Watermark Issue 26.08: The Body Beautiful

Tampa Bay Edition

Celebrating 25 years of

Your LGBTQ Life.

Orlando AIDS Walk

is back in the a.m.

Tampa Bay

Bucs

welcome 1st male cheerleader

The

Beautiful Every Body Says Love

D A Y T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • T A M P A • S T . P E T E R S B U R G • clear w ater • S A R A S O T A

I s s u e 2 6 . 0 8 • A p r i l 1 8 - M ay 1 , 2 0 1 9 • Wat e r ma r kO n l i n e . com

This issue features two covers!

This issue features Jason Lee from Bradenton on the Tampa Bay edition and Zee Renta & Tish Dhumrongyud from Orlando on the Central Florida edition.

Central Florida Edition

Celebrating 25 years of

Your LGBTQ Life.

Orlando AIDS Walk

is back in the a.m.

Tampa Bay

Bucs

welcome 1st male cheerleader

The

Beautiful Every Body Says Love

D A Y T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • T A M P A • S T . P E T E R S B U R G • clear w ater • S A R A S O T A

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Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

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departments 7 // Bureau Chief’s Desk

page

14

8 // Central Florida News 10 // Tampa Bay News

My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me Mayor Pete. I am proud son of South Bend, Ind., and I am running for president of the United States.

—Openly gay Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Ind., officially announcing his candidacy for president of the United States on April 14

12 // State News 14// Nation & World News 21// Talking Points 43// Community Calendar 45// Tampa Bay Out + About 47// Central Fl Out + About 48// Tampa Bay Marketplace 50// Central Fl Marketplace 53// Wedding Bells/ Announcements On the cover

page

33

page The Body

23

Beautiful: As we

approach beach season and Pride month, we look at how every body is beautiful.

Tampa Bay edition photo by Dylan Todd Central Florida edition photo by Jake Stevens

scan qr code for

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Uncharted Fest The third annual Tampa Fringe sets sail with seven LGBTQ-themed shows in the mix.

Watermark Issue 26.08 // April 18 - May 1, 2019

Sunrise Walkers

He’s No. 1

Queen’s Beard

When Harry Met Nic

page Hope & Help moves annual Orlando AIDS Walk at Lake Eola back to the morning.

page Lorenzo Gilbert becomes first openly gay, male Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader.

Bearonce Bear pushes drag boundaries, looks to become 2019 National Bearded Queen.

Tampa couple Nicholas and Harry share their story in our latest Wedding Bells.

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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Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

Phone: (941) 951-2580 www.PrefHomes.Net Serving Sarasota and Manatee counties.

tampa bay

bureau chief’s

Ryan Williams-Jent TB bureau chief Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

don’t recall exactly how the

meeting came to be, especially since I hated middle school and spent as little time there as possible, but I remember staying late after school in the eighth grade to learn about our high school’s journalism class.

My freshman year was quickly approaching and student journalists had ventured over to discuss our soon-to-be high school’s news source with potential recruits. While my fellow middle schoolers and I were too busy killing Tamagotchis to draft a news source of our own, our high school had unsuccessfully dabbled in the act and would try again my freshman year.

I’d always loved writing but didn’t know much about the who, what, when, where or why of it all. I wasn’t even sure I cared to, but before I knew it I’d signed up. The prospect of using the written word to share the truth

watermark staff

spoke to something within me, and since my socially awkward self was more comfortable writing than speaking—still true, by the way—I agreed to help found my high school newspaper The Torch.

I loved it. Not only did we found the paper, we sustained it my entire high school career. We went from stapled sheets of printer paper to legitimate newsprint. As a senior I even became Editor-in-Chief.

I’m not one to pine for the days of high school, the highlights in my hair notwithstanding, but in my time there journalism is what I remember most fondly. It grew into a lifelong passion, one I took

with me through college and into my career, thankfully landing here at Watermark.

That’s why representing our newspaper on a panel for this year’s Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) conference was particularly thrilling for me. FSPA, which trains student journalists and their advisers, believes that the responsible exercise of freedom of expression involves adherence to the highest standards of journalism.

Watermark was asked to join Orlando News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsen, Tampa Bay Times writer Monique Welch and Palm Beach Post writer Mike Readling for “Diversity: More Than Race & Gender,” a panel led by Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernest Hooper, to discuss the importance of diversity in our field. As I said, I’m still a much more comfortable writer than speaker, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

We discussed diversity, detailing that it involves many factors— race, socioeconomic status, age, religion and—you guessed it, sexual orientation and gender identity. The interactive Q&A, which welcomed dozens of students, touched on why diversity must be intentional and how to showcase it in our coverage.

What struck me the most was how eager the students were to learn. They listened intently, so much so that the panel ran long, and asked serious (often difficult) questions.

A particular highlight came afterwards, when two LGBTQ students approached me to ask for my card. They were true journalists, eager to share stories with the world and in a way that reflected the world they served. In a dangerous time when the American president declares the press the enemy of the people and the LGBTQ community unfit to serve in the military and beyond, it gave me tremendous hope.

I could go on, but sometimes saying less is more. That’s why

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Watermark brings you this issue’s in-depth coverage focusing on body positivity in the LGBTQ community.

As summer approaches and pride and beach seasons converge, our Artistic Director Jake Stevens and Creative Assistant Dylan Todd— both amazing photographers—have captured members of the LGBTQ community of all genders, races, sizes and shapes to celebrate The Body Beautiful.

In Tampa Bay news, we hit the field as openly gay entertainer Lorenzo Gilbert becomes the

In a dangerous time when the American president declares the press the enemy of the people and the LGBTQ community unfit to serve in the military and beyond, it gave me tremendous hope.

first male cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Bucs. We also check out the LGBTQ Resource Center, now an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In Central Florida, Hope & Help steps out for their annual AIDS Walk and Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan has been nominated for the Orlando Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

In arts and entertainment, the third annual Tampa International Fringe Festival will navigate the uncharted May 2-11. We highlight seven of this year’s productions that feature LGBTQ themes. We also cozy up with entertainer Bearonce Bear as she aims to become National Bearded Queen 2019.

Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, you 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

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

contributors Miguel Fuller is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! Page 21

Sabrina Ambra

is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to. Page 17

Aaron Drake

is a contributor to Creative Loafing, South Florida Gay News and ManAboutWorld. He loves getting lost in other countries and his German Shepherd. Page 49 Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

photography Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift

distribution LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, Vanessa Maresca-Cruz

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

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

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

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

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

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Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

Phone: (941) 951-2580 www.PrefHomes.Net Serving Sarasota and Manatee counties.

central florida

bureau chief’s

Jeremy Williams cfl bureau chief

Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

W

Desk

hen I was younger my

parents, as most parents do, would ask me and my siblings what we wanted to be when we grew up. We were a group that felt destined for greatness, so our responses reflected those dreams with future aspirations to be things like an astronaut, a world-famous actor, a global pop star or a professional wrestler, to name a few. The answers usually changed up a bit among my two brothers and sister.

When my parents would ask me my answer never faltered. “I want to be the president of the United States,” would be my reply. When they tell the story it is always in this cutesy way with an awkwardly high-pitched voice. When I look back I remember standing in a Superman pose with my balled-up fists on my hips and an American flag cape blowing in the wind.

As we got older our career choices became a bit more

watermark staff

grounded. My older brother became a police officer. My sister dreamed of becoming a mother and teacher, both of which she is. My younger brother, who is in the restaurant business, has many dreams and aspirations which he puts together in an annual “to-do list” that includes things like skydiving, wrestling an alligator and learning how to ride a unicycle. He calls it his bucket list, our mother calls it the reasons she gets gray hair.

I became a writer, which I started pursuing in high school and I still love being, but my dream of becoming the president didn’t start to seem unattainable until I was in my early 20s. I enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 2001 and less than two years later met a guy, then called my mother to let her know I was gay. Nothing in that snippet from my past disqualifies me from trying to live out my dream to be your next POTUS, but when you come out as any of the letters in the LGBTQ alphabet there are these unspoken realities that become part of your life.

In the early 2000s, living under the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” I assumed I would never have to worry about getting married or having kids or being president because gay people just don’t get to do those things.

We do get to ride on amazing floats in Pride parades and hang out in the best clubs so I was all ready for that, but having the “traditional” American life seemed like something I traded in to live authentically as myself.

In 2007, I decided not to reenlist in the Air Force and see, for the first time, what being gay as a civilian was like. A few years later, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed and a few years after that same-sex marriage was made the law of the land and LGBTQ couples were making and adopting babies.

I started to see a more accepting country grow in place of the one I served under in the military.

With all the advancements we have made, there was still one box left unchecked and it was a big one I was fairly certain I would never see in my lifetime.

Then I started hearing about an openly gay, military veteran who is the mayor of a city in Indiana who was thinking of running for president of the United States— Pete Buttigieg.

After I learned how to say his name properly, it is pronounced

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

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

Creative Assistant/Photographer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

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

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

Sales Director: Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Danny@WatermarkOnline.com

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

Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 Jake@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 Tampa Bay Account Manager: Anja Saine • Ext. 301 Anja@WatermarkOnline.com National Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Boot-Edge-Edge, I learned as much as I could about him. He graduated from Harvard and Oxford, is an Afghanistan war vet, speaks seven languages, plays guitar and piano, and is a happily married gay man.

I attended a viewing party in Orlando April 14 when Mayor Pete officially announced his candidacy and the room was electric. The energy, excitement and support around Buttigieg makes me stop and think what a Mayor Pete running in the 80s would have meant to a young kid who may not have yet realized he was gay but knew he felt different. Or what a Mayor Pete running in the 2000 election would have done for closeted gay Airman who was just

Having the ‘traditional’ American life seemed like something I traded in to live authentically as myself. trying to serve his country. I can tell you that for a near 40-year-old openly gay veteran who is worried about the state of our nation, Mayor Pete gives me hope.

Speaking of hope, I hope you enjoy this latest issue. As the summer approaches, we have some local members of the LGBTQ community sporting some fun beachwear and showing that every body is beach ready. In our A&E section, we look at what queer-themed shows are coming to Tampa Fringe and we talk to bearded drag sensation Bearonce.

In news, we preview Orlando’s upcoming AIDS Walk, chat with the Tampa Bay Bucs’ first male cheerleader and see what evils the Liberty Council has been up to in South Florida.

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

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

contributors Miguel Fuller is the out and proud co-host of the Miguel & Holly show on HOT 101.5 FM in Tampa Bay. He also hosts everything! Page 21

Sabrina Ambra

is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to. Page 17

Aaron Drake

is a contributor to Creative Loafing, South Florida Gay News and ManAboutWorld. He loves getting lost in other countries and his German Shepherd. Page 49 Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie

photography Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift

distribution LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, Vanessa Maresca-Cruz

CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.

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

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

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

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

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

Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

7

central florida news

Gina Duncan among Orlando Civil Rights Hall of Fame Finalists Abigail Brashear

O

RLANDO | Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality Gina Leigh Duncan was one of five nominees for this year’s entry in the City of Orlando’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

Duncan was nominated for her activism for LGBTQ equality, specifically transgender rights, within the Orlando community. Over the years, she’s worked with TransAction Florida, MBA Orlando and Come Out with Pride, and is an international spokesperson and educator for transgender rights.

“We have five great, worthy nominations this year,” Gwendolyn Wiggins, human relations manager for the City of Orlando, says. “They all deserve [the award].”

Father Nelson Pinder was ultimately selected as the inductee in a ceremony held April 4. All five finalists were recognized and presented with an award at the ceremony.

In order to be nominated for Orlando’s Civil Rights Hall of Fame, one must be born in either Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County, or adopted one of these counties as their home county and base of operation, be at least 18 years of age and have made a significant contribution and provided exemplary leadership resulting in progress and achievements in civil rights that benefit the citizens of Orange, Osceola, and/or Seminole Counties.

In regard to Duncan’s nomination, Wiggins said she was thrilled that someone from the LGBTQ community was represented.

“We want to see nominations from all communities, so everyone is represented,” says Wiggins.

Disney earns perfect score on HRC workplace equality report Lauren Lee

O

RLANDO | The Walt Disney Company earned a perfect score of 100 on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is a national survey administrated by the Human Rights Campaign that evaluates corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

The CEI—now in its 17th year—rated 1,028 businesses in several areas including looking at a company’s workforce protections and inclusive benefits. Disney is one of 572 national businesses to earn a perfect score this year.

“Disney has been a leader in providing benefits to same-sex couples, as well as supporting transitioning employees, fostering LGBTQ business employee resource groups and providing training for employees and leaders on LGBTQ inclusion,” the company’s website reads.

Disney has received a top score on HRC’s CEI for 13 consecutive years.

8

H&H Support:

QLatinx marches in the 2018 Orlando AIDS Walk at Lake Eola.

Photo by Maia Monet

Sunrise Walkers Hope & Help moves annual Lake Eola AIDS Walk back to the a.m.

Amanda Espinosa

O

RLANDO | The Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. is bringing the annual AIDS Walk back to the morning hours at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando on April 27.

“This year, the event returns to the morning,” announced Hope & Help’s Executive Director Lisa Barr on Facebook. “With the community’s support, we will continue to work hard in reducing new HIV transmissions in our area. Every step we take around Lake Eola is a step towards progress.”

Joshua J. Myers, Hope & Help’s community developmental director, says that while Hope & Help had a positive response from attendees moving the event to the evening, they decided to move it back to the morning to help increase attendance.

“After taking a survey, we realized more people could participate in the morning because they were working in the evening.,” Myers says.

The last two years Hope & Help hosted the Orlando AIDS Walk in the evening time, turning out around 500 walkers in 2018 raising $43,500

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

and around 700 walkers in 2017 raising $60,000. That’s a decline from 2015 when the morning AIDS Walk brought out 1,400 walkers and raised more than $120,000.

Last year’s event also had to be moved from the usual April timeframe to an earlier date in February due to the amount of competing events in the area during the spring.

This year’s Orlando AIDS Walk kicks off at 7:30 a.m. starting at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre located at Lake Eola Park. Registration is $25 per walker and includes a free Orlando AIDS Walk T-shirt.

Along with the walk, Hope & Help will be hosting a vendor fair featuring local companies, food trucks and more. Hope & Help will also provide HIV and hepatitis C testing at the event. The test results are 100% confidential and individuals will receive their results in less than 20 minutes.

“Last year we tested 46 people, and we’re hoping to double that this year,” Myers says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health report that Orlando has the second highest HIV/

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

AIDS transmission rate in the nation and Florida is ranked first in new HIV and AIDS cases. According to Hope & Help’s website, the organization plans to use the funds raised to prevent new HIV transmissions through its free HIV screenings, combined primary and HIV care, safer sex education and case management services for people living with HIV. “Our community is at risk. Orlando is now number two for new HIV transmissions in U.S. cities. People are vulnerable,” Myers says. “They might not know about available resources.

We need the community’s support to help spread the word.”

Hope & Help, which began in 1995, is a registered not-for-profit health center, complete with a medical clinic, offering all-inclusive medical treatment for people living with HIV. Services include combined primary and HIV medical care, lab work, medication assistance, case management, PEER support and more.

The Orlando AIDS Walk and the Hope & Help Gala (formerly known as the Headdress Ball) are the organization’s two biggest fundraising events each year which combined help to bring more than $100,000 back to the nonprofit.

For a full list of Hope & Help services and events, visit HopeAndHelp.org.

If you would like to participate in this year’s AIDS Walk as a walker, donor or to become a sponsor, visit AIDSWalkOrlando.org or call 407-645-2577, ext 110.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

9

tampa bay news LGBTQ Resource Center established as independent nonprofit, launches scholarship Ryan Williams-Jent

G

ULFPORT, Fla. | The award-winning LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gulfport Public Library announced April 9 that it will now operate as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The community resource, which previously functioned as a project of the nonprofit Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library, began in 2014 with a donation of hundreds of LGBTQ-themed books. A committee was formed to cultivate the materials and the collection opened to the public in 2015.

It has since grown to include over 5,000 items, offering an extensive variety of LGBTQ-themed print and digital resources. The organization has also evolved to become a year-round provider of programming for the LGBTQ community and its allies, highlighting exhibits, films, guest speakers and performances.

“Circle of Friends has a very local focus,” newly-elected LGBTQ Resource Center Chair Susan Gore explains, “and we grew larger and more widespread in our outreach, just exponentially. Everyone agreed it was a good idea for us to go out on our own.”

Gore notes the LGBTQ Resource Center will continue to work closely with Circle of Friends and library officials, calling them invaluable. “They’ve all been terrific and we wouldn’t be here without them,” she says.

The nonprofit’s founding board is comprised of existing members from the resource center’s committee as well as new additions. Joining Gore as an officer is William Ward as treasurer, with Brittany Baldwin, Patty Callaghan, Daniel Hodge, Nichole Morales, Alison Solomon and Greg Stemm also serving.

Gore says that the resource center’s purpose, to provide a welcoming communal space for the LGBTQ community and to establish a sense of awareness and advocacy, is still critical. “There’s always more to do,” she says. “In the state of Florida you can legally get married on Sunday and fired on Monday … that’s why we need to continue to educate. Our goal is to be available to those who want to be educated.”

That’s evident in the LGBTQ Resource Center’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Scholar Award, currently accepting applicants. The organization is offering a $1,000 scholarship to an LGBTQ student from Gulfport to continue their post-graduate education in college or a trade school program.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have had a home address in Gulfport within the last two years to be considered. Applications, which must be received by June 3, are available at the Gulfport Public Library or can be accessed online.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” Gore explains, “and we want to help raise the next generation of queer activists.

We’re a community resource.”

For more information about the LGBTQ Resource Center, its upcoming programming or its inaugural scholarship, email LGBTQResourceCenter@Gmail.com or visit MyGulfport.us/LGBTQ-Resources.

10

SQUAD GOALS:

Lorenzo Gilbert (center) becomes the first openly gay, male cheerleader in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history April 6.

PHOTO BY KYLE ZEDAKER

He’s Number One Lorenzo Gilbert becomes first openly gay, male Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their 2019 cheerleading squad April 6, making Lorenzo Gilbert the first openly gay, male cheerleader in the NFL team’s 44-year history.

Over 100 athletes auditioned for the squad, a week-long process that began with open preliminaries at Tampa’s AdventHealth Training Center March 30. Applicants learned routines, participated in conditioning drills and faced workshops and interviews before 49 finalists advanced to the final audition showcase the following week. A total of 32 hopefuls, including Gilbert, were appointed to the squad.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these athletes and the culture of inclusion and diversity that we have here at the Buccaneers,” owner and president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Family Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz said in a statement. “I can’t wait for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad to take the field.”

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“It’s overwhelming,” Gilbert says.

“I’m excited to be the first ... I feel like it may help other guys who are interested to go for their dreams, but more importantly just dare to be different.”

Gilbert—who has utilized his extensive dance background as an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay—says he auditioned after a casual conversation with friends.

“A few of my coworkers were cheerleaders the previous season,” he recalls. “We were talking about auditions and I jokingly said I was going to do it this year. Their response was ‘Oh my god, you should. We would love to have a boy.’”

As preliminaries grew closer, the prospect made Gilbert uneasy.

“I wasn’t sure how the public would receive it,” he says. “I didn’t have much knowledge about male cheerleaders in the NFL. I did a little research, got with the girls to prepare, showed up on audition day and the rest is history.”

The Miami native and Tampa resident has also utilized his dance background for competitive pageantry. As Isaiah Sanchez Hilton,

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

the 32-year-old entertainer has won Mr. Wessland, Mr. St Pete Pride and Mr. Duval Newcomer, been named a top five finalist for Mr. Continental two years in row and recently secured a first alternate placement in Mr. Black Universe.

“This is my first time cheering,” Gilbert explains. “The pageant arena actually helped prepare me for a lot of the process; I’m used to being on a stage and being a focal point, so it was a little easier to get some of the nervousness out of me for audition day.”

“It was not an easy task, just like with anything,” he adds. “There were a lot of sleepless nights leading up to the audition process. I was preparing, studying Bucs history and watching videos of male cheerleaders. From my appearance to my manners, just everything, I had to make sure I was completely polished as if I was competing in a pageant.”

Gilbert says his recent success is the story of an individual in an unfamiliar arena; someone who believed in himself and received encouragement from others to chase a dream. “That’s the message I plan on portraying all year,” he says. “At the end of the day you can’t second guess or doubt yourself. You have to go for what you truly want—the journey itself is more important than the prize.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will celebrate the newest additions to the Bucs family at Raymond James Stadium during their Official 2019 Draft Party on April 25, featuring appearances by players, alumni and cheerleaders. For more information and to register for your free tickets, visit Buccaneers.com/DraftParty.

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state news

Liberty Counsel files appeal for conversion therapy bans in Boca Raton and Palm Beach county

Florida’s first gay black legislator is running for Senate

Lauren Lee

L

iberty Counsel, an Orlando-based Christian advocacy group, filed an appeal in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that conversion therapy bans in Boca Raton and Palm beach County are unconstitutional.

The ban and subsequent appeal is part of an ongoing national debate about conversion therapy, which aims to convert LGBTQ youth’s gender identity or sexual orientation and lessen their attraction to the same sex.

The case is filed on behalf of counselors Robert Otto, of Boca Raton, and Julie Hamilton, of Palm Beach Gardens, both licensed marriage and family therapists.

According to Roger Gannam, Liberty Counsel’s assistant vice president for legal affairs, in an interview with the Sun Sentinel, these types of bans challenge the

Abigail Brashear

F

lorida’s first gay black legislator, Shevrin Jones, is officially running for Senate. If elected, he would become the state’s first ever openly LGBTQ senator.

Jones announced his run for Senate in early March.

Quickly after, Equality Florida’s Political Action Committee endorsed him for the 2020 elections—so far, it’s their only endorsement.

Senior Political Director for Equality Florida Joe Saunders told NewNowNext that Jones’ fight “will be unequivocally, singularly the most important race” in 2020 for Equality Florida’s PAC. If Jones were to be elected, he said the victory would be “transformational.”

Jones, who would be serving Broward and Miami-Dade counties if elected to the senate, said that it’s his job to fight for equality and representation not just for the LGBTQ community, but for everyone.

free speech rights of the therapists as well as the right of choice of families.

“The counselors don’t go in with a predetermined outcome,” said Gannam. The laws prevent “the ability of the counselors to have an open and frank discussion.”

The Human Rights Council, an LGBTQ advocacy group in Palm Beach county, has been working to enact conversion therapy bans in as many cities as possible. Both Boca Raton and Palm Beach have bans as well as nearly two dozen other cities, counties and municipalities in the state of Florida.

“We were getting complaints from kids being subjected to this by their parents,” said Rand Hoch, the Human Rights Council’s president, to the Sun Sentinel. “The therapists tell the kids they won’t have friends or their family will disown them. Even though it’s just talk therapy, it could lead to all kinds of acting out and suicide.”

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Studies and reports such as the Journal of Homosexuality published in November found that LGBTQ individuals whose parents sent them to conversion therapy and counseling as teenagers have a higher rate of attempting suicide.

The Liberty Counsel insists that there are LGBTQ youth who need and want the therapy.

“These licensed therapists provide life-saving counseling to minors who desperately desire to conform,” the counsel reports.

In February, federal Judge Robin Rosenberg denied a preliminary injunction sought by Liberty Counsel that would have blocked the bans from going into effect.

Rosenberg consulted decisions made by federal appeals courts in California and New Jersey that upheld the conversion therapy bans and stated that the municipalities cited “extensive credible evidence of the damage that conversion therapy inflicts.”

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© 13

nation+world news

in other news Oklahoma City’s first openly gay councilman takes office Oklahoma City’s first openly gay councilman James Cooper was sworn in April 9 along with other council members elected in February. Mayor David Holt joined LGBTQ advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma and dozens of people waiving rainbow flags during Cooper’s celebratory walk to City Hall, where he thanked them for their support. Cooper has served on Oklahoma City’s transportation board and campaigned on expanding public transit and making the city more pedestrian friendly and accepting. Holt tweeted that Cooper’s election shows City Hall is for “OUR neighbors who have not always felt welcome.”

Senate bill introduced to protect LGBTQ kids from child abuse Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced legislation on April 9 for the first time ever that seeks to protect LGBTQ kids from child abuse. The Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act seeks to prevent the mistreatment of LGBTQ youth. The bill looks to amend the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act adding that the Secretary of Health & Human Services will conduct research to protect LGBTQ youth from child abuse and neglect, expand demographic information to include sexual orientation and gender identity, open grant funding for personnel training to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ youth, and include individuals experienced in working with LGBTQ youth and families in state task forces.

Brunei government defends penal code The government of Brunei defended the country’s new penal code that includes the death penalty for anyone found guilty of consensual same-sex sexual relations in a letter to the United Nations on April 7. “We reaffirm that the Syariah criminal law system focuses more on prevention than punishment. Its aim is to educate, deter, rehabilitate and nurture rather than to punish,” the country’s minister of foreign affairs wrote. “It seeks to strike the right balance between protecting the rights of the accused person and the rights of the victims and their families.” The letter notes the penal code, which is based on Sharia law, “will not apply to non-Muslims unless the act of adultery or sodomy is committed with a Muslim.”

Honduran transgender woman died from AIDS complications Roxsana Hernandez, a Honduran transgender migrant whose 2018 death while in the custody of I.C.E. sparked protests and calls for an investigation, died of a rare disorder that developed quickly due to AIDS, according to an autopsy released April 9. The disorder, known as multicentric Castleman disease, can progress rapidly in people with weakened immune systems and lead to death within weeks. The autopsy also found she suffered from extensive fractures of her ribs and breastbone after medical staff performed CPR. Hernandez arrived in the U.S. as part of a caravan of Central American asylum seekers and was taken into custody in San Diego.

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Mayor Pete Buttigieg declares 2020 presidential campaign Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

B

efore a crowd of supporters in South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg made his 2020 presidential campaign official by declaring he’d pursue the Democratic nomination to run for the White House.

“I’m here to join you to make a little news,” Buttigieg said. “My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me Mayor Pete. I am a proud son of South Bend, Ind., and I am running for president of the United States.”

Previously, Buttigieg had formed an exploratory committee for a possible presidential run but hadn’t yet declared a candidacy.

His announcement changed that, making his campaign official.

The crowd responded to Buttigieg’s announcement with roaring applause, chanting, “U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A” as they waved American flags.

A key component of Buttigieg’s was the economic recovery of South Bend under his watch as mayor after stagnation following the loss of manufacturing—a situation with which many cities in the Midwest are familiar.

“More people are moving into South Bend than we’ve seen in a generation,” Buttigieg said.

“Thousands of new jobs have been added in our area and billions in investment.”

Touting the reinvigoration of his city under new economy, Buttigieg—without ever mentioning Donald Trump by name—noted the American Dream can’t be restored by seeking to go back to the past under a “Make America Great Again” mentality.

Policy items Buttigieg mentioned were ensuring climate security, abolishing the Electoral College, preserving the right to abortion, ensuring access to health care and confronting a growing threat of white nationalism.

Much of Buttigieg’s speech was deeply personal. He told the story of his immigrant father who died last year after a battle with cancer, his

mother who needed heart surgery as well as his personal story of accepting his sexual orientation.

Buttigieg referenced about the struggles of his youth—in terms of his sexual orientation and intellectual curiosity—when he said the only time he’d go back to the past was 20 years ago to allay the fears of his youthful self.

The candidate said he would tell his younger self he’d be “all right” and “one rainy April day, before he even turns 40, he’ll wake up to headlines about whether he’s rising too quickly as he becomes a top-tier contender for the American presidency, and to tell him that on that day he announces his campaign for president, he’ll do it with his husband looking on.”

After Buttigieg concluded his speech, his spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, joined him on the stage, where the two shared a quick kiss and embraced as the crowd cheered—but not before the candidate offered encouraging words to his audience.

“If you and I rise together to meet this moment, one day they will write histories, not just about one campaign or one presidency but about the era that began here today in this building where past, present, and future meet, right here this chilly day in South Bend,” Buttigieg said.

transgender people from the military “in any capacity.” Months later, former Defense Secretary James Mattis produced a report on the implementing the policy— allowing limited retentions of transgender troops—after an internal study at the Pentagon.

Although courts had previously barred the Trump administration from enforcing the policy as a result of lawsuits filed by LGBTQ legal groups, the orders were lifted after the U.S. Supreme Court essentially green-lit the policy by allowing it to go into effect as litigation proceeds against it. Subsequently, the Pentagon issued guidance announcing it would implement the ban on April 12.

The Defense Department has insisted the new policy is a medical-based policy applied to every service member, even though the policy applies to conditions faced solely by transgender people, and is

not a ban, even though it bars many transgender people from service.

As described by the Pentagon, the policy discharges service members who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria or are prescribed transition-related care at a later time. For enlistments, a history of gender dysphoria unless the individuals are willing to serve in their biological sex (an extremely small number of transgender people), and people who obtained transitioned genders are outright banned.

The transgender ban contains an exemption that allows transgender people who came out during the Obama-era policy to continue to serve and receive transition-related care. But those troops could face complications, such as if they seek promotions, want to change services or drop out to pursue educational opportunities and seek to re-enlist.

Trump’s transgender military ban now in effect Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

T

he Pentagon initiated the transgender military ban April 12 in accordance with the Trump administration’s plans for the policy, returning the U.S. military to restrictions on LGBTQ service that harken to the days of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Transgender service members— who had been able to serve openly and obtain transition-related health care since the final year of the Obama administration in 2016—will now face significant impediments on their service and an outright ban for many of them seeking to enlist.

In 2017, President Trump announced via Twitter he’d ban

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viewpoint

Miguel Fuller

high fidelity Communication is Key

I

promise you that this

isn’t something I’m making up. In fact, I wish I had my phone ready while talking to a friend the other day so I could record them asking this question that made me giggle so much. My friend said, “You and your boyfriend seem to have such a great relationship, how do you get that and how do you keep it?”

I thought this was funny for a couple of reasons. First, over the past three years in this very column, I have documented the crumbling of one relationship, I have detailed my journey in dating and truly finding myself and I’ve discussed figuring out what I wanted in life. Now I’ve been in a relationship for almost two years. So trying to sum up three years of work, communication and false starts is not easy.

Secondly, me? Who am I to give anyone any sort of relationship advice? Thirdly—even though I said I only had a couple of reasons, this seemed to really stick out to me while pondering their question—you should never judge a relationship by social media. Instagram is littered with couples holding onto the false hope that if they take the right picture with the perfect lighting and get enough people to click the heart button underneath the photo it will help repair their relationship. After talking through all of that with my friend, I finally got down to the details.

How do you get a great relationship and how do you keep it? The finding part of a relationship is a hard question.

That all depends on where you live, what fills your day up and what your emotional bank account is looking like. Are you looking for someone to fill up your emotional bank with love or are you looking for give and take?

That only comes with finding joy within yourself, where you then can handle the love someone can give

you. It isn’t easy breaking this down and there’s no simple answer, but I can tell you how you make a relationship great and how you can keep it that way. Communication.

Communication.

Communication.

I’ve written about this before, but I feel like in our society of short texts and Instagram stories, we forget what it means to truly communicate with our boo thang or our best friends.

My boyfriend and I recently went through this when he officially-officially moved in.

The first “officially” was when I made a couple of drawers ready to receive some of his clothing that he would forget when he would stay over for long periods of time.

The second was when his change of address forms were signed and sent off. That really made it real, like combining our material items that have sentimental value did. How did we decide what stayed and what went? Communication and compromise.

My level of obsession with all things “Harry Potter” is just about on a level of 10. If I could live every day inside of the Hogwarts Castle at Universal Resort, I would. Over the last several years more and more retailers have released “Harry Potter” items to enchant your house, and I decided to decorate my bedroom in magical decor— yes, as a 30-something-year-old man. Don’t judge me!

My boyfriend is not the biggest “Harry Potter” fan and thankfully he doesn’t judge me for it either; he encourages it. I knew having a magical-themed bedroom would not be the best situation for him but I also knew he wouldn’t want me to go without my dose of Hogwarts heaven.

So we sat down and had a very adult conversation about what was important to me and what was important to him. Instead of having side lamps in the shape of owls from the “Harry Potter” universe, why don’t we paint the bedroom in colors that have touches of the Potter world? Boom. First compromise down! From there we went and

In our society of short texts and Instagram stories, we forget what it means to truly communicate with our boo thang or our best friends. discussed items that we were passionate about.

Are you truly listening to your boo thing and having a little empathy? When it comes to relationships that is what I believe it comes down to.

When you take away your ego or your longing for wanting to be right, magical things can happen in your relationship.

Think about your last argument over something that seemed trivial. Did you take a second to

think about why your person was arguing so hard for their point of view? It can change your dynamic when you are able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.​

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viewpoint

Sabrina Ambra

ladyfingers

I

I am 28, going on 29 ’m a day late [on my

deadline] and another year older [in exactly one week]. I have a lot to reflect on and even more to look forward to. First and foremost, I want to give a shout-out to my anxiety for being consistent AF this past year. With that, I have to give “mad props” (are we still using that phrase?) to my girlfriend for consistently dealing with the aforementioned anxiety and constantly reminding me of how incredibly lucky I am. Another shout-out goes to my cats, Luna and Celine-Dion, who continue to keep my heart warm and occasionally give it palpitations.

The last year of my twenties is on the horizon, my friends. Any advice? Because 28 was a bit of a doozy. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely had some solid highlights: I went to my 10-year high school reunion, I celebrated three years of doing “it” with the love of my life (“it” being love AND the sex,) and

I performed a Beyonce song with three of my favorite human beings in front of over 1,000 other humans I’m not completely familiar with yet ... just to name a few. On the other hand, I did lose some friends. They didn’t die, but they must be under the impression that I have.

Alas, I have not, but the lesson hath been learned.

The old friends are still invited to my funeral, of course. I’d like them to be pallbearers so they can let me down one last time.

Year 28 was also the age that I finally got my allergy-ridden ass to the doctor, who confirmed that I’m allergic to everything including (but by no means limited to) my own cats.

And according to the bill they sent me, it seems I am also allergic to keeping money in my bank account.

I’ve fully given up on shaving my legs; however, I will wax from the knee down for special occasions. One of those “special occasions” was just a couple weeks ago when I had the honor of standing next to my best friend as she married her [other] best friend.

Not to toot my own horn, but the newlyweds were introduced to each other by yours truly. That’s right, I’m basically an accredited matchmaker now … if said accreditation is given after merely one successful match-job (toot, toot). So the answer is “yes,” I am available for hire, and the only guarantee is your money back because I’m most likely the one-hit-wonder of matchmaking.

That being said, it was a lovely day to celebrate the love of two people who are now contractually obligated to love each other forever. It was also a day of realization. For example, I realized that there are still straight white guys who cannot handle the fact that two pretty ladies are in a relationship and have

absolutely no interest in a threesome, even if you ask three times. I also realized that eight or more White Claws will FUCK. YOU. UP. As I live my last few days as a 28-year-old and transition into the ripe ol’ age of 29, I find myself

my life and I would like to spend the next year building my drawbridge; I shouldn’t shut everyone out because of what other assholes did or didn’t do. And with that, I have to refresh myself on the whole “forgive and forget”

do that now. I want my 29th year on this earth to be filled with love and laughter and good people that bring out the best in each other. The times have changed, my friends, and that means we need to put a little more effort into

imagining what is to come, considering what I would like to achieve, and perhaps sprinkling a little bit of wishful thinking as well.

Much like my previous years as a legal adult, I’m sure it will fly by, so I’m going to try extra hard to stop and smell the roses, and probably sneeze because I’m allergic. I’ve put up quite the wall after particular events in

practice because if there’s one thing I’ve learned at 28, it’s that not everyone will apologize or even acknowledge wrongdoing.

And that’s just OK. No more bullshit!

I won’t give it, I won’t take it and I won’t stand by it. Life is too short and the majority is too miserable to perpetuate the bullshit further. There are people being paid to

spreading the good-good instead of treading in the Olympic-size pool of misery. I will try if you will.

Deal? Deal.

No more bullshit! I won’t give it, I won’t take it and I won’t stand by it. Life is too short and the majority is too miserable to perpetuate the bullshit further.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

Sabrina Ambra is a cohost of Real Radio 104.1’s “News Junkie” program and will kick your ass if she needs to.

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Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

572 businesses earned a score of

100% on

HRC’s Corporate

talking points When I go into the homes of these people, they’re my neighbors. I spend my days with them. I know who these people are, so it puts me in a very privileged position to say, ‘I get what you’re going through, and let me help you through it.’

—Tan France, “Queer Eye” fashion expert, in an interview with the Associated Press

LGBTQ-themed play ‘The Inheritance’

wins big at Olivier Awards

“T

he Inheritance” was one of the big winners at British theater’s Olivier Awards on April 7, receiving four trophies. “The Inheritance,” Matthew Lopez’s drama about young gay men living in New York a generation after the AIDS crisis, was declared best new play. Lopez said he was “overwhelmed and overjoyed” by the trans-Atlantic success of his seven-hour epic, which had its world premiere at London’s Young Vic Theatre. Lopez said he was hopeful the show would get a Broadway run now that London has shown that the play—mined from his own experiences—resonates with audiences. “The Inheritance” also took prizes for lighting and for Stephen Daldry’s direction, while star Kyle Soller beat rivals who included Ian McKellen to be garlanded best actor in a play.

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Taylor Swift donates to Tennessee LGBTQ advocacy group

T

aylor Swift donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) April 8 along with a handwritten note on how a petition signed by more than 100 Tennessee faith leaders inspired her to show her support. TEP posted the note on Facebook. “I’m writing you to say that I’m so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organizing the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the ‘Slate of Hate’ in our state legislature,” Swift writes.

“Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and those leaders are doing.” TEP is fighting a series of bills, which some refer to as the “Slate of Hate,” that targets LGBTQ individuals.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Gay bunny book, trans teen story among most ‘challenged’ works

N

ot everyone was amused by the John Oliver send-up of a picture book by the wife and daughter of Vice President Mike Pence. “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Presents A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo,” in which the Pence family bunny turns out to be gay, was among the books most objected to in 2018 at the country’s public libraries. The best-selling parody ranked No. 2 on the list of “challenged” books compiled by the American Library Association.

Alex Gino’s “George,” a middle-grade novel about a transgender child, was No. 1 on its list. Other works that made the list include Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give” and Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” series.

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Cyndi Lauper, Todrick Hall among WorldPride opening ceremony line-up

W

orldPride has unveiled its opening ceremony line-up at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 26. Pop legend Cyndi Lauper, R&B songstress Ciara, singer/ YouTuber Todrick Hall and New York City-based DJ Lina are all on the bill to perform at the benefit concert. More acts are expected to be announced closer to the date. Comedian and “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg will host the show. InterPride, an international organization that ties Pride together globally, brings WorldPride to major cities across the globe every two to six years. This year’s WorldPride takes place in New York City to coincide with the 50-year mark of the Stonewall riots.

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Photo by Dylan Todd

Cameron Williams

The

age 53 • St. Petersburg Appreciate and embrace individuality. Life is too short to not spend as much time as possible being happy.

Beautiful Every Body Body Says Love Every

A

Watermark Staff

s summer draws closer,

everyone is starting to plan for what promises to be an epic season for the LGBTQ community. From beach days and backyard barbeques to the inaugural Red Shirt Pride Days in Orlando and the 17th annual St Pete Pride, there is going to be so much to do.

We here at Watermark say that there is no ideal body type for loving who you are and spending the summer having fun with your friends, family and community.

That’s why, in observance of the summer season, we have gathered together a diverse collection of LGBTQ models from Central Florida and Tampa Bay to celebrate beautiful beach-ready bodies of all genders, races, sizes and shapes.

We asked each of the models what they love most about their body, what they want to share about body positivity or what they love about being a part of this amazing community. Their

answers accompany each of their photos.

We want to thank the Parliament House in Orlando and GayStPete House in St. Petersburg for allowing their fabulous pools to be the setting for these beautiful photos by Watermark photographers Jake Stevens and Dylan Todd. Also, as indicated in the appropriate captions, several swimsuits on our models are courtesy of Fairvilla Megastore and Mojoman Swimwear in Orlando and are available for purchase in their respective stores.

So come one, come all to a summer of fun as every body says love!

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Five-Star Rating on Facebook, Google and Yelp

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

CeeJay Russell (@TheCee_Jay) Age 28 • Orlando

Wearing HARMONQLO, available at MojoMan Swimwear and Clothing

Everything about my body is beautiful. It’s hairy, it’s big, it’s beautiful.

It shows everything that I am.

Photo by Dylan Todd

Hannah Powell

Age 22 • St. Petersburg

There’s no wrong way to have a queer body—just like there’s no wrong way to be queer.

Photo by Jake Stevens

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

Services & Facilities: Accessible parking, entrances, restrooms & seating

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION NIGHT PARTNER:

Photo by Jake Stevens

Zee Renta Age 29 • Orlando

Wearing Forplay, available at Fairvilla Pride Towel, available at MojoMan Swimwear and Clothing

I like my eyes because they tell a story. They are the windows to the soul.

Photo by Dylan Todd

Jason Lee

Age 24 • Bradenton

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

Body positivity is important for all walks of life in our community because it is the foundation of personal health and self-evolution.

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Taiga Lena Age 31 • Orlando

Wearing Aerie

My favorite thing about my body is all 27 of my tattoos.

Photo by Jake Stevens

Photo by Dylan Todd

JanCarlos Hernández Age 24 • St. Petersburg

Wearing Taddlee Boxer Swim Trunks

It’s important to be proud of your body, your skin, your hair, your curves.

When you’re proud it shows.

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Aleksander Helios and Tyler Frederick Ages 32, 27 • St. Petersburg

All bodies should be celebrated, represented and glorified. Do not let anybody tell you otherwise, not even yourself.

Photo by Dylan Todd Photo by Jake Stevens

Tish Dhumrongyud

Age 38 • Orlando

Wearing Forplay, available at Fairvilla

I love my smile.

I think a smile is the prettiest thing anyone can wear. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Watermark Film Company invites you to the premiere fundraising event for

Greetings from Queertown: Orlando A documentary on the LGBTQ history of Central Florida

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO BE PART OF HISTORY! Support the making of this film dedicated to honoring those who made

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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Photo by Jake Stevens

Jen: The best thing Tatiana Quiroga, about being a mom is Jen West, Lukas, watching our boys grow every day and the funny and Gabriel things they say.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

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arts and Entertainment

“Dandy Darkly’s All Aboard!”

Presented by: Dandy Darkly (Brooklyn, N.Y.) Venue: HCC Studio Theatre (1411 E. 11th Ave.) Length: One Hour Ticket price: $12 (+$3 festival support fee) Performances: May 2, 8:30 p.m.; May 4, 9:00 p.m.; May 5, 9:15 p.m.; May 10, 9:45 p.m.; May 11, 4:30 p.m.

E

Navigating

the Uncharted Third annual Tampa International Fringe Festival sets sail

T

Ryan Williams-Jent

he Tampa International

Fringe Festival (TIFF)—Ybor’s openaccess, uncensored performing arts festival featuring local, national and international acts of all varieties—will dazzle audiences for its third year May 2-11. With 10 days of improv, musicals, stand-up and live theatre for every taste, its third outing promises to be its most adventurous yet.

“This year our slogan is ‘Navigate the Uncharted,’” Festival Producer Trish Parry says. “The idea being that everyone can be the captain of their own creative experience, audiences and artists alike.”

Parry notes that attendance for the festival’s sophomore outing was up from their inaugural celebration, with roughly 2,500 patrons, and that TIFF expects that upward trajectory to continue in

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ntertainer Dandy Darkly returns to TIFF with his latest piece of supernatural satire—“Dandy Darkly’s All Aboard!”—to dazzle audiences with “a raucous uprooting of Deep South shame served alongside searing social commentary and howling humor.”

The show details a ghost story as told by the survivors of a tragic Halloween night in Georgia, “from the little boy chased by the ghosts that still haunt her as an adult to the cruel Colonel buried in his bunker, tinkering with his sinister toys.” It tackles racism, transphobia and “electoral insanity, all delivered via dripping earful of Southern Gothic grotesquery: redneck robots, African spider gods, beauty shop gossip, inbred family freakery— oh, and trains!”

“I think fringe festivals are inherently queer simply by fact that the Fringe theatre movement sprung from outsiders who weren’t allowed to produce their work under the existing model and had to make space for their art,”the entertainer explains.

“I’m a gay artist, but Dandy’s surreal, beautiful (often abrasive) storytelling falls far outside even the LGBTQ mainstream,” he continues. “Dandy Darkly carved a niche for himself in the Fringe world because so many queer spaces had been claimed by the more commodifiable RuPaul’s Drag Queen-of-the-Week.”

According to Darkly, the festival favors risk over reward, evident in his latest feature. “Fringe is a beautiful culture and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” he says. All aboard.

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its third year. The festival will feature 26 shows with five performances each, with 50% of its programming from local entertainers within a 30-mile radius of Ybor, 25% from national performers and 25% from international talent.

As with previous years, artists choose a price for their tickets (up to $13) and retain 100% of proceeds.

To support the festival and as recommended by 2017 audience members, a $3 surcharge applies to each ticket.

Patrons are also given the opportunity to buy a festival button—available for $3 at any TIFF box office or at Gaspar’s Grotto, once again serving as Fringe Central—which aren’t required to see the shows but offers discounts on food, drinks and more throughout Ybor.

Performances will be held in five venues this year, including the popular LGBTQ hotspot The Honey Pot. “We finally have a venue on 7th Ave.,” Parry shares of the Ybor nightclub. “Teaming up with them could potentially set an example for the future.

As we grow, I think there’s room for us to team up with many clubs in the area that are open late at night. We’re stoked about that.”

The LGBTQ locale and LGBTQ themes in general are perfect for TIFF because Fringe festivals allow artists to share their authentic selves, Parry adds. “Most of the shows are produced and written by the performers,” she explains, noting that she identifies as bisexual. “I think that queer people might be more open to experimentation; if someone is more open and accepting of themselves, that will likely bleed into their creative life. Fringe is an excellent platform for that.”

Watermark has highlighted seven selections from the third annual TIFF that feature LGBTQ themes and/or thespians from Tampa Bay and beyond. You can navigate the uncharted with them here.

The third annual Tampa International Fringe Festival will be held May 2-11 throughout Ybor City. For more information about purchasing tickets, venues, surrounding events or for a full schedule of shows and show times, visit TampaFringe.org.

“It’s Hard “Chocolate to Explain” Casi Amargo” Presented by: Ed Wolf Presents (San Francisco, Calif.)

Venue: Silver Meteor Gallery (2213 E. 6th Ave.) Length: One Hour Ticket price: $10 (+$3 festival support fee) Performances: May 2, 7 p.m.; May 4, 4:30 p.m.; May 5, 7:15 p.m.; May 10, 7 p.m.; May 11, 1:30 p.m.

“Smutty Burlesque Nerd!

Neo-Vaudeville by Vulva Va-Voom& Co.” Presented by: Vulva Va-Voom (Tampa) Venue: The Honey Pot (1507 E. 7th Ave.)

E

Length: One Hour Ticket price: $9 (+$3 festival support fee)

Performances: May 3, 8:30 p.m.; May 4, 7 p.m.; May 9, 8:30 p.m.; May 10, 7 p.m.; May 11, 8:30 p.m.

ach cast member in “Smutty

Burlesque Nerd!” is “100% USDA pansexual, overwhelmingly genderqueer,” Vulva Va-Voom says. The show is described as a gritty nightclub act, highlighting burlesque, comedy, song, dance and “frankly, filth—not unlike sodomizing Oscar Wilde with a rolled-up New Yorker.”

Performed for an audience that is “18+, very much R,” it follows Va-Voom and drag king sidekick Tony Tesla as they “delight in their antique smut collections.” Its lead, a “perverse arch-nerd,” is joined by a cast that “perpetrates alcohol-fueled debauchery in a disturbingly eccentric variety show.”

Va-Voom describes Tampa Bay’s cabaret scene as friendly to the queer, nerd and kink communities, but adds that it’s limited by the law of economics. “Our material is too intellectual and cultured for dives, but too outrageous and crude for

upscale venues,” the entertainer elaborates. “I’ve seen hundreds of bar patrons tilt their heads like puzzled beagles when they realize I’m not doing straightforward singles covers … and that’s well before the tap shoes, nerd fandom references or phallic comedy props come out.”

At Fringe, “we’ve been careful not to be too obscure, shocking or self-indulgent for even a tolerant audience,” Va-Voom continues. “But we do know they have a much higher degree of trust in our choices than at an average gig, which is a priceless artistic freedom.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

F

lorida-raised storyteller Ed Wolf, featured in the award-winning documentary “We Were Here,” is proud to bring his first solo show home to Tampa.

Wolf says that creating the piece was satisfying and challenging, noting that storytelling is a very specific type of art. “I’ve worked hard to draw audiences into the worlds I have known and the people I have met along the way,” he explains. “Being able to create a container for the audience to both laugh and cry is one of my achievements with this show.”

The entertainer is known for detailing his experiences “growing up as a queer kid in Florida, attending the University of South Florida in the late 60s and living in New York’s Greenwich Village at the beginning of gay liberation and the early days of the AIDS epidemic.” Wolf believes that sharing the LGBTQ experience from different erashelps strengthen the community as a whole.

“The ongoing evolution of LGBTQ communities relies on our abilities to connect with one another,” he advises. “LGBTQ stories are most often not mainstream stories, so we need to work especially hard to find one another and share our history. How we came out, how we found love, who supported us (and didn’t), how HIV has affected us: these are the building blocks of our communities and we are the ones who need to tell them and hear them.”

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Presented by: Gomez/Goldfelder Present (E. Rochester, N.Y.) Venue: Silver Meteor Gallery (2213 E. 6th Ave.) Length: One Hour Ticket price: $12 (+$3 festival support fee) Performances: May 4, 10:15 p.m.; May 5, 5:45 p.m.; May 6, 10 p.m.; May 9, 10 p.m.; May 11, 12 p.m.

P

laywright Candide Carrasco’s “Chocolate Casi Amargo” is described as “a bittersweet and hysterical romp through homophobia and conservatism in the Latino community.” It details the journey of an older Cuban couple as they confront their past, present, “the boredom of everyday life, the decline of aging and—most of all— their only child’s gay lifestyle.”

“To me, a narrative that only [addresses] a particular type of people cannot reach universal appeal,” Carrasco says of his production. “As a gay play writer, I want to give voice to LGBTQ characters, and make sure that we are not forgotten. ‘Chocolate Casi Amargo’ is a lovely, fun play but has a solid, serious message of love, understanding and celebration of diversity.”

The piece is dedicated to reaching Latino audiences and to building bridges between all people, the production notes. It addresses the needs and issues effecting women and the Latino, African American and LGBTQ communities in particular.

Carrasco adds that TIFF is the perfect fit for the production given that the play, which is presented in both English and Spanish, also takes place in Tampa. “Ybor City and Tampa in general has a diverse, rich population with exciting cultural abundance,” he says. “We would love to see how the people of Tampa recognize themselves on stage.”

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“PREACH! An Evening of Inappropriate Sermons” Presented by: Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC (Tampa) Venue: HCC Rehearsal Hall (1411 E. 11th Ave.) Length: 45 Minutes Ticket price: $10 (+$3 festival support fee) Performances: May 2, 10 p.m.; May 4, 8:45 p.m.; May 5, 6 p.m.; May 10 8 p.m.; May 11, 5:45 p.m.

I

“Sexy Sexy Murder” Presented by: Hoof Arted (Tampa)

Venue: Silver Meteor Gallery (2213 E. 6th Ave.)

Length: 45 Minutes

Ticket price: $10 (+$3 festival support fee)

Performances: May 3, 11:30 p.m.; May 4, 7:30 p.m.; May 5, 3 p.m.; May 10, 10 p.m.; May 11, 4:30 p.m.

“S

exy Sexy Murder” is the

first installment of Christen Hailey’s “Perilousverse,” the playwright and director’s “dark, sick, twisted, hilarious and totally wrong” vision of Tampa Bay. It introduces audiences to the Secret Queen of Tampa—the (mostly) benevolent monarch of Florida’s weird and fetid underbelly—and her longtime mortal enemy, the Reverend Taint Violator.

The latter “has a most heinous plan to foil the queen and destroy her long-sought plans for peace and cocktails,” the production advises.

He plans to build a bible college beside her welcoming oasis before the queen enlists “the aid of her handsome henchman and the Ninja

Bitch Lady Assassins” to triumph over her nemesis once more.

Hailey, a USF alum and novice nun for the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, also plays Rumpcrumpet Biscuitsnatch, one of the play’s assassins “involved in these shenanigans.” The playwright is driven by “creating and producing shows that are hilarious, giving local actors an opportunity to do something pretty wild or out of their comfort zone, enticing the local barfly/dirtbag community to get them to darken theater doors which they otherwise would never dream of doing.”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

f you’ve ever wondered what happens when a minister, an improv comic and a “flaming liberal” walk into a bar—or theatre—then “PREACH! An Evening of Inappropriate Sermons” is for you. Scott Swenson, who studied with Chicago’s Second City and is a founding member of Tampa’s WIT Improv, is premiering his solo show at TIFF to give audiences the answer and take them to church.

“This is the first time I’ve done a solo show,” the entertainer shares.

“It’s challenging, it’s exciting and it’s terrifying! The content will be suggested by the audience and selected by a spinning wheel.

The show will be different every performance.”

Swenson says his main concern is that he’ll get so fired up in sharing his “twisted take on the world issues of your choosing” that he’ll “just keep going all night.” Luckily he’ll have his stage manager (also his husband) in the pews to keep him on track, he muses. “He’s done it for 30 years, why should this be any different?”

The production promises to be a “reverence free zone,” with no topic too taboo and nothing off limits.

Each performance will be “unique and possibly horrendously offensive,” Swenson says. “If you have the guts to suggest it, I will have the guts to PREACH about it!”

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“Re(union)” Presented by: Unfilmable Productions (St. Petersburg) Venue: Silver Meteor Gallery (2213 E. 6th Ave.) Length: One Hour Ticket price: $10 (+$3 festival support fee) Performances: May 2, 10 p.m.; May 4, 12 p.m.; May 5, 10:15 p.m.; May 6, 7 p.m.; May 11, 7:15 p.m.

“R

e(union)” is a dark comedy focusing on the societal and media reactions to tragedy on the micro and macro scale. It seeks to organically challenge the idea of what it means to become an adult a decade after high school.

Its story highlights a devastating event that forces an entire community to grieve, boasting the “power to engage its audience in an active dialogue of false happiness and outgrown friendships.” It features “old friends, crossed lovers, confusion and companionship” as its characters uncover their “true selves and the hidden darkness within.”

“We had a lot of happy accidents along the way of this production,” writer, director and “Re(union)” protagonist Gabby Cabrera shares, pointing to a character in the show who is bisexual. The part was originally written for a male, but she flipped genders after a successful audition.

“I was open to flipping genders for different characters because at the end of the day, as long as they’re human, the gender part is irrelevant,” Cabrera notes. “We have different characters not acting with specific gender norms, stereotypes or expectations.”

“One of the things I love the most about it is how inclusive it is,” producer Kate Sims adds. “It’s not about one person or one type of people. It’s about everybody involved in one community. No one is singled out and no one is left out … to me that is the future.”

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drag

A Queen’s Beard

Bearonce Bear pushes drag boundaries, looks to become 2019 National Bearded Queen

(above)

Bearded bear:

Anthony Chiocchi, also known as Central Florida drag performer Bearonce Bear.

Photo courtesy bearonce bear

“B

Abigail Brashear

itch, your look is everything

right now.” That’s what San Franciscan drag queen Pollo Del Mar said on a late 2011 night as she watched up-and-coming drag queen Bearonce Bear get ready to go out to the club she regularly performed at on her night off. However, something was very different from her usual look that night. watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Bearonce didn’t shave her beard.

Bearonce, a drag queen who is well known for her bearded drag fashion, originally started out as a beardless queen performing at the Copa nightclub in Ocala, Fla. She started performing when the husband of an old friend of hers, who was a drag queen, begged her to be an extra backup dancer. Bearonce agreed, but at a cost: the beard had to go. For Bearonce, known as Anthony Chiocchi when out of drag, that was the hardest part.

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“I was like, ‘Alright, I’m going to shave? Oh my god,’” Chiocchi says.

“I have this beard and this is me; I’m a bear. I’m in the gay community, I’m known as a bear and I’m not going to have facial hair? … but okay, I’ll do it for the art.”

Several beardless, hectic and prone-to-malfunction performances went by before that night with Pollo Del Mar. Chiocchi wore no hip pads, no corsets, store-bought pantyhose and a homemade feather belt that hung to the floor. It made him look like his mother, he says.

“My beard is not an addition to me, it is me. So I [wanted] to keep it nice and sharp and black,” Chiocchi says. “It’s part of my aesthetic—it’s glamorous, it’s luscious, it’s majestic.”

But the idea of not shaving his beard while in drag made something click.

Pollo Del Mar said that he should stay true to himself and not shave; that the entertainment industry is about evolution and Bearonce Bear was starting within that evolution.

“She was like, ‘Don’t change. Don’t do it,’” Chiocchi says, “and I said okay.”

It was a decision that Chiocchi never looked back from. Since then, Bearonce has gone on to win pageants such as Miss Florida Bearded Queen 2018, inspire hundreds of people and solidify herself as a pillar of bearded drag fashion.

Even as a child, Chiocchi said he was attracted to the idea of showmanship.

He spent his younger years as a child model with a “legit” portfolio, but left the industry when his mother said it was affecting his education. Growing up, he wanted to join theater in middle school and high school. However, he never did—Chiocchi says that because he was “chubby” and “effeminate,” he was always picked on, and did not want the possibility of being picked on even more if he joined theater.

“I’m thankful that hesitancy eventually left me,” he says.

“He inspired me. He’s that legend on stage,” says Maryah Beary, a drag queen and close friend to Chiocchi.

“He’s a trend setter, because there are people who can lead and people who

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can follow, and he’s definitely the one that is leading … he’s leading that bearded community and people are looking to him. He’s that one to look at.”

Part of the reason that Chiocchi is spoken so highly of is because of his passion for activism on behalf of the bearded drag community.

When he started performing in 2011, Chiocchi says the bearded drag community was looked down upon and was called “Skag drag”—a type of drag where queens make no attempt to hide their masculinity.

Chiocchi recalled several experiences where he was performing and received compliments followed with “but, you have a beard.” One particular experience that stood out to him was a conversation he overheard between judges after a pageant— when the judge was saying that although it’s important to accept all walks of life and types of drag, they should “at least look like a woman and at least shave.”

Conversations like that are why Chiocchi continues to push the limits of bearded drag, he says. He believes it’s important for everyone to feel accepted and that the drag community should embrace all walks of life.

“I hate people being stuck in ruts, and I hate seeing underdogs always feeling like they’re not good enough,” Chiocchi says. “And [it’s great] seeing that in the trying times that we are in, especially within the LGBTQ community, that we still have the strength to evolve and keep embracing our growth, rather than staying here and letting everything happen around us. We are actually going out and keep moving forward, and we’re taking the high road versus the low road.”

Chiocchi says the critics and doubters don’t affect him at all. In fact, it only affirms that he’s doing the right thing and fuels his fire for pushing the boundaries of drag.

“The more that people pushed me, the harder I was just like ‘I’m going to keep doing this, and I’m going to do it, and I’m going to make them gag,” he says.

Chiocchi’s passion and talent has paid off. Bearonce Bear is a finalist for the 2019 National Bearded Queen Pageant due to her recent win in the 2018 Florida Bearded Pageant.

Chiocchi now spends his weeks preparing costumes with Beary, who is helping him with the

queen to be: Bearonce will try to become the 2019 National Bearded Queen at the national pageant in Kentucky on May 12. Photo courtesy Bearonce Bear pageant: working on choreography, designing looks— complete with nails, jewelry and rhinestones— and practicing hair and makeup techniques.

“It’s a lot of texts back and forth, you know, the late night FaceTimes and the morning FaceTimes, or the ‘Hey, look at this! What do you think of that?’ or when you see something on social media, you get ideas

that spark,” Beary says. “It’s a lot of planning.”

The year’s pageant will take place on May 12 in Louisville, Ky. Chiocchi says although there will be some “really good competition out there,” naturally, he’s planning on taking home the trophy, especially with all the hard work he’s put into preparing for the pageant.

Through it all, Chiocchi says he wouldn’t change anything along

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

the path that brought him here.

He adds that his experience in the bearded drag community has been unforgettable, especially when it inspires someone to stay true to themselves.

Chiocchi recalled a moment when one of Bearonce’s fans contacted her through Instagram and thanked her. The fan felt comfortable and confident enough to paint his nails and wear them

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in public, whereas before, he only felt comfortable painting his toes and wearing closed-toed shoes wherever he went.

“As Bearonce, to have the community reach back to you and be like, ‘thank you,’ is amazing,” Chiocchi says. “It’s not that I want the thanks, it’s that I want to know that I am helping somebody. It gives me a very complete feeling; it gives me a very whole feeling.”

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community calendar

event planner

arts+entertainment Central Florida

Central Florida

“Dear Evan Hansen,” April 1621, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando.

844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

BarberFUND Burlesque Friday, April 19, 9 p.m.

The Venue, Orlando

Sweet Charity, April 17-27, Annie Russell Theatre, Rollins College, Winter Park. 407-646-2145; rollins. edu/annie-russell-theatre

Miss Ivy Daniels has rounded up some of her favorite performers to shake some “Tassels For A Cause.” All ticket sales go to The Barber Fund to help those living with cancer right here in our community.

Cocktails start at 9 p.m. and the show kicks off at 10 pm. Tickets start at $16 for general admission, high-top table tickets are $18 and VIP is $20. For tickets and information, visit TheVenueOrlando.com.

LGBT+ Center Orlando Open House, April 19, The Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.org “Show Girls” in Drag, April 19, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

AIDS Walk Orlando Saturday, April 27, 7:30 a.m.

Lake Eola Park, Orlando

420 with Miss Comedy Queen, April 20, The Venue, Orlando. 407-412-6895; TheVenueOrlando.com 4/20 The Party at Latin Saturday’s Amor, April 20, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com 2019 Dr Phillips Spring Festival, April 20, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

The Goldberg

Tampa Bay

It’s Easteroke, April 21, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com

Legendary entertainer Whoopi Goldberg heads to the Van Wezel in Sarasota April 27. Photo by David Shankbone

Orlando Equality Connection, April 25, The Hammered Lamb, Orlando.

813-870-3735; eqfl.org

Reanna Ballslee in “A Total Ship Show,” April 28-29, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 11 Viewing Party, April 25, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com Bare Beef Boxers & Briefs, April 26, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com “Billy Elliot The Musical,” April 26- May 26, The Garden Theatre, Winter Garden. 407-877-4736; GardenTheatre.org Reinas De La Comedia, April 27, Stonewall Bar, Orlando. 407-373-0888; StonewallOrlando.com April Fresh’s Comedy Brunch, April 28, Parliament House, Orlando. 407-425-7571; ParliamentHouse.com

Take a walk around Lake Eola to raise funds for those living with HIV. Hosted by Hope & Help, the annual AIDS walk will raise money to prevent new HIV transmissions with free HIV screenings and HIV care. Registration is $25 per walker and includes a free T-shirt. For more information, visit HopeAndHelp.org.

Rainbow Housing Coalition Community Meeting, April 24, King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg. 727-228-207; RainbowHousingCoalition.com

Tampa Bay

“La Boheme,” April 26, 28, Opera Tampa, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org/OperaTampa

“Spamilton: An American Parody,” April 19 – May 12, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Drag Queen Story Hour, April 27, Community Café, St. Petersburg. 727-222-6979; CommunityCafeStPete.com

Trans Community Pajama Party, April 20, Metro Inclusive Health, St. Petersburg. 727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org Cabaret with Judy B. Goode, April 20, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg.

727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com HRT Info Session for Parents/ Guardians, April 23, Metro Inclusive Health, St. Petersburg.

727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org

9th Annual Kickball 4 Kids, April 27, American Legions Field, Tampa. 813-231-5275; BalanceTampaBay.org Pride Night at USF Softball / Baseball, April 27, USF, Tampa.

813-974-2011; usf.edu METRO at American Stage Pride Plus Night in the Park, April 28, Demens Landing, St. Petersburg.

727-321-3854; MetroTampaBay.org

Drag Queen Bingo to Benefit Equality Florida, April 30, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg.

727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com 3rd Annual Pre-FringePreviews, May 1, CL Space, Tampa.

727-513-8433; TampaFringe.org

Sarasota Whoopi Goldberg, April 27, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org Diversity Chorus Spring Concert: “We Love the 60s,”April 28, Holley Hall, Sarasota. 888-550-6279; DiversitySarasota.org The Illusionists - Live From Broadway, April 30, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-953-3368; VanWezel.org “Sweeney Todd,” May 1- June 1, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota.

941-351-8000; AsoloRep.org

Intergalactic Disco - Pride & Passion 2019 Saturday, April 20, 8:30 p.m.

Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa An inclusive interstellar disco will return to the Tampa Museum of Art to celebrate diversity in the LGBT+ community and raise funds for educational programs. Come party the night away celebrating the individuality, diversity, and all the colors that make up the universe. For more information, visit TampaMuseum.org.

Mad Hatter’s Annual Turnabout Fundraiser Show Friday, April 26, 10 p.m.

Mad Hatters Kava Bar, St. Petersburg Join your favorite local Hatters employees as they dress in drag and perform for charity in this annual event. Funds raised will be going towards Metro Youth and there will be a raffle. For more information, visit MadHattersTeaBar.com.

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

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

www.diversitytampabay.org

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overheard

tampa bay out+about

HERE WE GO AGAIN

A

merican Stage in the Park, a celebrated Tampa Bay tradition for over 30 years, is back—this time with the timeless pop of ABBA in “Mamma Mia!” The record-breaking musical, one of the longest running in Broadway history, is playing now through May 12 at Demens Landing at 8 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday.

“On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago,” the production’s synopsis reads. “This enchanting tale of love, laughter, family and friendship features a large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers for an unforgettable night under the stars!”

“The tropical paradise setting of ‘Mamma Mia!’ and its upbeat rock vibe make this musical an ideal match for our Demens Landing performances,” Director Stephanie Gularte says. “This will be my fifth American Stage in the Park production as the organization’s producing artistic director but it is my first time directing the park show. I am really excited to be working ‘in the trenches’ with our talented creative team as we tell this celebratory story about friendship, family and love.”

Tickets start at $20 and Watermark will once again proudly serve as community celebration night partner for Pride Plus Night on April 28. By purchasing tickets directly through Metro Inclusive Health (MetroTampaBay.org) for that performance, $10 of each ticket will directly benefit LGBTQ programming throughout Tampa Bay. To purchase tickets for all other performances or for more information, call 727-823-PLAY (7529) or visit AmericanStage.org/Park.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

T

ampa Bay author Rob Sanders will unveil “Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution,” the first picture book detailing the history of the Stonewall Inn’s role in the LGBTQ civil rights movement, at the fifth annual SunLit Festival in St. Petersburg on April 27.

Sanders, the author of the celebrated “Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag,” will welcome all ages to a book launch performance at The Studios@620 from 6-8 p.m. with Tombolo Books. The Studios@620 Artistic Director Bob Devin Jones and an ensemble cast will join, celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the infamous uprising.

“Movingly narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself,” the book’s synopsis reads, “and featuring stirring and dynamic illustrations, ‘Stonewall: A Building.

An Uprising.A Revolution’ is an essential and empowering civil rights story that every child deserves to hear.”

A Q&A with Sanders and a Tombolo Books signing will follow the performance.

For more information about Studio@620, visit TheStudioat620.org. To pre-order your copy of the book, call 727-755-9456 or visit TomboloBooks.com.

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DISNEY DIVAS: Roosevelt Cevallos (L) and Chad Chaddington head under the sea as Ursula and Ariel for the inaugural Tampa Bay Lip Sync Battle at Metro Inclusive Health April 13. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

2

THEY WILL BE FOUND: Jay Aller (L) and Miguel Fuller enjoy “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts April 9. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

3

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5

HANDS TO HERSELF: Victoria Michaels and her digits dazzle at Punky’s Bar & Grill for Victoria Works Central April 6. PHOTO BY

RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

4

EPIC PREP: Special Events Coordinator Molly Robison (L) and Executive Director Joy Winheim prepare ambassadors for Dining Out for Life 14 at EPIC’s St. Petersburg campus April 8. PHOTO BY RYAN

WILLIAMS-JENT

5

EPIC EATS: (L-R) Sam Xatan, Brian Longstreth, Chris Gibson and Kyle Richard dine out for life at Old Key West to benefit EPIC April 11. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

6

TAKE THEM TO CHURCH: (L-R) Sabina Modeste, artist John Gascot, Kaylynn Green and Ron Diana attend Gascot’s “Sunday School” opening at The Bends April 5. PHOTO

6

BY DYLAN TODD

7

LUNCH LADS: Owner Tom Woodard (L) and his fab staff serve up nom nom’s at Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria St. Pete April 5. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

8

SUCCESS: Owner Hunter Vance, Darren Daniels and Luke Clousson-Smith celebrate Oasis’ one-year anniversary at the Sarasota hotspot April 13.

8

PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

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overheard

central florida out+about

The Orlando Ribbon Project releases new enamel pin

F

amous figures including Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and HRC’s Chad Griffin have worn the now famous rainbow-colored ribbon, and now the Dissent Pin Company has partnered with the Orlando Ribbon Project to create enamel versions of the ribbons that traveled the world in memory of the 49 lives lost at Pulse Orlando.

“It’s been rather amazing watching the project grow from just a handful of fabric ribbons for volunteers to a worldwide symbol of love and hope,” says founder of the Orlando Ribbon Project, Ben Johansen.

Over 300 enamel pins were sold in the first weekend they were on sale. Those 300 pins join the more than 750,000 ribbons that have already been made since the project’s beginning.

Johansen has a goal of making 1 million fabric ribbons.

The new enamel pins cost $14.95 each with the cost per pin decreasing with the more pins you buy. Half of all sales of the rainbow ribbon pins will go to benefit The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. The Dissent Pin Company donated $170,936 in 2018 towards organizations like The Center through sales of charity pins.

The pins are made to order. The link to purchase a pin can be found on The Orlando Ribbon Project’s Facebook page.

2

Orlando recognizes Jazell Barbie Royale with city proclamation

M

ayor Buddy Dyer recognized the current Miss International Queen with a proclamation to the city declaring it “Jazell Barbie Royale Day” in the city of Orlando on April 11.

Dyer and Royale were joined on the steps of City Hall by City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Parliament House Entertainment Director Darcel Stevens, Orlando Police Captain Jim Young, Bliss CARES Medical Director Dr. Roberto Ortiz and many of Royale’s family, friends, fans and supporters.

Royale made history as the first black transgender woman to be named Miss International Queen when she was crowned at the pageant in Thailand on March 8.

Royale is best known in Central Florida as a performer at the Parliament House and an LGBTQ advocate with Bliss CARES, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS and other STDs in the local area. Royale’s platform in both the pageant and during her reign is HIV/AIDS awareness and PrEP and PEP education.

Miss International Queen Pageant is the largest transgender beauty pageant in the world and has been an annual event in Thailand since 2004.

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PETE FOR AMERICA: Central Florida supporters for 2020 presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg gather at the home of Jason Byrd (center back) in Orlando April 14 to watch Buttigieg’s official announcement.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

2

MAKING HERSTORY: (L-R) Mayor Buddy Dyer, Jazell Barbie Royale and Commissioner Patty Sheehan at Orlando City Hall April 11 as the city recognizes Royale for being crowned Miss International Queen in March. Photo by Jeremy Williams

3

LOCAL LOVE: (L-R) Jim Young, Gina Duncan, Brandon Wolf and Barbara Poma attend a onePulse Foundation event in Orlando April 5. Photo by Jeremy Williams

4

TWISTED FUN: Jimit Kapadia (L), owner of Twisted Rooster, greets Orlando’s Pom Moongauklang (center) and DJ Scott Robert (R) while visiting the Melbourne bar April 19. Photo by Danny Garcia

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LGBTQ LEADERS: Representatives from a dozen LGBTQ legacy papers, including Watermark owner Rick Claggett (second from R), attend the National LGBT Media Association gathering at the Detroit Institute of Art April 12. Photo courtesy

Rick Claggett

6

FOR THE KIDS: Watermark’s Ryan Williams-Jent, News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsen, Tampa Bay Times’ Monique Welch, Tampa Bay Times’ Ernest Hooper and Palm Beach Post’s Mike Readling participate in a Florida Scholastic Press Association panel on diversity at the Wyndham Orlando Resort April 12. Photo courtesy Ryan

7

Williams-Jent

7

SUNDAE FUNDAY: The Center Orlando’s staff and volunteers celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Day with an ice cream social at the Center in Orlando April 1.

Photo by Danny Garcia

8

FRINGE IS COMING: The cast of “A Showgirls Musical” tease the show with a performance at the Orlando Fringe Teaser Show at the Shakespeare Theatre in Orlando April 15. Photo by Danny Garcia

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M arketplace

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Apr il 18 - M ay 1, 2019 // Issue 26 .0 8

announcements

wedding bells

Nicholas Relyea and Harry Myers from Tampa, Florida

Engagement date:

Dec. 31, 2017

Wedding date:

March 24, 2019

Venue:

Bern’s Park

Colors:

Dark navy, burgundy and gold

Wedding Song/Artist:

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Live Musician:

String quartet

DJ Service:

Grant Hemond and Associates

Caterer:

Jackson’s Bistro

Officiant: Brian Frey

Photographer:

Brian Adams Photographics and Perfect Sky Productions

Photo by Brian Adams Photographics and Perfect Sky Productions

H

arry Myers had the surprise

of a lifetime for Nicholas Relyea on his 40th birthday at Bern’s Park—a proposal.

He had planned the engagement for four months and it was attended by 40-45 people. “Bern’s Park is our halfway point when we take walks at night, so it has great significance to us,” Relyea says.

The pair first met in March 2017. “We met through mutual friends on March 24, 2017, and the attraction, both physically and emotionally, were instant,” Relyea tells. “Neither of us was pursuing any kind of relationship. People say when you stop looking he will appear, and they are right! Love at first sight really does exist!”

Relyea, who works as a loan underwriter, is originally from

Syracuse, N.Y. Myers grew up in Chicago, Ill., and is currently employed as a community development officer. They now live together in Tampa.

“Marriage was never in the cards for either of us, so it didn’t really cross our minds until we had several conversations over the course of six months,” Relyea shares. “Our relationship was different from our previous ones and we knew what we had was

special. We moved quickly and recognized that at the time—but hey, when you know you know.”

(The couple invites you to watch their sweet engagement video at WatermarkOnline.com.)

The couple later married in the same location that Myers proposed to Relyea, at Bern’s Park. A reception followed with their friends and family at the Waterfront Room of Jackson’s Bistro.

“Our processional was ‘A Thousand Years’ arranged for string quartet, and our first dance was ‘Thinking Out Loud’

by Ed Sheeran,” Relyea says.

“We didn’t necessarily have a theme per se, but knew from the beginning of the planning process what our colors would be. Since the reception would begin at 7 p.m., we knew that candlelight was a must so we chose gold tapers and round floating candles—a lot of them.

The tables were dressed with burgundy linens, geometric gold chargers, gold flatware and dark navy napkins.”

And instead of a cake, the pair opted for a seven-tier champagne fountain!

Each of the guys had their favorite moment from the day.

Relyea says, “Harry loves to dance and he is really good at it! He hired two choreographers prior to the wedding, had dance routine sessions and surprised me at the reception with a dance that incorporated several songs that are special to both of us.

He rocked it!”

For Harry, it was all about being together with their loved ones. “The evening ended with an impromptu friendship circle dance with everyone arm-in-arm, singing and swaying together. It was a truly magical moment of friendship, love and support.”

—Aaron Drake

Congratulations

Orlando City Commissioners officially voted unanimously April 8 to pass a resolution to recognize LGBTQ-certified businesses in their procurement practices.

GayStPete House celebrated 11 years serving St. Petersburg on April 14.

Sawmill Resort celebrated 21 years as America’s favorite gay camping ground on April 16.

Local Birthdays

Orlando arts patron Jerry Baumeister, St. Petersburg Stonewall Democrat Beth Fountain, St. Petersburg superwoman Tammy Benjamin, Tampa Bay environmentalist Joey Stalker (April 18); Orlando bartender Spencer Dalberth, Tampa Bay entertainer Jacqueline St. James (April 19); Tampa Bay entertainer Vivion Rachel Harris Clarke, YouTuber and transgender advocate Zinnia Jones, Sarasota-area actor Peter Ruiz (April 20); Central Florida realtor Scott Penyak, LGBTQ advocate Randy Stephens, On-air personality for Magic 107.7 Chad Pitt, Tampa burlesque producer Mayven Missbehavin (April 21); “Miss Pee-Vira” AJ Pratt, Central Florida promoter Neema Bahrini, Tampa business owner Michael DiCamillo, Rollins College director of dance Bob Sherry, Project No Labels founder Claire Eli, Tampa Femmes and Follies producer Katie James (April 22); TIGLFF former executive director Scott Skyberg, former Watermark sales rep Tammi Jones, Tampa Leather Club’s Joseph Mastrapasqua, artist Amanda Vickers, Metro Operations Manager Allan Hero-Shaw (April 23); Congressman Darren Soto’s aide Vivian Rodriguez, St. Petersburg actor Tom Campbell, former Tampa actor Larry Buzzeo, O-Town textbook editor Sara Lyna, former St Pete Pride president Scott Turner, Tampa bear Bill Vincent, Project No Labels Social Media Director Valerie Lynn; Florida Orchestra Principal Flutist Clay Ellerbroek-Pettiford, Red Ribbon Cyclist Drew Reed (April 24); Watermark contributor and “News Junkie” Sabrina Ambra, Florida Democratic Progressive Caucus president Susan Smith (April 25); Iberian Rooster Kyle Hill, Gender Identity in Florida Today president Jennifer Marvin, Tampa dancer Jackie Huston (April 26); Metro Inclusive Health Fundraising and Event Coordinator Roosevelt Cevallos (April 27); Parliament House owner Don Granatstein, app whiz Randy Shepard (April 28); St. Pete hotel manager Tom Ziri (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor Anthony Quaglieri, UCF’s former GLBSU president Jessica Osborn, St. Pete drink-slinger Russell Sutherland (April 30); Orlando DJ Brianna Lee from Parliament House, Orlando Shakes marketing director Christian Knightly (May 1).

Do you have an announcement?

Send your announcement to Editor@WatermarkOnline.com

It’s that easy!

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

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