Watermark Issue 25.08: Caribbean Queens

Go beyond gay cruises in two LGBTQ-friendly Caribbean cultural hotspots— the island of Curacao and the Mexican Caribbean coast.

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.

TVDC0166_PrEP_B_9-25x10-1_Watermark_Runner_p1.indd 1-2

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

t -1

al, h a

rt

o

or

e

he

I’m active, not unaware.

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

8/2/17 2:19 PM

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

3

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. TVDC0166 08/17

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Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

deparTmenTs 7 // puBlisHer’s desk 8 // cenTral flOrida news 10 // Tampa Bay news 12 // sTaTe news 15// naTiOn & wOrld news 21 // Talking pOinTs 43 // cOmmuniTy calendar 45 // Tampa Bay OuT + aBOuT 47 // cenTral flOrida OuT + aBOuT 48 // Tampa Bay markeTplace 49 // wedding Bells/ annOuncemenTs 50 // cenTral flOrida markeTplace 54 // lasT page

PAGE

17

The numbers of new HiV infections for youth in Florida continue to be some of the worst in the country.

What obstacles are preventing our youth from getting prevention services, testing, and treatment?

—NathaN bruemmer iN hiS lateSt “KeepiNg it real” columN

On THe cOver

PAGE On THe fringe:

31

PAGE CARIBBEAN

23

QUEENS: Go beyond

gay cruises in two LGBTQ-friendly Caribbean cultural hotspots—the island of Curacao and the Mexican Caribbean coast.

scan Qr cOde fOr

waTermarkOnline.cOm

The Tampa International Fringe Festival is set to kick off its sophomore season after a successful first year in Ybor City.

waTermark i ssue 25.08 //apri l 19 - may 2, 2018

granTing wisHes

l(gBTQ)inkedin

THe Tender acTivisT

Hall Of fame

PAGE The Contigo Fund gives a grant to The Center to help in opening a second location in Kissimmee.

PAGE St. Petersburg entrepreneur Dennis Velco launches global LGBTQ professional networking site OutBüro.

PAGE

PAGE

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

08

10

Contributor Scottie Campbell reflects on his 20 years of writing for Watermark in his latest column.

19

Todrick Hall talks about his new album “Forbidden” ahead of his show at The Plaza Live in Orlando.

37

folloW us on TWITTer and InsTaGram aT @WaTermarkonlIne and lIke us on faCebook. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

5

celebrate the power and beauty of diversity

MORE INFO ONLINE AT

www.stpetepride.com 6

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

contributors

Publisher’s

Rick Claggett PUblisher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

haven’t always loved my job.

Who loves anything all of the time? Even a parent who loves their child might want to slap them “into the middle of next week” occasionally. So I hear. I don’t have children, but I have adorable dogs that drive me crazy as much as they warm my heart.

I remember I was at a low point in 2004 with my career at Watermark. The repetition of an administrative assistant position with a local niche newspaper was taking its toll on me. I was young, stupid and combative. Up to this point, I never held a job for more than a year and a half and I was currently over two years at Watermark. I was starting to get antsy, so I looked for another job.

Walt Disney World accepted me to their entertainment team as a production assistant and I took

a few days off at Watermark to enroll in the Disney training class known as Traditions. The only thing left to do was put in my notice and leave.

The day I decided to announce my departure, I was outside throwing away trash when then-owner Tom Dyer approached me. He asked me how things were going, a conversation he and I had never had as I was very quiet and non-communicative back then. Tom then went on to say

watermark staff

that he had high hopes for me at Watermark. He couldn’t say when exactly, but he saw me rising through the ranks and he had hoped I was as excited about that prospect as he was. I didn’t end up taking that job at Disney, and I have never regretted that decision. I’m not sure I ever told Tom that I had that job offer, or that I had planned on leaving.

His words that day changed the course of my life.

We’ve had other low points since then. Watermark is truly a family inside these walls and it hurts to lose people, whether it be layoffs from a recession, career changes or—in a handful of situations— unexpected passings.

I bring up the struggles and low points because it helps me appreciate the high ones. Right now, Watermark is definitely on a high! Word is slowly getting around that we are working on a documentary to tell the story of the journey of the rich and courageous history of LGBTQ life in Central Florida—a project I have been wanting to do since watching our community come together in the face of horrific tragedy.

In addition to the documentary, I couldn’t be happier to announce that Watermark has just opened an office in the Grand Central District of St. Pete. We are sandwiched somewhere in between Queen’s Head and Punky’s and we couldn’t be more proud to reside in an area that means so much to the LGBTQ community. Watermark has been part of Tampa Bay for nearly 24 years, and now we have a home here.

I have also taken a huge leap to expand my personal stake in

Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer Tom@WatermarkOnline.com

Multimedia Assistant: Melody Maia Monet Ext. 100 • Maia@WatermarkOnline.com

Orlando Account Manager: Dillan Ramirez Ext. 105 • Dillan@WatermarkOnline.com

Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett Ext. 110 • Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

Art Director: Jake Stevens Ext. 109 • Jake@WatermarkOnline.com

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Debbie Reeves Ext. 301 • Debbie@WatermarkOnline.com

Business Manager: Kathleen Harper Ext. 101 • Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell

Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin Ext. 303 • Russ@WatermarkOnline.com

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams Ext. 106 • Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent Ext. 302 • Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Sales Director: Danny Garcia Ext. 108 • Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan Ext. 103 • Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Nat’l Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Tampa Bay as a resident of Old Northeast. My goal is to split my time between Orlando and St. Pete, growing as much as the Sunshine City itself. To my Orlando family, don’t worry.

I will still be here with you. To my Tampa Bay family, I look forward to being an active member in our community and I am excited to get to know you all better.

We have some great stories for you in this issue of Watermark. Holly V. Kapherr takes you on a tour of two LGBTQ-friendly Caribbean

Watermark is truly a family inside these walls and it hurts to lose people.

vacation spots in our In Depth section. Central Florida news digs into a lawsuit filed by some Pulse survivors, and we take a look at the new LGBT+ Center in Kissimmee. In Tampa Bay, we introduce the local who launched OutBuro that connects LGBTQ businesses, and we congratulate USF on their first Lavender Graduation Ceremony.

In entertainment, intern Randa Griffin interviews Todrick Hall and Ryan Williams-Jent gives you the LGBTQs of Tampa Fringe. Our last page features Scottie Campbell who celebrates his 20-year affiliation with Watermark this issue.

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

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

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

Nathan Bruemmer

is Watermark’s newest columnist.

He was recently named one of Tampa Bay’s Most Remarkable People for his advocacy on youth issues as the Executive Director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota. Page 17

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 19

Holly V. Kapherr

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 23, 49

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

pulse sHOOTing survivOrs sue gOOgle, faceBOOk, TwiTTer fOr ‘prOviding suppOrT and resOurces TO isis’ Jeremy Williams

o

RlaNdo | Sixteen survivors from the June 12, 2016, massacre at Pulse Orlando filed a federal lawsuit in the Middle District Court of Florida April 4 against Google, Facebook and Twitter asserting the online media titans provided “material support” to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly referred to as ISIS. The 122-page lawsuit states the plaintiffs are seeking damages against the three companies “for aiding, abetting, and knowingly providing support and resources to ISIS, the notorious designated foreign terrorist organization that carried out the June 12, 2016, terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 innocent civilians and wounded some 53 others.” The lawsuit goes on to list the 16 plaintiffs.

The lawsuit claims the companies are in violation of both the Antiterrorism Act (ATA) and the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).

“The expansion and success of ISIS is in large part due to its use of the defendants’ social media platforms to promote and carry out its terrorist activities,” the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit further claims that Google, Facebook and Twitter have “knowingly and recklessly” provided ISIS with social media accounts on their platforms “as a tool for spreading extremist propaganda, raising funds and attracting new recruits” for several years.

“This material support has been instrumental to the rise of ISIS and has enabled it to carry out, or cause to be carried out, numerous terrorist attacks,” the lawsuit states.

Examples of ISIS propaganda are listed within the lawsuit, including more than 30 images of Twitter accounts, Facebook profiles and YouTube video screenshots filled with pro-ISIS information.

“ISIS, in particular, embraced and used Google’s YouTube platform and services as a powerful tool for terrorism,” the suit reads.

The lawsuit continues, stating that YouTube not only assisted by providing support and resources but that they also profited from the ISIS content through ad revenue.

“The video was created by ISIS and was posted by ISIS using a known ISIS account... the poster complied with YouTube’s terms and conditions, as did YouTube. Thus, YouTube shared revenue with ISIS, the creator and poster of the video,” the suit reads.

The lawsuit goes on to say that “by providing financial support to ISIS, Google contributed to the Orlando attack.”

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages in amounts to be determined at trial; treble damages; any and all costs sustained in connection with the prosecution, including attorneys’ fees; and an order declaring the defendants violated, and continue to violate, the ATA.

8

aN eXpaNdiNg ceNter: The LGBT+ Center Orlando expands to a second location to be located in Kissimmee, Fla.

PhOtO By JEREMy WIllIaMS

expansion Grant The Contigo Fund helps The Center Orlando to open second location in Kissimmee Jeremy Williams

o

rlaNdo | The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc.’s board of directors announced April 6 that they will be expanding into Osceola County with an LGBT+ Center in Kissimmee.

The new expansion is a result of a donation from the Contigo Fund — an organization that emerged in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy to financially support groups working to heal, educate and empower Pulse-affected communities. Program Director Marco Antonio Quiroga said, in a press release, the Contigo Fund recognizes the road to recovery for the survivors continues, and will continue for years to come.

“We commend The Center Orlando for their remarkable leadership in the immediate recovery,” Quiroga said. “An expansion of LGBTQ services and community spaces in Osceola County to support the predominantly Puerto Rican underserved community which half of the Pulse victims called home we see as critical to our mission.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

The Contigo Fund has awarded over $1 million in grants to 27 organizations since the Pulse tragedy in June 2016. The efforts being supported vary and range from fighting mental health stigma in the LGBTQ community and communities of color to building bridges between LGBTQ individuals and communities of faith to expanding LGBTQ services in Osceola County. This expansion led to The Center’s grant in the amount of $26,148, which will go a long way to helping meet The Center’s fundraising goal of $75,000.

“It is our goal to raise an additional $40,000 over the next few months so we may open a fully operational Center serving the greater Osceola area, and in particular, the Latinx community,” said The Center’s Executive Director George Wallace.

A website has been established to help raise the additional funds.

“I am so excited to share with you the goal to expand services of The Center Orlando into Osceola County,” Wallace states in a letter posted on the website. “In the first quarter of 2018, nearly 30 percent

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

of people who utilized our free HIV and Hepatitis C screenings call Osceola County their home. It is obvious that services are needed in and around Kissimmee.”

The board has yet to announce a location for the new center, which they anticipate will be open by Aug. 1, but have said that it will house free HIV and Hepatitis C testing, local support groups, a cyber center and counseling services.

As The Center prepares for the creation of its next location, the Contigo Fund is also looking to the future.

“Recognizing the important movement created by March for Our Lives, Contigo is preparing to release an open application from our rapid response fund for groups in Orlando to apply for grassroots organizing grants focused on efforts led by Pulse-affected communities—particularly queer youth, Black and Latinx queer and transgender communities of color — to build on the intersectional movement to end gun, intimate and policing violence against marginalized communities,” the organization said in a press release.

For more information on the efforts of the Contigo Fund, to make a contribution or to apply for one of the grants, visit ContigoFund.org.

To make a donation to the LGBT+ Center in Kissimmee and keep up with the progress of the new site, visit TheCenterOrlando. org/Kissimmee.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

9

tampa bay news

usf HOlds inaugural lavender graduaTiOn HOnOring lgBTQ sTudenTs Ryan Williams-Jent

t

ampa | The University of South Florida (USF) held its first Lavender Graduation ceremony on April 9 to honor students within the LGBTQ community and their allies.

Lavender Graduations are an annual ceremony designed to acknowledge the achievements and contributions that LGBTQ students and allies have made to their respective universities. They were created in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a lesbian, after she was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her children due to her sexual orientation.

Over 150 undergraduate and graduate students, USF staff members and community members gathered at the USF Alumni Center’s Traditions Hall to attend the inaugural ceremony. It honored 39 students and featured a keynote address from Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s director of transgender equality.

“This event is important for so many reasons, but most of all [because it] visibly recognizes the impacts and successes that our LGBTQ+ students have made during their time at the University,” event organizer and USF’s LGBTQ+ Initiative Coordinator Maria Merrill says.

“Many times LGBTQ+ students can feel that their identities are invisible and this is a wonderful way to celebrate them and their identities as they prepare to graduate and create change throughout the world,” she continues. “At the event, the graduates received a rainbow stole which they will be able to wear at USF’s official commencement events which will continue to bring visibility to their identities.”

Merill says that USF’s Committee on Issues of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, led by co-chairs Amanda Tritsch and Leia Cain, has grown over recent years to increase fundraising and planning for events like the Lavender Graduation. She credits USF’s Development Officer for Diversity Initiatives Luz Randolph as “a driving force in the planning, execution, and success of this program.”

The committee utilized its networks to market the event to all USF students via social media, with specific marketing to LGBTQ student organizations on USF’s main, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.

Interested students were able to register online and were automatically approved to attend.

“Today I got to celebrate in a room with all of my closest friends, who have been working alongside of me to create a better campus for not only the LGBTQ+ community, but all people on campus,” graduating senior PrinOcea told USF’s news outlet. “We all got to scream for each other and celebrate each other.

It meant the world to me to be able to celebrate this special day with my chosen family.”

For more information about USF and its commitment to LGBTQ equality, visit usf.edu.

10

eQual eNterpriSe:

Founder Dennis Velco says OutBüro will help people find companies where they’re comfortable being themselves.

PhOtO COuRtESy DEnnIS VElCO

equality Entrepreneur Out local launches global LGBTQ professional networking site Ryan Williams-Jent

S

t. peterSburg | Out entrepreneur and local resident Dennis Velco launched OutBüro (outburo.com) on April 3, a global and professional networking website focusing on the LGBTQ community.

“It’s a bit of a mash-up,” Velco says of his creation. “OutBüro is similar to LinkedIn and it’s similar to a couple other websites, with a huge focus on GlassDoor.com. Every single person can join the website around the world and create a profile, begin networking with other people, join groups [and] add your resume to the job portal.”

Velco says that to his knowledge, OutBüro is the only LGBTQ job portal which also features a resume repository.

“Recruiters, when they join the site, can search that database to receive active candidates,” he says.

“But also proactively search those passive candidates as well. The best time to look for a job is when it comes searching for you, right?”

Users are given the option to utilize OutBüro’s review system, which “empowers every LGBTQ person to add their current and past

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

employers, if not already present,” the start-up’s press release reads.

“OutBüro is open to all company sizes from the small local business to Fortune 100. OutBüro’s Company Rating directory is worldwide. No matter where an LGBTQ person lives and works they can have a voice in praising their employer or offering constructive feedback to be a catalyst for change.”

Should a user review a former or current employer, they’re required to indicate if the company offers a sexual orientation non-discrimination policy, a gender identity non-discrimination policy, domestic partner benefits, support for LGBTQ equality on the global scale should it operate internationally, competency in LGBTQ inclusion, a public commitment to LGBTQ equality and if it requires similar policies for its contractors and/or vendors.

Companies may also claim their listing to verify their accuracy.

“Just having a policy does not indicate the true culture of a company,” Velco says. “Having domestic partner benefits is wonderful but it’s not enough.

That is where OutBüro’s company reviews are stepping in. We want to

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

have praise; we want people to rate companies high. We also want that candid and constructive feedback.”

OutBüro offers free and premium memberships and since its launch has drawn hundreds of members.

The OutBüro-branded LinkedIn group created by Velco 10 years ago, now serving as an extension of the new website, currently has 47,000.

“Eventually, OutBüro’s website is going to eclipse and surpass the OutBüro LinkedIn group,” Velco asserts. “[The] website is specifically for LGBTQ people… LinkedIn is still viewed as not. It has a lot more flexibility and features for you, in addition to a growing list of interested corporations who are actively recruiting LGBTQ people.”

Velco says that it’s more difficult for employers to find members of the LGBTQ community on websites like LinkedIn. “It’s not easy,” he notes.

“So this provides one more source of visibility to recruiters actively seeking you as an LGBTQ person and helps you stand out, as opposed to on LinkedIn where you’re mashed in with millions and millions of our heterosexual friends.”

“This is going to be a resource for people to find companies where they can be comfortable in being themselves,” Velco says.

“That’s powerful, that’s absolutely powerful…and that is why OutBüro is so different.”

For more information about the free and premium membership levels of OutBüro or to join the website as a jobseeker or recruiter, visit outburo.com.

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11

state news

gainesville firsT nOrTH flOrida ciTy TO Ban cOnversiOn THerapy

suspecTed miami pride aTTackers cHarged

Jeremy Williams

Ryan Williams-Jent

g

aiNeSVille, fla. | Gainesville became the first city in north Florida to ban conversion therapy for minors April 5 when the Gainesville City Commission unanimously voted to outlaw the practice.

The ordinance will “prohibit licensed professionals from engaging in counseling efforts, practices or treatments with the goal to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

The new ban will not restrict practitioners who offer conversion therapy to anyone over the age of 18 and does not prevent religious leaders from recommending minors seek conversion therapy outside of the city limits in places that do not have a ban.

“It’s a bit serendipitous that there is nowhere else in North Central

m

iami | The four men charged with aggravated assault for attacking two gay men during Miami Pride have been released from jail and may face additional charges of a hate crime.

Miami Beach ABC affiliate 10 News reports that the four men have been identified as Juan C. Lopez, Adonis Diaz, Pablo Reinaldo Romo-Figueroa and Luis Alonso-Piovet. The suspects surrendered to Miami Beach police on April 10 and face charges of felony aggravated assault for brutally attacking Dimitri Lugonov and Rene Chalarca during the annual event.

“Police said the state attorney’s office will decide whether the men will face a hate crime enhancement in addition to the existing charges,” the outlet notes.

According to The Miami Herald, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle advised via Twitter that the area’s Hate Crimes Unit will be evaluating the attack and has been working with Miami Beach police.

The Herald notes that “if the attackers are charged with a hate crime they could face a more serious penalty.”

Florida that has taken action.

But I’m hopeful that Gainesville is leading the way as an ally,” Alexander Chaves, LGBTQ affairs director for Student Government at the University of Florida, said to Gainesville’s local PBS station WUFT. Equality Florida took to Facebook after the vote to congratulate the city of Gainesville and to thank the people who helped get the ban passed.

“We are so grateful to Gainesville’s City Commission, local advocate Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, and all the LGBTQ champions and allies who made this unanimous victory possible. Click ‘LIKE’ to join us in celebrating this huge victory in support of LGBTQ youth! #BornPerfect,” the LGBTQ organization posted.

Gainesville becomes the 20th city, county or municipality to ban conversion therapy in the state of

Florida, and only the second outside of South Florida. Tampa became the first non-southern area of the state to ban the controversial practice in April 2017.

In December 2017, the anti-LGBTQ group known as Liberty Counsel filed a suit against the city of Tampa for banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors, citing a violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Florida has more local bans on conversion therapy than any other state without passing a statewide ban. Washington became the 11th state last month to ban the practice, joining Connecticut, California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico and Rhode Island. The District of Columbia also has a ban in place.

Two more states may be joining that list as the statehouses for Maryland and New Hampshire have approved bills that would ban conversion therapy. It remains to be seen whether the measures will pass in their respective senates or if the governor of each state will sign it into law.

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nation+world news

illinOis senaTe plan wOuld include lgBT HisTOry in scHOOls Wire Report

S

priNgfield, ill. | Illinois senators advanced a plan requiring public schools to teach a unit on the role and societal contributions of gays, lesbians and other LGBT individuals.

The Senate Education Committee endorsed the measure 8-2 on Tuesday after a House committee approved a nearly identical version of the plan. If enacted, Illinois would become just the second state to approve an LGBT inclusive curriculum.

“People learn about Jane Addams, for example, but don’t know she’s a lesbian,” said Brian Johnson, CEO of the LGBT organization Equality Illinois. “We don’t think there is true justice for the LGBT community unless we can learn about our history.”

The proposal requires all elementary and high schools to teach a unit studying “the role and

WE

contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.”

Sen. Heather Steans, the measure’s sponsor, said: “People need to see their history to understand that they are a part of our society.”

The measure would also have schools use more inclusive and “non-discriminatory” textbooks going forward.

Johnson said the measure is consistent with current law, which requires students learn the contributions of other under-represented groups, including African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian-Americans.

School boards would determine how much instructional time is spent on the subject. But the curriculum must reinforce that all people, no matter their sexual orientation, “have a right to be treated with civil, legal and human rights.”

LOVE the

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Conservative groups have taken issue with the measure, calling it unnecessary and ideologically driven.

“The left’s motive is what it always is: it is to normalize homosexuality,” said Laurie Higgins with the Illinois Family Institute, a Christian organization.

Higgins said upper-level high school students can learn about LGBT issues, but only if schools also present dissenting voices and why some groups oppose what she called “the homosexual movement.”

Johnson noted that LGBT kids are aware of those who hold negative views about their sexuality. He said the legislation is meant to counteract the negativity LGBT students face on a daily basis and give them the chance to learn about their history and find role models. He added that learning about diversity is an important part of education for all students.

“We think all students are better off when we teach them the full breadth of history,” he said. “It makes them more likely to understand that a diverse cast has contributed to our society.”

Trinidad and TOBagO sOdOmy law sTruck dOwn Rachel Espinet of The Washington Blade COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBT MEDIA ASSOCIATION

p

ort of SpaiN, triNidad aNd tobago | Same-sex sexual activity is no longer illegal in Trinidad and Tobago as the country’s High Court deemed the homophobic colonial clause unconstitutional April 12.

Justice Devindra Rampersad delivered his ruling between Jason Jones and the country’s attorney general. Jones, an activist, was suing the state for the removal of Sections 13 and 16 of the country’s Sexual Offenses Act. Regardless of consent, Section 13 criminalizes sodomy, between a man and a woman, and between two men.

Sodomy carried a maximum sentence of 25 years. Section 16 criminalizes acts of “serious indecency” which are defined as acts arousing the genital organs for sexual gratification.

Heterosexual consenting adults, however, were exempted from serious indecency when committed in private, but between persons of the same sex were not.

The colonial laws were not enforced in the country, and no one has been charged for committing these offenses in recent times.

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

viewpoint

Nathan Bruemmer

keeping it real

S

No, it’s not over yet o, how many days

until summer vacation? After spring break all across this nation, this is one “critical” question most middle and high school students would probably get right.

While kids beam with pride when they recite the exact number of days, parents across this nation fall back into shock and awe that another school year is about to end.

Why aren’t we asking our youth a truly critical question—Do you know about HIV and AIDS? April 10th is National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. This year we celebrate the fifth annual observance of a day created to educate about the impacts of HIV and AIDS on youth. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses were in young people aged 13-24 years, but only 10 percent of high school students have ever been tested for HIV. That means there is a significant gap between those who have it and those who know they have it. Without knowledge, you cannot prevent transmission. But where do our youth get their education on HIV and AIDS? We must all step into the critical role of promoting the health of our youth. We need to be talking about HIV and AIDS more. We need to be talking about it regularly.

Youth need to get educated about HIV and AIDS, parents should be talking to their children and, yes, schools should also promote the health of our youth.

But the numbers tell us this is not happening because the numbers of new HIV infections for youth in Florida continue to be some of the worst in the country. What obstacles are preventing our youth from getting prevention services, testing, and treatment?

We can’t know if families are really talking

about it, but we know health education is taught within our schools.

However, it varies wildly from state to state, district to district and school to school. Information about sexually transmitted diseases or HIV and AIDS is not uniformly presented.

Public health experts and parents have been asking the same question for years: Is preventative education starting early enough?

Most would say no, and many of the lessons on prevention don’t include

Slim to none. There’s always the internet to fill the gap.

While it’s not ideal, there is some great information available if you know where to go. Two great resources include HIV.gov and AdvocatesForYouth.org.

Inadequate sex education is the first of many hurdles our youth are facing in preventing HIV and AIDS transmission. The 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlighted several additional hurdles including low testing rates among high school students, substance

talk about it? How they try to protect themselves? How does this impact LGBT youth who are just beginning to explore their sexuality and are confronted by homophobia or transphobia?

We must proactively remove the stigma.

There are 1,000 new HIV cases among youth each month; 1,000 new infections of an entirely preventable virus. Perhaps we are too far removed from the AIDS hysteria of the 1980s and 1990s.

Perhaps we’ve forgotten

information specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender youth.

If a district’s health education curriculum isn’t complete, where else could our youth be getting their information on HIV and AIDS? Some districts invite youth serving organizations to provide the education once a year, but other districts teach “abstinence-only” health education. In other words, they teach nothing. If the parents aren’t talking about, the schools aren’t talking about, and the youth don’t want to talk about HIV and AIDS because of the stigma—what chance is there the youth will learn what they need to know?

abuse and low rates of condom use. LGBT youth who are feeling isolated, lack support or are experiencing violence may end up in mental distress or engaging in risky behaviors that are associated with getting HIV. While we work on preventing the bullying, on ending the discrimination, we must also work on prevention.

Additionally, the stigma around HIV is pervasive in this country and our youth know it. In the 2012 Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 84 percent of youth aged 15 to 24 said they know there is stigma around HIV in the United States. How does that stigma impact how youth see HIV and AIDS? How they

the three Ray brothers who weren’t allowed to go to school in Florida. Perhaps we’ve forgotten Ryan White.

Perhaps we’ve forgotten the hatred and the vitriol.

Perhaps we’ve forgotten the passion and dedication of the healthcare workers who selflessly did all they could to care for so many who were isolated and publicly rejected. That passion from the past must be channeled today to turn the tide of new infections of HIV and AIDS. As we look ahead to wrapping up another school year, let’s not forget that the fight against the spread of HIV is not over yet. Maybe next year will be the year.

We must all step into the critical role of promoting the health of our youth. We need to be talking about HIV and AIDS more.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

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activist Two decades

I

’ve been fortunate in

my life to have deep relationships and friendships. I’m the kind of guy who reflects on the significance of people in my life, what I’ve learned from them, what we’ve learned from each other. So it is not without consideration that I say the person who has made the deepest impact on me was Sidney Vincent Chase.

That’s not because Sid was my first true love, though there is that sweet reality. It is because in the fall of 1997, just a few days shy of his 30th birthday, Sid sealed himself up in a garage and asphyxiated himself on the fumes of a Jeep Cherokee. He was found a couple of days later by a friend of the family; it was her garage, he had been living with her. It was terrible.

The note he left behind was addressed to me; the weight of being the recipient has never left me.

I inherited clothing, furniture, miscellaneous other goods per the note’s instructions. There was some money left behind, too. For a long time, I created a false reality of independence, freedom, and success using that (actually humble) inheritance.

The truth is this experience broke me. It was one of those challenges in life that get thrown at all of us that remain a measure of who we are as a human being. There is the fact that I survived and there is my own culpability. We were in a youthful break-up-separation-stage, I was being headstrong about not recoupling. I was his person. The undercurrent of the aforementioned delusions was that I believed I was a murderer; this belief, though

weak these days, still subtly whispers through my cells and challenges my peace.

All of this seems necessary to bring up because this issue marks my 20th year of writing for Watermark. It was in the immediate aftermath of Sid’s suicide that I met Tom Dyer, Watermark’s founder. Some misguided person recommended me for Watermark’s annual “Catches” issue (being selected only helped to fan the flames of my “on my way” delusions) and Tom did the interview. That was the start of a friendship that continues to this day and, shortly thereafter, I finagled my first assignment for Watermark: an interview with Larry Kramer. Fuck. Me. To prove my skills as a writer, I gave Tom a cassette of the WPRK radio version of my play Sidneyrella, a gay Cinderella story I wrote in college (other than the inspiration for the name, the play was not about Sid).

Tom listened to the tape on a plane trip to Vail, if memory serves, and apparently laughed to the distraction of the other passengers.

I would later learn that it isn’t that hard to make Tom laugh and his unique laugh always gets attention, but my “audition” worked.

Watermark has been my most consistent outlet for scribbling over the past 20 years, and has afforded me opportunities that I don’t think I would have had otherwise. There are too many memories to fit into my word count, but here are a couple: Being snapped at

by Harvey Fierstein at the beginning of our interview for asking about his voice, then meeting him later, “If I’d known you were so cute, I wouldn’t have snapped at you.” Asking Rufus Wainwright if he would date someone who was HIV+, with self-serving intentions; Rufus Wainwright crushing my heart by saying he’d have to give it some thought.

(Keep in mind this was years ago when usually the

answer from guys was a solid no.) Then the be all and end all: getting to interview Eartha Kitt.

I had a lot of fun with an alter ego called Dott Comm for a while. She would cover nightlife with her well-hung sidekick, Estrella, from Orlando to Daytona to Tampa Bay and back again.

the paper, later being let go because Tom felt we didn’t see eye-to-eye on the direction of the paper.

That was a confusing time for me and a lesson to never let your job become your identity, which I had done to a large extent. In retrospect, it was a fair assessment. Throughout the

organization, never having it be my responsibility to pay people and keep the business viable. It’s unlikely to maintain a relationship for two decades and agree all the time.

It seems appropriate to end with a quote from my inaugural Watermark piece from April 1998,

Much bolder than I’ll ever be, Dott was glorious fiction, but she routinely pissed off advertisers with the unflinching truth. One year in the early 2000s, I won the WAVE for best journalist/ columnist and Dott came in second. Yes, I was pretty certain I was the shit.

For a brief time I served as assistant editor for

years I have often groused that Watermark lacks balls: the candidates endorsed are usually safe choices, local politicians are rarely called to task if they’re on our side. Similarly, criticism of businesses owned by LGBTQ or allies is avoided.

These observations are easy to make having never been in a leadership role in the

which may or may not be apropos of nothing. I asked Larry Kramer if writing “The Normal Heart” had been cathartic, he replied: “Writing is never cathartic, but it just put me in touch with my feelings.”

Watermark has been my most consistent outlet for scribbling over the past 20 years, and has afforded me opportunities that I don’t think I would have had otherwise.

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bob dylan, kesha, more remake ClassIC love sonGs for lGbTq CouPles

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ob dylaN aNd KeSha are amoNg the artiStS who have reimagined classic love songs for LGBTQ couples in MGM International Resorts’ album “Universal Love.” MGM Resorts International released the EP in response to the near 30 percent of same-sex weddings taking place in their 15 hotels in Las Vegas. Dylan turned the 1929 song “She’s Funny That Way,” into “He’s Funny That Way” and Kesha covers “I Need a Man to Love Me” by Janis Joplin turning it into “I Need a Woman to Love Me.” Sexually fluid singer St. Vincent, Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, Death Cab for Cutie lead singer Benjamin Gibbard and Valerie June also contributed songs to the album. “Universal Love” is available on iTunes, Google Play and other music streaming services.

adam rIPPon To joIn The nexT season of ‘danCInG WITh The sTars’

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neTflIx CanCels ComInG ouT dramedy ‘everyThInG suCks’

bc iS StriViNg to Keep the wiNter olympicS freNZy aliVe by casting figure skater Adam Rippon in the new all-athlete season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Rippon, who helped Team USA secure bronze at the Olympic Games, became an internet sensation for his wit in interviews and tweets.

Before he was cast, Rippon told Us Weekly he thought it would be “fun” to compete on the show. He also had an idea of who would be the best partner for him. “Somebody who can keep up with my quick whips whoever that woman may be,” Rippon said at the time. “Dancing with the Stars” premieres April 30.

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etfliX haS caNceled “eVerythiNg SucKS,” a ’90s-era teen dramedy, after only one season, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The series focused on a group of outcast teens, one group in an AV club and the other in drama club, in Boring, Ore. in 1996. Luke O’Neil (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) develops a crush on the principal’s daughter Kate Messner (Peyton Kennedy) but Kate finds herself having feelings for drama student Emaline Addario (Sydney Sweeney). Cast members and fans of the show aren’t giving up hope. They’ve taken to social media to rally for Netflix to grant the series a second season.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

jay-z says he CrIed WITh joy When hIs moTher Came ouT

j

ay-Z got caNdid about hiS mother comiNg out to him during an interview on David Letterman’s Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.”

Gloria Carter came out to the public on Jay-Z’s track “Smile” from his latest album “4:44.” The rapper explained to Letterman that when his mother came out to him he cried tears of joy. “For her to sit in front of me and tell me ‘I think I love someone’ – I mean, I really cried,” Jay-Z says. “That’s a real story.

I cried because I was so happy for her that she was free.” Jay-Z says that while he knew his mother was gay she had never discussed her sexuality with him before.

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

CARIBBEAN Go beyond gay cruises in two lGbtQ-friendly caribbean cultural hotspots—the island of curacao and the mexican caribbean coast.

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all Irie Times and liquid sunshine, but for LGBTQ travelers, the landscape can be surprisingly unwelcoming. Because the Caribbean culture is super relaxed about other cultural mores like marijuana use, many might also assume they feel the same about sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, on many islands, this isn’t the case. The Caribbean islands still maintain a highly traditional society, especially when it comes to gender roles and religion. Gay men and women may still experience some level of discrimination on many of these tiny nations. In fact, just this year, Bermuda rescinded its previous law allowing same-sex marriage.

But there are exceptions to the rule. Curacao, an island about 40 miles north of Venezuela’s coast, is highly welcoming and accepting of a variety of lifestyles, including

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

sexual orientation. Likewise, Mexico’s unwavering dedication to hospitality no matter who requires it, makes it an ideal destination for living out loud while on vacation.

Opt for either of these two gay-friendly destinations for your summer vacay and you’ll find yourself in gorgeous surroundings full of art, culture, nightlife and history.

There are plenty of Insta-worthy moments to be had, whether you’re traveling solo, with a group or with your partner.

ConTInued on PG. 25 | uu |

23

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#4 of 709 in St Pete 254 TripAdvisor Reviews

128 3rd St South St. Petersburg, FL 727 896-8226 redmesacantina.com

Brunch • Lunch • Dinner • Late Night Live Music • Two Bars Largest Tequila Selection in the South Group Dining • Aire Fresco Bar Courtyard Dining with Fountains Sat & Sun Brunch • Sabores Ricos!

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Getting there Whether you take a cruise with Curacao as a stop, or fly into Hato International Airport, you’ll immediately find Curacao welcoming.

The airport is getting a multi-million dollar facelift and boasts a cool online platform for taking care of customs forms in advance, making long lines a thing of the past here.

The flight from Miami to the island is about two-and-a-half hours, so it’s an easy jump for a long weekend or a longer stay.

Once you’ve landed, it’s your best bet to make a bee line for the rental car counter. The island is easy to drive in and driving rules remain the same as in the United States, so an international driver’s license isn’t required. Why not just take public transportation or a taxi? You can, of course, but taxis are extremely expensive and hard to come by.

Public transportation is widely used only by locals.

Staying there

Between charming guest houses, beach resorts and rows of vacation condos, you won’t have a problem finding a place to stay. New

S

cuba divers, art aficionados and adventure

seekers alike should flock to this southern Caribbean isle. Part of the “ABC” islands and Dutch Antilles, which also includes Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao flies under the radar for most American travelers, but it shouldn’t. You’ll find exquisite art and architecture, top-class snorkeling and scuba diving, and, of course, the electric blue water and pearly white beaches for which the matching liqueur is named.

The island has always been a melting pot, mainly because it’s changed hands so many times over the centuries. Curacao was originally inhabited only by the Arawak native people, but soon Europeans arrived. Between the 1600s and 1800s, the island was colonized by the British, French and, finally, Dutch settlers. It was a slave-trading hub, so peoples from all over the world passed through the island. Once slavery was abolished by the Dutch in 1863, the melting pot remained.

properties are opening all the time, but there are a few stand-outs.

If you’re planning on spending most of your time underwater, either with a snorkel or regulator

Now, with a population of about 70,000, the people of Curacao pretty much all speak four languages: English, Dutch, Portuguese and the local dialect Papiamentu. The ethnicities are even more diverse (over 55 at last estimate), with African, Dutch, Latin American, French, south Asian, Portuguese and other ethnicities and nationalities represented.

Because of this diversity, sexual orientation isn’t a big deal. Curacaoans make it a point to show everyone love, no matter where you’re from or who you love.

in your mouth, Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites, in trendy downtown Pietermaai, is a budget-friendly and convenient spot to drop your bags and head into the waves. Each one

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

of the 28 rooms and 11 apartments is different. If you come back again, chances are you’ll find yourself in different surroundings. There’s a PADI dive center on-property, and

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

the hotel offers packages for divers with accommodations included.

Rooms start at $124 per night.

Avila Beach Hotel is a more traditional beach resort, also flaunting status as the oldest running hotel on the island. Don’t be confused, though: the modern rooms are more than spacious, and the overwater Octagon rooms are true stunners. There’s a free airport shuttle, too, making transportation to the property a breeze if you’re squeamish about renting a car. The resort’s three restaurants dish out Caribbean favorites with an Indo-Chinese flair, and there’s live Jazz several nights per week. Rooms start at $209 per night.

LGBTQ travelers will probably feel most at home at Floris Suite Hotel Curacao, home of Pride during the last week of September each year. The 71-room hotel plays host to guests from all over the world, 50 percent of whom identify as gay. If you’re looking for a party, this is the hotel to visit.

Friday nights, the Rainbow Lounge lights up with music, dancing

Continued on pg. 29 | uu |

25

ST PETE GALA Saturday, May 12, 2018 • 7pm T h e M a h a ffe y T h e at e r • 4 0 0 1 st S t re e t S o u t h

You’re Invited!

Please join us for a wonderful evening for a great cause!

This year we are honoring Studio 6 2 0 ’ s B o b D e v i n J o n e s w i t h o u r Vo i c e for Equality Award, Equality Florida Steering Committee member Alissa Hopkins with the Amy Mandel Service and Leadership award, and Ren Joseph w i l l r e c e i v e t h e Yo u t h Vo i c e f o r Equality Award. There will be delicious cuisine from Catering by the Family, the new in-house caterer of the M a h a ff e y T h e a t e r, o p e n b a r, K a h w a E s p r e s s o B a r, d a n c i n g w i t h D J F r e s h , a fantastic silent auction, a n d a S t a t e of the State address by Senior P o l i t i c a l D i r e c t o r, J o e S a u n d e r s .

PRESENTED BY

R . S .V. P. a n d p u r c h a s e t i c k e t s a t equalityflorida.org/stpetegala or call 727-822-2122 S TAT E W I D E S P O N S O R S

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. Please contact Todd Richardson at todd@equalityflorida.org or visit equalityflorida.org/stpetegala

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

All net proceeds directly benefit Equality Florida Institute, a tax exempt 501c3 non-profit organization.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN FLORIDA (1.800.435.7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH7992.

26

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Getting there The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Riviera Maya are situated, is home to 1.3 million people, many of whom work in tourism, travel and hospitality.

What this means for you: Your vacation is going to be super easy.

Starting from your nonstop flight on one of MCO’s major airlines (JetBlue flies out twice daily from Orlando to Cancun) and continuing with a transfer to your hotel, there’s no stress required.

The trip to Riviera Maya takes less than an hour, on a straight-shot road where you can watch the signs for the myriad hotels and resorts pass you by on the left until you reach your destination. Unless you plan on venturing out to Playa del Carmen and the ruins at Tulum or Chitzen Itza, you won’t need a rental car, and taxis are relatively inexpensive here. Generally, your hotel will be able to arrange any transportation you might need to the area’s attractions.

O

nly two hours away on a direct flight

from MCO, and if you’re not spending time in the Mexican Caribbean then you’re missing out on the world’s easiest international vacation for Floridians. Not only is Mexico tops for hospitality, the food, history and nightlife can’t be beat.

Riviera Maya is about 40 minutes south of its sister resort area, Cancun, and provides a more serene, romantic and nature-centric place to hang your hat on vacation. Whether you’re into Mayan ruins, nature theme parks or spending time on the water snorkeling the world’s second largest natural barrier reef, Riviera Maya is both beautiful and bold.

Staying there At last count, there were 378 hotels with a total of 38,477 hotel rooms in the Riviera Maya area.

There are more going up all the time, as this area is far less dense

LGBTQ travelers will feel right at home here. Tourism is the area’s No. 1 industry, and that encourages the largely Catholic country to make everyone feel welcome. Many of the tourism and hospitality workers are younger, as well, meaning more open to people from all walks of life.

than Cancun. Developers want to keep it that way, too. The area is home to more than 5,000 species of birds, as well as some exotic wildlife, like adorable coatis, that need preservation. Eco-minded

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

travelers will find themselves in a naturalist’s heaven.

Stay at the Fairmont Mayakoba if you can swing it.

You won’t be disappointed. The luxury resort oozes “rainforest

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chic” as part of a resort complex connected by canals, where guests can take a tour of the mangroves and spot native species of birds, reptiles and mammals. The 240-acre tropical property is a showstopper, flanked by sister properties the sleek Andaz Mayakoba and uber-romantic Rosewood Mayakoba. The starting room rate is $286 per night.

The Fairmont is certainly the most chill of the three, while still maintaining an elegant atmosphere welcoming to all. It’s a AAA five-diamond property, so you should expect the best in service, cuisine and accommodations. The Fairmont is 240 total acres, so it’s best to get from one end to the other on the complimentary bicycles provided at stations throughout the resort. Couples should take the opportunity to plant a coral

Continued on pg. 29 | uu |

27

www.NationsLandscaping.com

With our showcase waterfront, extensive transportation network, distinctive cultural corridor & historic downtown, Sanford is a vibrant city where people choose to live, work, shop and play!

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| uu | Travel: Curacao

| uu | Travel: Mexico

and free-flowing cocktails. While the hotel isn’t directly on the beach (the stunning pool and cabanas make up for this), guests of Floris have access to the Hilton’s Moomba beach club, just a short shuttle ride across the street. Rooms start at $109 per night.

in the offshore reef as a symbol of their devotion.

from pg.25

Having a ball

You’ll probably spend much of your time in Pietermaai, where Technicolor buildings just beg to be photographed. Keep your camera out, because there’s street art and picturesque landscapes around every corner. See the best of the islands major street art on a tour of the Scarloo neighborhood, which you can arrange through the Curacao tourism board.

Downtown Willemstad’s art galleries and winding shopping streets are perfect for a lazy afternoon. Make a reservation to paint your own chichi doll, one of Curacao’s most famous mascots, at Serena’s Art Factory.

Downtown nightlife is easy to find when the sun goes down. Head to Zanzibar, a toes-in-the-sand beach club on Jan Thiel beach for live music, and then stuff yourself silly with Argentinean steak and seafood at Tinto. Predictably, the wine list is impressive, so oenophiles don’t have to resort to brightly-hued cocktails unless they want to (we suggest it!).

The Willemstad nightspot Bar 27 is dedicated to major stars who passed away at that tender age, including Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, among others. Pay tribute to them with bar burgers and live music until the wee hours.

That car is going to come in handy when you want to view some of the island’s most stunning shorelines.

First, have lunch at Williburger, where the goat burgers (you read that correctly) are tops, especially slathered with a healthy slab of fresh, tangy goat cheese. Then, head to Playa Porto Mari, a hidden gem on the west coast of Curacao. Just how picturesque is it? The beach was one of the backdrops for the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Make sure to catch a selfie with resident beach pigs Willy and Woody.

Dinner at Kokomo beach club is a must for toasting the sunset with champagne or, even better, a snifter of Blue Curacao. Dine in your bathing suit, because you won’t want to miss a perfect shot on the new in-water swing set with the sun setting behind you.

from pg.27

Having a ball

Strap on your sexiest “adventure sandals” and pull on the jorts because the Riviera Maya is an adventure-seeker’s playland. First, you’ll want to head to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, and wear your bathing suit. You won’t want to miss playing in the waves at the hidden beach.

The hidden ruins, tucked away in the rainforest, were originally built between the 13th and 15th centuries and were able to survive the Spanish occupation and settlement of the area. While smaller than other Maya sites, it’s one of the best preserved. Head down the rickety stairwell to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful hidden coves.

Vendors outside the park sell plenty of refreshing treats, too, including traditional Mexican paletas (ice pops) made with two ingredients— fruit and sugar—and cups of sliced fruit sprinkled with the chili-lime seasoning Tajin.

On your way back from the ruins, stop in the cruise town of Playa del Carmen. Stroll the streets and pop into boutiques for some of the best shopping in the area. If you want to eat, though, veer off a little bit onto a narrower side street. On the main drag, you’ll find mostly large chain restaurants and Guy Fieri outposts.

Smaller restaurants, serving truly authentic eats, can be found off the beaten path, and they’re all good.

For a more relaxing way to see the Riviera Maya’s eco-tourism goldmine, head to Xcaret or Xel-Ha, theme parks dedicated to the preservation of the area’s natural beauty. Swim in a freshwater cenote, a sinkhole filled with crystal clear water; or go cave tubing through natural tunnels crusted with stalagmite and stalactites.

Ziplining, snorkeling and cultural performances are also on tap at these all-in-one attractions.

After the sun goes down, Playa del Carmen has plenty of gay-friendly nightlife. Favorite hotspots include Club 69, which is most popular on Friday and Saturday nights until 4 a.m. Other must-visit lounges include La Cueva del Maya-T, a gay strip bar, and Santanera Night Club, where the sexy outdoor terrace is home to international DJs spinning house and dance music all night.

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TAMPA

FRINGE 2018 CO-OP PAGE

Tampa International Fringe Festival Presents...

How to Stop the Empire While Keeping Your Day Job -a comedy by DM Kinch

May 4-12 at Silver Meteor Gallery 2213 E 6th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605

TICKETS $9 http://tampafringe.org/tiff/how-to-stop-the-empire-/

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arTs and enTerTaInmenT

, Y D A E R SET,

FRINGE l a u n n A 2nd

Tampa International

kicks o ff the

Fringe l a v i season Fringe Fest

t

Ryan Williams-Jent

he tampa iNterNatioNal

Fringe Festival (TIFF), Ybor’s annual 10-day performing arts festival, drew an estimated 2,500 patrons in its inaugural year. For its sophomore outing, running May 3-12, organizers are promising even more rapid-fire theater—spotlighting everything from magic shows to heavy metal musicals.

“It’s an uncensored, unjuried performing arts festival,” TIFF’s producer Trish Parry says. “When we select the shows each year we do so completely at random out of a hat. Half of the shows are from around Tampa Bay and then a

quarter of the shows are from all over the country. The last quarter of the shows are international.”

“We’re very, very excited for the second year of the festival,” TIFF’s executive producer David Jenkins of the Jobsite Theater adds. “The fact

that it’s grown to a two-weekend event after just one year shows how hungry this area is for Fringe.

We’re so pumped to welcome acts from as far away as South Africa and Japan, who join friends from right here in our own back yard!”

The second annual TIFF will feature 31 shows from a variety of genres, with six performances each that run an hour or less. “The time in-between [shows] is also much shorter, so a patron could hypothetically see four shows in one night on a weeknight. On the weekend they could pack in eight, if they were a little mad and didn’t eat. But I would recommend eating,” Parry laughs.

“You can go see your traditional theater,” she continues, “but also there’s a heavy metal musical, there

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

are two kinds of magic shows… we have stand-up for the first time, we have political drama from South Africa. There are five different venues all over Ybor and we have a central location at Gaspar’s Grotto where we’ll be providing entertainment on our opening and closing nights.”

It’s Parry’s hope that the festival is community-based. “We’ll always have an information table there and people can come hang out between shows and talk about what they’ve seen,” she says. “For me and I think for the rest of the Tampa Fringe team, we very much want [people] connecting with other people and talking about what they like, what they don’t like, and helping to create a big collective experience.”

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Tickets range from $5 to $13, with prices chosen by the artists who retain 100 percent of the funds. In lieu of the button system featured in 2017, a $3 festival support surcharge will apply to all ticket sales as recommended

by Fringe-goers last year. Fringe buttons will still be available for purchase and “for swag,” Parry says, and will earn Fringe-goers discounts at local restaurants, bars, coffee shops and more.

Of this year’s shows, Watermark has gathered four Fringe selections that feature overtly-LGBTQ themes, local thespians, familiar Fringe faces or all of the above. So without further ado: get ready, set… Fringe!

ConTInued on PG. 33 | uu |

31

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Your information is confidential, used for research purposes only.

You will not be contacted for marketing purposes.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

Proudly LGBTQ-owned and -operated A pioneer in LGBTQ research, founded in 1992 NGLCC-Certified LGBTQ Owned Business Enterprise

“The Gay Uncle Explains It All To You”

“t

he gay uNcle learNed

about life from absorbing pop, camp, gay, underground and trash culture of the ‘60s and ‘70s and now wants to share it all with you,” comedian and artist Jeffrey Robert says, warning that the show contains references to sex, drugs and disco.

“God is a Scottish Drag Queen” PresenTed by:

mike delamont (Victoria, canada) PlayInG aT:

Venue #6, the attic TICkeT PrICe:

$13 (+$3 festival support fee) Genre/lenGTh:

comedy, one Hour PerformanCes:

may 3, 7:30 p.m.; may 5, 1:30 p.m.; may 9, 10:00 p.m.; may 10, 7:30 p.m.; may 11, 11:00 p.m.; may 12, 4:30 p.m.

m

iKe delamoNt’S award-wiNNiNg

“God is a Scottish Drag Queen” is on its fifth part at the Orlando Fringe Festival, but Part 1 makes its debut at TIFF this year. The original show was created in 2011 and has since toured all across North America, Delamont says, “but I am excited to go back to part one. It’s what started it all!”

The hour-long production features God, dressed in a floral power suit, who descends from the heavens to “finally set the record straight on everything from Justin Bieber to gay marriage,” Delamont says. “It’s a fun, light and hilarious show and we have been so lucky to have, what might be, the most diverse audience in the world. From children to senior citizens, from drag queens to nuns, and everyone in between!”

“While the title might scare off a few folks,” the official synopsis reads, “those that come to see the show will see it is

far from blasphemous or sacrilegious. It is a hilarious and irreverent show that celebrates life and pokes fun at humanity and pop culture alike.”

Delamont says he adores the character of God, noting that “if you had asked me when it started if I thought that I would still be playing the same character 12 years later, I probably would have said no. We have had sold out runs at the Orlando Fringe since 2013 and I am so excited to be able to bring this show to Tampa for the first time.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

“Using brightly colored graphic novel style paintings and drawings on paper, cardboard PresenTed by: and found objects, you will be taken on a the Gay Uncle time whirlwind journey through the mind and (Seattle, Wa) experiences of a upper-middle-aged gay PlayInG aT: man which is part pop culture celebration, Venue #1, Silver part LGBT history, part personal memoir and a healthy smattering of joy, laughter and meteor Gallery a few tears,” the show’s synopsis reads.

TICkeT PrICe: Robert began performing it years ago $10 (+$3 festival when he created “The Gay Uncle Time” in support fee) Seattle, a monthly show featuring different Genre/lenGTh: themes. He says he’s “from a generation of comedic Storytelling, gay men who did not all survive and many one Hour died well before their time. There seems to PerformanCes: be a lack of connection between different may 3, 6:00 p.m.; generations of gays that has been filled with misinformation and misunderstandings.” may 4, 10:00 p.m.; He says it’s his hope that the show will may 5, 3:15 p.m.; attempt to correct that for audiences, “if may 6, 2:45 p.m.; even in the smallest of ways. The stories may 11, 11:00 p.m.; need to be told and hopefully they will be may 12, 9:00 p.m. told in a joyful, accessible and painless way. We are all more alike than we are dissimilar and we all thrive on community, laughter and love.”

“I’m looking forward to bringing it to Tampa,” Robert says. “My husband is from Tampa and will be joining me for part of the run and it will be the first time some of my in-laws will be able to come and see the show. Plus, I can’t wait to hit up La Teresita for Cuban food.”

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

33

Got Mustard?

We’ve got more weiner than we can handle.

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THE BARBER FUND HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER

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

ONE LOVE!

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

In Memory of John “Tweeka” Barber 1972 - 2011

“Field Guide to the Gays”

l

“Darren McCracken’s Big Bad Birthday Party” PresenTed by:

Starving Queen productions (St. petersburg, Fl) PlayInG aT:

Venue #5, Hcc rehearsal Hall TICkeT PrICe:

$10 (+$3 festival support fee) Genre/lenGTh:

comedy, one Hour PerformanCes:

may 4, 9:30 p.m.; may 5, 3:45 p.m.; may 6, 9:00 p.m.; may 9, 8:15 p.m.; may 10, 10:00 p.m.; may 12, 10:00 p.m.

j

oSeph alaN johNSoN’S oNe-maN Show

ogaN doNahoo iS a familiar

face in Orlando, but enthusiastically describes himself as a “Tampa Fringe virgin!”

The actor asserts that he’s been involved in over 10 award-winning productions at PresenTed by: the Orlando International Fringe Festival. logan donahoo It’s his brand of comedy and talk, stemming (orlando, Fl) from his time as an on-air DJ, improv comedian, outspoken LGBT activist and the PlayInG aT: host of various “Rocky Horror Picture Show” Venue #5, Hcc productions that have led to the success of rehearsal Hall “Field Guide to the Gays.”

TICkeT PrICe: “I’m giddy and a little nervous to be $10 (+$3 festival finally taking my shows outside of Orlando,” support fee) Donahoo says. “But like a baby bird, they Genre/lenGTh: gotta leave the nest sometime. I’m hoping comedy, Standup, the buzz about how much of a hit ‘Field Guide’ was at the Orlando Fringe will educational, bring people in.” lGbtQ, one Hour The show is officially described as “a PerformanCes: multimedia safari of queer slang, history, may 3, 9:15p.m.; subcultures and more.” It promises to offer may 4, 7:00 p.m.; Fringe-goers the chance to “learn everything may 5, 6:15 p.m.; in LGBT culture that you always wanted to may 6, 6:00 p.m.; know, but were too afraid to ask.” may 11, 6:15 p.m.; While the show first premiered in 2013, may 12, 8:30 p.m.

Donahoo notes, “there’s been so many changes to our history in the last five years alone.” He points to marriage equality and Pulse as examples, which led him to update his TIFF 2018 offering. “[I] can’t wait to unleash my take on all of that on Tampa audiences.”

“I think straight audiences actually learn a lot from my show about the gay community; there’s a lot of stuff they hear from gay friends, but don’t know how to ask. I’m here to help them with that,” Donahoo says. “And then gay audiences love laughing at ourselves. We know how we are, and when you hold a mirror up there’s a lot to laugh about—and to be proud of.”

stars Lucky Star Lounge bar manager Daniel J. Harris in the titular role of Darren McCracken, “a worldrenowned party planner and legend in his own mind.”

“Darren is reluctantly turning 50 and decides to escape and celebrate alone in the tropics,” the show’s official synopsis reads. “In one hilarious, alcohol-fueled evening, he confronts his past, present and future, hoping to make peace with his demons.”

Harris says that Johnson, a local playwright and actor himself, “decided five years ago that he wanted to write a one-man show for me, with me in mind as being the actor. He wrote it thinking that the show’s got legs so I could take it on the road real easily.: shove a set in the back of a minivan and go do a show.”

“It’s a trip,” Harris adds. “Sadly there’s not much more I can tell you without giving things away. It’s a rollercoaster, it’s a comedy, it used to be a musical.”

While he’s performed the show in the past, Harris notes, participation in this year’s TIFF is his first Fringe experience.

“My hope is to take this all the way to the mother of all Fringe festivals,” he says.

“This one’s a lot of fun. It’s a little bit based on Joseph’s life and then I get to throw some flare into it,” Harris beams.

“We’ve worked together for so long he knows what I do when I get up there.

It’s a hoot.”

The second annual Tampa International Fringe Festival will be held May 3-12 at various locations throughout Ybor City. For more information about purchasing tickets, TIFF venues, TIFF events or for a full schedule of shows and show times visit TampaFringe.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

music

Independent Hall

Todrick Hall opens up his forbidden side for his new album and tour which was “The Nutcracker Ballet.”

I was blown away by it. I thought it was so cool! I had never seen scenery and special effects live on stage; and the costumes, fog machines, lights and just the entire energy of the people sitting in the theater, clapping and watching. I just was completely blown away by the entire thing and I knew at that moment that I would love to do something like that.

I didn’t know that I had the chops to be able to do it, but I knew it was something that really fascinated me and intrigued me. So I started taking dance classes and started being introduced to other forms of entertainment: Broadway, theme parks, cruise ships and world tours.

I just started making it my priority to get as much information and training as I possibly could.

You’ve been performing for a few years, but your career has really taken off recently. How would you say your life has changed in the past five years?

(above)

hall’s on top:

Todrick Hall’s latest album, “Fodbidden,” debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes pop charts.

Photos courtesy TodrickHall.com

T

Randa Griffin

odrick Hall’s rise to fame has

not slowed down since he first appeared on season 9 of “American Idol,” where he made it all the way to the semi-finals. He has established himself as an influential force in every aspect of performing, showcasing his talents for singing, dancing, theater and choreography on his YouTube channel—which currently has nearly 3 million subscribers—and his sold-out performances around the world. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Hall released his latest album “Forbidden” in March and is taking his talent back on the road in his new show “Todrick Hall American: The Forbidden Tour.” Watermark spoke to Hall about his rapidly changing career, his impact on his LGBTQ fans and his plans to win a “grand slam,” in show business.

Watermark: How did you get started performing?

Todrick Hall: Well I started performing at 8 years old. I was in the gifted and talented program and my aunt took me to see my first show,

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

My life has changed drastically.

I’ve been able to do things I never thought I’d be able to. I’ve been able to travel to places I’ve never been able to afford to travel to and meet people in exotic places who don’t even speak my language, but know the lyrics to my songs and whose lives have been changed by videos I’ve made on YouTube. It’s really been so eye-opening and I’ve been able to provide things for my family I never thought I’d be able to and just live a much more comfortable life. I came from a very poor family in Texas and I’ve gotten to rub elbows and become close friends, and cohorts, with people who I’ve looked up to for so long. I never thought I’d be friends with Taylor Swift or working for Beyoncé, or doing things with Disney, or having Raven-Symoné or Brandy in my videos. But now, these people are not just doing my videos, they’re volunteering their time in my projects, and that to me was like the coolest thing in the world.

You have worked on numerous unique projects and with a lot

Continued on pg. 39 | uu |

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

BachFestivalFlorida.org 407.646.2182

you can change someone’s life with your gift and with your story and with your art. That, to me, is what this whole business should be about.

| uu | Todrick Hall from pg.37

of talented people. which project would you say you’re most proud of?

You’ve already done so much in a short period of time, so where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Being a part of “Kinky Boots” on Broadway was really awesome.

I feel like that story was written for me. I really connected with the character that I played and it was always a dream of mine as a child to even be able to be in one Broadway show. The fact that now I’ve gotten to be in five Broadway musicals and have starred in two of them is just something I thought was an unfathomable goal as a child. To be the star of a musical that preached love so profoundly during a time when I thought America really needed it the most was really awesome and one of my proudest moments on stage.

I also really pushed myself to be able to sing songs that I thought were out of my range, and to be able to play a character who had comedic and dramatic elements to him. It was just really cool and such a huge challenge for me to bring that to life. It felt great every night after I was done to know that I accomplished it.

I want the EGOT. I want to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, and I want to win them all for products I’ve created, not for other work I’ve done for other people. I want them to be for projects I wrote, created and brought to life, and I would love for them to be recognized on that level.

Will I still be satisfied as long as the work I put out is great?

Absolutely. But I think it would be really awesome to have that extra stamp of approval, and to know that this little boy from Texas came out, created stuff that competed with people who were the best of the best and was able to come out on top. That would just be a game changing thing for me. I’m really hoping that it will happen.

You’re coming to The Plaza Live in Orlando on May 2 for “Todrick Hall American: The Forbidden Tour.” What can the audience expect to see on this tour?

Whether personal or professional, what’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome since your career has taken off?

Trying to learn my brand. It’s very difficult to be an unsigned artist who’s putting out records that are competing with people who have huge teams of people behind them, who are instructing them and informing them what to do. They have writers around them helping them write songs; they have an events producer making sure they have the best costume designers, the best hair and makeup team, the best visual teams. When you have all of those people who have so much experience and have the ability to tap into resources most regular people don’t even know exists, it’s really hard to try and produce a product that’s of the same caliber, so that when your video is being looked at next to a Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift or Beyoncé video it can almost resemble that quality level.

I think that’s been one of the biggest challenges for me, and it’s a challenge I’m so willing to face. I have a great team of people who really believe in me and have helped me try to elevate the quality of my art. I always feel proud of

“egot” to have it all: Jack-of-all-trades performer Todrick Hall aspires to be an EGOT — an individual who has won the top four entertainment accolades: the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Photo Courtesy United Talent Agency

Well if they’ve seen any of my tours it’ll be very similar to that. I have dancers, tons of costumes, choreography, a lot of great singers and a lot of talented people on stage with me. My concerts aren’t just a review of my music; there’s

I always feel proud of the fact that from the first video to now— and I have over 480 videos online—you can really see the progression of how much we’ve worked to build this brand, and how much we’ve all grown since the beginning of this YouTube channel.

—Todrick Hall the fact that from the first video to now—and I have over 480 videos online—you can really see the progression of how much we’ve worked to build this brand, and how much we’ve all grown since the beginning of this YouTube channel.

How has being gay in this industry impacted your career?

I don’t know that actually being gay affects people’s careers,

as much as being open about being gay does. You can be gay your whole life and never tell anyone, but when you’re open about it and share your story with people, and help other people who are going through the same chapter of life you went through—because it’s undeniably a really hard thing to do—it really helps people and pulls them out of

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a place where they might be questioning whether their life is worth living. The fact that your music, or your story, can change or sometimes save people’s lives, to me, is the reason you want to be a performer. The accolades and the immediate response of applause and the want for selfies or Instagram followers is part of it, but what’s really important as an artist is

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

usually a story being told.

I think my concerts could be described as the perfect hybrid of a musical and a rock concert experience.

“Todrick Hall American: The Forbidden Tour” comes to The Plaza Live in Orlando Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $24.50 and are available at TodrickHall.com.

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Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

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community calendar

evenT Planner

arTs+enTerTainmenT

CenTral florIda

CenTral florIda

Orlando White party Weekend

Pink Collar Comedy Show, April 19, Improv Comedy Club, Orlando. 407-480-5233; TheImprovOrlando.com

friday-SuNday, april 2022, 8:00 p.m.- 3:00 a.m. parliameNt houSe, orlaNdo

Modest Mouse, April 20, Hard Rock Live, Orlando.

407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ Live/Locations/Orlando 8th annual Paws for Peace Walk, April 21, Blue Jacket Park, Orlando. 407-886-2856; HarborHouseFL.com Orlando Book Festival, April 21, Orange County Library, Orlando. 407-835-7323; OCLS. info Planned Parenthood Orlando Benefit Dinner, April 321, The Alfond Inn, Winter Park. 941-567-3800; MyPlannedParenthood.org arts & Drafts, April 21, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseofBlues.com/Orlando trixie Mattel, April 22, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseofBlues.com/Orlando Brunch with the Boys, April 22, Savoy, Orlando. 407-487-9868; TwoSpiritHealth.org P!NK, April 24, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Mt. Dora Equality Connection, April 26, First Green Bank, Mt. Dora. 813-870-3735; EQFL.org get your Jazz On, April 27, The Alfond Inn, Winter Park. 407-998-8090; TheAlfondInn.com “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Shangela, April 28, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Drink around the World, April 28, Wall St. Plaza, Orlando.

407-849-0471; WallStPlaza.net Carnivale: Outdoor Block Party, April 28, Bloodhound Brew, Orlando. 407-578-5711; BloodhoundBrew.com

PInk lady Superstar P!nk brings her “Beautiful Trauma” tour to the Amway Center in Orlando April 24.

PhOtO COuRtESy OF PInKSPagE.COM

tampa Vegan Bake Sale, April 22, Mojo Books & Records, Tampa. 813-971-9717; TampaVeganBakeSale.com

todrick hall american: Forbidden Tour, May 2, Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.com

Bradley’s on 7th turnabout, April 22, Bradley’s on 7th, Tampa. 813-241-2723; BradleysOn7th.com

TamPa bay american Stage in the Park presents “the Producers,” April 18-May 13, Demens Landing Park, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org

Foo Fighters, April 25, MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa.

813-600-1000; LiveNation.com

tampa City nights, April 20, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa. 813-274-8130; TampaMuseum.org

Dining Out For life, April 26, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

the all-american Rejects, April 21, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-884-4386; BuschGardens.com/Tampa

Represent art Opening, April 27, Armature Works, Tampa. 813-839-7135; CASSContemporary.com

tPa 5K on the Runway, April 21, Tampa International Airport, Tampa. 813-554-1499; TampaAirport.com/5k

Fourth Friday, April 27, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.com

Miss Richfield 1981 - “Born again,” April 21, freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg. 727-498-5205; FreeFallTheatre.com

the Rocky horror Picture Show live, April 28, Movico Theaters, Tampa. 813-248-2323; HellOnHeelsRHPS.com

“Come and get lei’d” hawaiian luau, April 28, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com Spring Fling Wine tasting, April 29, Ybor City Wine Bar, Tampa. 813-999-4966; YborCityWineBar.com Flamingo laugh Factory, May 2, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFLA.com

sarasoTa “Pageant,” April 19-21, The PLayers Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota. 941-365-2494; ThePLayers.org Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival, April 21, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota. 416-962-8899; GWNDragonBoat.com “Ruthless! the Musical,” April 26-May 6, The Starlite Room, Sarasota. 941- 702-5613; StarliteSRQ.com

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

Get ready to party with Parliament House for Orlando’s White Party Weekend! RuPaul’s Drag Race all-star finalist Kennedy Davenport, season 9 queen Sasha Velour, and season 10 stars Asia O’Hara and Kameron Michaels are joining the party with performances, meet & greets and photo ops.

For more information visit ParliamentHouse.com.

A Night at The Venue to support eric rollings wedNeSday, april 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. the VeNue, orlaNdo Come out and show your support for Eric Rollings as he attempts to become the first openly gay Orange County Commissioner. Hosted

by Blue Star and Jackie at The Venue, bring a friend to this fun, casual evening as Eric tells you why he is the best man to run District 3.

Donations can be made at EricRollings.com.

TamPa bay

Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber’s April social thurSday, april 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m. the godfrey hotel & cabaNaS, tampa Join the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce and the GaYbor Coalition for their April Social at The Godfrey Hotel (previously known as Bay Harbor).

Come out to mingle and network, complimentary appetizers and free drinks for the first hour. Cash bar after. To register visit DiversityTampaBay.org.

American stage in the park’s pride Night“The producers” SuNday, april 29, 8:00 p.m. demeNS laNdiNg parK, St. peterSburg American Stage is back in Demens Landing Park, and this year they are bringing you Mel Brooks’ “The Producers.” American Stage and Watermark invite you to celebrate Pride Night April 29 as we gather to watch the show. Advance tickets start at $18 for general lawn admission, children six and under are free. For tickets visit AmericanStage.org/Park. Sponsored by Watermark.

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Join the Premier Chamber in the Bay Area where our diverse membership puts the Diversity in Tampa Bay.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

overheard

B

bambusa’s alIbye

ambuSa bar & grill, NapleS’ lgbtQ-frieNdly reStauraNt and entertainment hotspot, won’t be opening their long-planned St. Petersburg location after all.

The eatery announced their intent to expand to St. Pete last year, noting they would resurrect the long-vacant Georgie’s Alibi, a spot synonymous with the St. Pete LGBTQ community for years.

“Basically the location didn’t work out,” Bambusa’s co-owner Steve Soutner says. “There were just too many unforeseen problems.

“We’re sort of looking at other spots right now,” he adds, though he says that Bambusa has yet to do so.

As rumors for the reasoning swirl, Philip C. Dobson of Dobson Construction, Inc.—who owns the building that houses the vacant Alibi—has nothing to officially add.

t

CreaTIve leavInG

he cleVelaNd-headQuartered euclid media group haS purchaSed Tampa Bay’s Creative Loafing.

“We’ve got new overlords, people,” the outlet announced on Twitter April 9.

With the acquisition came sad (but creative) departures, with local LGBTQ community champion and longtime Editor-in-Chief David Warner revealing that he and four others had been let go.

In his farewell editorial, Warner advised one of the perks of his job was “getting to know so many of the area’s most interesting, creative and newsworthy people and, because our big cities feel like small towns, seeing them around.”

Warner noted that Creative Loafing “may be a different paper, but it’ll still be a good paper,” encouraging fans to keep reading. Best of luck in your next endeavor, David. Thank you for your commitment to the LGBTQ community.

l

TamPa bay ouT+abouT

hey, bIdder, bIdder…

ocal commuNity adVocateS will come together to raise funds for Metro Wellness & Community Centers’ “Auction for a Night Out with a Community Leader” on April 27.

Participants can bid on the auctionee of their choice and the “night out” experience, which may include dinner or tickets to a local show or museum.

Auctionees include Watermark’s publisher/ owner/editor Rick Claggett, Hot 101.5’s Holly O’Connor and Miguel Fuller, Hillsborough County’s first out elected official Kevin Beckner, Dr. Jason Fields, realtor Nick Buchanan, OUTCOAST’s Rachel Stevenson, Project No Labels’ Claire Elisan, Metro’s own James Keane and PNC’s Ashley Brundage.

Tickets to the event, held from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Creative Loafing Space in Ybor, will include mingling, light appetizers and a donation bar. They’re available for purchase now at MetroTampaBay.org/Event/AuctionEvent.

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Smart SaSS: Red Ribbon Cyclists Kevin Johnson (L) and Jeff lucas (R) accept $1,020 in raised funds from hostess Victoria Michaels (C) at Punky’s BINGO! for SMART Ride 15 April 4. PHOTO BY Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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eQuality champ: St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman accepts his WAVE Awards at City Hall April 5. PHOTO BY Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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artS & craftS: Bobby Dixon (L) and adam Miller share a craft brew at the 100 Films Part II exhibit at Green Bench Brewing Co. April 13. PHOTO

By Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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diSc-ie chicKS: (L-R) Deidre Favero, tammy Benjamin, Jacie Ramsey, lindsey Burkholder and good boy Jonas hit the green at the Tocobaga Disc Golf Club April 7. PhOtO By Ryan

WIllIaMS-JEnt

5

poSSe poSe: (L-R) Yan, Carlos, alain and Yoe pause for a picture at Enigma April 6. PHOTO BY Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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SuNday Salt: (L-R) Emily, Gabby, Millie, Stacie, Emma and louise enjoy the patio at Salty’s in Gulfport April 7. PhOtO By Ryan

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WIllIaMS-JEnt

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proud: Local author Rob Sanders signs copies of his book “PRIDE: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag” at its launch party at ArtsXChange St. Pete April 12. PhOtO By Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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SuN-SatioNal: Cosima (L) and Victor soak up some rays poolside at the Flamingo Resort April 5. PHOTO BY

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Ryan WIllIaMS-JEnt

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

overheard

l

CenTral florIda ouT+abouT

souThern dumPlIn’

ate laSt Summer we told you how orlaNdo’S Very owN joSh eadS, a.k.a. Ginger Minj, was making friends with one of America’s most famous “Friends,” Jennifer Aniston. It was announced they were both set to star in “Dumplin’,” a film based on the novel of the same name that follows a confident, plus-sized teen who, to spite her beauty queen mom (played by Aniston) and the other girls in school, enlists in a local pageant.

While producers have not yet set a release date or said what Eads’ role will be in the film, it was announced that the one and only Dolly Parton, would be involved in the production.

“Dumplin’” will not only feature classic Parton songs but the Queen of Country will be writing original songs just for the film, including the movie’s anthem. Here’s hoping Eads gets to belt out a couple of those new Parton hits.

R

2

ChurCh Closure

eeVeS uNited methodiSt church, a church that haS beeN iN orlaNdo for nearly 100 years, permanently closed their doors leaving parishioners without a place to worship. The church was scheduled to close May 1 to be re-opened later this year as a daycare center, but decided to shut down a couple weeks early.

Church volunteers were left to pack up their belongings while a locksmith was changing the locks, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The church was not just home to the roughly 30 church members, but was also home to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups, as well as a rehearsal and storage location for the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band & Color Guard and a meeting space for the Orlando Youth Alliance.

“OYA has met at Reeves for the past three years. We held our support group and drop-ins there,” says OYA chief executive officer Michael Slaymaker. “We learned of the closing a couple of months ago and relocated our support group to The Center on Mills. We are moving our drop-in and other youth activities to people’s homes until we can find a place that can handle larger gatherings.”

According to the Sentinel’s article, the church’s pastor informed the AA and NA groups they could continue their meetings at Reeves, but so far no such offer has been extended to the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom leaving them, as of right now, without a home.

As for Reeves, Slaymaker has nothing but gratitude to them, saying “they took in the OYA, the Sounds of Freedom, AA and other LGBT groups for years. Sanctuary is a word that comes to mind. They acted like a Christian church the way God intended. I understand the building will be turned into a daycare center.

Obviously a different direction but they are a business.”

4

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oNe team, oNe fight: Representatives from the organizations that make up the One Orlando Alliance gather on stage at the Meet the Alliance Mixer at The Venue in Orlando April 11. PHOTO BY JEREMy WIllIaMS

2

oN poiNt: lisa Brown (L) and Mark Cady network at the MBA Orlando Mixer at Taverna Opa in Pointe Orlando April 4. PhOtO By Danny gaRCIa

3

f*cKiN’ chucKy: Tabitha Whidby (L) and Petra tressler (R) meet actress Catherine hicks (C) from the original “Child’s Play” starring killer doll Chucky at Spooky Empire in Orlando April 7. PHOTO

COuRtESy PEtRa tRESSlER

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houSe of SlytheriN: Gidget Galore (L) and Dylan Todd tame a python at the Parliament House’s Greatest Show in Orlando April 7.

PhOtO By RICK ClaggEtt

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mature hoSt: Rob Ward hosts Orlando Fringe’s Mature Local Teaser Show as Pepe at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre April 16. PHOTO BY Danny gaRCIa

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art houSe: Artist lee Vandergrift (L) with fellow artist and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan at Vandergrift’s Art Show Reception at the LGBT+ Center in Orlando. Vandergrift’s artwork is on display at The Center through the month of April. PHOTO

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By Danny gaRCIa

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hamburger mary-SSical: The Broadway Brunch Bunch performs “Suessical the Musical” while bruncher’s crunch and munch on partly breakfast and partly lunch at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando April 8. PhOtO By Danny gaRCIa

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full of glee: Watermark owner Rick Claggett (L) mingles with actor Blake Jenner at the opening of the Florida Film Festival, featuring Jenner’s film “American Animals,” at the Enzian Theater in Maitland April 6. PHOTO

By JEREMy WIllIaMS

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

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Apr il 19 - M ay 2, 2018 // Issue 25.0 8

announcements

WeddInG bells

Jamiel and rachel Maze from Ruskin, Florida

C.J. tauber and Steven Frost were married on April 11.

Nate Taylor welcomed his daughter to the world on April 11.

engagemenT daTe:

January 24, 2017

Sawmill Resort celebrated 20 years as America’s favorite gay camping ground on April 16.

wedding daTe:

lOcal BirTHdays

april 8, 2017

venue:

treasure island beach and beach pavilion

flOwers:

publix

cOlOrs:

baby blue and lavender

wedding sOng and arTisT:

“ave maria“ by beyonce

dJ Or Band name: @iamsimonarae

caTerer:

pam Sprouse and publix

OfficianT:

ryan ingram

cake Bakery:

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cake flavOrs:

Vanilla and vanilla buttercream

THeme:

“With sandy toes and salty kisses, we became mrs. and mrs.”

pHOTOgrapHer/ videOgrapHer:

Susan dennis and angela Fernandez

cOngraTulaTiOns

Cristoph’s officially opened their doors in Tampa on April 4.

PhOtO COuRtESy JaMIEl anD RaChEl MaZE

t

aKiNg a chaNce oN Same-SeX attraction ends in always-andforever I do’s.

Jamiel Maze had never dated or been attracted to women before. That’s when she met Rachel at an end-of-year bowling party. “Jamiel randomly came up to me and challenged me to a game,” says Rachel, Jamiel’s new wife. “The entire competition seemed like flirting, but I couldn’t be sure.”

Jamiel had been attracted to Rachel for about a year before the bowling alley meeting. The two women became friends on Facebook first, and then through chatting, opened up about their mutual attraction.

Their first date was “effortless and natural,” according to Jamiel.

They went to a local market in St. Petersburg and talked on the pier. Rachel thought it was adorable how Jamiel is afraid of lizards, and spent the date trying not to freak out when one would cross their path.

There was no particular moment that made the two women want to get married.

“I realized we could be a strong, beautiful and loving family,”

said Jamiel. She was a little worried about coming out to her friends and family about their relationship and planned marriage, but had truly fallen in love with Rachel. “I know it’s hard to avoid labeling people,” she says, “but I wanted my children to fully understand the pure love we had and the lack of need for any type of label.”

Jamiel and Rachel decided to get matching engagement tattoos on their ring fingers. To them, it’s a subtle, yet powerful, reminder of the love and bond that they will share for the rest of their lives.

Since the women are “older,” they didn’t want to get too caught up in the details of wedding planning.

“We wanted something that felt special and whimsical, but also intimate and focused more on our new life together,” says Jamiel.

They decided to get married on the beach. They gathered the talents of their varied friends and family members for the big day.

The wedding was magical for them. “I always felt it was cliché when people say things about

how intense they feel when the bride walks down the aisle,” says Rachel. “But, my God, was she beautiful. The moment I saw Jamiel I completely stopped talking and all I could do was watch her. During the ceremony the rest of the world went away and it was just her and Ime” Jamiel agrees. “Right before it was time to start, I was getting jittery. My best friend Jason, who was my best man, calmed me so easily. As much as I yield his every advice, I can’t recall his words, but I remember feeling comforted by his lifetime of support.”

Jamiel and Rachel have both embraced marriage. “Being with Rachel is like having a permanent best friend,” says Jamiel. “She is always there to celebrate my successes and help me through my failures. Rachel was pretty selfless before we were married, but since we’ve said ‘I do,’ she has truly lived up to her commitment.

Rachel feels similarly. “Our bond was already strong before getting married, but it has been enhanced.

We don’t always see things the same way, but at the end of the day, we love each other and go to bed embracing that love.”

—Holly V. Kapherr

Orlando bartender Spencer Dalberth (April 19); Tampa Bay entertainer Vivion Rachel harris Clarke, YouTuber and transgender advocate Zinnia Jones, Sarasota-area actor Peter Ruiz (April 20); Central Florida realtor. Scott Penyak, LGBTQ advocate Randy Stephens, On-air personality for Magic 107.7 Chad Pitt, Tampa burlesque producer Mayven Missbehavin (April 21); “Miss Pee-Vira” aJ Pratt, Central Florida promoter Neema Bahrini, Tampa business owner Michael DiCamillo, Rollins College director of dance Bob Sherry, Project No Labels founder Claire Eli, Tampa Femmes and Follies producer, Katie James (April 22); former TIGLFF executive director Scott Skyberg, former Watermark sales rep tammi Jones, Tampa Leather Club’s Joseph Mastrapasqua, artist amanda Vickers, former Tampa-based actor Christian Maier, Metro Operations Manager allan hero-Shaw(April 23); Congressman Darren Soto aide Vivian Rodriguez, St. Petersburg actor Tom Campbell, former Tampa actor larry Buzzeo, O-Town textbook editor Sara lyna, former St. Pete Pride president Scott turner, Tampa bear Bill Vincent, Project No Labels Social Media Director Valerie lynn; Florida Orchestra Principal Flutist Clay Ellerbroek-Pettiford (April 24); Watermark contributor and “News Junkie” Sabrina ambra, Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus president Susan Smith, gay Florida House Representative David Richardson (April 25);Iberian lucky star Kyle Hill, Gender Identity in Florida Today president Jennifer Marvin, Tampa dancer Jackie huston (April 26); Parliament House owner Don granatstein, app whiz Randy Shepard (April 28); St. Pete hotel manager tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor anthony Quaglieri, UCF’s former GLBSU president Jessica Osborn, St. Pete drink-slinger Russell Sutherland (April 30); Orlando DJ Brianna lee from Parliament House, Orlando Shakes marketing director Christian Knightly (May 1); Orlando celeb chef Kevin Fonzo, coffee-crazed Corey Malyszka (May 2).

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.

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.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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The lasT PaGe

PhOtO By JaKE StEVEnS

idenTifies as: Gay

age: 51

HOmeTOwn: orlando

OuT year:

1989

prOfessiOnal rOle mOdel: mister rogers

name Of yOur firsT cOlumn wiTH waTermark:

“an activist’s Heart” (an interview with larry kramer in 1998)

wHaT kind Of wriTing dO yOu dO fOr waTermark: right now, primarily my opinionated column, “the tender activist,” though i’ve written for pretty much every aspect of the paper, except sports.

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TiTle Of yOur auTOBiOgrapHy:

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reading and seeing movies

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When someone mentions reading something I wrote.

WhaT Is your favorITe ThInG abouT The loCal lGbTq CommunITy?

When we dance.

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Its capacity for forgiveness.

When dId you develoP a PassIon for WrITInG?

It was in fifth grade while living in Panama, Central America. For some reason I started writing plays.

I would use Mom’s stationary. Then I would give them to my teacher, Wanda Fanning, who encouraged me. hoW dId you Come uP WITh The name for your Column?

The “tender” comes from something my godmother said to describe me one time. The name conveys my reluctance to speak up, but the urge to do it anyway, which I think is common in activists.

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People and things that are making the world a better place.

WhaT do you WanT WaTermark readers To knoW abouT you?

I’ve lost weight since this picture was taken.

WhaT advICe Would you GIve your younGer self?

Don’t fuck that model from Miami.

54

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Apr il 19 - M Ay 2, 2018 // issue 25.0 8

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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