Watermark Issue 29.22: Your Vote, Your Voice

Rick Todd PUBLISHER Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

DESK PUBLISHER’S

IUSED TO LOVE POLITICS, BUT

then I grew up. That’s not a dig at adults who still love politics. It’s simply to say that as I got older and more aware of my personal experience, my affinity for the political world diminished.

In high school, I loved to debate. I had one teacher, who after I spent hours defending a fellow student who had been removed from the drama club, tell me I should be a car salesman. I’m not sure he meant it as a compliment, but my friend was allowed to return to the club.

My school encouraged debate. We had civic classes where we were given opposite sides of an argument and we fought for our causes. We held mock trials in our English class using the facts of our last reading assignment to persuade a jury our side was right. With both of these scenarios, we were all working from the same set of facts.

College was much of the same. I was a nonreligious gay boy attending a Southern Baptist school in the mountains of North Carolina during the reign of Jesse Helms. I guess one could say I like a challenge.

There was a great deal of adversity there, but I found support in friends and faculty and argued my way into the college president’s office with the goal of organizing an LGBTQ-related support group. I was successful.

After graduation I focused a little more on building my future and fighting the good fight, but I always stayed in touch with my political self. Of course this

means I voted and watched Bill Maher and Jon Stewart.

Although I can definitively say it’s been during my 21 years at Watermark, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when my relationship with politics began to wane. In 2002 the LGBTQ community didn’t have the support it does today and the community engagement wasn’t as strong. We were building that community on a grassroots level. We were advancing our rights and it felt good.

So what changed everything for me? Was it the Tea Party? Newt Gingrich? 24-hour news? The internet? Maybe it was a combination of all of those, culminating in the battle of extremes — MAGA versus Woke.

When extremes prevail, tribalism prevails and the truth is no longer the truth, facts get distorted and hyperbole becomes reality. It becomes harder to discern the crazy. In a binary world of conservatives versus liberals, I don’t think either side is immune from this threat.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s always been like this and I am just now seeing behind the curtain and realizing the wizard isn’t what I thought he was.

The one thing that hasn’t changed though, is your right to be heard. It’s time to vote, so vote. Collectively we have a strong voice, but only if we take advantage of it and use our vote. This isn’t the time to sit on the sidelines. I won’t succumb to the notion and regurgitate the sentiment that this is the most consequential election of our time, but I will say it is as consequential as they all are. Our rights are on the line, your rights are on the line, vote for them.

It’s not just important to look at the governor’s race or the senate race, you need

to be educated in all of them. What happens in a school board meeting affects your life, whether you have kids or not. What happens to trans kids affects your life, whether you are trans or not. We are all in this together: The L, the G, the B, the T and the Q. The very least we can do is walk into a voting booth and anonymously vote to preserve the rights of all of us.

If we can do this simple task and stand strong together, wade through the lies and misconceptions to help our vulnerable community and the most vulnerable within our community, then we might find a reason to love politics.

In this issue of Watermark, we take a look at who is on the ballots and ask the candidates five simple questions to help you decide where they stand on the issues that directly affect our community. Please take the time to read through it and supplement it with your own research.

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

SABRINA AMBRA, NATHAN BRUEMMER, SCOTTIE CAMPBELL, MIGUEL FULLER, DIVINE GRACE, HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, JASON LECLERC, MELODY MAIA MONET, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, GREG STEMM, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, MICHAEL WANZIE

PHOTOGRAPHY

DISTRIBUTION

created by WATERMARK that have such errors. Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

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

LVNLIF2 DISTRIBUTING, KEN CARRAWAY, RAYLENE HUNT, ZACHARY WELCH

CHRIS FISHER is the policy director for the Charlie Crist for Governor campaign. He previously served as legislative director and chief of staff in the Office of Congressman Crist. Page 17

KIRK HARTLAGE is an Orlando -based journalist, a DJ and a former full-time employee of Watermark. He specializes in celebrity interviews. Page 33

When extremes prevail, tribalism prevails and the truth is no longer the truth, facts get distorted and hyperbole becomes reality.

THE CENTER CANCELS DRAG EVENT DUE TO THREATS FROM HATE GROUPS

Madison Pollock

ORLANDO | The LGBT+ Center in Orlando announced Oct. 24 that it was cancelling a planned Drag Queen Story Hour due to threats of protest from several hate groups.

The event was supposed to be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 and hosted by drag entertainer Bridgette Galore. The Center Orlando has been hosting Drag Queen Story Hour since 2019.

A message from the National Socialist Movement about the event was posted on the instant messaging app Telegram, detailing how they wished to protest the event. Members on the forum responded, slowly rallying numbers to protest.

“I’m down just tell me when,” one commenter wrote.

Another chimed in, writing “I’ll even request off from work.”

After reviewing the post, The Center Orlando came to the decision to prioritize the safety of its performers and guests who would be attending and decided it was best to cancel the event.

“We take these threats very seriously and would not want to endanger or expose children and their parents and guardians to bigotry and hate,” George Wallace, chief executive officer of The Center Orlando, said in a statement. “We have the support of so many in our community including law enforcement, but as much as we would like to continue this fun-loving, innocent event, we feel that the safety of our community is our number one concern.”

The event was sponsored in part by the City of Orlando Mayor’s Matching Grant Program, which provides neighborhood organizations with financial resources to implement enhancement projects the organization would not normally be able to fund. The grant projects address neighborhood needs, enhance the quality of life in a City neighborhood, benefit the entire neighborhood and allow all residents the opportunity to participate.

The free-to-attend, Halloween-themed Drag Queen Story Hour was to include an opportunity for the kids to dress in their Halloween costumes, collect candy and receive a complimentary book to take home.

“Thank you for your understanding that we live in challenging times right now, and we don’t want to expose or endanger innocent children to hate, bigotry or violence,” said Wallace.

Drag events have been a point of attack for anti-LGBTQ groups and politicians across the country. In September, Florida Rep. Randy Fine sought to have the city permit for Space Coast Pride’s festival and parade pulled due to the organization hosting a Drag Queen Storytime. Melbourne’s mayor responded on social media, stating that he welcomes Space Coast Pride and their event. Space Coast Pride’s event went on as scheduled.

Fringe Year Round

Orlando Fringe to open new ‘ArtSpace’ in downtown

Jeremy Williams

ORLANDO | Orlando Fringe announced Oct. 19 that it’s opening a year-round performing arts venue in Orlando starting next year.

Fringe ArtSpace will be located at 54 W. Church St., the former home of the Mad Cow Theatre, in Downton Orlando and is slated to open Jan. 11. The 9,100 square-foot space includes two performance theatres — a 166-seat mainstage and a 40-60-seat black box.

“The City of Orlando strives to have a strong presence of cultural arts and amenities within downtown Orlando for all to enjoy,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in a statement. “I’m looking forward to Orlando Fringe in their new theatrical performance space on Church Street. Fringe has a long history of supporting artists across Orlando and will add to our burgeoning arts scene.”

Fringe ArtSpace’s programming will be a “mix of traditionally programmed theatre and concerts as well as a studio series featuring

consistent weekly, monthly and pop-up events like workshops, classes, readings, performances and artistic explorations. The main theatre will showcase full run productions of emerging arts organizations that Fringe will foster and mentor as well as established touring shows and concerts. Learning experiences for youth and adults will be a priority, and the venue is looking to address affordable rehearsal and performance rental space.”

“We’ve built the programming for this space by listening to the needs of the community,” Alauna Friskics, Orlando Fringe’s executive director, said in a press release. “After we conducted a series of listening sessions this past July and August, we took those suggestions and have created what we hope will be a unique theatrical experience for artists and audiences.”

Fringe ArtSpace will utilize its two theatres as venues for next year’s Orlando Fringe Festival, which runs May 16-29, and will be home to Winter Mini-Fest, running Jan. 12-15.

“We will open in January, get a feel for the space and continue to shift and mold how we fit into the building,” Friskics said. “There are thousands of ideas on the table, so we have lots of things to try.”

One idea Fringe is looking at is providing live entertainment on the street to “activate the plaza on Church Street to help integrate arts into Downtown.”

Fringe ArtSpace was created after the City of Orlando approached Fringe to “extend their current model by developing artist-focused programming and creating experiences that build upon the amazing arts scene that exists in Central Florida.”

“With generous support from the Downtown Development Board, Fringe ArtSpace is focused on building a dynamic, inspiring community of artists and arts lovers with the purpose of providing artists a safe environment to create, experiment, collaborate and showcase their creations,” the press release reads.

Fringe ArtSpace will be led by Friskics and Orlando Fringe board president Doug Davis. Joining them on the launch team will be interim general manager Paul Oppedisano as well as talent and booking partners Joshian and Kayla Morales of Kelsay + Morales Company.

For more information, updates and future programming for Fringe ArtSpace, visit OrlandoFringe.org.

FRINGE SPACE: Orlando Fringe will have programming all year round at its new venue. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

tampa

‘DR. PHIL’ HOSTS EQUALITY FLORIDA, MOMS FOR LIBERTY DEBATE

Ryan Williams-Jent

PETERSBURG | Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith appeared on “Dr. Phil” Oct. 19, debating co-founders of the anti-LGBTQ group Moms for Liberty on Parental Rights in Education, Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

ST.

“Dr. Phil,” hosted by longtime TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, says it “provides the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television.” Smith took part in “Parents Battle Over ‘Woke’ School Curriculum,” season 21’s 28th episode.

“This is a huge nationwide debate right now,” Dr. Phil began. He subsequently discussed Governor Ron DeSantis’ support for the law, which went into effect in July.

Smith, erroneously billed as executive director for “Equality for Florida,” appeared alongside Florida educators Hanna and Dave Edwards, also the parents of a transgender child, to detail their opposition. Tina Descovich and Tiffany Justice, the co-founders of Moms for Liberty, shared why they support it.

Also appearing were Professor Jody Armour from the USC Gould School of Law, Attorney Candice Jackson and Republican State Rep. Joe Harding, the original bill’s chief sponsor. When challenged by Smith and the Edwards to state LGBTQ students should be safe in schools, he did not.

Smith, a parent herself, reflected on the state of education in Florida and more. She praised teachers for guiding students through the height of the pandemic and refuted a number of inaccurate statements throughout the episode.

One such claim came from DeSantis’ office. The governor’s team claimed that “these leftist politicians, corporate media outlets, some of these activist groups … support sexualizing kids in kindergarten. They support injecting woke gender ideology into second grade classrooms. They support enabling schools to ‘transition students to a different gender, without the knowledge of the parent, much less without the parent’s consent.’”

Smith reflected on her appearance with Watermark Oct. 21.

“These right-wing extremist groups use the same Big Lie strategy to attack the LGBTQ community that they are pushing to dismantle democracy and undermine elections,” she said. “They keep repeating the same ugly slurs we heard in the era of Anita Bryant and the consequences of their lies are just as dangerous.

“I’m especially proud to have shared the stage with parents of a trans kid who fight like hell every day to protect their child and others from this hateful rhetoric and these cruel policies,” Smith also noted. “More and more parents are standing up to ensure every child is protected and every family is respected.”

View the full episode at WatermarkOnline.com and learn more about Equality Florida’s work at EQFL.org.

Stronger Together

Project Pride, Sarasota Pride announce merger at 31st event

Ryan Williams-Jent

since we’ve come out to J.D. Hamel Park,” she added.

Pride, enjoy the rest of your day and ‘say gay,’” Letschert added, referencing Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, more widely known as “Don’t Say Gay or Trans.” The crowd obliged.

SARSASOTA

| Project Pride presented the 31st Sarasota Pride Oct. 22 at J.D. Hamel Park, announcing a merger between the two LGBTQ-focused organizations and much more.

Sarasota Pride, Inc. has organized the event for over three decades. Its mission has aligned with Project Pride’s since 2019, when it formed to celebrate, unite and support the LGBTQ community in Sarasota and beyond.

Cindy Barnes, whose involvement with Sarasota Pride began in 2006, has guided the organization through significant growth since 2010. The outgoing president announced the merger while reflecting on her tenure.

“This will be the last Pride put on by Sarasota Pride,” Barnes said. “We have decided to merge with Project Pride to pull all of our forces together.

“I hope you all will continue to support them just as you have supported us for 30 some odd years and especially for the last 12,

Barnes then welcomed Project Pride President Jordan Letschert and Development Chair Tony Boothby. The two surprised her with an award for her years of service.

“Project Pride is beyond thrilled to continue the legacy of what Cindy and Sarasota Pride have done over the last 35 years,” Letschert said. “Cindy, we are beyond thankful for what you’ve done for our community.

“As our board begins to merge with Sarasota Pride to continue this legacy, we want to first acknowledge Cindy with an award from Project Pride,” he continued. “This award is for Cindy for her tireless efforts for the Sarasota community.”

Barnes accepted, thanking the crowd for their years of support. “The only thing I could say, the only reason I’m here, is because of you,” she said. “You continue to come out every year, blow this thing out of the water every year, and I’m so appreciative to you.”

“On behalf of the Project Pride board, and now as well as Sarasota

The event marked the first Sarasota Pride since Jan. 2020, having skipped 2021 due to the pandemic. “I think people are itching to get back to it; we had such a great turnout in 2020,” Barnes told Watermark ahead of time. “We’re hoping for another beautiful day this year.”

Attendees got exactly that. Project Pride maintained the celebration’s Kids’ Zone, featuring a 40-foot slide and other activities, and over 50 vendors and a wide array of entertainers kept the large crowd captivated from 12-5 p.m.

Sarasota entertainer Lindsay Carlton-Cline emceed the event, welcoming fellow drag icons from throughout the region like Grandma Pearl. Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, Divine AF, Karmic Tattoo and others provided live music.

Barnes left Sarasota Pride with a final thought. “I love, love, love the city of Sarasota and I love our LGBTQ community,” she said. “We’re in a fight for our lives again and November is a voting month. Get out there and vote.”

For more information about Project Pride and future Sarasota Pride events, visit PPSRQ.org. View a full gallery of photos from their 31st outing at WatermarkOnline.com.

IN SERVICE: Project Pride President Jordan Letschert (L) and Development Chair Tony Boothby (R) present outgoing Sarasota Pride President Cindy Barnes with an award. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

MIAMI DOLPHINS HONOR LGBTQ FANS

John Hayden of SFGN

On the field, the Miami Dolphins may have cooled after a hot start, but their support for South Florida’s LGBTQ community is still red hot.

Before the team’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings Oct. 16, they held a tailgate party celebrating their LGBTQ fans. Restaurants from Wilton Manors supplied the food and local drag queens, such as London Adour and Jasmine Pryce Lords, provided the entertainment.

“It is crucial to recognize and thank LGBTQ+ fans because they are a part of our Dolphins fan base and community,” Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Community Relations and Youth Programs RaShauna Hamilton said. “We have shown up in spaces that affirm and recognize the community by partnering with great organizations like AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Equality Florida, Pridelines, SAVE and SunServe, and it was important to have them join us here at Hard Rock Stadium.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPTS ANTI-LGBTQ RULES

Ryan Williams-Jent

The Florida State Board of Education formally adopted new rules Oct. 19 “to further implement” Parental Rights in Education in schools, more widely known as the state’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

The “groundbreaking changes stem from legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis,” the Florida Dept. of Education shared in a press release. The rules pertain to the designation of restrooms, classroom instruction about LGBTQ issues and more.

According to Equality Florida, which has fought against the law since its introduction, the changes target schools with LGBTQ-inclusive policies, teachers and transgender youth. The vote came just over two weeks after their lawsuit against the law was dismissed.

“Today, the Board of Education voted unanimously on new rules designed to intimidate school districts and teachers that affirm LGBTQ students,” Equality Florida said in a press release Oct. 19.

“As passed, the discriminatory ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ’ law allows conservative parents to sue school districts but is silent regarding individual educators. Proponents of the ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ’ law failed to heed the objections of Equality Florida and other civil rights groups who shared deep concern with the law’s vague and undefined reference to ‘classroom instruction.’”

The organization also noted that the board did not clarify if LGBTQ families can be referenced by teachers or what support can be provided to LGBTQ students. Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders called the rules “another cruel attack from an administration that has spent

months punching down at Florida’s LGBTQ youth and families.”

In contrast, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. applauded the BOE’s vote “for upholding parental rights and continuing to promote the health, safety and welfare of the students in our schools.”

“Parents have a right to be involved in their child’s education and informed regarding what is taking place at their child’s school, and moreover students have a right to come to a safe learning environment every day,” he said.

Florida’s schools are still supported by federal LGBTQ protections. Equality Florida stresses that they “must continue supporting LGBTQ students, creating safe, inclusive environments and implementing the bigoted ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ’ law as narrowly as possible to mitigate the harms it is inflicting on students and families.”

SCOTUS TO HEAR ANTI-LGBTQ WEB DESIGNER CASE

Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 18 announced that it will hear oral arguments on Dec. 5 in the case of a Colorado-based web designer, 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, who sued to challenge state’s anti-discrimination law as she was refusing to work on websites for same-sex couples.

Last fall, the anti-LGBTQ legal group representing Lorie Smith, Alliance Defending Freedom, had asked the high court on an appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to review the case.

Smith claimed in court filings that the Colorado law violated Smith’s freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression, citing that it would force her to design wedding websites for

same-sex couples which violated her “Christian” beliefs.

In its 2-1 ruling, the 10th Circuit panel said Colorado had a compelling interest in protecting the “dignity interests” of members of marginalized groups through its law.

The justices in January had declined to take up the case, but for the fall term they decided to revisit the earlier decision and agreed to take the case up.

In 303 Creative v. Elenis, the court will return to the issue of whether or not providers of custom-made goods can refuse service to LGBTQ customers on First Amendment grounds.

Jennifer Pizer, acting chief legal officer of Lambda Legal, said in an interview with the Washington Blade, “it’s not too much to say an immeasurably huge amount is at stake” for LGBTQ people depending on the outcome of the case.

With a 6-3 conservative majority on the court that has recently scrapped the super-precedent that guaranteed the right to

abortion, supporters of LGBTQ rights may think the outcome of the case is all but lost, especially amid widespread fears same-sex marriage would be next on the chopping block.

Pizer, acknowledging the call to action issued by LGBTQ groups in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, conceded the current Supreme Court issuing the ruling in this case is “a terrifying prospect,” but cautioned the issue isn’t so much the makeup of the court but whether or not justices will continue down the path of abolishing case law.

“I think the question that we’re facing with respect to all of the cases or at least many of the cases that are in front of the court right now, is whether this court is going to continue on this radical sort of wrecking ball to the edifice of settled law and seemingly a goal of setting up whole new structures of what our basic legal principles are going to be. Are we going to have another term of that?” Pizer said. “And if so, that’s terrifying.”

RUSSIAN LAWMAKERS SEEK TO EXPAND COUNTRY’S ‘GAY PROPAGANDA’ LAW

Brody Levesque of The Los Angeles Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

Adraft of legislation introduced in the Russian Parliament has human rights and LGBTQ activists alarmed, as it would expand the country’s anti-LGBTQ propaganda law passed and signed into law by President Vladimir Putin in 2013.

The bill would build on the 2013 legislation, which was aimed at prohibiting “promotion of non-traditional sexual relations” to Russian minors.

One of the bill’s sponsor’s Alexander Khinshtein, an MP from the conservative political party, United Russia, told state media upon its introduction, “We

propose to extend the ban for LGBT propaganda regardless of age, not just for children as it is today.”

The proposed expansion comes as the Russian president continues his war against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of four Eastern Ukrainian states. In a recent speech justifying the annexation, Putin sharply criticized the LGBTQ community.

“Do we really want, here, in our country, in Russia, instead of ‘mum’ and ‘dad’, to have ‘parent No. 1’, ‘parent No. 2’, ‘No. 3’? Have they gone completely insane? Do we really want … it drilled into children in our schools … that there are supposedly genders besides women and men, and [children to be] offered the chance to undergo sex change operations? … We have a different future, our own future,” Putin said.

Dilya Gafurova, head of Russian LGBTQ rights organization Sphere, told the CBC that the LGBTQ

community “has no rights in Russia at the moment” and that the legislation being considered by lawmakers would make things even worse.

“This will make them even more unprotected and even more invisible,” she told the outlet.

Reflecting on the proposed legislation, Gafurova said, “Being LGBT+, ‘non traditionality’ is something that was weaponized continuously by the Russian regime to justify defending itself from ‘Western influence,’ as if being queer is something that can be influenced onto someone or flown in from abroad.”

“LGBT+ people are not regarded as people [in Russia],” Gafurova said, adding that some lawmakers “sincerely believe us to be the result of ‘propaganda’ or [that] we’re a means to an end, a justification for certain political actions.”

IN OTHER NEWS

MILLIONS SUPPORT SPIRIT DAY

Celebrities, politicians, big-name brands, pro athletes and more wore purple Oct. 20 to mark Spirit Day 2022. The annual event, organized by GLAAD for more than a decade, provides visible support for LGBTQ youth and is billed as the world’s largest anti-bullying campaign. The celebration kicked off Oct. 19 with GLAAD’s Spirit Day Benefit Concert in Los Angeles. Landmarks lit in purple included the Empire State Building, Chicago’s Mars Wrigley Building, Mars buildings in Newark, N.J., the Spheres at Amazon’s Seattle campus and HQ2 in Arlington, Va., the Stonewall National Monument Visitor’s Center, the ViacomCBS headquarters in Times Square as and more.

LANDMARK TRANS TRIAL BEGINS

The nation’s first trial over a state’s ban on gender-confirming care for children began in Arkansas Oct. 17, the latest fight over restrictions on transgender youths championed by Republican leaders and widely condemned by medical experts. U.S. District Judge Jay Moody heard evidence and testimony over the law he temporarily blocked last year that would prohibit doctors from providing gender-confirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18 years old. It also prevents doctors from referring patients elsewhere for such care. “This latest wave of anti-trans fever that is now spreading to other states started in Arkansas, and it needs to end in Arkansas,” the ACLU of Arkansas said.

SLOVAKIA’S PRESIDENT JOINS RALLY TO HONOR 2 GAY MEN KILLED

Slovakia’s president Zuzana Čaputová joined a rally of thousands Oct. 14 to honor two gay men who were shot dead and to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ community. In her address to the crowd, Čaputová asked LGBTQ people for forgiveness “for not being able to feel safe in Slovakia.” Police said two men were killed Oct. 12 in front of a bar, which is a popular spot for the local LGBTQ community in Bratislava. The 19-year-old suspect was found dead with a gun shot to the head. The suspect posted a racist text on Twitter voicing hatred for Jews and LGBTQ people, and posts about the shooting. Police are investigating it as a hate crime.

GAY MAN KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

A 22- year-old aspiring gay medical student was tortured and killed by Taliban fighters two months ago after being stopped at a checkpoint in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, reports have revealed. Hamed Sabouri was detained and then tortured, with video evidence sent to his family members in August. Sabouri had been detained at one of the hundreds of Taliban checkpoints in Kabul used by the terrorist group to enforce adherence to Islamic Sharia law and religious rules instituted after it took control of the country in August 2021. The Taliban has often used the contents of seized cell phones to track down other LGBTQ people they seek to persecute, imprison and torture.

One (HUGE) Way Metro Inclusive Health is Advancing HIV Care in Tampa Bay

By Bob Carskadon

By o ering HIV and Primary Care together, Metro Inclusive Health is vastly improving health outcomes for those living with HIV.

e convenience of one provider, one appointment is a huge bene t to those living with HIV. is kind of uni ed care has been nearly impossible to nd until Metro Inclusive Health, a Tampa Bay-based not-for-pro t healthcare organization, began providing both services in tandem. As it turns out, combining HIV and Primary care can also greatly impact quality of life and overall health outcomes.

Centralized Care with a Certi ed HIV Primary Care Provider

“It’s common knowledge that primary care providers and specialists don’t always communicate, and that can be problematic,” says Dr. Luke Johnsen, Medical Director for Metro Inclusive Health.

“Equally, opting for HIV care from a primary care doctor can o en underserve a patient’s needs.” Unfortunately, it’s not unusual to meet a patient who’s been in the same treatment regimen for ve years or more. O entimes, they’ve spent years trying to get used to side e ects that could have been handled by adjusting their treatment.

Dr. Johnsen recently saw a patient, new to METRO, who had been taking AZT (zidovudine or azidothymidine) since 2017. e rst FDA-approved HIV treatment, introduced in 1987, has known side e ects including anemia and complaints of “feeling ill.” It’s instances such as this one that are examples of barriers to care.

“ ere’s typically new advances in HIV care every couple of years — they can be both more e ective and e cient,” continued Johnsen. “Access to a good HIV-certi ed provider means knowing what advances are coming and how they may impact your individual treatment.”

Drug Interactions, Side E ects & Family History

Knowing the possible interactions of HIV treatments can make a big di erence. For instance, acid re ux drugs can impact the e ectiveness of HIV treatments. Got a sinus infection? Some antibiotics interact with HIV treatments and can cause complications. Also, some over-the-counter supplements can a ect HIV medications and make them less e ective.

Additionally, if you have a family history of heart disease, your provider would be aware of which HIV treatments may increase your cholesterol levels.

Commonly, patients believe they must live with certain side e ects. Dr. Johnsen remembers patients who’ve experienced vivid dreams, tend to feel a bit “buzzed,” or experience nausea or daily diarrhea. ese symptoms can be addressed by adjusting treatment early on. Working with experienced providers means that patients can feel much better in their day-to-day life.

It’s true, an HIV provider or Infectious Disease Specialist may be familiar with medication interactions and side e ects of HIV medications. However, they may also struggle to pick a medication for their patients’ non HIV-related health problems. Alternatively, they may not practice Primary Care due to the additional time commitment it requires. In this case, coordination of care can lag behind, as multiple providers have limited time to communicate with one another and coordinate medication changes or adjustments.

Aging with HIV

A specialist that combines HIV and Primary Care is likely to understand the impact of long term treatment. For example, some cancers can be more prevalent in longterm HIV patients. Equally, HIV patients who began treatment in the 80s may need to monitor for cognitive issues.

Primary Care providers are accustomed to screening their patients for a variety of medical conditions before symptoms develop based on established guidelines. ey also tend to follow up with older patients at more regular intervals as health issues accumulate with aging, and those changes in health are detected more promptly.

Copay It Forward

A unique bene t of services provided through Metro Inclusive Health is our

program. Patients of any sort who use their normal copay to receive services — and more importantly, medications through a partner pharmacy — are in turn helping to provide services and medications to those who are un-or-under-insured.

Founded in 1992, Metro Inclusive Health is a 501(c)3 organization that began with one service: HIV case management. is means METRO has 30 years of experience in supporting those living with HIV. In that time, the organization has strived to become a centralized source for healthcare needs. To that end, we have expanded with over 100

and programs including primary care with an LGBTQ+ focus, behavioral health,

health and prevention, advanced HIV care, pediatrics and more to be announced.

Patients learn about HIV treatment, Telehealth and METRO’s patient portal with direct access to providers, prescription re lls, and more.

Filling prescriptions at a METRO partner pharmacy transforms your normal copay into health services for uninsured members of our community.

The

in

Clearwater and New Port Richey.

Chris Fisher

CHOOSING CRIST

I’VE WORKED FOR CHARLIE Crist since 2016. Gov, as we call him, genuinely believes that a politician should be a public servant, see through the noise, the politics and the pressures and get to work for the people.

He is a delightfully nice guy, but there are two things that get him heated: injustice and arrogance. That’s why his moral compass points towards fairness.

I’ve worked with liberals, who are happy for the LGBTQ community to do what we want to do. I’ve worked with moderates, who think the government has no role in policing us and understand the value of extending us rights. But Charlie is somewhat unique in his steadfast support for the LGBTQ community. He sees unfairness and gears up for a fight.

My mom tells the story of when she got the picture on gay rights. One day her coworker came in and started crying because his boyfriend dumped him. She heard the same anguish she’d felt after a recent breakup. She didn’t need to understand the relationship or the gay community. She felt his heart. Charlie Crist feels our hearts. He listens to our stories and struggles.

As a vice chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Charlie never needed to be fired up about how Trump’s trans ban hurt national security and cost a lot of money. He didn’t need details about some shelters discriminating against homeless trans women. He didn’t need to know how HIV criminalization fueled stigma and hurt the fight against HIV/AIDS. All he needed to know was that innocent people were being treated unfairly

A longtime gay staffer’s perspective

talking points

No, I can be triggered at home.

RIAN JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF THE UPCOMING “KNIVES OUT” SEQUEL, has confirmed that star Daniel Craig’s character, Detective Benoit Blanc, is queer. After the sequel, titled “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” played at the London Film Festival Oct. 16, Johnson was asked about a specific scene in the film that shows Blanc living with another man. Responding to a reporter asking if that meant the character is queer, Johnson replied “Yes, he obviously is.” While the director and star will not publicly release the name of the actor playing Blanc’s love interest to avoid spoilers, Johnson did confirm it is a “much-loved British actor who is one of the few famous actors who make brief cameo appearances.” Craig later added, “who wouldn’t want to live with that person?” “Glass Onion” will open in theaters for one week only Nov. 23 before landing on Netflix Dec. 23.

EZRA MILLER PLEADED NOT GUILTY OCT. 17 TO STEALING BOTTLES OF LIQUOR FROM A NEIGHBOR’S HOME, one of a string of arrests and reports of erratic behavior by the “Flash” actor that stretch from Hawaii to Vermont. Miller, 30, appeared with their lawyer remotely for the arraignment to felony burglary and petit larceny, a misdemeanor. They accepted the conditions that they not have any contact with the homeowner or go to the residence. “Ezra would like to acknowledge the love and support they have received from their family and friends, who continue to be a vital presence in their ongoing mental health,” Miller’s lawyer Lisa Shelkrot said by email. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum of 26 years in prison. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 13.

MICHAEL R. JACKSON’S AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL, announced it is ending its Broadway run in just a few months. The musical, a “meta narrative following Usher, a Black queer man writing a musical about a Black queer man writing a musical,” won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2020 and two Tony Awards earlier this year for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Jackson. “A Strange Loop” opened on Broadway April 26 and will end up playing a total of 314 performances when it closes Jan. 15. “Though ‘A Strange Loop’ is not autobiographical, it is my life’s work. … I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to share this raw, vulnerable and personal story with the world,” Jackson said in the press release.

ONLYFANS CREATOR SENTENCED TO JAIL

TITUS LOW, A 22-YEAR-OLD BISEXUAL MAN WHO IS

ONE OF SINGAPORE’S MOST RECOGNIZABLE ADULT CONTENT CREATORS, was sentenced to spend three weeks in jail and ordered to pay a fine of $3,000 over his OnlyFans account. Low was found to have violated Singapore’s obscenity laws and defied a court order to stay off his account while local law enforcement investigated. Low is the first OnlyFans creator to be prosecuted in Singapore, which remains largely conservative on such things as LGBTQ issues, abortion, casual sex and prostitution. Following his sentencing, Low took to TikTok to address his fans, saying he “was glad the case was over” as it was taking a toll on his mental health. “All my heart is with you,” he said. “Praying it will be smooth.”

— ACTOR/AUTHOR CHRIS COLFER, DURING AN APPEARANCE ON SIRIUSXM’S “THE MICHELLE COLLINS SHOW,” WHEN ASKED IF HE WOULD BE SEEING HIS FORMER “GLEE” CO-STAR LEA MICHELE IN “FUNNY GIRL” ON BROADWAY

EZRA MILLER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

‘A STRANGE LOOP’ TO CLOSE ON BROADWAY “ASTRANGE LOOP,”

Your Vote, Your voice

Advocates say LGBTQ rights are on Florida’s ballot

FORMER POLITICIAN ANDREW GILLUM

congratulated Ron DeSantis on his election as Florida’s 46th governor on Nov. 17, 2018. The Democrat conceded to his Republican opponent after a machine recount of more than 8 million ballots, triggered by the election’s proximity.

63% of Floridians made their voices heard in the election that year, with DeSantis securing 49.6% of the vote to best Gillum’s 49.2%. It was a difference of just over 32,000 people.

“This was a hard-fought campaign,” DeSantis said at the time. “Now it’s time to bring Florida together.”

LGBTQ organizations were hopeful but remained skeptical that he’d do so. A former congressman, DeSantis carried a score of zero on the Human Rights Campaign’s national scorecard measuring his support for LGBTQ civil rights – and in the Sunshine State, Equality Florida noted he “made clear on the campaign trail that he is no friend to the LGBTQ community.”

“It’s clear that his strategy has been to stand as close to Donald Trump and his anti-LGBTQ policies as possible,” Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders told Watermark in 2018. “We expect that he’ll carry that legacy through if he was to be elected.”

Activists say he did, bolstered by the Republican-controlled State Legislature. DeSantis signed Florida’s first explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill in decades into law on the first day of Pride Month 2021, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which targets transgender youth who play sports.

Parental Rights in Education followed, more widely known as Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law. The DeSantis-backed measure went

into effect in July, limiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity through third grade and beyond.

In the months since, school boards in Florida have removed LGBTQ-inclusive books from their libraries, content from their classrooms and rejected honoring LGBTQ History Month. Legal challenges to the law have been dismissed, though others are expected.

The DeSantis administration has also targeted transgender health care and on Oct. 19, adopted anti-LGBTQ rules regarding the designation of school restrooms and locker rooms as well as LGBTQ inclusion in the classroom. Florida’s Department of Education noted the “groundbreaking changes stem from legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.”

While President Joe Biden and his administration have taken significant steps to protect LGBTQ Americans through executive and other actions, on the federal level equality-focused legislation has stalled without Republican support.

Ryan Williams-Jent

The Democratic-controlled U.S. House has passed legislation including the Equality Act –which would prohibit LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing and more – as well as the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect marriage equality should it be overturned by the Supreme Court. Calls to do so followed the conservative body’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, which for decades protected American access to legal and safe abortions.

The U.S. Senate, still split 50-50 among the major parties and requiring support from 10 Republicans to end a legislative filibuster, hasn’t advanced either LGBTQ-focused bill. LGBTQ groups nationwide have called on voters to elect more Democrats to Congress to send them both to the president’s desk.

They’ve also stressed that LGBTQ and ally Floridians can

make a difference on or before Nov. 8, on both the state and federal levels. Early voting is currently underway and polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

“The clock is ticking, and we’ve seen clearly that Florida Republicans are trying to turn that clock backwards,” Equality Florida’s Saunders shared Oct. 19. “We have a chance to change everything and move toward progress and love instead of hate and discrimination.

“With the U.S. Supreme Court upending abortion rights and threatening marriage equality and Governor DeSantis assaulting civil liberties and implementing his censorship agenda, this election will be one the most critical in our lifetime,” he continued. “Lives are hanging in the balance. The last four years under the DeSantis administration have made one thing crystal clear: elections matter, and they really matter for our community.”

That’s why Watermark contacted nearly 150 candidates

in Central Florida and Tampa Bay for our 2022 election coverage. We asked them five questions, one open-ended about why readers should support their candidacy and four yes or no questions about LGBTQ civil rights. If their response was unclear or wasn’t provided, an asterisks is included in lieu of a Y or N.

After multiple attempts to reach each race from the governor’s mansion to local school boards, we received 41 responses. Their answers follow, edited for length and clarity; 33 from Democrats, three from Libertarians, three from races without a party affiliation and two from Republicans.

Neither Republican was Gov. Ron DeSantis or U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, though their highest-profile challengers reiterated their longtime support for equality.

Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, who most recently represented St. Petersburg’s 13th congressional district in the U.S. House, promised to defend LGBTQ rights from the governor’s

mansion. U.S. Rep. Val Demings, who represented Orlando’s 10th district, vowed to do so in the U.S. Senate.

Each representative supported the Equality Act and Respect for Marriage Act, which Demings notes is opposed by Rubio. He called the bill to protect same-sex marriage a “waste of time.”

“I firmly believe that no one should be discriminated against for who they love, their gender identity, their religion, race and color of their skin,” Demings stresses.

The Democrats share another key difference from their incumbent opponents. They’re pro-choice. “Make no mistake, if re-elected, Governor DeSantis will ban abortion completely across Florida,” Crist charges.

While the governor’s plans have been scant, he signed Florida’s 15-week abortion ban into law in April and promised “to expand pro-life protections” after the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.

“Choice is on the ballot: women had more reproductive rights and freedom 50 years ago than they do today,” Crist notes. “That’s energizing folks across the country like never before, just take a look at what happened in the elections in red Kansas and Alaska. The same energy is coming to Florida this November.

“The last few gubernatorial elections have been decided by incredibly small margins,” he continues. “We can win this. But we will only win if the people whose freedoms are on the line come out and vote.”

Candidates throughout Central Florida and Tampa Bay agree. Read their responses here.

Election Day is Nov. 8 and early voting is underway throughout Florida.

For information about your polling location and more, visit Vote.org or contact your local Supervisor of Elections at DOS. Elections.MyFlorida.com/Supervisors and 850-245-6200.

2022 LGBTQ VOTERS’ GUIDE: STATE, FEDERAL RACES

SHOULD LGBTQ

YOU OPPOSE

YOU OPPOSE FLORIDA’S “THE FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS” LAW, WHICH RESTRICTS TRANSGENDER YOUTH FROM PLAYING SPORTS THAT

YOU SUPPORT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE FOR TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS?

YOU SUPPORT STATEWIDE LEGISLATION BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY, WHICH SEEKS TO CHANGE A PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY?

POSITION CANDIDATE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

Governor Ron DeSantis (R) NO RESPONSE

Governor Charlie Crist (D)

As governor, I will defend LGBTQ+ rights across the State of Florida every single day, including repealing DeSantis’ heinous “Don’t Say Gay” law. All Floridians deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. In September, I unveiled my “Equality for All” plan to deliver for LGBTQ+ Floridians, so they can have the freedom to live and work in the Sunshine State, free from discrimination and hate. As a Congressman and the proud Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I also led the charge against the initial failures for the Monkeypox response as the first elected official of either party to call on the Biden Administration to take stronger action. The health and safety of all Floridians will always be a top priority.

Governor Hector Roos (LPF) NO RESPONSE

Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) NO RESPONSE

Attorney General Aramis Ayala (D) NO RESPONSE

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R) NO RESPONSE

Chief Financial Officer Adam Hattersley (D)

I first became involved in politics because of LGBTQ issues, and as a member of the Florida Legislature, I sponsored or co-sponsored every meaningful piece of pro-LGBTQ legislation (including being the lead sponsor of the repeal of DOMA). Government does not belong in anyone’s bedroom, and has no right to tell any family if they are “allowed” in public or not.

Comm. of Agriculture Wilton Simpson (R) NO RESPONSE

Comm. of Agriculture Naomi Esther Blemur (D)

I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. I strongly believe that we all deserve to be happy and live fulfilling lives. No one should be targeted, oppressed or discriminated against because of who they are. When elected, Florida voters can count on me to be the voice they need through advocacy. To showcase my commitment to these values, my campaign brought aboard a member of the LGBTQ community [who] leads our efforts to engage, mobilize and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community, foster strong relationships, and ensure that LGBTQIA+ residents receive effective advocacy statewide. Furthermore, the current Commissioner, Nikki Fried, has a statewide advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. ... When elected as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will keep that position. I can assure you that my opponent will not. As Commissioner, I will promote and advance pro-equality policies through an advocate for the community at the state level, whose responsibility will be to engage, inform, educate and keep my administration aware of rising concerns, opportunities and the resources that members of the LGBTQIA+ community need from their commissioner of agriculture and consumer services.

State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit Bruce Bartlett (R) NO RESPONSE

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

“PARENTAL

IN

OF

WITH THEIR GENDER IDENTITY?

State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit Allison Miller (D)

I am a person who believes that all people, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity, should be protected and respected equally by the criminal justice system. Prosecutors are very much going to be on the frontlines in the culture wars the Florida Legislature has clearly indicated it intends to continue to wage in the coming years. ... I will fight back. I intend to protect women and the LGBTQ community from these attacks. When I say I will fight back, I mean that. I have been a public defender for nearly 15 years, in the trenches, fighting for equality and justice. ... No one should feel as though the criminal justice system isn’t designed to protect him or her or them. I will prosecute crimes committed and motivated by hate with the utmost zeal, and I want to partner with organizations already designed to advocate for the LGBTQ community to help those of us in law enforcement learn how to better effectively prevent crimes aimed at the LGBTQ community.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Senator Val Demings (D)

U.S. Senator Dennis Misigoy (LPF)

I firmly believe that no one should be discriminated against for who they love, their gender identity, their religion, race and color of their skin. I’m a proud co-sponsor of the Equality Act and the Respect for Marriage Act and I believe that Florida deserves better than Senator Marco Rubio who thinks a vote on marriage equality is a “stupid waste of time.”

I am the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate and the Libertarian party has long been a leader on many LGBTQ issues, supporting marriage equality from the time the party was founded in 1971, roughly 40 years before the national Democratic Party. The protection of individual liberty is to the benefit of all groups, including the LGBTQ community and there is no more consistent and principled advocate for individual rights in this race than myself.

U.S. Rep., District 6 Michael Waltz (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 6 Joe Hannoush (LPF) I think LGBTQ and ally voters should support my candidacy because I actually believe ALL people should be treated equally by the government.

U.S. Rep., District 7 Cory Mills (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 7 Karen Green (D) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 8 Bill Posey (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 8 Joanne Terry (D) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 9 Scotty Moore (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 9 Darren Soto (D)

I am proud to support LGBTQ equality in marriage, healthcare, education, the workplace, voting rights, housing and other areas of our society, across the board. I was honored to vote for the Equality Act and all other pro-LGBTQ bills before me in Congress. I am a Vice Chair of the U.S. Equality Caucus and help foster its current and new priorities. I also actively seek out input from LGBTQ leaders on ways to empower to the community. I’ve also spoke out and acted against anti-LGBTQ laws and rhetoric in our state.

U.S. Rep., District 10 Calvin Wimbish (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 10 Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D)

We are in a time where we need more than allies. We need partners and we need accomplices in every struggle we’re talking about. From gun violence to queer liberation to ensuring we protect our climate and environment. For too long we’ve let our politicians have a pass if they tweet “Happy Pride Month” or “Don’t Say Gay,” and yes this is important but the question is what are we doing when it’s not in the news? What are we doing when the general public isn’t paying attention to this struggle that’s going on with our LGBTQ+ community? So my commitment is to be a real partner and to be in the trenches when it’s not in the news. The reality is our country tends to have a short attention span with all of these important issues, so we need our leaders to be the opposite of that. To always be talking about it, to always be bringing it up and to always be educating their constituents on it. My support to the LGBTQ+ community is more than just tweets, it’s more than just co-sponsoring legislation in D.C., it’s going to be to work and do what needs to be done.

U.S. Rep., District 10 Jason Holic (NPA) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 10 Usha Jain (NPA) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 11 Daniel Webster (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 11 Shante Munns (D)

I believe that one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity should have no bearing or influence on a person’s rights to live a life free of restriction and undue interference from the government. I will work in Congress to support and enact policies and programs that protect LGBTQ communities, increase community engagement and open doors of opportunity.

U.S. Rep., District 11 Kevin Porter (NPA) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 13 Anna Paulina Luna (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 13 Eric Lynn (D) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 13 Frank Craft (LPF)

U.S. Rep., District 14 James Judge (R)

U.S. Rep., District 14 Kathy Castor (D)

The Libertarian Party has been standing up for LGBTQ rights since its founding in 1971, which is just one reason I’m a member of this party ... I was raised in a family that was friends with gay couples whom they would invite over for Sunday dinner, so I have felt myself to be a friend, neighbor and ally to the community since my youth. I wholly reject any effort to regulate the way consenting adults live their lives, as long as no one else is harmed by their actions, and will stand in opposition to any such legislation.

I think voters should choose me, regardless of their sexual orientation, because the Democrats have absolutely destroyed the economy in less than two years. Gas prices and violent crime have skyrocketed. I literally don’t care what consenting adults do, I want less federal government, more freedom and total equality for all.

Since my service on the Hillsborough County Commission and throughout my service in Congress, I have stood up for equal rights for all, and against discrimination. I will continue to lead my colleagues towards achieving real and lasting change for Tampa Bay and communities across America. I believe that no one should be discriminated against – period – and especially based upon who they love. I will continue to fight in Congress for equal rights that all Americans deserve and the protections they need to help our nation and community grow.

U.S. Rep., District 15 Laurel Lee NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 15 Alan M. Cohn (D)

LGBTQ rights are human rights and our constitution provides all people equal protection under the law. In Congress, I will fight to ensure that these rights are not infringed on by advocating for the passing of the Equality Act. Now more than ever it is critical that we elect officials who will protect these rights.

U.S. Rep., District 16 Vern Buchanan (R) NO RESPONSE

U.S. Rep., District 16 Jan Schneider (D)

Everyone deserves full constitutional equality. I oppose all discrimination and segregation on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes in marriage and family matters, housing, public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, credit and other areas. In contrast, Vern Buchanan (R-FL16) consistently votes against equality for members of the LGBTQ community. Among other things, last year he voted against the Equality Act (H.R. 5) and just a few weeks ago against the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404).

Y Y Y Y

* * *

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

N Y Y N

* * *

* * *

Y Y Y Y

2022 LGBTQ VOTERS’ GUIDE: CENTRAL FLORIDA RACES

1 WHY SHOULD LGBTQ AND ALLY VOTERS SUPPORT YOUR CANDIDACY?

POSITION CANDIDATE

State Senator, District 8 Travis Hutson (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 8 Andrea Williams (D) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 10 Jason Brodeur (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 10 Joy Goff-Marcil (D) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 17 Steve Dixon (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 17 Linda Stewart (D)

4 DO YOU SUPPORT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE FOR TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS?

5 DO YOU SUPPORT STATEWIDE LEGISLATION BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY, WHICH SEEKS TO CHANGE A PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY?

As a multi-time recipient of Watermark’s WAVE award for “Greatest Ally to the LGBTQ Community,” I have continued to prove my long standing support for inclusion and diversity. For years I have pushed for funding to LGBTQ organizations and strongly opposed legislation that targets the rights of and works to silence the LGBTQ community.

State Senator, District 25 Peter Vivaldi (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 25 Victor Torres (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 29 Webster Barnaby (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 29 Rick Karl (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 30 Chase Tramont (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 30 Vic Baker (NPA) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 35 Fred Hawkins (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 35 Rishi Bagga (D)

Equality is my guiding principle and I will always remain actively committed towards full equality for LGBTQ+ Floridians. As a strong ally, I am committed to educating myself on issues facing LGBTQ+ Floridians, standing up against policies and laws that negatively impact the community, and working to create and ensure safe and welcoming spaces in our schools and institutions. I will always work to make sure that LGBTQ+ Floridians are heard, included and represented.

State Rep., District 36 Rachel Plakon (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 36 Deborah Poulalion (D)

An attack against one of us is an attack against all of us. I am an LGBTQ+ ally who will fight against all forms of discrimination against the community. The “Don’t Say Gay” law and attacks against transgender people are an embarrassment to the state of Florida. I want to be a part of a new wave of elected officials who will ensure that Florida law protects the community, including marriage rights. I have been endorsed by Rainbow SemDems and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus.

State Rep., District 37 Susan Plasencia (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 37 Carlos Guillermo Smith (D)

Representation matters and as Florida’s first LGBTQ Latino lawmaker, I have stood up as an authentic voice for queer Floridians in the Florida Legislature for six years and dedicated my life to fighting for fairness and equality for all. State government under Gov. Ron DeSantis is being weaponized against our community for political gain, and we need champions in the legislature who understand the consequences of hatred and bigotry and who are ready to defend our right to exist.

State Rep., District 38 David Smith (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 38 Sarah Henry (D)

The legislature’s recent attacks on our LGBTQ community target vulnerable youth and invent problems where there are none, putting LGBTQ people at risk while ignoring the actual challenges facing our community. I am committed to standing up for our LGBTQ community members and allies by countering the extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and laws coming from Tallahassee. I will fight for legislation that addresses the actual challenges facing our community.

State Rep., District 39 Doug Bankson (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 39 Tiffany Hughes (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 40 Nate Robertson (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 40 LaVon Bracy Davis (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 41 Bruce Antone (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 41 Robin Harris (GP) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 42 Bonnie Jackson (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 42 Anna Eskamani (D)

I don’t just consider myself to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community – I like to call myself an accomplice ... I fight like hell to defend LGBTQ+ people because as a cis-hetero person it is my responsibility to do so. As a woman of color I also know what it feels like to be sidelined and marginalized and I refuse for the next generation of Floridians to ever feel that way. With Pulse Nightclub in my district, I lead with the focus of honoring those no longer with us through action. ... At a time where Republican politicians are triggered by rainbows and books about diversity are being banned, we need folks who are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ lives now more than ever.

State Rep., District 43 Christopher Wright (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 43 Johanna López (D)

I will be an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Tallahassee as I have been throughout my political career. The truth is that our state has seen hateful legislation that targets our LGBTQ+ youth and community in general these past years, which is why now it is more important than ever to be unapologetic in our fight against these efforts and in support of the rights of our community. As a legislator, I will fight to repeal the “Don’t Say Gay” law and the laws that prohibit our trans youth from participating in sports. Additionally, I will make sure my office is prepared to help LGBTQ+ constituents.

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

2 DO YOU OPPOSE FLORIDA’S “PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION” LAW, WIDELY KNOWN AS THE “DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS” LAW, RESTRICTING CLASSROOM DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY?

3 DO YOU OPPOSE FLORIDA’S “THE FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS” LAW, WHICH RESTRICTS TRANSGENDER YOUTH FROM PLAYING SPORTS THAT ALIGN WITH THEIR GENDER IDENTITY?

State Rep., District 45 Carolina Amesty (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 45 Allie Braswell (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 46 Christian De La Torre (R)

State Rep., District 46 Kristen Arrington (D)

NO RESPONSE

During my two years in the legislature I have fought and proposed amendments for the Parental Rights in Education law and the Fairness in Women’s Sports law. The “Fairness in Women’s Sports” law was heard first in my Education Committee and I was the only one who proposed six amendments to make that horrible legislation not as damaging. In 2021, I sponsored Legislation to repeal (remove) the Trans Sports Ban legislation.

State Rep., District 46 Ivan Rivera (NPA) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 47 Paula Stark (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 47 Anthony Nieves (D)

Orange County Commission, District 4 Maribel Gomez Cordero (NPA)

Orange County Commission, District 4 Mercedes Fonseca (NPA)

Orange County Commission, District 6 Lawanna Gelzer (NPA)

Orange County Commission, District 6 Michael “Mike” Scott (NPA)

Orange County School Board, District 2 Heather Ashby (NPA)

Orange County School Board, District 2 Maria Salamanca

When I say I am returning all power to the people, I mean it. Our LGBTQ+ community has been viciously attacked by Republicans in the Florida legislature. Additionally, I have been deeply tied to the LGBTQ+ community since my birth. Both of my parents worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York’s Greenwich Village community for over 70 combined years. They provided care, comfort and compassion to thousands of patients afflicted with AIDS in their final moments of life, especially during the epidemic’s explosion of the 1980’s.

NO RESPONSE

NO RESPONSE

NO RESPONSE

I have advocated for the LGBTQ community as a volunteer for local LGBTQ-focused nonprofits and as an employee of Miracle of Love. I am also a former certified Human services counselor who taught safer-sex practices in the community and in the local jails, county and state work release facilities. I am intentional and strategic in my advocacy for all people so that nobody feels left behind or excluded for who they are, who they love or aspire to be. After the Pulse shooting, as a county employee I facilitated the conversion of the Ryan White Clinic to a space for victims and families impacted by the shooting. This was the start of what would be later named the Orlando United Assistance Center.

NO RESPONSE

If elected, I would be the first LGBTQ+, Latina student voice on the Orange County School Board. Our district has serious communication gaps with Spanish-speaking families so it will be my responsibility to make culturally competent decisions for a large swath of our Hispanic families in Orlando. My parents did not speak English and we relied heavily on my own leadership and my educators’ guidance. I know the importance of community outreach and communication by the district. I was also one of many students who discovered my sexual orientation early on and needed the support of my teachers, as my parents were conservative Catholics. School became my safe space .. I strive to create a community that cares for and validates the experiences of all our students while promoting and elevating student success.

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y

* * * *

Y Y Y Y

Orange County School Board, District 3 Michael Daniels (NPA)

NO RESPONSE

Orange County School Board, District 3 Alicia Farrant (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Orange County School Board, District 3 Robert A Lynn (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Osceola County School Board, District 4 Will Fonseca (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Osceola County School Board, District 4 Heather Kahoun (NPA)

NO RESPONSE

Seminole County School Board, District 2 Sean Cooper (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Seminole County School Board, District 2 Kelley Davis (NPA)

I went into this race because someone had to stand up for all the bigotry and discrimination that our government is spreading in our schools. The laws pursued and passed this year are an effort to erase the history of minority and LGBTQ communities and create a divide among our students, parents and schools. Inclusion and respect starts at such a young age and while they have never taught sexuality of any kind to children in K-3rd grade, schools have a role to play in ensuring that all our students feel safe, accepted and loved. This is a personal issue for me as I have seen first hand in my own family and others how stigmatizing and isolating discrimination of this kind can be.

Seminole County School Board, District 5 Dana Fernandez (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Seminole County School Board, District 5 Autumn Garick (NPA)

NO RESPONSE

Volusia County School Board, District 1 Jamie Haynes (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Volusia County School Board, District 1 Albert Bouie (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Volusia County School Board, District 3 Justin Kennedy (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Volusia County School Board, District 3 Jessie Thompson (NPA)

NO RESPONSE

Brevard County School Board, District 2 Erin Dunne (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Brevard County School Board, District 2 Gene Trent (NPA) NO RESPONSE

Y Y Y Y

2022 LGBTQ VOTERS’ GUIDE: TAMPA BAY RACES

1 WHY SHOULD LGBTQ AND ALLY VOTERS SUPPORT YOUR CANDIDACY?

POSITION CANDIDATE

State Senator, District 14 Jay Collins (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 14 Janet Cruz (D)

4 DO YOU SUPPORT ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE FOR TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS?

5 DO YOU SUPPORT STATEWIDE LEGISLATION BANNING CONVERSION THERAPY, WHICH SEEKS TO CHANGE A PERSON’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY?

Being an ally and ensuring the LGBTQ community have equal rights is personal to me. As the mother of a child who is a member of the LGBTQ community, I want my daughter to have equal protections and equal rights. In Tallahassee, I have stood up to extremist politicians that are attempting to stigmatize an already marginalized community. I’ll continue to not just defend the LGBTQ community in the Florida Senate, but also proactively work to ensure that members of this commu nity have equal protection under the law. In addition ... my opponent in this race has been handpicked by the same extremist politicians in Tallahassee who are attacking and discriminating against the LGBTQ community. He showed his true colors when he released an advertisement mocking the LGBTQ community and criticizing me for supporting the LGBTQ community. I’ve lived in Tampa my entire life and I know that our community here is one that is welcoming and treats everyone with respect. We deserve a representative in the Florida Senate that knows that.

State Senator, District 16 Christina B. Paylan (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 16 Darryl Ervin Rouson (D) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 18 Nick DiCeglie (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 18 Eunic Ortiz (D)

For several years we have seen a Republican-led legislature continue to work against the LGBTQ+ community, passing legis lation that directly harms our livelihood. We have seen the passing of “Don’t Say Gay,” the elimination of the ability of trans children to play in the sport of their choice and the Florida Board of Medicine moving to halt access to lifesaving healthcare for trans people. Anyone who believes in equal rights for all must vote for leaders who will support and pass legislation that will protect the LGTBQ community. The fact that I would be the first openly gay woman to serve in the state Senate is a glass ceiling moment that is long past due to shatter.

State Senator, District 21 Ed Hooper (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 21 Amaro Lionheart (D)

Besides being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I sincerely believe that every human being on this planet must be allowed to express themselves freely and to love who they wish without prejudice or some religious zealot imposing their warped views onto others. ... I will be your champion in the state Senate. I will also seek help from the federal government not only to ensure we protect our LGBTQ+ families but to ensure that when there is overreach, the federal government can step in and bring a swift end to it. ... I will fight any hateful and backward bill they try to push on the legislature floor that attacks LGBTQ+ rights by working with our incoming-Governor Crist. Also, we will relentlessly work on the offensive to roll back every draconian and bigoted law these fascists have passed that attack the community and put people’s lives in danger.

State Senator, District 23 Danny Burgess (R) NO RESPONSE

State Senator, District 23 Mike Harvey (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 58 Kimberly “Kim” Berfield (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 58 Bernard “Bernie” Fensterwald (D)

I believe that each all persons should be comfortable in the skin they are in without fear of discrimination for reason of their status, i.e. their race, religion, nationality and, of course, their gender identity. I have a grandchild who came out to me, pos sibly first, at the age of 13. Now 17, a decision about whether to transition is pending. Regardless of the final decisions made, my desire is to be sure that they are happy, prosperous and affirming ones.

State Rep., District 59 Berny Jacques (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 59 Dawn Douglas (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 60 Audrey Henson (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 60 Lindsay Cross (D)

I’m a strong advocate for all members of the LGBTQ community, unlike my opponent. In Tallahassee, I’ll work to reverse the discriminatory legislation we saw pass last year, including the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. I’ll push to ban harmful practices that seek to harm the LGBTQ community and will work to strengthen support for marriage equality.

State Rep., District 61 Linda Chaney (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 61 Janet Varnell Warwick (D)

State Rep., District 62 Jeremy M. Brown (R)

State Rep., District 62 Michele K. Rayner (D)

I’ve been a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ rights. I believe the government should stay out of our personal lives, and who we choose to love should not be regulated by an entity designed to serve us. Flipping this seat from Red to Blue can help us defend against the hateful and homophobic Republican agenda in the legislature.

I identify as a Black, Queer woman and it is personally imperative to me that safe spaces are created for everyone to live their life fully and authentically, and that certainly applies to my office. I am committed to ensuring a nondiscriminatory work environment by those who work in or visit my office, allow space and time for personal care for members of staff and emphasize a healthy work-life balance. As a State Representative, I fought vigorously to deliver solutions for the constituents of House District 70 and all Floridians by passing legislation to create jobs and pushing back on anti-trans sports legisla tion. I will fight for equitable access to affordable healthcare for LGBTQ community members who are often discriminated against by medical professionals causing misdiagnosis or denial/lack of care, especially our seniors who reside in long-term care facilities who may experience abuse or discrimination based on how they identify or who they love. Additionally, as a proud 2020 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate, we have to prioritize comprehensive gun reform policy. Too often, our LGBTQ siblings are targets and victims of gun violence because of current laws like the gun show loophole and lack of background checks. We must do more to reduce gun violence.

State Rep., District 64 Maura Cruz Lanz (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 64 Susan L. Valdés (D) NO RESPONSE

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2 DO YOU OPPOSE FLORIDA’S “PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION” LAW, WIDELY KNOWN AS THE “DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS” LAW, RESTRICTING CLASSROOM DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY?

3

DO YOU OPPOSE FLORIDA’S “THE FAIRNESS IN WOMEN’S SPORTS” LAW, WHICH RESTRICTS TRANSGENDER YOUTH FROM PLAYING SPORTS THAT ALIGN WITH THEIR GENDER IDENTITY?

State Rep., District 65 Karen Gonzalez Pittman (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 65 Jen McDonald (D) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 66 Traci Koster (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 66 David Tillery (D)

State Rep., District 67 Lisette Bonano (R)

State Rep., District 67 Fentrice Driskell (D)

I would like the LGBTQ community to support me because I support them. I’m endorsed by the LGBTQ Democratic Caucus of Hillsborough County. My campaign is based on inclusiveness for all. As a human rights activist, my original song “The Story” covers LGBTQ issues as well as many other social and cultural issues. I’ve spoken out against the threat of the Christo-fascist right wing who are constantly creating culture wars and creating laws that discriminate.

I have dedicated myself to the business of creating laws that apply fairly to all Floridians and to fighting legislation that would suppress our beautiful and colorful stories. I am a proven ally in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. In the Florida House, as Dem ocratic Policy Chair, I helped organize and lead the fight against the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill. Although we did not have enough votes to block its passage, I was instrumental in helping to make sure the general public knew about this terrible legislation and in building up a record so it can be challenged in court. If re-elected, I will serve as the Leader of the Florida House Democratic Caucus. From that position, I will continue my efforts to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. My opponent in this campaign has clearly expressed her homophobia ... Our state cannot afford another politi cian who refuses to see the beauty and humanity inherent in every individual, no matter who they are or who they love.

State Rep., District 68 Lawrence McClure (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 68 Lorissa Wright (D)

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the plights that LGBTQ voters face. ... I will work to combat legislation that attempts to strip basic rights away while working alongside community members to expand their access to health care and essential services. Finally, I will support teaching comprehensive, age-appropriate, science-based sex education programs in our public schools. ... Members of the LGBTQ+ community should have the same rights as cis and heterosexual individuals. By working directly with the LGBTQ+ community, I will work towards expanding healthcare, education and inclu sion initiatives to uplift members and promote equity among all.

State Rep., District 69 Daniel “Danny” Alvarez (R) NO RESPONSE

State Rep., District 69 Andrew Learned (D)

Treat people fairly. It shouldn’t be hard. While Tallahassee Republicans try to find even more ways to divide us into categories of identity politics, new ways to twist and pit us against each other, I keep coming back to one underlying truth. We are Americans, and our differences make us stronger. We are not weaker because of Dreamers, but stronger. Our diver sity does not hold us back, it empowers us. Who we love is not the business of Tallahassee, but OUR families. Gone should be the days where we use race, gender, sexual orientation and all the other social wedge issues to divide us. We are Ameri cans, and we’re united in our goal of creating a better community ... I will ALWAYS vote my values which are outlined here.

State Rep., District 70 Mike Beltran (R) I believe everybody is created in God’s image and is entitled to equal dignity. I believe children should not be exposed to the themes [in this survey.] I have nothing further to add, other than my legislative record, and the extant caselaw.

State Rep., District 70 Eleuterio “Junior” Salazar Jr. (D)

Board of County Commissioners, District 2 - At Large Brian Scott (R)

Board of County Commissioners, District 2 - At Large Patricia “Pat” Gerard (D)

NO RESPONSE

NO RESPONSE

I have long been an advocate for LGBTQ rights since the first days of the AIDS epidemic. But most publicly, as Largo Mayor, I strongly supported our City Manager, Susan Stanton, when she was beginning to go through her transition and was outed and subsequently fired. It was an ugly period in our city’s history but I like to think it gave people an opportunity to look at their own beliefs and prejudices. The Commission currently has an openly gay person serving ... In addition, I am a longtime contributor to Equality Florida, have participated in many Pride parades and trans events, developed programs for LGBTQ youth when serving as COO for Family Resources, and have a daughter who is best described as bisexual.

School Board Member, District 3 - At Large Keesha Benson (NP) NO RESPONSE

School Board Member, District 3 - At Large Dawn Peters (NP) NO RESPONSE

School Board Member, District 6 - Single Member Brian M. Martin (NP) NO RESPONSE

School Board Member, District 6 - Single Member Stephanie Meyer (NP)

DECLINED PARTICIPATION

Board of County Commissioners District 1 Scott D. Levinson (R) NO RESPONSE

Board of County Commissioners District 1 Harry Cohen (D) NO RESPONSE

Board of County Commissioners District 2 Ken Hagan (R) NO RESPONSE

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Board of County Commissioners District 2 Angela Birdsong (D) I believe it’s about love! And it’s not a choice. My nephew is gay and he told me if it was a choice he would not have chosen to be Black and gay. Y Y Y Y

Board of County Commissioners District 5 Donna Cameron Cepeda (R) NO RESPONSE

Board of County Commissioners District 5 Mariella Smith (D) NO RESPONSE

Board of County Commissioners District 7 Joshua Wostal (R) NO RESPONSE

Board of County Commissioners District 7 Kimberly Overman (D)

I’ve been a strong proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and I’ve got the record to prove it. That’s why organizations like Equality Florida, the FL Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Hillsborough County Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus are supporting my candidacy. Y Y Y Y

SIX FOR ‘SIX’

Kirk Hartlage

Among the LGBTQ highlights: the first nomination of an openly transgender actor, L Morgan Lee; out actor Jesse Tyle Ferguson winning Best Actor in a Featured Role for his work in “Take Me Out,” about a star baseball player’s coming out; and, the Best Musical award going to “A Strange Loop,” the story of a Black, queer man writing a musical about a Black, queer man writing a musical.

Oh, and the Tony Awards show itself not only featured performances by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Billy Porter but it was hosted by Ariana DeBose, the Academy Awards’ first queer woman of color to receive an Oscar in an acting category. And that was thanks to her role as Anita in “West Side Story,” a musical. Likely summarizing the awards’ LGBTQ representation the best was Toby Marlow, who, along with co-creator Lucy Moss, won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for “SIX.”

“It just feels really amazing to be part of a season where there’s so much queerness on stage explicitly,” Marlow said in the Tonys press room. “Representation is pretty fab.”

With the win, Marlow became the first openly nonbinary composer/lyricist to win a Tony Award.

What started, essentially, as a senior-year Cambridge University class project for Marlow and Moss, “SIX” has gone on to become a theatrical global sensation. The show cleverly revises – and remixes – the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII into a pop concert contest. The Queens compete to see who endured the worst with their

THE MANTRA THAT “THEATER IS gay” has never been more true, thanks in large part to this year’s Tony Awards.

Toby Marlow, the Tony Award-winning co-creator of ‘SIX,’ discusses turning the Tudor Queens into Pop Princesses

PHOTO COURTESY THE CURTIS BROWN GROUP

former spouse with the winner earning the right to be the group’s lead singer. The characters – and their accompanying solos –emulate real-life pop stars such as Beyonce, Adele and Britney Spears, among others. Though written for the stage, any of the show’s songs would sound just as proper on your favorite Top-of-the-Pops radio station or playlist.

Still one of the hottest tickets on Broadway with two additional productions touring the country, “SIX” kicks off the 2022/23 season of Broadway at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts from Nov. 1-6. The same “Aragon” troupe just played to sold-out audiences at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center in October and features Central Florida native Jasmine Forsberg as Jane Seymour.

In a Six-for-“SIX” email interview, Marlow shared his thoughts on a half-dozen questions posed by Watermark. Here, Marlow discusses what parts of the Queens’ “herstory” did – and didn’t – make it into the show, and hints at what’s next from the Marlow/Moss creative team.

Answers have been edited for style and clarity.

WATERMARK: HERE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA WE LOVE THAT “SIX” HAD ITS ORIGINS AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL. ORLANDO’S INTERNATIONAL FRINGE IS ONE OF AMERICA’S FIRST FRINGE FESTIVALS AND HAS GROWN TO BE THE LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING IN THE U.S. IN YOUR EARLY DISCUSSIONS OF BRINGING THE SHOW TO THE STATES WAS THERE ANY TALK OF OPENING THE SHOW AT OUR, OR ANOTHER AMERICAN FRINGE BEFORE ULTIMATELY DECIDING ON CHICAGO? COULD ORLANDO HAVE EVER BEEN PART OF “SIX’S” HERSTORY?!?

TOBY MARLOW: Oh my gosh, I didn’t know about Orlando’s Fringe festival; that’s so cool! To be honest, I don’t think there was any talk of taking it to a Fringe festival in the U.S. when the show was coming over … but you’d have to ask the producers! But the Orlando Fringe sounds amazing. Maybe it’ll be part of the journey for another show of ours one day.

MY RESEARCH ABOUT THE SHOW’S ORIGINS WAS THAT YOU WERE POSSIBLY LOOKING TO FOCUS ON THEMES OF QUEERNESS AND TO FEATURE QUEER NARRATIVES. CAN YOU DISCUSS THAT A BIT? HOW DID BEING GAY AND NONBINARY AFFECT THE CREATION OF THE SHOW? WHAT DOES “SIX” OFFER LGBTQ+ AUDIENCES … OTHER THAN A DAMN CATCHY SINGABLE SCORE THAT PERHAPS ONE GAY JOURNALIST MAY HAVE ADOPTED AS HIS MORNING GO-TO GET-READY-FOR-WORK SOUNDTRACK?!?

With “SIX,” we weren’t really looking to focus on themes of queerness; apologies if I’ve said that or have been misquoted saying that elsewhere!

Our main focus were themes of revisionist history, reclaiming narratives and examining how history has remembered and narrativized women’s stories through a patriarchal lens. It wasn’t really until I was watching “SIX” like a year after we’d first put it on when I thought, “Wow, as someone who is incredibly queer, it’s wild how incredibly un-queer this musical is!”

That said, there was one New Year’s Eve party where it’s reported Anna of Cleves and Katherine Howard danced together after Henry had gone to bed, but that potentially queer subplot didn’t make it into the show. However, I can confirm that there’s a whole load of queerness and queer narratives in everything we’re working on at the moment.

WHAT CONCERNS MIGHT YOU HAVE HAD WITH BRINGING THE SHOW TO THE U.S.? WERE YOU NERVOUS INTRODUCING A SHOW INVOLVING PEOPLE WHO LIVED 500 YEARS AGO TO A COUNTRY THAT’S ONLY BEEN AROUND LESS THAN HALF THAT TIME? ANY CONCERNS THAT SOME OF THE BRITISH IN-JOKES MAY NOT HAVE TRANSLATED AS WELL ACROSS THE POND?

Well, it’s funny, because when Lucy and I decided to write the show, we remembered, like, nothing about the six wives from school! When we were researching for it (by which I mean, I read a book) a few bits and bobs started coming back. Like, “Oh yeah, Anne Boleyn did that” and “Oh yeah, Anna of Cleves was that one.” But as a result, we decided to write it in a way where people didn’t have to know everything about the history in order to enjoy it … including ourselves, because of how little we remembered from school!

So that’s why in the show the queens are all like, “Oooh, so you remember me as this one? You assume ‘x’ about me?” And the audience is thinking, “Oh ok, I guess I do.” And then the queens are like, “Well, let me play with and defy those assumption of yours! Ha!” So everyone is kind of given the same equal footing to understand the subverting that we attempt to do. In that way, it’s for everyone, hopefully!

The one joke we did change for the U.S. was switching “Remember us from your GCSE’s?” to “Remember us from

PBS?” I don’t really get it, but it gets a laugh!

AS FLORIDA HAS SHOWN, THE BEST OF ENTERTAINMENT BECOMES MEMORIALIZED IN SOME TYPE OF THEME PARK RIDE OR ATTRACTION. AND “SIX” HAS MOST CERTAINLY REACHED THE ZEITGEIST OF POP CULTURE. IF YOU HAVEN’T GIVEN THIS THOUGHT ALREADY, COULD YOU NOW: HOW WOULD YOU CONVERT/TRANSLATE/ MAKE “SIX” INTO A THEME PARK RIDE, ROLLER COASTER OR OTHER ATTRACTION?

Hahahahaha! Oh my gosh, I can safely say that I have never once thought about this! I don’t know, maybe a Haunted Haus of Holbein? Honestly, if anyone has any ideas, please send them our way, that would be so (amazing)!

IT’S A NEAR GAY RITE OF PASSAGE FOR A HIT MUSICAL TO HAVE ONE OF ITS SONGS REMIXED FOR DANCE CLUBS. (SEE: “AND I AM TELLING YOU…,” “SEASONS OF LOVE,” “DEFYING GRAVITY,” “WAVING THROUGH A WINDOW,” AMONG OTHERS.)

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE FRANCE JOLI & JOEL DICKINSON DANCE REMIX OF “HEART OF STONE”? HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT, WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS WHEN (I’M HOPING) YOU WERE APPROACHED ABOUT THE PROJECT, AND ON THE FINAL PRODUCT?

Okay, so I had actually never heard of this remix when these questions came through, but I have since found it, and have listened, and yes, I am obsessed!

I played it for Lucy and we died and had a dance party! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

YOU’VE CERTAINLY SEEN MANY ITERATIONS OF THE SHOW’S CAST. WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS THAT STAND OUT WITH THE “ARAGON” CAST TOURING FLORIDA; ASPECTS THAT MAKE THEM UNIQUE FROM OTHER COMPANIES? AND, SINCE WE’VE INTERVIEWED ORLANDO NATIVE JASMINE FORSBERG, WHAT ABOUT HER MADE HER YOUR JANE SEYMOUR?

Oh my gosh, the Aragon cast are ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL. I got the privilege of seeing them rehearse in New York, and then in Chicago, and oh my gosh, I love them. They are all so unique and hilarious, and they’ve all found such individual and original takes with their roles, including all of the fabulous alternates.

And oh my gosh, you interviewed Jasmine!! She is so wonderful, so ridiculously talented, and truly my face melts every time I hear her final chorus of “Heart of Stone.” Florida, you’re gonna love ‘em!!!

“SIX” will be at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Nov. 1-6. Tickets start at $99 and are available at StrazCenter.org.

Read Watermark’s interview with Orlando native Jasmine Forsberg at WatermarkOnline.com.

DREAM TEAM: Toby Marlow (far L) with the Aragon cast in Chicago. PHOTO BY JUSTIN BARBIN

CREATIVE VISION: Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, creators of “SIX.” PHOTO BY JENNY ANDERSON

CONGRATULATIONS

Johnsons Tampa held its grand opening Oct. 14. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

The LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gulfport Public Library announced their latest SpeakOut event Oct. 20. SpeakOut: The Intersection of LGBTQ Identity and Aging will be held Nov. 3, presented in-person and virtually. Learn more at Facebook.com/LGBTQResourceCenter.Gulfport.

Project Pride announced their merger with Sarasota Pride, Inc. Oct. 22 during the 31st Sarasota Pride, presenting outgoing President Cindy Barnes with an award for her years of service. Read more on p. 10 and view photos at WatermarkOnline.com.

Tampa’s All Hallows’ Masquerade Ball returned after its pandemic hiatus Oct. 22, the not-for-profit’s 44th haunting. Read more and view photos at WatermarkOnline.com.

City Side Lounge celebrates 32 years of serving the LGBTQ community in Tampa this month.

CONDOLENCES

Sarasota theatre staple Michael Newton-Brown died Oct. 21. He will be dearly missed. Susan Turner, IT consultant to Sarasota Pride, Inc., died Oct. 22. She will be dearly missed.

“A Night of 1,000 Britneys,” a drag show benefiting Moffitt Cancer Center on Nov. 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Enigma, will celebrate the life of Tampa Bay staple Keith Joseph Frey, who died Sept. 28 at 44. The event will be hosted by Cherry Poppins and PheYonce Montrese. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa vocalist David Valentine, Tampa educator Matthew Healey, Keller Williams Tampa Central admin Danny Gitsas, St. Pete hairstylist Jacob Andrew Harris (Oct. 28); Tampa Bay artist Juan Fontanez Jr. (Oct. 29); Lakeland leather man Jerry Miller, Salon GW owner Gregory Brady (Oct. 30); Sarasota HIV/AIDS activist Michael Kehoe, Tampa Bay Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Shelita Cra-k, State Farm agent John Psomas, Tampa boating enthusiast Jamie Paul (Oct. 31); St. Pete bear Wendell Wilson, Tampa Bay entertainer Reggie Gatewood, Comic connoisseur Julian Jabbar Hills (Nov. 1); Tampa organizing coach Tracy Miller, St. Pete salesman Toby Browning (Nov. 2); Ceridian’s Kevin Gordon (Nov. 3); Gulfport everyman Daniel Hodge, St. Pete Pride volunteer Rich Runyan, St. Petersburg cowboy Winston Haws (Nov. 4); Tampa Bay DJ Duane Cook, LGBTQ Resource Center Chair Susan Gore, Life Plan Law attorney Catherine Blackburn (Nov. 5); Project manager Sean Kelly, Tampa signing interpreter Steve Hammond, St. Pete Bears founder Grahame Harte, Former TIGLFF programming director Kelly Fry, TIGLFF supporter Timothy Thomas, Metro Inclusive Health founder Bob Pope, Pinellas Park massage therapist John Waldorf, Nikki Fried’s finance director Jon Stewart (Nov. 6); Lakeland lad Kenneth Elliott, Boating enthusiast Misty McDevitt (Nov. 8); Modern Gents Premier Barbershop & Bar’s Nicholas Medina, Tampa Bay socialite Sterling Powell, CNA Dominic Costelli, Account representative Colin Hanns (Nov 9).

OUT+ABOUT

WARM WELCOME: Nate Taylor (L) and Richard Recupero celebrate the grand opening of Johnsons Tampa Oct. 14.

PHOTO BY NATE TAYLOR

EPIC TRIP: Empath Partners in Care Executive Director Joy Winheim works with HospiceWits in Soweto, Africa, which has partnered with Suncoast Hospice since 2000.

PHOTO FROM EMPATH PARTNERS IN CARE’S FACEBOOK

MACHO MEN: Josh Reed (L) and Tony Pullaro strike a pose in costume at the 44th All Hallows’ Masquerade Ball.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

PRIDE PARTNERS: (L-R) Carrie West, Mark Bias West and Joshua Leonard represent Tampa Pride at Come Out with Pride in Orlando Oct. 15.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

CONVENIENT STOP: Kevin Smith sells out the Tampa Theatre while touring “Clerks III.” PHOTO FROM TAMPA THEATRE’S FACEBOOK

SARASOTA PROUD: ALSO Youth staff and supporters greet community members at the 31st Sarasota Pride Oct. 22.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

IN HARMONY: Gene Biller (L) and Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay President Bill Kanouff come together at the organization’s Oct. 22 Fall concert. PHOTO BY NICK CARDELLO PHOTOGRAPHY

FUNNY GUYS: Jeff Klein (L) and Master of Ceremony Shane O. Laine bring the laughs during the Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival’s “Aqronym: A Night of Queer Comedy” in Ybor Oct. 21. PHOTO FROM TIGLFF’S FACEBOOK

Toni Dedik won the “Got Caricature” Miss Sammy sculpture that was raffled for Jeff Jones’ art exhibit hosted at the LGBT+ Center Orlando during the month of September. Dedik donated the piece back to The Center Orlando, where it currently can be seen. You can learn more about Jones’ artwork by searching his name at WatermarkOnline.com. Photo from The Center Orlando’s Facebook

The Bros in Convo Initiative celebrated five years as a community organization Sept. 23.

Brandon Wolf was recognized with the 2022 Live United Impact Award for Advocacy by Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando Oct. 13.

Come Out With Pride welcomed a record-setting 210,000 attendees to Lake Eola Park and Downtown Orlando for The Most Colorful Parade and Pride Festival Oct. 15.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Former Out & About Books owner Robert Bruce Ground, Tako Cheena proprietor Edgardo Guzman, Southern Nights bartender Lance Keller, Orlando occupational therapist Sarah Bapst (Oct. 28); Hope & Help case manager Norm Gentry, Orlando attorney Michael Morris (Oct. 29); Bungalower’s Brendan O’Connor, Florida Academy of Physician Assistants executive director Lolita Jerido, Ashley Furniture store manager Brian Fenn, Former Watermark editorial assistant Samantha Rosenthal (Oct. 31); Central Florida Softball League commissioner Bobby Agagnina, Miracle of Love’s Angus Bradshaw Jr., Fitness guru Jennifer Mae, Orlando bartender Juan Miller, Orlando Gay Chorus’ Chip Reif (Nov. 2); Contigo Fund’s foundation manager Joel Morales (Nov. 3); Massage therapist and framer at Framing of Central Florida Kirk Johnston (Nov. 4); Orlando drag entertainer Robert Crane aka Erica Roberts, Orlando realtor Cindy Gregory, Orlando Verizon Wireless employee Ryan Lopez (Nov. 5); Compassion & Choices philanthropy officer Michael Thomas Farmer, Women In Film & Television Florida President Robin Wright, Spooky Empire’s Denna Beena (Nov. 6); Orange County school teacher Kevin Hanna (Nov. 8); Special F/X master Alan Ostrander (Nov 9).

OUT+ABOUT

SPREADING

LOVE: Members of onePulse Foundation share the story of Pulse with Build Out Alliance at the Center for Architecture in New York Oct. 19. Photo from onePulse Foundation’s Facebook

LAUGH OUT LOUD: Sabrina Ambra (L) and Trixie Deluxxe host Movies Out Loud at Savoy Orlando’s Starlite Room Oct. 13.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

WALKING W/ PURPOSE: Editor Jeremy Williams (L) and publisher Rick Todd walk during Hope & Help’s Orlando AIDS Walk at Lake Eola Park Oct. 21.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

PARADE QUEENS: Mimi Lierre (L) and Chyna Cravens are dressed and ready to impress for Hamburger Mary’s Orlando during Come Out With Pride’s Most Colorful Parade in Orlando Oct. 15.

Photo by Jeremy Williams

CHANGEMAKER: Brandon Wolf with his 2022 Live United Impact Award for Advocacy presented by Heart of Florida United Way at the Citrus Club in Orlando Oct. 13. Photo from Brandon Wolf’s Facebook

COMMUNITY LEADER: Andrea Montanez outside the Human Rights Campaign building in Washington, D.C. Oct. 22 during her time with the organization for the Activate Elevate cohort. Photo from Andrea Montanez’s Facebook

MAKING MUSIC: City Commissioner Patty Sheehan (L) with jazz flautist Néstor Torres at The Plaza Live in Orlando. Photo from Patty Sheehan’s Facebook

CELEBRATING PRIDE: (L-R) Vivian Rodriguez, state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Jerick Mediavilla and Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Karla Hernandez-Mats attend the Come Out With Pride festival at Lake Eola Park in Orlando Oct. 15. Photo by Jeremy Williams

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

“Hamilton,” Oct. 26-Nov. 20, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Trick-or-Treat Safe Zone, Oct. 29, Orange County Public Library and Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando. 407-836-8500; The HistoryCenter.org

The Billy Mick and Friends Halloween Special, Oct. 29, The 808, Orlando. 407-440-4079; The808Orlando.com

Eden Bar’s Halloween Party featuring “Evil Dead 2,” Oct. 29, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org

Glamorous Halloween, Oct. 29, Irish Shannon’s, Orlando. 407-866-1191; AmorEventsLLC.com

5K Halloween Scare Run, Oct. 30, Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, Orlando.

“Hocus Pocus” Halloween Bash, Oct. 31, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com

Noche de Brujas $1,000 Halloween Costume Contest, Oct. 31, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

Tim Burton Movie Trivia, Oct. 31, Pour Choice Taphouse, Orlando. 407-664-5441; PourChoiceTaproom.com

OUT Sports League’s Halloween Movie Night: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Oct. 31, Orlando Premiere Cinemas, Orlando. 407-894-0599; OUTSportsLeague.com Halloween at Old Town, Oct. 31, Old Town U.S.A., Kissimmee. 407-396-4888; MyOldTownUSA.com

EVENT PLANNER

YOUR SHOT

November Art Show featuring Kelly Stewart, Nov. 3, LGBTQ+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com

20th Annual College Park Jazz Fest, Nov. 5, College Park Main Street, Orlando. 407-392-1717; CollegeParkMainStreet.com Tom Papa, Nov. 5, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

51st Annual Fall Fiesta in the Park, Nov. 5-6, Lake Eola Park, Orlando. FiestaInThePark.com

Wine-a-Pullooza, Nov. 10, LGBTQ+ Center, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com

TAMPA BAY

Demi Lovato: “Holy Fvck Tour,” Oct. 28, Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa. 866-388-4263; SeminoleHardRockTampa.com

Equality Florida Tampa Gala, Oct. 28, Bryan Glazer JCC, Tampa. 813-870-3735; EQFL.org

“Dracula,” Through Nov. 13, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-476-7378; JobsiteTheater.org Halloween 2022, Oct. 28-30, Enigma, St. Petersburg. 727-235-0867; EnigmaStPete.com

Zoie’s Halloween Bash, Oct. 29, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com

“Hocus Pocus Live,” Oct. 29, Hamburger Mary’s, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; HamburgerMarys.com/ Clearwater

Sexy Beasts & Horny Little Devils Party, Oct. 29, Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg. 727-322-4600; Facebook.com/ FloridianSocialClub

Wet Spot Grand Opening & Cock-O-Ween, Oct. 29-30, Cocktail & The Wet Spot, St. Petersburg. 727-592-1914; CocktailStPete.com Halloween on Central 2, Oct. 30, Central Ave., St. Petersburg. HalloweenOnCentral2.com

“SIX,” Nov. 1-6, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

“FRIEND” Opening, Nov. 4, MIZE Gallery, St. Petersburg. 727-251-8529; ChadMize.com

St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest, Nov. 5, Woodson African American Museum, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ CulturedBooksLiteracyFDN Pride Skate Tampa, Nov. 5, Skateworld, Tampa. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com

Babes and Bulges, Nov. 11, Event Space at Bulge, Tampa. 813-202-1000; BulgeTampaBay.com

SARASOTA

2022 Equality Florida Suncoast Celebration, Oct. 30, Michael’s on East, Sarasota. EQFL.org/SuncoastCelebration

Ringling Underground, Nov. 3, The Ringling, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; Ringling.com

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Pride Chamber’s Business Connect

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2, 6-8 P.M.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, LAKE MARY

The Pride Chamber invites you to mix and mingle at its monthly networking mixer. This month’s business connect will be hosted by Wealth Management Solutions, Thomas Blake, CPA and Courtney Abrahams of Abrahams Law. Admission is free to chamber members and $20 for guests and visitors. To register for the event, go to ThePrideChamber.org.

Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala

FRIDAY, NOV. 4, 8-10 P.M.

HARRIETT’S ORLANDO BALLET CENTRE, ORLANDO

Equality Florida brings together community leaders to celebrate and support its work with this annual event. The event will feature a sit-down dinner, open bars, a silent auction and more. For more information, go to EQFL.org.

TAMPA BAY

Bob the Drag Queen

FRIDAY, NOV. 4, 7:30 P.M.

STRAZ CENTER, TAMPA

Bob the Drag Queen sashayed into the eighth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2016, a reality competition she left purse first and wearing its crown. Now Bob is coming to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts for one night only. Get tickets at StrazCenter.org.

SARASOTA

ALSO Youth 30th Anniversary Gala

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9, 6-9 P.M.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDEN, SARASOTA

Join ALSO Youth as the organization celebrates three decades of advocacy, leadership, support and outreach. The evening will feature dinner, drinks, a keynote speech from Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith and more. Tickets begin at $175 and include a reserved dinner seat and other perks. Learn more at ALSOYouth.org.

concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

Don’t miss your shot to see the smash hit “Hamilton,” playing at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through Nov. 20. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

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OrlandoHealth.com/Ortho

confident.

well.