Watermark Issue 29.16: Pride in Their Pets by Watermark Publishing Group

Your LGBTQ News Source.

LGBTQ pet parents showcase their furever families

O ne O rl a nd o A l l i a n c e l a u n c h e s LG B TQ su rv e y i n C e n t ra l F l o r id a C r i s t : Mon k e y p ox r e s p on s e a n ‘ LG B TQ r ig h t s i s su e ’ DAYTONA BEACH • ORLANDO • TAMPA • ST. PETERSBURG • CLEARWATER • SARASOTA

I S S U E 2 9 .1 6 • AU G U S T 4 - 1 7, 2 0 2 2 • WAT E R M A R KO N L I N E . CO M

Your LGBTQ News Source.

LGBTQ pet parents showcase their furever families

C r i s t : M o n k e y p ox r e s p o n s e a n ‘ LG B TQ r ig h t s i s su e ’ O ne O rl a nd o A l l i a n c e l a u n c h e s LG B TQ su rv e y i n C e n t ra l F l o r id a

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

I S S U E 2 9 .1 6 • AU G U S T 4 - 1 7, 2 0 2 2 • WAT E R M A R KO N L I N E . CO M

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

PAGE

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

I believe our pets are so important to the LGBTQ+ community because they are like our children. We have the right to adopt children, but that was not always to case. I often joke that every stray’s best life is to be adopted by a gay person … It’s just an extension of our community’s expression of love. – ORLANDO CITY COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN

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

PAGE LA VIE BOHEME!: Largo’s

PAGE PRIDE IN THEIR

PETS: LGBTQ pet parents showcase their furever families. COVER

PHOTOS BY DYLAN TODD.

SCAN QR CODE FOR

WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Eight O’Clock Theatre rocks out with “RENT.”

WATERMARK ISSUE 29.16 // AUGUST 4 - 17, 2022

COMMUNITY SURVEY

URGING ACTION

DRAG STATE

BRONZE BURLESQUE

PAGE One Orlando Alliance launches LGBTQ survey in Central Florida.

PAGE Congressman Crist calls monkeypox response “LGBTQ rights issue.”

PAGE

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

Gov. DeSantis targets South Florida restaurant’s drag show.

Corsets & Cuties to celebrate 8th anniversary at The Abbey.

AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK

’ALL, IT’S HOT OUTSIDE. I CANNOT

remember a time in Florida when it was hotter. It could be because I spent the weekend at softball practice and working in my attic. Sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way and I did when I went in my attic at 3 p.m. on a July Sunday in Florida to blow insulation. I recommend waiting until a cooler month, you know – like never.

A few days before the attic sauna, I spent the day at Busch Gardens with my mom and niece. As we walked the Edge of Africa I found myself quoting Matthew Broderick in “Biloxi Blues,” “Man it’s hot. It’s like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn’t take this kind of hot.” We perspired and persevered. While at Bush Gardens I got a Facebook message from longtime Watermark advertiser and friend, Todd Myer, asking if the park was any good since he had not been. If you had asked me that question 10 years ago I would have said, “Yes, it has great rides.” This time around though, I didn’t ride

anything. We just walked around and looked at the animals. I find myself amazed by animals lately. Maybe it started when Watermark Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent and I got to feed a giraffe at Tampa Pride’s Pride-Zoo-La event. We had to walk up a big platform to get level with its head. It was pretty awesome. Perhaps the greatest animal to walk this earth is a dog. I have had dogs my whole life, and now I have a small kennel. My oldest is a 16-year-old teacup chihuahua named Krypto. He weighs about two pounds and is named after

Superman’s superhero dog. My ex was a huge Superman fan, so that’s how he got his name. Krypto does his best to live up to his name, attacking brooms and dustpans with super-canine fearlessness. He did once come nose to nose with an opossum and made it out alive. Next in line is Coco-Chanel Crosney Claggett. She is my little one-eyed pug. She was named after a famous designer because my boyfriend at the time I got her liked to name pets after famous designers. Do you see a pattern? On our way to Jacksonville to get her we heard a commercial for the “Coco Chanel” movie starring Shirley MacLaine. It seemed to fit her. Coco was a little Tasmanian Devil as a puppy, zooming around the house. We assume she banged her head running into something, causing the loss of one eye at 6 months old. At 14 years old now, she has slowed down a bit. Coco and Krypto both live in Orlando with my roommate who has been with them their entire lives. When Watermark opened its St. Pete office I got an apartment nearby so I could work in St. Pete as well as Orlando. I have never lived alone, so I decided to get a puppy to keep me company. That’s when I got my beautiful little puggle, Amber Atkins. This time I named her,

Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com

Perhaps the greatest animal to walk this earth is a dog. pictured here at 5 months old and is a Boston Terrier. Dylan likes to say that she is 50% adorable and 50% monster. You’ve got to love a puppy, right? She is appropriately named after Amber Atkins’ rival, Rebecca Ann Leeman. It is clear our community loves its pets and considers them part of the family. We decided to spotlight these families with a photo essay of them in their happy places. We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

MELODY MAIA MONET has her own trans lesbian themed YouTube channel at YouTube.com/MelodyMaia and is the vice president of the board for Come Out With Pride Orlando. To find more information on Pride, visit ComeOutWithPride.org. Page 17

BIANCA GOOLSBY

MBA is a digital strategist and activist who partners with mission-driven organizations to increase their impact through innovative and effective online communications. She also empowers and equips families to curate safe social spaces for themselves and their children. Page 19

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

BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARQUS MOSLEY, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT

DISTRIBUTION LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, RAYLENE HUNT, ZACHARY WELCH

AMBER ATKIN

ORLANDO OFFICE Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

Administrative Assistant: Alina Alvarez • Ext. 100 Alina@WatermarkOnline.com

Creative Designer: Dylan Todd • Ext. 107 Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com

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

Creative Designer: Kyler Mills • Ext. 301 Kyler@WatermarkOnline.com

Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Sam@WatermarkOnline.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

REBECCA EMAN “BECKY” ANN LE

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

and I named her after the lead character in my favorite movie, “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” Amber is my baby. She travels with me back and forth from Orlando to St. Pete and she is pure joy. Amber is pictured here at 4 years old. My fourth and final pup is a new addition to the family. We got her for my husband and the two are an adorable pair. She is

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central florida news

LGBTQ RIGHTS GROUPS FILE LAWSUIT OVER FLORIDA’S ‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ LAW Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | LGBTQ rights groups filed a lawsuit July 25 on behalf of Florida teens and their families against four school boards in the state, arguing that the Parental Rights in Education law — also known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law — silences and erases LGBTQ individuals in schools. “The law is profoundly vague and requires schools to ban undefined broad categories of speech based on undefined standards such as ‘appropriateness,’” the lawsuit states. “The law demands that school districts implement its terms, and it empowers any parent to directly sue the school district if they are dissatisfied with its implementation of the law. And it simultaneously saddles school districts with the cost of litigation and the risk of paying plaintiffs’ attorney fees. “This vigilante enforcement mechanism, combined with the law’s intentionally vague and sweeping scope, invites parents who oppose any acknowledgment whatsoever of the existence of LGBTQ+ people to sue, resulting in schools acting aggressively to silence students, parents, and school personnel,” it continues. “The law, by design, chills speech and expression that have any connection, however remote, to sexual orientation or gender identity.” The suit was filed by Lambda Legal, the Southern Poverty Law Center and Southern Legal Counsel, as well as private counsel Baker McKenzie. The suit names the four school boards in Orange, Indian River, Duval and Palm Beach Counties as defendants. Will Larkins, a student from Winter Park High School and one of the plaintiffs in the suit, went viral earlier this year when videos of Larkin teaching their history class about the Stonewall Uprising were posted to Twitter. “I am concerned that this law will eviscerate any hope of healthy and important discussions about LGBTQ+ issues or historical events, which are already lacking in our schools. Because of the vague language of the law, closed-minded parents are emboldened to become vigilantes to force their beliefs upon other people’s children by suing the school district over anything they disagree with,” Larkin said in a statement released by Lambda Legal. The “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law — which went into effect July 1 — has drawn intense national scrutiny since its introduction in the Florida Legislature at the start of the year and has served as a frequent talking point of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered to be a potential 2024 presidential candidate.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Executive

director Josh Bell represents the Alliance at Orlando’s 2022 Mayor’s Neighborhood and Community Summit in April. PHOTO VIA THE

ONE ORLANDO ALLIANCE FACEBOOK PAGE

Community Survey One Orlando Alliance launches LGBTQ survey in Central Florida Jeremy Williams

RLANDO | The One Orlando Alliance has launched an LGBTQ-focused, first-of-its-kind survey to gather comprehensive data on Central Florida’s queer community that will assist its coalition of service organizations in their advocacy efforts. The “We Belong Here” survey — announced July 26, funded by Contigo Fund and facilitated by Polis Institute — will gather information in an array of areas including basic demographic data, sexual and gender identities, housing stability, access to physical and mental health care, religious affiliation, family makeups, citizenship status and more. “The LGBTQ+ community is not tracked well in terms of data, with some exceptions,” says One Orlando Alliance’s executive director Josh Bell. “We usually have a lot of data around HIV or STIs or health care issues, something in that area, but there isn’t a lot of data around the many other

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

aspects of our lives. So that’s a huge gap, and the Alliance’s job as a regional body is to know our community. The survey is one piece of that work.” The survey will help the Alliance gather clear, local information on where the needs in the LGBTQ community are. “We know some of these needs anecdotally but we don’t have hard data for a lot of these pieces,” Bell says. “So when we get the results back it will allow us at the Alliance — a coalition of 40 LGBTQ-serving organizations — to have actual data-based conversations around strategic interventions. What does the data show are the greatest areas of need for certain populations? What already exists to address that need and what are the gaps where that need is not being addressed? This will allow us to coordinate our work better, it’ll allow us to make strategic decisions, it’ll allow us to know the areas where we are doing well, where our communities are doing well and the areas where we are struggling.”

The information gathered will build on the coalition’s previous work with its Alliance Agenda, an annual report that looks at the needs of Central Florida’s local LGBTQ community in 10 critical issues — anti-racism, coming out, hate crimes, health care, homelessness, immigration, transgender and gender nonbinary individuals, vulnerable populations, workplace equality and LGBTQ youth. “In our previous work with the Alliance Agenda, we were highlighting issues that are affecting our community but with it we didn’t have recent, local data,” Bell says. “Since we don’t have a comprehensive data set on the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida, this survey is meant to produce that data to help further our work.” The Alliance hopes to have at least 2,000 survey respondents by September, which would give them a significant sample size in which to pull the data. Within those respondents, Bell says the Alliance won’t just be looking at the raw numbers, rather with continuous updates from the Polis Institute, they will be looking to get a true cross section of the communities within Central Florida’s LGBTQ population. Those interested in participating in the One Orlando Alliance’s “We Belong Here” survey can visit OneOrlandoAlliance.org/Survey.

AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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tampa bay news

THE WET SPOT SHARES NEW DETAILS, OPENS MEMBERSHIPS Ryan Williams-Jent

S SHOWING UP:

U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist during St Pete Pride 2022. PHOTO VIA CRIST’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Urging Action Crist calls monkeypox response an ‘LGBTQ rights issue’ Ryan Williams-Jent

T. PETERSBURG | U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist is urging the federal government and leaders in Tallahassee to make “rapid improvements” to the monkeypox response in Florida, calling the state’s outbreak “an LGBTQ rights issue.” Crist, a Democrat also running for governor, has represented Florida’s 13th congressional district in Pinellas County since 2017. He has championed LGBTQ legislation throughout his term. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has more than 350 confirmed cases of monkeypox as of Aug. 1. Rising cases around the globe have been disproportionately reported among men who have sex with other men. “I have heard the same concerns over and over again from constituents, friends, community leaders and providers across Florida,” Crist shared July 14. “People can’t get tested, can’t

get vaccinated and can’t get any answers. “While anyone of any sexual orientation can get monkeypox, the fact is that, for now, this disease is overwhelmingly affecting gay and bisexual men – a community that has historically been marginalized, stigmatized and ignored,” Crist also shared. He did so in a letter to President Joe Biden and other leaders. “Getting monkeypox right is an LGBTQ rights issue,” he stressed. “That means federal agencies should act with urgency to do what needs to be done. We need to get this right, and we need to do it yesterday.” On July 29, the federal government allocated 72,900 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Florida, bringing the total to 109,283 doses thus far. Crist reiterated his call for action, sending a letter to Florida’s surgeon general. “The response to monkeypox has been far too slow, and the silence coming out of Tallahassee is deafening,” he said. “High-risk Floridians, including gay and

bisexual men and people living with HIV, can’t get vaccinated and can’t get answers. “Today, 72,900 additional doses were made available to Florida by the federal government,” he continued. “Now, all the governor and surgeon general have to do is place the order and get as many Jynneos doses as possible into the arms of Floridians. Anything less is negligence.” Crist also reiterated that “getting this right is an LGBTQ rights issue,” adding that “this virus does not discriminate – it will affect everybody if we don’t act now to slow the spread.” According to the World Health Organization, which declared monkeypox a global health emergency July 23, cases have been reported in nearly 80 nations. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recommended that gay and bisexual men limit their sexual partners and other actions, detailed on p. 15. Confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Local organizations including CAN Community Health and Metro Inclusive Health are closely monitoring the situation and will be contacting high-risk groups regarding care and vaccine availability. For more information about monkeypox in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov and CDC.gov/ Poxvirus/Monkeypox.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

T. PETERSBURG | The Wet Spot Pool Bar and Day Club has released new details about this month’s anticipated full opening and is now selling monthly memberships. The LGBTQ hotspot first opened in late June during St Pete Pride as construction continued on the bar’s pool. The space has intermittently served patrons without the amenity in the time since. Located at the historic Mari Jean Hotel, the forthcoming LGBTQ-focused venue which also houses Cocktail, The Back Room by ZaZoo’d and The Saint, The Wet Spot is expected to fully open by mid-to-late August. Each of the businesses stem from LGBTQ entrepreneur David Fischer. “I think the people here were looking for places to shop, celebrate and be themselves,” he told Watermark in June. “They feel comfortable in our businesses and that’s great.” The Wet Spot first announced memberships were available July 27, detailing rates and more for the pool bar’s daily passes, cabana hammocks and monthly memberships. “Starting today until they are gone you can be one of the limited lucky first to have a monthly membership,” The Wet Spot announced. “Once they are sold we will not sell more until someone cancels.” The Wet Spot’s Soaked Membership costs $150 per month and includes unlimited monthly access to the pool, one complimentary towel, one complimentary drink, up to four guest passes and more. Loyalty perks will also accumulate. Members will earn five free drinks after three months, a one-liter bottle from their bottle service menu at six months and a VIP cabana at nine months. Cabana hammocks will be $200 and be available on a first come, first served basis for up to six people. They include access to the pool, cocktail service, one complimentary drink per guest and more. A limited number of daily passes will also be available for $25 and include pool access, one complimentary drink and other benefits. They will be available once the pool opens. St. Petersburg has a long history with LGBTQ-focused pool bars, though the city’s most recent resort permanently closed in 2019. “We feel like there there’s a need again for that,” Fischer also told Watermark. “The Flamingo and Suncoast Resorts did very well in their day and with this, we’ll apply what’s been successful with ZaZoo’d, Cocktail and The Saint ... it’s going to be fun.” Memberships to the Wet Spot are 21+. The pool bar will also open to the general public after 5 p.m.

Pre-purchased memberships to The Wet Spot Pool Bar and Day Club are now on sale. Once purchased, the membership will be frozen until the bar’s full opening. Visit Facebook.com/TheWetSpotStPete to learn more and view renderings of the space at WatermarkOnline.com.

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

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 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY”

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provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU 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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AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

state news

RUBIO DENOUNCES BILL Ryan Williams-Jent

.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has drawn the ire of LGBTQ activists and allies for calling legislation to protect same-sex marriage a “waste of time.” The U.S. House passed the Respect for Marriage Act July 19, with 47 Republicans joining every Democrat in their support. Rubio confirmed to CNN that he would not support it in the Senate, calling it “a stupid waste of time.” Watermark reached out to Rubio’s office for comment and was provided a link to an Insider report. Rubio told the outlet “he would not vote to codify same-sex marriage at the federal level, calling it a ‘non-issue,’” the story reads. It added that Rubio shared “there’s no threat to its status in America.” When pressed about how he would vote, Rubio confirmed he would not support the bill, calling it a “waste of our time on a non-issue.” U.S. Rep. Val Demings, the longtime LGBTQ ally who is running to unseat Rubio, was among those who condemned his remarks. For more information about the 2022 race for U.S. Senate and each candidate, visit ValDemings.com and MarcoRubio.com.

DESANTIS TARGETS RESTAURANT’S DRAG SHOWS Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

South Florida restaurant is under threat after Gov. Ron DeSantis said July 27 that the state is targeting its liquor license to shut it down. The R House is a dining establishment and lounge in the heart of the vibrant Miami-Wynwood arts district. It identifies itself as “the proud home of South Florida’s most popular weekend drag brunches!” The complaint was filed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation July 26 and asks for a final order that the R House restaurant be declared a public nuisance and have its liquor license revoked.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the complaint was issued after a video of a recent performance at the bar’s drag brunch went viral. A drag queen wearing lingerie stuffed with money can be seen in the video attempting to dance with a young girl, who the DPBR estimates is “between three and five years old.” Twitter account “Libs of Tik Tok” originally found the footage on Tik Tok, posted by a user who wrote, “Children belong at drag shows!!!!” The department cited multiple incidents of inappropriate drag performances with kids in the audience in recent weeks, including one in which a child “between the ages of 10-12 was “seen recoiling and turning away in her seat as a brunch performer climbed on the back of the child’s bench, squatted and gyrated a couple of feet above the child’s head.” “R House is an important institution to the Miami LGBTQ

community and one of our most respected LGBTQ-owned small businesses. For years they have been an anchor of the internationally recognized Wynwood Arts District and have long been an inclusive space dedicated to bringing people together,” Joe Saunders, Equality Florida Senior Political Director, said. “We stand ready to support them, their LGBTQ staff and our community at-large as we navigate a political environment made toxic by the governor and his political ambitions.” During a press conference July 27, DeSantis told reporters: “I’m sensitive to this … Being a parent is the most important thing we do. It’s also very challenging ... parents should be able to have their kids go to kindergarten, watch cartoons, just be kids, without having some agenda shoved down their throats all the time. And that’s what we’re fighting for. That’s what we’re fighting for.”

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PRESSURE ON SENATE GOP FOR MARRIAGE BILL Wire Report

ASHINGTON | The Senate has unexpectedly launched a new push to protect same-sex marriage in federal law after a surprising number of Republicans helped pass landmark legislation in the House. The legislation started as an effort to confront the new Supreme Court majority after the court overturned abortion access in Roe v. Wade, raising concerns that other rights were at risk. Pressure is mounting on Republicans to drop their longstanding opposition and join in a bipartisan moment for gay rights. “This legislation was so important,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. The Democrat marveled over the House’s 267-157 tally, with 47 Republicans voting for the bill July 19. Political odds are still long for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would enshrine same-sex and interracial marriages as protected under federal law. Conservatives, including House GOP leaders, largely opposed the bill, and the vast majority of Republicans voted against it.

But in a sign of shifting political attitudes and a need for an election-year win, some Republicans are signaling there may be an opening. Few Republicans spoke directly against same-sex marriage during the floor debate in the House. And Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was notably silent when asked about the bill. President Joe Biden wants Congress to send him the bill to sign as soon as possible. “This is something that’s personal to the president,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. The legislation has just two Senate Republican co-sponsors, Susan Collins of Maine and Rob Portman of Ohio. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina are among others closely watched for possible support. In all 10 Republican senators would need to join with all Democrats to reach the 60 vote threshold to overcome a GOP filibuster. “We’re seeing progress on this, and I’ll take progress,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the bill’s chief sponsor, told reporters at the Capitol.

Social issues including same-sex marriage and abortion have sprinted to the top of the congressional agenda this summer in reaction to the Supreme Court’s action overturning Roe v. Wade, a stunning ruling that ended the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion access. It set off alarms that other rights conservatives have targeted could be next. While Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, insisted the Roe v. Wade ruling pertained only to abortion access, it demonstrated the new conservative muscle with three Trump-era justices tipping the court’s balance. A concurring opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, who has gained stature in the new majority, raised questions about same-sex marriage and other rights. The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act, which put into federal law the definition of marriage as a heterosexual union between a man and woman. That 1996 law was largely overshadowed by subsequent court rulings, including Obergefell vs. Hodges in 2015, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

WHO ADVISES REDUCING SEX PARTNERS Wire Report

ENEVA | The head of the World Health Organization on July 27 advised men at risk of catching monkeypox to consider reducing their sexual partners “for the moment.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 98% of the monkeypox cases detected since the outbreaks emerged in May have been among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. He called for those at risk to take steps to protect themselves. “That means making safe choices for yourself and others, for men who have sex with men,” Tedros said. “This includes, for the moment, reducing your number of sexual partners.” Infectious individuals should isolate and avoid gatherings

involving close, physical contact, while people should get contact details for any new sexual partners in case they need to follow up later, the WHO chief said. WHO officials emphasized that monkeypox can infect anyone in close contact with a patient or their contaminated clothing or bedsheets. The U.N. health agency has warned that the disease could be more severe in vulnerable populations like children or pregnant women. “We know very clearly that one of the main modes of exposure for this particular illness is through direct contact, close contact, skin to skin contact, possibly even face to face contact, exposure to droplets or virus that may be in the mouth,” Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO’s technical lead for monkeypox, said. Andy Seale, a WHO adviser on HIV, hepatitis and sexually

transmitted infections, said experts have determined the current monkeypox outbreak is “clearly transmitted during sex,” but he said they have not yet concluded whether it’s a sexually transmitted infection. Dr. Hugh Adler, who treats monkeypox patients in the U.K., said monkeypox was being transmitted during sex and that sexual networks and anonymous sex with untraceable partners were facilitating its spread. In a letter to European health ministers obtained by The Associated Press, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides called for a “reinforced, concerted and coordinated action.” “There is no time for complacency and we need to continue working together to control the outbreak,” she wrote.

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IN OTHER NEWS GAY OKLAHOMA MAYOR RESIGNS The openly gay mayor of a city of 9,564 residents near Oklahoma’s capital sent a letter to its city manager July 18 informing him that he was stepping down due to homophobic threats. “For almost five years, I’ve proudly served The Village as Councilmember and Mayor,” Adam Graham shared. “It’s been an honor to serve and it’s been my great privilege to break boundaries. I no longer feel safe to serve in my capacity here.” Graham cited escalating threats including ones indicating violence, having his property vandalized and his discomfiture with the situation in the community.

WHITE SUPREMACISTS APPEAR IN IDAHO COURT Six of the 31 members of a white supremacist group who were arrested near a northern Idaho pride event in June pleaded not guilty July 18 to misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to riot. The Patriot Front members were arrested June 11 with riot gear after a tipster reported seeing people loading up into a U-Haul at a hotel parking lot in Idaho. Appearing via Zoom for court proceeding were Josiah Buster and his brother Mishael Buster and Connor Moran, all of Texas; Derek Smith of South Dakota; Dakota Tabler of Utah and Justin O’Leary of Washington. The remaining defendants will be arraigned later.

ATTACKS REPORTED AFTER BERLIN PRIDE Two apparent homophobic attacks were reported following Berlin’s pro-LGBTQ Christopher Street Day celebration on July 23, the first time Berlin’s annual celebration had taken place largely without restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic. In one incident, three teenagers were confronted by a group of nine people. One girl suffered light injuries. A group of eight people also assaulted a 32-year-old man. The incidents came at the end of a day in which hundreds of thousands came out to support LGBTQ rights around the city. Final police estimates put the overall crowd size at 350,000. Police said the parade itself was peaceful.

CUBA SCHEDULES CODE REFERENDUM The Cuban government has announced a referendum on the final draft of a new family code that would extend marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples. It will take place on Sept. 25. “It will benefit everyone; which shows its inclusive, protective and equal character,” said Justice Minister Oscar Silvera Martínez in local reports. The National Assembly approved the draft family code late last year and a “popular consultation” ended April 30. The last of the family code’s 25 drafts was presented to President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other officials on June 6. Efforts to implement the new code are taking place against the backdrop of the continued persecution of LGBTQ+ and intersex Cubans.

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viewpoint

Maia Monet

TRANS OF THOUGHT Losing the �ight for bodily autonomy

WAS ASKED RECENTLY BY

Anna Eskamani to address a pro-abortion rally on the day the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

My first instinct was to say no for a variety of reasons, not least of which was because, while I am a woman, I am a trans woman and current medical technology hasn’t yet advanced to the point of allowing me to have a uterus and get pregnant. I wasn’t exactly certain that what I had to say would be received well in the moment, although I knew with absolute certainty that abortion rights, and broader reproductive rights, are inextricably linked with trans rights. In the end, I decided to speak at the rally. I needn’t have worried about my reception as there was a clear shared anger that welcomed all comers, no matter how we identified. It was inspiring to feel welcomed into a shared sisterhood at a very low moment in our country’s collective history. As I made my points that we shared a common enemy who had designs to take all bodily autonomy from trans people and women, that my medical transition was contingent on my ability to make the choice to lose my reproductive ability, and that trans men and nonbinary people also needed reproductive care including the right to an abortion, I was met with raised fists and outraged cheers. As long as I live I will never forget that moment. Where I am considerably less sanguine is in the state of trans rights in Florida and many other conservative states in the country. 18 states have succeeded in banning trans kids from competing in sports and more and more are succeeding in banning them from transition altogether. We are losing the fight for trans rights by increments nearly in lockstep with abortion rights. Even more alarming are the inroads into transgender issues I see conservatives making into the hearts and minds of cisgender and otherwise

liberal thinkers. If you have ever felt uncomfortable with the notion of trans kids transitioning or with trans women competing in sports with cisgender women, then most likely you have been influenced. Conservatives are furiously trying to fan seeds of doubt into full-blown transphobia. The strategy is working and it is paving the way for previously inconceivable laws and regulations that would make it impossible to exist as a trans person in Florida and most of the Southeast. We know that studies show us that science clearly supports trans people and our rights but fighting the good fight has become increasingly difficult when prominent liberal platforms align themselves with transphobes for the misguided sake of presenting “both sides” of the “trans debate.” For instance, a recent NY Times opinion piece claimed that trans inclusivity is hurting cisgender women in the fight for abortion rights. A horribly transphobic talking point leveraged by conservatives and echoed by none other than Bette Midler on Twitter because a surface reading seemed “reasonable” and appeared in a media outlet not controlled by Rupert Murdoch. A mistake the Divine Miss M compounded by posting a defensive “apology” that included a description of the NY Times article as “well written.” This is how they are dividing us and it is very effective. So how do we guard against the erosion of trans rights? First of all may I suggest something so simple that I am embarrassed I have to spell it out: Listen to transgender people! One thing the trans community and I find maddening and infuriating is how often the “trans question” is presented as something open for debate and nearly always by and for cisgender consumption with

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nary a trans person in the mix. If you think it is wrong for a bunch of old white men to decide what women can do with their bodies, then you should also believe that cisgender people should not be deciding what trans people can do with our bodies too. Even on

some transphobic bullsh*t. I recently gave up on a gay friend who could not see why Bette Midler’s Twitter post was transphobic. I’m sure he would have seen it as homophobic if she had been protesting against the inclusion of nonbinary designations or two brides

transition health care paid for by Medicaid for ALL trans people in the state regardless of age. Both Equality Florida and the Human Resource Campaign are rallying efforts to oppose this change which would doubtlessly lead to the deaths of trans people.

a talk show. Second of all, BELIEVE trans people. When we say something is transphobic and you have a hard time seeing it as a cisgender person, understand that you may not be the best judge. I myself am tired of hearing the refrain “I support trans people, but…” leave the mouths of cis people in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is the surest sign I am about to hear

or grooms on marriage certificates because it made marriage more “difficult” for straight people. He refused to see the transphobia that was plainly obvious to me. Don’t be that gay friend. Finally, get involved! Here in Florida we have wonderful resources that track the anti-trans efforts being made by conservatives. Currently being considered is removing all support for

Contact them and they will let you know what you can do to help. At times like this, we need everyone pulling together. I hope to see you out at the next trans and reproductive rights rallies.

We are losing the fight for trans rights by increments nearly in lockstep with abortion rights.

Melody Maia Monet has her own trans lesbian themed YouTube channel at YouTube.com/MelodyMaia and is the vice president of the board for Come Out With Pride Orlando. To find more information on Pride, visit ComeOutWithPride.org.

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Bianca Goolsby

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME Live Life More Intentionally

HAD OPEN HEART

surgery in late June. My journey has included some dark times, and it can be hard to keep going when you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle, but I’m not a quitter – and neither are you.

Leading up to the procedure, my focus has been on my freedom and fulfillment. It is an ongoing journey of making the commitment to be unapologetically me with three key elements: accountability, transparency and integrity. One of the things I’ve learned is that not everyone needs or deserves access to everything about me. In fact, some people don’t need or deserve any access to me at all. I’m learning to be more selective with who I allow into my life and what parts of myself I share with them. I’m also learning that it’s okay to change my mind about who I give access to and what parts of myself I’m willing to share. Just because I’ve shared something with someone in the past doesn’t mean I’m obligated to continue doing so. It’s been a liberating experience to start setting boundaries with the people in my life. When we’re more intentional about who and what we allow into our lives, we create space for more of what we really want. This journey has required me to slow down, reflect and live life more intentionally. As I’m recovering from my procedure, I wanted to share seven insights I’ve gained about living life on my own terms. Maybe they can help you do the same.

1. It’s okay to say no! We often put so much pressure on ourselves to please others that we forget to take care of ourselves. When you set boundaries, it allows you to focus on your own needs and wellbeing. 2. It’s okay to put yourself first. You cannot pour from an empty cup. To be there for others, you need to take care of yourself first. Each person is responsible for their own happiness and you cannot control or fix someone else’s life, no matter how much you want to. The best you can do is focus on yours to be the best version of yourself. 3. It’s okay to ask for help! We often feel like we must do everything on our own, but that’s just not realistic. Asking for help is a sign of strength that shows that you are willing to admit when you need assistance and that you are comfortable reaching out to others. 4. It’s okay to make mistakes! It’s part of being human and we all do it. What matters is how you learn from them and grow as a result. Mistakes are not a sign of weakness, they’re a sign of courage. It’s brave to put yourself out there and try new things. 5. It’s okay to change your mind! Your wants and needs will change as you grow and evolve. What mattered to you in the past may not be as important to you now. That’s perfectly normal! Allow yourself the flexibility to change your mind and make new choices. 6. It’s okay to have boundaries! It’s important to protect yourself from getting overwhelmed or being taken advantage of. When you set boundaries, you are telling others what you are and are not comfortable with. This helps to foster healthy relationships built on trust and respect. 7. It’s okay not to be okay! It’s healthy to feel a range of emotions. Suppressing them can lead to anxiety, depression

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and even physical illness. When you allow yourself to feel your emotions, it can help you to process them and move on. It’s okay to be yourself – you are the only you that there is, so embrace it! There will always be people in our lives who want

unapologetically me. When we live our lives on our own terms, we are free to be our authentic selves. We are free to pursue our dreams and goals. We are free to love and be loved. I encourage you to ask yourself what you want out of life and what makes you

even when I make mistakes. It means taking care of myself, even when I’m tired or overwhelmed. In short, it means living my life intentionally and with purpose. This is my freedom and fulfillment and I invite you to choose to live your life on your

to control us or put us in a box. They may try to do this by making us feel guilty, manipulating our emotions or making us doubt ourselves. But we have the power to choose how we react to these people and situations. We can choose to give them power over us, or we can choose to stand firm in our convictions and be true to ourselves. I have made the decision to be

feel free and fulfilled. Then go after it with everything you’ve got! Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back from living unapologetically on your own terms. For me, that means being true to myself, even when it’s not popular or easy. It means setting boundaries and saying no when I need to. It means speaking my truth, even when it’s not convenient or comfortable. It means being kind to myself,

own terms. Be true to yourself. Set boundaries. Speak your truth. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself. I love you!

To be there for others, you need to take care of yourself first.

Bianca Goolsby, MBA is a digital strategist and activist who partners with mission-driven organizations to increase their impact through innovative and effective online communications. She also empowers and equips families to curate safe social spaces for themselves and their children.

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‘STRANGER THINGS’ STAR CONFIRMS HIS CHARACTER IS GAY

FTER THE CONCLUSION OF SEASON 4 OF THE HIT NETFLIX SERIES “STRANGER THINGS,” Noah Schnapp has revealed his character Will Byers is gay. Will deals with a lot throughout the series — from being abducted and taken to The Upside Down to becoming possessed by the demonic entity known as the Mind Flayer — however, season 4 dives deeper into his struggle with his sexuality and identity. “This season was a new thing for me. I had to explore (Will) navigating his personal identity issues and struggling with growing up and assimilating into high school. It was new for me,” Schnapp told Variety. Throughout the series, fans have speculated Will has feelings for his best friend Mike, played by Finn Wolfhard. This aspect to the show has gradually developed and now, four seasons later, Schnapp has confirmed Will is gay. Seasons 1-4 of “Stranger Things” are all currently available to stream on Netflix.

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THE OUTBREAK NATHAN LANE EARNS RECORD-BREAKING EMMY NOMINATION

ATHAN LANE HAS MADE HISTORY AS THE MOST-NOMINATED best comedy guest actor in Emmy history. The three-time Tony winner outmuscled the late Fred Willard for the most nominations in the category when the Primetime Emmy nominations were announced July 12 for his work on “Only Murders in the Building,” leaving him with six nods to Willard’s five. In “Only Murders in the Building,” Lane plays a deli chain owner/podcast sponsor who is harboring dark secrets. Lane, who has been nominated for best comedy guest actor six times and best drama guest actor once, has yet to win a Primetime Emmy.

LIA THOMAS NOMINATED AS NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR

IA THOMAS, THE FIRST TRANSGENDER WOMAN TO EARN A NATIONAL TITLE in Division 1 athletics, was nominated by the University of Pennsylvania for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award. The former University of Pennsylvania swimmer has been the center of national debate about trans athletes in sports. The NCAA Woman of the Year Award was established to honor senior female student-athletes who demonstrate excelling performances in academics, athletics and community services at college. In March, Thomas finished the 500-yard freestyle event in the fastest time recorded in the NCAA season.

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‘THE WHALE’ TO PREMIERE AT VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

ARREN ARONOFSKY’S “THE WHALE” WILL PLAY at the 79th Venice Film Festival, running Aug. 31-Sept. 10. “The Whale,” from film studio A24, will star Brendan Fraser as a 600-pound gay man trying to reconcile with his estranged 17-year-old daughter, played by “Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink. The film is being adapted by Samuel D. Hunter, the writer behind the 2012 play of the same name. Aronofsky is known for bringing an offbeat, otherworldly feel to his dramas. His previous work includes “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Wrestler,” “mother!” and “Black Swan.” “The Whale” is one of 23 films that will compete during the festival.

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LGBTQ pet parents showcase their furever families

FELIPE AND LUIS SOUSA-LAZABALLET (He/They and He/Him)

Identify As: Nonbinary, Queer and Gay Pictured With: Cosito, “an equal opportunity cuddler who somehow splits his time perfectly between the two of us.” “As a community, we long for belonging and love. It’s not easy to create these environments where we can simply exist. Cosito completes our pack and he helps to make our house feel like a home because of the love he so freely shares with us every day.”

Ryan Williams-Jent

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feathered favorite may be, the 20212022 National Pet Owners Survey recently reported that 70% of U.S. households own at least one pet. That’s around 90.5 million families, chosen or otherwise.

It’s been conducted since 1988, when the American Pet Products Association discovered 56% of households reported the same. Their research now shows that 69 million households own dogs, 45.3 own cats, 14.7 own

fish, 9.9 own birds and 6.2 own other small animals. The data undoubtedly extends to LGBTQ Americans, a community which has long understood the benefits of owning a pet, both mental

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and physical. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doing so can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, PTSD and more. It’s also just fun, which is why Watermark spoke with LGBTQ pet owners throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay to learn more about their furever families. Here they share a little about these rewarding relationships in a special photo series, beautifully captured by designer and photographer Dylan Todd.

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ORLANDO COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN (She/Her)

Identifies As: Lesbian Pictured With: Sienna, Nina Simone, Sally and Goldie, “they’re everything to me.” “I believe our pets are so important to the LGBTQ+ community because they are like our children. We have the right to adopt children, but that was not always to case. I often joke that every stray’s best life is to be adopted by a gay person … It’s just an extension of our community’s expression of love.”

CHRISTOPHER GORMAN (He/Him)

Identifies As: Demisexual Pictured With: Konrad, “the strongest constant in my life over the last few years.” “My pet doesn’t care how much money I have in the bank, or how attractive I am, or pass judgment over the things that I find enjoyable, they only care about whether there is food and love available. Pets are our chosen family.”

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STEPHANIE MORGE AND MISTY MCDEVITT (She/Her)

Identify As: Lesbians Pictured With: Emma, Max, Milo and Maple, “they are our kids, because that’s exactly how we treat them!” “The bond for the LGBTQ community and our pets boils down to unconditional love – our pets deserve it just as much as we do, and they’re the best at giving it! They bring us such joy and remind us how important it is to enjoy the little things in life and quality time with our loved ones.”

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SABRINA AMBRA (She/Her)

Identifies As: Lesbian Pictured With: Luna, Celine and Carl, “the absolute world to me.” “No matter who you are, where you come from, where you’re going and everything that happens in between – pets are by your side (or at your feet) and genuinely, absolutely love you. The best pet breed in the entire world is called ‘rescued.’”

TOM DYER (He/Him)

Identifies As: Gay Pictured With: Seamus, “my constant companion at home, at work and when I travel.” “Many of us grew up fearing that the love of those closest to us might be conditional. Dogs don’t judge, hold grudges or resentments. Seamus reminds me to let go and live in the present. He looks at me with eager eyes as if to say, ‘Whatever’s next, Dad, I’m up for it!’”

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PRIN OCEA AND FINLEY QUINN (They/Them)

Identify As: Queer, GenderQueer, Transgender Pictured With: Willow, who helps them “enjoy the little things” and Keith, who “provides lots of serotonin!” “Often times family does not accept us as LGBTQ+ people, but pets will always love and accept us no matter who we are or what we come out as. They are always excited to see you and never judge your choices.”

NICHOLAS AND LEE ACOSTA (He/Him)

Identify As: Gay Pictured With: Stewie and Rosie, “the world to us.” “Pets give us unconditional love and affection. With the unfortunate amount of discrimination and exclusion even in 2022, we can rely on them being there for us when we get home to snuggle up and love us, no matter how we identify or who we are.”

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FLORIDA’S MOST

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THEATER

La Vie Boheme!

Eight O’Clock Theatre rocks out with ‘RENT’

(ABOVE)

SEASON OF LOVE:

Eight O’Clock Theatre’s cast of “RENT.” PHOTOS COURTESY EIGHT O’COCK THEATRE

Ryan Williams-Jent

ONATHAN LARSON’S “RENT” CHANGED

the world. The rock musical first urged audiences to choose love over fear in 1996 and has reminded fans there’s no day like today ever since. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show follows a group of friends fighting for their dreams during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Their story takes place over the course of one year, which after a quarter century is widely known as 525,600 minutes to “RENT” fans across the globe. That includes entertainer Derek Baxter, who discovered the LGBTQ and theatrical staple at 16. The show “gave me a place to look and see myself, my community and my struggles,” he says. “I was raised with a friend who was HIV+ from birth, I was a queer teenager trying to figure my own stuff out and I felt that I didn’t belong to the mainstream but didn’t quite know how to express myself in the middle of St. Petersburg,” Baxter

explains. “I was introduced to the Bohemian lifestyle and I found my people because of this musical. Not only did ‘RENT’ change Broadway and musical theatre, it changed me and my friends.” Now in his 40s, Baxter is bringing “RENT” to the stage to help do the same for others. He’s leading Eight O’Clock Theatre’s production of the musical as director and choreographer. EOT has produced Broadway, Off-Broadway and original productions in Tampa Bay since 1982. It has called Largo’s Central Park Performing Arts Center home since the year “RENT” premiered. Baxter has worked with the community theatre before, both as a performer and director. He says “RENT” has long been on their radar.

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

“I was excited to lead this production because there is something about touching a work so closely that meant so much to you,” he says. “It is important that work exists on Broadway and in NYC; however, it is more important the work exists throughout the world and local companies, so performers and audiences get to have the work affect them firsthand as well,” Baxter continues. “That is why I jumped at the opportunity to bring this work to Pinellas County and to a whole new generation of people that will find themselves in this work as well.” “RENT” features eight roles and an extensive ensemble. Baxter calls them “one of the most ridiculously talented casts I have ever had the privilege to direct.” “Every person in the room from cast, production staff, theatre staff, to crew are so excited and stoked to be working on this show,” he explains. “It is such a theatrical and LGBTQIA+ staple that everyone is working to respect the show, the process and each other.” They even created their own motto for their production: “Live with no shame, Love with no boundaries.” Baxter notes that “every single person involved has embraced it.” Primary cast includes Matthew Morris as Roger, Cody Carlson as Mark, Shelly Johnson as Mimi, Topher Warren as Tom Collins, Sarah Roehm as Maureen, David Eaton, Jr. as Angel, Liberty Mack as Joanne and Gabe Flores as Benny. Playing the show’s zany performance artist Maureen is a dream come true for Roehm. The actress says she’s eager for audiences to see what EOT has been able to create. “My favorite thing about working with Derek is the way he honors the favorites that everyone knows and loves, while managing to breathe new life into each scene,” she says. “I love how this show is being presented … I feel like it will be fresh even for people who have seen the show a million times.”

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Bringing its struggling musician Roger to the stage was “one of the most challenging, rewarding and exciting experiences I have ever been a part of,” Morris notes. “Derek has crafted this iconic show in a way I think many people won’t be ready for, and they will be ecstatic with the results,” he adds. “This show is timeless, but the messages of the story need to be heard now more than ever.” Mack agrees. She plays headstrong lesbian lawyer Joanne, whose tumultuous relationship with Maureen takes center stage in the musical. “I wanted to be a part of ‘RENT’ because I absolutely love this story and definitely not because I wanted to sing ‘Take Me or Leave Me,’” she muses, referencing the couple’s fan favorite duet. She’s thankful to be part of a production that “couldn’t have been made possible without the countless amount of queer people of color who came before us.” It’s a sentiment the full cast seems to embrace, including Topher Larkin. The performer is one of nearly 20 other talents who round out the impressive ensemble. “From day one we established ourselves as a family, a safe place, and I’ve never been in a cast where so many queer identities and visibilities are celebrated,” he says. “This production is a love song to the fans who have embraced ‘RENT’ from the beginning and still an opportunity to teach a whole new generation.” That’s Baxter’s ultimate hope. “I can’t imagine going through life without seeing ‘RENT’ and experiencing the lessons that this show teaches,” he says. “This group of characters and these amazing actors are living their lives unapologetically, and you need to experience the bohemian ideals for yourself, if only for two hours. “We are currently in a climate, politically and socially, where so much of what we have worked for is being taken away,” Baxter stresses. “There are people trying to make ‘us’ sit down and be quiet. I refuse to and so should you. There is nothing else like ‘RENT’ … a very modern musical still confronting social change and humanity at its core.”

“RENT” plays Aug. 5-14 at Eight O’Clock Theatre, located at 105 Central Park Dr. in Largo. Shows are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 727-587-6793 or visit EightOClockTheatre.com.

Timucua’s 2022-2023 season kicks off in August with our first ever International Guitar Festival highlighting local and international guitarists.

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STAGE

Bronze Burlesque

Corsets & Cuties celebrates its eighth anniversary with show at The Abbey Orlando

(ABOVE)

THE CUTIES: Lady

Jaimz (back center) leads a burlesque troupe of more than a dozen dancers, singers, aerialists and more. PHOTO COURTESY CORSETS & CUTIES

Jeremy Williams

ADY JAIMZ HAD NO IDEA WHEN SHE

co-created Corsets & Cuties, A Burlesque Cabaret, nearly a decade ago that this is what she would be doing as her fulltime job. “At the time we just had so many talented friends who had been working at the theme parks but didn’t fit that mold anymore,” Jaimz says. “As you get older you kind of fall out of the different roles that they seek. After having kids and whatnot, you have a different grasp on life and we wanted to give people a chance to get their sexy back.” Jaimz started down her path to burlesque with a 2012 show in the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival called “Redlight: The Bad Girls of Broadway,” a cabaret filled with the sexiest songs from popular Broadway shows. “We sold out the entire run and got Patron’s Pick,” says Jaimz.

“That year was in partnership with Breakthrough Theatre, and then the next go around, they wanted to do a regular play, so that’s when me and a friend started to build our own troupe, Corsets & Cuties. We invited all of our friends who we knew were hella talented to be a part of it.” Eight years later, Corsets & Cuties is one of the most well-known burlesque troupes in Central Florida. The group is ready to celebrate their bronze milestone with a cabaret show at The Abbey in Orlando Aug. 28. “We are excited to be at The Abbey because it will be the first time we’ve gotten to perform a full show there,” Jaimz says. “We’ve had a couple guest

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

spots there for different events but this will be the first time the Cuties are on the marquee, so we are super excited about that.” Corsets & Cuties currently has 13 regular members in its troupe with entertainers that include singers, dancers and aerialists. They put a focus on their shows being a safe space for anyone who wants to “take a few moments out of the crazy chaos that is happening in this world to come have some fun and enjoy themselves.” “It’s also important to me that people in the audience see themselves reflected on stage,” Jaimz says. “We are body positive. We have performers who are male, female, transgender, all shapes and sizes; I hardly ever say no because I want there to be an outlet for people who don’t fit the traditional mold.” Jaimz has always been a “look at me” kind of person, she says. She was active in theater during her high school days and right out of school she went into training at SAK Comedy Lab. “My background is improv, I’ve been doing improv for over 20 years,” she says. “That really helped lend itself to being able to be in front of an audience and take them on a ride. You have to read your audience a lot and see which way they are going to go with you, especially with burlesque. You can be funny, you can be political, you can be sweet, you can be very heart wrenching; when I started with that Fringe show, it gave me just a little taste of what people are wanting.” Along with Blue Star’s VarieTEASE and Ivy’s Les Vixens, Corsets & Cuties have helped to usher in a resurgence of burlesque in Orlando over the last several years. “It’s funny to say but I actually have to give credit to the theme parks,” Jaimz says. “We are kept in such a family-friendly zone for most of the people in Central Florida who are performers by trade. Having burlesque as an outlet has given people a chance to show their other side, a chance to do something they wouldn’t normally get to do. I think

AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

it’s something for everyone, and the funniest thing is people are so intimidated because they think it’s one thing when its actually another.” What has helped to set Corsets & Cuties apart from other burlesque troupes is putting an emphasis on comedy within their shows. “We consider ourselves the class clowns of burlesque,” Jaimz says. “We pride ourselves on being more Vaudeville. There is plenty of neo burlesque and traditional burlesque out there, but I think if you can keep people laughing then you will keep them through the entire run of the show. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take the show seriously. It’s not all comedy though, we enjoy having those highs and lows in a show that help to bring the audience on this ride.” Jaimz promises quite the ride for fans of Corsets & Cuties when they come out for their 8-Year Anniversary show. “We are wanting to bring in the fun we are known for so, without giving too much away, we have a crazy group number that I’ve been wanting to do for a couple of years,” Jaimz hints,” and since the show is in August the number may have something to do with everyone being back to school. Then our closure, I always want people to leave with a full heart and a party mind, so our closing number is going to be something inspiring. People will know it from Tik Tok so they’ll be able to join along.” Jaimz also promises the return of several regular cast members. “It’s a full lineup,” she says. “I am always humbled by the amount of talent in this troupe. People give their time and their energy to do this little show we have that leaves such an impact on the people who come and watch it.” Following their anniversary show, Corset & Cuties will be back at the Theater West End in Sanford for their seventh annual amateur contest. “The amateur contest started after our first year because people kept coming up to us after every show asking how they can be a part of this,” Jaimz says. “It wasn’t your stereotypical dancers who were coming up to us, it was moms, housewives, people who maybe use to perform back in the day and they have that itch to get back on stage.” Corsets & Cuties 8 Year Anniversary will be at The Abbey in Orlando Aug. 28, doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at Eventbrite.com.

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AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS PFLAG Tampa celebrates 11 years of serving Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community this month. Bradley’s on 7th announced July 25 that the bar’s employee turnabout raised $2,778 for Empath Partners in Care. The Tampa International Fringe Festival returned for its sixth annual festival July 28. Shows continue through Aug. 7. Read all about this year’s LGBTQ-focused features and more at WatermarkOnline.com. Metro Inclusive Health shared July 28 that local businesses raised more than $40,000 during Pride Month in support of the organization’s mission. Largo Vice Mayor Michael Smith announced July 29 that he had been re-elected to the Largo City Commission for another four-year term.

EXTENSION The Straz Center for the Performing Arts announced July 20 that their production of “Nunsense: A-Men” had been paused and rescheduled due to COVID-19. All performances from July 21-31 were cancelled and resumed Aug. 1, with additional shows Aug. 11-14. Read more about the production at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Tampa Bay accountant Daniel Velasco, Bucs fan Roberta Ramasanto (Aug. 4); Former Watermark contributor Aaron Drake, St. Petersburg Starbucks supervisor Mark Mercado, JenSpa and Blush Beauty Center owner Jen Warden, Tampa scuba diver Nick Walters, former Enigma manager Sean Grover (Aug.5), Tampa staple Carol “Mama” Steen (Aug. 6); Hillsborough County ally Russell Patterson, GaYbor District Coalition board member emeritus Rich Kerin, Tampa showgirl and laser professional Jamie Cole, Got Split Ends? stylist Mick Ferrari, Love The Golden Rule’s Dr. Bob Wallace (Aug. 7); St. Petersburg doctor Kush Patel, St. Petersburg realtor Doug Parton (Aug. 8); Sarasota actor/writer Steve Warren, Healing Village Therapy’s Abbie Rolf (Aug. 9); St. Petersburg activist Karen Murray, St. Petersburg clothing designer Raul del Castillo, Tampa health restaurateur Trent McAree, Largo beautician Jay Berwanger, Common Courtesy host Shawn Nikolas, Kava specialist Michael Murray (Aug. 10); Community builder Kevin Johnson, GTE Financial specialist Jared Acuff, Florida Army National Guard company commander Katie Mace, Salon Swank stylist Mikey Bessette, Tombolo Books’ Alsace Walentine, Tampa Bay bartender Robbie Parks (Aug. 11); Tampa Bay leather bear Eric Siglin, Stand Up Florida’s Bryan Arnette (Aug. 13); Sarasota activist Chuck Redding, Tampa Bay chef Andrew Bolton (Aug. 14); former Tampa Bay bartender CJay Tauber, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch (Aug. 15); Tampa Bay entertainer Jay Miah, Tampa Bay photographer Josh Shipp, former Watermark Account Manager Michael Wier (Aug. 16); St. Petersburg LGBTQ liaison Jim Nixon, St. Pete photographer Jacie Ramsey, St. Petersburg interior designer Scott Velez, Tampa Bay entertainer Alexis De La Mer, political photographer Kimberly DeFalco (Aug. 17).

2 3

IN ACTION: Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Legislative Director Nathan Bruemmer speaks during the organization’s 2022 Summer Conference. PHOTO COURTESY FLORIDA LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

CAPTAIN CALLING: “Dr. Who” alum John Barrowman dazzles the crowd at Tampa Bay Comic Con July 31. PHOTO COURTESY TAMPA BAY COMIC CON

EPIC BREW: Joy Winheim (L) and Ryan Young rep Grand Central Brewhouse July 22, which donated a portion of sales to EPIC in the month of July. PHOTO COURTESY EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE

MAKING MAGIC: (L-R) Marlana LaCivita and Chris and Ryan Zubrick celebrate one year of the Zubrick Magic Theatre with a special cheers July 27.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

HELPING HAND: Tombolo Books co-owner Candice Anderson donates reading material to the Florida Prison Education Project July 28. PHOTO COURTESY FLORIDA

PRISON EDUCATION PROJECT

TRUE TALENT: Metro Inclusive Health hosts a talent show during its LGBTQ+ Youth Summer Camp, celebrating each of its participants July 19. PHOTO COURTESY

METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

PEACE, LOVE & FRINGE: Tampa Fringe talent kicks off its sixth annual festival with a free preview night July 27. PHOTO COURTESY TAMPA FRINGE

TURNT UP: Bradley’s on 7th employees participate in the bar’s turnabout July 24. PHOTO BY MARK BIAS

COURTESY BRADLEY’S ON 7TH

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Green House Realty celebrated 12 years in Orlando on July 31. Southern Nights Orlando celebrates its eighth anniversary this month.

REMEMBRANCES Doug Ba’aser’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Orlando Repertory Theatre Sept. 16. If you have any pictures, clippings or videos you would like to share, you are asked to email them to Ritch Charron at Staysweettaffy69@gmail.com. Doug was a Central Florida actor, entertainer and event host who passed away July 16. He was 62.

ENDORSEMENTS Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani has endorsed gun violence survivor and civil rights activist Maxwell Alejandro Frost for Florida’s 10th Congressional District. “I’ve known Maxwell for years and am proud to call him a fellow fighter and friend,” Eskamani wrote in a statement. “With everything that’s happening right now in our country – daily gun violence, the supreme court stripping away abortion rights, and out-of-control costs that are hurting working families, we need Maxwell to be our people-centered advocate in Congress!”

GIVEAWAYS Canadian electroclash singer Peaches is belatedly celebrating the 20th anniversary of her 2000 album “The Teaches of Peaches” with her aptly named “The Teaches of Peaches Anniversary Tour 2022.” The tour comes through Orlando at The Plaza Live Aug. 29 and we want to send you and friend to see it. To enter the ticket giveaway, go to WatermarkOnline.com/Peaches before Aug. 19 and leave your name and email address.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Sky 60-Niners slugger Donnie McCammon (Aug. 4); Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Mike Eghbal, real estate agent and Southern Nights bartender Colleen Green, Central Florida realtor and environmental activist Eric Rollings (Aug.5), Orlando super mom to a trans teen Jennifer Bertrand (Aug. 6); Orlando designer and “Project Runway” alum Jesse LeNoir, Orlando-based traveler of the friendly skies Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary Hospital manager Victor Daza, Shih Tzu rescuer Scott Dunkle, Former Watermark interns Layla Ferris and Isaiah Peters (Aug. 8); Equality Florida Press Secretary Brandon J. Wolf, Orlando accountant Rose Gamba, Former QLatinx executive director Christopher J. Cuevas (Aug. 9); Lady Boy of the Peek-A-Boo Longue “Sorcha Mercy” Lance Austin (Aug. 11); Orlando hair stylist Bobby Kantz, Rotten S’more’s Shiala Morales (Aug. 12); Central Florida singer Billy Mick, Regalia owner David Lang (Aug. 14); Orlando performer David Almeida (Aug. 15); Central Florida performer Tymisha Harris (Aug. 16); Orlando entertainer Tod Kimbro, Tony Award-winner Kenny Howard (Aug. 17).

ELECTRIC GROUP: Impulse Group Orlando turned out for Electric Afternoons at Southern Nights in Orlando July 23. PHOTO FROM DANNY MCMILLIAN’S FACEBOOK

GAME CHANGERS: Andrea Montanez (L) and Daniel Fernandez de Castro at the LGBT+ Center in Orlando for HI-fiVe’s Game Night event July 28. PHOTO FROM DANIEL FERNANDEZ DE CASTRO’S FACEBOOK

A GOOD BOOK: Dr. Steve Yacovelli ready to sign copies of his book at the Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma, California July 15. PHOTO FROM STEVE YACOVELLI’S FACEBOOK

PROGRESSIVE SUPPORT: Brandon Wolf (L) with event hostess Sally Hogshead at a house party July 26 to help raise funds for Florida Reps. Anna V. Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith’s re-election campaigns. PHOTO

FORM BRANDON WOLF’S FACEBOOK

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AWARD WINNING: Jason Lambert (L), Small Business Partner winner for The Hammered Lamb, and Blue Star on stage during the 10th Annual LGBT+ Center Diversity Awards at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel July 22. PHOTO

FROM ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS’ FACEBOOK

SUNDAY FUNDAY: (L-R) Zee Renta, Cody DeSantis, Jared Cardona and Nick Smith are ready for Sunday Surrender in downtown Orlando July 31. PHOTO FROM

NICK SMITH’S FACEBOOK

COOKIN’ COOKIES: Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan bakes cookies during a cookie class at Phat Ash Bakes in Orlando July 13. PHOTO FROM PATTY

SHEEHAN’S FACEBOOK

ROCKING OUT: Orlando VA’s LGBTQ Veteran Care Program Coordinator Keri Griffin shine sin her rainbow hair and Hellfire Club tee. PHOTO

FROM KERI GRIFFIN’S FACEBOOK

8 AUGUST 4 - 17, 202 2 // ISSUE 29.16 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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3317 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa 813.902.8600 5224 E. Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace 813.902.8600 5979 Vineland Rd., Suite 208, Orlando 407.745.1171 1685 Lee Rd., Suite 110, Winter Park 407.745.1171

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER “A State of Mind” Opening, Aug. 5, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA Back 2 School Supply Drive

“RENT,” Aug. 5-14, Eight O’Clock Theatre, Largo. 727-587-6793; EightOClockTheatre.com

FRIDAY, AUG. 5-TUESDAY, AUG. 9 MILLS50 DISTRICT, ORLANDO The Mills50 District is holding a Back 2 School supply drive to help get needed items to teachers and students this school year. Donations can be dropped off at the Mill50 District’s Addition Financial, The Nickley Group and Sam Flax Orlando. The most needed supplies are #2 pencils (8 or 10 count), loose leaf paper, dry erase markers and crayons (24 count). For more information, visit Mills50.org.

Throwdown for Zebra Coalition SATURDAY, AUG. 13, 1-4 P.M. VFW POST 4287, ORLANDO Quarter Throwdown is raising funds for Zebra Coalition at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4287 in Orlando Aug. 13. Quarter Throwdown hosts a Quarter Auction where bidders play for prizes valued from $35-50. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Zebra Coalition. There will also be an indoor market featuring about two dozen vendors. For more information, go to Facebook.com/QuarterThrowdown.

TAMPA BAY “Sister for a Day IV” SUNDAY, AUG. 7, 12 P.M. ALONG CENTRAL AVE., ST. PETERSBURG The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present “Sister for a Day,” featuring Empath Partners in Care Executive Director Joy Winheim. The group will visit Enigma, Punky’s, Lucky Star, Garage, Salty Nun and more, elevating Winheim “from postulant to novice to full profession to retirement – all in one day!” Funds raised will benefit EPIC’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Learn more at TampaBaySisters.com and MyEPIC.org.

“Hairspray Live!” SUNDAY, AUG. 14, 7:30 P.M. HAMBURGER MARY’S, CLEARWATER Join the divas of Hamburger Mary’s Clearwater as they produce the musical “Hairspray!” with drag flair. The production stars Monica Moore as Tracey, Dena Cass as Edna, Juno Vibranz as Link, Robert Rigsby as Seaweed, Adam Cole as Mr. Pinky, Olivia Taylor as Velma, Yvonne Divina as Penny and Delores T. VanCartier as Motor Mouth Mabel, with a surprise guest. Call 727-400-6996 to make your reservation.

STADIUM TOUR ‘22 Bad Bunny brings the World’s Hottest Tour to Camping World Stadium in Orlando Aug. 5. PHOTO FROM TICKETMASTER.COM

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL FLORIDA Billy vs Elton: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John, Aug. 5, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando Bad Bunny, Aug. 5, Camping World Stadium, Orlando. 407-440-5700; CampingWorldStadium.com First Friday Happy Hour, Aug. 5, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando The Billy Mick and Friends Variety Show and Brunch, Aug. 6, The 808 Orlando, Orlando. 407-440-4079; The808Orlando.com The Molly Ringwalds, Aug. 6, House of Blues, Orlando. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando AMOR Saturdays, Aug. 6 & 13, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. Facebook.com/LatinSaturday

Rainbow SemDems at Orlando Pride Soccer Game, Aug. 7, Exploria Stadium, Orlando. RainbowSemDems.org Jurassic Park Drag Bingo, Aug. 8, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, Orlando. 407-270-6749; IvanhoeParkBrewing.com Gods & Goddesses, Aug. 9, Café DaVinci, DeLand. 386-736-0008; CafeDaVinciDeLand.com War on the Catwalk, Aug. 11, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org August Night Market, Aug. 11, Avalon Park, Orlando. 407-658-6565; Linktr.ee/ AvalonParkOrlando “RENT,” Aug. 12-14, Penguin Point, Oviedo. 407-310-8908; PenguinPointProductions.com Free Open House at Orlando Shakes, Aug. 13, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

“The Judy B. Goode Show,” Aug. 6, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com Sunday T-Dance: Royal Court Disney Show, Aug. 7, The Garage on Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-235-9086; Facebook.com/ OFCLGaragePage Trivia Night, Aug. 10, Salty Nun, St. Petersburg. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com War on the Catwalk, Aug. 12, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Central Florida Film Slam, Aug. 14, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

Rewind: “But I’m a Cheerleader,” Aug. 12, Tampa Theatre, Tampa. 813-274-8981; TampaTheatre.org

Harmony Healthcare Outreach Event, Aug. 14, Ember, Orlando. 407-777-2022; HarmonyHealthcareOrlando.org

“KINK: eXXXplore,” Aug. 13, Metro Inclusive Health, Tampa. 813-232-3808; MetroTampaBay.org/Exxplore

Music Mondays: “Grease 2,” Aug. 15, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

Tampa Bay Jokers Drag Bingo, Aug. 17, Punky’s Bar and Grill, St. Petersburg. 727-201-4712; PunkysBar.com

TAMPA BAY

St. Pete Chamber Young Professionals Connect, Aug. 18, The Hangar Restaurant, St. Petersburg. StPete.com/SPYP

International Tampa Fringe Festival 2022, Through Aug. 7, Hillsborough Community College Ybor, Tampa. TampaFringe.org

SARASOTA

“Nunsense: A-Men,” Extended Through Aug. 14, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Equality Florida Action PAC Canvassing Days of Action, Aug. 6, Sarasota. 941-888-4798, EQFLPAC.org

Shade Showcase: “We’re Back,” Aug. 5, The Loft Ybor, Tampa. 813-453-8385; Facebook.com/TheLoftYborCity

Return to the Movies Fundraiser: “A League of Their Own,” Aug. 18, Burns Court Cinema, Sarasota. 941-364-8662; FIlmSociety.org

Community Baby Shower, Aug. 5, Metro Inclusive Health, Tampa. 813-232-3808; MetroTampaBay.org

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

watermark Your LGBTQ News Source.

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T S E

Y L P

M I S E

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N O S

813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Group Sales: 813.222.1016 or 1047

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Events, days, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Additional fees will apply.

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