changes GayDayS Inc. moving host hotels, possible date change for 2019 Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | GayDayS Inc. will be right where you left it at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Sea World for 2018, but the Central Florida event–one of the largest LGBTQ events in the world–will be making a move in 2019.

GayDayS Inc. co-owner Chris Alexander-Manley says that the initial need to move is due to scheduling conflicts at the DoubleTree. “[DoubleTree] changed ownership over the last couple of years and they have expanded their ballroom area.

There is more interest from different groups’ events to use the space,” Alexander-Manley says.

The Doubletree at Sea World has been GayDayS Inc.’s host hotel for the last nine years. Prior to the DoubleTree they were at the Royal Plaza—now the B Resort—for nine years. GayDayS Inc. has been the largest client for DoubleTree since establishing themselves at that location making it seem odd that they would book the traditionally GayDayS Inc. week with another client, but when asked Alexander-Manley says he doesn’t suspect the decision has anything to do with the type of event it is.

“Most of my contacts there are members of our community so I don’t

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

believe [being an LGBTQ event] had anything to do with the decision and I would hope that they wouldn’t put up with it [if that was the case],” Alexander-Manley says.

Alexander-Manley does say that all parties have hinted at possibly returning to the DoubleTree in 2020 but that no serious discussions on GayDayS Inc. 2020 are being had until 2019 is finalized.

GayDayS Inc. has narrowed the field of possible 2019 host hotels down to three, but until the decision is made Alexander-Manley can’t release who they are speaking with.

“The properties we are looking at are still in the I-Drive area but more away from the convention center,” he says. “We are looking, say from Kirkman Road over to Sand Lake Road on I-Drive, in that area.”

The change in venue will not affect primary events such as the expo and pool parties, but could affect some of the smaller events.

“Right now nothing is planned on changing other than the main location, but every year we adjust some of the events and we tweak all of the events to make sure they are enjoyable,” he says.

Along with booking rooms at a different venue next year GayDayS Inc. attendees may also need to book a different weekend. Alexander-Manley says they are looking at the possibility

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

of moving GayDayS Inc. away from the first weekend of June, a weekend that has been the home to Gay Day at Disney since its inception 28 years ago.

“Gay Day was on one of the slowest weekends back when it started,” Alexander-Manley says. “Once the economy tanked 10 years ago, what I have been told by a lot of hotels, is that a lot of the national conventions were given the directive to find inexpensive weekends to hold their events to save money. [GayDayS Inc.] weekend was one of the least expensive for all involved. That’s why we are possibly even looking at changing the dates for 2019.”

GayDayS Inc. is looking at weekends from early May through the entire summer. When asked, Alexander-Manley says that it is a 50/50 chance the event will change weekends.

While the primary reason for moving dates is availability, Alexander-Manley says this will give them a chance to move to a weekend with less rain, something that has effected several of their events in past years.

“Sometimes change scares people but I always look at it like a great opportunity,” Alexander-Manley says.

“Lucky for us everything that we have initially looked on as challenges have been good for the company and good for growth.”

Watermark reached out to the DoubleTree by Hilton at Sea World for comment but calls were not returned by press time.

A final decision on GayDayS Inc. 2019 host hotel and whether the dates of the event will change will be made by the end of the month.

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

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Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

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For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

9

tampa bay news

hambuRGeR maRy’S patRon SeekS $1.5 million in damaGeS foR alleGed inJuRy fRom dRaG Queen’S bReaStS ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA | Colorado resident Neldin Molina is seeking $1.5 million in compensatory damages from Hamburger Mary’s and performer “Amanda D’Hod” for an injury she allegedly received from the performer’s breasts on May 30, 2015.

According to paperwork filed on Feb. 15, Molina’s lawsuit is brought forth due to Hamburger Mary’s “liability on negligence resulting in personal injuries and willful failure to warn,” as well as the performer’s “cause of action.” The lawsuit notes that Molina is unsure if “Amanda D’Hod” is the performer’s name.

It asserts that on May 30, 2015, Molina and her family members arrived at the Tampa location for a birthday party, her first visit to the popular eatery. It notes that she was not made aware of the evening’s entertainment.

While Molina “was eating her fish ‘n chips dinner, at approximately 8:45 p.m.,” it notes, music began and she overheard another table discussing the upcoming drag show. The lawsuit states that nearly an hour later, Molina turned to see the performer single her out and subsequently approach her at her dining table.

“Defendant Amanda D’Hod walks in front of the plaintiff Neldin Molina and unexpectedly… grabs her head and wiggles her breast against plaintiff’s face and head eight times,” the filing details Molina’s account.

It continues by noting that her head and neck were subsequently grabbed by the performer, who “violently” pounded it against her chest “up to nine times.”

Molina’s lawsuit notes that immediately following the alleged incident, she notified the restaurant manager and submitted a complaint.

It advises that on June 2, 2015, she visited an emergency room for “excruciating cervical pain and uncontrollable headaches.”

The lawsuit argues that Molina is now at high risk of developing significant complications—including morbidity, mortality and chronic non-malignant pain. It further notes that she is at risk to develop addiction to a controlled substance due to her pain management.

Watermark reached out to Hamburger Mary’s owner Kurt King, who was unable to comment on the lawsuit, as well as Tampa Bay entertainer Amanda D’Hod who provided no response.

According to documentation filed with Hillsborough County’s 13th Judicial Circuit, Hamburger Mary’s general manager Philip Tracy accepted the complaint on Feb. 22 at the restaurant’s Ybor location. Once served, parties have 20 calendar days to file a written response with the clerk of the court.

10

P.R.I.D.E.:

Attendees of Manatee Pride 2017 gather to recognize individual diversity and equality.

Photo by DaNNy gaRcia

Luck o’ the Pride 5th annual Manatee Pride to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day ryan Williams-Jent

B

RADENTON | The Manatee Pride Festival will hold its fifth annual LGBTQ pride event on March 17 at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion.

“Attendance at Manatee Pride Festival is free and will again be at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion area,” the organization’s press release reads. “Manatee Pride is a fundraiser for Prism Youth Initiative, a private, non-profit community organization that has provided services and a safe and supportive center for LGBTQ Youth in Manatee County since 2010.”

“It’s incredible to be in our fifth year, we are just so happy to be able to do this,” Prism Youth Initiative board president and Manatee Pride committee chair Valerie Fisher says.

“We’re so happy that we’re apparently well-received by not only the LGBTQ community, but our straight allies and just the community in general.”

Organizers worked closely with the city to plan this year’s event, which coincides with St. Patrick’s Day. “We were happy to be able to get this day,” Fisher says. “We’ve always done the same weekend in March, the third weekend… but the city had some qualms about us doing it on St.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Patrick’s Day because they thought there would be a lot going on.”

“But we pled our case and they gave us the date,” she continues. “So we’re happy about that. We very much appreciate the city’s approval of and support for this event. This year, we’re going to have green shirts in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.” Fisher notes that she expects this year’s event to be larger than last year’s outing, with both returning and new vendors. “People have been calling us to ask to be vendors,” she says, “so that’s always a good thing.”

The event is scheduled to begin with an interfaith service led by Rev. Glen G. Graczyk of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, something she calls a “nice touch” that the organization received “a lot of positive feedback from last year.”

Following the brief service, the event’s entertainment will begin with live music from Craig Singleton.

Other featured entertainers include Divine AF, an ensemble from The Players Centre for Performing Arts and area drag favorites Beneva Fruitville, Johnny Sparks, Anita Liemont, Alexis De La Mar and Jocelyn Summers. DJ Lexx will provide additional music and Big Daddy Ro will be the master of ceremonies.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

Fisher says vendors will surround the main stage, sponsored once again

by Tropicana, allowing everyone to “have a view of the stage and performers. There’s a big grassy area where people dance. It’s a lot of fun.”

“The biggest thing that we’re excited about is Manatee Pride beer,” Fisher notes. “Darwin’s is brewing it again and we all went over there to start off the batch.” The beer, donated

by Manatee County’s craft brewer Darwin Brewing Co., is described as a “light, crisp refreshing guava lager.”

“Not only are they giving us the beer that we’re selling, they’re brewing twice as much as they did last year,” Fisher continues. “They really are getting very involved; we love them. They’re wanting to be very supportive of the LGBTQ community in general and also of the youth. This year the after party is even going to be at Darwin’s Brewery and Tap Room.”

Aside from entertainment, vendors and the exclusive brew, event sponsor CAN Community Health will also offer free health screenings on site. “This is the second year they’ve sponsored us,” Fisher says. “We are very grateful to them.”

“We’re just really blessed to be able to do this and to be so well-received and embraced by the entire community,” Fisher reasserts. “I think that is the sense that people get. It’s a very happy and fun event. It’s joyful, actually. People just come and have a great time.”

Manatee Pride will be held on Saturday, March 17, from noon - 5:00 p.m. For more information, including sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit ManateePride.com.

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state news

lGbtQ iSSueS, GunS emeRGe at debate aS maRCh 13 eleCtion loomS damon scott of the south florida Gay News

W

hether the city-owned War Memorial Auditorium should allow guns shows to continue and an LGBTQ-related fundraiser in Miami were two of many issues raised at a mayoral and District 2 commissioner candidate forum Feb. 26 in Fort Lauderdale.

Dean Trantalis and Bruce Roberts are on the ballot to be the next mayor of Fort Lauderdale. The two joined Steve Glassman and Tim Smith, who are vying to be the next District 2 commissioner, at a debate in front of a full room at ArtServe.

In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, moderator Brittany Wallman of the Sun Sentinel quickly asked Trantalis

and Roberts if they thought the Florida Gun Shows company should be allowed to continue to host its annual events at War Memorial.

“It’s a sin that we allow it to happen,” Trantalis said. “Every year I ask it to be discontinued.

We shouldn’t have to wait for 17 children to die to know what the right thing to do is.”

Trantalis and Roberts both agreed the venue wasn’t appropriate — a place where children often play and have activities at Holiday Park.

Roberts, who is a vice mayor/ city commissioner for District 1, and former police chief, said he also supports a ban on the sales of automatic weapons and high capacity magazines to those under 21.

Trantalis was asked about criticism lobbed his way by accepting support from the national group Victory Fund, who held a fundraiser for him

in Miami recently. Victory Fund supports the election of LGBT candidates.

“I’m a gay man, is there a secret about that?” said Trantalis to chuckles in the audience. Trantalis would be the first openly gay mayor of Fort Lauderdale if elected. He is now a city commissioner for District 2.

“Not all [campaign] money comes from [within the] boundaries of Fort Lauderdale,” he said. Trantalis said he was able to recently spend time with the executive director of the Victory Fund, former Houston mayor Annise Parker, and learn about how that city deals with problems and how some solutions could be applied to Fort Lauderdale.

“It was a great education,” said Trantalis, adding that he didn’t understand the criticism by being supported by the Washington D.C.-based group.

“I learn from as many people as possible.”

Roberts contends his criticism of the Miami event and Victory Fund is “not so much the organization, but the location.”

“I think influence from outside the area and the state takes away from the localness [of the campaign],” he said.

Glassman and Smith took to the podium following the mayoral candidates.

The two debated over who had the best record and vision when it came to development in Fort Lauderdale. Glassman has served on a number of Broward County boards and groups and also on the city’s planning and zoning board for six years.

One of the more tense moments during the debate regarded a campaign comment Smith previously made about the “gay vote” in the district.

District 2 has historically

had a high percentage of LGBTQ residents.

Smith has been accused of saying the district doesn’t need a gay commissioner and making the comment: “Is there a gay vote and does it matter?”

“I believe you use [the term gay] as a wedge and I want to use it to unite people,” said Glassman, who is gay. “You can’t label a group of people. Labels aren’t good,” he said.

Smith said he’s an activist for the rights of “all people.”

“I truly believe you shouldn’t judge people by x, y, z, and I’ve lived that life,” he said. “No one has fought for gay rights as much as I have. You should judge people by who they are and what their character is.”

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

nation+world news

In first, U.S. military has accepted openly transgender recruit Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

I

n a first, an openly transgender person has signed a contract to join the U.S. military—a development that could occur thanks to federal court rulings against President Trump’s transgender military ban.

Maj. David Eastburn, a Pentagon spokesperson, confirmed to the Washington Blade on Tuesday an openly transgender person has signed a contract to join the armed forces, which is part of the process for enlistment.

“DOD confirms that as of Feb. 23, 2018, there is one transgender individual under contract for

service in the U.S. military,” Eastburn said.

Eastburn said the person hasn’t yet started basic training, but wouldn’t provide any additional details “as a matter of privacy and the individual’s wishes.”

The date identified by the Pentagon is the same date Defense Secretary James Mattis delivered his recommendation to President Trump on transgender service in accordance with Trump’s directive seeking to ban transgender people from the armed forces.

Administration officials are staying mum on the nature of Mattis’ recommendation, but major media outlets have reported the advice was to allow transgender people to serve in the U.S. military.

In his August directive, Trump sought to reinstate a prohibition on transgender military service lifted in the Obama years, keep in place the ban on transgender recruitment

and ban U.S. military payments for gender reassignment surgery. But federal courts blocked this policy from going into effect as a result of litigation filed by LGBT legal groups.

The court rulings required the U.S. military to begin admitting transgender people in the armed forces on Jan. 1 in accordance with an earlier Mattis memo, which was issued before Trump’s directive and set that as the target date.

Transgender people have been able to enlist in the armed forces since that time.

According to the Washington Times, Pentagon spokesperson Army Col. Rob Manning on Monday told reporters Mattis’ recommendation on whether to allow transgender troops to serve remains under review at the White House.

Col. Manning reportedly declined to comment on any details about the recommendation or conversations between Mattis and other officials on the issue. It remains to be seen what action Trump will take in the aftermath of the recommendation.

Fox News exec who called U.S. Olympic team ‘darker, gayer’ leaves network Mariah Cooper of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

F

ox News executive John Moody has retired from the network following outrage from his recent critique of the Winter Olympics.

“Unless it’s changed overnight, the motto of the Olympics, since 1894, has been ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’ It appears the U.S. Olympic Committee would like to change that to ‘Darker, Gayer, Different,’” Moody wrote in the controversial op-ed last month.

The op-ed was taken down and Fox News released a statement saying, “John Moody’s column does not reflect the views or values of Fox News and has been removed.”

CNN reports that Moody, 64, has now left Fox News.

“John Moody has retired from Fox News,” the network said in a statement.

Reportedly, Moody had already been planning to retire before the Olympics controversy.

Moody joined Fox News as executive vice president in 1996. In 2009, he left Fox News to become CEO of News Corp’s NewsCore wire service. News Corp and Fox News merged together in 2012 and Moody returned as executive vice president and executive editor for the network.

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

viewpoint

Greg stemm

poSitive livinG LGBTs in Gulfport helping to rede�ine what a library can be

I

N A NORMAL COMMUNITy,

if you want to find gay people you might visit a bar or go to a gay pride celebration.

But Gulfport is far from being a “normal” town.

If you want to meet gay people in this small artsy community, virtually surrounded by our bigger but just as gay cousin St. Petersburg, you visit the Gulfport Public Library.

Just a couple of years ago Circle of Friends, the philanthropist organization which supports the Gulfport Library, created a new subcommittee called the LGBTQ Resource Center. It was a bold move. No other library in the state of Florida has such a center, and it was a leap of faith for my library to do so.

Now, there are over 2500 books, DVDs and other resource materials available. We aren’t hiding them in some dark musty corner. There is a large prominent sign that you will see the moment you walk through the front door. It is boldly placed over dozens of shelves of both fiction and non-fiction works, dealing with just about any issue related to the LGBTQ community you might imagine. You could say our library is “out.”

I am privileged to serve on this amazing committee with other deeply committed men and women. We want to continue to make our library a true resource for our entire community, gay and straight.

Just recently the American Library Association awarded us with the Newlen-Symons award for excellence in serving the LGBTQ community. We were in the running with the big boys in cities like San Francisco and New York, but the Library Association commended us and the library in my community of just 12,000 residents on our AMAZING and EXTENSIVE (their words, which appeared in caps) collection and programming.

Programming is almost an understatement on what our committee has been offering to our community. In just the past two months we hosted a sold out crowd for Poppy Chaplin, an acclaimed lesbian comedian who has appeared on Ellen and Oprah; another lesbian comedian Fay Jacobs; a lunch and learn session on the sex lives of LGBT people after the age of 60; and screening of three movies including the lesbian love story “Cloudburst”, the gay male love story “Brokeback Mountain” and an award winning South Korean film “The Handmaiden.”

We have also hosted a vocal performance by a Gulfport male couple who are members of St. Petersburg’s delightful One City Chorus. Most importantly, we produced the first-ever reading festival at our library focused on lesbian literature. We had 16 authors from around the country and a keynote address from award winning lesbian author Elizabeth Simms. It brought well over a hundred people, women and men, to the library.

We’ve also started a new LGBTQ book club. It isn’t even Pride month in June when we really go into high gear.

The general Gulfport community has been very

supportive, too. Our city council has approved the rainbow flag to fly over our library the entire month of June. Since the library is right at the entrance of the historic district, with which many associate Gulfport, we are highly visible.

I suspect that every

wonderful presentation to a packed room. First, it was moving that she had invited her parents and they felt comfortable enough to come. Her mother shared with me that when her daughter came out to her in the ‘80s, she wanted very

said. With tears in her eyes she expressed to me how profoundly moving it was to visit our library, to see thousands of volumes on virtually any aspect of being gay; and that it was so prominently displayed.

“It’s amazing to me that when a child comes

activist like me wonders from time to time if what we are doing is really making an impact in people’s lives. The impact of what we are accomplishing at the Gulfport Library became clear to me in a discussion with the lovely 90-something-year-old parents of the sex researcher who gave a

much to be supportive but she admits she knew absolutely nothing about homosexuality. She says she did what she has always done when she needed information about a subject: she visited her public library.

“There was nothing, no books whatsoever on the topic. They gave me no resources at all,” she

out to their parents in Gulfport they will have all the resources they need to better understand and support their loved one.”

We hope so too.

It’s amazing to me that when a child comes out to their parents in Gulfport they will have all the resources they need to better understand and support their loved one.

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

viewpoint

Photo by JeSS RegaN

scottie campbell

the tender

activist

I

The problem with inclusive language F WE’VE ONLy RECENTLy

met, it isn’t likely I will call you by name. It isn’t that I don’t want to extend that courtesy, it’s that I don’t want to get it wrong.

I might not ask about your significant other, unless I’m absolutely certain you’re still together. It’s not that I don’t care; I’m afraid I’ll put you in an awkward position if something has changed. When I say I’m afraid of these things, I mean that sincerely. The potential embarrassment is debilitating for me.

Having made a social faux pas, my body will flush with awkwardness and my speech impediment, with all its decades-old ostracizing baggage, will turn my tongue into a drugged sea cucumber. I’ll usually spend far more time than I should in a store locating an item, rather than ask for help.

And if it weren’t for the advent of online chats, I probably would never have met my partner of 10 years.

I know I’m not alone in having a challenge with talking to people and this was my pervading thought when I attended two separate inclusive language workshops for my job. The first focused on the LGBT community.

I enjoyed a certain amount of insider’s glee watching heteronormative worlds get rocked learning about pronoun sensitivity. Then I joined them as I got lost in the various labels and the seemingly myriad possibilities of offending someone. (I could be wrong, but I think it’s derogatory to use “drag queen” now.)

It occurs to me, only three paragraphs in, that I might be assuming a bit. You might not be aware that it is becoming expected practice to ask a person which pronouns they prefer, and not just assume. So you don’t have to go to the trouble, mine are he/him/his. You might be able to assume

that from my photo, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from my name since “Scottie” can be a female name. If you visit ScottieCampbell.com you’ll find an equine property specialist.

Yes, I know, you’re learning all sort of things, aren’t you?

I’m all but certain that Scottie Campbell prefers the pronouns she/her/her.

The business of pronouns gets even more interesting when non-binary gender is a consideration. The individual might choose they/them/their as their pronouns, or even invented pronouns like ze/hir/ hir. The recommendation with preferred pronouns and labels is to simply ask the person.

I hope this is true and I hope this is the accepted approach on both sides. When many in our country are still trying to wrap their minds around two dudes getting married, if your chosen pronouns are xe/xem/ xyr, it might be helpful to cut people some slack. Compassion is a two-way street.

A young woman flew in from Rhode Island to conduct the second workshop which focused on family-inclusive language. We should not assume an adult with a child is their parent. We should be mindful that not everyone has the same definition of “extended family.”

Interestingly, our facilitator’s research showed a cultural difference with Caucasian people considering aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa extended family, while others simply view them as family. In approaching family-inclusive language, there appears to be concern that a child will be traumatized or embarrassed if, for example, they encounter a situation where their uncle is mistaken for their father. I tend to think kids are more apt to roll with the punches than that.

That is not to say there are not other instances. One person in the workshop related her experience growing up as an adopted child. She and her sister have Asian heritage and they were adopted into a Caucasian family. More than once they experienced assumptions and attributions,

even restaurants trying to seat them as separate parties. Ouch.

It is recommended to avoid the age-old habit of commenting on a family member’s resemblance to another. The child may be adopted, you might be referring to their step-mother, or the person might not be related at

man that I actually like it when this happens. On some level, there is a cosmic feeling the compliment adds legitimacy to our family connection.

On another level, I suspect such compliments also reveal a certain amount of bullshit.

Commenting on someone’s family resemblance is often one

that expecting people to be en pointe with political correctness will only lead to even less face-to-face interaction, which will only lead to less and less understanding.

In both workshops, the use of “ma’am” and “sir” was brought up as something to be avoided. I guess this is where

all. My mom was adopted and people often commented that she looked like her dad. They never corrected anyone and just said “thank you” with a smile. The man I consider my dad (he of the pro-gun opinions mentioned in my last column) is actually my step-father—I’m more inclined to phrase that “technically” my step-father. We routinely have people comment that we look alike. It might be because he’s a handsome

of those fall back conversation drivers, only a tad more personal than analyzing the weather.

In this social media age we all seem to recognize there is a dearth in meaningful communication, and America seems to be hell-bent on demonstrating to the world the dark path this disconnect sends us down. We’re in desperate need of reclaiming our humanity. I worry

the old school, get-off-my-lawn part of me comes out because I mourn the fact that more people do not recognize each other with this common courtesy. One person suggested substituting “my friend” and acted out a demonstration, blithely unaware how patronizing she sounded. As I listened, I said a prayer for the world. I didn’t tell anyone I was doing that, of course, I don’t want to offend.

I enjoyed a certain amount of insider’s glee watching heteronormative worlds get rocked learning about pronoun sensitivity.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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21

Cherish Your Life Events

• Wedding & Commitment • Baby and Fur-Baby Naming • New Home Blessing • Milestone Birthday • Career Transition • Memorials - People & Pets

Jennie Landau (321) 246-5664 Life Cycle Celebrant & Wedding Officiant

Fr e e B i r d C e r e m o n i e s . c o m

22

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

7 STATES

ALABAMA, ARIZONA, LOUISIANA,

MISSISSIPPI, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TEXAS

talking points So proud of all these people! Everybody here has worked so hard to make it to the Olympics and have the opportunity to walk in the closing ceremony! Well... Everyone except Ivanka. Honestly, tf is she doing here??

— OPENLy GAy OLyMPIAN GUs KENWORThy TWEETING, ALONG WITh A TEAM UsA PICTURE, AT ThE CLOsING CEREMONy FOR ThE WINTER OLyMPICs IN PyEONGChANG, sOUTh KOREA FEB. 25

Janelle monÁe celeBrates BiseXuality

in funKy neW music video

J

ANELLE MONÁE FINDs hERsELF TORN between two love interests, a man and a woman, in the music video for her new single “Make Me Feel.” In the video, Monáe arrives at a club with actress Tessa Thompson, who portrayed Marvel’s first LGBTQ character in 2017’s Thor: Ragnorak. The duo flirt and have fun with each other until Monáe meets a man who she is also attracted to. She is torn between them both but then decides to just have a good time with each suitor. Monáe has been close-lipped about her sexuality but rumors have been swirling for months that she and Thompson are dating. Neither of them has confirmed their relationship status. Monáe’s “Make Me Feel” music video is available on her YouTube channel. Thompson can currently be seen on the big screen in the film Annihilation.

currently have

anti-gay laWs,

COMMONLY

referred to as

steWie’s seXuality to Be addressed ON FAMILY GUY

“NO PROMO HOMO” S laWs, Barring teachers from

POSITIVELY PORTRAYING

HOMOSEXUALITY

IN SCHOOLS. —GLsEN REsEARCh BRIEF

amaZon fires Jeffrey tamBor from TRANSPARENT

TEWIE’s sEXUALITy WILL FINALLy BE ADDREssED on Family Guy. Executive producer Rich Appel revealed to TVLine that Stewie’s sexuality will be discussed in an upcoming episode where Stewie has a therapy session. Out actor Ian McKellen will guest-star as Stewie’s therapist. He adds, “When Stewie’s with his therapist, they pretty immediately address questions of sexuality. The episode covers that, and then goes to deeper issues for Stewie, ” Appel says.

Stewie’s sexuality has been hinted at over the course of the show but never directly mentioned. It’s still unclear how direct the upcoming episode will be about Stewie’s sexuality. The episode is expected to air this month.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

J

EFFREy TAMBOR hAs OFFICIALLy BEEN DROPPED from the critically acclaimed Amazon series Transparent. The 73-year-old actor faced on-set sexual misconduct allegations from several transgender actresses from the show. Tambor apologized for his behavior being misinterpreted as “sexually aggressive” and said he didn’t consider himself a “predator.” Series creator Jill Soloway had stated after the allegations that the writers were exploring writing him off the show. “I am profoundly disappointed in Amazon’s handling of these false accusations against me,” Tambor said in a statement. “I am even more disappointed in Jill Soloway’s unfair characterization of me as someone who would ever cause harm to any of my fellow cast mates.”

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

L

lush launches campaign for trans rights

Ush hAs LAUNChED A CAMPAIGN to bring awareness to transgender rights. The #TransRightsAreHumanRights campaign was launched in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and the National Center for Transgender Equality. The cosmetics brand introduced a new item called Inner Truth, a bath melt in the shape of a heart and in the colors of the trans flag.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Lush shop windows will also display quotes from transgender employees and pamphlets will be distributed to customers on how to be a better ally.

23

CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR HONORING ORLANDO IMMUNOLOGY CENTER IN THIS YEAR'S WAVE AWARDS. SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE. SPECIALIZED TO

24

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

A WAVE OF SUCCESS

It’s time to celebrate your favorite picks for Tampa Bay and Central Florida’s best!

T

hE CURTAIN Is FALLING ON AWARD

season, but not before we announce your favorite picks for the best in Tampa Bay and Central Florida. The Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence results are here.

In record numbers you listed your favorite people, places and things in our freeform ballot. We took the top three vote getters and opened up the competition for a finalist round. In record numbers again, you spoke and we listened.

As usual, there are some familiar faces that are consistent in their greatness. However, there are some newcomers and surprises as well. In the next few pages we not only list all of the winners for you, but pull out a few honorees to give you a closer look

at what makes them rise to the top. We hope you enjoy learning more about them as we did.

Thank you to the great people and organizations who make up our list of winners. We live in thriving communities and those you serve chose you to recognize for your efforts.

This is your community and these are your awards. Thank you for your service, your input and your votes. Without you, this issue would not be possible. continued on pg. 27 |  |

continued on pg. 31 |  |

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25

PROUD TO SERVE TAMPA/ST PETE’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY

Benefiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation

13400 26th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm

26

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.25

TAMPA BAY’S

WINNERS FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN/ACTIVIST First: rick Kriseman, st. Petersburg Mayor

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WEBSITE First: WatermarkOnline.com Second: rainbow411.com

Second: kush patel, Md Md & do associates

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT

Third: John Ibrahim, Md trinity doctors Group

First: enigma st. Pete

Third: Bob Buckhorn, tampa Mayor

Second: tampa Bay lightning game at amalie arena Third: Quench lounge

FAVORITE CHARITABLE EVENT

First: rick Kriseman, st. Petersburg Mayor

First: Equality Florida’s st. Pete Gala

Second: Joanna Garcia parkin, eSQ., St. petersburg attorney

Second: tampa Bay aIdS Walk + 5k run

Third: Bob Buckhorn, tampa Mayor

Third: kori Stevens’ toys for tots

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION

GAYEST LOCAL EVENT

First: Metro Wellness & community centers Second: equality Florida Third: tampa pride

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ SPORTS LEAGUE/ ORGANIZATION First: suncoast Softball League Second: dunedin pride Bowling Third: Gays on the Move

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WRITER/ JOURNALIST First: Ryan Williams-Jent, Watermark

First: David Lyter, MD Diversity health center of Tampa Bay

Third: tampaBayGay.com

Second: nadine Smith, equality Florida ceo

GREATEST STRAIGHT ALLY TO THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

First: st. Pete Pride Second: tampa pride Third: equality Florida’s St. pete Gala

FAVORITE LGBTQ BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB (OVER ONE YEAR OLD) First: Gay st. Pete house Second: tyler’z Barbershop Third: 6S Boutique

FAVORITE LOCAL DENTIST First: Dewey L. Bracy, DMD - st. Pete smiles Second: James S. Begley, ddS - dentist in clearwater Third: Jason kwok, dMd - Brightnow dental

FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON First: Tyler’z Barbershop Second: Bambu the eco Salon Third: Salon Swank

FAVORITE LOCAL SPA First: Safety Harbor resort & spa Second: VitalizeMe Skin therapy Third: cortiva Institute

FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER First: anytime Fitness Second: city Gym St. pete Third: planet Fitness

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN

FAVORITE NEW LGBTQ BUSINESS (LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD)

First: sPca Tampa Bay

First: Out of the Closet Thrift Store

Third: tampa Veterinary Hospital

Second: Jeremy Williams, Watermark

Second: dylan todd photography

Third: dave Borman, tampaBayGay.com

Third: dandy pet Grooming

Second: Haines road animal Hospital

continued on pg. 31 |  |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Hair Pair

TYLER’Z BARBERSHOP: TAMPA BAY’S FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON

T

yLER COChRAN AND ZEyRA sANChEZ ADORE ONE ANOThER, in and out of Tyler’z Barber Shop.

The duo shares and cultivates a mutual love and respect that radiates all throughout the business, something that began long before Tyler’z opened in 2015 when they met at the American Institute of Beauty. “Zeyra’s been in every decision making process, down to our design, even before we opened,” Cochran says. “She’s been in the shop since day one.”

“He’s my best friend, he has been my support,” Sanchez agrees. “And when we appear in this barbershop we always want every customer to feel that we care for them. It’s a relationship. It’s a relationship with our customer.”

“I like being able to interact with customers differently from being behind the bar,” Cochran says, noting that his favorite thing about his work is changing someone’s look. “It’s giving them a new appearance and seeing how it changes their mood and outlook on their day.”

“When I interact with each customer, when I have a one-on-one relationship with them, they fulfill my life,” Sanchez agrees. “They can bring this good energy and happiness. They make my day.”

“In my personal experience, working here, in this barbershop, with this community, has been the best thing ever for me,” she continues. “I am straight, but I owe everything that I have gained in the last three years to [the LGBTQ] community. I fit here, just for being Latin, being bubbly; with this personality… sometimes it doesn’t fit quite right in other environments. The community has always been amazing and wonderful to me. I owe them everything.”

“We care for everyone,” Sanchez asserts. “We love everyone.”

—ryan Williams-Jent

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27

5th Annual

HOLLANDER HOTEL

5th Annual

MAR 9 Prism Youth Initiative,

Saturday March 1 th, 201 from 12-5 at the

We are Grateful to be 1st. Place For FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL/B&B

HOLLANDER HOTEL

beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk

727-873-7900 421 4th Ave N. St. Pete, FL 33701

A fund raiser for Prism Youth Initiative,

autiful Bradenton Riverwalk

providing a safe and supportive center for

LGBT+ youth in EVENT SPONSOR Manatee County

turing entertainment, forlive more information please visit at music, local vendors, fun www.manateepride.com Contact beer.

Us for d and Manatee Pride

EVENT SPONSOR

2018 Manatee Pride Sponsorship Opportunities

more information please visit manateepride.com

28

MAR 10 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM all shows 21 and over except *Friday, Mar 9th, 10:30 PM is 18 and over

in

turday March 17th, beer 018 from 12-5 at the

8:00 PM & 10:30 PM

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

TAMPA (813) 864-4000

www.improvtampa.com 1600 East 8th Avenue, Tampa

Queen of the People ALEXIS DE LA MER: TAMPA BAY’S FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG, WHO SHOULD BE ON THE COVER OF WATERMARK’S WAVES ISSUE (ALEXIS DE LA MER AND THE MEN OF FLAMINGO)?

“C

OMING FROM NEW yORK, My DRAG Is A LITTLE OUTRAGEOUs AND A LITTLE MORE COLORFUL than most of the drag queens in the Tampa Bay area,” Alexis De La Mer says. “Drag is an art form to me.”

The queen’s name stems from her favorite soap opera Dynasty, and in particular its character Alexis Carrington. “She was always dressed up in beautiful evening gowns and business suits with furs,” De La Mer says, “and dripping in jewelry. She always had a beautiful, hot young man by her side… I said, ‘I want to be just like her.’”

The performer chose “De La Mer,” which she says in French means “by the sea,” because of her love for the ocean, “mystical mermaids and the mysterious sea.” But as she recalls, her brand of drag—which she’s been devoted to for “oh god, about 20 years,” wasn’t always welcome in Tampa Bay. “When I first moved down here and started going out, a lot of people said that I would never make it performing here,” she says. “That my hair was too big, my makeup was too colorful and that my costumes were just too outlandish.”

But the entertainer asserts that she was undeterred. “I worked really hard in promoting myself and being at benefits for queens and being the nice queen,” she recalls. “And that kind of morphed others into saying, ‘maybe we’ll overlook the big hair and crazy makeup.’”

Things are very different for the entertainer now. “The people really appreciate the shows in St. Pete,” she says of the local LGBTQ community. “When they’re excited to see them, it really makes you give it your all. It’s really fun.”

Where there’s fun, there are also games. For the last three years, De La Mer’s hosted bingo at the Flamingo Resort, something she also does at Hamburger Mary’s in St. Petersburg. But “it isn’t just about calling numbers on balls,” she says. “I have made it a platform.”

“Every six weeks or so I’m planning benefits for entertainers that are moving onto pageants to follow their dreams,” she says. It’s also allowed her to call upon the community to assist area entertainers who are dealing with personal tragedies and to raise funds for nonprofits.

“I’m really into giving back to the community that has been there for me and given so much to me,” she says. “I’m totally blessed.”

It’s a community that De La Mer has cemented herself in. This year, she will celebrate four years at Hamburger Mary’s, where she’s worked as a server, queen and hostess. Even more impressive, this year also marks the entertainer’s ninth year on the cast of the Flamingo. “I’ve been there since day one,” she notes. “Nine. Years. It doesn’t seem that long ago. That’s a lot alcohol that I’ve drank.”

“I’m for the long run,” De La Mer says. “When I find a passion, I stick with it and give it my all.” —ryan Williams-Jent

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29

Now playiNg through March 18 Under the Big top tampa greyhoUnd track tickets starting at $37 cirquedusoleil.com/volta #Volta

30

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Official spOnsOr

|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.27

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET First: The Bow Wow Barber Pet Grooming Second: dandy pet Grooming Third: poochie’s pet Boutique & Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR First: Brian Longstreth Your Neighborhood realty Second: Mark Becker Mihara & associates Third: andrius Jaliniauskas House For Sale network

FAVORITE AREA MUSEUM OR GALLERY First: salvador Dali Museum Second: Museum of Fine arts Third: Woodfield Fine art Gallery

FAVORITE LOCAL FRAMING SHOP First: Tyrone Frame & Mirror Second: Gallery Barbas Fine art & custom Framing Third: articles art Gallery & custom Framing

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) ARTIST OR PHOTOGRAPHER First: robert castelli

FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SALESPERSON

Second: Jamarcus Mosley

First: sonny Gonzalez Tyrone Square Mazda

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: UPSCALE

Second: Joyce Stone lokey Motor company Mercedes-Benz Third: ryan Gibb crown Hyundai

FAVORITE LOCAL MALL First: International Plaza and Bay street Second: tyrone Square Mall Third: Westfield Countryside

FAVORITE LOCAL WEDDING VENUE First: sunken Gardens Second: Vinoy park Third: Flamingo resort

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST First: Island Flowers Second: thai orchids & leis Third: carter’s Florist & Greenhouses

Third: John Gascot

Morning

Gal

GAYLE GUYARDO - WFLA: TAMPA BAY’S FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR

W

FLA NEWs ChANNEL 8’s GAyLE GUyARDO hAs BEEN hELPING TAMPA BAy REsIDENTs make the most of their mornings for 25 years.

“I tell people that they hired me when I was eight,” the veteran anchor laughs, “but that’s not the case. I did practically start out of college. I had an anchor job in Sarasota and came to Channel 8 in my early 20’s.”

Guyardo currently serves as the co-anchor of News Channel 8 Today, arriving at the station each weekday morning after her alarm clock sounds off at 2:30 a.m.

“At first I thought it was a family curse,” she’s mused.

“Just like my father, grandfather and great grandfather did – I wake up in the wee hours of the morning.”

It’s in those hours that she works from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., offering Tampa Bay the latest news. An hour

later, she leads a segment dedicated to finding out “what makes the Tampa Bay area so special.”

One of those things is Guyardo herself. She says she still loves her job because it affords her “the privilege and honor of working in [her] own hometown.”

“I’m the third generation growing up in Tampa,” she notes. “I come from a very Italian family. My grandmother rolled cigars in Tampa and my family’s been here for well over 100 years.”

“There are so many choices in the marketplace now,” she says, taking the time to thank viewers for their loyalty to News Channel 8 and for supporting her throughout her career. “To be in the city and to see it grow up and watch it transform is just amazing.” —ryan Williams-Jent

First: BellaBrava Second: Bern’s Steak House Third: Sea Salt

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: CASUAL First: hamburger Mary’s Second: red Mesa Third: o’Maddys Bar & Grill

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH First: hamburger Mary’s Second: punky’s Bar and Grill Third: First Watch

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: LATE NIGHT DINING First: Punky’s Bar and Grill Second: la teresita restaurant Third: denny’s continued on pg. 33 |  |

More Than

a Store OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT STORE: TAMPA BAY’S FAVORITE NEW LGBTQ BUSINESS

I

T’s hARD TO MIss OUT OF ThE CLOsET ThRIFT sTORE’s sT. PETE LOCATION, with its sea foam-colored facade and bright pink exterior.

But even more obvious than its paint job is the organization’s dedication to the community it serves.

Each of its 21 locations across the country offers gently used clothing and wares, but unlike some thrift shops, it serves a greater purpose—benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Beside the shirt that catches your eye or the couch that’s perfect for your den is a pharmacy, and the location offers a safe space to get a free and private HIV test.

“Anyone can come in any day from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and they can get tested,” AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Regional Director Shaundia White says. “We have a great

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

testing counselor that’s there to offer information and testing to anyone that walks in the door.”

“People are constantly walking in and requesting testing,” White says. “Or they’ll just come into the store and kind of see what we have to offer, and they’ll see that we have testing.”

From the location’s opening in May 2017 through the end of last year, 572 HIV tests were completed.

It’s something that’s prompted the organization to expand even further with a new health care center.

“It was a good transition for us to move into this region and expand, adding this particular component,” White says. “Our vision and our goal is always to look at ways that we can provide care at no cost while still bringing something back into the community.” —ryan Williams-Jent

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31

David W. Lyter, MD, MPH of the

Voted as one of your FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIANS

wishes to thank the LGBTQ+ communities, and especially his past, present and future patients, for voting him their

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL 2018! www.DiversityHealthCenter.com Ph: 813-518-0881

Call us at (727) 525-2118 hainesroadanimalhospital.com

PrEP

HIV Medicine

Primary Care

STI/HIV tes�ng

Transgender care/HRT

4342 Haines Road N • St Petersburg

Thank you, customers, patrons, and friends for voting for our little gallery in the Wave Awards.

We are proud to call St. Pete home Quickly becoming St. Pete’s premier art gallery featuring original works by local Artists.

Open: Tuesday - Saturday from noon to 6, Second Saturday, St Pete Art Walk, open until 9 2018 Palm Avenue

by Charles Gray

2253 Central Avenue #105, St. Petersburg

woodfieldfineart.com • 727-254-6981

Wrap. Test. Repeat.

IfYouSex.org

a member of

32

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|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.31

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) CHEF OR CATERER First: Darlene herrick hamburger Mary’s Second: Jeffrey Jew BellaBrava and Stillwaters tavern Third: Johan everstijin the cider press cafe

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL/B&B First: hollander hotel Second: Flamingo resort Third: Gay St. pete House

FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB/BAR First: enigma st. Pete Second: Flamingo resort Third: Quench lounge

FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRIENDLY STRAIGHT BAR/CLUB First: Iberian rooster Second: old key West Bar and Grill Third: Blur nightclub

FAVORITE LGBTQ HAPPY HOUR First: enigma st. Pete Second: Flamingo resort Third: Quench lounge

FAVORITE HOST FOR KARAOKE, TRIVIA OR BINGO First: amy DeMilo, Drag Queen Bingo at hamburger Mary’s Second: eden deck, trivia at Quench lounge Third: alexis de la Mer, Bingo at Flamingo resort

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER/ SERVER First: Jeremy Fetters enigma resort Second: Jeff Beadle Flamingo resort Third: terry Garbis Flamingo resort

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG First: alexis De La Mer Second: kori Stevens Third: eden deck

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: STAGE First: elaine southern Belle Second: Matthew McGee Third: Judy B. Goode

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: MUSICIAN First: Jennifer Real Second: Scott & patti Third: lisa noe

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY First: Miguel Fuller Miguel & holly on hOT101.5 Second: esme russell Gay Safe Haven radio at GSHradio.com Third: Holly o’connor Miguel & Holly on Hot101.5

FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR First: Gayle Guyardo WFLA Second: trevor pettiford Bay news 9 Third: chuck Henson Bay news 9

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE First: Straz Center for the Performing Arts Second: american Stage theatre company Third: ruth eckerd Hall

FAVORITE ADULT NOVELTY STORE First: XTc Second: Frisky Business Third: todd couples Superstore

FAVORITE STAYCATION SPOT First: Pass-a-Grille Beach Second: Flamingo resort Third: downtown Gulfport

FAVORITE PLACE TO PICK UP A WATERMARK First: enigma st. Pete Second: Flamingo resort Third: Quench lounge

WHO SHOULD BE ON THE COVER OF WATERMARK’S WAVES ISSUE? First: alexis De La Mer and the Men of Flamingo Resort Second: Jeremy Fetters from enigma St. pete Third: eden deck and elaine Southern Belle at Quench lounge continued on pg. 37 |  |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Community

Coop

IBERIAN ROOSTER: TAMPA BAY’S FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRIENDLY STRAIGHT BAR/CLUB

R

UssELL ANDRADE INTRODUCED ThE PORTUGEsE FUsION REsTAURANT AND sPEAKEAsy Iberian Rooster to St. Petersburg in November 2016 with a clear purpose.

“Everyone was afraid of what was going to happen,” Ana Corsi-Travali, the location’s catering director says. “Is my loved one going to be deported? Is my loved one going to be banned from a bathroom? Is my best friend going to get their marriage revoked because something might get overturned?”

“Everyone was freaking out and I think that was one of the reasons Russell was so insistent on making this place very diverse and very comfortable for all walks of life,” she says.

“That’s been his number one goal since the beginning,” Iberian’s front of house manager Kyle Hill agrees. “We’ve done socials for polyamorous groups. Whenever it comes to open sexuality, he wants everyone to be included. It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, bi, straight, he doesn’t want any labels here.”

“We started initially with fresh start drag showcase with Adriana Sparkle every Wednesday and I think that was such a great launching point,” entertainment director Lauren Lance notes. “It’s a great space for people to try drag out if they’ve never done it. And now we just launched the Undherground events for lesbian and bi women, but basically the whole LGBTQ community.”

The “roosteraunt,” as the staff lovingly calls it, continues to offer a wide array of events for the LGBTQ community and beyond, from rounds of “Rock, Paper Scissors” to the oft-discussed “Drunken Disney” sing-alongs. “That’s one of our biggest things that we’re trying to incorporate,” Hill says.

“From A to Z, include everyone. Everyone can be accepted here for who they are.”

“Fostering a place that’s safe and inclusive is super important,” Lance asserts. “It’s 2018, we need to create these spaces and take care of each other. That’s a big deal here.”

—ryan Williams-Jent

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LHVH_Wave

LHVH_Wave

34

4.5 X 7.5" AD 2018 Final.pdf

1

3/2/18

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4.5 X 7.5" AD 2018 Final.pdf

2:22 PM

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1

3/2/18

2:22 PM

Community Clinic

ORLANDO IMMUNOLOGY CENTER: CENTRAL FLORIDA’S FAVORITE LGBTQ BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB (OVER ONE YEAR), FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER (DR. EDWIN DEJESUS), WHO SHOULD BE ON THE COVER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S WAVE AWARD ISSUE (DR. EDWIN DEJESUS)

T

hE ORLANDO IMMUNOLOGy CENTER, COMMONLy REFERRED TO As OIC, has been a part of the Central Florida area for more than 40 years.

They are the oldest and largest infectious disease clinic in Central Florida—one of the largest in the state—and specialize in the medical needs of the LGBTQ community.

It’s no wonder that they were voted Central Florida’s favorite LGBTQ business.

The readers also named OIC medical director Dr. Edwin DeJesus as Central Florida’s favorite local healthcare provider, as well as the person they wanted to see on the cover of this issue.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized but I know that when they vote for me they are recognizing and valuing this institution because I wouldn’t be who I am without everyone in this building,” DeJesus says, “from our social media campaigns to the nurses and the clinical staff who work to fix any and all of our patient’s issues. I think the overall organization has done a lot of great work in the community.”

DeJesus, who grew up in Puerto Rico, came to Central Florida in 1993 at a time when a lot of people were still dying due to complications of the AIDS virus.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“I would come into my office on Mondays and on my desk was a small piece of white paper.,” DeJesus recalls.

“Written on it were the names of the people who died while I was away. It was tough, but as these new drugs started to come out I would see the list get shorter and shorter.

Finally one Monday, I came in and there was no list.”

At the time, these lifesaving drugs were going to places like New York, Chicago and San Francisco, places with big university hospitals, to be tested.

“We didn’t have anything like that here at the time so they weren’t sending us the drugs,” DeJesus says. “So I had to prove to all those companies that they didn’t need to do the treatments in university hospitals. They could come right here.”

OIC was one of the first private clinics in the country that was able to attract a sponsor company to test their HIV medications here in Central Florida. Today, OIC can have anywhere from 40 to 60 different medical studies going on at one time.

“We have been a participant in every single HIV medication currently on the market. Every single medication OIC’s name is somewhere in there as a participant. That is something we are very proud of,” DeJesus says.

—Jeremy Williams

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www.thebarberfund.org WE HONOR THEIR COURAGE. WE HONOR THEIR STRENGTH. WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT!

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.33

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S

WINNERS FAVORITE LOCAL POLITICIAN/ ACTIVIST First: Patty sheehan, Orlando city commissioner District 4 Second: Buddy dyer, orlando Mayor Third: carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida House representative - district 49

GREATEST STRAIGHT ALLY TO THE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY First: Buddy Dyer, Orlando Mayor Second: anna eskamani, Florida House candidate - district 47 Third: darren Soto, U.S. House of representatives Florida’s 9th district

MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION First: Zebra coalition Second: one orlando alliance Third: Metropolitan Business association (MBa orlando)

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ SPORTS LEAGUE/ ORGANIZATION First: Orlando Pride Second: central Florida Softball league Third: Gay and lesbian Bowling league

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WRITER/ JOURNALIST

FAVORITE NEW LGBTQ BUSINESS (LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD)

First: scott Maxwell, Orlando sentinel

Second: Southern craft Bar

First: The Glass Knife

Second: rick claggett, Watermark

Third: Stewart Glenn Studio

Third: Jeremy Williams, Watermark

FAVORITE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) WEBSITE First: WatermarkOnline.com Second: oIcorlando.com Third: Bungalower.com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT First: Lake eola Park Second: enzian theater Third: disney Springs

FAVORITE CHARITABLE EVENT First: come Out With Pride Second: Big Gay Brunch presented by oIc Third: Hope & Help’s Headdress Ball

GAYEST LOCAL EVENT First: Gay Days Second: come out With pride Third: Big Gay Brunch presented by oIc

FAVORITE LGBTQ BUSINESS NOT A BAR/CLUB (OVER ONE YEAR OLD)

First: Edwin DeJesus, MD, FacP - Orlando Immunology center Second: terry Wilder, arnp orlando Immunology center Third: rafeal pinero, Md - pinero preventative Medical care

FAVORITE LOCAL DENTIST First: Michael Watkins, DMD Watkins Dental Group Second: kenneth pyle, ddS orlando dental Group Third: tony clement, ddS colonialtown dental

FAVORITE LOCAL HAIR SALON First: split endz hair & Nail salon Second: Vamp Hair Studio Third: leslie colleen Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL SPA First: Massage envy Second: the Spa Third: club orlando

FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER

First: Orlando Immunology center

First: rock hard Fitness

Second: Watermark publishing Group

Third: la Fitness

Third: embellish FX

Second: planet Fitness

continued on pg. 39 |  |

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Young Activists

ZEBRA COALITION: CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION

Z

EBRA COALITION EMBODIEs EVERy BIT OF ThEIR 2018 WAVE AWARD TITLE as the most effective local LGBTQ organization. They have a very simple and direct mission—support and inspire LGBTQ+ youth—and they have been very effective in doing so.

“It’s such an important mission,” says Heather Wilkie, Zebra’s Executive Director. “We serve LGBTQ+ youth here. We provide housing services, mental health counseling support and really wrap-around all-around services for the youth here in Central Florida. I think it’s a critical service and clearly the community agrees.”

So many politicians, groups and organizations use the phrase “think of the children” when pushing an agenda. Zebra doesn’t just think of the children, they are the children.

Zebra Coalition has an LGBTQ+ Youth Council, a committee of Central Florida youth ages 13-24, who provide safe, healthy and supportive spaces and activities for youth to hang out with their friends. There are currently nine active youth members in the Youth Council, and meetings are on a weekly basis at the Youth Center.

There are hundreds of individual stories that have come from Zebra Coalition, some of which have been featured in the pages of Watermark, like the story of Peter Ruiz.

Ruiz was a high school student whose adoptive mother kicked him out of her house when he came out to her. His high school sent him to Zebra Coalition.

“They immediately had a place for me to stay. They helped me through the process of getting clothes, getting school supplies, they helped me to get food stamps so I could feed myself, all those basic things I needed to survive,” Ruiz said to Watermark in 2015.

It’s these stories that show the community how effective Zebra Coalition truly is and why it is no surprise that they are Central Florida’s most effective local LGBTQ organization.

—Jeremy Williams

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10/19/15 11:48 AM

|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.37

FAVORITE LOCAL VETERINARIAN First: Jim Martin - Loch haven Veterinary hospital Second: Jason palm Hiawassee Vet clinic Third: downtown pet Hospital

FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET First: ranger’s Pet Outpost and retreat Second: luna’s pet luau Third: Sparky’s pet Salon

FAVORITE LOCAL REALTOR First: christian Michaels Premier Property Group Second: Bobby Mills Metro city realty Third: anthony consalvo Florida one real estate

FAVORITE LOCAL AUTO SALESPERSON First: russ Fowler Fields BMW of Winter Park Second: Manny Sotomayor orlando MInI Third: Fred Berliner Mullinex Ford of central Florida

FAVORITE LOCAL FLORIST First: Lee James Floral Design Second: In Bloom Florist Third: lee Forrest design

FAVORITE AREA MUSEUM OR GALLERY First: Orlando Museum of Art Second: orlando Science center Third: Mennello Museum of american art

FAVORITE LOCAL FRAMING SHOP First: sam Flax Second: Michael’s Third: Framing of central Florida

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) ARTIST OR PHOTOGRAPHER First: Lee Vandergrift Second: J.d. casto Third: Brendan o’connor

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: UPSCALE First: The ravenous Pig Second: kres chophouse Third: citrus club

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: CASUAL

FAVORITE LOCAL MALL

First: hamburger Mary’s

First: The Mall at Millena

Third: dexter’s

Second: the Florida Mall Third: orlando Fashion Square

FAVORITE LOCAL WEDDING VENUE

Second: rusteak restaurant & Wine Bar

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: BREAKFAST/BRUNCH First: Keke’s Breakfast & Cafe

First: The Venue

Second: Hamburger Mary’s

Second: paradise cove

Third: First Watch

Third: the acre orlando continued on pg. 41 |  |

Novel Idea

FAIRVILLA MEGASTORE: CENTRAL FLORIDA’S FAVORITE ADULT NOVELTY STORE

F

AIRVILLA AND ThE LGBTQ COMMUNITy hAVE sOMEThING IN COMMON: we have been open and honest about our sexuality long before the mainstream caught up. Fairvilla was established as a retail store in 1991; prior to that it was the location of an adult theater.

“It was a walk-in twin cinema and our owner Bill Murphy began showing some of the racier movies at the time,” says Debra Peterson, Fairvilla’s director of purchasing. “Then along came VHS and video rental.

He started to see the transition taking place and that motivated him into retail. The next thing you know we have one of the largest big box retail stores that caters to adults in the country.”

Fairvilla has six locations throughout the state.

“We have the flagship store on OBT, one on I-Drive, one in Cape Canaveral, one in Key West and then we

have two bouquet stores —one in Kissimmee and one in Caliente Resort,” says Jacki Mick, Fairvilla’s social media manager.

Fairvilla is a multiple WAVE Award winner and a favorite among our readers, and it isn’t hard to see why: the community knows they are accepted here.

“The goal of Fairvilla has been to create an environment that is open and accepting to everyone,” Peterson says. “That means men and women, couples and singles, LGBT and straight. That’s what we have tried to do since the beginning.”

“We are so appreciative of our community support year after year,” Mick says. “Part of our goal is to be a resource for our community for anyone and that is something we strive to be every single day of the year.” —Jeremy Williams

Proud Team

ORLANDO PRIDE SOCCER: CENTRAL FLORIDA’S FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ SPORTS LEAGUE/ORGANIZATION

I

F yOU WANT TO KNOW hOW MANy MEMBERs OF ThE LGBTQ COMMUNITy support Orlando Pride soccer all you need do is check out the backs of our cars. Affixed to our bumpers— next to our yellow and blue HRC equal sign— you will see the Orlando Pride magnet.

The purple and light blue logo featuring the famous Lake Eola fountain can be found throughout the city. Sure, it is usually side-by-side with Orlando City Soccer’s purple and yellow lion shield, but when the ballots were counted it was the women’s team that had our readers busting with pride–maybe next year, boys.

Orlando Pride, Florida’s first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, was the 10th team added to the league and got their start in the 2016

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

season. Their positive impact on the community was immediate.

Thanks to fans who came out in droves to see them, Orlando Pride holds the record for the largest attendance in NWSL history as 23,403 Central Floridians packed the Orlando Citrus Bowl to witness their home team win their inaugural game.

The love of soccer in Orlando, not only by the LGBTQ community but by the city at large, has led the City Beautiful to be addressed by another nickname, the “Soccer Capital of the South.” Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer thinks this may have something to do with the Orlando Pride’s name.

“I love the name plays off the pride of lions,” Mayor Dyer said to Watermark in 2016. “Also, a sense of pride in your city, and then, of course, gay pride.” —Jeremy Williams

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vieWpoint columnist

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|  | WAVE Awards 2018 from pg.39

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: LATE NIGHT DINING First: Pom Pom’s Teahouse & sandwicheria Second: Santiago’s Bodega Third: IHop

FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ (FRIENDLY) CHEF OR CATERER First: Chef Kevin Fonzo Second: trina Gregoryprobst - Se7enBites Third: Michael thomas John Michael’s exquisite Weddings and catering

FAVORITE LOCAL HOTEL/B&B First: Aloft Orlando Downtown Second: parliament House Third: eo Inn

FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB/BAR First: Parliament house Second: Southern nights Third: Stonewall Bar

FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRIENDLY STRAIGHT BAR/CLUB

FAVORITE HOST FOR KARAOKE, TRIVIA OR BINGO First: Miss sammy, Twisted sister’s Bingo at hamburger Mary’s Second: doug Ba’aser, trivia at Hamburger Mary’s

First: Dr. Phillips center for the Performing Arts

First: Derek Keister, Parliament house’s Bear Den Second: taylor Bulloch, Stonewall Bar Third: Michael Fender, Stonewall bar

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: DRAG

Third: Savoy

Second: the abbey Third: the Venue

FAVORITE ADULT NOVELTY STORE First: Fairvilla Megastore Second: Mojoman Swimwear & clothing Third: Barcodes orlando

Second: Miss Sammy

FAVORITE STAYCATION SPOT

Third: lacie Browning

First: cocoa Beach

First: Darcel stevens

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: STAGE First: Blue star Second: Gidget Galore Third: Michael Wanzie

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMER: MUSICIAN First: Taylor Bulloch Third: kaleigh Baker

Second: Stonewall Bar

Third: Justin Warmoth - WkMG

FAVORITE LOCAL BARTENDER/SERVER

Second: Independent Bar

First: The hammered Lamb

Second: Matt austin - WkMG

FAVORITE LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

Second: central Florida Sounds of Freedom

FAVORITE LGBTQ HAPPY HOUR

First: Jorge Estevez - WFTV

Third: lacie Browning, rupaul’s drag race Viewing party at Stonewall Bar

First: ember Third: the Social

FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS ANCHOR

FAVORITE LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY First: Jim Philips The Philips Phile on realradio 104.1 Second: Sondra rae Johnny’s House on Xl106.7 Third: Moira - the philips phile on realradio 104.1

Second: Universal orlando resort Third: Walt disney World

FAVORITE PLACE TO PICK UP A WATERMARK First: Parliament house Second: Stonewall Bar Third: orlando Immunology center

WHO SHOULD BE ON THE COVER OF WATERMARK’S WAVES ISSUE? First: edwin DeJesus, Medical Director for Orlando Immunology center Second: Buddy dyer, orlando Mayor Third: lacie Browning, central Florida drag Queen

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Fit and Fearless

ROCK HARD FITNESS: CENTRAL FLORIDA’S FAVORITE FITNESS CENTER

L

et’s be honest, most people hate working out. Sure there are those friends of ours who love to feel the burn and can’t wait to tell you that it’s leg day, but for the average person gym time is the most dreaded time of the day.

Within the LGBTQ community, that dread may have as much to do with the environment as it does with actually having to sweat and lift heavy objects. The folks at Rock Hard Fitness know this.

“We’ve heard horror stories of other gyms making people feel intimated and uncomfortable,” says owner Max Dunley about the LGBTQ community coming to Rock Hard Fitness. “Being honest, they come here because we’re not douche bags.”

Dunley and his partner Jennifer Mae started Rock Hard Fitness in 2013. Thanks to their open and accepting environment as a gym for everyone, it quickly evolved into the go-to place for the LGBTQ community.

“When it comes to clients from the LGBTQ community we have the philosophy of ‘we care, but we don’t care,” Dunley says. “We don’t care how you identify on the spectrum, but we care about and support the community.”

Rock Hard Fitness doesn’t just talk the talk; they have walked the walk by hosting several charity boot camps supporting organizations such as Zebra Coalition, Second Harvest and Freedom Ride.

Dunley and Mae’s charitable contributions aren’t the only reason the community has embraced their gym. Rock Hard Fitness is able to do something that the chain gyms just can’t do: they know your name.

“When people ask me about membership numbers I can’t really say because I don’t keep track like that,” Dunley says. “[Hypothetically] I can say our system has a thousand active members. What I can tell you are the names of those people who are coming to which class; and we can see who isn’t coming to class or hasn’t been back in a while. So then I run and text them ‘Where you been?’ and “Is everything ok?’ We don’t focus on membership numbers, we focus on our people.” —Jeremy Williams

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arts and entertainment

Photo by ReNee McVety

SYREETA BANKS LEADS

DREAMGIRLS TO THE VENICE THEATER

F

ryan Williams-Jent

OR ACTREss syREETA BANKs,

appearing courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association in the Venice Theatre’s new production of Dreamgirls, the lead role of Effie White is a family affair.

Banks’ earliest memories of the theater stem from her mother’s production of the same Tony and Academy Award winning musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 1981.

Since then, it’s launched revivals, tours and a 2006 feature film, captivating audiences on the silver screen and stage alike.

Watermark spoke with Banks about the Venice Theatre’s new production, what Effie means to the LGBTQ community and being compared to “two famous

Jennifers,” namely Holiday and Hudson.

WATERMARK: WHAT DREW

YOU TO A LIFE IN THE THEATER?

syreeta BanKs: I’ve always wanted to be a singer.

I also wanted to be the first African-American singing astronaut. But as I got older, it took me a while to really realize that I had enough talent to do anything mainstream. I would

continued on pg. 47 |  |

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|  | Dreamgirls from pg.45

always sing in private growing up… my mom would hear me all the time.

My mom is actually the one who introduced theater to me and my brother. She has been doing community theater for well over 20 years. Dreamgirls was actually the first show that I remember her doing where I actually got involved as far as helping her learn her lines and choreography.

What Was that liKe?

I would go to rehearsals with her sometimes and we would listen to the Broadway soundtrack in the car. It was always on while she was doing the show. So that was the one I just remember really learning, and I would go watch her and be like wow, this is really cool. everyone loves a diva, But What do you thinK draWs the lgBtQ community TO DREAMGIRLS?

Effie is always a fuller-figured black woman. She represents strength. I feel like we all like a little bit of sass. Effie’s also sensitive. And the fact that she was played by Jennifer Holiday initially, this amazing, killer, powerful voice. “and i am telling you i’m not going” is iconic.

That song was written specifically for her. It’s a song of hurt, of pain, of despair. Almost like a sense of insecurity too. It almost depends on how you interpret it.

You can sing it so many different kinds of ways.

It’s a big song; it’s a larger-than-life song. There are a lot of times where I’m sure that we’ve wanted to say to someone, especially in the LGBTQ community, “you can judge me, you can feel whatever kind of way. But I’m telling you that I’m not going, I’m here to stay, and I’m gonna show you that you’re gonna love me.” You know what I mean? It’s an anthem.

It’s a statement – it’s a powerful statement, so that in itself is what draws a lot of people to that song.

It gives them courage to say some of the things that they wish they could say but can’t. is that What draWs you to her?

Oh my god, Effie. I have been anxious over this role for the past

LADy IN RED: Syreeta banks commands the stage in Dreamgirls, with Ish Harris at the piano. Banks appears courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association. Photo by ReNee McVety year. The song is such an iconic song and it’s been done by two Jennifer’s who have the most amazing voices. I thought, “people are gonna compare me.”

It’s a hard song to sing night after night. So much emotion goes into that song. I think that’s another thing that draws the LGBTQ community to that song. It’s like, “if I’m too much for you, I can’t be myself? This is who I am, but you’re trying to stifle me.”

All of that was daunting.

Effie is everything that I am and everything that I’m not. And what helped me embrace Effie, I see instances where she is sensitive and she is loving. She just wants to be loved and she wants the best for herself and her friends.

She’s tender.

What’s your favorite moment in the shoW?

When she sings “I Am Changing.”

This is my theme song right now.

When she realizes that she can’t do this by herself and needs

a support system… she needs people to let her know that she is enough, that she can do this. That she can be successful.

She recognizes her own power, but in a different light. She doesn’t use her power to put people down or suppress people, she uses it to overcome. That’s what I like about her, too. She overcame all of that hurt and pain.

We spoKe With the venice theatre’s director of diversity Kristopher geddie aBout increasing diversity onstage in the area. Why do you feel representation is so important?

I’m glad that Kris is the director of diversity and that they made a position for that. Being in Sarasota, it is a predominantly white area, the artistic community is unfortunately predominantly white.

We have a lot of minorities who are here but don’t get the same opportunities to showcase their talents because of the types

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of shows that are traditionally done in the area.

There’s always talk about “color blind casting” in the theater world, but this is a predominantly white area and a lot of the people who sponsor shows have a lot of say as to what types of shows go in. And of course they’re not going to want to see a black Hello Dolly… anything that isn’t traditional or goes against the grain.

So it’s very important to have shows that offer more diversity, because it shows people that there are other shows out there that can be just as good and just as meaningful. It shows them that there’s a pool of talent that hasn’t even been tapped into.

Why do you thinK live theater is so important right noW?

Live theater is just that: it’s live. It’s in the moment, it’s in your face, it’s right there. Any type of emotion or any type of feeling or overall theme can be

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

felt instantaneously as you’re watching these actors pour into their characters to tell a story.

Anything can happen in live theater – wardrobe malfunctions, technical difficulties, all of those types of things which add to that magic. It allows you to improvise, to be present.

That’s what I love about it.

In that moment, on that stage, underneath those lights, you are in the character and that character is in you and you are telling a story.

Film and television don’t necessarily offer you that. You can get take after take after take. In theater, there are no second takes; there are no do-overs. It’s just a reminder for everyone to just be present and be involved in the moment that you’re in: take it all in and enjoy the experience.

You can fall in love with Syreeta Banks in Dreamgirls now through March 18 at the Venice Theatre. For tickets or more information, call 941-488-1115 or visit venicestage.com.

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theater

To a nunnery

Musical sensation Nunsense A-men comes to the Winter Park Playhouse

TOTAL NUNSENSE: (clockwise from bottom center) David Michael Green, Ryan Corridoni, Michael Scott Ross, Victor Souffrant, and Shawn Kilgore don their habits for Winter Park Playhouse’s Nunsense A-men.

Photo by Taylor Glore

A

Randa Griffin and Jeremy Williams

nyone who has spent time at a

parochial school run by Catholic fathers and sisters, where the halls are filled with the Holy Spirit and the faculty are covered in habits, know one thing for certain: nuns are hilarious.

Before Whoopi Goldberg played a showgirl-turned-nun in Sister Act and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and before Sister Rose and Sister Blanche started collecting lingerie for needy sexy people in an episode of The Golden Girls, Dan Goggin had created the hilarious musical comedy Nunsense.

Nunsense begins with the Little Sisters of Hoboken discovering that their cook has accidently poisoned and killed all but five of the sisters, and then the hilarious scenarios follow.

The original production opened Off-Broadway in 1985 and was an

instant hit, running for more than 3,500 performances and becoming the second longest running Off-Broadway show in history.

Nunsense has since become a phenomenon being performed all over world in 21 different languages; and has spawned six sequels, three spin-offs and a series being adapted for television.

One of the incarnations, an all-male version of the hit show called Nunsense A-men, comes to the Winter Park Playhouse March 16 - April 21 with an all-gay male cast. The show is directed by the Playhouse’s artistic director, Roy Allen, and the music

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is directed by the theater’s musical director, Christopher Leavy.

The show stars David Michael Green, Ryan Corridoni, Michael Scott Ross, Victor Souffrant and Shawn Kilgore as the surviving nuns.

“The Little Sisters of Hoboken have had a small tragedy back at the convent,” says Green. Green plays the Mother Superior, Sister Mary Regina.

“It seems that their sister Julia, Child of God, served some bad vichyssoise soup, and unfortunately 52 of the sisters die instantly of botulism.”

As the sisters prepare for the burial of the dead sisters, they run into an issue.

“Through our greeting card company we were able to bury 48 of the sisters,” Green says. “Unfortunately, for reasons we won’t go into, we ran out of money. [Spoiler alert: Mother Superior spent it on a flat screen television!] So we put the last four dead nuns in the freezer and are holding a fundraiser to raise the funds to bury them.”

Even though the show appears to be filled with death and religion, it is very much a comedy.

“It’s definitely just a campy, feel good musical,” says Corridoni who plays Sister Mary Leo. “People can come out, relax and have a good time and forget their troubles.”

While the show features an all-male cast dressed as female nuns, the show is played as straight, so to speak.

“The thing about the show is we know these are men playing the nuns, but we should be approaching it from a place of sincerity,” Kilgore, who plays Sister Robert Anne, says. “It’s not a drag show.” Green agrees.

“I’m not playing a woman who is playing a nun. I’m playing Sister Mary Regina, that’s the role,” Green says. “To be honest, I’m probably closer to that than I am to Harry MacAfee, married father of two. Either way I’m acting and it’s just what my intention is. I’m not acting like a woman acting like a nun, I’m Mother Superior.”

For those too young to know, Green’s MacAfee reference is to a character in the classic musical Bye Bye Birdie. MacAfee is a portrayal of your typical 1950-era “family man” type.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

Nunsense A-men originated in Brazil before transferring to New York in 1998. The show not only features more than a dozen songs, but also requires a bit of fancy footwork from the actors.

“In this role there is some dancing involved so that is definitely something I have an up on,” says Kilgore, who sports a dance background.

Green has a different outlook. “I’ll just jump ahead to what I see coming and say the choreography [will be a challenge].

Watermark sat down with the cast during the first week of rehearsals.

We asked what other challenges they were looking forward to taking on in this show.

“The songs are very wordy and I think that’s going to be a challenge because if you miss one word, you’re done. It’s hard to jump back in,” says Ross, who plays Sister Mary Amnesia.

“All the tunes are original to Nunsense A-men, but there is a number in this show that wasn’t in the original,” Kilgore says. “So none of us had heard it before. I think that’s something we struggled with the most so far.”

The new number comes from Nunsense: The Mega-Musical Version, a remake of the original featuring additional songs, lines and characters.

The cast is a mix of familiar faces (Ross, Souffrant and Kilgore have performed in past Playhouse shows) and veteran actors new to the Playhouse stage.

“I’ve done several shows here before,” says Souffrant, who plays Sister Mary Hubert. “I came in, sang in a really high key, and then two days later they called me and were like we want to offer you this. It’s always nice because it’s like home here; it’s really fun.”

Even though this is the first time the cast will appear on stage together you wouldn’t know it upon meeting them. They interact and play off each other in normal conversation as if they are old bandmates coming back together for a reunion concert.

“When you have only five people in a cast like we do, compared to a bigger musical with an ensemble, it’s a little different,” Corridoni says. “I think you become tighter quicker and more like family.”

Nunsense A-men plays on select days March 16 - April 21. Ticket prices are $42 evenings, $39 senior evenings, $32 matinees, $20 previews, $15 student and theatrical industry professionals. For more tickets and information call the box office at 407-645-0145 or visit online at WinterParkPlayhouse.org.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

community calendar

event planner

aRtS+enteRtainment

central florida

central florida

Pride Fund Orlando reception

Watermark’s WaVe awards 2018 - central Florida, March 9, Celebration Gardens, Winter Park.

407-481-2243; Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL DilF orlando Underwear/ Jock Party, March 9, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com Devil Wears Prada: The Dragsical, March 10, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; SouthernNightsORL.com comedy Showcase at the Starlite lounge, March 13, Savoy, Orlando.

407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com Jason Mraz, March 13, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillispCenter.org Sunset at the Zoo, March 15, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Sanford. 407-323-4450; CentralFloridaZoo.org intuited Flux, March 15, CityArts Factory, Orlando. 407-648-7060; OrlandoSlice.com/Groups/ CityArtsFactory erin go bear, March 16, Bear Dean at Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com the Vegan gala, March 17, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Dan Rather: What Unites Us, March 17, Hard Rock Live, Orlando. 407-351-5483; HardRockLive.com/Live/Locations/ Orlando Upscale latin Night: aMoR, March 17, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StoneWallOrlando.com orlando ballet presents arcadian broad’s Beauty & the Beast, March 17-18, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-839-0119; DrPhillipsCenter.org Fifth harmony, March 18, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando. 407-363-8000; UniversalOrlando.com

WEDNEsDAy, MARCh 14, 6:00-9:00 P.M. ThE ABBEy, ORLANDO

gold

Join the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence at their Orlando reception at The Abbey as it looks to bring together the community to fight for change this election year.

The event will feature speakers including Pride Fund founder Jason Lindsay, board member Laly SantiagoLeon and candidate for Florida House District 47 Anna Eskamani. General admission starts at $50 per ticket. For more information visit PrideFund.org.

Glitter Ball 2018 FRIDAy, MARCh 16, 11:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M. sTONEWALL BAR, ORLANDO

mcdonald

Gays on the Move present Glitter Ball: Fetish Dance Party at Stonewall Bar Orlando. Glitter Ball takes you through a whole new journey from darkness into glitter and glow! Abandon your worries and get lost in a wild realm of vibrant colors, glowing lights and glistening muscle. The night will feature a fetish gear contest, drink specials and a 50/50 raffle Presale tickets are $5 or $10 at the door. Proceeds help to support the Miracle of Love organization. Visit StoneWallOrlando.com for more information.

Legendary Broadway performer audra McDonald brings her golden voice to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on March 13 and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota March 14. Photo coURteSy aUDRaMcDoNalD.Net

balance tampa bay March Service, March 10, Metro Community Center, Tampa. 813-232-3808; BalanceTampaBay.org

Waitress, March 2025, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillispCenter.org

TAMPA BAY Watermark’s WaVe awards 2018 - tampa bay, March 8, Hamburger Mary’s Ybor, Tampa.

813-655-9890; Facebook.com/ WatermarkFL tampa bay Pride band presents Music & arts Festival, March 9, HCC Ybor City Performing Arts Building, Tampa. 813-922-5449; TampaBayPrideBand.com big bounce america, March 9, Keystone Park, Odessa. (813) 264-3819; TheBigBounceAmerica.com Spring eggstravaganza, March 10, Westfield Citrus Park Mall, Tampa. TampaBay. CityMomsBlog.com

audra McDonald, March 13, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.

727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com Seafood & Sweets Festival, March 16, Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg. 813-720-7060; GulfToBayFla.org The Hunchback of Notre Dame, March 16, Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa. (813) 922-8167; CarrollWoodCenter.org Manatee Pride Festival, March 17, Bradenton Riverwalk, Bradenton.

941-357-0111; ManateePride.com Jason Mraz, March 17, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.

727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com tiffany, March 18, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

TAMPA BAY

goo goo Dolls, March 18, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 1-813-884-4386; BuschGardens.com The Bodyguard, March 20-25, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org the art of Women, March 21, American Legion Seminole Post 111, Tampa. 813-610-3132; ReneeWarmack Productions.com

sarasota

step Out Tampa Bay’s Kick-off Celebration sATURDAy, MARCh 10, 2:00 P.M. DANCE EXCELLENCE BALLROOM, OLDsMAR Are you one of those who–no matter where you go–the rhythm is gonna get you? Well, we have an event for you. Step Out Tampa Bay kicks off its six-week Dance Social March 10 with instruction for same-sex dancing.

Partners are not required and beginners are encouraged to attend. $30 per class with 10 percent off if you register for all six weeks. For reservations call 877-TWIRLME.

Planned Parenthood Dinner & Silent auction, March 8, Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. 941-567-3800; MyPlannedParenthood.org Fruitville grove berry Festival, March 10, Fruitville Grove Farm Market, Sarasota. 941-377-0896; FruitvilleGrove.com audra McDonald, March 14, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

Balance Tampa Bay’s March social ThURsDAy, MARCh 22, 6:00-8:00 P.M. MARy’s PUB hOUsE, TAMPA Join Balance Tampa Bay at Mary’s Pub House in Ybor City for its March social. Come out to socialize, mingle and network with one of the premier philanthropic organizations in Tampa Bay. As always complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available. For more information on Balance Tampa Bay’s work and events visit BalanceTampaBay.org.

51

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© THE BODYGUARD (UK) LTD. Designed by DEWYNTERS

STARRING

overheard

TAMPA BAY out+aBout

florida’s a-care-ium

T

hE FLORIDA AQUARIUM, IN CONJUNCTION WITh ThE TAMPA POLICE DEPARTMENT (TPD) and the City of Tampa, announced March 1 that it had officially been named as a safe space for victims of hate crimes and harassment in the city’s Safe Place Initiative.

“Life is vibrant and unique, and The Florida Aquarium is strongly committed to fostering and celebrating our planet’s diversity. Providing a safe refuge for community members across our diverse Tampa Bay region and beyond, we will always stand on the side of inclusion and justice,” the aquarium’s president and CEO Roger Germann’s statement reads. “We’re honored to be designated as a Safe Place by the Tampa Police Department as everyone is always welcome at The Florida Aquarium.”

The initiative exists to ensure “the safety of all residents and visitors regardless of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability,” TPD says. They further note their commitment to “tackling crimes that target specific demographics that are at a higher risk to be victimized.”

The Florida Aquarium now displays the rainbow-colored Safe Place decal on its entrance in an effort to relay to victims that the location is “willing to assist and protect” them. TPD provided the location’s staff with free training on how to assist victims of attempted hate crimes or harassment, instructing them to direct individuals to the aquarium’s police officer on duty or to call 911. When the aquarium is closed, a security office can be reached via an intercom located by the double glass doors located to the left of the main entrance.

For more information about the Safe Place Initiative or the Florida Aquarium, visit tampagov. net/police/safe-place or flaquarium.org.

not so BroKen pageant

T

hE FIFTh ANNUAL ChARITy PAGEANT MIss BROKEN sLUT was held on Feb. 25 at Quench Lounge, raising a total of $1,828 for Metro Wellness and Community Centers after the Sawmill Camping Resort donated a generous $1,275.

Nine contestants vied for the 2018 title, with Veronica Vixen claiming the crown. The queens were judged on presentation, creative evening wear, question and answer and their chosen talent. Unlike most pageants, however, tips are factored into the equation—and those tips go right back to the community.

Tampa Bay residents Luke Miller and Darnell Bradley created the pageant in 2013 at the Broken Tusk as a turnabout show. “We have kept it going because we enjoy helping out the community and supporting local organizations that support our community,” Miller says.

Since its founding, he also notes, the pageant has raised $12,503 for Metro. Keep it up, ladies.

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GALA GREATs: Florida House District 69 candidate Jennifer Webb (L) and Susan lee enjoy Equality Florida’s Tampa Gala on Feb. 24. Photo by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

2

ALMOsT ThERE: imani Valentino channels her best Princess Tiana in the Miss Broken Slut 2018 pageant at Quench Lounge on Feb. 25. Photo by

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RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

3

GOLDEN GAL: Fresh Fridays winner teMonet strikes a pose ahead of her win at Enigma on Feb. 23. Photo

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

4

ThE WATER’s FINE: Jason (L) and Stephen enjoy an evening dip at the Flamingo Resort on Feb. 27. Photo

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

5

MEN ‘N MEAD: charles, christian, Mike and Joel (L-R) share a birthday brew at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival’s Time Traveler’s weekend on March 3. Photo

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

6

DOWN UNDhER: Attendees of the inaugural Underherground event at Iberian Rooster show their support on Feb. 28. Photo

6

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

7

FUN IN ThE sUN: John, Jet, edgar, Pepper, Jesse, Manne and carlos (L-R) step and repeat at the Flamingo Resort on March 4. Photo

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

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TAsTy: alex (L) and kevin sample some of St. Pete’s best offerings during this year’s Taste of Pride at the Coliseum on March 3. Photo

8

by RyaN WilliaMS-JeNt

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

53

175+ FILMS. 10 DAYS. PASSES AND PACKAGES ON SALE NOW

APRIL 6-15

VISIT FLORIDAFILMFESTIVAL.COM

The Florida Film Festival is presented by Enzian, Central Florida’s full-time, not-for-profit alterative cinema, which seeks to entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film.

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overheard

central florida out+aBout

food games

A

s WE WERE PULLING TOGEThER OUR ANNUAL WAVE AWARDs IssUE we couldn’t help but notice that the owner of one of our multiple award-winning eateries is getting some national attention.

Pom Moongauklang of the delectable Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria in Orlando’s Milk District is going to appear on the Food Network series Guy’s Grocery Games starring Guy Fieri.

Quick side note: Is there any sandwich out there better than Pom Pom’s Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving sandwich? If you answered anything but hell no then you haven’t tasted one yet and you need to go get one now!

Guy’s Grocery Games is a cooking-themed game show hosted by the Flavortown mayor himself Guy Fieri as he pits four chefs against each other in a three-round elimination contest. The episode Pom will appear on, appropriately enough, is titled “Sandwich Showdown.”

According to FoodNetwork.com’s episode synopsis: “Guy Fieri has invited four top sandwich makers to Flavortown to see who can deliver under the pressure,” promising a “surprise ending that will go down as a first in GGG history!”

Pom, along with the other three sandwich specialists, will be judged by Flavortown’s own board of experts including Zane Caplansky, Rocco DiSpirito, Damaris Phillips and Guy Fieri himself.

The episode airs on the Food Network Sunday March 11 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

2

WillKommen im garten

T

hE GARDEN ThEATRE, A CENTRAL FLORIDA LANDMARK, got its start in 1935 bringing those new fangled talkie films to Central Florida. After it closed in 1963, and spent some time as a farm supply store, the theater was restored and reopened in Feb. 2008 to bring live theater to the area.

Three years before the Garden Theatre was originally built, Broadway legend Joel Grey was born. Now after more than 80 years the theater and the legend came together to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Garden Theatre’s restoration.

After being wined and dined with champagne and an array of hors d’oeuvres that included grilled shrimp attached to plastic droppers filled with margaritas (thank you Puff ‘n Stuff catering!), and an opening act that featured performers belting out songs from past Garden Theatre hits like Annie, Bonnie & Clyde and La Cage aux Folles, the headliner hit the stage.

Mr. Grey came out and charmed the audience with stories of Hollywood and Broadway, and then got up and performed songs from a couple of his biggest Broadway hits—Chicago and Cabaret.

Even as he’s approaching 86 years old, Broadway’s legendary Emcee hasn’t lost that wit and charm that earned him not only the Tony Award but also the Oscar, and he put on one hell of a show.

Danke mein Herr.

4

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TEACh Us hOW TO DOUGIE: Hamburger Mary’s Orlando was packed with Doug Ba’aser supporters as they helped to bid him a fond farewell at his final Trivia Night Feb. 28. Photo by

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JeReMy WilliaMS

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INTERN COMMUNICATION: (L-R) Sherri absher, Tom yaegers and kellie Parkin take some time to learn all about interns at Canvas Downtown in Orlando March 1. Photo by JeReMy WilliaMS

3

WhO ARE yOU WEARING?: (L-R) brian cole, tony tripoli, Joan Rivers (played by Joe Posa) and christoffer lang talk red carpet madness at the Parliament House’s The Bitch is Back March 3. Photo by JaSoN DoNNelly

4

LITTLE GIRLs: Melissa S. hussein (L) makes nice with orphanage owner Miss Hannigan (played by cami Miller) at the Garden Theatre’s 10-year anniversary in Winter garden March 3. Photo by

JeReMy WilliaMS

hOUsE PARTy: (L-R) Jerick Mediavilla, holly Strout and bob azzarito mingle at Equality Florida’s Greater Orlando Spring Florida Council Member Mixer in Orlando March 1. Photo by JeReMy WilliaMS

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POLTICAL LEADER: State House Rep. carlos guillermo Smith listens to survivors of the Pulse shooting at a Central Florida roundtable on gun control in Orlando March 3. Photo by JeReMy WilliaMS

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COMMUNITy VOICEs: Congressman Darren Soto (center) meets with members of the LGBTQ community for a roundtable discussion at the Osceola County Commissioner Building Feb. 23. Photo by JeReMy WilliaMS

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CAJUN sIsTERs: The Orlando Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—(L-R) Sister adora bearswood, Sister Donna chernobyl, Sister laura N. testins, Postulant kitten Purrrito, Sister Freshly Popped cherry blossom, Novice guard chase De beaver and Novice Sister amanda bonya—celebrate Mardi Gras at Parliament House March 3. Photo by JaSoN DoNNelly

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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55

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

announcements

Wedding Bells

ConGRatulationS

Peter Mitchel and Tyler turcotte

Veronica Vixen took the crown in 2018’s Ms. Broken Slut pageant benefitting Metro Wellness & Community Centers on Feb. 25.

from Lake Wales, Florida

enGaGement date:

CondolenCeS

november 6, 2016

Former Orlando entertainer Sybil ann Storm passed away Feb. 26 after her battle with cancer. Sybil had made her home in Arlington, Texas and performed out of Dallas.

weddinG date:

loCal biRthdayS

october 31, 2017

deCoR:

Feathers topping a white Eiffel tower vase

ColoRS:

orange, purple, white, black

weddinG SonG and aRtiSt:

“You and I,” by Michael Bublé

attiRe vendoRS:

nick’s For Men

Cake bakeRy:

cakes by rosie

Cake flavoRS:

amaretto with dulce de leche, Bavarian crème and strawberry cheesecake fillings.

theme:

Masquerade

photoGRapheR/ videoGRapheR:

Sommer Billeadeaux

Photo by SoMMeR billeaDeaUX

T

hEME-PARK AFICIONADOs PETER

and Tyler started their fairy-tale ‘happily ever after’ with a little help from Chip ‘n Dale.

When Peter and Tyler met via the gay dating app Scruff, they were both getting out of long-term relationships and were focusing on getting their lives back on track. Just a year and change later, they’d be saying “I do” at a masquerade-themed Halloween wedding.

Peter had just moved back to Lake Wales from Asheville, N.C., to manage the housekeeping staff at Legoland Hotel, “I waited about a year before I joined a couple of gay dating sites to see what and who was out there since I do not frequent the club scenes,” he says.

Tyler, originally from Tampa, was in a similar frame of mind. “I sent thoughts out into the universe for what I would want in a partner.

I believe that if there was a greater plan for me, this is what I would want. I mean, I wasn’t getting any younger,” he says.

Peter sent the initial contact, and Tyler reciprocated. After talking online and on the phone for several hours, Peter and Tyler decided to hit up Busch Gardens together the following weekend.

Their mutual love of theme parks is what initially attracted Peter to Tyler’s dating profile. “The rest is history,” says Peter. Tyler concurs, “We spent the whole weekend together. Everything just fell into place.”

Tyler loves how Peter can make a person feel special just with a look. “His smile and eyes always say everything he’s thinking. We have a true connection,” he says of Peter. “I really liked his sense of humor,” says Peter. “He is so young at heart and has a loving nature.” Peter specifically loved that every time they’d watch a Disney movie together, Tyler would want to sing every song. “I adore his ability to scare me when I least expect it. He’ll put a fake snake in the mailbox, and then I’ll put it in the washing machine to get him back,” says Tyler. Their playful natures have suited them well in overcoming life’s challenges.

After nine months, they decided they were the perfect fit.

“We never argued and we always see eye-to-eye in our decisions,” says Tyler. “The day I proposed

to Peter, there was no hesitation.”

Because of their shared love of Disney, Tyler decided there was no better way than with a character proposal. “I knew how much he liked Chip ‘n Dale, so after getting all the character meet and greet information I took Peter to Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom, where I knew the chipmunks would be,” says Tyler. “We got plenty of pictures, thanks to the Disney photographers. After the proposal we were approached by a Disney cast member with Chip n Dale dolls from the park and “Happily Ever After” buttons to wear.”

On the day of the wedding, Peter’s favorite moment was having his mother walk him down the aisle and seeing his father at the table.

Since the wedding, Tyler and Peter feel their bond has grown stronger. “It’s a great feeling to say he’s my husband,” says Tyler.

Peter and Tyler anticipate that many readers might think this is an unbelievable story – it’s just too easy! Tyler says, “But if you are truly honest with each other and hide no secrets, your life can be a truly happy and inspiring one.”

Orlando actor erik branch, psychologist eric Muenks (March 8); St. Pete mail carrier Derek Wilkins, Southern Nights bartender cathy binkewicz (March 9); Halcyon singer/songwriter Deb hunseder, Tampa Bay counselor blake Williamson, Gulfport beauty caitlyn DeWitt, St. Pete Councilwoman gina Driscoll, Biz Buzz Inc’s bryant Dannic (March 10); O-Town actor kevin kelly, activist ally Margo Dixon, artist terry hummel, Outfront Media’s Don kiciena Jr., Dunedin dentist Mike hopkins, St. Pete Pride’s D. chrys bundy-brennan, former Doggie Door co-owner Jeff brow (March 11); performer “Lady Siren” Shena lollar (March 12); Tampa muscle man Danny Watson, Orlando Hamburger Mary’s co-owner John Paonessa, former Footlight Theatre Director tim evanicki, former LGBT Welcome Center Director larry biddle (March 13); Largo bartender Mitch Demmons, Tampa event planner tim thompson, Orlando softball superstar Mary Johnson, Ember bartender Ramon hernandez (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche, The Center Orlando’s terry Decarlo, activist Scott Wall-DeSousa, St. Petersburg legal assistant bobby Poth, Hogwarts-bound bobby Dixon, prince of positivity Paul bradford (March 15); Publix public relations’ chris McNally (March 16); St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve kornell, skincare genius tabor Winstead, Talkin’ Pets co-host Jon Patrick (March 17); Ember bartender brian kabbash (March 18); massage therapist terrell Ray, St. Pete Pride volunteer Dale crocker, Pinellas Sheriff deputy becca Riley Storozuk, ABM Orlando’s Sheila block (March 19); former Tampa animal expert Scott lope, Sarasota County Health Department’s Sue Westcott, The Philips Phile’s Moira, Tampa performer Stephanie Shippae, Hyde Park Antiques owner Randy Strebing, Naked Singing Boy William bruce (March 20); Bowled Over Promotions’ lisa brown, Homosassa hotelier Robert bruno (March 21).

do you have an announCement? havinG a biRthday oR anniveRSaRy? did you Get a new Job oR pRomotion?

See your news in Watermark! Send your announcement to editor@Watermarkonline.com or go to Watermarkonline.com/Submit-a-transition.

—Holly Kapherr Alejos

it’S that eaSy!

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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Read It Online!

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

Celebrating 10 years of LGBT Primary Care

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 25 years Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk counties

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

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the last page

Photo by Jake SteVeNS

rick Claggett oWner /pUBlISHer /edItor

aGe: 43

hometown:

Watermark founder tom dyer

identifieS aS:

autobioGRaphy title:

orlando, Florida

Gay

1991

out yeaR:

Boy Meets Morals.

Boy Loses Morals.

Boy Regains Morals.

hiRe date:

hobbieS:

02/28/2002

62

O

pRofeSSional Role model:

ThER ThAN FOUNDER TOM

Dyer, there is no other person more synonymous with the Watermark name than current owner/publisher/editor Rick Claggett.

Rick recently entered his 16th year with Watermark turning his love for Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ communities into his life’s passion of telling their stories, but that wasn’t the direction he originally saw his life moving.

“Honestly, I just needed a job,” Rick says. “I had moved down from New York City after 9/11 and didn’t work for a month or so. I was bored out of my mind and was lucky to see an ad for an administrative assistant at Watermark.”

Before Rick moved back to Orlando, the city he grew up in, he was living a typical gay dream of moving to New York City and making it big, and he certainly did that.

Rick can regale you with stories of how he wrapped presents as Joan Rivers’ personal assistant; or how he worked with Ricki Lake on her hit ‘90s talk show; or his days of being a production assistant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire with Regis Philbin.

But none of those stories carry the same passion as when he talks about his time at Watermark and his time in the community.

“Without a doubt my favorite thing about working at Watermark is the community,” Rick says. “I feel a deep connection to this community. I came out at a pretty young age for the ‘90s and this community helped guide me through it. Working at Watermark and being able to pay that forward is a tremendous honor.”

One person Rick credits for helping to make him into the person and community leader he is today is his mentor, Tom Dyer.

Softball, movies, pugs

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Ma rch 8 - M a rch 21, 2018 // Issue 25.05

“Tom is definitely my professional role model,” he says. “I am in awe of his ability to defuse a situation. He is a perfect mediator. No matter the situation, he can get the two parties to sit down and work it out and I have always admired that about him.

Everything that I know about this job I have learned from him. He’s a pretty amazing guy.”

Along with his many duties as owner, publisher and editor of Watermark, Rick frequently contributes a Publisher’s Desk column to the magazine. In it he has been very open and candid about his struggles with alcohol. “[The column] is kind of self-serving in a sense. If I write in my article, that people share and read, that I’m an alcoholic then I’m accountable to that. But that is a very minor part,” he says. “I feel like there are a lot of people in our community who share that struggle, so I wanted to put the story out there. I talk about it openly because one day somebody might read that and think that relates to them.”

Just as Tom did for him, Rick too is a mentor to many here at Watermark and in the community. When asked what advice mentor Rick would give to his younger self, he says: “Learn who you are and love who you are as soon as possible. The rest will just fall into place. Oh, and don’t drink. It doesn’t look good on you.”

Watermark is the collective product of a team of incredibly hardworking individuals. Over the next series of issues, we’re using this space to introduce each member of our staff and contributors to you. When you see us out and about in the community, stop and say, “Hello.”

We’d love to meet you.

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63

I choose to live life with a purpose.

I was fanatical about getting regular mammograms, because both my mother and grandmother had breast cancer. In March 2016, I went for my annual mammogram at Orlando Health, and that was the beginning of my cancer journey.

From the valet attendants to the front desk staff to the nurses and techs to the doctors — their encouragement gave me the strength to make it through. In fact, my medical oncologist, Dr. Nikita Shah’s first words to me were, “We’re going to get through this together.” At Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center, that is the care, support, encouragement and expertise that I received, from the very first minute.

The experience has changed my life in such a positive way; I’m doing more, enjoying more and making plans for living my life to the fullest and with purpose.

I am Paige Tracy and I choose Orlando Health.

ChooseOrlandoHealth.com/Paige