Watermark Issue 30.09: Fringe

Your LGBTQ+ News Source.

April 27 - May 10, 2023 • Issue 30.09

Tampa Fringe brings the

very best in seventh year

CAN and Metro detail formal split, new directions in Tampa Bay

Central Florida restaurant calls being transgender a ‘social experiment’

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

“AN ELECTRIFYING MUSICAL”

MAY 2-7 • MORSANI HALL

MAY 6 & 7 • FERGUSON HALL

ER

IES

MAY 16-21 • MORSANI HALL

SPEAKE

R

S

FRI • MAY 19 • 7:30PM FERGUSON HALL

An Evening with

Denis Phillips

FRI•MAY 12•8:00 PM FERGUSON HALL

An Evening with Denis Phillips

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

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

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DEPARTMENTS 7 // PUBLISHER’S DESK

page

12

8 // CENTRAL FL NEWS 10 // TAMPA BAY NEWS

Drag Queens are not just entertainers, we’re valued contributors to society — small business owners, parents, teachers, nurses, first responders and much more ... We are not going anywhere, we will not be silent, we will rise up and we will fight back.

– CENTRAL FLORIDA ENTERTAINER AND DRAG MARCH 2023 ORGANIZER DARCEL STEVENS

12 // STATE NEWS 13 // NATION & WORLD NEWS 19 // VISIBILI-T 21 // TALKING POINTS 37 // TAMPA BAY OUT + ABOUT 39 // CENTRAL FL OUT + ABOUT 40 // TAMPA BAY MARKETPLACE 42 // CENTRAL FL MARKETPLACE 46 // EVENT PLANNER ON THE COVER

page A BEAUTIFUL FRINGE:

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page

23/33

The 32nd Orlando Fringe Festival’s LGBTQ+ offerings.

WATERMARK ISSUE 30.09 // APRIL 27 - MAY 10, 2023

Fringe Festivals: Annual Fringe festivals return to Orlando and Tampa.

HAVE NO BEER

NEW DIRECTIONS

FIT TO PRINT

GOTTA WATCH ‘EM ALL!

page Central Florida restaurant halts sales of Bud Light.

page CAN and Metro detail formal split, next steps.

page

page

ILLUSTRATIONS BY KYLER MILLS (KY VIAN)

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WATERMARKONLINE.COM

Read It Online!

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

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Steve Blanchard is back with his latest Viewpoint.

Tampa Fringe brings the

33 very best in seventh year.

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PUBLISHER’S

Rick Todd PUBLISHER

Rick@WatermarkOnline.com

H

DESK

OT DAMN WE LIVE IN A

talented area! Forgive me, but I am living on an entertainment high with what Central Florida and Tampa Bay have to offer. I feel like the GIF of the little girl at a baseball game that eats cotton candy and gets a sugar rush. Google it.

That’s me right now.

First, I want to congratulate Kenny Howard, Rebecca Fisher and Logan Lopez for their Orlando production of the Tony nominated “The Sound Inside.” Mary-Louise Parker took home the Tony for her portrayal of the lead, a difficult and verbose role. Rebecca Fisher was stellar in this role and deserves all the recognition and accolades she gets. Newcomer, at least to me, Logan Lopez shared the stage with impeccable realness. He is so natural on stage that I never once thought he was an actor. He just simply was the character. The production is running at the Fringe Art Space and I highly recommend you quickly get your tickets to see it.

Two days after having had the pleasure of seeing “The Sound Inside,” I was able to catch the Pride Night performance of American Stage in the Park, showcasing Terrance McNally’s “Ragtime.” This musical tackles the intersectionality between wealthy white Americans, the African American community and immigrant community in the early 1900s. For me, “Ragtime” is iconic, special and difficult to master. Add to that the atmosphere of being outside in downtown St. Pete and well, there is great potential for a lot of distraction.

Well done, American Stage.

Dante Murray and Leah Stewart deliver standout performances

as Coalhouse Walker and Sarah.

Additionally delightful is Sarah Middough as Mother. This musical is a huge undertaking with music, costumes and staging. American Stage hit a home run in every category. Very impressive.

In between these two theatrical works of art, I had the privilege of seeing the second screening of “Greetings From Queertown: Orlando” at the Florida Film Festival. I’m not going to sit here and tell you it is a masterpiece because I am biased. I will tell you it took home the Audience Award for Best Florida Feature, and I couldn’t be prouder. I created the idea of this is documentary highlighting Central Florida’s LGBTQ history back in 2017.

We were still reeling from the Pulse tragedy, yet I was inspired by this community’s ability to mobilize and help each other. Then in February of 2017, “When We Rise” aired on NBC. It chronicled the journey of the queer community in larger cities like New York, L.A. and San Francisco. This made me think about the brave pioneers who fought for our rights in this community. Who stepped up to help LGBTQ+ youth, who helped others through the AIDS crisis and brought pride to our streets?

Working at Watermark for the past 21 years, I knew who these people were, but I feared too many others did not. I wanted to tell their stories in a way that brought them into people’s living rooms, on their TV screens. I wanted it to be accessible and permanent. I had a few discussions about the idea and everyone I talked to liked it, but no one was stepping forward with ways to make it happen.

I had almost given up hope on the idea, then I met Sandi Hulon.

Sandi had been working on a film project that Watermark wrote a story about. I decided to take her to lunch and pitch my idea. She heard me, she cried and she said, “We

WATERMARK STAFF Owner & Publisher: Rick Todd • Ext. 110 Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Editor-in-Chief: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Managing Editor: Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com

have to make this happen.” Sandi gave me the courage to take the next steps.

We hit a few speed bumps along the way with funding, world domination of COVID and general workload with my day job. That’s when we decided to team up with Adrenaline Films and the film took off. Ultimately, I worked very closely with Adrenaline director Jess Keller and producer Tiona Langley. These two lent their talent, passion and kindness to “Queertown” and I cannot overstate how grateful I am to them and how in awe I am of them.

I consider this documentary to be my baby, the culmination of my experience with and love for

I especially want to thank Tom Dyer and Jeff Horn who have mentored me my entire gay life.

this community. It’s the greatest thing I have ever done and I am so proud of it. However, it is not my story. It is the story of this community. I want to thank Darcel Stevens, Michael Wanzie, Sam Ewin, Hattie Wolfe, Nikole Parker, Patty Sheehan, Shea Cutliff, Joel Strack, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Mayor Buddy Dyer, Phyliss Murphy and everyone else who lent their time and personal stories to this production. I especially want to thank Tom Dyer and Jeff Horn who have mentored me my entire gay life. This was for you, for all of you.

Thank you for the gifts you give this community every day.

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

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CONTRIBUTORS STEVE BLANCHARD

is Watermark’s former editor.

He currently works in public relations and hosts the paranormal podcast “Phantom History.” Listen at PhantomHistory. com and more. Page 15

HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, NATHAN BRUEMMER, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TIFFANY RAZZANO, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI, ANGELIQUE YOUNG, MICHAEL WANZIE

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central florida news

ONEPULSE REVEALS DESIGN FOR COMMUNITY RAINBOW RUN MEDAL Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | onePULSE Foundation has released the medal design for its seventh annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run, taking place at Wadeview Park in downtown Orlando June 3.

The medal features an artistic take on three runners with the word “strength” and the year “2023” underneath them with everything in the rainbow colors.

“Strength,” which is one of the six words to come out of the 2017 onePULSE` Memorial Survey, represents having strength in numbers and is the theme for this year’s run.

Registration for the seventh annual 4.9K run is currently open. Cost to enter the run is $49 in advance and $60 for same-day registration. All in-person participants will receive an official run T-shirt, tote bag, runner’s bib and commemorative run medal.

Along with the 4.9K in-person run, the event will include a Kids Fun Run — registration is $5 — and a virtual option for runners who cannot be in Orlando on the day. Registration for the virtual run is $54 and participants will be mailed their official run t-shirt, tote bag and commemorative run medal in advance.

The morning’s event will also include the NASCAR CommUNITY Festival, which will be open from 7-10:30 a.m. at Wadeview Park. Admission is free and will feature live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities. For those wanting to enhance their experience, the 26Health Love is Love Lounge Experience is available for $149 and will include unlimited mimosas, Proud Mary’s and breakfast food catered from the Hard Rock Café, as well as the entire run registration packet.

The CommUNITY Rainbow Run kicks off onePULSE’s Seven-Year Pulse Remembrance Week, which concludes June 12 with the Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Pulse Interim Memorial.

To register, go to CommUNITYRainbowRun.com and for more information on all of onePULSE Foundation’s upcoming events, visit onePULSEFoundation.com.

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NO BUD: Grills Seafood pulled Bud and Bud Light from its restaurants because of the company’s partnership with Dylan Mulvaney.

PHOTO FROM PIXABAY

Have No Beer Central Florida restaurant calls being trans a ‘social experiment,’ halts sales of Bud Light Jeremy Williams

O

RLANDO | Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar, a restaurant with locations in Cape Canaveral, Melbourne and Orlando, defended itself online April 17 against social media posts that stated the company threw out its supply of Bud Light with a manager reportedly making a homophobic statement.

The story first appeared on The Space Coast Rocket website which reported that several social media posts began popping up April 14. They said they were being refused to be served Bud Light at Grills’ Cape Canaveral and Melbourne locations.

A post from the Rockledge, Florida Community Updates & News Facebook group, which was shared on Grills’ Facebook page, stated that an individual eye witnessed employees at Grills “throwing every Bud Light bottle/ Keg in the trash.” The post goes on to say that they overheard the

manager tell bar staff “We don’t serve faggot beer,” adding that the bar staff was embarrassed and was apologizing for the manager’s actions.

Grills owner Joe Penovich responded on the restaurant’s Facebook with a statement, writing “I can assure you, our patrons and employees, many who know me personally and followed the Grills story, this post is not true and not remotely characteristic of who we are or what our reputation in the community has been for over 25 years.”

The post goes on to address the recent Bud Light controversy over the beer company partnering with social media influencer and trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. The partnership hit the internet April 1 when Mulvaney posted a video on Instagram showing herself cracking open a can of Bud Light.

“It is true we made the decision to remove Bud Light because of their support of something that is in direct opposition to our Biblical faith,” Penovich wrote. “There is no

judgement in our heart concerning those who believe in these rapidly changing social values.”

The statement goes on to state “we believe transgenderism is a social experiment causing irreversible damage to a growing population of younger and younger children. We will not align with it in any way.”

Penovich returned to Facebook April 20, writing that he is “disgusted” by the partnership between Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, and Mulvaney and plans to “eliminate Bud and Bud Light from our locations and replace it with a locally brewed, much higher quality Pilsner” and that “Reference to all other Anheuser-Bush brands will be eliminated.”

“Transgenderism is reaching younger and younger children, now under the veil of sports urgency,” Penovich wrote. “It does irreversible damage to young bodies before their own minds can make adult decisions about that choice. NOBODY should take that right away from a developing child.”

Mulvaney’s Bud Light video has been a divisive issue on social media and led Alissa Heinerscheid, Bud Light’s vice president of marketing who oversaw the partnership, to take a leave of absence from the company.

watermark Your LGBTQ+ News Source. APRIL 27 - M AY 10, 202 3 // ISSUE 3 0.0 9 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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9

tampa bay news

PINELLAS COUNTY ORGS RALLY FOR MINORITY RIGHTS Ryan Williams-Jent

S

T. PETERSBURG | The Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County and Pinellas County Young Democrats welcomed likeminded organizations and supporters to North Straub Park April 16 to rally for LGBTQ+ and other minority rights.

The Rally for Minority Rights was organized to speak out against Tallahassee’s targeting of the LGBTQ+ community, women, Black, brown and Asian Americans and other marginalized groups. The afternoon began with a welcome and call to action from Stonewall Dems President Rick Boylan, facilitation from Vice President Christian Hotchkiss and additional remarks from PCYD President Blaine Lawson.

“If you are here, it means that you already understand the threat that we face here in Florida,” he said. “You understand that our governor is pursuing a fascist agenda, using minorities as tools to fuel rage and hatred. Our governor and the Republican legislature want us to be afraid.

“I’m looking within myself and I’m looking around at all of you and I have hope,” he continued. “We are trans, gay, Black, Jewish, Hispanic. We are women. We are mothers, parents, siblings — individually we have power and together we are a force.”

Lawson called on those assembled to join organizations to fight back, supporting groups like the Stonewall Dems, PCYD and others activist organizations which support equity and equality.

Hotchkiss subsequently welcomed Pinellas School Board Member Caprice Edmund and Teaching for the Culture Founder Bianca Goolsby, also the spouse of state Rep. Michele Rayner. She called her “the real champion” while delivering a message on her behalf.

“Stay encouraged, stay mobilized, stay organized and stay true to your values,” Goolsby said. “This culture war that is happening in Tallahassee is not by accident, it is not by mistake. It’s intentional and each person that’s here — and the people that might not be here physically with us — they matter.”

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Nathan Bruemmer, local activists Beth and Sam VanMiddlesworth and representatives from Drag2Talle Ericka PC and Lilith Black spoke next. Florida High School Democrats Chair Tyler Williams, Pinellas Democratic Party Director of Outreach Johnny Boykins and drag performer Bak Lava all followed. They each outlined their calls for action, with Boykins stressing that “the legislature is distracting us with culture wars.”

“Decisions are made by those who show up,” he noted. “Republicans are showing up, they’re talking to their people, we need to do the same.”

Hotchkiss then urged attendees to contact their representatives, participate in elections and local organizations. Lawson subsequently led the crowd in a march across the park.

Read more and view a full photo gallery at WatermarkOnline.com.

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SHARING SPACE: The current

Metro Inclusive Health and CAN Community Health sign in St. Petersburg. PHOTO

BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

New Directions CAN and Metro detail formal split Ryan Williams-Jent

T

AMPA BAY | CAN Community Health and Metro Inclusive Health have announced the end of their formal collaborative agreement, detailing new efforts to focus on the region they’ve collectively served for over a decade.

While the organizations first partnered in 2013, each has more than three decades of experience. They currently share multiple sites in Tampa Bay, including a 47,000-square-foot center in St. Petersburg and 30,000-square-foot facility in Ybor.

The latter will become CAN’s new headquarters, which will relocate from Sarasota by the Fall of 2024. Alongside its existing medical clinic, which will include services ranging from primary care to dentistry, the space will house executives and other management.

“At CAN Community Health, excellent healthcare starts with a foundation of inclusion, compassion and respect regardless of race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or the ability to pay,” President and CEO Dr. Rishi Patel said April 17. “We

are excited to make Tampa Bay our new home for our headquarters.

It is a pivotal move for our organization and a game changer for all our patients.”

CAN shared that since late 2021 its vision has “been to unify its national headquarters alongside one of its established medical clinics.” The Ybor site “offers a place where our team members can easily travel in and out of all our current markets while providing an unparalleled, diverse, inclusive quality of life and favorable cost of living,” Board Chairwoman Jackie Rogers said.

Metro, however, will vacate each of the larger locations the two share. The organization announced April 18 that they will redistribute operations to six full-service satellite spaces in the next year.

Metro plans to double their locations to eight sites, continuing to offer over 100 health, wellness and social services. Facilities are expected in North Tampa, Brandon, Seminole Heights, South and Downtown Tampa and North, Central and South St. Petersburg.

The organization will retain existing centers in Clearwater and New Port Richey while reimagining

the LGBTQ Welcome Center and Inclusivitea in St. Petersburg.

“90% of patients receive more than one service at Metro,” Metro Inclusive Health Co-CEO Priya Rajkumar said. “These moves will create substantial annual cost savings that can be redirected towards providing services to the community while also contributing to the financial longevity of the organization.”

“This is our opportunity to invest in local healthcare equity,” added Co-CEO Lorraine Langlois, who will retire in 2023. “I’m delighted to see this organization innovating to meet the needs of our community. Our team is the best and brightest of the industry.”

Metro’s decision was informed by patient data, they noted, citing population growth, hybrid work schedules and more. The organization shared that within the last two years, they “experienced explosive growth with patients traveling from all corners of the region including as far as Lakeland and south of the Skyway.”

Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer Brian Bailey, who initiated the shift toward Metro’s new model, said the changes will “get back to Metro’s roots by focusing on putting community healthcare back into more communities.”

For more information about CAN or Metro, visit CANCommunityHealth.org or MetroTampaBay.org.

watermark Your LGBTQ+ News Source. APRIL 27 - M AY 10, 202 3 // ISSUE 3 0.0 9 WAT E R M A R KONLINE .COM

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11

state news

‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ LAW TO EXPAND Jeremy Williams

T

ALLAHASSEE | The Florida Board of Education has approved the expansion of the state’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law, which will now ban all classroom discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades.

The change extends the law from its previous restrictions on kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms to grades through 12th, unless required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction. Under current rules, 4-12 students can choose not to take part in reproductive health instruction and such discussions are already currently banned in K-3.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration put forward the proposal last month as part of the Republican’s aggressive conservative agenda. According to The Associated Press, an education department spokesman states that the proposal will take effect after a procedural notice period that lasts about a month.

DRAG ARTISTS, ALLIES MARCH IN TALLAHASSEE Ryan Williams-Jent

T

ALLAHASSEE | Drag artists and allies from across the state convened at the Capitol April 25 to protest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s Republican supermajority.

Attendees arrived in Tallahassee from Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Melbourne, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Pensacola, Port St. Lucie, Sanford, St. Petersburg, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Equality Florida anticipated in a press release “that this showing of solidarity will be the largest gathering of its kind in Florida’s history.”

The march was organized

by Orlando-based activist and entertainer Darcel Stevens. It follows several high-profile and anti-LGBTQ+ actions taken by Republicans this legislative session, including the

advancement of anti-trans and anti-drag bills, with more expected.

Such laws are “cruel, unjust, full of hypocrisy and runs counter to the very values Republicans claim to uphold,” Stevens said. “Under the false pretense of wanting to protect children, lawmakers are content to retaliate by destroying parental freedom and businesses’ financial livelihoods — all while ignoring the real issues affecting Floridians like affordable housing, healthcare, and the soaring cost of living.”

It’s something Central Florida and Tampa Bay participants have spoken out against for nearly two months.

They’ve held benefit shows, sold T-shirts and participated in rallies to fund their trips to Tallahassee.

The protest officially began at 1 p.m. at Cascades Park. Stevens and other leaders spoke before marching to the Capitol steps.

“Event organizers hope to educate the public about the rich history of drag as a form of cultural artistic expression suitable for all ages while

also warning about potentially dire unintended economic consequences,” Equality Florida shared. “Anything from local brunches, theatrical productions such as Shakespeare or the ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ musical, to major concerts featuring performers like Madonna or Sam Smith could all be canceled by venues who fear elements of drag will be in violation of the law.”

“Drag Queens are not just entertainers, we’re valued contributors to society — small business owners, parents, teachers, nurses, first responders and much more,” Stevens said.

“Floridians know we pose no threat. That’s why we’re united here using our powerful collective voices to encourage political activism, register voters, and resist policies that harm us and the brothers and sisters in our LGBTQIA+ community,” she added. “We are not going anywhere, we will not be silent, we will rise up and we will fight back.”

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nation+world news

HOUSE GOP PASSES TRANSGENDER SPORTS BAN Christopher Kane of The LA Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

T

he U.S. House of Representatives on April 20 passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act (HR 734), a bill that would prohibit transgender women and girls from competing on school sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

Members voted 219-203 along party lines for passage of the bill, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Gregory Steube (R-Fla.) and is the first standalone piece of legislation restricting the rights of trans Americans that has ever been considered by the lower chamber.

In anticipation of the move by House Republicans, the White House issued a statement April 17 vowing to veto the proposal, should it ever reach the president’s desk — an unlikely outcome, considering Democrats’ majority control of the U.S. Senate.

“As gun violence plagues our schools, anti-equality politicians decided the most pressing priority for the House was to ban trans girls

of all ages from playing on school sports teams with their friends,” Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) said in a statement published by the caucus on April 20.

“Trans girls deserve the same opportunity as all other girls — to be part of a team, learn sportsmanship and challenge themselves,” Pocan said, adding, “I condemn today’s vote to rob trans girls of these opportunities” and “my colleagues who voted for this bill should be ashamed.”

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), who co-chairs the Equality Caucus, condemned passage of the “dangerous bill that targets transgender and intersex youth for discrimination.”

The bill “is so vaguely written,” Torres said, “that it could force any girl [emphasis original] to undergo invasive medical exams to ‘prove’ their sex and answer deeply personal questions about their bodies and physical development to adults they might not even know.”

Most major LGBTQ+ and civil rights advocacy groups issued similar statements condemning the passage of HR 734.

Julianna S. Gonen, federal policy director for the National Center

for Lesbian Rights, accused House Republicans of bullying, exclusion, and cruel treatment of trans kids, writing that the GOP caucus had “crossed a dangerous line” and urging “their constituents to hold them accountable.”

“To our legislators, we say: PFLAG families with transgender and nonbinary kids are your relatives and neighbors, your colleagues and friends, your constituents,” said Brian Bond, the group’s executive director.

“We will continue leading with love to ensure that all kids are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved so that they can live their best and fullest authentic lives.”

“Young transgender people should not have to watch lawmakers debate their basic humanity,” said GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis.

“House Republicans “know this bill will not become law because President Biden has already signaled his intention to veto it, so this is purely a waste of time at the expense of an already marginalized population,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson.

“We know that attacking trans kids didn’t work in the 2022 election, and it won’t work in 2024 either,” she added.

The bill would also punish the “promotion, recruitment and funding” of LGBTQ-specific activities in Uganda with up to 10 years in prison. Any “person who ‘holds out as a lesbian, gay, transgender, a queer or any other sexual or gender identity that is contrary to the binary categories of male and female’” would also face up to 10 years in prison. Opiyo also noted the measure’s provision that would require Ugandans to report LGBTQ-specific activities to authorities would create “a moral police force.”

Ugandan MPs passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act last month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the independent U.N. expert on LGBTQ and intersex issues, are among those who are sharply criticized the measure.

The Monitor, a Uganda newspaper, on April 20 reported Museveni

and lawmakers from his National Resistance Movement party “resolved to return the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs where deeper scrutiny and revisions will be made before the it is considered for assent.”

Museveni, according to the Monitor, praised lawmakers “for having rejected international pressure and shielded Uganda’s moral fabric during the passing of the bill.”

Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi reportedly raised concerns about the bill’s reporting requirement during the meeting with Museveni.

The Monitor further reported other lawmakers raised the prospect of “rehabilitation” of those convicted under the law.

Sexual Minorities Uganda Executive Director Frank Mugisha in a tweet described Museveni’s decision not to sign the bill as “progress.”

UGANDAN PRESIDENT RETURNS ANTI-LGBTQ+ ACT Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

U

gandan President Yoweri Museveni on April 20 sent his country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act back to Parliament for additional consideration before he signs it.

Chapter Four Uganda Executive Director Nicholas Opiyo during a panel that took place at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in D.C. on April 10 noted the measure would impose a “mandatory” death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and “anybody who is convicted of being engaged in same-sex relations” would face life in prison.

IN OTHER NEWS TWITTER REMOVES POLICY AGAINST DEADNAMING Twitter has removed a policy against the “targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals,” raising concerns that the platform is becoming less safe for marginalized groups. Twitter enacted the policy in 2018. “This decision to roll back LGBTQ safety pulls Twitter even more out of step with TikTok, Pinterest and Meta … at a time when anti-transgender rhetoric online is leading to real world discrimination and violence,” GLAAD said.

BALDWIN LAUNCHES RUN FOR 3RD TERM Openly LGBTQ+ Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced April 12 that she is seeking a third term in Wisconsin. Baldwin said she intends to continue fighting for the working class and families struggling with inflation, as well as opposing Wisconsin’s abortion ban. No Republicans have announced they are running for Baldwin’s seat, which will be critical for Democrats to hold if they want to maintain control of the Senate.

Baldwin was the first person elected to Congress after announcing they were gay and was the first openly gay person elected to the Senate.

TRANS WOMAN BLOCKED FROM AUSTRALIAN LEAGUE A transgender female player has been blocked from joining the second-tier of Australia’s women’s national basketball league after a panel ruled her ineligible to compete at the sport’s elite level. Basketball Australia issued a statement April 18 saying its three-member expert panel had deemed Lexi Rodgers to be ineligible to play in the NBL1 this season. The national governing body said it assessed the eligibility of prospective transgender players on a case-by-case basis at the professional and semiprofessional levels. “I am sad about the potential message this decision sends to trans and gender diverse people everywhere,” Rodgers wrote in an Instagram post.

RWANDA RECOGNIZES LGBTQ+ RELATIONSHIPS IN BOOK The Rwandan government recognized same-sex relationships in a newly launched book for people who are under 24-years-old. The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Toolkit titled “Amahitamo Yanjye” (“My Choice”) seeks to curb teenage pregnancies recognizes and promotes education about homosexuality and other sexual orientations. The toolkit uses the “Genderbread Person” tool to educate young people.

Rwanda is the only East African nation that treats sexual orientation as a private matter free from government interference through legislation to restrict certain sexual practices. Homosexuality remains criminalized in neighboring countries.

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viewpoint

Steve Blanchard

FIT FOR PRINT Dear Allies

D

EAR ALLIES, WE SURE

do miss you. We’ve had a lot of fun over the years and your support has always helped us thrive.

We love you — and it would be wonderful if you could show your faces and raise your voices for us again. We always enjoy seeing you at Pride events, marching in solidarity with us during a beautiful sunny day and hitting the clubs afterward.

It’s always a blast cheering on our favorite drag queens with you at our side and commenting on the outfits, hair and makeup choices to go along with that catchy song. Seeing you bring your kids around us, calling us their “guncle” and bringing them to our sporting events as you play side-by-side with us is always a pleasure.

Holidays just wouldn’t be the same without our annual celebrations and the time we spend in your welcoming homes. We see you as family.

We appreciate that inclusion more than you know.

We get it. We’re a fun community with big personalities who throw fun events. We thoroughly enjoy making you laugh and bringing you along for the ride.

But life is not always fun. In fact, it has gotten very scary, and we need you and your support now more than ever.

Lawmakers across the country are trying to erase us. Religions are vilifying us and politicians with big aspirations are using us to get attention, regardless the cost of our safety and happiness.

Our transgender friends, neighbors and family members are being denied healthcare simply because people in power don’t understand or care what it means to need gender-affirming care. They don’t use science to make their decisions, they use collective fear and hatred.

Those drag performers you love to watch so much on television or in the local bars are now in the direct line of fire of people who are relying on culture wars to win votes and to change the direction of our country toward a dystopian future.

These are the people who are responsible for so many protests when these performers simply want to read a book to children at a library or to hold a pageant showcasing their talents.

Our community is literally fighting for its life and we need your help. We know you see us, and we know you say you love us. Now is the time to show us you mean it.

When your spouse tweets out an attack over a beer brand they used to enjoy simply because that company has decided to support us, it’s your responsibility to call them out on it.

When a relative complains about hearing too much news about the need for LGBTQ+ equality or laments for the “good old days” when we were less likely to come out of the closet, we need you to stand up and cheer us on.

When you don’t address these attacks — and yes, they are attacks — it tells us there is a part of you that believes that too.

When your child’s school board votes to ban a book about two male penguins who raise a baby chick together because it’s offensive, and you don’t do anything to fight it because you don’t want to get involved, that tells us all we need to know about your concern for LGBTQ+ kids.

When your church labels us groomers or pedophiles and you don’t step in to defend us or choose to walk out the door, that lets us know that there is at least a part of you that believes those hateful terms apply to us, despite of what you say to us in private.

And when your family member shares that graphic on social media promising to “shield” your children from the influence of a

rainbow while pretending to respect everyone, and you just simply keep scrolling to avoid conflict, we see you.

Over the past decade or so, we’ve been so grateful for the support of corporations who have sponsored our Pride parades, targeted us with specific marketing

politicians who stand for equality and against the hate that is being thrown at us. Tell your company’s CEO to vocally support diversity and inclusion initiatives and programs in your corporate offices, despite what customers may or may not say about

and not just on the weekends dancing at the LGBTQ+ bars and clubs we love.

We heard you when you said you loved us and supported us while catching beads along the parade route.

Now is the time to physically show us that you meant it.

It may sound cliché, but

promotions and showed their support with colorful redesigns of their logos in June. It felt so great to be seen and to feel welcome.

It’s true, we took that support for granted. But now we need those businesses and corporations to do more.

It’s times like these when your vocal support is even more powerful.

Now is truly the time to fund organizations and

them on social media. And correct your customers when they bring in their bigoted ideas of what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer.

Remind them it’s diversity rather than exclusion that makes a company thrive.

Now is the time to speak up. Today is when we need to hear from you and to gain strength from your support, not just during Pride Month

actions speak louder than words. When there’s no action, there’s simply silence.

And that silence is what terrifies us the most.

Sincerely, your LGBTQ+ friends and family.

Our community is literally fighting for its life and we need your help.

Steve Blanchard is the former editor of Watermark. He currently works in public relations, runs the B&B Phantom History House and hosts the paranormal podcast “Phantom History.” Learn more at PhantomHistory.com.

Join your local LGBT Chamber, as we are the premier advocates for the Tampa Bay Area’s LGBT business community.

www.tampabaylgbtchamber.org

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Visibili-T KORY ALFONSO 32, He/Him/His

V

Jeremy Williams

ISIBILI-T IS DEDICATED TO

transgender members of our community in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, some you know and many you don’t. It is designed to amplify their voices and detail their experiences in life.

organization focused on offering mental health support in Central Florida. Alfonso is a 1:1 Peer Supporter and has been with them for about a year and a half.

“It’s been so lovely being a part of that community and it’s been so rewarding helping and being a part of something that means so much to so many people,” he says.

Alfonso is particularly fond of Peer Support Space’s “Be Kind to Your Mind” events.

Held on the second Tuesday of every month, it is a community gathering led by and for peers that want to offer support in a nonjudgmental environment.

“We’ve been seeing so many folks come out and utilize these support groups and we’re seeing how important they are for the community, and it isn’t just gay or trans folks, it’s people from all walks of life,” Alfonso says.

“It really has been an amazing experience.”

Something else that Alfonso has been getting into, thanks to his girlfriend, as been focusing on his overall wellness and mental health.

“My girlfriend is in the yoga community,” he says. “So she has me doing a little meditation in the morning, even if it is just for 10 minutes, it makes a world of difference. I also take our dog out for walks to clear my head.”

Most days Alfonso just likes to write, something he used to

be more active with and wants to do more of, or he hangs out with friends when he can. He’s not a big TV watcher but when he does watch he likes to put on what he calls “trashy reality TV.” He is a big reader though listing Yung Pueblo, Jack Kerouac and Pablo Neruda as a few of his favorite authors.

“In all honesty, my life isn’t all that interesting,” he laughs. “The biggest thing for me is just trying to be more mindful and patient with myself. My mind goes at 100 miles an hour, especially with everything going on. So I try to focus on the things I can control instead of the things I can’t.”

The “everything going on” he’s talking about? The constant attacks on the transgender community from politicians who are vilifying the lives of trans folks.

“I want the freedom to be able to be myself without all the pressure of people’s opinions that are jeopardizing kids’ lives,” Alfonso says. “These white, cis, older men who are making the decisions for all of us, they are worrying about the wrong shit.”

Those pressures have led him to fantasize about living in another country someday.

“I’d love to go to Europe, Spain maybe. My girlfriend is Italian so I would love to go there,” he says.

Even with all that he and the community are facing in Florida right now, Alfonso does offer up some words of encouragement.

“Even though there are times when the light is dim, it is never out,” he says.

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This issue, we chat with Orlando’s Kory Alfonso about his life in The City Beautiful and involvement in its LGBTQ+ community. Alfonso, who was born in Miami, came to Orlando at a young age when he was adopted by his aunt after his mom lost her life at the start of his. Alfonso has worked for Thompson Cigars since 2014, a job that took him west to the Tampa Bay area until the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, we all went to work from home and that allowed me to return to Orlando,” Alfonso says.

That was about two years ago and Alfonso says like many people, the pandemic turned him into a homebody.

“I’ve lived with my beautiful partner for a couple of years now,” he says. “We share a nice home with three cats and a dog, so we spend a lot of time at home with them.”

As the world has opened back up over the last few years, Alfonso says he has been exploring how he can be more a part of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida.

“Recently, I went through the volunteer orientation with The Center Orlando,” he says. “I’m getting back on the train of things, volunteering and getting involved with the community again.”

One way that he has been getting involved is through Peer Support Space, a peer-led

Interested in being featured in Visibili-T? Email Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams in Central Florida or Managing Editor Ryan Williams-Jent in Tampa Bay.

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This goes to every trans person, past, present and future. Because we are not going anywhere.

– “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” SEASON 15 WINNER SASHA COLBY

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‘FAT HAM’ REFRESHES ‘HAMLET’ ON BROADWAY

T

HE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING “FAT HAM” BY JAMES IJAMES PREMIERED ON BROADWAY APRIL 12, reinventing Shakespeare’s tragic “Hamlet.” The production puts him at a modern-day Southern cookout and centers around Juicy, a young, gay, Black man disturbed by his mother’s decision to marry the brother of her dead husband. Producers include Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo, a gay man, who said his goal was to “hold the door open for Black, queer expression.” The performer shared ahead of its premiere that “as an artist, it’s always been very important to me to make sure that we’re not monolithic in our experience.” He also credited Michael R. Jackson’s “A Strange Loop” for making shows like “Fat Ham” possible.

“I think years ago a show like this would not have made it to Broadway,” Domingo said. The production is scheduled to close June 25.

GAGA CO-CHAIRS BIDEN ARTS COMMITTEE

T

HE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCED A STAR-STUDDED SLATE OF MEMBERS FOR THE PRESIDENT’S COMMITTEE ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES April 13. The panel consists of artists, museum professionals, academics and philanthropists who serve on a board to President Joe Biden on culture issues. The group will be co-chaired by pop megastar and Grammy Award winner Lady Gaga and includes musician Jon Batiste, TV producer Shonda Rhimes, actors George Clooney and Jennifer Garner and more. Tsione Wolde-Michael, the committee’s executive director, said it is “positioned to do meaningful work that will positively impact the arts, libraries, museums, and public humanities work in communities across the country.”

‘SEW FIERCE’ FEATURES ORLANDO’S GALORE

L

GBTQ+ NETWORK OUTTV PREMIERED “SEW FIERCE” APRIL 14, a new drag competition focusing on the craft of drag. The show brings together eight of the world’s top drag designers who will compete against each other in weekly challenges, including Rich Kuntz, better known as Orlando queen Gidget Galore.

In each episode, the designers will create a new look based on that week’s theme and then complete a photoshoot to showcase the look with an up-and-coming drag artist. The judges will vote to eliminate a designer weekly based on the garment’s appearance and construction. At the end of the season, the winner will receive a $10,000 prize.

Learn more at OUTtv.com and at WatermarkOnline.com.

DEBOSE RETURNS FOR TONY AWARDS

A

RIANA DEBOSE’S STINT AS HOST OF LAST YEAR’S TONY AWARDS WENT SO WELL THAT SHE’S BEEN ASKED TO RETURN. The Academy Award winner and Tony Award nominee will lead the June 11 celebration from New York City’s United Palace theater live on CBS and on Paramount+. Earlier this year, DeBose took social media by storm after performing an original rap in honor of female BAFTA Award nominees, energy fans expect at the celebration. “I was honored to serve as host last year and even more so to be asked back,” DeBose said. “So looking forward to celebrating this incredible season and the people who make the work happen.”

Nominations are scheduled to be announced May 2.

DISNEY, KEURIG, NIKE, THE NFL AND MORE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED

GROWTH

IN 2022 AND 2023.

– Rolling Stone Report, April 2023

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Ending the HIV epidemic

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L U F I T U A E B

E G N I R F The 32nd Orlando Fringe Festival’s LGBTQ+ offerings

T

Jeremy Williams

HE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL

Fringe Theatre Festival, a 14-day live theatre experience, returns to Loch Haven Park and various other locations throughout Orlando with its 32nd annual outing May 16-29.

Orlando Fringe is the longest running Fringe Festival in the U.S. and is one of the most beloved institutions in Central Florida, bringing thousands of people from all around the world to The City Beautiful.

This year will feature over 200 shows playing on more than a dozen stages. Along with its color-coded venues at Orlando

Shakes, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Rep and the all-new Fringe ArtSpace, you will also find Fringe shows at The Abbey, The Starlite Room @ Savoy, The Renaissance Theatre and Hamburger Mary’s Orlando.

If this is your first year Fringing, have no fears. It is a very simple process. Get yourself a Fringe button, available at the

Orlando Fringe box office and merch tables, purchase a ticket to a show and then see the show.

Repeat often!

With so many shows, it may seem daunting to know where to start, so we have helped you out by pulling together the LGBTQ+themed shows at this year’s festival. But why stop there?

Be sure to pick up the official Orlando Fringe program and find more information on the festival, shows and everything Fringe!

To check out the full schedule and get more information on the 32nd annual festival, pick up a copy of the Orlando Fringe program and visit OrlandoFringe.org.

CONTINUED ON PG. 26 | uu |

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“Ain’t Done Bad” BY: JAKOB KARR VENUE: RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 23, 8 p.m.; May 24, 6:30 p.m.; May 25, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 3 p.m. & 10:15 p.m.; May 28, 1:30 p.m. & 6 p.m.

“Ain’t Done Bad” tells the story through dance of a young gay man growing up in conservative southern society, all set to the music of Orville Peck.

This show contains mature themes.

“Anatomica: A Comedy About Meat, Bones & The Skin You’re In”

“Artisanal Carcinoma”

BY: AMICA HUNTER VENUE: BLUE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 7 p.m.; May 19, 7:35 p.m.; May 20, 3:35 p.m.; May 21, 8:10 p.m.; May 23, 9:45 p.m.; May 27, 5:15 p.m.; May 28, 6:50 p.m.

Amica Hunter will get under your skin and crush your funny bone in this hilarious, captivating and sometimes unsettling comedy that dissects the unhinged chaos of the natural world and the horror of living in a body.

This show contains adult language.

BY: VELVET TOREADOR VENUE: PINK LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $11 Showtimes: May 18, 9:35 p.m.; May 20, 12:30 p.m.; May 21, 7 p.m.; May 22, 6 p.m.; May 23, 7:55 p.m.; May 26, 8:50 p.m.; May 27, 9:10 p.m.

Armed with a dark sense of humor, a breast cancer patient finds her one-year detour becomes a catalyst for creative escape, bald ambition and a rebirth in burlesque as Jennica Tastrophe!

This show contains strobe lights, mature themes, sexual content and adult language.

“Bodies” BY: CAN’T STAND SITTING PRODUCTIONS VENUE: RED LENGTH: 60 MINUTES | RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 5:30 p.m.; May 20, 8:30 p.m.; May 21, 4:45 p.m.; May 23, 5:30 p.m.; May 24, 8:45 p.m.; May 26, 10:15 p.m.; May 27, 3:15 p.m.

Journey with Matti McLean as he tells his story while using his paintbrush to make his words come alive on a model.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes and sexual content.

“A Bad Romance” BY: UNSEEN IMAGES THEATRE VENUE: SILVER LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 6 p.m.; May 19, 10 p.m.; May 21, 9:55 p.m.; May 23, 7:45 p.m.; May 25, 8:15 p.m.; May 26, 8:30 p.m.; May 27, 12:15 p.m.

A post happily-ever-after Fairy Tale Kingdom not too far from our own with familiar characters that you think you know but have never seen like this, set to the music of Lady Gaga.

“The City Beautiful, an Original Live Band Burlesque Musical” BY: CHEESY PIZZA PRODUCTIONS VENUE: GREEN LENGTH: 65 MINUTES | RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 20, 9:25 p.m.; May 21, 12 p.m.; May 25, 6 p.m.; May 27, 7:55 p.m.

Blacklist Babes Cabaret presents this original live band burlesque musical all about the weird, creepy, queer and sometimes dark — but never boring — history of our fair city.

This show contains nudity, adult language, audience interaction and mature themes.

This show contains mature themes and adult language.

“The D*sney Delusion” “Corsets & Cuties: Sizzle” BY: CORSETS & CUTIES, LLC VENUE: THE ABBEY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 19, 10:30 p.m.; May 26, 8:40 p.m.; May 27, 11 p.m.; May 28, 7:10 p.m.

Corsets & Cuties is back to make nights... Sizzle. With singers, dancers, aerialists and more, you never know what’s going to pop up at a Cuties show.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes, nudity and sexual content.

BY: LEIF OLESON-CORMACK VENUE: BROWN LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 19, 5:30 p.m.; May 20, 6:25 p.m.; May 22, 9:50 p.m.; May 24, 6:30 p.m.; May 26, 7:55 p.m.; May 27, 2:40 p.m.; May 28, 5:45 p.m.

Leif Oleson-Cormack pushes confessional comedy to its limits in this show about a methodically moronic plan to doubledown on unrequited love through a disastrous trip to Disneyland.

This show contains mature themes, sexual content and adult language.

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“Dungeons and Drag Queens” BY: TYLER SCOTT VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 9:15 p.m.; May 20, 7:45 p.m.; May 21, 2:30 p.m.; May 23, 6:05 p.m.; May 25, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 2:45 p.m.; May 28, 8:15 p.m.

The daring adventures of Tabletop RPGs collide with the whimsical world of Drag in this hilarious parody, featuring a stunning original score by Cameron Jordan.

“Freak Show” BY: HEART PRODUCTIONS VENUE: BLUE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $10 Showtimes: May 17, 7 p.m.; May 20, 10:05 p.m.; May 21, 6:40 p.m.; May 22, 7:15 p.m.; May 25, 9:50 p.m.; May 27, 2:15 p.m.; May 28, 12:20 p.m.

This show is a burlesque musical, which examines the societal tropes and labels that minority individuals have been constrained to over time.

This show contains mature themes and sexual content.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, sexual content and strobe lights.

“Generic Male — Just What We Need, Another Show About Men”

“Gay Cowboys” BY: 11TH HOUR PRODUCTIONS VENUE: RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $11 Showtimes: May 18, 8 p.m.; May 19, 10 p.m.; May 20, 3 p.m.; May 21, 6 p.m.; May 23, 6:30 p.m.; May 26, 6:30 p.m.; May 27, 4:30 p.m.

BY: PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 19, 7:45 p.m.; May 20, 12:15 p.m.; May 21, 4:15 p.m.; May 23, 9:35 p.m.; May 27, 8:30 p.m.; May 28, 10 p.m.

Sweetwater used to be a quiet town full of simple folks. That all ended the day the Midnight Mangler strolled into town bringing about chaos with their scheming and lies.

It’s fathers and sons, it’s war and death. It takes us into the beating heart of the failing patriarchy as it descends into acrobatic absurdity.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, sexual content and violence.

This show contains audience interaction and adult language.

“The Hock-Cock-A-Mook Islands” BY: WHITE MOUSE PRODUCTIONS VENUE: BROWN LENGTH: 75 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $12 Showtimes: May 18, 7:25 p.m.; May 19, 10:45 p.m.; May 21, 2:25 p.m.; May 23, 5:45 p.m.; May 25, 7:40 p.m.; May 27, 8:25 p.m.; May 28, 12 p.m.

Johnny goes on a gay, musical, intergalactic journey (littered with famous faces) as he attempts not only to find the Hock-Cock-AMook Islands but find himself as well.

This show contains sexual content and adult language.

“HiHo, HiHo, Its Off To Work I Go, an intimate romp” BY: CAULDRONMULTIMEDIUM VENUE: TEAL LENGTH: 75 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 20, 6:45 p.m.; May 21, 4:05 p.m.; May 25, 8:25 p.m.; May 26, 9:35 p.m.; May 28, 12:30 p.m.

“Jon Bennett vs Jason Donovan in Dumb Trivia”

“Jigsaw” BY: PLAYWRIGHTS ROUND TABLE VENUE: PURPLE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 8:45 p.m.; May 19, 6 p.m.; May 21, 7:15 p.m.; May 23, 6:30 p.m.; May 24, 9:50 p.m.; May 27, 1:30 p.m.; May 28, 6:30 p.m.

Phillipe Andre Coquet’s outrageous storytelling celebrates the Ladies of the Night with songs from Broadway musicals.

A comedic murder mystery in which everyone claims to have murdered theater professor Vinnie Vimtic, but who REALLY killed him?

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes, nudity, sexual content and violence.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, sexual content and violence.

BY: 2HOOTS PRODUCTIONS VENUE: STARLITE ROOM @ SAVOY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 19, 5:30 p.m.; May 20, 1:40 p.m.; May 22, 5:30 p.m.; May 23, 7:10 p.m.; May 25, 8:50 p.m.; May 27, 5 p.m.; May 28, 3:20 p.m.

Questions so stupid their, there, they’re, they R HARD! Cheating is encouraged in this interactive cabaret monstrosity.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature theme, nudity and sexual content.

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“Liza Battles the Instruments of Destiny” “Let’s Get Weird: Story Hour!!”

BY: MCNAIR PRODUCTIONS VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: ALL AGES TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 5:45 p.m.; May 19, 9:30 p.m.; May 21, 6 p.m.; May 22, 9:30 p.m.; May 25, 7:45 p.m.; May 26, 10:45 p.m.; May 28, 2:30 p.m.

BY: LET’S GET WEIRD PRODUCTIONS VENUE: PURPLE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 9 p.m.; May 19, 10:30 p.m.; May 20, 3:00 p.m.; May 25, 9 p.m.; May 27, 9:30 p.m.; May 28, 1:30 p.m.

A rock musical about a comic-writing high school student struggling with the upcoming homecoming dance and the gendered traditions that come along with it.

A comedic and high energy late-night style show that changes nightly.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, audience interaction and sexual content.

“Manor of Death”

“The Merkin Sisters: Deux”

BY: WILLIAM DANIEL MILLS PRODUCTION COMPANY VENUE: BROWN LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 20, 8:05 p.m.; May 24, 9:50 p.m.; May 27, 1 p.m.; May 28, 4:05 p.m.

BY: STEPHANIE MORIN-ROBERT VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 7:45 p.m.; May 20, 9:30 p.m.; May 21, 8:15 p.m.; May 23, 7:50 p.m.; May 24, 6:15 p.m.; May 27, 5 p.m.; May 28, 12:45 p.m.

It’s all fun and games at the Mistress’ birthday until someone ends up dead. Now it’s up to a few unqualified party guests to solve a mystery with the help of you, the audience.

Fallen from fame, two sisters will stop at nothing to present their “Ultimate Piece of Art.” This show contains audience interaction, fog effects, mature themes, nudity, sexual content and strobe lights.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language and violence.

“Mushy” BY: FLUID STORYTELLER PRODUCTIONS VENUE: BLUE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES | RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $12 Showtimes: May 18, 8:30 p.m.; May 20, 8:35 p.m.; May 21, 1:40 p.m.; May 22, 5:45 p.m.; May 24, 10:05 p.m.; May 26, 5:50 p.m.; May 28, 3:20 p.m.

A snapshot of the beginning, middle and end of three sperate relationships and how their paths intersect.

This show contains adult language and mature themes.

“The Mysterious Life of Amy Thompson McKean”

“The Office Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza Show”

“PeeVira’s SCAREavan SingAlong”

BY: CENTRAL FLORIDA COMPOSERS FORUM VENUE: PURPLE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 5:45 p.m.; May 22, 7:45 p.m.; May 26, 10:15 p.m.; May 27, 5 p.m.; May 28, 3 p.m.

BY: THE RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY VENUE: RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 7 p.m.; May 19, 8:30 p.m.; May 20, 6 p.m.; May 21, 7:30 p.m.; May 26, 8 p.m.; May 27, 6 p.m.; May 28, 4:30 p.m.

A play with live music and singing based on the taboo true story of an NYC composer struggling to balance her dreams with the demands of family.

It’s about people who work in an office together. At a funeral.

But also kind of a party. And a musical. But an extravaganza show.

Hop into PeeVira’s iconic spooky SCAREvan for a fun, absurd and sensational group karaoke.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, nudity and sexual content.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes, nudity and sexual content.

This show contains mature themes.

BY: DULCEART WORKS, INC. VENUE: A VAN OUTSIDE OF ORLANDO SHAKES LENGTH: 45 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18-21 and 25-28 at 6, 7, 8, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. each day

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“Rocky Horror Revue-sical” BY: MAD MADAME PRODUCTIONS VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 7:30 p.m.; May 20, 3:45 p.m.; May 21, 10 p.m.; May 22, 7:45 p.m.; May 25, 6 p.m.; May 26, 5:30 p.m.; May 27, 10:15 p.m.

This Rocky Horror parody is a wild, sexy, fun romp that will have you clapping your hands for all the familiar characters, but it is not the Rocky you’re expecting.

This show contains adult language and mature themes.

“Scream Gays” BY: ORLANDO ARTIST GUILD VENUE: ORANGE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES | RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 6 p.m.; May 20, 6 p.m.; May 21, 12:45 p.m.; May 22, 6 p.m.; May 26, 9 p.m.; May 27, 1 p.m.; May 28, 6:30 p.m.

An all-new parody that will have you asking the question: What’s your favorite scary musical?

This show contains adult language, mature themes, nudity, sexual content and violence.

“Serve For the Gawds: A Musical Extravaganza”

“Rivulus”

BY: BUSY BEE THEATRICALS VENUE: GOLD LENGTH: 75 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 5:45 p.m.; May 19, 10 p.m.; May 20, 10:15 p.m.; May 22, 8:15 p.m.; May 23, 6 p.m.; May 27, 6:45 p.m.; May 28, 1:15 p.m.

BY: IMPURE GLACIER VENUE: TEAL LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 6:45 p.m.; May 19, 6:15 p.m.; May 20, 5:05 p.m.; May 22, 7:15 p.m.; May 27, 6:30 p.m.; May 28, 2:25 p.m.

A fun, beautiful, spicy, tasty, yucky, stucky solo show from child actor Victoria Watson Sepejak.

A brand-new musical extravaganza that celebrates LGBTQ+ history and culture, combining ancient Greek mythology with queer nightlife in 1990s NYC.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes and sexual content.

This show contains adult language, fog effects, mature themes, nudity, sexual content and violence.

“Spank Bank Time Machine” BY: JOHN MICHAEL PLAYS VENUE: BROWN LENGTH: 55 MINUTES RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 17, 5:25 p.m.; May 20, 2:40 p.m.; May 21, 10:05 p.m.; May 23, 9:20 p.m.; May 26, 9:35 p.m.; May 27, 6:45 p.m.; May 28, 9:20 p.m.

Trauma clown/underwear sponsor John Michael returns with a time travel machine fueled by spanks and participation.

This show contains audience interaction, adult language, mature themes, nudity, sexual content and strobe lights.

“Shifted” BY: FAV PRODUCTIONS VENUE: BROWN LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $12 Showtimes: May 19, 7:10 p.m.; May 20, 4:15 p.m.; May 21, 4:20 p.m.; May 25, 9:35 p.m.; May 26, 6:15 p.m.

College students delve deep into the mysteries of the multiverse after they discover a dorm staircase has the power to shift between alternate dimensions.

This show contains audience interaction and adult language.

“Varietease XX” BY: THE IMAGINATION HOUSE AND BLUELALA ENTERTAINMENT VENUE: THE ABBEY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 19, 6:55 p.m.; May 21, 9:30 p.m.; May 24, 10:25 p.m.; May 26, 6:55 p.m.; May 27, 9:10 p.m.; May 28, 10:40 p.m.

“XX” celebrates 20 years of Varietease featuring both veterans and newcomers to the Fringe stage in a powerful journey of reflection, redemption and celebration.

This show contains mature themes, adult language, audience interaction and strobe lights.

“The White Lotus: Orlando” BY: JOEL SWANSON PRODUCTIONS VENUE: RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY LENGTH: 60 MINUTES | RATED: 18 & UP | TICKETS: $15 Showtimes: May 18, 9:30 p.m.; May 20, 7:30 p.m.; May 21, 3 p.m.; May 24, 8 p.m.; May 26, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 1:30 p.m.; May 28, 3 p.m.

You are invited to Orlando’s Premier Resort and Spa, located smack dab in the middle of I-Drive.

Murder! Adultery! Magical kingdoms! This parody musical has it all.

This show contains adult language, mature themes, nudity, sexual content, strobe lights and violence.

“Who mothered the corpse?”

BY: 000 COMPANY VENUE: PURPLE LENGTH: 60 MINUTES RATED: 13 & UP | TICKETS: $11 Showtimes: May 17, 7:15 p.m.; May 20, 4:30 p.m.; May 21, 8:45 p.m.; May 23, 9:30 p.m.; May 27, 12 p.m.; May 28, 8 p.m.

In a world where the dead are used without qualms by the living, the body of a beautiful young girl is claimed by four women.

This show contains adult language and mature themes.

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ST. PETE GALA SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023 • Sponsor Reception: 6:00pm / Gala 7:00-11:00pm THE MAHAFFEY THEATER • 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Please join us for our 2023 Equality Florida St. Pete Gala!

It’s time to stand together and celebrate our community! This year we are honoring State Representative Michele K. Rayner-Goolsby with our Voice for Equality Award, and local community hero, Marjorie Sherwin, with the Edie Windsor Lifetime Achievement Award. There will be delicious cuisine, open bar, entertainment by the incredible Alex Harris, DJ L Mo, and Gios Typos, dancing, a fantastic silent auction, and a “State of the State” address by Equality Florida CEO, Nadine Smith, Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2022.

Tickets are $135

NO PRINTED TICKETS ISSUED. Names will be on an admission list at the door. Cocktail attire is suggested.

R.S.V.P. and purchase tickets at eqfl.org/stpetegala or call (727) 822-2122

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 and include complimentary Gala tickets along with a number of other benefits. To become a sponsor visit eqfl.org/stpetegala or contact Todd Richardson at Todd@equalityflorida.org or (727) 822-2122.

PRESENTED BY

Equality Florida has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, its top rating, and is the highest rated statewide LGBT civil rights organization in the nation, with four stars for both accountability and transparency. We’re also a Platinum Level GuideStar participant, a top-rated nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, and nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org).

#STPETEGALA2023 @EqualityFL

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Tampa Fringe brings the very best in seventh year

T

Ryan Williams-Jent

HE TAMPA INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL KNOWS

talent. It’s helped artists from around the world cultivate their craft in Tampa Bay for seven years.

This year the region’s only open-access, uncensored arts celebration returns May 10-14 with 32 companies, five venues and the launch of The Fringe Theatre, its year-round incubation space. The 40-seat black box theatre is located in Ybor’s Historic Kress Building and will hold its grand opening May 10, coinciding with 2023’s preview night.

After last year’s successful festival, which featured significant growth after the height of the pandemic, a permanent venue made sense. Following Tampa Fringe 2023, the space will be utilized for recurring and one-off events.

Tampa Fringe Producer Trish Parry says the idea came from World Fringe Congress 2022, held in Orlando last May. The bi-annual meeting welcomes Fringe organizers from around the globe to collaborate and strengthen their festivals.

“Folks from other festivals kept saying things about their communities and that made me ask myself — in terms of theatre, the performing arts — what does Tampa need?” Parry recalls. “We have lots of professional and community theatres. We’ve got the Straz. And I realized, ‘an incubation space.’ A safe space for artists to mingle, explore, experiment, affordably.

“That is what we are missing,” she continues. “Fringe wants to take more of a hand in making space for people, creating a community, providing continuing education in areas less traditional for actors.”

It’s what the organization was already doing each Tampa Fringe, she adds, “so why not do it year-round?”

The grand opening celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m. and includes a ribbon cutting at 6:55 p.m. with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. At 7 p.m., previews featuring two minutes of this year’s 30+ shows will begin to help guests plan their weekend.

Additional performance spaces in the Kress include Screen Door Cinema and The Cage. Rehearsal Hall and The Coop, each located at HCC Ybor’s Performing Arts Building, round out this year’s venues.

This year’s theme “Gotta Watch ‘Em All” will encourage audiences to visit each of them. Organizers drew inspiration from “Pokémon,” the popular franchise where trainers try and catch the coveted creatures.

“We are always excited about cramming in as much as possible,” Parry muses. “This year it’s physically impossible to see everything. There will be a bingo sheet and there will be a prize for whomever ‘catches the most of ‘em!’”

As in prior festivals, LGBTQ+ creators and content are heavily featured this year. “Diversity is always important to Fringe,” Parry says. “We are very pleased that this year within our LGBTQ+ shows we have quite a range of perspectives within it!”

View details about some of those shows here, in order of first presentation.

The seventh annual Tampa Fringe will be held May 10-14 in Ybor.

Individual shows range from $5-15 +$3 in fees or -$1 with cash at each venue. Passes and discounts are also available. For more information about each venue and show, visit TampaFringe.org.

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LGBTQ+ SCHEDULE

“The War” “Beige Glitter: gay but not good at it” 60 MINS. | THE CAGE, KRESS May 10, 9 p.m.; May 14, 6:45 p.m.

Comedian Jeff Klein brings his humor and wit to Tampa Fringe with the premiere of his one-man show. He details how he sees the LGBTQ+ community and how he feels they, and the rest of the world, see him. “This is a culmination of my stand-up comedy and life experiences, trying to find where I fit into the community and creating a lane for other beige gays like myself to feel seen,” Klein explains.

60 MINS. | HCC OUTSIDE May 11, 8 p.m.; May 14, 8 p.m.

Pop on a pair of headphones and join time-traveling research company SCROLL as they attempt to discover what truly happened during The War of 2098. Located outside, silent disco technology creates a rich 360 soundscape while physical actors and interactive historians welcome you to a sci-fi world. “This is our company’s first time at Tampa Fringe and we are excited to be bringing a piece of immersive, experimental theater to a new audience,” co-writer, artistic director and actor Megan Markham says.

“TransMasculine Cabaret, Starring Vulva Va-Voom” 45 MINS. | THE COOP, HCC May 12, 7:15 p.m.; May 13, 1:15 p.m.; May 14, 3:15 p.m.

Local cabaret artist Vulva Va-Voom premieres their new show!

This tragicomedy interprets the performer’s real-life experiences of queerness and gender identity through the lens of their recurring onstage character. Billed as fairly sincere and emotionally intimate, this scripted piece with improvisational moments features music and more. Va-Voom is also serving as head writer for sister company Boiled Horse’s show “Stroke of Genius: Pantomime Masturbation Throughout Performing Arts History.”

“I Love Liz”

“The Velocity of Gary (Not His Real Name)”

“It Started with a Kiss”

60 MINS. | REHEARSAL HALL, HCC May 10, 9:15 p.m.; May 13, 7:15 p.m.; May 14, 8 p.m.

60 MINS. | THE COOP, HCC May 11, 8:45 p.m.; May 13, 2:45 p.m.; May 14, 8:15 p.m.

60 MINS. | REHEARSAL HALL, HCC May 12, 8:30 p.m.; May 13, 2:30 p.m.; May 14, 4:45 p.m.

It’s the 1950s and time for women to take a stand against the patriarchy. Get ready to divide the City Gate Apartment Complex when Liz rallies up the women and children to teach men a lesson in taking your spouse for granted. With the fellas out of the picture, Liz, her gang of housewives and the building’s co-owner Tina learn about all the things that come with their newfound freedom: both the sweets and the sours.

A story, a confession, a revelation — this play takes place in the past, present and infinity of Gary’s mind. Armed with his theme “anything can happen” and a pair of leopard print underwear, Gary dreams about kissing somebody but finds himself in New York City addicted to phone sex, attending memorial services for strangers and more.

Through surprising friendships Gary discovers his greatest poetry, humor, pain and hope.

This musical follows the ups and downs of Ruth Ann and Earl as the couple meets, falls in love and has a child despite Earl’s wandering eye. Ruth Ann finally has had enough and leaves, however neither of them are happy after they divorce. Eventually they realize that they can’t live without one another with songs like “It Started with a Kiss” and “What Did I Do Right.”

“RAT MAN HAPPY PLACE”

“Like An Animal”

60 MINS. | THE FRINGE THEATRE, KRESS May 11, 7:15 p.m.; May 13, 8:30 p.m.; May 14, 1:45 p.m.

40 MINS. | THE CAGE, KRESS May 11, 8:45 p.m.; May 13, 8:15 p.m.; May 14, 8:30 p.m.

The world ended but the Happy Place’s memory lives on. Come learn about the magic that once was from former caretaker Rat Man. “I am much more interested in queering the aggro nature of the postapocalyptic narrative and focusing on the importance of community for survival,” writer Bruce Costella says. He calls the show “a fantastical combo of storytelling and interactive elements that invites the audience to tell the story with me.”

Come laugh at the kinkiest freaks in the animal kingdom in this examination of animal intimacy with comedian Amica Hunter. “I am a queer, trans nonbinary artist with a love for animals, death, comedy and the bizarre,” they say. “My show at this festival is all about animal mating habits — and let me tell ya! These wild earthly beasties are queer as heck. Kinky, too.” This show will make you completely rethink the birds and the bees.

“The Barn Identity” 60 MINS. | THE FRINGE THEATRE, KRESS May 12, 10:30 p.m.; May 13, 6:45 p.m.; May 14, 3:30 p.m.

This piece centers on the performer’s unexpected fascination with old barns, exploring the usefulness of beauty as she looks back at her own mental illness. “As an out, bi solo performer, making shows is a big part of how I make sense of the world and myself in it,” Erika MacDonald explains. She says the show “is an ode to friendship, bi resilience and to all the unexpected ways we hold ourselves and each other up.”

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announcements

TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS American Stage welcomed new Managing Director Anthony Winter-Brown and freeFall Theatre welcomed new Executive Director Craig Badinger April 10. Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

Aquariius was crowned National Bearded Empress 2023 on April 17.

Watermark Wednesday benefited PFLAG Riverview at Zoie’s April 19, where raffle participants raised a total of $1,300 in support of the organization. The funds included a generous match from Zoie’s. Read more and view a photo gallery at WatermarkOnline.com.

ARTpool Gallery celebrated 15 years in St. Petersburg April 20.

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Eric Roper and Hector Garcia were married April 20.

The Lady’s Room celebrated one year in Largo April 22 and is raising funds to remain open. Learn more at Facebook.com/TheLadysRoomLargo.

St. Petersburg staple Cocktail celebrates three years May 7.

SEEKING SUPPORT SMART Ride beneficiary Empath Partners in Care is seeking community support ahead of this year’s 20th fundraiser. The organization will field a cycling team and provide crew members to assist cyclists along the 165-mile route and is seeking volunteers for both roles Nov. 17-18.

Informational sessions are scheduled through May 24 in Tampa Bay. “The funds raised will benefit the Tampa Bay community so we can provide more education and prevention services as well as ensure our HIV+ community members have what they need to live healthy lives,” EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim says.

Read more at WatermarkOnline.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS St. Petersburg politico Christopher Farrar (April 27); SMART Rider Carlos Lozano (April 29); Tampa licensed mental health counselor Anthony Quaglieri, St. Petersburg mainstay Russell Sutherland (April 30); Tampa socialite Channing Floyd (May 1); St. Petersburg communication pro Josh Cruz, St. Petersburg golden girl Corey Malyszka, myXOadventures owner Daniel Milks, St. Petersburg’s Karen Kunz, FedEx ground employee Marcus Brewer (May 2); Tampa Pride President Carrie West, Tampa Bay entertainer Ericka PC aka Aaron Perry Cruz (May 3); Vintage Interior’s owner Timothy Huff, Fabulous Arts Foundation activist Grace Korley (May 4); Tampa Crowbar owner Bonnie Plumbtree, St. Petersburg author Richard Randall, Tampa Bay activist Robert Brennan, St. Petersburg Officer Chris Bragg, Tampa staple Orlando Garza (May 5); Enigma bartender Justin Palmer, Tampa Bay bartender Jon Jusino (May 6); Tampa Bay performer Tim Cain (May 7); Tampa Bay activist Sasha Citino, St. Petersburg server Jason Grawey, Cocktail manager Alex Gomez (May 8); Animal lover Sarah Wilson, Travel advisor Terry Thompson (May 9); St. Petersburg gender therapist Tristan Byrnes, former USF executive admin assistant Eric Anderson, Tampa Bay entertainer Dale Wilson aka Power Infiniti (May 10)

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AGE OF AQUARIIUS: Aquariius is crowned National Bearded Empress 2023 April 17. PHOTO

FROM NATIONAL BEARDED EMPRESS’ FACEBOOK

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NOT SO HIDDEN: DJ Mike Sklarz keeps the party moving for Hide at Cocktail April 24.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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TEAM PFLAG: (L-R) Daniel Johnson, Faith Moeller, Noelle Soncrant and Jodi Jacobs Chadwell represent PFLAG Riverview at Zoie’s for Watermark Wednesday.

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PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY: Equality Florida supporters table at University of Tampa Pride April 14. PHOTO FROM EQUALITY FLORIDA’S FACEBOOK

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NEW DIRECTION: Metro Inclusive Health’s St. Petersburg staff gathers April 18 to announce their plans for 2023.

PHOTO COURTESY METRO INCLUSIVE HEALTH

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RESISTANCE ISN’T FUTILE: (L-R) Will Hession, John Garcia, Tony Meredith, Andrew Valentine Ross, Chad Rolston, Shane Evans and Rafael Ufret join the Rally for Minority Rights in St. Pete April 16.

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PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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SATURDAY SHENANIGANS: Corey Malyszka (L) and Chris Gibson strike a pose at Enigma April 22.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

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PARKED FOR PRIDE: (L-R) Watermark Owner Rick Todd, Creative Designer Dylan Todd and Jen Kunsch enjoy “Ragtime” during American Stage in the Park’s Pride Night April 23. PHOTO BY RICK TODD

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Come join the Pride Cup and the Pride Chamber for a fun day of Golf.

Benefiting When: Friday, June 2nd, 2023 7:00 am Registration, 8:00 am Shotgun Start Where: Dubsdread Golf Course, Orlando Type: Best Ball Format After Party/Lunch at The Hammered Lamb

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ThePrideChamber.org

Teams or Single Sign Ups (we can team you up) Sponsorship Opportunities available for your Business

Show your Pride on the Links!

To sign up or for more information visit Birdease.com/PrideGolf

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announcements

CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS Watermark’s documentary film “Greetings From Queertown: Orlando” won the 2023 Audience Award for Best Florida Feature at the Florida Film Festival this month. Among the festival’s other winners were “Evan Ever After,” which won the Audience Award for Best Florida Short,” and “Egghead & Twinkie,” which won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.

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CONDOLENCES Steven Anthony Dorsagno, owner of Steven Anthony Bella Capelli Studio, passed away April 13 at the age of 54. He will be missed.

GIVEAWAYS One Night of Queen, performed by Gary Mullen & The Works, is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time — Queen. They are coming to the Dr. Phillips Center’s Steinmetz Hall on May 22, show starts at 7:30 p.m., and we want to send you and a friend to see them. To enter, go to WatermarkOnline.com and search GIVEAWAY. Then fill out the entry form with your name and email address. We’ll choose a winner at random noon May 1.

Superstar comedian Margaret Cho is going back on the road with her Live & Livid comedy tour, heading to several cities in Florida — including Orlando, where we want to send you and a friend to see her show at The Plaza Live May 20 at 8 p.m. To enter, go to WatermarkOnline.com and search GIVEAWAY. Then fill out the entry form with your name and email address. We’ll choose a winner at random noon May 1.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS Parliament House owner Don Granatstein, app whiz Randy Shepard (April 28); CDW Electrical’s Daniel Sergi (April 29); UCF’s former GLBSU president Jessica Osborn (April 30); Orlando’s DJ Brianna Lee, TreeFrog Cinegraphix’s Christian Knightly (May 1); Central Florida entertainer Billie Jane Aubertin (May 2); Orlando bartender Travis Whitt, Central Florida entertainer Jamie Lee (aka Sassy Divine), Southern Nights Orlando bartender Autumn Michelle (May 3); The Pride Chamber’s Katherine Bardelon, Makeup Artist & Photographer Taina Norell (May 4); Sierra Club senior campaign representative Susannah Randolph, ABM Industries’ Shannon Graves Rosser, Orlando esthetician Nathan LeClaire, Fantastic parent and man about town Clay Emerson (May 5); Bill Bohannon-Dobski (aka drag performer Sheila from Accounting), Orange County officer Lance Colford (May 6); Central Florida’s insurance agent Sherri Absher, Wet Nurse drummer Vanessa Brewster (May 7); LGBTQ ally Rob “Twilight” King, Watermark cover model Al Pfeiffer (May 8); DJ extraordinaire Scott Robert (May 9); Southern Nights bartender Gabrielle Juliana, Former Orange County Sheriff candidate Darryl B. Sheppard (May 10).

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DOWN SOUTH: Bodystreet’s Steffen Brandt (L) and Reiner Wolf attend The Great American Franchise Expo in South Florida April 16. PHOTO FROM BODYSTREET

WINTER PARK’S FACEBOOK

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DANCING QUEEN: Bearonce performs at Estefan’s Kitchen in Kissimmee April 23.

PHOTO BY DANNY GARCIA

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REPRESENTATION: (L-R) Marnie Bialosuknia, Ariel Mahler, Sarah Kambe Holland, Jess Keller and Rick Todd at the Florida Film Festival’s “Queering the Screen” event at the Winter Park Public Library April 20. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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WONDER TWINS: Watermark editors Ryan Williams-Jent (L) and Jeremy Williams attend the world premiere of the documentary film “Greetings From Queertown: Orlando” at the Regal Winter Park cinema April 17. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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COMMUNITY FIGHTERS: Hope CommUnity Center’s Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet (L) and Andrea Montanez in Tallahassee April 25 fighting against the state’s anti-LGBTQ+ bills. PHOTO FROM FELIPE

SOUSA-LAZABALLET’S FACEBOOK

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ON THE BUS: Twila Holiday aboard the drag bus April 25 on its way up to Tallahassee to protest the state’s bill attacking drag performers. PHOTO FROM

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TWILA HOLIDAY’S FACEBOOK

ON THE PAGE: Orlando Fringe staff get their first look at the new Fringe program for the 2023 festival at Orlando Shakes April 25.

PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS

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FOR THE ARTS: Carlos Guillermo Smith (L) and Jerick Mediavilla attend “Reach for the Stars: University of Central Florida Alumni Showcase” at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando April 14. PHOTO FROM CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH’S FACEBOOK

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T A M P A

ATTORNEY

B A Y

M A R K E T P L A C E

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Attorney Alison M. Foley-Rothrock se habla Español!

Experience. Compassion. Community.

Offering All Types Of Immigration Services

Call today for your FREE CONSULTATION Offices in Lakeland and Ybor City, Tampa 813-424-0652 www.foleyimmigrationlaw.com

AUTOMOTIVE SALES

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Consignment & Procurement

www.DylanToddPhotography.com info@DylanToddPhotography.com (727) 310-1212

941-255-6608 skywayclassics.com

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

COUNSELING + THERAPY

Non traditional therapy for non traditional families.

Join your local LGBT Chamber, as we are the premier advocates for the Tampa Bay Area’s LGBT business community.

REALTOR NO BETTER PLACE. NO BETTER TIME. INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

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

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA /WatermarkFL @WatermarkOnline /WatermarkOnline /company/Watermarkonline/

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T A M P A

B A Y

M A R K E T P L A C E

SENIOR LIVING

Retire in Style

We invite you to explore Mease Life, Dunedin’s premier Life Plan Community.

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YOUTH SERVICES

Watermark is Hiring a

82% of people surveyed

say they support businesses that market to and support the LGBTQ community!

Creaave Designer We are expanding our Creaave Design team.

The creaave designer creates the editorial layouts for all newsprint issues of Watermark and is responsible for all video component ediing.

This is an on-site posiion at our St. Petersburg or Orlando office with a salary range of $30-35K. It is the perfect posiion for moovated mull-faceted designers who thrive in a challenging, fast paced environment.

Email your resume to

Advertise your business with us!

Call 813-655-9890

Jeremy@watermarkonline.com

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C E N T R A L

F L O R I D A

M A R K E T P L A C E

ATTORNEYS

ACCOUNTING + BOOKKEEPING

COUNSELING Mary Liebermann, LCSW Certiied Imago Therapist

MARRIAGE & DOMESTIC PARTNER PLANNING PERSONAL/BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION, e-file QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED PROADVISOR®

Individuals & Couples - Anxiety - Depression Codependency - Gay & Lesbian - ACCOA 1307 Portland Ave. Orlando, 32803

Leah eah G. James, CPA, MSTax

Judy L. Hines, CQA, CPB, CPS, CAP

Helping to FEEL in order to HEAL in order to be the REAL YOU!

407.478.4513 • ContactUs@geckoCPA.com

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

ACCOUNTING + BOOKKEEPING Personal Returns from

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321-306-7830 mary@maryliebermannlcsw.com

Individual, Corporation, and Partnership Put 30+ years of experience to work for you.

Confidentiality Guaranteed.

Tax Preparation Immediate appointments Taxes prepared while you wait!

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

HYBRIDACCOUNTING Inc.

Heather Perkins Senior Accountant 844-966-5829 Heather@HybridAccounting.com www.Hybrid-Accounting.com Mention code WM20 for 20% off

Personal Taxes Business Taxes LLC or corporation set-up Full Accounting Services QuickBooks Assistance Notary Services

We work remotely to save you time and money. Just text or email us!

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

AIR CONDITIONING www.4seasonsair.net

407-295-9231

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The A/C Company you wish you called first.

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C E N T R A L

COUNSELORS + THERAPISTS

F L O R I D A

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ONE OF THE BEST FEMALE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPISTS OutSmart Reader’s Choice Awards 2004–2022

Schedule your Free Consultation Today

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713-823-4001

DERMATOLOGY

GARDEN + NURSERY

CITY OASIS Your Downtown Garden Shop 407-898-8101 1214 N. Mills Ave. Orlando

Fulfill your skin care needs Patrick Dominguez, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery 80 W Grant St Ste 117 South Downtown Orlando

(407)-770-0139

www.AdvancedDerm.com/about-us/our-providers/Patrick-Dominguez-md

FUNERAL SERVICES

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Exotic Orchids, Bonsai, Ornamentals, Tropical Plants Full Service Interior Design and Maintenance Free Estimates, Prices start as low as $99/mo

HEALTH + FITNESS

Discount Nutrition Center Serving Orlando for 24 years

.Vitamins .Herbs .Dietary .Sports

We will match or beat local prices!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

407-207-0067

/WatermarkFL

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@WatermarkOnline

M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6 Crystal Lake Plaza 3074 Curry Ford Rd.

Between Conway Rd. & Bumby Ave.

Come see Dave, Ed & Staff for a Free Consultation!

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C E N T R A L

INSURANCE

F L O R I D A

M A R K E T P L A C E

REALTOR

MARKETING

MEDICAL The Experts in HIV Care Are Here For You • HIV/STI Care • Hepatitis C Care • PrEP

MidwayCare.org

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

LGBT MEDICAL

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inclusive non-judgmental compassionate 407.645.2577 sexual health & primary care

Proudly Caring for the Pets and People of the LGBTQ Community since 1955 Open 7 Days a Week!

BOARDING

2766 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

DOGGIE DAYCARE

NEW WELLNESS CENTER

1601 Lee Rd. Winter Park (407) 644-2676 LIFE COACH

Gathering Focus Powerful outcomes exploring what people think, feel, and do!

�or Falk, Life Coach

Office: 407-478-2552 www.GatheringFocus.com

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PERSONAL TRAINING www.rockhardfitnessorlando.com

FREE TRIAL PASS

YOUTH SERVICES Changing the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults for over 30 years

1 WEEK UNLIMITED CLASSES 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING

Social support groups Make friends Scholarships for college Weekly groups in Orange, Seminole & Polk Counties

820 Lake Baldwin Lane p. 407.802.4631

info@OrlandoYouthAlliance.org www.OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

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· Join · Volunteer · Donate

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community calendar

EVENT PLANNER Green Thumb Festival, April 29-30, Walter Fuller Park, St. Petersburg.

GreenThumbFestival.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA Come Out With Pride’s 2023 Pride Prom

Marcia Marcia Marcia from “Drag Race,” April 29, Southern Nights, Tampa.

813-559-8625; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsTampa

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 8 P.M.-12 A.M. ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER, ORLANDO Come Out With Pride invites you to its adults-only Pride Prom 2023 at the Orlando Science Center April 28. This year’s theme is “Planet Evo: Evolution in Inclusion,” In honor of the prom’s venue. The event will feature music provided by DJ Scott Robert, live entertainment headlined by Kerri Colby and a photo booth provided by Firefly. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $115 for VIP. For more information, visit ComeOutWithPride.org.

Brunch on Grand Central, April 30; May 7, 14, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com Service Industry Pool Party, May 1, Casa Del Merman, St. Petersburg.

727-310-4130; GayStPeteHouse.com

11th Annual Celebrity Bartender Night

“Ain’t Too Proud,” May 2-7, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 6-11:45 P.M. SAVOY, ORLANDO Join the LGBT+ Center Orlando and Savoy May 9 for the 11th annual Celebrity Bartender Night. Come out and have your favorite local celebrity makes your drinks for charity with 100% of all tips collected going to The Center Orlando. Full list of celebrity bartenders will be available soon on The Center Orlando’s Facebook page. For more information, visit TheCenterOrlando.com.

TAMPA BAY Mx. St Pete Pride Pageant SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 5:30-11 P.M. USF UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTER, ST. PETERSBURG St Pete Pride’s annual drag pageant returns, open to all genders as the reimagined and 18+ Mx St Pete Pride Pageant. This year’s contestants will compete in three divisions: Miss, Mr and Mx, and a winner from each will be crowned. The evening will feature entertainment, music and more and tickets begin at $20. Learn more at StPetePride.org.

Fringe Theatre Grand Opening WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 6 P.M. THE HISTORIC KRESS, YBOR The Tampa International Fringe Festival invites you to celebrate the grand opening of their new year-round venue, the Fringe Theatre. The evening will feature a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:55 p.m. and a preview of this year’s Fringe lineup. Audiences will enjoy two minutes of each of this year’s 33 productions. Read all about this year’s festival on pg. __ and at TampaFringe.org.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Marcia Marcia Marcia takes the stage at Southern Nights Orlando April 28 and Southern Nights Tampa April 29. PHOTO FROM SOUTHERN NIGHTS’ FACEBOOK

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL FLORIDA “The Cocaine Play,” April 13-May 6, Renaissance Theatre Company, Orlando.

RenTheatre.com “Steel Magnolias,” April 21-May 7, Osceola Arts, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257; OsceolaArts.org “Something Rotten!,” April 21-May 21, The Garden Theatre, Winter Garden. 407-877-4736; GardenTheatre.org Hayley Kiyoko, April 27, House of Blues, Disney Springs. 407-934-2583; HouseOfBlues.com Orlando Ballet’s “A Streetcar Named Desire,” April 27-30, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen, April 28, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6103; AbbeyOrlando.com Marcia Marcia Marcia from “Drag Race,” April 28, Southern Nights, Orlando.

407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando Dining Out For Life’s Brewery Saturday, April 29, Deadwords Brewing, Orlando. 407-228-8272; TheCenterOrlando.com Steve Martin & Martin Short, April 29, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Pancake Drag Brunch, April 30, Savoy, Orlando. 407-898-6766; SavoyOrlando.com Golden Brick Awards, May 2, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-228-3891; DOPOrlando.com Once Upon a Dream: 100 Years of Musical Magic, May 4, Northland Church, Longwood. 407-937-1800; CFCArts.com

National Theatre Live: “The Crucible,” May 6, Enzian Theater, Maitland. 407-629-1088; Enzian.org “My Fair Lady,” May 9-14, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org Nerd Nite Orlando, May 11, Stardust Video & Coffee, Orlando. 407-623-3393; Facebook.com/NerdNiteOrlando

TAMPA BAY “Ragtime,” Through May 14, American Stage in the Park, St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; AmericanStage.org “Josephine,” April 2829, Straz Center, Tampa.

813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org South Tampa Pride, April 29-30, City Side Lounge, Tampa. 813-350-0600; CitySideLounge.com Half-O-Ween Party 2023, April 29, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com

Florida Young Democrat Convention, May 5-7, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, Tampa.

813-238-7902; FloridaYoungDems.com Dine ‘N Drag, May 5, 12, Zoie’s, St. Petersburg. 727-855-6990; ZoiesFL.com Cinco de Mayo Party, May 5, Quench Lounge, Largo. 727-754-5900; QuenchLounge.com Judy B. Goode Cabaret, May 6, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900; HollanderHotel.com American Cancer Society Drag Bingo, May 8, Salty Shamrock, Tampa. 410-262-2929; GregAndersonEvents.com “Jobsite’s Alice,” May 10-June 4, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-476-7378; JobsiteTheater.org

SARASOTA Melissa Etheridge, Summer Tour ’23, May 10, Van Wezel, Sarasota.

941-263-6799; WanWezel.org

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

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ENJOY unlimited TASTINGS AT THE WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN’S 14TH ANNUAL FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC

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SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 *w/purchase of unlimited event ticket. Excludes Grand Tasting Experience & Seminars.

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You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be treated like one. Our world-class orthopedic team is here for you.

choose well.

Visit OrlandoHealth.com/Ortho to learn more.

Florida’s first dedicated orthopedic hospital opens in August.

be seen.

choose well.

When it comes to your health, you want the best care available. You want Bayfront Health. A connected network of primary and specialized physicians, ERs and a hospital focused on a forward-thinking and innovative approach to wellness. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BayfrontHealth.com