Watermark Issue 27.10: Love Elliott

Your LGBTQ Life.

May 14 - May 27, 2020 • Issue 27.10

Love

Elliott

A father’s need to protect his son becomes a fight to protect all trans kids in Flagler County

Tampa Bay LGBTQ restaurants reopen onePULSE announces scholarship recipients 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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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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

If your student’s preference is to be addressed by the proper name and pronouns, that should be okay. Put your grown-up pants on and call them by their preferred name. It isn’t going to kill you.

–Palm Coast City Commissioner Jack Howell on area teachers and students

12// State News 13 // Nation & World News 23 // Talking Points 17// Central Florida COVID-19 Resources 19// Tampa Bay COVID-19 Resources 31// Tampa Bay Out & About 33// Central Fl Out & About 34// Tampa Bay Marketplace 36// Central Fl Marketplace On the cover

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LOVE ELLIOTT: A father’s need to protect his son becomes a fight for all trans youth.

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Columnist Elimelec Berrios examines Puerto Rico’s anti-LGBTQ violence.

Watermark Issue 27.10 // May 14 - May 27, 2020

Mask Makers

Cautious Return

Never Forgotten

2020 Vision

page Orlando’s “Mask the People” initiative launches.

page Tampa Bay LGBTQ, ally restaurants reopen.

page

page

Read It Online!

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

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12

Florida activist Terry Fleming dies at 58.

13

Human Rights Campaign endorses Joe Biden.

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Publisher’s

Rick Claggett PUblisher

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

Desk

liked politics before it was

cool, assuming it is cool now. I was really just a sucker for history in high school and by extension loved civics lessons. My affection for politics grew in 1992, when Winter Park High School’s Mr. Bass had my class follow that year’s presidential bid. Was that the year politics became cool? Was it Bill Clinton playing the saxophone on “The Arsenio Hall Show” that started this whole mess?

My early political views were shaped by my parents and our economic situation growing up.

We had each other, but not much beyond that. There was a time my family was the beneficiary of government programs, mainly when my mother was left to raise five kids on her own. Later, my family would suffer again following the economic policies of Reagan/ Bush. I spent my senior year of high school sleeping on an Army cot in a room I shared with my

parents in my aunt’s apartment.

Perhaps that’s where I developed my bleeding heart for the underdog and the disadvantaged.

My parents tried to hide how bad things had gotten, but I was able to pick up on it. Near miss car accidents shed light on our lack of auto insurance, as did paying for food with money that didn’t exist.

Today I can’t imagine how hard it was for them, and I harbor no judgement as there is no shame in financial struggles. I saw how hard

my parents worked, how much they sacrificed and how no matter what they did they just couldn’t get ahead.

I believed then that I was on the good side. I was a Democrat and everything was so black and white. We fought for the average Joe, helping give a leg up to the underserved. On the other side, just my impression at the time, Republicans gave the leg up to the advantaged with the notion they in turn would help those who were less fortunate.

At the time I saw there was a common goal, just differences on how to financially achieve those goals. I remember there was partisanship, but that each side presented a case and worked towards something. Of course I was young and naïve but progress was being made on a national level. The budget was balanced for a hot second.

So what happened? Why do we now live in a time of such turmoil?

Was it 9/11? Was it the historic election of Barack Obama? Is it social media and 24-7 news? Why is everything so polarizing and politicized at a time where we all need to come together as one?

Our human race is suffering at the hands of a pandemic that leaves us with more questions than answers and we have found a way to make it political. The two sides of this coin are Republicans who want life back to normal now and Democrats who want to shelter in place until the pandemic is over.

There is a happy middle ground somewhere, but the extreme views are all over my social media timelines.

Lately I’ve had many conversations regarding the fate of the coronavirus, small business and the people closest to me.

I’ve been told my views are too Republican by some and too Democratic by others. I wonder why we have to be so binary.

watermark staff Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Business Manager: Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com

CFL Bureau Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Creative/Photographer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

We have to find a way to safely live with a virus we have no control over. If treatment is one year away, we can’t sit around and wait. We need solutions now.

But we must be diligent with safety, protecting those who are most vulnerable. We need to put partisanship behind us and work together to make our world work again. We need both sides of the coin, freedom and safety, but we have to work together to make it work.

Practice your freedom to go outdoors, but be smart about it.

Wear your mask, cover your nose and mouth, wash your hands and stay a safe distance away from each other. Do it for your freedom, do it for your loved

Wearing a mask isn’t Republican or Democrat. Eating at a restaurant isn’t Republican or Democrat.

ones and do it to better humanity.

Wearing a mask isn’t Republican or Democrat. Eating at a restaurant isn’t Republican or Democrat. Let’s stop senseless arguing about it and get on the same page for the greater good.

In this issue of Watermark we introduce you to Elliott, a Flagler County trans youth, and his father who are fighting to show the school board that all trans students deserve to be shown love. In Central Florida we check in on LGBTQ advocates making masks for underserved essential workers and in Tampa Bay we take a look at some of the LGBTQ restaurants reopening.

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

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

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

contributors Emily Bonilla

was elected to the Board of County Commissioners for District 5 in 2016. She is a longtime advocate for the community and continues to build a prosperous Orange County for the future. Page 17

Jim Nixon is St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ liaison for the mayor’s office, the manager of the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center and a former Watermark employee. He is the proud fur-parent to Woody, his beloved Boston terrier. Page 19 Elimelec Berrios

is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico where he organized their first student mobilization for the Gay Pride parade in San Juan. He now works for Alianza for Progress and serves as an ambassador for the program ¡Hablando Alto!. Page 21

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.

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7

central florida news

onePULSE announces 49 Legacy Scholarship recipients Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | onePULSE Foundation announced the recipients of its inaugural 49 Legacy Scholarship program in a press release May 7.

The nonprofit organization established after the Pulse tragedy awarded a total of $333,000 in scholarships to 49 individuals to be used at an accredited institution of higher learning, including career and technical schools, during the 2020-21 academic year. onePULSE worked with the families of each of those who were killed in the Pulse tragedy to establish the scholarships based on the respective victims’ interests, careers or aspirations. The 49 scholarships covered a wide range of careers including healthcare, business, cosmetology, social science, communications and the arts. Several of the scholarships were open to any field of study. onePULSE received more than 200 applications for its inaugural set of scholarships. A committee of 17 community members scored each of the applicants in a three-phase process to determine the recipients.

“It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the onePULSE Legacy Scholarship Program committee,” said committee chair Cathy Brown-Butler, who also serves as a onePULSE Foundation board member, in the press release. “Each of the committee members reviewed the applications with pride and care and was passionate about the support of the candidates. These 49 Legacy Scholarships will indeed open doors, change lives and carry on the hopes and dreams of the Angels.”

Applicants who are immediate family members of the 49 victims and survivors of the tragedy were given preference by the committee during the selection process. Three family members and three survivors were awarded scholarships.

“It has always been a passion of mine to be a firefighter and paramedic,” said Pulse survivor and scholarship recipient Amanda Grau in the release. “I am currently a Patient Care Technician and an EMT and I have finished Fire School as well. My next goal is to become a paramedic and the onePULSE Foundation has given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream.”

Shepherd Drayton is a third-year medical student and was awarded one of the scholarships. His sister Deonka “Dee Dee” Drayton was killed at Pulse.

“Not only does [this scholarship] provide me the means in which to continue my education, but it also affords me the opportunity to carry on my sister’s legacy, and one day fulfill her destiny. A destiny full of love, embrace and acceptance for everyone,” Drayton said.

The 49 scholarships were funded in part by donors including AdventHealth, AlixPartners, Earl and Bettie Fields Automotive Group Foundation, GUCCI, Orlando Health, PVH Foundation and Wendy Trammel.

For a full list of the scholarship recipients and for more information on the 49 Legacy Scholarship program, visit onePULSEFoundation.org.

8

Sewn with love: 3,000

masks are being sewn by Central Florida community members from all walks of life.

Photo courtesy Bobby Hermida

Mask Makers Community members to make masks for underserved workers Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Dozens of community members have committed to making thousands of protective masks for underserved essential workers who work in the Semoran Blvd. area near Orlando International Airport.

“Mask the People” is a community-led project to make and distribute 3,000 reusable cloth masks to workers and families in the Orlando zipcode region 32822, one of the areas hardest hit by COVID-19 in Orange County.

“While the Semoran corridor has been our region’s biggest hot spot week after week, members of this community are still not wearing the most essential protective gear,” says community leader Rebecca M. Fernandez who is spearheading the project.

Fernandez says the area they are making the mask for is more than 66% Latinx, 78% non-white and are working-class people.

“There are multiple areas where population density exceeds 8,000

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

per square mile,” she says. “Many of the families in this community are near or below the poverty line. This puts this community at greater risk for transmission and mortality, and makes the stakes for missing work even higher.”

The protective masks are being constructed with donated materials and are sewn together by a team of more than 60 volunteer sewers.

“The front of the mask is made from the fabric of twin-size bed sheets and the straps are from t-shirts,” says Bobby Hermida, one of the project’s volunteer sewers.

The “Mask the People” project received a large donation of bed sheets from Paolo Girard at Lake Buena Vista Resort & Spa and the t-shirts were donated by David Rodriguez at Impulse Orlando, an LGBTQ group that focuses on raising awareness and educating members of the community on HIV prevention and care.

Other local organizations partnering with “Mask the People” include the Hispanic Federation, Crafting is the Best Medicine, the Million Mask

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

Challenge, Project Street Light the C3 Church and a number of faith based communities.

“We are community members concerned about the increased rate of transmission and mortality of COVID-19 in this high-risk community with little resources,” Fernandez says. “Our collaboration of volunteers are a diverse tapestry of community members who cut, sew, distribute, deliver, design and package [the masks].

They’re young and old, Muslim and Christian, [LGBTQ] and straight, those with fancy new machines, some with antiques and some even sewn by hand.”

Hermida — who has been working with a team of LGBTQ community activists including Sam Graper, Andres Acosta, Curtis Langley, Gio Thompson, Austin Bristor, Michael Lerardi and more to make the masks in a volunteer’s home — says that as of May 8, just nine days into the project, the volunteers have already assembled nearly 1,000 masks.

Fernandez says at the rate they are going they are on track to surpass their goal. With their growing number of volunteers, they hope to help others by making masks for other Central Florida hotspots as long as they have the materials.

If you would like more information on the “Mask the People” project, find out how to volunteer or donate materials, email MaskThePeopleNow@gamil.com.

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

9

tampa bay news

Metro announces virtual summer camp for LGBTQ youth Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA BAY | Metro Inclusive Health will hold its first “Stay-In LGBTQ+ Summer Camp” June 8-12 and July 27-31, virtually engaging with isolated LGBTQ youth coping with COVID-19.

The nonprofit shared May 7 that while this year’s annual event will be held via the video conference service Zoom, LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17 can expect familiar offerings. They will also receive tailored care packages.

“Camp is a magical place and we aim to bring an element of personalized magic to LGBTQ+ teens wherever they are participating from,” says LGBTQ+ Program Specialist Emma Makdessi, who helped orchestrate this year’s offering. “In these uncertain times, connecting with community is more important now than ever before.”

Participants can attend one or both weeks, with registration for the first week underway through May 22. Each day is comprised of inclusive activities, workshops and meetings.

While the first day’s programming is pre-scheduled, campers will choose between activities and workshops for the rest of the week while registering. Activities include a virtual tour of the Tampa Museum of Art, a “‘Sunrise’ Queer and Trans Yoga” event with an out-of-state instructor and more.

Attendees will also choose between a number of lighthearted and instructive workshops. The first week features two per day and will engage youth on a range of topics.

Workshops include “Activism through Art,” which details how attendees can use their voices creatively; “Improv and Theatre,” an improv session examining theatre’s impact on the LGBTQ community, “Queer Skills for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse” which develops survival skills and more.

Leading up to the camp, Metro’s staff will prepare each registered youth’s care package. They will include arts and crafts supplies, snacks, raffle tickets for chances to win prizes, bunk decorations and flags.

Packages will be mailed or available for contactless pickup at Metro’s St. Petersburg or Ybor locations.

To keep camp cost-free for participants, the nonprofit allows community sponsorships. Care packages can be sponsored for $50 and interested parties can become a virtual campfire sponsor for $250 or virtual cabin sponsor for $500.

“LGBTQ+ youth don’t always get the chance to just be kids,” LGBTQ+ Division Manager Cole Foust says.

“They have to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, always wondering when the next hardship will hit. Our Summer Camp is a time for LGBTQ+ youth to kick back, laugh and build lasting connections with people who understand and respect them.”

For more information about Metro’s “Stay-In LGBTQ+ Summer Camp,” including registration and sponsorship details, visit MetroTampaBay.org.

10

ST. PETE STRONG: Punky’s

Bar and Grill ahead of Come OUT St. Pete 2019. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

Cautious Returns

LGBTQ and ally restaurants reopen Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA BAY | LGBTQ and ally restaurants have begun to reopen after limiting or suspending operations in response to COVID-19.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced April 29 that statewide restrictions enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus would begin easing May 4. Florida now allows limited dining room and outdoor seating after weeks of restricting service to takeout and delivery.

Prior to the announcement, St. Petersburg’s Iberian Rooster advised it would reopen for takeout services April 29. The popular establishment had opted to close March 22, a measure it announced three days before DeSantis’ executive order restricting services.

“When we closed, I promised myself that I wouldn’t reopen unless we had the procedures and technology to make sure that my employees, our customers and our contractors were safe,” owner Russell Andrade shared April 25.

“We now have that in place …

Safety is our number one priority.”

Despite DeSantis’ phased plan to reopen the state, Iberian has

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

initially opted not to offer indoor services. Instead, they will focus on local takeout and delivery.

“The number of procedures to go through in order to guarantee everyone’s safety would not be conducive to a fun and relaxing atmosphere,” they shared May 4. “We will be taking this time to focus on our takeout and delivery business. We are not using UberEats or any corporate delivery service because we can’t guarantee their safety procedures.”

Punky’s Bar and Grill, which suspended operations March 23, announced their reopening April 29. They began offering services on site May 4.

“We are so grateful to be reopening and to be able to serve our community,” Punky’s shared. “We take the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and our commitment is to ensure the safety of everyone at Punky’s. Reopening is a process, and these are the first steps of getting what will be a new normal for many.”

Owners also addressed a number of questions and concerns, from its limited menu to alcohol offerings. They subsequently invited the community to maintain open lines of communication throughout the phased reopening,

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

thanking patrons for their continued support.

“It was great to see returning customers and meet new ones,” they shared after reopening.

“While our menu is currently limited, our appreciation is not.

Going forward we hope to expand the menu to include all of your favorites while continuing to follow health guidelines to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.”

Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater, which announced its temporary suspension March 19, also reopened May 8. Owners shared May 4 that the franchise would celebrate with shows throughout the weekend.

“Welcome back to Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater and all the fun and entertainment,” the restaurant advised. “Rest assured, we’re following all CDC guidelines and opening up after deep cleaning the entire restaurant and kitchen.”

“It’s showtime again – and we’re excited to have you back,” they also shared. The restaurant hosted a “Fierce Friday” drag show May 8, a “Sensational Saturday” show May 9 and a special Mother’s Day Brunch show May 10, welcoming local entertainers and diners at 25% capacity.

Additional restaurants throughout Tampa Bay which exclusively offered takeout and delivery services continue to do so, with many expanding services. To view a listing and for the latest updates about COVID-19’s impact on Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community, visit WatermarkOnline.com.

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

11

state news

in other news

Trial of 4 accused Miami gay bashers postponed again Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News

M

IAMI | The May 5 trial of four men accused of attacking a gay couple in 2018 after the closing festivities of Miami Beach Pride has been postponed. As of now there is no new trial date.

There was supposed to be a status hearing April 23, but it’s been rescheduled for June 8. The case is now more than two years old.

“Although we are all working remotely, our prosecutors continue to work up their cases so that there is minimal, if any, delay in proceedings when things are back to normal,” a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office said.

The four defendants — Adonis Diaz, Juan Carlos Lopez, Luis Alonso Piovet, and Pablo Reinaldo Romo-Figueroa — all in their early 20s, have pleaded not guilty.

The trial was supposed to start May 5. As it continues to be delayed one of the victims is growing increasingly frustrated.

“I am so tired of it,” Dmitry Logunov, 34, told South Florida Gay News when the trial was delayed in January.

“I want it to be over.”

The attack took place when Rene Chalarca, 34, and Logunov were leaving a public bathroom in Lummus Park in Miami Beach on April 8, 2018.

“We were walking and holding hands and needed to use the bathroom,” Logunov told SFGN in 2018. The two of them stopped at a public restroom as they headed home for the evening.

As Logunov walked out of the restroom he was allegedly called a “faggot” in Spanish, punched and then beaten unconscious. His boyfriend at the time, Chalarca, quickly intervened, but three more men jumped in and began to attack them both.

“This was my first time going to a gay parade,” Chalarca said in 2018. Physically they’ve both recovered.

The attack was caught on camera and the four suspects have been charged with three counts of aggravated battery and a hate crime enhancement was added to the charges.

A third person, Helmut Estrada, attempted to assist Chalarca and Logunov and was also attacked during the altercation and injured.

Estrada was later given an award from the City Commission for his bravery.

“Helmut’s efforts helped stop the attack but not before he himself was injured requiring a visit to the hospital and staples in his scalp,” Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Gongora said at the time. “The City of Miami Beach Medallion is a special honor usually reserved for acts of bravery, heroism and other significant contributions to our city. Helmut’s selfless act of defense warrants this honor and his stepping up and doing the right thing is even more special since he is straight and helped defend two gay victims from an attack related to their sexuality.”

12

Florida LGBTQ activist Terry Fleming dies at 58 Ryan Williams-Jent

G

ainesville, Fla. | Prominent LGBTQ activist and Pride Community Center Co-President Terry Fleming died April 28 at the age of 58.

The Pride Community Center was founded in 2002. It serves the LGBTQ communities of Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee and Union counties.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Terry Fleming’s death,” the LGBTQ community center shared April 29. “Terry was co-president of the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, and the loss to our community of this dear friend and esteemed leader cannot be overstated.”

Fleming also served as the treasurer and a past president of the Stonewall Democrats of Alachua County, as well as the state committeeman of the Alachua County Democratic Party. In addition, he had previously served as president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, an arm of the state’s Democratic Party.

“We are all in shock and mourning the loss our dear friend and dedicated colleague, Terry Fleming,” LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill

shared. “He was one of the giants of our community who dedicated his life and career to service. First as a Navy veteran, then as a mentor and supporter of LGBTQ youth, as a policy advocate fighting for LGBTQ equality, and as a Democratic activist electing pro-equality candidates.

“Terry is a leader who can never be replaced,” he continued. “He brought decades of experience and institutional knowledge combined with a humble spirit and ‘get it done’ attitude. Because of Terry’s leadership, Alachua County and Gainesville have been lightyears ahead of other municipalities on LGBTQ equality – not just in Florida, but across the country. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus sends our condolences to Terry’s husband and family, his community and colleagues.”

Previous caucus presidents also reflected on the loss. “Terry set an example for each of us to follow in our own activism,” said Sally Phillips, who now serves as Hillsborough LGBTA Democratic Caucus vice president.

“When he set a goal, he brought the community together to achieve it, no matter how hard it was or how long it took,” she continued. “When Gainesville and Alachua County banned forms of conversion therapy that were harming LGBTQ youth, the laws he helped pass became a model for municipalities around Florida, including my home of Hillsborough

County. I will certainly miss his friendship and we all will miss his leadership.”

“Terry had everything you wanted in a leader: a steady hand, a smart political mind, experience, compassion and empathy, a humble heart for service, and an infectious spirit that inspired people to work together for a common purpose,” previous president Michael Albetta added. “For more than 20 years, I’ve counted on Terry for his counsel, hard work, and belief in our mission of equality for all. We’ve lost one of the greats.”

Equality Florida also reflected on Fleming’s activism. “In every equality campaign for Gainesville and Alachua County for so many years, Terry was always there,” the organization shared. “He fiercely led the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida.

“We have appreciated his strategic acumen, his partnership and vision, and his hospitality at the Pride Community Center,” they continued. “We are holding Terry, his husband, his family, friends and the broad community whose lives he made better in our thoughts and hearts.”

from defeating legislation that would strip LGBTQ Floridians of nondiscrimination protections to showcasing its Safe and Healthy Schools programming. Advocates have trained more than 22,000 school district officials to date.

Leaders also highlighted their work in supporting the transgender community, ending the stigma that impedes the work of ending HIV and more.

“We know this work remains vital especially as we head into an election year where Florida will decide who occupies the White House for the next four years and whether the Florida legislature adds champions or opponents of equal

rights,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith shared.

The virtual event also featured appearances from fan favorite performers and politicians from throughout the state, as well as a special message from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. You can watch it in full at WatermarkOnline.com.

“As we connect with our volunteers and donors statewide, we see many helpers,” Smith shared.

“Equality Florida will also continue to be the helpers navigating this global pandemic and doing the work to ensure we emerge from this strange and troubling time into a country with leadership that embraces equality and justice for all.”

The Pride Community Center committed to honoring Fleming’s legacy with action April 30 ahead of a viewing in Melrose May 4. For more information, visit GainesvillePride.org.

Equality Florida live raises more than $56K Ryan Williams-Jent

E

quality Florida’s virtual fundraiser Equality LIVE raised $56,817 on April 26, reaching nearly 20,000 viewers.

The nearly eight-hour event paid tribute to the organization’s five communities where annual fundraisers were cancelled in response to COVID-19, creating a nearly half-million dollar projected shortfall. LGBTQ community leaders, entertainers and allies highlighted Palm Beach, Tallahassee, Key West, Miami and St. Petersburg.

Each segment detailed the organization’s statewide initiatives,

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

nation+world news

HRC announces 2020 endorsement for joe Biden Chris Johnson of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

T

he nation’s leading LGBTQ group officially threw its support behind Joe Biden in the presidential election, drawing on the anniversary of his famous words in support of same-sex marriage on “Meet the Press” to make the case the candidate should unseat President Trump.

Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in an interview with the Washington Blade May 5 that the board of directors voted unanimously to endorse Biden after an extensive review, which concluded the candidate had a commitment to LGBTQ people and other minority communities.

“We reviewed his record on marginalized communities,” David said. “We reviewed his prior comments on LGBTQ issues as well as issues that affect people who bring intersectional identities to the table.

As an example, I’m black, I’m gay, I’m an immigrant. All of those issues are for me and they happen to be for the Human Rights Campaign.”

The announcement of the endorsement was timed to coincide with the eighth anniversary of Biden coming out in favor of marriage equality on “Meet the Press,” which

helped bring a once contentious idea into the mainstream and preceded former President Barack Obama’s own endorsement three days later.

The Human Rights Campaign, unlike in 2016, during this election cycle had stayed out of the Democratic presidential primary.

Even before Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) dropped out, making Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee, David said the Human Rights Campaign had been reviewing Biden along with other candidates and had planned “a few days and weeks” to make the endorsement announcement on May 6.

“We thought it would be most appropriate — both from a symbolic perspective, but also substantively — to make the endorsement and we made the decision that May 6 was the right date,” David said. “It reminds us where we were several years ago, when same-sex couples could not marry in so many states in the country. And Joe Biden stood up, and was very vocal about his support of LGBTQ equality and that really changed the public discourse.”

As evidence of Biden’s commitment to LGBTQ rights, David pointed out the candidate’s promise to sign LGBTQ non-discrimination legislation known as the Equality Act, a plan to end HIV/AIDS by 2025 and a commitment to ensuring the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented.

In contrast, the Trump administration has established a

transgender military ban, taken administrative actions in favor of religious freedom at the expense of LGBTQ rights and has refused to include LGBTQ people in the enforcement of civil rights law — going so far as to argue against it before the U.S. Supreme Court. (The Trump administration has, however, set up a plan aimed at ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.)

As part of the endorsement, the Human Rights Campaign has unveiled a plan built on its successful strategies from 2016 and 2018 to get LGBTQ people and “equality voters” — voters who prioritize LGBTQ issues — to the polls.

There are an estimated 57 million “equality voters” across the nation and their demographics skew toward suburban women and more toward minority groups than the general population. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 60% are women, 48% are people of color and 30% are under the age of 35.

David said an estimated 3.4 million voters in that category are at risk of not turning out for the election and the Human Rights Campaign plans to work to make sure that doesn’t happen.

To turn out those voters, the Human Rights Campaign is set to focus on seven states considered battlegrounds in the coming election.

Six of the states — Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

The German LGBTQ advocacy group nevertheless said the bill should have been expanded to ban conversion therapy for anyone under 26.

“The German Bundestag took an incredibly important step today — by banning ‘conversion therapy’ it sent a powerful message that LGBTIQ people are not in need of change or cure,” said OutRight Action International Executive Director Jessica Stern in a press release.

“At the same time, demand for ‘conversion therapy’ will only decrease if acceptance of LGBTIQ people grows,” she continued. “I urge authorities in Germany to bolster the legal ban on ‘conversion therapy’

with measures designed to promote understanding and inclusion of LGBTIQ people, thus tackling the root causes of these harmful, inhuman practices.”

The OutRight Action International press release notes Brazil, Ecuador, Malta and Taiwan are the other countries that have banned conversion therapy.

Canadian lawmakers in March introduced a bill that would ban conversion therapy in their country.

Maryland and D.C. are among the U.S. jurisdictions that also prohibit the practice.

Germany to ban conversion therapy for minors Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media Association

L

awmakers in Germany approved a bill May 7 that will ban so-called conversion therapy for minors in the country.

Health Minister Jens Spahn, who is openly gay, introduced the measure last fall. Chancellor Angela Merkel supports the bill.

The Lesbian and Gay Federation in a statement stated it supports to ban the widely discredited practice.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

in other news Gay teacher ousted from Catholic school after 23 years The archbishop of Cincinnati sent a message to Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio to further explain the decision to oust a gay English teacher who taught at the school for 23 years. Alter did not renew Jim Zimmerman’s contract after a “concern” was submitted to the office of Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. The decision has been met with backlash from the school community, including Zimmerman’s students. Teachers at Cincinnati Archdioceses schools sign an annual contract that includes an agreement that prohibits behavior that is “in contradiction to Catholic social doctrine or morals.” Schnurr sent a message May 1 explaining that these policies are informed by “the enduring teaching of the Catholic church — not by hate, bigotry or homophobia, as some have alleged.”

LA Pride canceled amid coronavirus fears Organizers have canceled LA Pride, one of California’s largest gay and lesbian rights festivals, amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced May 7. The 50th annual LA Pride Parade and Festival will be held digitally this year, according to nonprofit organizer Christopher Street West. The event typically occurs in June and attracts thousands of people to West Hollywood for the celebration. Officials hope to resume the festival in-person in 2021.

HRC donates 15,000 face masks The Human Rights Campaign launched a digital campaign “designed to raise funds for the critical fight for LGBTQ rights while benefiting essential workers and a wide variety of community organizations.” The nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization held a week-long pilot for the campaign, titled HRC Gives Back, in which it received nearly 7,000 membership contributions and donated nearly 15,000 cloth face masks to 50 organizations. HRC is also partnering with the National Transgender Visibility March “to get masks to more than 30 transgender-led community-based organizations” as a part of the project.

Vatican gives money to trans sex workers in Italy The Vatican has given money to a group of transgender sex workers in Italy who are struggling to survive during the coronavirus pandemic. The trans sex workers in Torvaianica, a coastal city that is outside of Rome, approached a parish priest last month and asked him to help them buy food. The nationwide lockdown the Italian government imposed on March 9 to curb the pandemic in the country has depleted the parish’s resources. The priest therefore sent the trans sex workers’ request to Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who oversees the Vatican’s charities. Krajewski sent an undisclosed amount of money to the parish. Roughly 20 trans sex workers — mostly from Latin America — benefited from the donation. Many of them thanked Pope Francis in audio messages they sent to Krajewski.

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

13

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

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

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

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

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_9-25X10-1_Watermark_Hugo_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

HUGO LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

es

h r

ut t

m

KEEP CONNECTING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

4/27/20 1:25 PM

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Central Florida COVID-19 Resources

Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, District 5

Covid-19 and the Community

I

t’s been a busy couple

of months in my office connecting constituents with resources that are available to them during these unforeseen times.

In coordination with the National Association of Counties, other county commissioners, and I advocated for $150 billion in federal dollars to local governments, Orange County received $243 million of these funds.

Data from the census helped calculate our share. Please make sure you complete the census at 2020census. gov to ensure our county continues to receive our portion of federal funding for much-needed programs. I continued to write to the federal legislatures for additional small

business funding, which resulted in billions more added to the PPP loan/ grant program.

On the county level, I’m proud to say we have secured gloves and masks to donate to organizations in the front line providing food in my district. We have also expanded some testing sites in Orange County for COVID-19 and are now offering childcare services to first responders.

We continue to fund many of the resources provided to the public, such as food banks, financial assistance, and health care

services. I continue to work with businesses, non-profits, and other government partners to expand and bring the residents more services and resources.

I’m writing a letter of support for 26Health, whose mission is to improve wellness in our LGBTQ+ and Ally Community, to continue getting the certifications they need. They were established in 2015. They are currently providing mental health services and resources to the community to deal with the pandemic.

We approved an agreement to create a Collaborative Partnership with the Zebra Coalition, whose mission is to support and inspire LGBTQ+ youth. The purpose of the Collaborative Partnership is to build and sustain collaborative efforts among organizations with a focus on improving the services provided to LGBT+ youth, primarily in the Central Florida region. The Orange County Government Drug-Free Office will work with the Zebra Coalition to implement strategies to achieve community change in substance use among LGBT + youth.

If you have been affected by the pandemic, please visit EmilyBonilla.com to find available resources. I’m available for questions you may have. Join me for “Wine Down Wednesday with Emily” on May 20, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Connect with me at my website EmilyBonilla.com where you will find my social media links and can sign up for my newsletter. If you need any assistance, email my office at district5@ocfl.net.

Emily Bonilla was elected to the Board of County Commissioners for District 5 in 2016. She is a longtime advocate for the community and continues to build a prosperous Orange County for the future.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, OneOrlandoAlliance.org/donate The Central Florida LGBTQ+ Relief Fund, launched by Contigo Fund, is meant to assist Orlando area LGBTQ+ community members who are most in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This grassroots effort is led by LGBTQ+ community members, nonprofit leaders and allies including the One Orlando Alliance and the LGBT+ Center Orlando.

Bounce Back Orlando, BounceBackOrlando.com 321-800-3946 Launching May 1, The Pride Chamber’s Bounce Back Orlando will be a directory of small businesses in Orlando and the surrounding metro that will encourage residents and visitors to patronize our local small businesses. If you own a small business in the Greater Orlando Metro area you can register your business at the website free of charge.

United Way of Central Florida (UWCF), UWCF.org, 2-1-1 The United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) is assisting those impacted by COVID-19 with food needs, paying bills and other essential services. Call 2-1-1 to speak to a UWCF representative who can help you if you are in need.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES 26Health, 26Health.org/CopingWithCOVID-19, 321-800-2922 26Health is offering a number of its weekly support groups virtually. A full schedule is available on the website. Most services are being offered through virtual care; however they are offering emergency support services including behavioral health, patient care and HIV testing and prevention.

Hope & Help, HopeAndHelp.org, 407-645-2577 Hope & Help is offering virtual medical appointments. Call the main number to schedule an appointment.

Joy MCC, 407-894-1081 Joy MCC, located at 2351 S. Ferncreek Ave. in Orlando, is offering food assistance to those in need due to the pandemic. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call ahead to verify availability.

Orange County Public Schools, OCPS.net Grab-and-Go meals are available for students in need. Meals are available for pick-up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Site locations can be found on their website.

Osceola County School District, OsceolaSchools.net The district will provide FREE breakfast and lunch to children 18 years and under during the extended school closure. Meals will be available for pickup between 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at each location.

Site locations can be found on their website.

Seminole County Public Schools, SCPS.k12.fl.us SCPS will be providing FREE Breakfast and Lunch meals for its students (18 years old and younger) during the extended school closure period. Meals will be available for pick-up between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Pine Crest Elementary 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.) in the car loop of each school site.

Site locations can be found on their website.

TESTING SITES Orange County Government, OCFL.net/COVID19 Orange County is offering free mobile testing, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., by appointment only. Testing is free, for those 18 or older and available to Orange County residents only. Call 407-723-5004 to make your appointment. Visit the website to find which mobile testing site is closest to you.

Orange County’s non-mobile testing sites are available at the Orange County Convention Center daily, starting at 9 a.m. until the daily limit is reached with no appointment needed; and the Walmart parking lot at 5991 Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando Mon.-Sat. from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. by appointment only. Visit OCFL.net/COVID19 to schedule an appointment. Orange County’s non-mobile sites are drive-through sites and open only to individuals with respiratory symptoms, preexisting conditions, first responders, heath care workers and those who believe they have had close contact with someone who tested positive.

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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Introducing Our New

TELEHEALTH PROGRAM Visit your doctor electronically without leaving home.

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

ST. PETERSBURG 3251 3RD AVE. N. #125 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33713 (727) 498-4969

YBOR CITY 1315 EAST 7TH AVE. TAMPA, FLÂ 33605 (813) 769-7207

FOR MORE INFORMATION (844) 922-2777 CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG FOLLOW US

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Jim Nixon, St. Petersburg LGBTQ Liason

Covid-19 and the Community

C

OVID-19 has taken an

unprecedented toll on our residents, commerce and activity in the City of St. Petersburg.

While COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, early actions and social distancing have helped to mitigate the worst of this public health crisis locally.

We have taken decisive steps in the early pandemic to reduce the burden on our frontline responders and health care system.

We moved swiftly to work with the county commissioners to issue a “Safer at Home” order to reduce the impact on our community.

St. Petersburg quickly moved to help offset the significant, temporary loss of revenue during this global pandemic.

Officials did so by creating the Fighting Chance Fund, an emergency grant (not loan) for the city’s negatively impacted, locally-owned and independently-operated small businesses

and affected eligible individuals.

The Human Rights Campaign reports that more than 5 million LGBTQ adults are significantly impacted financially due to the COVID-19 crisis. Industries that LGBTQ adults work in are industries profoundly affected

by COVID-19, affecting 40% of LGBTQ workers nationwide compared to 22% of non-LGBTQ individuals working in those industries.

We recognize the potential impact of coronavirus on the community’s health; this crisis threatens to compound the disparities that LGBTQ people already experience in health

care. Particularly at risk in the current crisis and woefully underserved are the LGBTQ youth, senior and transgender communities that may be reluctant to get help.

We also recognize COVID-19 can significantly affect mental health for everyone, especially for those in the LGBTQ community. Both the anxiety of contracting the disease as well as the increase in loneliness and isolation can worsen and trigger symptoms. Tampa Bay agencies like Metro Inclusive Health and Project No Labels continue to offer telehealth and counseling.

During the “Safer at Home” restrictions, the LGBTQ community has seen events canceled and postponed.

Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala was forced to cancel and St Pete Pride has announced the postponement of their events until the fall. Our annual parade and festival is one of the best and largest in the nation and will undoubtedly outlast any challenges that come its way.

Now we recognize that it is time to prepare to Restart St. Pete in a thoughtful and gradual manner and with respect to federal guidelines and state and county orders. Working with Mayor Kriseman’s city team and 17 advisors, including physicians and business leaders, we will help chart the course forward while incorporating feedback from the St. Petersburg City Council, restaurateurs and community leaders including those in the LGBTQ community.

The challenges we face today are an opportunity to unify all of St Pete’s residents.

COVID-19 does not discriminate by race, sex, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.

In facing such a threat, we are united against a common enemy, and these are the challenges that bring us all together. In the interim, we should continue to embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ residents and allies each and every day for their efforts in helping the sun to shine so brightly on us here in St. Pete.

Jim Nixon is St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ liaison for the mayor’s office, the manager of the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center and a former Watermark employee. He is the proud fur-parent to Woody, his beloved Boston terrier.

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Tampa Bay COVID-19 Resources FINANCIAL RESOURCES One Tampa: Relief Now, Rise Together Fund | OneTampa.org The city of Tampa is seeking to help small businesses and individuals with emergency grants.

Pinellas County CARES Small Business Grants | PCED.org/Cares Pinellas County is providing emergency financial support for qualified small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 due to orders to close or limit operations.

St. Pete Fighting Chance Fund | StPete.org The city of St. Petersburg has created an emergency grant for locally-owned and independently-operated small businesses and impacted individuals.

Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund | PinellasCF.org/TBRF The Pinellas Community Foundation, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and United Way Suncoast have partnered to support organizations in DeSoto, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

FOOD/HEALTH CARE/SERVICE RESOURCES 211 Tampa Bay Cares | 211TampaBay.org | 727-210-4211 Call 211 from any phone or text your zip code to 898211 for help.

CAN Community Health | CANCommunityHealth.org | 941-366-0134 Access health care services remotely and manage health care needs.

Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) Food Pantry | MyEPIC.org Food and personal products for clients are provided in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Call 727-328-3260 in Pinellas County or 813-237-3066 in Hillsborough County.

Feeding Tampa Bay | FeedingTampaBay.org | 813-254-1190 Offering pantries, meals, a market, homebound help and more. Call for up to date information.

Love the Golden Rule | LoveTheGoldenRule.com | 727-826-0700 Offering primary and specialized care regardless of the ability to pay. Call for more details.

Metro Inclusive Health | MetroTampaBay.org | 727-321-3854 Receive access to services via Telehealth. Call and dial ext. 1575.

Pinellas County Schools Meal Distribution | PCSB.org |727-588-6000 Meals available for students, distributed Weds. through May 27 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

St. Petersburg Free Clinic | StPetersburgFreeClinic.org | 727-821-1200 The We Help Food Pantry drive-thru is located at 863 3rd Ave. N. and available Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mobile locations vary.

TESTING LOCATIONS BayCare Testing | BayCare.org | 1-800-BayCare Pre-screening required and available via BayCareAnywhere.org. BayCare Urgent Care (Carillon) tests 8-11 a.m. on weekdays at 900 Carillon Parkway, Ste. 106 in St. Petersburg. Gulf High School tests weekdays from 8-11 a.m. at 5355 School Rd. in Port Richey.

Hillsborough County Government Testing | HillsboroughCounty.org |813-272-5900 Pre-screening and registration are required at all sites, visit their website or call. Testing will be administered to individuals who have registered weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Testing sites include Raymond James Stadium, at 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa; Lee Davis Community Resource Center, at 3402 N. 22nd St. in Tampa; Plant City Community Resource Center, at 307 N. Michigan Ave. in Plant City and SouthShore Community Resource Center, at 201 14th Ave. SE in Ruskin. Raymond James offers drive-thru only.

Community Health Centers of Pinellas Testing | CHCPinellas.org | 727-824-8181 Testing is available via same day walk or drive up, appointments are highly recommended to decrease wait times. Call the number above and select option 0 to schedule. Tests are available Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Testing sites are located at 707 E. Druid Rd. in Clearwater, 7550 43rd St. N in Pinellas Park and 1344 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg.

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Just a Little Prick

Just a Little

a member of

JustaLittlePrick.org

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watermark Your LGBTQ life.

IfyouSex.org IfyouSex.org

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

viewpoint

Elimelec Berrios

Putting an End to hate

T

his year has unleashed

a new wave of media attention to Puerto Rico after a series of highprofile cases involving the horrific murders of transgender people. Recently, the burned bodies of Serena Angelique Velázquez and Layla Pelaez were found under a bridge in Humacao.

This is the third high-profile case so far this year, following the murders of Yampi, a 19-year-old transgender man and Alexa, a 29-year-old transgender woman whose death shook the island when she was killed after being exposed on social media for using a McDonald’s bathroom that matched her gender identity.

I want to be clear in mentioning that this problem is not unique to Puerto Rico. As a matter of fact, here in Florida, there has been a sequence of murders of transgender people in the Jacksonville and Orlando areas that are presumed to be acts of a serial killer. Around the world, these types of homicide occur due to the hatred of what is perceived as different.

Homophobia and transphobia exist in almost all modern cultures, and they give unfounded justification to the people who perpetrate these crimes.

In the context of Puerto Rico, people live in a chauvinistic culture that not only results in the killing of transgender people; domestic violence and femicides are also rampant.

Institutional violence also exists that comes from the state, like when the police department’s media team inaccurately referred to Alexa as “a man in a skirt,” thereby reducing her gender identity to her attire and failing to recognize

that this in fact involved a transgender person. This is in addition to the Puerto Rican government’s refusal to investigate these cases as hate crimes.

Recently, the FBI ruled in the murder cases of Serena Angelique and Layla, after their murderers, ages 19 and 21, confessed. Both the accused faced federal hate crime charges and could be subject to capital punishment for their gruesome acts. On the other hand, Alexa’s presumed killer is only 17 years old. The fact that these suspected murders are so young speaks to how strong and pervasive machismo is in Puerto Rican culture, as well as how crucial the role of education is in preventing future such cases.

Now the question remains, what can we do to evolve as a society and improve our treatment of transgender people?

Education is always important. As part of Alianza for Progress, I had the opportunity to organize a short film festival called “Noche Boriqueer,” geared toward the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community.

One of the short films (“Sam,” 2017) was about a transgender man that faced great challenges in finding employment, and as a result, struggled to pay his medical bills. This is an experience shared by a large percentage of the trans community today. I am very happy to be part of a progressive organization that has afforded me the opportunity to organize these types of activities that serve to educate our people about queer experiences within our culture. Awareness about these topics is of the utmost importance, especially since different institutions have generated harmful stereotypes about the trans community that are not necessarily rooted in reality and can be very dangerous.

For years, there have been attempts to incorporate

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

a diverse perspective on gender in public schools in Puerto Rico. This has failed time and time again, due to the insistence of a conservative sector who see this as contrary to their personal beliefs. But considering the prevalence of chauvinistic violence,

“How do you identify?” in a respectful manner is an effective way to validate the identity of each individual.

Likewise, if someone lets you know they prefer the pronoun “X or Y,” using said pronoun denotes acceptance.

Surprisingly to me, Alexa’s case evoked a sense

in Puerto Rico a vibrant LGBTQ+ community to which I belong, and I feel it is important to also recognize the valuable role that we play in the creation of a diverse and equitable society for all.

We live in a very particular time during which we think we see the wave of

this would be an important step for the next generation to understand that being a man is not superior to being a woman, that gender doesn’t exist in the realm of household duties, that women can participate in every aspect of society and that their lives, regardless of whether they are trans or not, have the same value.

At the end of the day, they deserve the same respect as all other people.

Another way of demonstrating acceptance is through the use of pronouns.

The pronouns “him, her, they” are words we use every day without even thinking about it, but for people who are transgender or nonbinary, pronouns are very important in helping them express their identities to the world, and we should be conscious and respectful of that. If you’re not sure of what pronoun to use, asking

of collective indignation that had never before been seen with any similar case in Puerto Rico. This gives me hope for the future as I see a level of consciousness that didn’t previously exist. Unfortunately, as that indignation grows, so does the global incidence of these crimes. One cannot bury one’s head in the sand. In Puerto Rico as in the United States and in the vast majority of the world, homophobia and transphobia exist. For as many people who exist with hate in their hearts, there are many more who are understanding and compassionate of the difficulties facing trans people on a daily basis.

Discrimination in the workplace, barriers in using restrooms, and healthcare services are just a few of these challenges. At the same time, there exists

transphobic violence rising, but sadly, this has been a part of our reality for several generations. The truth is, what is growing is our social conscience for these people, and for these crimes based on machismo and hate. With education, and with great respect for life, perhaps we can ensure these crimes are someday in the distant past.

Homophobia and transphobia exist in almost all modern cultures, and they give unfounded justification to the people who perpetrate these crimes.

Elimelec Berrios is originally from Puerto Rico and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, where he took several Gender Studies courses and organized their first student mobilization for the Gay Pride parade in San Juan. He now works for Alianza for Progress and also serves as an ambassador for the program ¡Hablando Alto! for HIV education and prevention in the Hispanic community in Central Florida.

Read It Online!

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

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

talking points

27%

of LGBT people

experienced food insecurity

in the last year,

1 in 3

I’m an Asian lesbian. I’m an immigrant.

I feel like they’re as American as anything else. The good thing is now people seem more open to it.

–Director Alice Wu while promoting her lgbtq Netflix film “The Half of It”

Anderson Cooper announces birth of his child

C

NN anchor Anderson Cooper announced on air late April 30 that his child Wyatt Morgan Cooper was born April 27 via surrogate. The newborn’s proud father shared details following a weekly global town hall on COVID-19. “It has been a difficult time in all of our lives, and there are certainly many hard days ahead,” he said. “It is, I think, especially important in these times of trouble to try to hold on to moments of joy and moments of happiness.” The anchor warmly discussed his family, longtime and new, emphasizing the incredible blessing he’d received from his surrogate. He also reflected on parenting as a gay man. “I never thought it would be possible to have a child, and I am so grateful for all those who have paved the way, and for the doctors and nurses and everyone involved in my son’s birth,” Cooper said.

LBT women And

1 in 5

GBT men.

More than 1/3 experiencing poverty-related hunger were ineligible for federal assistance.

-The Williams Institute’s National Estimates of Food Insecurity, April 2020

‘Queer as Folk’ raises funds

T

he cast of “Queer as Folk” reunited May 1 for its 20th anniversary to virtually raise funds for CenterLink, the coalition which supports more than 250 LGBTQ community centers across the globe. The benefit raised more than $21,000 for services and featured stars Sharon Gless, Peter Paige, Michelle Clunie, Hal Sparks, Randy Harrison and Robert Gant.

Series guest star Rosie O’Donnell and co-creators Ron Cowen and Dan Lipman also appeared to discuss the its five-year Showtime run, revealing secrets and more while CenterLink auctioned an extensive variety of memorabilia to fans and supporters. “What an amazing group of people!” the organization subsequently shared of participants.

“Thank you and Happy Anniversary, Queer as Folk!”

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Global ‘RENT’ casts honor workers

“R

ENT” casts from across the globe united virtually on May 4 to salute frontline workers. The casts performed a rendition of the musical’s “Finale B,” sharing there’s “No Day But Today.” Participants included original stars Daphne Rubin-Vega, Fredi Walker-Browne and Wilson Jermaine Heredia and actors in Brazil, Cuba, Japan and more. “To all the frontline heroes. From our Global RENT family to you and yours,” castmember Rodney Hicks shared. “We did a thing. With a Thousand Sweet Kisses… LOVE.” The video also features appearances from former cast members Wilson Cruz, who currently appears on “Star Trek: Discovery,” and “POSE” star MJ Rodriguez. View it on WatermarkOnline.com.

May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

Gay playwright wins Pulitzer

M

ichael R. Jackson, an openly gay, black playwright from the U.S., was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Drama May 4 for his musical “A Strange Loop.” The feature is only the 10th musical to win the prestigious award. Past musicals to win include “Hamilton,” “Rent,” and “A Chorus Line.” The Off-Broadway production tells the story of Usher who “is a black, queer writer, working a day job he hates while writing his original musical: a piece about a black, queer writer, working a day job he hates while writing his original musical.” The musical ran at the Playwrights Horizons theater in New York City in the summer of 2019 and recently received six Drama Desk Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.

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Love

Elliott A father’s need to protect his son becomes a fight to protect all trans kids in Flagler County

A

Jeremy Williams

year ago, Randy Bertrand wasn’t

an LGBTQ rights activist. He didn’t march in Pride parades throughout the state or launch PFLAG chapters up and down Florida’s east coast. What he was a year ago was a father who loved his son. A son who he had known since the day he was born, but was just about to meet for the first time.

Elliott Bertrand is a 15-year-old high school student from Palm Coast, Florida and he came out as transgender to his parents, Randy and Jennifer Bertrand, in March 2019.

“I first came out to friends but I wanted to come out [to my parents] because part of me felt like I owed it to them,” Elliott says. “I don’t like hiding stuff from my parents, and also I hated having part of me that was integral to who I am hidden. I also hated that they called me by female pronouns and my dead name, so I finally decided to tell them.”

Elliott sat down with his parents and told them that while they have

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

always known him as female, he hasn’t ever felt like one.

“I cried a lot,” Elliott recalls. “It wasn’t that I was scared of them not accepting me, it’s just a big thing to tell someone.”

Randy Bertrand admits that he didn’t really have an understanding of what it meant to be transgender when Elliott came out.

“I look back on it, reflect on it and there’s a lot of things I could have done better,” Bertrand says. “But I would say that thankfully I have a very understanding son and Continued on pg. 27 | uu |

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Reach local LGBT communities across the nation.

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well as cited “stats” assembled

by The Heritage Foundation, the American College of Pediatrics and other groups flagged by the Southern Poverty Law Center as promoting an anti-LGBTQ agenda.

“We’re sitting there in the school board chamber and the board just kind of sat there and watched it happen,” Bertrand says.

Pierre Tristam of FlaglerLive.com wrote of the meeting that Cothran had “been no less abusive than anyone getting in a student’s face and demeaning the student’s identity, whatever it may be.”

No changes were made to the district’s policy at the December meeting.

| uu | Love Elliott from pg.25

one that’s not afraid to answer my questions.”

Coming out at school

After Elliott opened up and revealed his authentic self to his family, it was time to come out to a larger number of people at school. At the time, Elliott was a ninth grader at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast.

“I’m very much a theater person and I was in a show at the time playing a female character,” Elliott says. “I told one of my closest friends on the cast and she asked if I want other people to know and I was like, ‘yes spread it around.’ They were all supportive and cool with it. They said we’ll call you whatever you want, we love you and we accept you.”

The next step in Elliott’s coming out involved telling two of his closest teachers — his theater teacher and chorus teacher.

Things went well with Elliott’s theater teacher but when he came out to Jens Oliva, his chorus teacher at Matanzas, “he was definitely more uncomfortable with it,” Elliott says.

Elliott says coming out to his chorus teacher began a series of events in where Oliva started bullying him.

“When I first told him that I wanted to be called Elliott, he explained to me either his father or his grandfather, who had passed away, was named Elliott so he was uncomfortable calling me that,” Elliott says.

Along with continuing to dead name him, Oliva also refused to use his correct pronouns, would single Elliott out in front of the class making him uncomfortable and caused Elliott to have anxiety attacks. The bullying became too much for Elliott to handle leading the Bertrands to file a complaint with the school.

“They conducted an investigation into the teacher and nothing came of it,” Bertrand says.

“After all of this one of the things that Elliott decided he wanted to do is give up chorus. Chorus and performing arts means everything to my son. It’s been part of his life for easily the last six, seven years and it’s a big part of his life.”

The family decided the best thing to do was for Elliott to

Behind the curve

Family Support Matters: Randy and Jennifer Bertrand show support for their son, Elliott, and the entire

transgender community everywhere from Pride events to weddings to family vacations. Photos courtesy the Bertrand family

change schools. He transferred to Flagler Palm Coast High School to start his 10th grade year and Oliva continued to teach at Matanzas, but Bertrand wouldn’t let it end there.

Get on board

“As my wife and I learned more, we learned that supporting our son is the absolute paramount thing we can do,” Bertrand says, “but it was also about the other kids that could be subjected to this.”

Bertrand wanted a policy change from the Flagler County School Board. In the fall of 2019, the family attended a school board meeting and Bertrand petitioned for the school board to add gender identity to the School Board Policy Manual’s section 217, the district’s nondiscrimination policy.

“Sexual orientation is in it but gender identity is absent and the school board said, ‘Okay, we’re going to take a look at it,’” Bertrand says. “We didn’t really get any follow up from the school

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

board on pretty much anything, so then I went back in December and addressed the school board again.”

At the December 2019 school board meeting, the Bertrands came to petition once again to have gender identity added to the district’s nondiscrimination policy. The meeting was also attended by a local pastor, Charlene Cothran.

“She got up there and attacked my son,” Bertrand recalls. “She called him ‘mentally ill’ and ‘a confused girl’ and of course during public comment you can’t really say anything, so Elliott is sitting there, stewing in his seat as he is attacked.”

The attacks became too much for Elliott and he walked out.

Cothran — a former member of the Human Rights Campaign and numerous other LGBTQ activist groups — identifies as an “ex-lesbian.” She was the publisher of an LGBTQ magazine in Atlanta called “VENUS” until becoming a Christian in 2006 and renouncing her same-sex attractions. She

moved to Palm Coast and formed The Evidence Ministry in 2008 which promotes an anti-LGBTQ agenda and claims people can change their sexual orientation or gender identity through the power of Jesus Christ.

“Since the day of my transformation, I have worked to lovingly share with anyone deceived by same-sex attraction or so-called transgenderism and their advocates that CHANGE is not only possible but EVIDENCED in myself and countless others who are experiencing complete freedom from our former same-sex or gender confused desires,” Cothran wrote in a letter submitted to the school board members Dec. 11.

In the letter, Cothran states individuals are not born LGBTQ, that identifying as such is a mental illness and statistics on LGBTQ youth suicide are erroneous, amongst other false claims.

During the December school board meeting, Cothran read in part the letter she wrote, as

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Flagler County is among the 46 Florida school districts whose nondiscrimination policy does not include gender identity, according to Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group. Of the state’s 67 districts, 21 include protections based on gender identity and 44 based on sexual orientation.

Ian Siljestrom, the organization’s Safe and Healthy Schools Associate Director, says the best thing any school district can do is create school environments that are supportive and inclusive of all students and their identities.

“We know that putting protections in place that encourage using a student’s affirmed name and pronouns, or allowing students to form a Gay-Straight Alliance, helps to support an entire school culture that is more inclusive, and suicidal ideation and attempts decrease amongst all students — LGBTQ students and their heterosexual peers,” Siljestrom says.

The need for these kinds of protections are made even more evident by the fact that, according to the CDC, 35% of transgender students attempt suicide and 27% do not feel safe at school.

“We did get a little bit of follow up from one of the board members after that meeting,” Bertrand says.

Colleen Conklin — who along with Janet McDonald, Andy Dance, Trevor Tucker and Maria Barbosa make up the five-person school board in Flagler County — met Continued on pg. 29 | uu |

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| uu | Love Elliott from pg.27

with Bertrand and advised that she didn’t think the board would pass a policy change but that they could work on procedures and guidelines.

“To me that was just okay. It’s the policy that protects all the procedures and guidelines,” Bertrand says. “It started to become less about this is what happened to my son and I want justice for my son, to we have got to make a change here to make sure that this never happens again.”

Bertrand took the fight back to the school board in January and again in February, each time building more and more support within the community.

“The pastor was also back each time and she was very vocal against my son, against my family, but we eventually had a group of about 60 people that showed up to support Elliott,” Bertrand says.

As both of Elliott’s parents and other members of the community stood and shared stories of why this change is needed the board listened but still did not budge on its position.

“Our board believes that our policy protects all students,” said Jason Wheeler, Community Information Specialist for Flagler County Schools, to Spectrum News 13 in February. “It doesn’t matter what their race, what their religion, what their sexual orientation is. It protects all students, we don’t just single out LGBTQ students. We don’t just single out African American students. It’s for all students.”

However, the school board’s policy does single out individual groups who are more likely to experience discrimination.

“No person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or genetic information, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School District, except as provided by law,” the policy reads.

Forcing a vote

While the board would not vote on adding gender

Proud Parents: (L-R) Jennifer, Randy and Elliott Bertrand attend River City Pride in Jackosnville. Photo courtesy the Bertrand family

identity to the policy, Bertrand had a way to force a vote from them. The district’s nondiscrimination policy came up for a change due to the need to include clarification on sexual harassment language.

“The thing is, when a policy goes up for a change, it needs to be published for a period of

“I know in the past few months I’ve been very vocal about opposing any changes to Policy 217, and felt that the current language in the policy covered all students ... I’ve come to realize that our policy may not cover all students,” Conklin said to the rest of the board during the meeting.

“My focus as I said remains the

policy as is without the addition of gender identity.

“While the school board doesn’t want to put it in black and white, this young man has the right to go to school and not be discriminated against,” says Palm Coast City Commissioner Jack Howell.

Howell is a retired Marine

My kid has become a lighthouse for a lot of other kids.

That’s really what I want to let others know, look there’s people — Randy Bertrand out there fighting for you. same. Protecting students and time and, during that publishing ensuring their safety and well time, any citizen can make a being. This really isn’t about recommended edit to the policy anywhere that they want,” he says. politics or religion, as a matter of fact I think politically I have been “So I thought okay, I’ll go ahead told that this will be my last term and make the recommended on the board if I support a change change right there and I will in this policy. continue to communicate with “This is really about protecting the board and we’ll get this done students,” Conklin continued. and they don’t have to be the ones “We’ve listened to student after making the recommendation. student, parent after parent share They just need to vote on their personal, very personal the change.” stories. Their challenges, their With the change submitted, heartbreaks, often from those it came up for a vote during the who just don’t understand and/ board’s virtual April meeting. or who are intolerant of what On April 21, the Flagler they are going through and how County School Board met to they identify. No parent should discuss and vote on whether be fearful of sending their child they would add gender identity to school. No student should be to the nondiscrimination policy. fearful of how they should be Kristy Gavin, general counsel for treated by their peers or by the the school district, read seven adults entrusted to educate them public comments which were in or to support them.” support of the addition. No public The board voted 4-1 to keep comment opposed it. the district’s nondiscrimination

watermark Your LGBTQ life.

Colonel, former high school teacher and was elected to Palm Coast’s District 2 in 2018. He has lived in Palm Coast since 1991.

“The schools have the responsibility to protect students from bullying and I don’t want to see that nonsense from teachers.

There should be total acceptance,” Howell says. “If your student’s preference is to be addressed by the proper name and pronouns, that should be okay. Put your grown-up pants on and call them by their preferred name. It isn’t going to kill you.”

Next step

While the April vote didn’t go the way the entire Bertrand family had planned, they are hoping for a better outcome in November.

“We’ve got three [school board] seats that are currently up for reelection,” Bertrand says. “We’ve

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decided that we definitely want to vote against Barbosa.”

Barbosa is being challenged for her District 5 seat by Cheryl Massaro, a 40-year educator who recently retired from Flagler Schools.

Dance, who is the second-longest serving member of the board, is resigning his seat to run for Flagler County’s District 1 Commission seat.

Currently Jill Woolbright, who is running for Dance’s school board seat, is doing so unopposed. The third position up for reelection is Conklin’s seat.

“Conklin we definitely would like to get reelected,” Bertrand says. “She really did change a lot from when we first met with her last year, she came around and supported the policy change. To me that was a victory in and of itself to take someone in a couple of months and to finally get her to admit that this change needed to be done, that was tremendous.”

Along with the chance to get some new faces on the school board, Bertrand is also looking forward to working with the district’s new superintendent.

“I definitely want to try to get some time in front of the superintendent to talk about how as a school district we can make sure change happens and we are supporting these kids even though the school board has decided that they’re not going to change their policy,” he says.

It has been a long road from first coming out to his parents to seeing the policy voted on and it isn’t over yet, but Elliott knows that this is fight worth fighting.

“I don’t think anyone would disagree that all humans deserve to be treated equally and with respect,” he says. “This isn’t a religious issue, it’s not a political issue, it’s a human issue.”

Bertrand knows that even though the policy change is important, this is actually bigger than just the school board.

“My kid has become a lighthouse for a lot of other kids,” he says. “That’s really what I want to let others know, look there’s people out there fighting for you. You don’t have to stay in the closet, I know it’s scary sometimes to open up about how you feel and how you identify.

And sometimes it feels like the whole world’s against you. But trust in yourself because there’s other people out there who can also be a lighthouse.”

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announcements

tampa bay out+about

Congratulations The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge raised $18.4 million for nearly 700 nonprofits April 29, including LGBTQ and ally organizations ALSO Youth, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, CAN Community Health, Harvey Milk Festival, Equality Florida, Sarasota Pride and more. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor celebrated her historic first year in office May 1.

Condolences St. Petersburg nurse Danny Fraser died May 5. He will be missed.

Tampa legal assistant Mac McGowan died May 8.

Cancellations Florida Studio Theater has cancelled its summer season and annual improv festival.

Manatee Pride has cancelled its 2020 celebration.

Reopenings St. Petersburg’s Iberian Rooster and Punky’s Bar and Grill have each reopened for dining services. Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater has reopened for dining and entertainment.

Gay St Pete House has reopened for overnight guests and limited day passes for its pool.

St. Petersburg’s Salon Swank reopened May 11 and Bambu the Eco Salon reopens May 19.

Local Birthdays St. Petersburg teacher Bob Tencza, Largo media publisher Jeff Youngblood (May 14); Hillsborough advocate Malachi Ortiz, Tampa Bay entertainer Amanda D’Rhod (May 15); Tampa Bay fitness instructor Bryan Lloyd, St. Pete ROTC leader Frank Hay, FOX 13 reporter Dan Matics, Kobe Steakhouse server Alex Quinto, Tampa artist Ric Moreir (May 16); Sarasota artist Ming “Troy” Ming, St. Pete staple Marc Calvillo, Sarasota helping hand Jennifer Chalfa, St. Anthony’s Tom Singer (May 17); Tampa Bay director Trevor Keller, Sarasota Planned Parenthood’s Jarred Wilson (May 18); Tampa Bay activist Elliott Darrow, Tampa Bay bartender James Bailey, Wordier Than Thou founder and Watermark contributor Tiffany Razzano (May 20); Tampa Bay entertainer Josie Jay, St. Pete photographer Jamarcus Mosley, Tampa Bay bear Rick Grayson (May 21); University of Tampa professor Jack Crepeau, Sarasota University Club’s Peter McClain Jr., Harvey Milk Festival founder Shannon Fortner, Datz bartender Nikko Panagos (May 22); St. Pete photographer Tori Baird (May 23); Balance Tampa Bay’s Jason Fields (May 24); United Healthcare’s Alan Phillips, Tampa Bay bartender Kerissa Hickey (May 25); Tampa Bay entertainer Holly Louya, St. Pete karaoke star Javier Dones, Seminole trainer Chip Wright, St. Pete college student Charlie Bird (May 26); Tampa Drag entertainer Amy DeMilo, Tampa Bay real estate agent Marvin Meeks, The Florida Orchestra’s Daryn Bauer, Sarasota country line dancer David Russell (May 27)

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NEW KEY WEST: Owner Mitch Faber surprises guests with Old Key West’s remodel May 4. PHOTO COURTESY OKW

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ASSEMBLED: Largo Commissioner Michael Smith joins forces with Captain Marvel and Goose to encourage mask usage at the Pinellas Park Public Library May 8. PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL SMITH

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BUCKETS O’FUN: (L-R) Jackie, Don, server Frank, Monty and Richard dine in at Punky’s Bar and Grill May 11. PHOTO COURTESY BRIAN LONGSTRETH

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POOL PALS: (L-R) David Dilley, Bill Kody with Whiskey and Larry Milam enjoy Gay St Pete House May 11. PHOTO

COURTESY BRIAN LONGSTRETH

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READ MESA: Frontline manager Maddie serves delicious food and copies of Watermark at Red Mesa Mercado May 9.

PHOTO BY RUSS MARTIN

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Carmen Aguilar (C) delivers meals to Seminole firefighters at Station 31 and 32 with Liberty Lanes Largo. PHOTO

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COURTESY CARMEN AGUILAR

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GAL PALS: Queens (L-R) Juno Vibranz, Atwanette Roberts and Mya Valentine present supporter Alyssa (front) and a show May 8. PHOTO COURTESY JUNO VIBRANZ

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HISTORICAL YEAR: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (L) celebrates one year in office with partner Ana Cruz and cake at the mayor’s office May 1. PHOTO COURTESY JANE CASTOR

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announcements

central florida out+about

Condolences Richard Boon, a singer and performer with the Orlando Gay Chorus, passed away May 12.

Virtual Shows The quarantunes version of “Singin’ at Savoy” with Erica Roberts, featuring Rebekah Piatt and Chris May at the keyboard, streams live May 22.

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One Orlando Alliance kicked off a virtual version of its annual “Acts of Love and Kindness” movement April 25. From now until June 12, OOA encourages individuals to safely perform simple acts of love and kindness and post about them using the hashtag #ActLoveGive.

Orlando Fringe hosting virtual, filmed shows from some of your favorite Fringe performers at TheLawn.

OrlandoFringe.org. Check out the virtual lawn for shows, times and ways you can donate.

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Local Birthdays Orlando artist Christie Miga, Southern Nights bartender Sara Barone, Central Florida ally and artist Christie Miga, Server Seth Bradshaw (May 14); Orlando entertainer Craig Raymo, Central Florida straight ally Alex Copeland (May 15); Orlando muscle bear and trainer Migael Schieder, Orlando Ballet Dancer Alberto Blanco Perez (May 17); Central Florida photographer Julie Milford Textor, Central Florida drag performer Kai’ja Taylor Adonis, former Watermark intern Abigail Brashear (May 18); Senior pastor at Joy MCC Terri Steed Pierce, Central Florida ally Marianella Zapata Noriega (May 19); State House Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, Rep. Smith’s former legislative aide Ida V. Eskamani, Yow Dance owner Eric Yow, Olde Town Brokers realtor Brett Winters (May 20); 26Health Services’ David Baker-Hargrove, Orlando real estate agent Wes Miller, Vice-chair of the Human Rights Campaign board of directors John Ruffier, proud mommy Tanya Blasingame (May 21); Hunks Orlando Promoter Jeffrey Torres, Orlando artist Cake Marques, Manager at Kings Dining & Entertainment Orlando Brittany Gayle, Central Florida photographer Tabitha Whidby (May 22); Orlando Realtor Alex Zweydoff, Ted Maines Interiors owner Ted Maines (May 23); Lowe and Behold owner Randy Lowe, Hammered Lamb resident Angie Rash (May 24); Watermark husband Keith Sadler, Queen of the Wardrobe Marcy Singhaus, Brother to the beloved and departed “Miss P” Dave Wegman (May 26); Orlando hairstylist Jesse Colin Yeager (May 27).

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Dining In: Following local guidelines, Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria in Orlando is open for limited dine-in seating. Photo by Jeremy Williams

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House Hunters: Award-winning realtor David Dorman has several safe ways to view listing for new home buyers in Central Florida.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

Seeing Clients: Orlando attorney and Watermark founder Tom Dyer, and his buddy Seamus, are in the office for your legal needs.

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Photo courtesy Brandon Wolf

Photo by Jeremy Williams

Making New Friends: Equality Florida’s Brandon Wolf makes friends with his houseplant Barbara.

He says she drinks whiskey neat and gives sage advice.

Retail Therapy: Mojoman Swimwear & Clothing owner Lane Blackwell is ready to greet Central Florida shoppers looking for swimwear, underwear and more — he even has masks.

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Photo by Jeremy Williams

Photo courtesy Christopher Milliron

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Staying Safe: The LGBT+ Center in Orlando is open with limited services including HIV testing.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

7

Heroes Wear Masks: Local nurse Christopher Milliron suits up for another shift at the hospital in Orlando.

Hair Decor: “Mask The People” volunteer Bobby Hermida takes a break from sewing masks to make a flowery headband in Orlando.

Photo courtesy Bobby Hermida

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May 14 - M ay 27, 2020 // Issue 27.10 wat e r m a r konline .com

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