Watermark Issue 25.22: Blue Wave, Red Tide

watermark Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 25.22 • NOVEmBER 1 - 14, 2018

WatermarkOnline.com

BLUE WAVE,

INSIDE: cancer survivor confronTed aT Bucs Game resTroom

LGBT+ cenTer orLando ceLeBraTes 40 Years

RED TIDE

dAyTONA BEACH • ORLANdO • TAmPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

What is BIKTARVY®?

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.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults.

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

} 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY?

The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: } Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? } All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: } dofetilide

} All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines.

} rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

} If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

BVYC0048_BIKTARVY_B_9-25x10-1_Watermark_KeepCreating_r1v1jl.indd 1-2

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com

KEEP CREATING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

BIKTARVY.COM

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• 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.

• The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%).

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

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: • dofetilide • rifampin • any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

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

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

• If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP CREATING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0048 07/18

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deparTmenTs 7 // puBLisher’s desk 8 // cenTraL fLorida news 10 // Tampa BaY news 12 // sTaTe news 13// naTion & worLd news 19// TaLkinG poinTs 43// communiTY caLendar 45// Tampa BaY ouT+aBouT 47// cenTraL fLorida ouT+aBouT 48// Tampa BaY markeTpLace 50// cenTraL fLorida markeTpLace 53// weddinG BeLLs/ announcemenTs

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LGbTQ leaders in conservative parts of the nation are standing up and are determined to become public servants while remaining true to who they are. The struggles and experiences of LGbTQ candidates provide a unique perspective that makes them authentic, valuesdriven leaders, and it is increasingly resonating with voters.

—ANNiSE PARkER, PRESiDENt AND CEO OF LGbtQ ViCtORY FUND

on The cover

PAGE screen Queen:

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WAVE:

Equality-focused organizations, candidates and voters hope to turn the tide Nov. 6.

Illustration by Jake Stevens

scan Qr code for

waTermarkonLine.com

Cast members talk about portraying rock superstars Queen in new biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

waTermark issue 25.22 // novemBer 1 - novemBer 14, 2018

ruBY rave

BaThroom BaTTLe

Trans of ThouGhT

LovinG LiT

PAGE The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida celebrates 40 years with a Studio 54-inspired party.

PAGE A breast cancer survivor was confronted for using a female restroom at a Bucs game.

Maia Monet talks about remaining radically visible as a trans woman and activist.

Author Erica Silverman pens trans-focused children’s book “Jack (Not Jackie).”

Read It Online!

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

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fOLLOW US ON TWITTER ANd INSTAGRAm AT @WATERmARkONLINE ANd LIkE US ON fACEBOOk. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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conTriBuTors

PUBLISHER’S

rick Claggett PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

desk

hAVE A tERRibLE SENSE OF hUMOR.

I’ve written about this before and how I credit my father for just how bad it is. Dad jokes are the best, and the worse they are the harder I laugh.

Here’s an example: I have an insane love of ice cream, so much so that my trainer and my scale yell at me about it all the time. St. Pete has this wonderful little shop that sells mini-doughnuts basking in a tower of ice cream. Every time we drive by it, my partner says, “We can get mini-doughnuts.” To which I reply, “How many?” Then I laugh like I’ve never heard it before.

I don’t mind laughing alone.

On the opposite side of silly puns lives another level of humor I like to call “sitcom funny.” It’s darker and more biting, and something I’ve always been attracted to because it’s witty and makes you think. When I was a kid my brother had a friend that

was making fun of me. After I shot back at him, the room was silent and confused. My brother told all of his friends that it would take them about five minutes after I left to realize that I was making fun of them. I’ve watched a lot of TV in my life and I credit “Cheers,” “The Golden Girls” and “Friends” for this aspect of my humor. Although our Central Florida Bureau Chief Jeremy Williams thinks I’m more of a Ross from “Friends,” I always thought of myself as a Chandler— more of a Sophia than a Rose, if you will.

This kind of punchy humor became my thing. I’d make jokes to people at work, taking lighthearted jabs at silliness that comes about in

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

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

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

Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

Multimedia Assistant: Meghan Sweeney • ext. 100 Meghan@WatermarkOnline.com

day to day life—all in jest, looking for a cheap laugh. In fact, for years I’ve been giving out mock WAVE awards at our holiday parties, poking fun at the mishaps the staff had made throughout the year.

People seemed to find them funny.

Only one person in many, many years got offended. Last year was an emotional year for the staff, so I took the opportunity to praise their good work rather than the usual shtick.

I had every intention of bringing these sarcastic superlatives back this year, but I was introduced to a Ted Talk that got me thinking.

It was about civility and how important words are. Sitcoms are funny, probably because they only last 30 minutes. Can you imagine eight hours with Chandler Bing?

I couldn’t! This video talks about discovering the kind of person you want to be and using the language that person would use. It really resonated with me. Civility seems to be lost these days. It started with keyboards on social media and has now spread out into the real world, or the real world has become social media.

This has never been more evident than it is in recent politics.

Now that it’s time to vote, the rhetoric has gotten worse. It’s hard to sift through facts when misinformation comes at you so fast. For example, I was asked just today if I support Andrew Gillum even though he wants a state income tax. Well, Gillum can’t impose a state income tax because our state constitution won’t allow it. It’s a scare tactic.

I encourage everyone to listen to what politicians have to say.

They always reveal who they are and what they really support when they talk. Take John Mina for example. He is listed as NPA on our ballots for Sherriff of Orange County. Some people reading

Art Director: Jake Stevens • ext. 109 Jake@WatermarkOnline.com Creative Assistant/Photographer: Dylan Todd • ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com Sales Director: Danny Garcia • ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

Orlando Account Manager: Brianna Rockmore • ext. 105 Brianna@WatermarkOnline.com Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: Russ Martin • ext. 303 Russ@WatermarkOnline.com National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

this may want to vote straight Democrats this election, but I encourage you to listen to what Mina has to say about the LGBTQ people of this community. It’s important to be informed.

This is our election issue.

Watermark’s editorial team has decided not to endorse candidates, but to allow them the space to make their case. Take a look at what they say. Did they take the time to respond? Andrew Gillum did. John Mina did, as did Anna Eskamani, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Sean Shaw, Jennifer Webb and Charlie Crist. Vote for the people who speak to you. Vote

Now that it’s time to vote, the rhetoric has gotten worse.

It’s hard to sift through facts when misinformation comes at you so fast.

for the people who speak the way you want your leaders to speak.

Hopefully that’s a little more like Phoebe than Chandler. Hopefully we can bring civility back.

Aside from politics, this issue covers the LGBT+ Center of Orlando’s 40 year celebration and reports on a confrontational bathroom encounter a breast cancer survivor faced at a Bucs game. In entertainment, we talk to the cast of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and highlight a transgender-themed children’s book, “Jack (Not Jackie).”

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

Tampa BaY office 2529 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL 33713 TEL: 813-655-9890

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MAiA MONEt is a photographer at Southern Nights in Orlando and a singer with the band Mad Transit. Page 15

StEVE bLANChARD

is a former Watermark editor turned media relations coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center. He returns with his viewpoint column, Fit to Print. Page 17

GREGG ShAPiRO

is a Chicago-based freelance journalist and entertainment reporter whose work appears frequently in Watermark. Page 33 saBrina amBra, naThan Bruemmer, scoTTie campBeLL, miGueL fuLLer, divine Grace, samueL Johnson, Jason LecLerc, meLodY maia moneT, david moran, GreG sTemm, racheL sTevenson, dr. sTeve YacoveLLi, michaeL wanZie

phoToGraphY Brian BecneL, nick cardeLLo, Bruce hardin, JuLie miLford, Travis moore, JamarQus mosLeY, chris sTephenson, Lee vanderGrifT

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).

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

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central florida news

Local LGBTQ leaders to gather at Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit Christen Kelley

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RLANDO | LGBTQ youth, organizations and allies will engage in a full day of interactive workshops at the fifth annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit, or OYES, at Valencia College’s West Campus in Orlando Nov. 3.

The free event is presented by the City of Orlando with one goal in mind—to empower LGBTQ youth. Guests can attend a variety of workshops dedicated to a range of topics such as career building, poetry, healthy relationships and LGBTQ history.

The Zebra Coalition’s Robin Daily serves as planning committee chairperson for OYES. She says the summit aims to give LGBTQ youth a safe space to come together and learn.

“We’re trying to empower youth with resources, with education, diversity and inclusion,” Daily says. “And empower them to see that they can be their authentic selves and be successful in life.”

Young adults between the ages of 13 and 24 are welcome to attend the summit. Thirteen local organizations have partnered together to put on the event, offering resources and support. Zebra Coalition, whose main objective is to provide help and resources for homeless LGBTQ youth, is one of the organizations.

In addition to the groups reaching out to LGBTQ youth on social media and at tabling events, the Department of Children and Families also shares information about the event with those in foster care and group homes. Daily says they’re expecting about 200 attendees this year.

Luis Martinez, Director of Multicultural Affairs & International Relations, handles marketing for OYES. He says the summit is a collaborative effort between the city of Orlando and LGBTQ leaders to educate community youth.

“The goal of this summit is to provide our LGBTQ youth with information on certain topics in order to empower the future generations of LGBTQ leaders in our community,” he says. “Education is equal to power and we are empowering LGBTQ youth with this information, and with resources and activities.”

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer along with City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who were key figures in the summit’s creation, issued a statement to celebrate the event’s half decade mark.

“The fifth annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit is part of the city’s continued efforts to ensure that Orlando is a welcoming place that embraces diversity and offers equal treatment for all,” Dyer said. “Thanks to the collaboration of our LGBTQ+ community partners and allies, we are able to host this summit to empower our future generations of leaders with resources, tools and education.”

While Dyer and Sheehan are unable to attend this year’s summit, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will be in attendance. “Mayor Jacobs will be there and that’s really cool because she’s also the incoming School Board Chair,” Daily says. “So we think that’s perfect.”

For more information and to register to attend the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit, visit OrlYES.org.

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Exhibit See:

The LGBT History Museum’s exhibit on The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida’s 40-year history, on display at The Center’s Orlando location.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

Ruby Rave The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida celebrates 40 years with a Studio 54-inspired party Jeremy Williams

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RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida has undergone several name and location changes in its 40-year history, but the mission has always remained the same.

“The focus since the beginning was always advocacy, making sure there was a voice for the community and socialization,” says George Wallace, The Center’s current executive director.

The Center, as people know it today, was very different when it got its start. According to The Center, a group of gay men started holding social events in the 1970s and, in 1978, the group looked to organize, forming the Gay Social Service (GSS). “[GSS] was incorporated on Nov. 27, 1978. That was the same day that Harvey Milk was assassinated in San Francisco,” Wallace says.

GSS was the “first GLBT multi-service organization in Central Florida,” reads a display in the LGBT

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

History Museum’s temporary exhibit located at The Center.

In the beginning, GSS didn’t have a physical location. It began as a phone line providing information on events, gay and gay-friendly businesses, restaurants and bars, as well as a service for callers to discuss LGBT issues and concerns. The name was eventually changed to Gay Community Services, or GCS. The Center’s first brick-and-mortar building came in 1987, when a group of GCS members broke away. The Center, which was located at 1036 N. Mills Ave., operated independently of GCS for two years.

The two groups decided, in 1989, to merge together into one organization calling themselves the Gay and Lesbian Community Services (GLCS). During the 1990s, the GLCS moved to several different locations on Colonial Drive, before settling in its current location in 2000. The Center—which was now going by the name The Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center— purchased the building located at

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946 N. Mills Ave. The Center added Transgender to its title in 2010.

“In 2018, we legally changed the name again to The LGBT+ Center of Central Florida,” says Wallace. “The plus is added it there to let people know that our doors are always open to anyone and everyone.”

The Center now administers on average more than 800 HIV tests a month in Central Florida and tests for a variety of sexually transmitted infections as well.

The Center, which underwent a renovation this year, also provides pregnancy testing, counseling and 25 different types of groups ranging from social support and recovery to youth and senior groups.

The Center, which is the oldest LGBTQ community center in Florida, expanded outside the city of Orlando and opened a second location in Kissimmee this year.

To recognize the organization’s accomplishments and remember its history, The Center is throwing “A Night at Studio 54,” a big 40-year celebration, at The Plaza Live in Orlando Nov. 3.

The event, hosted by Jorge Estevez, will feature entertainment from Gidget Galore, Orlando Gay Chorus, VarieTEASE and a special performance from one of the queens of disco, Martha Wash.

A Night at Studio 54 will be at The Plaza Live Nov. 3. Tickets are $75 for VIP or $40 General Admission and are available at The-Center.

Ticketleap.com.

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tampa bay news Metro Wellness & Community Centers announces annual benefit, honorees Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | Metro Wellness & Community Centers will hold its annual fundraiser on Nov. 10, benefitting the organization’s diverse lineup of LGBTQ programming and honoring community leaders.

This year’s celebration, presented by Mail Meds pharmacy for the sixth consecutive year, will be a “PeaCocktail Party” held at the Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport from 7-11 p.m. The organization describes the gathering as a bold and colorful party, celebrating the beauty of Tampa Bay’s diversity.

Metro will honor three outstanding individuals, the organization shared Oct. 24, for their excellence and leadership in the Tampa Bay community. Honorees include St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Christina Burke and Todd Richardson.

Tomalin will receive the Robert Pope Distinguished Leadership Award, named after the organization’s founder. “As a member of the current St. Petersburg City administration, she has exemplified the art of acceptance in her recognition, support and celebration of our LGBTQ+ community while establishing a truly inclusive campaign to highlight the pillars of healthy living in our city,” the organization advises.

Metro will honor Burke with its Spirit of Excellence Award for her years of dedication to Tampa Bay’s HIV community. They note that her “efforts have defined what it means to ‘care’ vs. ‘treat’ those living with HIV,” adding that “from diagnosis to daily living, her work has touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands across Tampa Bay, with an approach that embodies the concept of holistic.”

Finally, Equality Florida’s Richardson will receive the Dr. John Barnett Outstanding Service Award. Metro notes that Richardson will receive the honor “for his tireless and unwavering dedication and passion to serving Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community that extends above and beyond his day job as a champion of equality.”

For $50, attendees in casual and colorful attire – who are also encouraged to come as they are – will enjoy an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert and live entertainment from area favorites like singer Jennifer Real and DJ L Mo. The organization also teases a different take on this year’s silent auction and some additional surprises.

“The most important thing about it is that it funds the LGBTQ+ programming that is not funded by grants or any other sources of income which come into Metro,” Metro Vice President of Marketing and Communication Brian Bailey says of the gathering. “It’s a great opportunity to make sure that we can continue to provide those resources to the LGBTQ+ community, specifically to seniors, youth and the transgender community.”

Stetson University College of Law is located at 1401 61st St S. in Gulfport. For more information about Metro’s PeaCocktail Party or to purchase tickets, visit MetroTampaBay.org/Peacocktailtickets.

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STILL A WOMAN:

Utilizing survivor Toni Gott’s photo, Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation created this graphic to raise awareness Oct. 22. pHOTO COURTESY ROBIN MAYNARD-HARRIS

Bathroom Battle Breast cancer survivor confronted at Bucs game restroom Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA | Orlando resident Toni Gott, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy, prematurely left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs.

Cleveland Browns game honoring cancer survivors Oct. 21 following a confrontation with a stadium employee over her use of a female restroom.

The game followed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation’s annual breast cancer research benefit.

The home team honored survivors throughout the game at Raymond James stadium. “It was great that I was going to get to go to a ‘pink game,’” Gott recalls. “I had never been to an NFL game with other survivors like this.”

Gott says her excitement diminished when she went to the restroom ahead of halftime. She and her wife had tickets in the club seats, surrounded by “a whole section of ladies in bright pink.”

Once in the restroom, she says an employee began pounding on the door of her stall, demanding to know if Gott was a male. “I told her, ‘no, ma’am,’”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Gott says, “‘I’m not a man; I’m a breast cancer survivor.’”

According to Gott, she was surrounded by supporters and left the restroom, which the employee had also departed. “I can’t even remember if I washed my hands, that’s how terrible it was,” she says. “Apparently someone reported a man in the restroom … she singled me out.”

Gott subsequently met with two supervisors. She says the first was dismissive and that while the second was more respectful, she and her wife left the stadium. “I couldn’t be there anymore,” she adds. “I had tickets to come back in November and I’m not coming. I’ll never step foot in this stadium again.”

Watermark reached out to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was referred to the Tampa Sports Authority, which manages the stadium.

“The Tampa Sports Authority strives to provide an enjoyable experience for all our guests who visit Raymond James stadium,” Vice President of Marketing & Communications Bobby Silvest advises. “One of our guest services attendants was approached by a female guest stating that a man had entered a ladies restroom in the East Club. As with any observation brought

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to our attention, it is our responsibility to respond and assess the situation.

“Our attendant did so, finding out the claim was incorrect, subsequently upsetting the guest who was mistakenly identified,” he continues.

“Two supervisors spoke with the individual in question and apologized for this upsetting her. Our Director of Events even provided his card to the individual and asked her to call him to discuss what steps we were taking to address her situation. We will continue to provide staff training to address the needs of our guests in the future.”

Following the exchange, Gott reached out to Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation for guidance. The Orlando organization and its founder Robin Maynard-Harris helped her following her 2015 diagnosis.

“Unfortunately this happens way too often and needs to stop,” Maynard-Harris tells Watermark.

“It’s a bathroom not a battleground and these survivor stories are heartbreaking. Cancer treatments are hard enough, choosing to not have reconstruction is a personal choice and a lifetime of restroom discrimination should not be a factor in that choice … Breasts don’t define gender.”

“I didn’t think I’d wake up one day and have to lose my breasts,” Gott says, “but honestly they tried to kill me.

They were full of cancer; they had to go. I want the NFL and other places to realize they need to have sensitivity training for their staff; no one should have to deal with this.”

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Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

11

state news

Hurricane Michael devastates Fla. Panhandle’s LGBT community Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

M

embers of the Florida Panhandle’s LGBT community are trying to pick up the pieces from Hurricane Michael that devastated the region earlier this month.

The LGBTQ Center of Bay County, which board secretary Cherie Crim described on Oct. 22 during a telephone interview as Bay County’s “first safe space” for LGBT youth, rented a room at an Episcopal church in Panama City.

“Our center really took a hit,” she said.

Crim said she and her colleagues have “salvaged everything that we could” from the church. She also said one of the LGBTQ Center of Bay County’s leaders held a youth group meeting at their home on Oct 22.

12

“We want to get the center up as fast as we can,” said Crim. “We want to be able to get things back up to the way they were, but it will take time.”

Michael had winds of 155 mph when it made landfall in Mexico Beach, which is roughly 20 miles southeast of Panama City, on Oct. 10.

The hurricane caused widespread destruction in Florida’s Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Liberty and Jackson Counties. Michael also devastated portions of southern Georgia as it moved inland.

Damage was less widespread in Panama City Beach, a popular tourist destination that is roughly 10 miles west of Panama City. Michael caused some tidal flooding in Destin and in Pensacola Beach, but reports indicate damage was minor.

Brandon Wolf, a Tallahassee-based activist who survived the Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016, said during

a telephone interview from his home that roughly half of his Starbucks colleagues in Panama City are currently homeless because of Michael.

Wolf and his colleagues brought employment applications, cell phones, water, portable WiFi hotspots and “whatever we could bring” to Panama City in the days after the hurricane made landfall. Wolf said they did not try to go to the area around Tyndall Air Force Base, which is between Panama City and Mexico Beach, because the damage was too extensive.

“It’s devastation like I’ve never seen,” added Wolf.

Michael killed at least 36 people: 26 in Florida and another 10 in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

Reports indicate Michael caused billions of dollars in damage throughout the Southeast. Western Cuba experienced heavy rains and strong winds before Michael

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

moved into the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened.

Gulf Power, which is the Panhandle’s utility company, on Oct. 22 said 17,711 of its customers remain without electricity. Wolf said cell phone reception and Internet access remains spotty in the region.

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat who is running against former Congressman Ron DeSantis to succeed Florida Gov. Rick Scott, has said most residents of his city, which is roughly two hours east of Panama City, have had their electricity restored. Gillum’s campaign is also accepting donations for Michael victims at its offices across the state.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited the Panhandle on Oct. 15 with Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long. The Trumps also

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

visited areas of Georgia that Michael devastated.

Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith, who grew up in Panama City, noted high rates of poverty in the Panhandle will make post-Michael recovery difficult for many residents.

The U.S. Census Bureau indicates 22 percent of Panama City’s residents live below the poverty level, compared to 7 percent of Panama City Beach’s residents and 11.8 percent of Mexico Beach’s residents.

Statistics also indicate 35.1 percent of people who live in Marianna, a small city that is the county seat of Jackson County, live below the poverty level.

“It’s not a wealthy area,” Smith told the Blade last week, referring to the areas of the Panhandle that Michael devastated.

Smith said she has not heard of any reports of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/ or gender identity at shelters or at distribution centers in the Panhandle.

nation+world news

Matthew Shepard laid to rest in DC Wire Report

A

fter 20 years without a permanent resting place, the remains of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old college student whose brutal murder in 1998 has come to symbolize the plight of the LGBTQ community in America, were interred at the Washington National Cathedral Oct. 26.

More than 2,000 people gathered at the Episcopal cathedral, the second-largest cathedral in the country, to celebrate Shepard’s life, mourn his death and honor his memory.

The service offered a measure of closure for Shepard’s parents who, until now, hadn’t found a spot that seemed suitable or safe enough to rest their child’s remains. It also provided a moment of unity and collective grieving for those in the LGBTQ community, for whom Shepard’s death has for decades represented the pain and discrimination many had experienced themselves. And

the setting inside the same sprawling cathedral in the nation’s capital where U.S. presidents are memorialized lent to the weight of the moment as hymns, speeches, choral music and prayers for love, tolerance and equality bounced off the towering columns and sweeping arches, echoing across the nave.

Shepard was an acolyte in his local Episcopalian church, and when Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop consecrated in the Episcopal church suggested the National Cathedral as a fitting resting place for Matthew’s ashes, his family agreed. “Matt loved the church,� said Dennis Shepard, Matthew’s father. “Matt was blind, just like this beautiful house of worship. He did not see skin color. He did not see religion. He did not see sexual orientation. All he saw was a chance to have another friend. Just like this beautiful home we have here. “It is so important we now have a home for Matt,� he said. “A home that others can visit. A home that is safe from haters.�

Shepard was found badly beaten and barely breathing, tied to a split-rail fence on a dirt road near Laramie, Wyoming. He’d spent 18 hours there in the near-freezing cold before a cyclist discovered him, at first mistaking him for a scarecrow. He died five days later. Police said his attackers targeted him because he was gay.

Shepard’s death prompted a national reckoning — inspiring marches and protests, vigils and new laws. In October of 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, expanding the federal law to include crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Robinson delivered the homily, at times overcome with emotion. “I have three things I want to say to Matt,� he said through tears. “Gently rest in this place. You are safe now.

And Matt, welcome home.�

The undercurrent of his address was political: He implored the audience to “go vote,� and told them simply honoring Shepard’s memory isn’t enough.

Tens of thousands gather in Taiwan for Pride ahead of same-sex marriage decision Wire Report

T

ens of thousands of people gathered in Taiwan’s capital Oct. 27 for the city’s annual gay pride parade ahead of referendums next month that will determine whether same-sex marriages will be recognized on the island.

In a first for Asia, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in May 2017, punctuating a yearslong campaign by advocates for gay rights in one of the continent’s most liberal democracies. Authorities were given two years to either enact or amend relevant laws, failing which same-sex couples could have their marriages recognized by submitting a written document.

But little progress has been made toward implementing the court’s ruling. Meanwhile, gay rights and anti-gay rights campaigners have organized referendums that will take place alongside Nov. 24 local elections.

Organizers estimated that 130,000 people took part in the parade in Taipei, the biggest annual gay pride march in Asia.

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viewpoint

maia monet

Trans of ThouGhT

I

Radically Visible N OCt. 2007 i DECiDED

to shave my beard. This was a big deal considering I’d had my beard for 13 years.

However, Halloween was coming up and I’d had a brainwave for a costume that required me to be clean-shaven. You see, my wife at the time and I had been invited to an adult party thrown by married straight friends, and the husband was famous for dressing in drag at their events. My intention was to beat them at their own game by showing up in our own gender-bending outfits.

We went through a few options, including my wife as a football player and me as cheerleader, but all seemed too cliché or safe. We ultimately settled on my suggested “edgy” spin, which was to go as a matched set of lesbian cheerleaders. That I was in fact a lesbian trans woman deep in the closet, and had never gone out in “drag,” probably played a large role in my inspiration. Looking back now, I can see heaping helpings of projection in my idea, and it is more than a little embarrassing.

Having decided on our theme, we threw ourselves into finding all the necessary pieces. Soon I was getting dressed in an honest-to-goodness cheerleader uniform, complete with pom-poms, ordered from an online cheer supply shop. I shaved everywhere, used Amazon packing to fill out my bra, applied my wife’s horribly mismatched-for-my-skin-tone makeup, and affixed a cheap wig atop my head. We took some pictures of the final result—you can dig into my Instagram if you feel the need to see it for yourself—and then headed out into a night, which would change my life forever.

When we got to the party, we were a big hit. We came in second in the costume contest, missing the top spot by only a vote or two, and I was feeling good. Maybe too good because as the night wound down, I found myself getting very sad at the prospect of returning to my confinement of masculine gender expression. However, I also distinctly remember being secretly very pleased when, after I took out my suffocating plastic “breasts” by the snack table, a startled partygoer stared at me slack-jawed because he had apparently believed me to be a woman to that point. This was followed by my own revelation that he might not have been alone in his case of mistaken (sort of) identity, which had probably cost my wife and I victory in the costume contest. My invisibility had been a negative.

After that night, I never grew my beard back. Three years later, after the death of my father, I found the inner strength to admit to myself I was transgender. By the time I was ready to live my life as my true gender identity, there would be no need for cheap wigs, my makeup skills had vastly improved and my feminine clothes were no longer thought of as a costume. Yet the one thing I brought with me from that Halloween night three years previous was my invisibility, and just as it was then, it was not ultimately to my benefit.

The funny thing is that we have been traditionally taught to highly value invisibility in the trans community for the sake of our safety and comfort of those around us.

We still live in a world where the highest compliment I can be given as a transgender woman is that I don’t look like a transgender woman. The tragedy within the comedy is that the cost of comfort has been ignorance of our concerns and sometimes our existence. After all, a person who is invisible is in fact not a person at all. However, now that we have burst onto the scene occupying space in the public consciousness,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

as if from thin air, and demanding recognition of our civil liberties we can no longer be ignored. There have been consequences.

Thanks to the recent Health and Human Services memo that has leaked, I’ve had to think deeply in the last few days on one of those

impossible and potentially pave the way for laws barring us from sex-segregated spaces. It is nothing short of the statutory genocide of trans people.

HHS seems to be betting that nobody will care enough about the trans community to stop them from embarking

that one day the greater queer community would have the political strength and capital to be there for us when we needed them. This is that time and I have faith that the call will be answered. I have no choice but to believe because I can’t go back to living life as a man even if only on

consequences. HHS is said to soon be releasing a set of rules that will enforce genitals at birth as a person’s true sex forever and back it with genetic tests in disputed cases. It will make changing the gender markers on our federal documentation a thing of the past for trans people.

It would also make suing for discrimination under Title IX

on their anti-science religious crusade. We don’t have a pithy catchphrase like “love is love” to make a relatable emotional appeal for greater understanding. Our previous invisibility has meant we have not made nearly as much progress towards acceptance as the LGB community even as we’ve marched to help secure it. The hope has always been

paper. I’ve made sure that the beard I shaved off over a decade ago is never coming back. I am, and will remain, radically visible.

HHs is said to soon be releasing a set of rules that will enforce genitals at birth as a person’s true sex forever and back it with genetic tests in disputed cases ... It is nothing short of the statutory genocide of trans people.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

Melody Maia Monet is the co-founder of MadrigalSoftware.com and owns a YouTube channel on lesbian and transgender topics. You can view her videos at YouTube.com/MelodyMaia.

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viewpoint

steve blanchard

fiT for prinT Millennials, you’re up!

M

iLLENNiALS FASCiNAtE ME.

Recently, my work-life has brought me within close proximity of these young adults born after 1980. Many members of this first generation to come of age in the 21st century can be loud, obnoxious, socially awkward, distracted by their phones and dismissive of older generations.

But there are many stereotypes they don’t fulfill. I’ve yet to see one eat avocado toast and have met several who own their own homes!

While they don’t fit all of those stereotypes created by online surveys, they do seem to be far more intelligent than many give them credit for. They look at life in a way that is different than those of us who came before them and now that they are in society as adults, they can be the game-changers who can have a lasting effect for years to come.

Many of my Generation X brothers and sisters love to laugh at the population next in line. Their addiction to smart phones, tablets and online shopping has led to their must-have-things-immediately mentality. This generates plenty of “when I was your age” tales from Generation Xers that make us sound just as our parents did. It proves the age gap is cyclical, alive and well and will probably never disappear.

But within this new age gap is hope.

For years I was convinced that my generation was going to be the one to change the world. We were going

to usher in equality, eradicate racism and have the types of open minds that showed the Baby Boomers how things should be handled. Progress was at our fingertips and as the older generation faded into the sunset, we were going to set a course into the future that was open to understanding, new ideas and equality. So many possibilities were before us and we did make a few strides, but we somehow lost control.

We decided that watching the drama of reality TV was more entertaining and important than broadening our minds. We turned social media into a weapon rather than a way to share life’s adventures and remain connected. We decided that it was okay to simply disconnect from those with whom we disagreed rather than engage in conversations that enlightened and educated. We also took for granted that any victories earned for progress were permanent and etched into the history books.

We were wrong.

So today it’s time for those next in line to pick up where we failed. Fellow Gen Xers, we have to accept our shortcomings and realize that while we are still very much viable, the new ideas and worldview of our younger counterparts should be embraced.

Before you start typing nasty comments online, please understand that I do credit Generation X with our fair share of accomplishments. We saw marriage equality become reality, the first African-American president sat in the White House and, through our viewing habits we helped make LGBTQ characters on television popular and uncontroversial. We even managed to influence some church congregations to accept our families and perform same-sex marriage ceremonies within their chapels.

We had a lot to celebrate but we took that progress for granted. Today we’re seeing

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the world slip backward.

All of the progress we made is vulnerable and any landmarks we achieved are at a very real risk of being deleted from history.

At the risk of sounding like my own parents, I have to admit it’s time for us to pass the baton—or at least

imagined 20 years ago and sparking conversations about sensible gun control.

Many are changing the way corporations view the workforce and many others are actively seeking elected positions.

Reports say that almost 700 millennials are running

can be difficult to look at YouTube stars and Instagram influencers as the generation that might save us from the dangerous path we’re on.

But just because we don’t understand the ways in which they make their living doesn’t mean that they can’t make living better for all of us in the

share it with millennials and lift up those who are next in line. It’s time to support the millennials rather than mock them. They are already making progress in an era where progress is increasingly considered a dirty word.

They are generating real advances by using technology in ways we couldn’t have

for state legislatures in this year’s midterms in 46 states!

Most of those candidates are running as Democrats and 14 are doing so in Florida. That means real change could be here much sooner than any of us expect.

We have to release control and learn to trust those who are coming up behind us. It’s not easy, I know. It

not-so-distant future.

So, yes, millennials fascinate me. Not only because their worldview is so different than mine, but because I believe that they may be the generation to actually get things done and set a new standard for the future.

Fellow Gen Xers, we have to accept our shortcomings and that while we are still very much viable, the new ideas and worldview of our younger counterparts should be embraced.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

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talking points

49

He’s not redefining shit. You can’t redefine it; it’s a fact of life. He’s a fucking piece of shit asshole. evil piece of shit. The whole administration is awful. everyone needs to vote.

%

—biLLY EiChNER, AFtER bEiNG ASkED bY tMZ AbOUt DONALD tRUMP AND hiS ADMiNiStRAtiON AttEMPtiNG tO “REDEFiNE” GENDER

Of

TRUMP VOTERS

think

STRAIGHT MEN

Face discrimination

‘WONdER WOmAN’ SEqUEL RELEASE dATE mOVEd TO SUmmER 2020

W

E ARE GOiNG tO hAVE tO WAit A bit LONGER thAN ExPECtED for the second outing of the LGBTQ community’s biggest superhero. “Wonder Woman”—whose title character came out as bisexual in 2016’s comic book series—was a massive hit at the 2017 summer box office, earning more than $800 million globally. Naturally, Warner Bros. ordered a sequel. “Wonder Woman 1984” was scheduled to hit theaters in Nov. 2019, but the studio announced Oct. 22 that it was pushing the release date back to June 5, 2020, almost three years to the day after the original film. As the title suggests, “Wonder Woman 1984” will see the Amazonian, played again by Gal Gadot, fighting villains in the Reagan era. Patty Jenkins is returning as director and has teased fans with tidbits about the series’ time jump to the 1980s.

The original earned Jenkins the title of most successful live-action film directed by a woman.

IN THIS COUNTRY.

the same trump

Voters belieVe 41% oF lGBt people,

‘TRANSPARENT’ WILL CONCLUdE fINAL SEASON WITH mUSICAL EPISOdE

42% mexican-americans, “t

38% aFrican-americans ANd

30% oF Women fACE dISCRImINATION

IN THE U.S. —SURVEY bY YOUGOV AND thE ECONOMiSt

RANSPARENt” WiLL SAY GOODbYE With A tWO-hOUR MUSiCAL EPiSODE, says series creator Jill Soloway, in an interview with the New York Times. “This idea of music rescuing our family was all there,” Soloway says.

“So we’re like, let’s just keep blowing on the flame.” Soloway says the episode will draw inspiration from musicals like “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “La La Land” and “Flight of the Conchords.” Soloway adds, “with something more Jewish thrown in. A little Yentl.” The series had a major overhaul after its star Jeffrey Tambor was fired for sexual harassment claims. The allegations led to Tambor’s character Maura being written off the show. “Transparent” season five debuts in fall 2019 on Amazon.

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‘RUPAUL’S dRAG RACE’ ALUm mORGAN mCmICHAELS BREAkS HANd PUNCHING NAzI

M

ORGAN MCMiChAELS, WhO APPEARED ON “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL StARS 3,” revealed on Instagram Oct. 11 that he broke his hand because he punched a Nazi. McMichaels posted a photo of his hand in a cast captioned: “So ya my hand is broken ... I was approached by a man at the store Who informed me that he was a Nazi and he wanted to cut my faggot throat after he took a swing I obliged him and finished the fight…. this faggot will not be victimized.” He later posted a video of his hand in his freshly bedazzled cast and wrote “When ya get handed a lemon, squeeze that shit and add vodka, get ya nice old lemon drop shot!!! Nothing is gonna stop my magic so I had my cast stoned so it’s stage ready!!”

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

CHER CELEBRATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARy Of HER ALBUm ‘BELIEVE’ WITH A VINyL RELEASE

h

ARD tO bELiEVE, bUt it’S bEEN 20 YEARS SiNCE Cher’s massively successful album “Believe” was released. To celebrate the milestone of one of pop music’s biggest stars, Warner Bros. Records is releasing the quadruple-platinum selling album on vinyl for the first time. Released in 1998, Cher’s 22nd studio album sold 10 million copies worldwide, earned the musical diva a Grammy Award and is considered the birth of Auto-Tune in popular music, which became known as the “Cher effect.” The album spawned four singles, including the chart-topping, infectious title track—which peaked at number one in 23 countries. The remastered vinyl edition of Cher’s “Believe” is due out Dec. 7.

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Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

bRiNG it hOME: Gubernatorial candidate andrew gillum speaks at

a St. Petersburg town hall Oct. 19. He says that while the Trump and Scott administrations have attempted to undo progress, he will “use the executive office to provide full protections for the LGBTQ community to the greatest extent of the law.” Photo by DylaN toDD

Rainbow Wave Equality-focused organizations, candidates and voters hope to turn the tide Nov. 6

t

Ryan Williams-Jent

hE LGbtQ VOtE MAttERS.

According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)—the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization—it made up five percent of the electorate in 2016’s general election.

The organization stresses that LGBTQ voters were one of the few voting blocs to increase its turnout following 2012’s cycle, noting one critical element. “Here’s the key thing to remember,” HRC President Chad Griffin tells Watermark.

“Because we are intentionally excluded from the census—the

Trump-Pence administration eliminated what would have been a census that included us—we know that number by independent exit polling data.

“That means that five percent of the electorate walked out of a polling location in a swing state and told a stranger that they

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

were L, G, B or T,” he stresses. “So obviously our numbers are much higher than that.”

Since the election, Donald Trump and his administration have spearheaded numerous anti-LGBTQ measures, most recently in Oct. 2018. Following reports that the administration was considering defining gender as an immutable condition determined by one’s anatomy at birth, which Griffin calls “a destructive precedent intended to erase LGBTQ people from federal civil rights protections and eviscerate enforcement of nondiscrimination laws,” the Department of Justice filed a brief

advising transgender workers weren’t protected by civil rights law.

Nearly a month prior, Mike Pence became the first sitting vice president to address and support the Values Voter Summit, hosted by the Family Research Council.

The council has been designated as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the advocacy organization dedicated to fighting bigotry. Trump preceded his vice president, having become the first sitting president to address and support the summit in 2017.

“This election is the most important election of our lives,”

CONTINUEd ON PG. 23 | uu |

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

21

AT ROLLINS COLLEGE SINCE 1935

22

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

| uu | Rainbow Wave from pg.21

Griffin says of the Nov. 6 vote. “No matter how many times we’ve all been told that in past elections, it’s actually true this time.”

Immediately following Trump’s election, Griffin says HRC made a commitment to mobilize LGBTQ voters nationwide for the 2018 midterms. That led the organization, which has over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, to endorse more candidates than ever before and invest in the largest grassroots expansion of its nearly 40-year history.

To reach Floridians, HRC partnered with organizations like Equality Florida and SAVE. At 300,000 members, Equality Florida is the state’s largest civil rights organization, dedicated to securing full equality for all LGBTQ Floridians. SAVE is the South Florida advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the LGBTQ community against discrimination.

“Equality Florida and SAVE are incredible partners across this state,” Griffin says. “We have all worked to turn out not only each of our organizations’ members, but also to turn out broader allied voters in key districts across the state.”

To do that, HRC Rising—the organization’s voter-mobilizing campaign—identified 700,000 LGBTQ voters and over 3.2 million LGBTQ-allied voters throughout Florida. Similarly, Equality Florida utilized its Action PAC to target nearly 500,000.

“These aren’t super-voters who are going to show up and vote no matter what,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders says, “or people who may be registered but never show up.” Instead, it’s the electorate that considers equality a litmus test issue.

“When it comes to our targeting, over the course of more than four years we have perfected the Equality Voter model,” Griffin says. Utilizing organizational and commercial data, HRC identified voters who make a candidate’s position on LGBTQ equality determinate on how they vote.

That’s critical because the State Senate is a four-vote margin away from progressive control, Saunders notes. He says that matters because while Equality Florida has worked to build bi-partisan support for the Competitive Workforce Act—which would prohibit discrimination

AG FOR ALL: Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw says he believes gay rights are human rights. “I think that our LGBTQ Floridians have had enough of this extreme right-wing Republican agenda and they deserve the kind of leadership that fights for the well-being of all of us,” he says. PHOTO Courtesy Sean Shaw’s Facebook Page

based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodations—“the balance of power shifting in the Senate would dramatically change the possibility of moving pro-equality laws forward.” In addition, “it would stop the anti-LGBTQ attacks that we see every cycle.”

Organizations and advocates stress that a major component in shifting that power lies in electing LGBTQ candidates, of which 2018 saw a record number. For the first time in U.S. history, openly LGBTQ candidates ran for office in all 50 states and D.C.—Florida chief among them. Twenty-eight LGBTQ Floridians ran for elected office in 2018, with 17 reaching the November ballot.

“LGBTQ candidates are running for office in unprecedented numbers and it is already inspiring more LGBTQ people to run in the near future,” President and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund Annise Parker says. Parker, the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city, leads the organization. It is the only national LGBTQ group of its

kind to exclusively endorse LGBTQ candidates.

“This rainbow wave of candidates is certainly concentrated in blue states and districts, but LGBTQ leaders in conservative parts of the nation are standing up and are determined to become public servants while remaining true to who they are,” she continues.

“The struggles and experiences of LGBTQ candidates provide a unique perspective that makes them authentic, values-driven leaders, and it is increasingly resonating with voters.”

To elect LGBTQ and ally candidates, NextGen America says the youth vote is critical. It’s what drew the nation’s largest youth electoral program to Florida in 2017. “It’s probably the most important swing state in the country,” Pinellas County Field Organizer Stefanie Reynolds says.

“We’re large and diverse. The LGBTQ vote matters so much because we are a big force here; we can really make things happen.”

Ahead of this year’s voter registration deadline, NextGen registered 50,908 voters between the ages of 18 and 35,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

predominantly across the state’s college campuses. She says that as for what’s next, the newly-registered voters and the LGBTQ community at large have to make it to the polls on or before Nov. 6.

“It is imperative that people vote,” Saunders says. “There has never been a more important time. If you’re frustrated by what’s happening in D.C., this is the moment to engage and to change Florida—and by doing so, change the country.”

THE U.S. SENATE

Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson was first elected in 2000 to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate. He faces Republican and outgoing Gov. Rick Scott, whose second term began in 2014. Nelson is applauded for his leadership by organizations like HRC and Equality Florida for his civil rights record, which includes support for marriage equality and co-sponsorship of the Equality Act in 2016.

If passed into law, the bill would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to federally protect LGBTQ Americans against discrimination for sexual

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

orientation, gender identity and sex in employment, housing, accommodations and more.

“Bill Nelson has been a champion of LGBTQ rights,” Saunders says. “He has been ready to stand up against those who would create a pathway to discrimination.”

HRC agrees. In its Congressional Scorecard for the 115th Congress— released Oct. 17 and which Nelson is a part—the incumbent senator scored a 94 percent. The score measures support for LGBTQ equality based on a range of key indicators, from votes in the Senate to confirm what it calls anti-LGBTQ Trump-Pence cabinet officials and judicial nominees to votes and co-sponsorships of legislation significantly impacting the LGBTQ community.

While Equality Florida does not make federal endorsements, it does remind voters of a candidate’s record—as the organization does with Scott. In the wake of the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando, the organization says the governor sent staff to meet face to face with Equality Florida leaders.

“His Chief of Staff made a commitment to swift action on an executive order protecting LGBTQ state workers,” Equality Florida shares, noting that it is a step that Scott could take without legislative approval. “After years of delays and excuses, Gov. Scott made clear he was not going to honor that promise. Under pressure from the media, he began to assert that an executive order was unnecessary because existing federal protections were sufficient.”

“Like a lot of elected officials, Rick Scott did everything he could to stand in front of cameras,” Saunders recalls. “He rushed down to Orlando and stood in front of cameras like any politician, but I would argue that even in that moment he struggled to acknowledge that the tragedy at Pulse happened to LGBTQ people.”

Saunders says that Scott “made a promise and it’s one he didn’t keep. We haven’t forgotten that and we don’t expect that the LGBTQ community in Orlando or Pulse survivors have forgotten that. It’s a testament to his record.”

Nelson and Scott did not respond to Watermark’s requests for comment.

THE GOVERNORSHIP

A rallying point for Equality Florida, HRC, NextGen and other organizations is the office of

Continued on pg. 25 | uu |

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It’s essential for the LGBTQ community and allies to make it the polls, Webb stresses. “If not for yourself, for people who are even more vulnerable than you are. It matters. We can take back our country if we can take back our state this year.”

| uu | Rainbow Wave from pg.23

governor, the executive head of the state. Democrat and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum faces former Republican member of the U.S. House Ron DeSantis.

“While in the last few decades the LGBTQ community has made great strides, we’ve seen the Trump and Scott administrations attempt to undo that progress and hurt this community,” Gillum tells Watermark. “I will work hard not only to protect the progress we’ve made, but move our community closer towards full equality. I would sign and support the Competitive Workforce Act and use the executive office to provide full protections for the LGBTQ community to the greatest extent of the law.

“I will fight to put an end to the harmful practice of ‘conversion therapy’ for minors, and work to implement policies that address bullying and harassment in our schools,” he adds, “and work hard to curb homelessness among LGBTQ youth. As governor, I would fight to outlaw housing or employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.”

“It’s difficult to find a state with a starker contrast between the two candidates than what you see here in the state of Florida,” Griffin says, pointing to DeSantis’ score on HRC’s Congressional Scorecard.

While he received no ranking for its score of the 115th Congress due to his resignation from Florida’s 6th District in September, he received a zero for the organization’s score of the 114th.

“It is really hard to earn a perfect zero,” Griffin says. “That’s the legacy he leaves in Congress and that’s exactly how he would lead as governor. We are so proud to have endorsed and be partnered in efforts to elect Andrew Gillum as the next governor of Florida.”

“DeSantis has made clear on the campaign trail that he is no friend to the LGBTQ community,” Saunders says. “It’s clear that his strategy has been to stand as close to Donald Trump and his anti-LGBTQ policies as possible. We expect that he’ll carry that legacy through if he was to be elected.

“When Andrew Gillum promises the LGBTQ community that as a governor he’ll pass an executive order that creates statewide nondiscrimination protections,” he continues, “and that he will veto any bill that seeks to create a pathway for religious discrimination against

ACROSS THE BALLOT

RAINBOW CANDIDATES: LGBTQ Victory Fund CEO Annise Parker (C) meets with Florida House candidate Jennifer Webb (L) and Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (R) in St. Petersburg to discuss the Rainbow Wave Oct. 21. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

LGBTQ people, we don’t just believe him. We know he’ll be the first one to speak out in favor of our families and against attacks on us.”

DeSantis did not respond to Watermark’s requests for comment.

RAINBOW CANDIDATES

A total of at least 618 openly LGBTQ candidates ran for public office in 2018, with 399 appearing on ballots nationwide in November.

That’s why LGBTQ Victory Fund came to Florida, joining Equality Florida and HRC in supporting candidates like Jennifer Webb and State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

Webb is vying to represent District 69 in Florida’s House of Representatives and Smith, the state’s first openly-LGBTQ Latinx state legislator, seeks re-election for District 49. “We are ably represented in many places by allies; the people who care about us and speak up for us,” Parker says. “But when we can speak for ourselves, it changes the conversation and it dramatically changes the ability of the other side to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation.

“It’s much harder for someone to look you in the eye or sit next to you in a committee meeting and willingly vote to strip you of your rights,” she adds. Webb and Guillermo Smith understand that.

“I have championed bipartisan legislation that treats LGBTQ people fairly and equally under Florida law and led the charge for gun safety after Pulse as the first-named sponsor of the assault weapons and large capacity magazine ban,” Guillermo Smith says. “Earlier this year I was recognized by the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS foundation for my advocacy for the HIV community and have also been honored by Equality Florida and the LGBT Center in Orlando.”

Additionally, he co-sponsored legislation banning “the dangerous and scientifically-debunked practice of conversion therapy on minors.”

As a former staffer and government affairs manager for Equality Florida, Guillermo Smith also helped author the Florida Competitive Workforce Act as legislation. “I won’t leave the Florida legislature until these protections are signed into law,” he vows.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Webb, who has made access to mental health and substance abuse programming a cornerstone of her campaign, will serve as the first openly LGBTQ woman in the Florida Legislature if elected. She says she’s spent three years getting to know every inch of her district, noting that “I have an agenda that will strengthen our community and ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”

She hopes to sponsor the Competitive Workforce Act and to ensure there are no “bathroom bills” targeting transgender Floridians.

“The president of the United States is trying to disappear transgender people,” Webb says, “to qualify what gender is and what it is not. There’s nothing more personal than your own identity – we need people who are in the State House protecting us from these horrific policies that are coming out of D.C.” “Every aspect of our daily lives in in some way regulated by an elected body,” Parker adds. “Kate Brown, who is the bisexual Governor of Oregon, was elected by seven votes.

Tell me a single vote doesn’t matter.”

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

“This is such an important vote,” Reynolds notes. “The LGBTQ community is here in large numbers and we have a voice. If we don’t use it then we get candidates in office who don’t have our best interests at heart.”

That’s why electing ally candidates is critical, and why Watermark reached out to 154 men and women running for political office across Central Florida and Tampa Bay to ask five questions focusing on LGBTQ equality.

“I consider myself to not just be an ally to the LGBTQ community; I am an accomplice to the LGTBQ community,” says Anna Eskamani, candidate for Florida House District 47. “That means that I am by your side through thick and thin, through victories and loss. My commitment to inclusivity is unmatched, and I have been fighting for equality alongside LGBTQ friends and coalition partners for more than ten years.”

U.S. Congressman Charlie Crist, who represents Florida’s 13th district and is seeking re-election, adds that he lives his life by the Golden Rule. “That means treating everyone with kindness, respect, and fairly,” he says. “The fact that discriminating against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity remains legal bewilders Floridians. It bewilders me. This type of discrimination is unacceptable, and I strongly support outlawing it at both the state and federal level. It’s not right in 2018 that you can get married on Saturday and fired on Monday.”

From those seeking to become Florida’s next governor to the next member of their local school board, Watermark contacted Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians and those without a party affiliation. Given the nature of the questions, judicial candidates were excluded. Equality Florida refers voters to the National Organization for Women, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and SAVE for additional information on judicial candidates.

Visit EQFL.org/Judicial-Races for more information.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

2018 MidTerm election LGBTQ Voters’ Guide

Below, you’ll find the abbreviated answers of 33 respondents: 24 Democrats, one Republican, one Libertarian and seven without a party affiliation. While the first question was open-ended, the subsequent four were yes or no. If a star was provided, Watermark was unable to discern a yes or no from a candidate’s answer.

You can read each candidate’s full responses at WatermarkOnline.com, and the full questions below:

1

Why should those in the LGBTQ community support your candidacy?

area

STATE

PARTY

D

3

2

Do you support Do you support the Florida legislation banning Competitive Workforce Act, banning discrimination based on “conversion therapy” that purports to change a sexual orientation and gender child’s sexual orientation identity in housing, employment or gender identity? and public accommodations?

POSITION

Governor

4

CANDIDATE

Andrew Gillum

5

Do you oppose legislation restricting access to restrooms and other sex-segregated facilities for transgender Floridians?

Do you support requiring school districts to include specific protections against bullying and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression?

THE AMENDMENTS

This year’s ballot lists 12 potential amendments to the Florida Constitution.

Only two of those were proposed by Florida’s citizens, including Amendment 4.

Amendment 4 restores the right to vote to over one million convicted felons in Florida who have completed their sentences, including parole and probation, excluding those convicted of murder or sexual offenses. It is the only amendment Equality Florida has taken a stance on, advising that the eligibility to vote is fundamental to democracy and that voting yes “is the first step in helping LGBTQ people with former convictions.”

For more information about 2018’s proposed amendments, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q5

While in the last few decades the LGBTQ community has made great strides, we’ve seen the Trump and Scott administrations attempt to undo that progress and hurt this community. I will work hard not only to protect the progress we’ve made, but move our community closer towards full equality.

I would sign and support the Competitive Workforce Act and use the executive office to provide full protections for the LGBTQ community to the greatest extent of the law. I will fight to put an end to the harmful practice of “conversion therapy” for minors, and work to implement policies that address bullying and harassment in our schools, and work hard to curb homelessness among LGBTQ youth. As governor, I would fight to outlaw housing or employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

y

y

y

y

y

y

y

y

STATE

D

Attorney General

Sean Shaw

I would be honored to have the support of the LGBTQ community for attorney general because it is imperative that our next attorney general is one that is committed to ensuring that all Floridians have equal protection under the law. For eight years, we’ve had an attorney general that has fought against the interests of this community, in 2014 she upheld Florida’s ban on gay marriage and actively defended this state’s ban on gay adoption. That’s just not acceptable. I strongly believe that gay rights are human rights and my support for this community is not a political stance or an ideology. I think that our LGBTQ Floridians have had enough of this extreme right-wing Republican agenda and they deserve the kind of leadership that fights for the well-being of all of us.

STATE

D

U.S. Representative District 9

Darren Soto

I have been a longtime advocate of equality for all Americans including our LGBTQ community. I have helped lead on various issues including equality in employment, housing, parental rights and marriage on the local, state and now national level.

y

y

y

y

Dana Cottrell

The LGBTQ community should support my candidacy as I understand first-hand many of the issues you face concerning equality, rights and recognition. My older sister came out when she was about 20 years old. I have gone through this experience with her. I know how being gay impacted her emotional and social development as a youth and young adult. I know the discrimination she has faced for what is natural to her.

She now has two beautiful daughters, and I will fight with every breath that is in me for my nieces and my sister to live in a world without bias, and with equality and acceptance for all. I am working to get out of office a person opposed to everything you stand for, and who votes based on his personal religious convictions.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Charlie Crist

I strongly support, and actively fight in Congress, for the rights of the LGBTQ community. As a proud member of the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus, I have co-sponsored countless bills to fight discrimination and provide equal rights for all Americans. I am proud that passing the Equality Act will be an urgent priority should Democrats retake the House of Representatives.

y

y

y

y

The choice between myself and my Republican opponent is very clear. One candidate will be a champion of rights for the LGBTQ community, and the other will continue their track record of being 50 years behind the times when it comes to those rights. In Florida, you can be fired for being LGBTQ. During my opponent’s time in the Florida House of Representatives, he continued to fail to support legislation that would protect that most basic right of protection. In Congress, I will push for the Equality Act, not only because it is the morally right thing to do, but because it is also the economically rational thing to do. When in Congress, I will ensure the entire nation, not just Florida, is a place where the LGBTQ community has the same constitutional protections as race and age.

y

y

y

y

STATE

STATE

STATE

D

U.S. Representative District 11

D

U.S. Representative District 13

D

U.S. Representative District 15

Kristen Carlson

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

27

SUNCOAST CELEBRATION You’re Invited!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2018 • 5-8 PM

PRESENTED BY

AT THE SARASOTA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM • 801 N TAMIAMI TRAIL, SARASOTA Equality Florida changes hearts and minds across the Sunshine State.

For more than 20 years, the organization has educated Floridians on LGBTQ issues and advocated for LGBTQ people in cities, counties, and at the state capitol.

Join us at the 2018 Suncoast Celebration to learn about this progress and what’s ahead on the journey to full LGBTQ equality!

The event’s theme, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, resonates today with the LGBTQ experience.

The film’s character, Holly Golightly, leaves the only life she knows to look for her chosen family. Many members of the LGBTQ community do the same and will be celebrating on November 18th with their own chosen families! The evening will feature live entertainment by Josh Walther & The Phase5 Band, open bars, a breakfast buffet provided by Modern Events Catering, a silent auction, and an inspiring message from Equality Florida’s CEO Nadine Smith. Also during the evening, we’ll recognize outstanding individuals who have made incredible contributions to LGBTQ equality.

Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.

No printed tickets issued. Names will be on an admission list at the door. Business attire is suggested.

R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets at

equalityflorida.org/suncoastcelebration or call 813-870-3735.

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. Please contact Mark Puskarich at mark@equalityflorida.org or visit equalityflorida.org/suncoastcelebration.

S TAT E W I D E S P O N S O R S

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s 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 WWW.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.

28

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

area

PARTY

POSITION

CANDIDATE

CFL

D

State Senate District 14

Melissa “Mel” Martin

CFL

D

State Representative District 25

CFL

LPF

State Representative District 25

D

State Representative District 27

CFL

D

State Representative District 31

CFL

D

CFL

D

CFL

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q5

I have and will continue to be a steadfast ally with the LGBTQ community and would boldly sponsor necessary legislation to assure the community is treated with dignity and respect.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Kathleen “Katie” Tripp

Because I support you.

y

y

Joseph “Joe” Hannoush

As a Libertarian, I of course support LGBTQ rights 100%.

Y

My “yes” answers to questions 2-5 should demonstrate my support of the LGBTQ community. Beyond that, I believe every one of my non-straight friends, neighbors and family members will attest that I am accepting of people within the LGBTQ community. Among my family members that I know are gay are my two living nieces who have wives; one of them has children with her wife.

y

Debra Kaplan

Unlike the incumbent, I support the right of LGBTQ individuals to marry, cohabitate and adopt children. I believe that sexual orientation should not be the yardstick to consider whether someone should be hired, serve in the military or be able to rent an apartment or home. Any form of discrimination is abhorrent to me. I would want LGBTQ members of my family, friends, coworkers and constituents to be able to live their best life.

State Representative District 32

Cynthia Brown

State Representative District 33

Oren Miller

Carol Lawrence

Q1

y

Y

Y

y

y

y

y

y

y

y

Because I believe in equal rights for all. Including equal rights in employment, benefits and the right to marry.

Y

Y

Y

Y

I support change that would make equal rights truly equal. I held a special meeting to discuss issues with a prominent LGBTQ group in Florida District 33. It was important to me to hear from them and for them to hear from me. I didn’t want them to just vote for a Democrat. I want them to vote for someone they can believe in.

y

y

y

y

y

y

y

y

CFL

R

State Representative District 47

Stockton Reeves

The depth of my business, professional and life experience has best prepared me to serve all the residents of District 47.

I am a part owner in Architects Design Group and The Center for Public Safety. We design public safety facilities across the nation. Our workforce is a microcosm of our population and reflects that diversity in all ways. I grew up spending weekends with my father excavating Timucua pre-contact habitation mounds to save that part of Florida’s history before development destroyed those artifacts. In the late 1980s I traveled several times with Dr. Peter Pritchard to help save four species of ocean going turtles that come ashore at Shell Beach in Guyana to lay eggs. In business, in the arts as well as in civic, charitable and philanthropic areas, I have spent time and energy to help make Central Florida a better place to live and work.

CFL

D

State Representative District 47

Anna V. Eskamani

I consider myself to not just be an ally to the LGBTQ community – I am an accomplice to the LGTBQ community. That means that I am by your side through thick and thin, through victories and loss. My commitment to inclusivity is unmatched, and I have been fighting for equality alongside LGBTQ friends and coalition partners for more than 10 years.

y

y

y

y

CFL

D

State Representative District 48

Amy Mercado

I would love to earn the LGBTQ+ community’s support because as a wife, businesswoman, mom of six, former healthcare worker and caretaker to ailing grandparents I know exactly what it is like to struggle to make ends meet to provide for my multi-generational family. I am a progressive advocate within my community who believes in: science, bully-free education, equal rights regardless of who we love or what bathroom we use, equal work for equal pay, women’s rights and disability rights.

y

y

y

y

As our state’s first and only LGBTQ Latinx lawmaker, I have been a visible and unapologetic voice for LGBTQ Floridians. Representation matters. My lived experience as a survivor of anti-gay hate violence and as someone who has seen the consequences of discrimination has made me a stronger and more authentic advocate for equality. I have championed bipartisan legislation that treats LGBTQ people fairly and equally under Florida law and led the charge for gun safety after Pulse as the first-named sponsor of the assault weapons and large capacity magazine ban. Earlier this year I was recognized by the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS foundation for my advocacy for the HIV community and have also been honored by Equality Florida and the LGBT Center in Orlando.

y

y

y

y

I have been an LGBTQ supporter, lived with and grew up among the LGBTQ community since childhood in S. Florida in the early 80s. As a heterosexual man I know there is no difference between the love that can be carried between people no matter their gender.

y

y

y

y

John W. Mina

In my position as Chief of Police at the Orlando Police Department I have been a strong advocate for our LGBTQ community. I started the first LGBTQ liaison police officer of all Central Florida law enforcement agencies. Under my leadership the Orlando Police Department is one of the few agencies that post hate crime information on the web to spread awareness about hate crimes. Since I have been Chief, our Department has embraced the Pride Parade and I have been proud to march in it myself. I also helped create the Safe Place Initiative for the City of Orlando. The mission of the Safe Place Initiative is to provide the LGBTQ community with easily accessible safety information and safe places they can turn to if they are a victim of a crime or feel threatened.

y

y

y

y

Johanna Lopez

I have made it a personal goal to fight for the rights of all of my students, especially those who come from historically marginalized backgrounds. As a School Board Member, I will continue to work towards ensuring that our public education system is fair. I will champion policies that support our LGBTQ students, teachers and staff members. In particular, I will fight for equitable schools, where every student receives the support they need to have a shot at a successful future. This includes having trainings for teachers and staff about how our students’ backgrounds can affect their learning. I will also work to ensure our students’ safety and well-being inside and outside of the classroom. I also believe our students deserve to have a learning environment that is free from guns, violence, bullying, and discrimination.

y

y

y

y

CFL

D

State Representative District 49

Carlos Guillermo Smith

CFL

D

State Representative District 53

Phil Moore

CFL

CFL

NPA

N/A

Orange County Sheriff

Orange County School Board Member, District 2

1.Why should those in the LGBTQ community support your candidacy? 2.Do you support the Florida Competitive Workforce Act? 3.Do you support legislation banning “conversion therapy?” 4.Do you oppose legislation restricting access to restrooms and other sex-segregated facilities for transgender Floridians? 5.Do you support requiring school districts to include specific protections against bullying and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression?

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

29

30

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

area

TB

PARTY

POSITION

D

State Representative District 59

CANDIDATE

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q5

Adam Hattersley

LBGTQ issues are the reason I began running for this seat. My brother in-law and his husband adopted a newborn here in Florida last year and I want to ensure she grows up knowing there is nothing wrong with her family. My opponents are EXTREMELY right-wing and religious, and not only does the Bible not belong in government, but government does not belong in anyone’s bedroom. The Hillsborough LBGTA Caucus and Equality Florida have already endorsed me (and are actively helping in my campaign) and most of my campaign staff is from the LBGTQ community.

y

y

y

y

Fentrice Driskell

Those in the LGBTQ community should support my candidacy because I will continue to be an ally once elected to office.

Diversity and inclusion has been an essential part of my life and career. I have served on The Florida Bar’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion for four years. We promote diversity in the legal community in all of its forms including sex, race and sexual orientation. In addition, my campaign has gained great momentum and I recently became one of only six candidates endorsed by President Barack Obama. Some of my additional endorsements include Equality Florida, the Florida LGBTA and Hillsborough LGBTA Democratic Caucuses, the Tampa Bay Times, La Gaceta, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin, EMILY’s List, Ruth’s List Florida, Flippable, the Collective PAC, Run for Something, the Sierra Club, the Florida Education Association, AFL-CIO, West Central Florida Labor Council and several other organizations, elected officials and community leaders.

y

y

y

y

I have supported and will continue to support equality for all, specifically LGBTQ issues. Whether it is marriage equality, equal adoption benefits, anti-bullying legislation, or civil protections to ensure that malicious employers do not discriminate against their employees, I have always and consistently supported complete equality for all people. While in the State House, I helped people stand up for their rights. I will do the same if elected to the State Senate, and will continue to be a champion on your issues–not just an occasional vote.

y

y

y

y

I hope that members of the LGBTQ community will support my candidacy because I promise to stand up for you in Tallahassee. I will support the Competitive Workforce Act and do everything in my power to make sure it becomes law. I will fight every attempt to limit your rights and will actively seek advice and feedback from the LGBTQ community to ensure I’m doing the best job I can as your representative.

y

y

y

y

I believe the LGBTQ community should support me because I completely support everyone’s right to live their chosen lifestyle. For the past two years, I have provided support for a young teenager who is transgender and was struggling with the decision. Since I was a teenager I have easily moved in LGBTQ circles. My own children grew up knowing our lives included gay family and friends. Occasionally they acted as caregivers for my young children. As a representative of the teacher’s union, PCTA, I have attended and walked in St. Pete’s annual Pride parade. In my eyes all people should feel safe in our society and be able to pursue their dreams regardless of sexual orientation, color, faith or culture.

y

y

y

y

We need people who are in the State House protecting us from these horrific policies that are coming out of D.C. I have spent the last three years getting to know every inch of my district and the families, the residents and the businesses owners that live there.

I’ve pulled together an agenda that will strengthen our community and ensure that no one falls through the cracks. I’m hoping to sponsor the Competitive Workforce Act and to make sure there are no more bathroom bills. I’ve also made mental health and substance abuse a cornerstone of my campaign because it affects our community regardless of income or zip code. I know from working closely with our community that we suffer from substance abuse and from mental illness because of society’s rejection of us.

y

y

y

y

I gave my campaign a name, it’s called We The People. I believe that diversity is our strength. I have a niece and a nephew that are gay. These issues are about my family. I am endorsed by the Democratic LGTBA Caucus.

y

y

y

y

D

State Representative District 63

TB

D

State Senator District 16

Amanda Murphy

TB

D

State Senator District 66

Alex Heeren

TB

TB

D

State Senator District 67

Dawn C. Douglas

Q1

TB

D

State Senator District 69

Jennifer Webb

TB

D

Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, District 2

Angela Birdsong

TB

NPA

Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners District 5

Joe Kotvas

Because I oppose both racism and prejudice in any form. I am one of the few remaining White Freedom Riders from the 1963 March on Washington and believe we all have a right to be who we are without fear from anyone, regardless of our race or gender.

y

y

n

y

TB

N/A

Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 1

William “Bill” Person

I believe that every school should be safe and inclusive. Our kids need an ally on the school board that will fight for them. The district has been slow to put policy in place that not only protects our LGBTQ+ students, but also ensures they can thrive. The LGBTQ+ community can count on me to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ students and staff of Hillsborough County Public Schools.

y

y

y

y

Karen Perez

My daughter came out to me at the age of 13. She is now 32 years old and she and her wife are doing wonderful. In my practice, I have a majority of LGBTQ workers, both here in my Tampa office and my Pinellas office. I also am part of the LGBT committee at the Tampa VA. I would appreciate endorsement by the LGBTQ community as education and inclusion is the key! I sit on the LGBTQ committee in the VA and continue to encourage education on diversity training for practitioners when it comes to the LGBT community. In my private practice provide constant diversity training to my staff regarding the LGBTQ community. I also have conversation training regarding what speech is acceptable and what is NOT when it comes to the LGBTQ community.

y

y

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y

I was raised in a large family with gay and transgender people and we always helped family members become their authentic selves with love. I have published research on pivotal moments in history such as the Stonewall Riot and have taught college students about LGBTQ history. I believe it is not enough to support the LGBTQ community with sentiments alone, because actions speak louder. Throughout my career I have not just supported but promoted leaders in my own ventures who were LGBTQ. I have also stood in solidarity with friends as they transitioned or confronted challenges with their sexual identity.

I have seen how freeing it is for friends to have the support of loved ones at moments like this and it truly brings me joy.

y

y

y

y

N/A

Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 6

TB

D

Pinellas Board of County Commissioners, District 6 - Single Member

Amy Kedron

TB

N/A

Pinellas County School Board Member, District 3 - At Large

Peggy O’Shea

I have always and will always continue to support the LGBTQ community and all non-discriminatory laws, practices and policies. As a school board member in Pinellas County, we have included sexual orientation in all policies regarding non-discrimination.

y

y

y

y

TB

N/A

Pinellas County School Board Member, District 6 - Single Member

Matt Stewart

I was born and raised in Clearwater and went on to earn my doctorate in Education at the University of South Florida.

Currently, my husband and I live in St. Petersburg where we are foster parents, PTA members and are involved in our neighborhood association. I am proud to have the support of Equality Florida and Stonewall Democrats.

y

y

y

y

TB

1.Why should those in the LGBTQ community support your candidacy? 2.Do you support the Florida Competitive Workforce Act? 3.Do you support legislation banning “conversion therapy?” 4.Do you oppose legislation restricting access to restrooms and other sex-segregated facilities for transgender Floridians? 5.Do you support requiring school districts to include specific protections against bullying and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression?

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ARTS ANd ENTERTAINmENT

thE ChAMPiONS: Gwilym Lee (L) as Brian May and Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury jam out on stage. PHOTO

by alex baily

THEY WILL

Rock YOU

Rami malek, Joseph mazzello and Gwilym Lee talk portraying rock superstars Queen in new biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

F

Gregg shapiro

iRSt thiNGS FiRSt, FOR ALL OF

those concerned about the way that Freddie Mercury’s homosexuality is depicted in Bryan Singer’s Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” you can relax.

From the minute you first see Mercury, played brilliantly

by Rami Malek (complete with prosthetic teeth), there is no

doubt that the king of Queen was, in fact, a queen. Yes, his relationship with “fiancée” Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) gets a

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

fair amount of screen time. But, so do his same-sex attractions, from being cruised by a trucker outside of a men’s room to his relationships with manager Paul (Allen Leech) and later his lover Jim (Aaron McCusker).

Now that that’s settled, it’s safe to say that, as biopics go, “Bohemian Rhapsody” does a respectable job of telling both Mercury’s story and giving the audience insight into the history of the band itself. The backstory

of Queen hits “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” are worth the price of admission alone.

We had the honor of speaking with Malek, as well as Joseph Mazzello and Gwilym Lee (who play Queen band members John Deacon and Brian May, respectively) while they were in Miami before the movie’s release in theaters.

CONTINUEd ON PG. 35 | uu |

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| uu | We Will Rock You from pg.33

Watermark: I’d like

to begin by getting the obvious questions out of the way first. Would you each please name your favorite Queen song and favorite Queen album?

Jospeh Mazzello: “Somebody To Love” is my all-time favorite, and this is a boring answer but “A Night at the Opera” is such a masterpiece that, all told, I’d have to say it’s my favorite album.

Gwilym Lee: Yeah, probably the same. But I really like “Queen,” the first album, just because you hear them working out who they really are. You hear them as a really young, slightly naive band that sounds a lot like other bands of that time because they’re still trying to find their unique sound.

There’s a lot of Led Zeppelin influence. But there’s something quite pure about it as a rock band.

Rami Malek: As an album cover, maybe to flip this a little bit, I like “News of the World.”

The robot!

RM: Yes, the robot, which they’re currently touring with. We watched so much archival footage and to hear them talk about “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” [both from “News of the World”] as something they always thought about as a pair, and a true audience participation song that features so heavily in the film; I’ve got to pay homage to that.

There’s that great scene in the studio where we see the genesis of the song.

Prior to making “Bohemian Rhapsody,” where did Queen rank on each of your lists of favorite bands?

GL: It’s pretty high up there.

Their songs are so universal. You hear them everywhere growing up. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that they wrote the songs that they did. I think people are going to watch this film and be shocked to learn, oh, they wrote that one, as well.

What’s been lovely about doing this project is going back to the origins of their songs. Seeing how they evolved and the imagination that it took to come up with such unique songs.

JM: I made a little student film when I was in high school and

Screen Queens: (L-R) Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury and Gwilym Lee as Brian May. Photo by Alex Baily

It’s hard enough emulating him in any way or trying to fill those shoes. It took me quite a while to come close in this film.

To begin to ponder what this man was thinking. Ultimately, I think what the film does really well, it doesn’t spend too much time going into the darker places, the illicit places. We do that so we can show just how grand and big his life was.

—Rami Malek I put “Another One Bites the Dust” at the end of it over the credits. It was like “final cut one” or something. Then Queen just started popping up for me.

I directed a film and every day before going to the set, to pump myself up, I’d listen to “Somebody to Love.” Then it was in college where I feel like I found a new level of appreciation for them and I became a “Greatest Hits” fan.

Every new song I heard by them was my new favorite song. Doing this movie changed everything.

There were songs I didn’t think

about too much or seemed like one of their mediocre songs.

When you learn how to play it, the intent behind it, why they wrote it, how all four of them wrote hits—when you get all of that knowledge it takes on a whole new meaning to you. I literally walked in the room singing.

Yes, I heard you singing “Somebody To Love.”

RM: That doesn’t get old [All three laugh]. No, no. We love it.

We got this question on set a lot.

We’d be playing a song, take after take, by the end of the day … I was

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a production assistant on a music video once where I was like, “If I ever hear that song again, I’m going to do bad things.” But that never happens with Queen.

Collectively we’ve all said this without talking about it. We’ve been listening to Queen nonstop in a way that some might think is odd or some might think is totally understandable.

That speaks to the power of the music.

RM: It does. Hearing Bowie with Queen and Freddie doing those kinds of operatic warm-ups that

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he ended up incorporating into the music was revolutionary to me. Then you get involved in the story behind the making of “Under Pressure” and how things come about with them. How inspired and spontaneous they were together is something I find so fascinating.

JM: After I was done shooting, I was like “What songs didn’t we cover? What songs didn’t I get to know?” That was the rabbit hole I went down. You’re loving so much of it that you want to learn more and more and be able to take it in as a fan of the music rather than having the responsibility of performing it.

You hope that that’s what a movie like this will do, to get people to go and do the research.

GL: So many people that we’ve spoken to who have seen the film say that the first thing they do is go back home and watch the Live Aid footage which I think is great.

Everyone needs to see it. It’s such an iconic and historic moment.

Continued on pg. 37 | uu |

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NEWS OF thE WORLD: The film version of Queen, one of the biggest rock bands of all time, laying down vocals in the studio. Photo by alex baily | uu | We Will Rock You fROm PG.35

We watched it hundreds and hundreds of times in preparation for the film.

I still watch it to this day.

THERE’S A SCENE WHERE fREddIE PLAyS PIANO UPSIdE dOWN ANd BACkWARdS WHICH mAdE mE WONdER If EACH Of yOU PLAyS A mUSICAL INSTRUmENT.

Jm: Only upside down.

Rm: I looked at piano and it’s been a mystery to me my whole life. That’s the one thing people forget about Freddie. The guy was a virtuoso. Taking piano lessons, it took quite a while for me to learn how to play “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “We Are the Champions,” but at one point I saw in the script, oh he’s playing upside down as well. I felt like, “If you’re going to make my story from his point of view, I’m going to throw everything at you.”

GL: I played a little bit of acoustic guitar, but nothing to the level of Brian May’s genius. We all put in a lot of work. We got grafted pretty hard trying to play our instruments.

JOSEPH ANd GWILym, WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES Of PLAyING LIVING PEOPLE, AS

IN THE CASE Of JOHN dEACON ANd BRIAN mAy, RESPECTIVELy?

Jm: It literally never leaves your mind every time you play a real person. As an actor, you want to go into any job giving it your absolute all and everything.

It just feels like there’s this extra motivation when you have this intense responsibility to the actual person you’re playing. To their family and, in this job, to the Queen fan base, which is massive. We hear from them all the time, they’re so invested in this.

Every day you walk on set, it doesn’t matter if you’re tired or what’s going on in your personal life, you always keep that in the forefront of your mind and it focuses you in a way you can’t even imagine.

GL: You have to stay on guard. You have to stay on your game. It can be overwhelming, but it forces you to put in the hours.

Rm: I looked forward to knowing when Brian May was going to come [to the set]. It just elevated me.

IT dIdN’T mAkE yOU NERVOUS?

Rm: It could have. But he stepped on the scene and he was warm. He was taking pictures of it. There’s such humility and class in the man. He made us feel like it was a privilege to have us telling his story.

Jm: He was taking videos on his cellphone of us doing Live Aid. It was like, “That’s not how this works [laughs]. We’re trying to impress you.” It was a cool moment for us.

WHAT dO yOU THINk fREddIE mERCURy WOULd THINk Of “BOHEmIAN RHAPSOdy?”

Rm: It’s hard enough emulating him in any way or trying to fill those shoes.

It took me quite a while to come close in this film.

To begin to ponder what this man was thinking.

Ultimately, I think what the film does really well, it doesn’t spend too much time going into the darker places, the illicit places. We do that so we can show just how grand and big his life was. fULL.

Rm: Rich and complex and full. I think celebrating the magnificence of the man was all we hoped to achieve. I just hope there’s a moment where he’s like, “Well that was colorful and enjoyable. I hope you all had a real good time.”

GL: It’s nice to be reminded of him. He was a celebrator of life; an incredible individual. It’s nice to remind the world of him. We need people like Freddie Mercury.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” opens in theaters nationwide Nov. 2.

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books

Loving Lit

Author Erica Silverman pens trans-focused children’s book ‘Jack (Not Jackie)’

(above)

just jack: “Jack (Not Jackie)” is a conversation starter about gender identity.

Photos courtesy glaad

“C

Ryan Williams-Jent

reating books that tell all

of our stories empowers all of us,” children’s author Erica Silverman says.

“There’s so little out there for transgender and gender fluid children … if you don’t see yourself in a book, you feel invisible; like you don’t exist.” watermark Your LGBTQ life.

That lack of representation in traditional publishing led to the creation of “Jack (Not Jackie).”

It’s the second picture book in a partnership between GLAAD— the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization—and Bonnier Publishing USA, which publishes over 150 books annually.

The collaboration aims to integrate and elevate positive LGBTQ

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representation throughout children’s literature by releasing at least four titles annually. The work will range in genres and formats for children up to the age of 14. In “Jack (Not Jackie),” author Erica Silverman crafted a story of sibling love and family acceptance. “‘Jack (Not Jackie)’ is a heartwarming and gentle conversation starter about gender identity and gender expression, but more importantly it is a story about love between siblings and wholeheartedly accepting people for who they are,” GLAAD advises. “The story centers around a big sister, Susan, who learns to understand and appreciate that her younger sibling identifies as ‘Jack’ rather than ‘Jackie.’”

“Susan is increasingly confused by the fact that the little sister Jackie, whom she adores, is continuously trying to let his family know that he’s a boy,” Silverman adds. “When he finally speaks up and asks her to call him Jack, it puts Susan in a crisis where she has to struggle and comes to terms with it. What she ultimately realizes is that whether Jack is her sister or her brother, he’s the sibling she adores. It’s a love story.”

Silverman, who received the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor for her early reader book “Cowgirl Kate,” has a Master of Library and Information Science. In addition to writing, she works as a librarian in California, where she lives with her wife of 10 years.

When Silverman’s editor approached her to pen “Jack (Not Jackie),” she didn’t hesitate. “It was like I heard bells ringing,” she recalls.

“It resonated with me that this was something so important and something that I could do. For both the transgender community and the cisgender community, it’s important to have these stories for children.

I just immediately said yes.”

She says it was then that she realized that in order for her to be an effective voice for the transgender community, it was time to research. “I knew where I stood on these issues, but I hadn’t read

Continued on pg. 41 | uu |

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| uu | Jack, Not Jackie fROm PG.39

the psychological literature about gender identity and young children,” she says. “I did an enormous amount of research.”

Silverman relied on professionals who work with families of transgender and gender fluid children as well as personal and published accounts in film and literature to prepare.

“I filled myself up with as much knowledge and understanding as I could,” she says.

The author also relied on the publisher’s partnership with GLAAD. “When they told me they were creating this partnership that would create a line of LGBTQ books, it felt like I had my community around me,” Silverman says. “I was a part of something that felt like home.

“Immediately I was able to get a sensitivity reader,” she continues. “[GLAAD Director of Transgender Media and Representation Nick Adams] went through the manuscript to catch some of the things that I wouldn’t have known or understood. He helped make it a better book.”

“Today children of all ages are finding support and understanding from parents and caregivers when they express that their gender identity or gender expression doesn’t match the sex recorded on their birth certificate,” Adams shared following the book’s publication.

“The social transition portrayed in this book is simply and refreshingly a family listening to their child and following his lead as he tells them what name and pronoun he wants to use and how he wants to dress.”

Silverman’s writing process began with the elder sister character of Susan.

“I was thinking about different characters and trying out different voices in my head,” she recalls, “and over time the idea of this girl who had a transgender boy sibling developed. Her voice emerged to talk about how she loved her little sister.”

Jack followed. “I imagined him coming into the world with his own feelings, his own identity, and considered how those two would clash,” Silverman continues. “I started writing scenes and Susan’s voice got stronger; she was really dictating the story and telling me what she thought and how she felt.

POWERFUL PAGES: “Jack (Not Jackie)” follows the story of big sister Susan, who learns to understand and appreciate that her younger sibling identifies as Jack and not Jackie. Author Erica Silverman calls it a love story. Photo CoUrtesy oF glaaD I was seeing Jack grow from Jackie into Jack … a lot of this happened because I had already fed my imagination with all of the literature and stories of people’s real lives.”

Authors and artists rarely discuss the creative process

I don’t have the artist’s ability to envision how it would be as an illustration. It’s always much better than I can imagine; it was extraordinary to see Jack and Susan come to life.”

She says Hatam brought “such a loving, joyful lightness to the

she continues. “I think it just draws the reader in and makes it completely not threatening, just very inviting.”

Its completion was inviting for Silverman in other ways. She says that while she tends to be more political in her personal life,

When they told me they were creating this partnership that would create a line of LGbTQ books, it felt like I had my community around me. I was a part of something that felt like home.

—ERiCA SiLVERMAN ON PARtNERiNG With GLAAD as it unfolds, communicating through the work’s editor. This was the case with Silverman and illustrator Holly Hatam, known for her work on the No. 1 New York Times Bestseller “Dear Girl.”

Silverman says seeing the first completed pages for “Jack (Not Jackie)” was thrilling. “It’s always an amazing thing to see characters who live in your head come to life,” she says. “When I write I picture the scenes, but

book,” something she notes isn’t an easy experience for such an emotional story. “There’s a lot of love flowing through it and there are a lot of happy scenes with the two playing,” Silverman says, “but it’s also a very emotional story as Susan struggles.

“Holly managed to really capture the intensity, the vulnerability of both of these children but with such a light touch and joyous, loving feeling,”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

she’s less so in her self-described “book life.”

While her work always has messages of connecting with community and empowerment, she notes they tend to be more subtle. “This is really the first book that puts something out about who I am in my personal life,” Silverman notes, “as a part of the LGBTQ community and as a trans ally.”

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Coming out can be a lifelong process, she adds. “It’s been a learning process, confronting my own fears about coming out yet again. Mostly in my life I’m out. My wife and I got married in 2008 when we were first allowed to,” she notes. “I’ve come out in stages. It certainly didn’t feel safe 40 years ago as a children’s book author to be announcing that I was a lesbian in the world.”

She stresses the importance of living authentically. “When you’re not out, when you’re not able to be fully who you are,” she advises, “what you’re absorbing is a certain amount of shame with the invisibility; the sense that if society can’t handle this there really must be something wrong.

“That’s why at the heart of this book for me it’s a story about love and acceptance,” Silverman says.

“People have to work through their fears and misconceptions and come to a place of love and kindness for everyone.”

“Jack (Not Jackie)” is currently available wherever books are sold. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to support GLAAD’s work to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people. For more information about Erica Silverman or GLAAD, visit EricaSilverman.com or GLAAD.org.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER arTs+enTerTainmenT

CENTRAL fLORIdA

CENTRAL fLORIdA

equality Florida Greater orlando Gala 2018

“spring awakening,” Nov. 2-4, Celebration Theatre Company, Orlando. 321-234-7644; CelebrationTheatreCo.com

FRiDAY, NOV. 2, 8-11 P.M. ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ARt, ORLANDO

the magic of rob lake, Nov. 2, Hard Rock Live, Orlando, 407-351-5483; HardRock.com/ Live/Locations/Orlando leading ladies, Nov. 2, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando, 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com Sebastian Bach, Nov. 2, The Plaza Live, Orlando, 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org gays on the move presents animal house toga Party, Nov. 2, Stonewall Bar, Orlando, 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com “young Frankenstein,” Nov. 2-4, Central Florida Community Arts, Orlando, 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com Wind Up 1957, Nov. 2-23, The Starlite Room at Savoy, Orlando, 407-270-4685; SavoyOrlando.com orlando youth empowerment Summit, Nov. 3, Valencia College West Campus, Orlando.

407-476-5327; QLatinx.org the Center’s 40th anniversary Celebration - a Night at studio 54, Nov. 3, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org National sandwich Day Walking Tour, Nov. 3, The Milk District, Orlando. 407-757-7191; BadAssSandwiches.com $100 Cash Prize Cha Cha Cha Contest, Nov. 3, Stonewall Bar, Orlando, 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com 80’s Night! orlando’s Ultimate 80’s Dance Party, Nov. 3, Parliament House, Orlando, 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Fall Fiesta in the Park, Nov. 3-4, Fiesta in the Park, Orlando, 321-281-2185; FiestaInThePark.com

LIBERATEd Superstar Christina aguilera brings her Liberation Tour to The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Nov. 13. Photo CoUrtesy ChristiNaagUilera.Com

Orange County Democrats Victory Party, Nov. 6, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Orlando. 407-257-5090; OrangeFLDemocrats.com Pride Chats, Nov. 8, Multicultural Student Center at the University of Central Florida, Orlando.

407-823-0401; SJA.SDES.UCF. edu/MSC Bad Balloon Presents: Timothy eerie, sonic graffiti, bubble Boys, Nov. 8, Stonewall Bar, Orlando, 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com eDC after Party with DJ kidd Madonny, Nov. 10, Parliament House, Orlando, 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

TAmPA BAy Brotherhood of Bears Weekend, Nov. 1-4, Flamingo Resort, St. Petersburg. 727-321-5000; FlamingoFl.com balance tampa bay’s Nov. service - the toymakers of east lake, Nov. 3, Francis House, Tampa. 813-777-0787; BalanceTampaBay.org

Come OUT St Pete Pool Party, Nov. 3, Gay St. Pete House, St. Petersburg. 727-365-0544; ComeOutStPete.org

ed sheeran, Nov. 7, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa. 813-350-6500; RaymondJamesStadium.com

tampa bay VegFest, Nov. 3, Perry Harvey Sr. Park, Tampa. 727-656-8368; TampaBayVegFest.com

Veteran’s Day observance at The Dali, Nov. 12, The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg.

727-823-3767; TheDali.org

sing along: “the greatest showman,” Nov. 3, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

Pride Skate, Nov. 12, United Skates of America, Tampa. 813-876-5826; UnitedSkates.com

twenty one Pilots, Nov. 3, Amalie Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; AmalieArena.com

Christina aguilera, Nov. 13, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg.

727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com

Dishing with the Queens, Nov. 4, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com miss shave my Face house Pageant, Nov. 4, Southern Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; SouthernNightsTPA.com 3rd annual gulfport Chef’s Table, Nov. 5, Downtown Gulfport Beach Blvd., Gulfport.

727-323-8643; Facebook.com/ Gulfport-Chefs-Table

John legend: a legendary Christmas Tour, Nov. 15, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

Project red: Wigs in space FRiDAY, NOV. 9, 7-11 P.M. PARLiAMENt hOUSE, ORLANDO Parliament House Orlando hosts Miracle of Love’s annual Project Red fundraiser, and this year’s theme is WIGS IN SPACE! So get ready to dress the part with big hair and Space Force chic. Tickets are $15 for General Admission and $25 for VIP. VIP includes drag queen meet and greet, grab bags and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit MiracleOfLoveInc.org.

TAmPA BAy

believe survivors - A Women’s solidarity event SAtURDAY, NOV. 3, 4-8 P.M. SUbCENtRAL At thE ibERiAN ROOStER, St. PEtERSbURG Project No Labels hosts Believe Survivors, an event to gather in solidarity for survivors of assault. The event, hosted by author-poet-educator Sheree L. Greer, is a safe space where you are invited to speak your story or show your support for those who’ve lived through this traumatizing experience. Speakers include Clinical Hypnotherapist Nilsa M. Karpus, Stef Reynolds of NextGen Florida, Caitlin Constantine from The League of Women Voters and more. For more information, visit ProjectNoLabels.org.

mr. & miss Tampa Pride 2019

SARASOTA Venice Pride, Nov. 3, Suncoast MCC, Venice. 941-484-7068; SuncoastCathedralMCC.org Siesta Key Crystal Classic int’l sand sculpting Festival, Nov. 10-12, FLA-mingo Resort Properties, Sarasota.

513-225-6667; Facebook.com/ pg/FlamingoResortKT

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Equality Florida invites you to its annual Greater Orlando Gala at the Orlando Museum of Art. Join them for a night of live entertainment by Silkee Smoove Band and Opera Del Sol, as well as a silent art auction, delicious hors d’oeuvre and a full open bar. This year’s honorees include The Dru Project’s Brandon Wolf and John Michael Exquisite Weddings and Events owner Michael Thomas. Tickets in advance are $100 and $125 at the door. Tickets and more information can be found at EqualityFlorida.org/OrlandoGala.

SUNDAY, NOV. 11, 3 P.M. StRAZ CENtER FOR thE PERFORMiNG ARtS, tAMPA See the Mr. and Miss Tampa Pride Pageant winners crowned at the Straz Performing Arts Center. The pageant is open for anyone to compete in and the winner receives a prize of $500. First runner up wins $100. Tampa Pride will take place on March 30, 2019, featuring the annual festival, parade and party. For more information, visit TampaPride.org.

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READ IT ONLINE! Framing Watermark readers since 2003

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overheard

TAmPA BAy OUT+ABOUT

VENICE HAS PRIdE

V

ENiCE’S LGbtQ COMMUNitY AND itS ALLiES will celebrate diversity and visibility during the inaugural Venice Pride Nov. 3.

The celebration will be held on the five-acre campus of SunCoast Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church, described as a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community and its allies, from 1-5 p.m.

“Our theme is ‘We Are Here,’” Senior Co-Pastor and one of the celebration’s organizers Rev. Vickie Miller says, “mostly to make a statement that the LGBTQ community and our allies are present in Venice.

We want our voices to be a part of the community; we want to be unified and work together on issues that impact us.”

The festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and continue with entertainment and a pet blessing. “We know that many of us are pet lovers,” Miller says, “so we thought it’d be a great way for people to come out and celebrate all of creation together. We’ll have a pet pride parade in addition to that.” The gathering will also feature nearly 50 vendors.

“The message we really want to share is that when we are connected as a community, then we can impact our community for the better,” Miller says.

“That’s our main purpose at this point: to connect and unify us.”

For more information about the inaugural Venice Pride, visit Facebook.com/VeniceFLPride or VeniceFLPride.com.

WON’T BE ERASEd

L

GbtQ COMMUNitY LEADERS AND ADVOCAtES WiLL GAthER Nov. 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Petersburg’s Williams Park for the area’s “We Won’t Be Erased” transgender support rally.

Nathan Bruemmer organized the rally following reports that the Trump administration may attempt to define gender as an immutable condition determined at birth. Partner organizations include Equality Florida, TransAction Florida, Metro Wellness & Community Centers, St. Pete Pride and Project No Labels.

The permitting process for the gathering was expedited by the city’s LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon.

Bruemmer notes that his support, and that of Mayor Rick Kriseman’s, were critical components to its planning. The event will include an array of community speakers, including Bruemmer.

“We rally for our rights, for our future and for our lives,” Bruemmer says. “These rallies are happening all over our country right now. I hope the politicians who need to hear this message do so and act, but I know the reality is some will hear us and some won’t.

“It’s important to the trans community to see a visible showing up of support from allies,” he stresses.

“We cannot address this alone. We cannot end this attempt at erasure unless allies add their voice and their actions to ending discrimination against transgender Americans.”

For more information, visit the “St. Pete We Won’t Be Erased Transgender Support Rally” event page on Facebook or email SBruemmer@gmail.com.

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#bRiNGithOME: Pinellas Field Organizer h. adams (L) and Gillum supporter ashley Dacis hope for a win at the gubernatorial candidate’s town hall at SPC Gibbs Campus Oct. 19. PHOTO By ryaN Williams-JeNt

2

thAt’S thE RUb: Alum Steven Reigns presents his exhibit “The Gay Rub” at USF’s Centre Gallery Oct. 15.

Photo by DylaN toDD

3

WitCh PLEASE: (L-R) Chad Chaddington, Julia Delmerico and Michelle Joseph cast a spell for the Tampa Bay Area Cyclists’ fundraiser at Flying Boat Brewing Co. Oct. 19. PHOTO By

4

5

ryaN Williams-JeNt

4

FLOWER POWER: Del Fugler (L) and Jan Flowers steal a moment at the Red Ribbon Cyclists’ Dia de Los Muertos Glowball party at Enigma Oct. 20. PHOTO By

ryaN Williams-JeNt

5

RAINBOW RESiStANCE: (L-R) brandi amie, Kristina amie and Christina Morin pick up the latest Watermark and Sarasota Living with Pride at Sarasota Pride Oct. 20. PHOTO By ryaN Williams-JeNt

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SCARY MOViE NiGht: (L-R) Daniel Stevens, Joshua triplett-rosa, Michael W. and Faith holm take in the frights at Bryan Glazer Family JCC for the 42nd annual All Hallows Ball Oct. 27. PHOTO

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by ryaN Williams-JeNt

7

ROCk thE VOtE: Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County’s Bob grant (L) and Jay Chetney ready voters during the Gillum vs.

DeSantis gubernatorial debate screening at Flamingo Oct. 24.

Photo by rUss martiN

8

SMURFY: The smurftastic (L-R) Carl, Tom, Craig and eugene go blue at Bradley’s on 7th Oct. 27. PHOTO

8

by ryaN Williams-JeNt

7 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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SAT, DEC 8 Trans-Siberian Orchestra PRESENTS

THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE THE BEST OF TSO AND MORE

SAT, DEC 15 / 3 P.M. & 8 P.M.

Buy tickets at venue box office or Ticketmaster.com.

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overheard

CENTRAL fLORIdA OUT+ABOUT

OUT Of THE CLOSET, INTO mILLS 50

O

Ut OF thE CLOSEt, A thRiFt StORE With A tWiSt which benefits the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), is opening a new location in Orlando. The Bungalower reports that AHF has purchased the corner lot at N. Mills Ave. and Virginia Dr. and plans to build its new 6,000 sq. ft. Out Of The Closet location where the Circle K currently sits. Out Of The Closet is unique among thrift stores as 96 cents of every dollar you spend in the store directly funds AHF’s HIV/AIDS programs and services. Many Out Of The Closet locations also offer free Rapid HIV testing and have a pharmacy in house to fill HIV medications.

It’s not yet known whether this new location will offer both of those services since AHF opened a brand new healthcare center and pharmacy a few blocks up on N. Mills Ave. The deal is still in its early stages and no timeframe on building and opening have been released.

2

HERE’S yOUR SIGN

t

hE LGbt+ CENtER OF CENtRAL FLORiDA OPENED its second location in Kissimmee over the summer and while the reception at its ribbon cutting on Aug. 15 was overwhelmingly positive, many were curious how a more conservative city would respond to having an LGBT+ Center. Well to steal a phrase from The LGBT+ Center’s Executive Director George Wallace, “Kissimmee has welcomed The Center with open arms.” Wallace posted a picture to his Facebook of a wayfinding sign from Historic Downtown Kissimmee. On it, listed under Gallery One, City Hall and Parking is an arrow and sign pointing to The LGBT Center. Wallace tells us that The Center Kissimmee is doing better than he ever could have hoped. They have even added another staff member to keep up with the city’s LGBTQ demands.

“We’re now on the official,” Wallace said. “Thank you Historic Downtown Kissimmee and City of Kissimmee Government!”

NETfLIX ANd dRAG

N

EtFLix hAS tAkEN “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE,” superheroes and adult animation and stirred it all up into a “fab-u-lous-ness” cocktail of a series called “Super Drags,” featuring the voice talents of “Drag Race” alums Trixie Mattel, Shangela, Willam and, Orlando’s very own badass superhero, Ginger Minj. The show’s synopsis reads, “Three gay co-workers at a department store lead double lives as superhero drag queens, fighting evil queen Lady Elza and conservative politico Sandoval.” The show was created in Brazil and Netflix gathered together RuPaul and some of her most talented queens to do the English dubbing of the series. Ginger Minj will play Lemon, the brains of the crime-fighting trio. A very adult, Red Band trailer of the series was released

by Netflix showing just how outrageous the show will be, telling viewers to “get ready for the friendship, the romance, the sexy robots, the haters, the lip sync, the lesbians, the watersports, the balls, the hookups, the weapons, the divas, the fab-u-lous-ness!” Saving the world is such a drag. “Super Drags” premieres on Netflix Nov. 9.

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DEViL WENt DOWN tO Ph: David long, dressed as the girl possessed by the devil from “The Exorcist,” attends Orlando’s Biggest Costume Contest at the Parliament House Oct. 27. Photo by DaNNy garCia

2

CREEPY CRYPt: Death itself showed up at Southern Nights in Orlando with part of the graveyard in tow Oct. 26. Photo by DaNNy garCia

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melaNie ararat

6

PUUURRFECt kittY: Blue Star (L) is presented with her very own Burlesque Kitty by Patty Sheehan, who also made it, at The Hammered Lamb in Orlando Oct. 28. Photo CoUrtesy blUe star

4

8

Joey Williams

5

tRANS RiGhtS: QLatinx’s Christopher Cuevas speaks into a megaphone at the We Won’t Be Erased Transgender and Allies Support Rally at Orlando City Hall Oct. 27. PHOTO By

7

thE tRUth iS OUt thERE: X-Files star David Duchovny hangs out with volunteer, and LGBTQ ally, Joey Williams at Spooky Empire’s Halloween convention at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando Oct. 27. Photo CoUrtesy

3

5

FRiNGE FRiGhtS: Michael Marinaccio, after getting covered in pea soup “vomit,” at Orlando Fringe’s parody of the classic horror film “The Exorcist: The Power of Fringe Compels You!” at Orlando’s Shakespeare Theater Oct. 29.

Photo by boNNie sPrUNg

1

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hOUSE FOR EQUALitY: State Rep. Carlos guillermo smith (C) surrounded by supporters at the Equality Florida Action PAC’s final campaign fundraiser at The Venue Oct. 23. PHOTO By

Jeremy Williams

RELiGiOUS REFORM: (L-R) James brownson, Justin lee, Ricardo Burney, event founder matthew Vines and Kathy Baddock at The Reformation Project’s sixth annual LGBTQ Inclusion Conference at the First United Methodist Church in Orlando Oct. 19. PHOTO By Jaime DoNelsoN

8 watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Nov emb er 1 - Nov emb er 14 , 2018 // Issue 25. 2 2

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

announcements

WEddING BELLS

Kathleen Harper and Keith Sadler from Belle Isle, Florida

enGaGemenT daTe:

may 27, 2017

weddinG daTe:

Sept. 29, 2018

venue:

Grand plaza Hotel, St. Pete Beach

coLors:

plum and gray

weddinG sonG/arTisT:

“Ordinary Girl”

by Rebelution

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caTerer:

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officianT:

Brad Sparrow

cake BakerY:

Sweet Divas Cakery

cake/cupcake fLavors:

Vanilla with raspberry swirl and double chocolate

Theme: Beach

phoToGrapher:

Jonathan Dyer Photography

PHOTO By JoNathaN Dyer PhotograPhy

“W

E FiRSt MEt thROUGh

a mutual friend that was living with me in Park Central,” Keith Sadler shares about first meeting his new wife, Kathleen Harper. “

He had brought Kathleen over to the condo but he had to leave, so we proceeded to hang out, eat pork tenderloins, crush beers and binge “South Park.”

We didn’t hang out again after that, but remained Facebook friends for the next five years.”

“After becoming friends on Facebook, sharing music links and randomly seeing each other out places, we finally had an actual date three years ago,” Kathleen says. “It was thanks to Tinder that we reconnected.”

Keith, born in Houston, Texas, grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and currently works as vice president of Platform at Morgan & Morgan.

Kathleen, born and raised in Orlando, is the business manager for Watermark Publishing Group.

The couple lives together in Belle Isle, Florida.

It was Keith who popped the question. “She had no clue what was coming,” he says.

“Keith proposed to me in the most perfect way for us,” Kathleen shares about the proposal.

“We went to Key West for what I thought was his birthday trip.

We rented a boat and had a friend [Mike Freeze], who happened to be a photographer, show us around the water and islands.”

“After a full day of snorkeling, minor engine failure and touring beautiful Key West’s offshore waters, we made our way out to [Boca Grande Key], which is a small uninhabited beach island about 14 miles off coast,” Keith says. “I told Kathleen that I wanted to get a great Facebook profile photo somewhere on the island. With her ring cupped in my hand, not in a box, we walked in waist-deep water where there

were sea urchins, barracuda and other wild life. We finally made it to the back side of the island that had a beach and a single palm tree.”

Keith continues, “As we prepared to get our Facebook profile picture from Mike, this is where I popped the question, and the rest is history.”

But Kathleen says she knew long before that perfect moment she wanted to spend her life with Keith.

“It was pretty early in the relationship that I knew,” she says.

“So when he asked there was never a doubt. From the beginning— well, the second beginning—we just had a special bond and never wanted to be apart.”

Keith says the moment was clear for him, too. “I knew she was a keeper when I brought her on a family vacation with my parents, brother and sister in-law, and another couple to the BVIs for a seven-day trip in a catamaran. If we could survive that, we could survive anything. That was when we were dating less than a year.”

He quickly adds, “The second for-sure moment was a couple days after she officially moved in.

Our cat and dog finally decided they would no longer chase each other, and share the bed with us.”

Despite a few wedding day obstacles, the two married on St. Pete Beach surrounded by friends and family.

“Red tide, hurricanes, family member health; but ultimately everything worked out, and it was the best wedding we could have ever hoped for,” Keith says. “The love in the air was tangible, and our family and friends made this a weekend no one can forget.”

“The ceremony was everything we could have ever dreamed of,” Kathleen adds. “After having a red tide scare and almost canceling the location, we decided to roll the dice and everything was perfect.”

LocaL BirThdaYs St. Pete bear Wendell Wilson, Comic connoisseur Julian Jabbar Hills (Nov. 1); Miracle of Love’s angus bradshaw Jr., Rock Hard Fitness guru Jennifer Mae, Tampa organizing coach and personal assistant Tracy Miller, Orlando bartender Juan Miller, St. Pete salesman toby browning, Orlando Gay Chorus’ Chip Reif, USF Grad student and retired political activist Rand Snell (Nov. 2); Orlando United Assistance Center’s Joel Morales (Nov. 3); Gulfport everyman Daniel hodge, Massage therapist and framer at Framing of Central Florida kirk Johnston, St. Pete Pride volunteer Rich Runyan, St. Petersburg cowboy Winston haws (Nov. 4); Orlando drag entertainer erica roberts, Orlando realtor Cindy gregory, Orlando Verizon Wireless employee and super dad ryan lopez (Nov. 5); Tampa signing interpreter Steve Hammond, St. Pete Bears founder grahame harte, Former TIGLFF programming director kelly Fry, Equality Florida’s michael Farmer, Women In Film & Television Florida President Robin Wright, TIGLFF supporter Timothy Thomas, Metro Wellness founder Bob Pope, Spooky Empire’s Denna Beena, Pinellas Park massage Therapist John Waldorf (Nov. 6); Lakeland lad kenneth elliott (Nov. 8); Special F/X master alan ostrander, Tampa Bay socialite sterling Powell (Nov 9); J Meyers Insurance’s lori Williams, Park Avenue salon owner gary lambert (Nov. 10); Margate, Fla. video gamer Scott Keener, former Tampa resident and book author/activist Steven Reigns, writer Mike Halterman, Tampa leather bear Brooks Davis, Watermark contributor Steve yacovelli, Orlando emergency services expert alan harris(Nov. 11); SarasotaOUT’s Best Actor Award-winner Brian Craft, St. Pete Songbird Justin geleta (Nov. 12); Orlando writer liz langley, St. Pete Pride board member Jay aller, Sarasota opera singer Ron Rispoli, Tampa networking guru Vincent Papaleo, Orlando performer miss aiysia Black, DJ Joanie stanco, Orlando softball expert anthony andreala (Nov. 13); Handsome Orlando bear-bartender and animal lover Christopher Torge, Ritz Ybor Marketing Director Okie Tilo, paper bag mushroom artist Doug Rhodehamel, Tampa-based but world-renowned flutist Joseph Rose, Disney application developer Dan Peters (Nov. 14).

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!

—Aaron Drake

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

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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GREATER

ORLANDO GALA FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 • 8 -11 PM AT THE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART • 2416 N MILLS AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32803 PRESENTED BY

Tickets • $100 in advance • $125 at the door a limited number of student tickets are available for $50 with valid student ID

To RSVP and purchase tickets visit

ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART

equalityflorida.org/orlandogala or call 407-462-9692

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 and include complimentary gala tickets along with a number of other benefits. To become a sponsor and to see a full listing of sponsor levels and benefits, visit equalityflorida.org/orlandogala or contact Michael Farmer at Michael@equalityflorida.org or 407-462-9692 S TAT E W I D E S P O N S O R S

Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s 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 WWW.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.

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Choose to go the extra mile.

At Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center, we’ve

streamlined the lung cancer screening process. So, you can schedule an appointment at your convenience.

You should be screened for lung cancer if you meet these conditions: • Are between 55 and 77 years old • Have no symptoms of lung cancer • Have a smoking history of more than one pack per day for over 30 years • Currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago

To learn more, visit OrlandoHealthCancer.com/LungScreening