Watermark Issue 29.14: Abortion Rights

Your LGBTQ News Source.

July 7 - 20, 2022 • Issue 29.14

ABORTION

RIGHTS HOW REVERSING ROE V. WADE IMPACTS THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

onePULSE Foundation names new executive director

Transgender survival project comes to Tampa Bay

DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

page

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8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 11 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

Historically, in the abortion rights movement, the second-wave feminists were famous for being anti-lesbian, anti-queer, and that I think has kept us from moving forward in terms of the abortion rights movement. Our liberation has always been tied to each other.

– STEPHANIE LORAINE PIÑEIRO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE FLORIDA ACCESS NETWORK

14 // STATE NEWS 15 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 21 // TALKING POINTS 37 // EVENT PLANNER 38 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 39 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 40 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 42 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 46 // WEDDING BELLS ON THE COVER

page BACK IN THE HABIT:

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page ABORTION

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RIGHTS: How the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade impacts the LGBTQ community.

Matthew McGee leads “Nunsense: A-Men” at the Straz Center.

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NEW LEADERSHIP

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page onePULSE Foundation names new executive director.

page Eunic Ortiz could make LGBTQ history in her state senate race.

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Read It Online!

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

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Osceola Arts brings Queen-inspired “We Will Rock You” to the stage.

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James Burrows looks over his five-decade career in a new book.

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PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

I

DESK

’M A SUCKER FOR A STORY ABOUT

strong women. “Miss Saigon’s” Kim, Fantine from “Les Misérables” and Rebecca Pearson from “This Is Us,” to name a few. All of these characters suffered pain yet stayed strong and sacrificed greatly for their children.

Of course, these aren’t true life examples, but my experience tells me that life is more difficult for women. So, when I see a Norma Rae or an Erin Brockovich, I stand and cheer.

Just this past July 4th weekend I asked a family member, who has a full house, if he puts posterboard on the wall with a chore schedule for the house to follow, like my mom did when we were kids. He laughed and said his wife tried it, but it didn’t take. It didn’t take in the ‘80s when my mom tried it either. She worked all day, then came home to take care of a house with five kids and three adults.

Y’all, I Uber Eats 75% of my meals because I don’t want to cook

anything after a full day of work and it’s just me and my husband.

Laundry will sit in our dryer for days because folding laundry sucks. I don’t know how she did it, especially when we weren’t showering her with gratitude.

The hard work of strong women extends far beyond the household.

It’s the fight for equality where so many women can be seen. Names like Patty Sheehan, Debbie Tucci, Maggie King, Nadine Smith, Gina Duncan and state Reps. Anna V. Eskamani and Michele Rayner.

These are women who look darkness in the face and fight the good fight, with all of us on their shoulders.

If women are so important to our society, why do those in power consistently knock them down? I could write a dissertation about the abuse of Hillary Clinton, arguably the most qualified and deserving presidential candidate of my lifetime. Let’s just acknowledge that the mistreatment of her has certainly helped land us where we are today.

Civil liberties took a hit recently when the Supreme Court’s decision reversing Roe v. Wade was announced. This is devastating to women and we should acknowledge that. No asterisks, no bullet points to follow. A marginalized community now has less control over their own human life and it is disgraceful. Period.

In this issue of Watermark, we were scheduled to talk about mental health but decided to address the Supreme Court decision immediately. We will run the mental health story in a later issue but felt this needed our focus in the moment. The Supreme Court wasn’t the only catalyst for this story swap. In May 2022, Bill Maher ended his New Rules segment of “Real Time with Bill Maher” on a rant about the LGBTQ community. In it he suggested that the LGBTQ community shouldn’t be a focus on the abortion debate and took on the dubious honor of telling the LGBTQ community that everything isn’t about them. We will tell you why he is wrong and why we are very much involved.

I was a big fan of Bill Maher when his show “Politically Incorrect” first aired on Comedy Central in 1993. I liked that it would call out talking points with humor. As I entered the theater department at Mars Hill College, I used to joke with people that I would one day take over for Bill Maher when he retired. That’s the level of fan I was.

Sadly, this feeling started to wain as the trans movement started to grow. It started out

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

with Bill Maher suggesting Democrats would fair better if we didn’t include trans rights on the platform. How many times have we heard, “This isn’t the right time?”

His comments grew increasingly anti-trans. I started paying closer attention to his jokes and it seemed he couldn’t get through a monologue without a dig at the trans community. After his comments about swimmer Lia Thomas, I had decided his show was no longer for me. Soon after I got a notification on my phone about his latest rant referenced earlier in this column.

I don’t like to use inflammatory language, but it was up there with some of the most condescending bullshit I’ve ever heard. I couldn’t

This is devastating to women and we should acknowledge that.

No asterisks, no bullet points to follow.

believe that a guy who I admired for destroying talking points, was using them. Yet another attack at trans people, focused on women.

When your commentary suggests haphazard genital surgery on an 8 year old, you can’t hide behind comedy anymore.

So, for me, I’m done. I don’t advocate he be canceled, just as I don’t advocate the banning of books or telling people what to do with their own bodies.

I thank you, Bill Maher, for the inspiration behind this issue of Watermark and I hope your tirade gives birth to a generation of trans advocates and supporters, but new rule: I don’t watch “Real Time” anymore.

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CONTRIBUTORS MICHAEL WANZIE is

an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister. He is most recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area. Page 17

BENEVA FRUITVILLE

Berry Ayers, aka Beneva Fruitville, is a transgender artist who has starred on stages, national television and in film. Page 19

TIFFANY RAZZANO

is the founder and president of Wordier Than Thou, a literary arts nonprofit that creates fun, engaging events for writers and readers. Page 46 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

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central florida news

LEVINE, SOTO VISIT THE CENTER ORLANDO Charlotte Skipper

O

RLANDO | Adm. Rachel Levine, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Congressman Darren Soto spoke at the LGBT+ Center Orlando June 27, after meeting with representatives from the Zebra Coalition, to advocate for LGBTQ youth and gender affirmation treatment in Florida.

“Gender affirmation treatment is medical care, gender affirmation treatment is mental health care, and literally, gender affirmation treatment is suicide prevention care,” said Levine.

Levine said state leaders such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are stigmatizing the LGBTQ community through politically motivated actions including the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, taxing gender affirmation treatment and limiting Medicaid opportunities for individuals.

Due to this, Soto said the health and freedoms of LGBTQ Floridians are at risk and that now is the time to push against the state legislature’s most recent rulings and stand with the LGBTQ community.

“We’re going to continue to do everything we can to fight for the freedoms of all Floridians to be themselves, to have autonomy in who they are, and to be able to seek the healthcare that they need,” said Soto.

Youth that are a part of the LGBTQ community are facing significant bullying and discrimination in schools across the state, Levine pointed out. Due to this, she said gender diverse and transgender youth have higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. In order to combat this issue, Levine said the answer is better access to gender affirmation treatment.

“It is egregious that there have been statements put out in Florida that young people should not have access to that type of care and that type of medically necessary treatment,” she said.

Levine added gender affirmation treatment is widely accepted by medical professionals within the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Florida children’s hospitals and multiple national health associations.

Jen Cousins, Orange County resident and parent of a nonbinary child, said she sees her child’s friends and family members scared for the future of her child’s wellbeing.

“I think it’s very unfair of our governor, who claims to be pro-life, to want to put LGBTQ+ children’s lives in danger by these laws that he signed into effect,” said Cousins.

Cousins said the key to quelling attacks on the LGBTQ community is education.

Levine said new guidelines protecting gender affirmation treatment and individuals in the LGBTQ community of Florida will be emerging in the coming months.

“I’m a positive optimistic person, and I think that we will not let them erase us, and we will be successful,” she said.

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NEW DIRECTOR:

Deborah Bowie comes to Orlando from Gainesville where she worked for the city.

PHOTO COURTESY ONEPULSE FOUNDATION

New Leadership onePULSE names new director Yasmene Warren

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RLANDO | Deborah Bowie will be the new executive director for onePULSE Foundation, the nonprofit announced in a press release June 28.

Bowie has more than 30 years of nonprofit and public sector experience and is a highly accomplished, community-focused executive. She joins onePULSE at a crucial time as the foundation recently embarked on its new three-year strategic plan and is entering the next critical phases of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum and Orlando Health Survivors Walk’s final design, construction and operation, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

“I am honored and privileged to serve as executive director of onePULSE Foundation,” Bowie said in the release. “I look forward to working with our exceptionally talented staff and board members, our dedicated partners, and the community, to help drive onePULSE’s mission to create and support a memorial that opens hearts, a museum that opens minds, educational programs that open

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eyes and legacy scholarships that open doors.”

Earl Crittenden, chairman of the onePULSE Foundation Board of Trustees, said he and the board are extremely pleased to welcome Bowie as their new executive director. Crittenden is also a member of the Executive Director Selection Committee responsible for approving Bowie’s hiring.

“Deborah’s depth of knowledge and breadth of experience, combined with her strategic vision and unwavering dedication and passion, makes her uniquely qualified to lead onePULSE into this next stage of our journey to realize the National Pulse Memorial & Museum,” Crittenden said.

Bowie’s sister was fatally shot in a triple homicide in 1994 in Miramar, Florida and added: “I, too, understand what it means to have to rebuild every aspect of who you are after such a life-changing tragedy.

It is with this additional sense of purpose, and drawing on my own personal grief journey, that I will strive to continue the advancement of onePULSE’s incredible work.”

Barbara Poma — onePULSE’s founder, previous executive director and member of the Executive Director Selection Committee

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— recently began focusing her work on the foundation’s national fundraising efforts as part of its new leadership structure.

“We are excited to bring Deborah on board as Executive Director of onePULSE,” Poma said. “Deborah is a dynamic, creative and skilled leader who brings to the role a wealth of relevant experience and expertise.

We are confident that Deborah will help us continue to build upon the tremendous momentum we’ve established and propel our mission forward as we take the next steps towards the creation of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum.”

Bowie’s new role consists of overseeing all aspects of the foundation’s day-to-day operations, including staff, budget, fundraising, volunteers, task force, data, contracts, community and client relations and programs and all office administrative needs for the organization. She reports directly to the chairman of the board and is accountable to onePULSE Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Bowie’s experience includes holding several senior public administrator roles within Gainesville from May 2018 to January 2022, such as assistant city manager, interim city manager and executive chief of staff. She has also served as chief of staff for the mayor of Birmingham and as senior public information officer for the office of the city council in the same city.

For more information on onePULSE Foundation, visit onePULSEFoundation.org.

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tampa bay news

TRANS SURVIVAL PROJECT INCLUDES TAMPA BAY SUBJECTS Ryan Williams-Jent

S NEW VOICE:

State Senate District 18 candidate Eunic Ortiz hopes to represent Pinellas County. PHOTO COURTESY EUNIC ORTIZ

For Florida Ortiz could make LGBTQ history Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | Eunic Ortiz became the Democratic nominee for state Senate District 18 June 20, moving one step closer to making LGBTQ history in November’s general election.

Ortiz launched her campaign to represent “the community she grew up in, knows and loves.”

If elected, she will become the second Hispanic representative in Pinellas County and the first lesbian state senator in Florida’s history.

“We launched this campaign about a year ago with one thing in mind,” Ortiz says. “We need to elect leaders ... to do the work that needs to be done in Tallahassee for the betterment of all Floridians, not just a select few.

“We are hearing from voters across the district who are tired of seeing a state legislature and an administration that continues to push policy that has nothing to do with the vital needs of our state,” she continues. Ortiz cites a number of state laws that went into effect July 1, including a 15-week abortion ban and Parental Rights

in Education, more widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

Floridians “are tired of seeing them take on this cultural war, instead of addressing real issues,” she says. Her platform includes addressing affordable health care and housing, securing LGBTQ equality, strengthening environmental protections, protecting the right to vote and more.

Over 50 activists, elected officials and organizations believe she’s the person for the job. Ortiz has been endorsed by Shevrin Jones, Florida’s first openly gay state senator and Michele Rayner, the first Black, openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature. The political arm of Florida’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization also endorsed her last December.

“Eunic Ortiz has a long history of fighting for all marginalized people,” Equality Florida Action PAC Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said at the time. “Having Eunic in the Florida Senate would be a game changer for LGBTQ Floridians. It is imperative we make this seat work for LGBTQ families in Pinellas.”

While Ortiz isn’t running to make history, the impact of her potential win isn’t lost on her.

“It’s 2022 and we’ve never had a lesbian in the state Senate … it is bonkers,” she says. “We have people in the LGBTQ community living in every single county in the state. They are our neighbors and they are our community leaders.

“LGBTQ people are the workers that are making our counties and communities run,” she continues.

“We’re everywhere, and the fact that we have not elected an openly gay woman to the state Senate only speaks to the reason why it’s so important this year.”

Ortiz will face state Rep. Nick DiCeglie in the race, a Republican whose priorities include “defending conservative values.” In the Florida House he co-sponsored the abortion ban and supported “Don’t Say Gay or Trans.”

“This seat could be the seat that ties the state Senate,” Ortiz says.

“This is a huge flip opportunity.

Not just for Democrats, but for people who want state lawmakers who are going to make common sense decisions for the betterment of the people.

“In November, we will be able to start the process to fix this state’s wrongs,” she notes. “Every single election matters and we can make a difference with our vote.”

Florida’s general election is Nov. 8. Learn more about Eunic Ortiz at EunicForFlorida.com.

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T. PETERSBURG | Photographer Jesse Freidin’s “Are You OK?” portrait series will include local transgender youth and their families.

Freidin’s photos have been featured in The New York Times, Vogue and more. The LGBTQ photographer’s latest body of work is billed as a transgender survival project, a nationwide series launched to counter America’s growing number of anti-trans laws.

It’s designed “as a way to pass the microphone to the kids and families who find empowerment in sharing their stories, and more importantly as a visual remedy to trans stigmatization.” Freidin has driven to 16 states since its pre-pandemic launch and his current 15-city trek includes sessions in St. Petersburg and Miami.

“We typically do 30-minute sittings with two kids per city, but these sessions are booked solid with about nine or 10 families,” he explains. That includes Carolyn Graham and her 19-year-old daughter Nova, who learned about the project through a mutual friend.

“Society, our government, those in seats of power say this and that about us,” Carolyn explains. “That the parents are criminals for providing the care their kids need and that somehow my kid is broken. But this project is standing up to that damaging message.

“I’m a sixth generation native Floridian, which makes Nova a seventh generation native,” she continues. “We shouldn’t have to uproot our lives and move because of the belief systems of our government.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s law prohibiting transgender youth from playing sports that align with their gender identity in 2021. Since then, Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law has gone into effect and his administration has targeted trans health care.

“It’s scary right now. DeSantis has made it his goal to systematically legislate us out of existing,” Nova says. “Our health care, livelihoods and right to exist in schools are under attack – and it’s just the beginning.”

Nova wanted to participate because “being open about transness will help others see that it’s okay to be trans,” she explains. “It’s okay to be who you are and it’s not something we have to hide.”

“Are You OK?” is funded entirely by donations.

Freidin says the work is important because “as a trans-identified person, I always say that we have to save ourselves and tell our stories from the inside out.”

Supporting the project will allow him “to show legislators, politicians, physicians and other bigoted people that this is life or death,” he says. “We’re here to tell humanizing, empathetic stories that are full of joy.”

After Florida, Freidin will visit Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. He plans to later provide presentations and publish a book with the work.

View a selection of portraits at WatermarkOnline.com. To learn more about Freidin’s work and to donate to the “Are You OK?” project, visit AreYouOKPortraits.com.

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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP ASPIRING are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0085 02/22

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state news

‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ GOES INTO EFFECT Ryan Williams-Jent

“P

arental Rights in Education,” more widely known as Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, went into effect July 1.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure into law March 29 to limit discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Advocates argue that its vague language will silence LGBTQ students and teachers well beyond those parameters. The lawsuit detailing those concerns was filed March 31. Plaintiffs assert it will “deny to an entire generation that LGBTQ people exist and have equal dignity.”

Equality Florida held a press conference July 1 to address concerns over the law. They were joined by LGBTQ activists and lawmakers from throughout the state. Litigation is ongoing.

Learn more about Equality Florida’s efforts to protect LGBTQ Floridians at EQFL.org and FreeToSayGay.org.

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CDC TOUTS VACCINE FOR GAY, BISEXUAL MEN FOR FLORIDA MENINGITIS SURGE Wire & Staff Reports

H

ealth officials recommended June 22 that men in Florida who have sex with other men get a meningococcal vaccine following one of the worst outbreaks among gay and bisexual men in U.S. history of a bacteria that causes meningitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that there have been at least 24 cases and seven deaths among gay and bisexual men caused by the bacteria in Florida recently. The CDC also recommended that gay and bisexual men traveling to Florida should ask their health care provider about getting the vaccine.

“Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease is the best way to prevent this serious illness, which can quickly become deadly,” said José R. Romero, M.D., director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

“Because of the outbreak in Florida, and the number of Pride events being held across the state in coming weeks, it’s important that gay and bisexual men who live in Florida get vaccinated, and those traveling to Florida talk to their healthcare provider about getting a MenACWY vaccine,” he continued.

Organizations, including Metro Inclusive Health, offered the vaccine to participants during St Pete Pride’s landmark 20th celebration June 24-26.

The LGBT+ Center also offered the vaccine in its Orlando

and Kissimmee locations, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health. The CDC advises interested parties can contact their doctors’ offices, pharmacies, community health centers and local health departments for more opportunities to be vaccinated throughout Florida.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria, and when the linings of the brain and spinal cord become infected, it is called meningitis.

Symptoms include a sudden, high fever; headache; stiff neck; nausea or vomiting; or a dark purple rash, according to health officials.

For more information about the outbreak and vaccine availability, visit CDC.gov/ Meningococcal/Outbreaks/FL2022.html.

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nation+world news

SWIMMING’S NEW TRANSGENDER POLICY COULD IMPACT OTHER SPORTS Wire Report

R

ecent bans on transgender women in international swimming and rugby opened the door for track and field to consider following suit in what could turn into a wave of policy changes in Olympic sports.

The announcement June 19 by swimming’s governing body, FINA, was followed quickly by a show of support from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who was in Hungary for the swimming world championships. He said FINA’s decision was in the best interest of swimming and that his own federation, which oversees track and field and other running sports, would review its policies on transgender athletes and intersex athletes at the end of the year.

“If we ever get pushed into a corner to that point where we’re making a judgment about fairness or inclusion, I will always fall down on the side of fairness,” Coe said.

Experts viewed that as a signal that World Athletics officials could use the FINA precedent to block all transgender and intersex athletes – the latter referred to by clinical terminology as having differences in sex development – from competing in women’s events.

FINA’s new policy bans all transgender women from elite competitions if they didn’t begin medical treatment to suppress testosterone production before either the onset of puberty or by age 12, whichever comes later.

USA Swimming put its own policy in place earlier this year, with the idea that it would eventually follow FINA’s lead, but this week said it would need time to see how FINA’s policy affects its own.

The International Rugby League also barred transgender women from women’s matches until more studies allow for the sport’s regulators to come up with a cohesive inclusion policy. And the International Cycling Union last week updated its eligibility rules for transgender athletes;

it increased the period during which transgender athletes on women’s teams must lower their testosterone level to two years rather than one.

FIFA, which runs soccer, said it is “currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with expert stakeholders.”

Individual sports are taking the lead because of the International Olympic Committee framework that was introduced last November and went into effect in March placing all sports in charge of their own rules regarding testosterone.

It replaced an IOC policy that had allowed transgender women who had been on hormone replacement therapy for at least 12 months to compete in the Olympics against other women.

The new guidance, which is not binding, recommends that testosterone levels should not determine whether someone is eligible to compete – a stance that World Athletics has not adopted.

The Norwegian Police Security Service raised its terror alert level from “moderate” to “extraordinary” — the highest level — after the attack, which sent panicked revelers fleeing into the streets or trying to hide from the gunman.

The service’s acting chief, Roger Berg, called the attack an “extreme Islamist terror act” and said the suspect had a “long history of violence and threats,” as well as mental health issues.

He said the agency, known by its Norwegian acronym PST, first became aware of the suspect in 2015 and later grew concerned he had become radicalized and was part of an unspecified Islamist network.

Norwegian media named the suspect as Zaniar Matapour, an Oslo resident who arrived in Norway

with his family from a Kurdish part of Iran in the 1990s.

The suspect’s defense lawyer, John Christian Elden, said his client “hasn’t denied” carrying out the attack, but he cautioned against speculation on the motive.

Upon the advice of police, organizers canceled a Pride parade that was set for later that day as the highlight of a weeklong festival. Scores of people marched through the capital anyway, waving rainbow flags.

Police attorney Christian Hatlo said it was too early to say whether the gunman specifically targeted members of the LGBTQ community.

Investigators seized two weapons after the attack: a handgun and an automatic weapon.

Police described both as “not modern” but did not give details.

NORWAY SHAKEN BY ATTACK THAT KILLS 2 DURING PRIDE FESTIVAL Wire Report

A

gunman opened fire in Oslo’s nightlife district early June 25, killing two people and leaving more than 20 wounded in what the Norwegian security service called an “Islamist terror act” during the capital’s annual LGBTQ Pride festival.

Investigators said the suspect, identified as a 42-year-old Norwegian citizen originally from Iran, was arrested after opening fire at three locations in downtown Oslo.

Police said two men, one in his 50s and the other his 60s, died in the shootings. Ten people were treated for serious injuries, but none of them was believed to be in life-threatening condition. Eleven others had minor injuries.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

IN OTHER NEWS ALABAMA CITES ABORTION RULING IN TRANS MED CASE Days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states can prohibit abortion, Alabama seized on the decision to argue that the state should also be able to ban gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth. The state is asking a federal appeals court to lift an injunction and let it enforce an Alabama law that would make it a felony to give puberty blockers or hormones to transgender minors to help affirm their gender identity.

PELOSI HINTS AT CODIFYING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hinted at the possibility of legislation to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry, which many fear is in danger after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v.

Wade, as part of an effort to secure “freedoms which Americans currently enjoy.” Pelosi suggested such legislation could be in the works in a “Dear Colleague” letter June 27 to fellow members of the House Democratic caucus addressing plans for congressional action after the ruling in Dobbs v. Women’s Health Organization.

SPAIN APPROVES NEW BILL ON TRANS RIGHTS Spain’s Cabinet approved a new draft of an LGBTQ rights bill June 27 that, if backed by parliament, will allow all Spanish nationals above 16 to change their gender and name by simply stating their desire to do so. Previously, applicants needed a diagnosis by several doctors of gender dysphoria. Teenagers between 14 and 16 will be able to apply for these changes with parental permission or by going to a judge if there is disagreement among them. A court’s involvement is mandatory in applications for those between 12 and 14, and children under 12 are only allowed to register a new name but not to switch their gender.

WHO CONSIDERS DECLARING MONKEYPOX A GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY As the World Health Organization convened its emergency committee June 23 to consider if the spiraling outbreak of monkeypox warrants being declared a global emergency, some experts say WHO’s decision to act only after the disease spilled into the West could entrench the grotesque inequities that arose between rich and poor countries during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox to be a global emergency would mean the U.N. health agency considers the outbreak to be an “extraordinary event” and that the disease is at risk of spreading across even more borders. It would also give monkeypox the same distinction as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing effort to eradicate polio. Many scientists doubt any such declaration would help to curb the epidemic.

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viewpoint

Michael Wanzie

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE I can’t really celebrate an America I no longer recognize

I

FOUND IT INCREDIBLY

difficult to muster up any feeling of pride in being an American or to celebrate Independence Day this year.

And make no mistake about it, I love celebrating holidays and I have long been fiercely patriotic, but how does one celebrate the birth of our democracy during the precise moment that it is crumbling right before our very eyes?

It is difficult to celebrate our independence from monarchy rule in favor of a newly inspired government intended to be “for the people and by the people” at this time in history when that very system of government is totally failing us. It is hard to maintain hope when one can no longer have faith that our Supreme Court can be counted upon to arrive at decisions based on the constitutionality of any matter before them when it has become crystal clear that the court has been stacked by hostile means with jurists who lied to become confirmed and who are acting as the armature of the religious right and not as defenders of the Constitution.

Other than in times of mourning the actual deaths of people I deeply loved, I have never been so profoundly sad in all my life than I am right at this moment while typing this column. And never have I been so devoid of an opinion as to what course of action should be taken.

I feel lost.

I am depressed beyond words.

It is with tremendous trepidation that I dare write on the subject because to do so is to truly allow myself to accept more fully the unacceptable, and as I write I am overcome with the feeling that no one may even continue to read this. That you may very well have turned the page by now not wanting to read or contemplate the truthfulness of the appalling dangerous time in which we now find ourselves living in this country, whose government is no longer functioning in any way that remotely reflects the intent proclaimed by our Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of The United States of America and in our Bill of Rights.

Granted, even the Constitution had its imperfections from the start and thus it has evolved. It has been amended, as we the people have evolved to recognize that those now cherished words, “we the people” actually did and does mean “all the people” regardless of skin color, sex, sexual orientation, religious persuasion or lack thereof.

We have always been a nation in a constant state of becoming and it has always been a struggle moving forward. Our progress has been slow by some standards and at certain times swiftly moving, but moving forward has been the hallmark of our very heritage. Regardless of how hard fought or long incoming some of those gains have been, it is indeed our continued surge toward creating a more perfect union that has made America the envy of the world.

That is until now.

As a body politic, our American system of government has not only been hijacked by radicals intent on establishing autocratic rule, but it has applied the brakes to criminally manipulate this system of government’s intent and as such, it has performed a brisk about-face and is now marching decidedly and deliberately backward, as for the very first time in the history of our young nation the highest court in the land is stripping citizens of rights as opposed to expanding them.

This, my friends, is not the America in which I grew up.

This is not the direction in which any democracy should be moving, or should I say digressing. And if you are not sickened by what is occurring at this moment before your very eyes, if you are not angry or frightened, then you are simply not paying attention, you are an imbecile or you are a willing participant in the demise of the great American Experiment.

Make no mistake about it, I do not mean to imply that you may be proactively

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participating in the honest to gawd ongoing attempted toppling of our democracy through any type of direct action, but rather that by your inaction, by your complacency, you will be contributing to the loss of the America that had its beginnings when our forefathers declared our independence from the

is under siege by militant forces that have risen up from within our own communities.

Sad, misguided rebels for the wrong cause who have been lied to and manipulated by truly evil people.

I am not about to attempt to tell anyone exactly what they need to be doing at this point in time because I myself have yet to figure that out,

who we know who that can vote motivated to do so.

In the short term, I’m at a loss. I really am. But I do know this: we can’t put our heads in the sand. Anger is what we all must feel and then we need to come to terms with the anger and direct that energy to positive means whatever that may end up being. But we have

English commonwealth and eventually drafted the Constitution upon which the country of which I was once proud was founded.

It’s true that I said at the onset of this column that I could not bring myself to celebrate the America in which I now find myself living, but I can celebrate the ideal upon which America was birthed. Our country is adrift at the moment. It

I’m ashamed to admit. And I won’t pretend for a moment that it is not extremely difficult to feel like everything I have done or accomplished as an activist up to this point has been done for nothing but I know I have to rise above those debilitating feelings of having no empowerment.

We must rise above it. I know that in the long term we must all vote and we must get everyone of good conscience

to face this. We have to talk about it. We need to read, and listen, and engage and together we will — we MUST — rise up against this attempted hostile takeover of our country or there will soon cease to be any occasion or any reason to ever again celebrate America.

I feel lost. I am depressed beyond words.

Michael Wanzie is an Orlando-based playwright, actor and ordained minister, recognized for his direction of productions in the Orlando area.

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viewpoint

Beneva Fruitville

PICKING BERRY Leaving the nest

W

HEN I WAS 17, I

couldn’t wait to get out of my house. I had just graduated high school and I was headed to college out of state.

I had traveled a little bit, but this would be a first.

The first time I would have only myself to answer to with pure and unadulterated freedom. I could eat ice cream every day, I could stay up all night. I could smoke every cigarette. I could do whatever I wanted and made my own rules.

I had lived 17 years in the same place, with many of the same faces and connections. I was able to build a solid reputation of self as an openly gay leader and I was respected for it. I’d also built a reputation for my talent, playing leading roles and holding my own next to professional actors on stage.

I decided that I needed to leave that comfort for a bigger pond. I was self-aware enough to know that while I was good, really good, I could be better – and being good in a small town was not going to make me better, or take me to another level of skill and solid training. I wanted to experience my dream of Broadway lights, so I leapt off the cliff and I moved nearly a thousand miles away to go to college and be better.

College was hard. I had made it into an incredibly exclusive musical theatre major in a world-renowned, four-year conservatory program, which pretty much guaranteed me a career in musical theater upon

graduation. It was basically a triple major – singing, dancing and acting – which put me in class or practice from 8 a.m. ballet to show rehearsal which would often end at 10 p.m. that evening.

Spring Quarter of my senior year was my smallest class credit hour load over my four years in school with a mere 18 credit hours. But it wasn’t Florida, it wasn’t home.

I had built a new reputation, sought to define myself as a young adult and became ridiculously focused on my future career and how to maintain my life within the arts and specifically how to get work in musical theatre.

Which I did.

National tours, global cruise travel, starring in Off-Broadway shows.

I worked and I was living my dream. I saw the country and the world, all while performing; I had made my living as a performer.

I had seen my name in lights on a New York City marquee. I signed autographs on actual Playbills at stage doors after shows and then I would go to the Duplex piano bar to rousing cheers. The pianist would stop playing their song and invite me to come sing before I could get my coat and scarf off. It was my dream. Then life happened.

Due to a series of circumstances, I came back to Florida. It was meant to be temporary, just until I could get back on my feet.

Maybe book a new show in New York. I had picked up a few contracts here and there, in Orlando and then in Sarasota.

I had zero intentions of staying in Sarasota, but this town captured my heart.

There was a massive arts community; professional theatres, opera and ballet companies, independent venues for artists to create and make new art. It was an artist’s oasis.

Money and greed have altered the storied beauty of the community in Sarasota, and it is sad that this former

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commune for the outcasts and others has become the city of unaffordable housing, homelessness and sound ordinances. The charm that people spend money to live in Sarasota has been sold to the highest bidder and the influx of political and religious outrage has

live and work, to pursue life, liberty and happiness, if you will. So I have decided that it’s time for a change.

Here I am at 46 years old, back on that cliff. I have only myself to answer to. I have pure and unadulterated freedom. I can eat ice cream every day, I can stay up all

life. So I’m pushing myself out of the cozy nest I’ve made here in Sarasota and moving up North.

So, thank you, Sarasota.

Even though I got here when I was almost 30, I grew up here in the last 18 years. I will always be Beneva Fruitville, Sarasota’s

dimmed the vibrancy of Sarasota’s streetlamps.

I made a home here in Sarasota for 18 years.

It’s the longest place I’ve ever lived, including my childhood home. Florida politics frighten me. As a transgender woman, I am frightened daily of what new law Ron DeSantis will sign that will alter my ability to

night. I can smoke every cigarette. I can do whatever I wanted and make my rules – but I am so scared.

Over the past couple of years and now in post-lockdown mode, I literally and figuratively find myself in a transitional state – and transitioning has shown me that it’s time to start a new chapter of my

hometown girl! Whatever it is you’re afraid to do, be your own Beneva Fruitville and you act like you “own” the entire town – because one day, you just might.

As a transgender woman, I am frightened daily of what new law Ron DeSantis will sign … so I have decided that it’s time for a change.

Berry Ayers, aka Beneva Fruitville, is a transgender artist who has starred on stages, national television and in film.

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talking points

NEARLY

If my language bothers you more than the destruction of our civil rights, then we don’t need to know anything else about you.

1 IN 5

– LGBTQ CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT RESPONDING TO CRITICS FOR USING CURSE WORDS TO DESCRIBE SCOTUS’ ABORTION DECISION.

RESTAURANT WORKERS

PAGE’S ‘UMBRELLA ACADEMY’ CHARACTER COMES OUT

T

HE THIRD SEASON OF NETFLIX’S “THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY” PREMIERED JUNE 22, featuring actor Elliot Page’s gender transition as a prominent plotline. Since its season two release in 2020, Page came out as transgender. In order to maintain continuity while also respecting his transition, his character Viktor shares he is trans. Page said series showrunner Steve Blackman asked for input from Page and others. “When we first talked about it, he seemed really excited about incorporating it into the show,” he said. Blackman noted that “when it came to Viktor’s coming-out storyline, we all knew it was important to play it for real and play it with sensitivity. What’s amazing about the Umbrella Academy siblings is, with all their craziness, deep down they’re very understanding about each other … They’re a real family.”

ARE

LGBTQ

OVER 80% KEVIN BACON LEADS LGBTQ SLASHER

N

BROADWAY SETS SAIL

BC’S STREAMING SERVICE PEACOCK HAS RELEASED THE FIRST TEASER to its original LGBTQ slasher film, “They/ Them,” starring Kevin Bacon.

“Bacon plays Owen Whistler in this slasher horror film set at an LGBTQIA+ conversion camp,” the film’s synopsis reads. “Several queer and trans campers join Whistler for a week of programming intended to ‘help them find a new sense of freedom.’ As the camp’s methods become more psychologically unsettling, the campers must work together to protect themselves.

When a mysterious killer starts claiming victims, things get even more dangerous.” Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, who wrote the film, also makes his directorial debut. “They/Them” streams Aug. 5. Watch the trailer at WatermarkOnline.com.

T

HE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF A CRUISE SHIP FEATURING MUSICAL THEATER STARS, like Tony Award-winners Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming and Lena Hall, will set sail next spring. The Broadway Cruise will head from New York City to Bermuda from March 31-April 5, 2023. Other Broadway favorites participating include Randy Rainbow and Sierra Boggess in what producers promise will feature “intimate and grand scale shows and cabarets from Broadway’s coolest talent.” Tony-nominated scenic designer David Korins will discuss his creative process and choreographer Kelly Devine will discuss the art of the dance.

Chris Jahnke will serve as music director. The cruise will borrow the Norwegian Gem, which can welcome 2,000 people, and cabins begin at $1,165 per person.

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MARVEL, DC SHOW THEIR PRIDE

M

ARVEL AND DC COMICS, CONSIDERED THE “BIG TWO” of the comic publishing world, released Pride anthologies showcasing new and existing LGBTQ characters for the second year in a row last month.

“Marvel Voices: Pride” and “DC Pride 2022” each feature brand new stories for readers of all ages.

“Marvel Comics is proud to highlight its commitment to LGBTQI+ representation with stories that spotlight existing stars AND introduce brand-new characters to the Marvel mythology,” the publisher announced. In DC Pride’s introduction, trans activist and actor Nicole Maines wrote that “seeing yourself in comic books [is] powerful … if you can be a superhero, you can be anything.”

Both collections are now on sale digitally and in print.

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ABORTION

RIGHTS HOW REVERSING ROE V. WADE IMPACTS THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

“W

Jeremy Williams

E HOLD THAT ROE [V.

Wade] and [Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pa. v.] Casey must be overruled,” wrote Justice Samuel Alito in the Supreme Court’s June 24 decision to overturn the 1973 ruling that protected a pregnant person’s right to choose to have an abortion.

“The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely—the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,” he continued.

“That provision has been held to guarantee some rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution, but any such right must be ‘deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition’ and ‘implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.”

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Alito further noted that “The right to abortion does not fall within this category. Until the latter part of the 20th century, such a right was entirely unknown in American law.”

Alito was joined in the opinion

by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Chief Justice John Roberts issued his own opinion, siding with the conservative justices in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which supports Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban but stood with the three liberal justices — Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan — opposing the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Even

CONTINUED ON PG. 26 | uu |

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| uu | Abortion Rights FROM PG.23

with Roberts crossing sides, it left the ruling 5-4 and Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The response was swift among abortion rights activists who took to the streets in protest the same day the ruling was released.

“We are in a Stonewall moment. We are in a Selma moment. This is the moment where we must decide who we are going to be,” said Florida Rep. Michele Rayner, the state’s first Black, openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida Legislature, during a protest in St. Petersburg June 24. “If they come for one they will come for us all. We are in a moment, and I am not advocating violence, but what I am advocating is peaceful civil disobedience. What I’m advocating is making sure we elect folks that have our interests in mind. What I’m advocating is that if they don’t want to hear us in the courthouse and in the state House, then we take it to the streets.”

Later that day, during a protest at the Renaissance Theatre Company in Orlando, state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani spoke before a crowd, saying “the court is removing our power to control our own bodies, our lives, our destinies and our personal medical decisions, and they are handing it off to politicians, and here in Florida we are not in good hands.”

The Supreme Court’s decision was devastating to pro-abortion rights activists, but it was not surprising. On May 2, the news organization Politico published the initial draft of Alito’s opinion, eight weeks before its eventual release, which made it known that the Supreme Court would in fact be striking down Roe v. Wade.

When the leak occurred, abortion rights activists went to work, mobilizing supporters, organizing protests and taking to social media to express the dangers this decision would have on many different groups in the U.S. In a May 11 tweet, the American Civil Liberties Union wrote: “Abortion bans disproportionately harm: Black, Indigenous & other people of color, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, young people, those working to make ends meet

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and people with disabilities.

Protecting abortion access is an urgent matter of racial and economic justice.”

The anti-abortion rights activists attacked the civil rights nonprofit online, specifically focusing on the LGBTQ community portion of the tweet, saying that abortion rights were not LGBTQ rights. Nine days later, comedian Bill Maher took up the same argument on his HBO show “Real Time.”

“In the wake of America about to lose abortion rights, the ACLU recently tweeted a list of those who would be disproportionately harmed by this. You would think women might top that list, no, wasn’t even on the list,” Maher said. “Second on the list was LGBT. Really? Abortion rights effects gay and trans people more than you know, breeders. I’m

ABORTION RIGHTS ARE LGBTQ RIGHTS According to a 2020 study by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, unplanned pregnancies are 1.75 times greater among bisexual women than their heterosexual peers.

“Bi folks are very much ignored and invisibilized within the LGBTQ community,” Piñeiro says. “I am a bisexual woman who leads this work and just because I’m dating or having sex with someone who can’t get me pregnant it doesn’t mean that I won’t be in the future. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have the right to bodily autonomy which impacts all of us. Anyone who can get pregnant and anyone who

in terms of the abortion rights movement,” she says. “Our liberation has always been tied to each other. There is no ‘we need to focus on just women here’ and ‘we need to just focus on queer folks there’; abortion impacts all of us.”

Eskamani says we must also remember in the fight to not forget that abortion access extends to members of the transgender and gender nonconforming communities as well.

“The abortion rights movement needs to be much more intentional in sharing trans people and gender nonbinary people stories and not ignoring or erasing trans voices who find themselves in need of an abortion,” Eskamani says. “At our rallies, we talk about it in the framing of women and pregnant

Know what abortion is and what it isn’t ... Challenge stigma, when we become an ally to abortion justice that’s when people can trust you when they need support and help, and they know you are going to have their back.

— STEPHANIE LORAINE PIÑEIRO

happy for LGBT folks that we now live in an age where they can live their authentic lives openly and we should always be mindful of respecting and protecting. But someone needs to say it — not everything is about you.”

“It is very much about us.

Abortion rights and LGBTQ rights are one in the same,” says Stephanie Loraine Piñeiro, executive director for the Florida Access Network, the only state abortion fund predominantly run by queer people of color. “Queer people can get pregnant, queer people want to create families and queer people need access to abortion services.”

can get someone pregnant, this is about you. Everybody loves someone who has had or may need to have an abortion. So even though you may not be the person who is going to get pregnant, someone you love can, someone in your community can and that impacts all of us.”

Piñeiro says that it is important not to listen to arguments from the other side that look to divide marginalized groups, especially when it comes to this topic.

“Historically, in the abortion rights movement, the second-wave feminists were famous for being anti-lesbian, anti-queer, and that I think has kept us from moving forward

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people on purpose because not every pregnant person identifies as a woman … so many paths, especially women’s rights movements, have left people behind, whether it was women of color or other marginalized groups, and as a person of color myself I refuse to copy and mimic those really dark parts of our history where we did not carry every marginalized person toward liberation.”

COMMON ENEMIES

Abortion rights and LGBTQ rights are common causes, says Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, the state’s first openly

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gay Latinx lawmaker. Not only because of the many legal underpinnings between the two fights but also because the attacks on both are coming from the same place.

“Look at how the religious right continues to attack LGBTQ rights and abortion rights in the exact same way,” Guillermo Smith says. “I feel obligated to speak out as a gay man because we, as LGBTQ individuals, know what it is like to have the religious right impose their definition of family, sexuality and marriage on others. That’s exactly what the religious right have been doing in their attacks on abortion rights and abortion access.

They are taking their extreme, conservative ideology about a woman’s place in society, and a woman’s own sexual freedom, and they are imposing that onto all women. Same thing they do to all LGBTQ people.”

“It’s just another example of how all of our collective freedoms are all tied together,” Eskamani says. “It’s the same exact organizations who were backing the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill that will just turn around, put on a different T-shirt and back an abortion ban. Same money funding these hateful and homophobic, transphobic and anti-abortion campaigns.”

Piñeiro agrees, saying that this attack goes beyond just access to abortion.

“That is also access to health care, that’s access to fertility treatments that are affordable, that is same-sex couple families being able to adopt without being discriminated against for their sexual orientation. It is trans health care, it is gun safety; reproductive justice is all of those things,” she says. “The same people who are restricting abortion are the same bigots, the same politicians who are trying to pass trans bathroom bills. The same bigotry, same people, same lobbyists; that’s why when we talk about abortion care we cannot extract that from the overall need for reproductive justice.”

IN THE SUPREME COURT’S CROSSHAIRS

Even for those who think abortion rights have nothing to do with them, the reversal of Roe v. Wade could have

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RALLYING FOR RIGHTS: Abortion rights activists, community leaders and progressive politicans turned out in droves across Central Florida and Tampa Bay in the hours and days after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, protesting for an individual’s right to choose what they do with their own body. PHOTOS 1 & 2 BY JEREMY WILLIAMS; 3 & 5 BY JHEFF MATHIS; 4 BY DYLAN TODD

larger implications than just abortion rights.

Thomas, in his concurring opinion, wrote that because the 14th Amendment’s “Due Process Clause does not secure any substantive rights, it does not secure a right to abortion,” but he went further stating that cases such as Griswold v.

Connecticut (which secured the right of married persons to obtain contraceptives); Lawrence v.

Texas (which secured the right to engage in private, consensual sexual acts); and Obergefell v.

Hodges (which secured the right to same-sex marriage) should be revisited. “[W]e should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell,” Thomas wrote.

“Because any substantive due process decision is ‘demonstrably erroneous,’ we have a duty to ‘correct the error’ established in those precedents. After overruling these demonstrably erroneous decisions, the question would remain whether other constitutional provisions guarantee the myriad rights that our substantive due process cases have generated.”

“Right now, the Supreme Court is basically saying that [access to abortion] is not a right in history, because the word abortion is not in the Constitution,” Eskamani says. “They’re interpreting things very narrowly and that same interpretation would apply to LGBTQ rights.”

“Their attacks on our freedoms to marry, our rights to exist; they are imposing their religious ideology and their definitions of family, of gender, sexuality and marriage onto us,” Guillermo Smith says. “This abortion rights decision is devastating enough just on what it means for abortion access without talking about all of these other things. All of these other things which are very important, and I have found myself trying to find that balance where the decision comes down and I’m not immediately talking about what it means for marriage, I wanted to talk about what it means for abortion. I know what it means for marriage and it’s not good but the consequences for what this means for abortion access, especially in the 24 states that have effectively banned all abortions, is catastrophic without making it about anything else.”

WHAT IT MEANS IN FLORIDA

While many states had trigger laws banning abortion that went into effect in the weeks, days and, in some cases, hours after the overturning of Roe v.

Wade, Florida still has access to abortion.

“The right to an abortion has been protected by Florida’s state constitution with its right to privacy,” Piñeiro says.

“That protects us for right now. The state Supreme Court is stacked with conservative justices which we know that conservative-leaning folks are

salivating to put into motion their right-wing anti-abortion, anti-queer agenda.”

While abortion is still legal in Florida, it isn’t without restrictions. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in April, signed a bill banning most abortions in the state after 15 weeks, and while a circuit judge June 30 found the 15-week ban unconstitutional under the state’s Constitution, Florida is looking at a state Supreme Court much like the U.S. Supreme Court — one with a super conservative majority.

“It does remain legal for right now,” Piñeiro says. “Do we think the governor will try and do something? Possibly. We know this next legislative session is going to be a very tough fight.

Politicians are emboldened with Roe being overturned.”

WHAT NOW?

The biggest thing you can do if you want to see abortion rights protected is vote, Eskamani says, but also when you get them into office, hold your elected officials accountable.

“We have to build political power within ourselves and within our communities, and of course we can’t let up. We can’t just stop after an event, we have to keep going, there is no quick fix,” she says. “It is making sure that all of your friends and family are not just registered to vote but that they’re talking to others about this issue, that they are also informed. So much of the fascist agenda is disinformation,

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

like their entire approach is disinformation and downplaying things so you don’t feel energized to get out and vote and don’t hold elected officials accountable.”

It is also time to get involved if you haven’t already, Guillermo Smith says.

“Mobilizing and organizing by volunteering and becoming active with groups and advocacy organizations that are fighting to protect abortion access in Florida,” he says. “That’s something people should be doing; they should be knocking on doors, they should be making phone calls, they should be donating to abortion funds to help low-income women be able to access abortion services, because let’s be clear, so many of these restrictions on abortion access disproportionately impact the ability of low-income women to access abortion services. Doing those things is crucial.”

Piñeiro has two ways you can support people who have abortions. First, donate to abortion funds.

“Go to AbortionFunds.org and find the abortion funds in your community,” she says. “There are five different abortion funds in Florida, Florida Access Network is a statewide fund and we are the only one that is led by queer folks of color. Also apply to volunteer at an abortion fund if you can. The biggest need is help paying for people’s abortions.”

Piñeiro’s other suggestion — help push back on abortion stigma.

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“Know what abortion is and what it isn’t,” she says. “Become a better ally. One of the biggest things that impact people who have had abortions or who need an abortion right now is the stigma that is being perpetuated all over social media and in traditional media by people who have a right-wing agenda to spread hate. Challenge stigma, when we become an ally to abortion justice that’s when people can trust you when they need support and help, and they know you are going to have their back.”

If you need to seek out resources because you or someone you love needs an abortion, Piñeiro suggests starting at INeedAnA.com.

You can enter your age, zip code and how far along you are to get directed to the best resources for you.

“If the most marginalized of us cannot be free, then none of us are free,” Piñeiro says. “This is how we have gotten to where we are with abortion rights now, because we have allowed folks who don’t care about people who need abortions and who want to stigmatize and judge them for making their own health care decisions, to take part in the conversations and tell us who should or shouldn’t be allowed to make these decisions … There are no acceptable and unacceptable abortions, there are just abortions and the people who need them.”

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

BACK IN THE HABIT McGee leads ‘Nunsense: A-Men’ at the Straz

M

Ryan Williams-Jent

ATTHEW MCGEE KNOWS

PHOTO BY ROB-HARRIS PRODUCTIONS

his way around a stage. The longtime performer has entertained audiences throughout Tampa Bay for years – surprisingly often, he notes, in religious attire.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

“I have put on the nun’s habit more frequently than most actors could say,” McGee muses.

“Especially male actors.

I don’t know why I haven’t become a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, but maybe that’s on the To Do list.”

This month marks his third time playing Mother Superior in “Nunsense: A-Men,” the all-male version of the musical “Nunsense.” The celebrated comedy has spawned six sequels and three spin-offs since its 1985 debut.

This time McGee will play the show’s lead at JULY 7 - 20, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.14 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, running July 13-Aug. 7 in the Jaeb Theater.

“When Sister Julia accidentally poisons 52 sisters with her soup, problems unfold,” its synopsis reads. “The nuns’ funds aren’t enough to cover the multiple burial costs, so Mother Superior, portrayed by award-winning local actor and drag performer Matthew McGee, organizes a talent show fundraiser to raise the money.

“Based on the original ‘Nunsense’ show, these ‘sisters’ are ‘brothers,’” it continues. “Think of it as ‘Mrs. Doubtfire enters the convent.’”

While McGee has emceed events for the Tampa staple in and out of drag for years, the production marks his professional debut on a Straz stage.

“I saw the show ‘Sheer Madness’ at the Jaeb

CONTINUED ON PG. 31 | uu |

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ALL YE FAITHFUL: The Straz Center’s “Nunsense: A-Men” cast, including Matthew McGee (C) as Mother Superior and JS McGlaughlin as Sister Mary Hubert (2nd from R).

| uu | Back in the Habit FROM PG.29

Theater when I first moved to the Tampa Bay area,” McGee recalls.

“I said, ‘if there’s one thing I really want to do should I stay in this town – and it’s been over 20 years now – it’s work there. It really took that long. “‘Nunsense: A-Men’ came into play and I’ve done the show, so it seemed like a good fit,” he continues. “The clouds parted and there I was. It just worked out and has been really great.”

McGee is particularly thrilled to take part in a Straz-produced show. After a multi-year hiatus, the organization recently began producing work again with local talent, presenting engaging runs of “Shout! The Mod Musical” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“It’s exciting for Straz to be able to offer more options, especially since these options employ local artists; everybody from actors to musicians to designers,” McGee says. “Most of the time Straz is bringing in these amazing shows from out of town and it’s nice to see them produce something right here, working so closely with all the artists in town. We live in an amazing market, especially for theater, and it’s nice to have another venue doing that.”

Its star sees “Nunsense: A-Men” as a perfect addition to Straz’s lineup.

“It has a long history,” McGee explains. “One of the things that ‘Nunsense’ is famous for is that putting it in a season can make enough money to help pay for the other productions. It’s a crowd pleaser with great music and has nuns doing choreography, which is hilarious in and of itself.

McLaughlin’s Mary Hubert is the “right hand gal” of Mother Superior, McGee says. The comedic duo works closely throughout the show.

“We are playing nuns and nuns we are,” McLaughlin says. The production marks his second time in the role, one of his favorites.

“The cast is great, our director is stellar and we have wonderful management.”

The Straz production is also

McLaughlin agrees. The performer suggests audiences see it multiple times “to catch all the bits.”

“We are doing the most,” he says.

“We hope our audience sees the love and light we are trying to bring to this kind of messy world. We want you to laugh and have a holy time.”

While that’s been true for every production McGee has helmed as Mother Superior, he says his third time has come most naturally. The

With men in the role, there’s a different edge … You’re a nun once you put on the habit, but the jokes hit very different.

— MATTHEW MCGEE, MOTHER SUPERIOR IN “NUNSENSE: A-MEN” “It’s also sweet with a lot of heart to it – and with men in the role, there’s a different edge,” he notes. “It’s funny in the same way that the show always is, but in some different ways for both the audience and the actors. You’re a nun once you put on the habit, but the jokes hit very different.”

Four nuns join McGee onstage.

JS McLaughlin plays Sister Mary Hubert, Aaron Castle plays Sister Mary Amnesia, Ryan-Patrick McLaughlin is Sister Robert Anne and Jaryn McCann brings Sister Mary Leo to life.

high energy. “It has a lot more dancing than any production of this show I’ve ever done,” McLaughin promises.

“You’re talking about only five people on stage, where all five have to sing their own part. It’s tricky,” McGee adds. “Everyone has to be a really solid musician.”

That’s because “at certain points, all five nuns have their own separate parts to sing,” he continues.

“It’s deceptively difficult and takes a ton of work; it is a lot for five people to do.”

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

performer credits his age, which is closer to the character’s than ever before.

“I’m only about 50 years old, so I’ve still got some more left in me,” he says, “but what’s interesting is that ultimately I understand Reverend Mother a little bit better.”

He last played the role more than a decade ago.

“A lot of people don’t stay with acting forever, but if you do, when you get older, you become a better actor, and I think it’s because you just live,” McGee says. “So there are things that she talks about that

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PHOTO BY ROB-HARRIS PRODUCTIONS

I may not have understood over a decade ago, whereas now I really get them. It’s easier, I think.”

While the show isn’t without some gravitas, the performer stresses that “Nunsense” is largely about levity. McGee says that’s why the musical stands the test of time, particularly for LGBTQ audiences who can enjoy the nuances of “A-Men.” “Theater right now finds itself in an interesting place,” he says.

“It’s all about trying to get people back and a lot of the time, theaters want to spend a great deal of their time educating people. They want to turn a mirror on people, they want everything to have social significance. “‘Nunsense’ doesn’t have that and that’s what’s great about it,” he notes. “It’s just a great night out and I think that’s needed as well.

Knowing what I know about our community and everything that’s playing in Tampa Bay this summer, ‘Nunsense’ is the best bet for a lot of laughs and a lot of fun.”

“Nunsense: A-Men” plays at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts July 13-Aug. 7, located at 1010 N. Macinnes Pl. in Tampa. For tickets and more information, call 813-229-7827 and visit StrazCenter.org.

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THEATER

Creative Control

Osceola Arts brings the music of Queen to the stage with the musical ‘We Will Rock You’

(ABOVE)

ROCKING OUT: The cast of Osceola Arts’ “We Will Rock You.”

PHOTO COURTESY OSCEOLA ARTS

H

Charlotte Skipper

AVING THE ABILITY TO CREATE

art and music may be an obvious constitutional right in today’s world, but what if this wasn’t the case in a not-so-distant future?

“What I know to be true is that humans are made to create. We are creative beings. If that is taken away, then that means that as individuals, we are nothing without our creativity,” Robb Lott says.

Osceola Arts will play host to “We Will Rock You,” a jukebox musical directed by Lott featuring many of the greatest hits of legendary rock band Queen, at the Main Theater in Kissimmee from July 15-31.

“We Will Rock You” takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the government has taken control of the production of art and music. Despite not even knowing what rock music

is, a group of Bohemians strive to restore the world back to creativity and self-expression while fighting against those who destroyed creativity in the first place.

Although this musical is set in a world far in the future from today, its message can’t help but make the audience wonder what would happen if today’s government attempted to do the same. For Lott, he says being creative is inherent and vital for every individual.

Without some form of creativity, he says the world will lose its sense of purpose.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

“I think we would see a whole lot of depression, and a whole lot of misunderstanding and not knowing why. Just a loss of sense of purpose in the world,” he says.

Lott believes the world puts parameters on what is considered creative. He says even if a person works as an accountant, that individual is still solving problems in a way others would never imagine. Because of this, he says everyone needs that ability to create.

Bri Stefek, director of marketing and theater operations at Osceola Arts, says creativity in the world is what fuels individuality. Without it, she says day-to-day life would be incredibly bleak.

“It’s just the loss of self-expression. I feel like everyone would start looking and sounding like everyone else, because then you don’t have that expression to be unique and individual, and that would be a really boring, terrible place to be,” Stefek says.

As many people in the world continue to fight against the individuality and creativity flourishing in the LGBTQ community, the value of protecting self-expression is more important now than it ever has been. Lott says he wonders what would happen if people could no longer speak their truth and worries it would take a toll on those in the LGBTQ community who simply want to live their lives as their most authentic selves.

“I think (the loss of self-expression) resonates with people in a scary way, and they want to tell the story that says ‘No, we need to be able to express ourselves, we need to be who we are, and we need to be accepted for that and welcomed and enjoyed and appreciated and for all of the individuality that all of us bring,’” Lott says. “And the only way that we’re going to do that is by allowing people to express themselves and be who they are.”

In a musical that features a band that was known for constantly

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pushing the envelope with its music, Lott says lead singer Freddie Mercury resonates the feeling of self-expression in its highest form.

Mercury has remained a queer icon even decades after his death, largely due to his dazzling stage presence and the ability to be his authentic self everywhere he went.

“His performances when he would step on stage was like, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I do,’ and I don’t think he was ever more at home than when he was on stage in front of thousands of people,” Lott says. “Because it was a feeling of ‘I can be who I am, because who I am is really big, and I need to show the world who I am.’”

With a performer of this caliber leading the music in this performance, Lott says his direction of “We Will Rock You” focuses a lot on matching that outrageous energy. He says he tells actors not to be interesting themselves necessarily, but to be interested in what is going on. In a show that features incredibly detailed costuming, futuristic sets, and iconic songs, the performance must match what the show itself brings to the table.

Stefek says the decision to show “We Will Rock You” was for the audiences at Osceola Arts to switch up their traditional lineup and give the audience a chance to try something new. Although the classics are almost always worth seeing, Stefek says it is important to push new messages and show audiences a different story.

“It was a little bit of a departure from what old school traditional musicals are, and we’re very much on a path right now to expose our audiences to new and exciting art and theater, have a great time and have all the fun things you want to have in theater and that escape, but do it a little bit differently,” Stefek says.

“We Will Rock You” will be showing at the Main Theater of Osceola Arts from July 15-31, featuring local actors such as Natale Pirrotta, Sarah McKinney, Chadonné Whiskey, and more. Tickets can be purchased on the Osceola Arts’ website.

“Take a chance on musicals that you’re not familiar with and go see a show. Take a chance on a musical that you’ve maybe never, ever heard of, and expose yourself to something new,” Lott says.

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LITERATURE

TV Land Legend

Sitcom director James Burrows looks back on his five-decade career in new book days. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

AP: THE BUSINESS SEEMS TO PREFER SINGLE CAMERA COMEDIES THESE DAYS. WHY DO YOU PREFER MULTI-CAM?

BURROWS: What I do is not really television. It’s really theater that I film for television, so the structure of the piece has to be the work done with the actors and the writers on stage, and then you cover it with a camera. But what makes it great is the interaction, not necessarily the camera work, it’s the characters and the situation.

(ABOVE)

DIRECT TO TV:

James Burrows directed dozens of TV’s most beloved sitcoms, including every episode of “Will & Grace.”

PHOTO BY LUKE FONTANA, COURTESY RANDOM HOUSE GROUP

J

Alicia Rancilio

AMES BURROWS LOVES SITCOMS, AND HE

should. The 81-year-old has directed more than 1,000 episodes of TV sitcoms, including fan favorites such as “Friends” and “Cheers.” He’s also directed the pilot episodes for “Frasier,” “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory” and more, setting the tone for the series going forward.

Burrows is also responsible for directing all 246 episodes of the groundbreaking series “Will & Grace.”

That includes the show’s first eight seasons, which ran from 1998-2006, as well as the three seasons of its reboot from 2017-20. Burrows was even at the helm of the 2016 “Will & Grace” webisode “#VoteHoney,” a 10-minute online scene that encouraged everyone to vote.

Ask him why there are so few of his beloved sitcoms on the air these days and Burrows can’t answer.

“It’s not a good time for the multi-camera sitcom right now. I don’t know why. People ask me and I say,

I don’t know why. There’s only two or three on the air.”

He does believe the next big sitcom will come, and that will make multi-cam sitcoms popular again, but adds he “doesn’t see that show on the horizon right now.”

Burrows looks back on his famed career in a new book called “Directed

by James Burrows,” detailing how he got started in showbiz and became Hollywood’s go-to director for sitcom pilots, setting shows up for success to go forward.

He spoke with The Associated Press about the book, working on “Friends” and what entices him to work these

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

A TOUCHING POINT IN THE BOOK IS WHEN YOU RECALL SITTING DOWN WITH THE CAST OF “FRIENDS” WHEN YOU WERE LEAVING THE SHOW, AND GIVING THEM A VERY FATHERLY TALK ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE FUTURE SITUATIONS, SUCH AS, LISTEN AND LEARN FROM NEW DIRECTORS BUT “IF YOU DISAGREE, SAY SOMETHING.” YOU REMINDED THEM THAT THEY KNEW THEIR CHARACTERS BETTER THAN ANYONE AND THAT DAVID SCHWIMMER AND JENNIFER ANISTON, IN PARTICULAR, SHOULD PUSH FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO DO PHYSICAL COMEDY, BECAUSE IT’S WHERE THEY SHINED.

They were all in their 20s and I just wanted to enable them to understand how gifted they all were and to be able to express what they thought about the piece with ensuing directors and the writers because they were all really creative. If an actor contributes, it only makes the show better and it only makes the actor happier to be part of the creative process.

I tried to enable them out there and express themselves.

YOU ALSO SAY THAT ONE OF THE FEW REGRETS OF YOUR CAREER IS THAT YOU DIDN’T STICK WITH THE SHOW THROUGHOUT ITS NINE-SEASON RUN. WHY DO YOU THINK “FRIENDS” IS STILL SO POPULAR TODAY?

There’s always a new generation of demographic that watches the show.

My kids were too young when I was doing it to watch it, but they watch it now and their kids are going to watch it and their kids are going to watch

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it. There’s something really special about that show.

THE ACTORS WHO’VE WORKED WITH YOU ALWAYS EXPRESS SUCH LOVE FOR YOU. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

It’s comedy. That’s what it should be and what rehearsals should be.

I did invoke my fun clause once. I was working on a show and the actors were too difficult. So I said, ‘Start my car.’ And I started my car and I was off. I can’t work under those circumstances. There has to be this feeling on the set that I work, that we’re all in it to make a good show and not to either count lines or complain about the writing or other actors.

IN THE BOOK, YOU INCLUDE EXAMPLES OF PROBLEM SOLVING ON THE JOB AND PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO CERTAIN SITUATIONS THAT COULD BE HELPFUL FOR WORKING DIRECTORS OR THOSE WHO WANT TO BECOME DIRECTORS. WAS THAT INTENTIONAL?

It’s pretty specific to sitcoms but there are tips in there. The major tip, which I always try to get out in the community of sitcom directors, is to die with your boots on. It’s a writers-driven medium, the writer is also the executive producer and so they kind of control it. There’s a lot of sitcom directors who are just traffic cops, who just move people around and parrot exactly what the writers say. I’m a big advocate of, once the read-through of the script is over, you go down to the stage and rehearse and try new things.

THESE DAYS HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHEN YOU’RE GOING TO TAKE SOMETHING ON OR SAY YES TO DIRECTING A SHOW?

I’m very selective. I haven’t found a show yet that I would attach myself to, like I did with “Will & Grace,” which really made me laugh and was like a fountain of youth for me. The last thing I did was I did a pilot with Valerie Bertinelli that didn’t get picked up.

And before that, I did “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” with “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes,” where we had adults playing kids, Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg and Jen Aniston and Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Those make me really happy because I love those people and I love the challenge of taking a show that’s decades old and doing it again.

“Directed by James Burrows,” written by James Burrows with Eddy Friedfeld, is published by Penguin Random House and is available now wherever books are sold.

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Community Sweat benefiting Equality Florida

“On Your Feet!,” July 8-31, Garden Theatre, Winter Garden. 407-877-4736; GardenTheatre.org Hank’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, July 9, Hank’s, Orlando. 407-291-2399; HanksBarOrlando.com Neha Kakkar, July 9, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Bonkerz Comedy presents Gianmarco Soresi, July 9, Oviedo Cultural Center, Oviedo.

4074-971-5590; Facebook.com/ OviedoRecNParks New Kids on the Block, July 10, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Miss Glamorous Newcomer 2022, July 11, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org 80s Drag Bingo, July 11, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Orlando. 407-270-6749; IvanhoeParkBrewing.com Miss Glamorous Plush Pageant 2022, July 12, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org Popcorn Flicks in the Park: “Black Panther,” July 14, Winter Park Events Center, Winter Park. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org WWE Smackdown, July 15, Amway Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com “Chicago,” July 1517, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org “The Wacky Wonderful Oz,” July 16-24, Daytona Playhouse, Daytona Beach. 386-255-2431; DaytonaPlayhouse.org

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 8:30 A.M. ROCK HARD FITNESS, ORLANDO

BACK TO THE ‘80S New Kids on the Block, with guests Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley and En Vogue, bring their Mixtape Tour to Orlando’s Amway Center July 10. PHOTO COURTESY NKOTB FACEBOOK

#TeamCarlos Canvassing Event, July 16, Solary Park, Oviedo.

CarlosGuillermoSmith.com Marcus Anderson, July 16, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne.

321-242-2219; KingCenter.com Rep. Eskamani Legislative Library Hours, July 19, Southeast Branch Library, Orlando. AnnaForFlorida.com

TAMPA BAY “Rain and Thunder” Opening, July 8, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com Rally for Michele Rayner: Pinellas, July 8, 22 South Food Hall, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1267; MicheleForFlorida.com Rally for Michele Rayner: Hillsborough, July 9, Progress Village Park, Tampa.

MicheleForFlorida.com

June Jamalaya, July 9, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater Leather & Kink Social, July 9, City Side Lounge, Tampa. 727-203-5114; Facebook.com/ TampaBayLeatherandKinkSocial Drag Docent Art Crawl with Bak Lava, July 9, The Factory, St. Petersburg.

TheFactoryStPete.com “Antwanette’s Salutations Show,” July 10, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater Mercy McCoy & Ed Woltil, July 12, The James Museum, St. Petersburg. 727-892-4200; TheJamesMuseum.org “Nunsense: A-Men,” July 13-Aug.7, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org “Matilda: The Musical,” July 15-24, Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa. 813-922-8167; CarrollwoodCenter.org

Hanson, July 17, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg. 727-565-0550; Bit.ly/RedGreenBlueTour Summer Classics: “The Wizard of Oz,” July 17, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org Boxers and Briefs Night, July 19, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

727-235-9086; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage Pet Pal Animal Shelter Bingo, July 19, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg.

727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

SARASOTA

Come out and feel the burn as you help to raise funds for Equality Florida. Rock Hard Fitness hosts its Community Sweat event July 10. The class is open to everyone — no membership required — and is 100% donation based. All proceeds raised will go to Equality Florida. For more information, call 407-802-4631 or visit Rock Hard Fitness on Facebook.

Art Show by Nick Smith THURSDAY, JULY 14, 7-10 P.M. THE HAMMERED LAMB, ORLANDO The Hammered Lamb will host Central Florida artist Nick Smith for his Art Show, presented by the Urban Quarters Team, opening July 14. The opening night event will feature a raffle with 100% of funds going to the Zebra Coalition. Pieces on display for the Art Show will continue to hang in The Hammered Lamb for one month. For more information on the artist and upcoming events, visit NickMakesArt.com.

TAMPA BAY An Afternoon with Suzanne Westenhoefer SUNDAY, JULY 10, 4 P.M. THE PALLADIUM, ST. PETERSBURG The Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival proudly welcomes back comedian Suzanne Westenhoeffer for an afternoon of comedy, camaraderie and community. The industry veteran’s single performance benefits TIGLFF’s work in the community. Priority seating is $45 and general admission is $30. Learn more and purchase tickets at TIGLFF.com.

July G2H2, July 7, Flirt Sushi Lounge, Sarasota.

941-343-2122; G2H2Sarasota.com

LGBTQ+ Summer Camp

Broadway Brunch with Beneva, July 10, Bijou Garden Cafe, Sarasota. 941-366-8111; BijouGardenCafe.com

The first session of Metro Inclusive Health’s annual LGBTQ-focused summer camp begins in St. Petersburg, welcoming youth ages 13-17.

Participants will enjoy field trips to local gardens and museums as well as daily activities like crafting, games, community connection and more. A second week will follow in Tampa July 25-29. Learn more and register at MetroTampaBay.org.

MONDAY, JULY 11 – FRIDAY, JULY 15 METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH, TAMPA BAY

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

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

JULY 7 - 20, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.14 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Eunic Ortiz became the Democratic nominee for state Senate District 18 June 20. Read more on p. 11.

Pro Shop Pub celebrated 46 years June 26.

Come OUT St. Pete announced the Longstreth Family Scholarship June 26, a $5,000 grant for LGBTQ students at St. Petersburg College honoring co-founder Brian Longstreth and his family. “The Longstreths have been pillars in our community for over 30 years and we are proud to name this scholarship after them,” COSP shared.

Read more in future issues of Watermark.

The LGBTQ Resource Center named Nathalie Marcelin as the organization’s 2022-23 scholarship winner June 27, awarding her $2,500. She will use the funds to pursue a Master of Social Work at USF. St Pete Pride closed out its 20-year celebration June 30 after the return of its signature concert, parade and street festival June 24-26. “What a MONTH! As we start the final day of Pride month we wanted to say a GIANT thank you to the LGBTQ+ community here in Tampa Bay,” the organization shared. Read more and view photo galleries at WatermarkOnline.com.

CONDOLENCES Timothy B. Baynard died June 19. He will be missed.

Ruben Bazarte died June 27. He will be missed.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Sarasota Opera director of marketing Carlos Eduardo Vincente, St. Petersburg realtor Brian Scott Sprague, USF IT guru Angel Arcelay, Tampa Bay actor Chris Stein, American Financial manager Keith Williams, Tampa Pride superhero John Owen-Chambrone (July 7); Tampa Bay DJ Greg Anderson, Horror master Scott Swenson (July 8); Bay City Rehab & Wellness owner Scott Barry, Graphic designer Clo Labelle, Tampa Bay photographer Tony Fowler (July 9); Sarasota actor Kenneth Rapczynski, MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw (July 10); Sawmill Campground general manager Justin Pamplin (July 11); Metro Inclusive Health Development Division Director James Keane, St. Petersburg artist Steven Ranochak, Watermark mother Adrienne Swesey (July 12); Tampa Bay entertainer Robert Rigsby/Rockell Blu, Quench Lounge manager Gary Miller (July 13); Gasparilla Festival of the Arts staple John Scheffel, LGBTQ activist Gil Sainz, Al Ferguson formerly of Al & Chuck, Disney fanatic Matthew Samay (July 14); MIZE Gallery owner Chad Mize, Tribeca Salons brand ambassador and stylist Mikey Ferrer, Jr., Three Boys Café owner Matthew Downs (July 15); OUTCoast’s Rachel Covello, Michael Saunders & Co. realtor Jason Coy Turner, Community advocate Michael Snyder (July 16); St. Petersburg artist James Michael McCracken, Fitness instructor Dennis Carnahan, St. Petersburg IT wiz Frank Meekins (July 17); Seminole business owner David Verdi, Former St. Pete LGBT liaison Robert Danielson, former Come OUT St. Pete ambassador Joanie J. Werner, Real estate coach Tom Johnson (July 18); “Ms. Pinky Penmark” Robert Shaffer, Tampa Bay bear Mike Tobias, St. Petersburg hairstylist Joey Wilkes (July 19); Karmic Tattoo performer Pam Green (July 20).

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WELL DESERVED: Metro Inclusive Health leadership joins honoree and Director of Community Initiatives Nate Taylor (C) at the Business of Pride awards in Tampa June 22. PHOTO COURTESY

METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

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STRIKE A PAWS: Soro Cabbit makes their way down the Pride in Grand Central Street Carnival June 26.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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PRIDE PACK: (L-R) Susan Homburger, Travis Shaw, Matty Shaw and Walter Cencere Lattimore stroll St Pete Pride’ festival and parade June 25. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

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BIG WINNERS: Jesus Flores (L) and Andrew Briand pick up tickets they won from a Watermark giveaway July 4 to see War on the Catwalk at the Straz.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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FOR THE YOUTH: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay reflects on their partnership with Macy’s June 27 for Pride + Joy. PHOTO COURTESY BBBSTB

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LASTING IMPACT: Come OUT St Pete and supporters announce the organization’s Longstreth Family Scholarship with co-founder Brian Longstreth (C) at The Garage on Central Ave. June 26.

PHOTO COURTESY COME OUT ST PETE

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FULLY LOADED: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Rosé leads Cocktail’s Cock’d N Loaded mainstage entertainment in the Grand Central District June 26.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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PRIDE PICNIC: Project Pride closes out Pride month with University Town Center in Sarasota with a family picnic.

PHOTO COURTESY PROJECT PRIDE

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

7 JULY 7 - 20, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.14 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Piñero Preventive Medical Care opened in its new office in the Colonial Plaza, located at 2766 E. Colonial Dr. in Orlando, June 20.

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Natrea Blake, winner of Orlando Ballet’s 2021 Dance Accelerator 2 competition, has been named one of five choreographers to receive the prestigious Dance/ USA Black Indigenous People of Color grant for its Female Choreographers in Ballet Initiative, Orlando ballet announced June 27. The initiative is supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Natrea, who was nominated by Orlando Ballet, will premiere her winning piece entitled, “Breakthrough,” as part of Artistic Director Jorden Morris’ “Directors Choice,” in the 2022-23 season.

Watermark contributor Holly Kapherr Alejos and husband Cliff Alejos welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world on July 1.

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PROUD LEADER: U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (L) with Blue Star as he recognizes her during LGBTQ Pride Month for her contributions to the community at a ceremony in Kissimee June 30. PHOTO FROM BLUE STAR

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COMMUNITY CHAMP: Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith attends No Limit Health and Education’s event honoring him with its Humanitarian Award at the Orlando Science Center July 2.

PHOTO FROM REP. CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH

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NEVER FORGOTTEN: (L-R) Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Tatiana Quiroga, Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and Sister Ann Kendrick at an event, remembering the 49 lives lost at Pulse, held at the Mexican Consulate in Orlando June 21.

PHOTO FROM REP. ANNA V. ESKAMANI

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PROGRESSIVE MICKEY: Robert and Sean Mundyschein check out the Pride decorations celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month is Disney Springs June 20.

PHOTO FROM SEAN MUNDYSCHEIN

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PHOTO FROM ONE ORLANDO ALLIANCE

PHOTO FROM HUNTER ROGERS

NEW LOCATION: Josh Bell (L) with Dr. Rafael Piñero in front of the new location of Piñero Preventive Medical Care in Orlando June 23.

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COMIC RELIEF: Central Florida comedian Lee Cohen preforms during Flagler Pride in Palm Coast June 11. PHOTO BY SARETH NEY

ON BROADWAY: Hunter Rogers checks out “Beetlejuice” at the Marquis Theater on Broadway June 26 during a trip to New York City.

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ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE: Joel Figueroa (L) and Andrea Montanez attend an abortion access rally at The Beacham in Orlando June 27.

PHOTO FROM ANDREA MONTANEZ

Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith was awarded the 2022 Community Champion Humanitarian Award by No Limit Health and Education during an event at the Orlando Science Center July 2.

The LGBT+ Center Orlando named Come Out With Pride’s Tatiana Quiroga as its Orlando Trailblazer, Osceola County Public School’s Christopher Jon-Andrew May as its Kissimmee Trailblazer, Equality Florida’s Nikole Parker as its Champion of Equality, Impulse Orlando’s Joel Figueroa as its Emerging Leader and the City of Orlando’s Julie Tindall as its LGBT+ Ally for its 10th annual Diversity Awards. Other award recipients include Contigo Fund as The Center’s Non-Profit Partner, The Hammered Lamb as its Small Business Partner and Kroger as its Corporate Partner. The Center also named Mills50 District’s Joanna Grant as this year’s LGBT+ Center Lifetime Achievement recipient. Award recipients will be honored during a ceremony at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel on July 22.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Comedian Ronni Radner, Port Orange’s Madonna-loving Ryan Madison, Montessori teacher Natasha Kay (July 7); Hamburger Mary’s Jacksonville co-owner Brittany Moore, Darden attorney and board member Carole Conroy (July 8); Co-owner of Shelbie Press Michelle Murray (July 9), The Contigo Fund’s program director Marco Antonio Quiroga, Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Equality Nikole Parker (July 11); Central Florida drag performer Kristina McLaughlin, Orlando event planner Jorge Cruz (July 12); The Dru Project’s Shawn Chaudhry, Central Florida comedian Brianna Jaye, One Orlando Alliance board member Andrea Massey-Farrell (July 15); Watermark Splash Award-winning Orlando-based actor Hunter Rogers, Bank of America’s Tayt Jones, AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Russell Walker (July 16); LGBTQ ally and health care activist KT Sullivan, The Hammered Lamb’s Nikki Price (July 18); die-hard theater lover Deborah Simpson (July 19); Orlando physician Dr. Jerry Horton, Rock Hard Fitness owner and trainer Max Dunley, Central Florida performer Steven Johnson (July 20).

8 watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

JULY 7 - 20, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.14 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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WEDDING BELLS

Chuck and Joe Diaz-Henson from St. Petersburg, Florida

ENGAGEMENT DATE:

June 13, 2021

WEDDING DATE:

April 16, 2022

WEDDING VENUE:

Public ceremony under Bending Arc public art at the St. Pete Pier; reception at their St. Petersburg home

THEME:

Maroon and silver

OFFICIANT:

Evan Howe, a minister and close friend of Joe

CATERER:

County Market & Deli in St. Petersburg

PHOTOGRAPHER: Caroline Thomas

J

Tiffany Razzano

OE DIAZ-HENSON WAS DIRECTED TO PUT

on a nametag as soon as he arrived at Balance Tampa Bay’s June 2019 social meetup in Channelside. As he wandered through the crowded bar searching for the table with blank nametags, he “bumped into a very tall overshadowing person,” he says.

He asked where he could find nametags and the man – his future husband – pointed at the one he was wearing and said, “Hi, I am Chuck.”

This confused Joe, who eventually found the blank nametags on a table behind Chuck Diaz-Henson and his “equally tall” friend. “I was like, ‘Ok Chuck. Weirdo.’ From my 5 feet, 8 inches-tall perspective, they’re blocking the table,” Joe notes.

“In my version of the story,” Chuck says, “this adorable little Hispanic man comes up to me and asks where

nametags are and I think he’s playing me, trying to get my name.”

They didn’t speak again that evening, but the next day, Chuck found Joe on Facebook and messaged him. He lived in St. Petersburg but had a meeting in Tampa and offered to bring lunch to Joe, who was working from home as a project manager for a health care company at the time.

Joe accepted and they found themselves getting to know each other over Wawa sandwiches. One of

his dogs tried to eat their lunch and Chuck was quick to tell him, “No.” “It was real authoritative, super alpha,” Joe says. “In my head, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going to like this.’”

Chuck adds, “That was our first date, and I couldn’t believe I was yelling at his dog.”

For their second date a week later, they met at Dog Bar in St. Petersburg.

Chuck brought two chaperones along – his friend, Jenny, and his sheepdog, Charlie.

The couple bonded quickly over their shared love of animals.

Between the two of them, they have five dogs and Joe was quick to tell his new suitor, “If you date me, you date my dogs.”

“Joe’s love of dogs was one of the things that really drew me to him,” Chuck notes. “Joe’s humanity toward creatures that can’t really care for themselves is one of his most endearing qualities.”

At first, Joe was resistant to a relationship, sharing from their first date that he didn’t want a boyfriend.

“But my charms could not be resisted,” Chuck muses.

Joe says, “He was very persistent, but I was about to enter my third year single, and Chuck showed me an amount of respect and an amount of support of just caring that opened my eyes and my heart.”

They both recall a pivotal moment in their relationship, when they traveled to St. Cloud, Florida to try out a new zipline rollercoaster at an outdoor amusement park.

Though Joe hated heights, after some urging, he jumped from the attraction’s 80-foot-high tower and ziplined anyway.

“That’s the day I fell in love,” Chuck says.

In June 2021, the couple visited Savannah, Georgia with some friends – where Chuck decided to surprise Joe with a proposal. Reaching out to a friend of a friend – an event organizer and decorator – he set up a special table with champagne and desserts in the middle of one of the city’s historic squares.

“The idea was we would just happen to come upon the table and I’d propose,” he says. “But it rained torrentially that night.”

Luckily, the decorator had a plan B in place, setting up the table underneath an overhang near the Savannah Convention Center.

“It was amazing – a beautiful rug, white twinkle lights in the trees, Victorian chairs, a silver cart with his grandmother’s lemon square recipe and strawberries,” Chuck says.

As they walked from dinner at a nearby restaurant, they found the table and Chuck suggested they take a seat. Joe hesitated.

“I’m pulling him away like, ‘Chuck, somebody’s got something going on here.’ We have to go,” he explains.

Throughout the weekend his future husband and their friends had also been teasing him a bit, as well.

They tried to make him feel a little bit demanding, saying things like “OK, Joe, it’s all about you.”

Once they were at this spot, Chuck got down on one knee and said, “You know all weekend we’ve been saying it’s all about you? Well, this is all about you. My heart is yours if you’ll have it.”

Prior to the proposal, Chuck had engagement rings made from Kentucky bourbon barrels with deer antler inlay to represent his family history.

“Joey is Puerto Rican, and I am as white as they come. He’s very steeped in family traditions of Latin and Puerto Rican culture,” he says.

“I wanted to give him something from me and my background. Now he has something of mine he wears.”

The couple likes to refer to their big day as “a flash-mob wedding.”

They married under the Bending Arc public art piece on the St. Pete Pier and told anyone who wanted to join them that they were welcome. About 100 people showed up. They even rearranged the Adirondack chairs under the sculpture to create an aisle.

Afterwards they invited about 70 of their closest friends and family to their St. Petersburg home for a reception.

Three days before the event, their decorator backed out, leaving them in a lurch. Luckily, friends and family stepped up, donating the items they needed.

“It was perfect. Through the goodness of humanity, it ended up looking exactly like we wanted it to look,” Chuck says.

Joe notes, “We’re not very fancy guys anyway.”

“It was very us,” his husband adds.

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

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