Watermark Issue 31.06: Fighting Back

Pro-Palestine protest disrupts MadSoul music festival

Tampa Pride marks 10 years of ‘Celebrating You’

FIGHTING BACK

TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS RISE UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS

FIGHTING BACK

TRANSGENDER

What we hear from the

more than anything is that there is a need

know we’re not alone and to be amongst

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DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING.

That’s a 12-step program mantra. The theory is this: You will make mistakes, but instead of living in that mistake, do the next right thing.

It’s not always clear what the next right thing is, especially when the mistake isn’t yours or you are dealing with perceived mistakes and grievances beyond your control.

Life is messy. Do the best you can and do right by others.

In the news business it’s pretty cut and dry. Give space for people to tell their truth, be unbiased and give others the chance to respond.

It has to be that simple. To complicate it with bias on our part would be unethical and cause more problems than we might think it solves. We can’t provide the space for just anyone. The information we get has to be sourced and corroborated.

There have been many times people have come to us saying something nefarious was

Owner

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Editor-in-Chief:

Managing

with these organizations are intact and thriving.

I am sad to say that this isn’t always the case. In June of 2023 we had several former Tampa Pride board members come to us with concerns about the organization’s leadership. The concerns were echoed with multiple former board members from multiple age brackets and times served. The story was covered by Axios and the time came for Watermark to share the story of its community by its community.

We reached out several times to the leadership being questioned without response. We used email, phones and Facebook messenger on several occasions. As a longtime sponsor of Tampa Pride, and the creator of every official Tampa Pride Guide, it was important that we gave ample time to our partner to have their voice heard.

Unfortunately, they did not take us up on the offer to tell their story.

On June 7, 2023, we ran with the story “Former Tampa Pride board members call for change, new leadership.”

happening in our community. Most of these stories never ran in our pages because the sources were either unwilling to go on record or their stories couldn’t be confirmed by others.

As clear as our duty in journalism is, it is especially clear when it comes to stories that shine a bad light on our partners. First, make sure others can corroborate the story. Then, give the storyteller the space, remain unbiased and give the partner the chance to respond.

We have had such stories pop up throughout my 22 years with this news source. In each of these cases we worked with the organizations to make sure all voices were heard, and I am happy to report that our relationships

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As a result, Watermark’s relationship with Tampa Pride has been strained. I expected some kind of backlash and I don’t begrudge the organization its feelings. The team at Watermark tried everything we could to handle the situation professionally and give everyone equal space while holding true to our mission and duty.

It didn’t surprise me when we were not invited to partner on the official pride guide as we have done since the organization’s inception. I had hoped my attempts to address the board would help mend the bridge, but I do not hold it against them that they decided not work on the project with us.

What saddens me is how far that rift extends. I reached out several times to ask that Watermark be a sponsor of Tampa Pride. Watermark strives to sponsor every pride event across our coverage area.

It benefits the organizations, our readers and our community. It’s important we lift each other up in this manner and we have been able to do this every year for every major pride organization and most of the smaller ones.

This is the reason I have decided to tell this story. I want the community in Tampa to know that we support and value you. You will not see our logo on pride marketing material or our name in the parade. It is not by our choice. We will continue to cover the wonderful events the organization has planned as is evident in our Pride in Tampa magazine available this issue in our Tampa Bay distribution and online for everyone. It is important to Watermark that we provide this

Watermark doesn’t pick sides. We report the news.

information to highlight Tampa’s amazing community.

Although our sponsorship was not accepted, I am grateful Tampa Pride accepted our vendor application. I hope that this shows our commitment to Tampa Pride and that it is the beginning of a new chapter for Watermark and the organization. Communication between us has increased in the past weeks and we are able to share some of Tampa Pride’s response to our aforementioned story in this issue’s Tampa Bay news.

I hope to see us reunite as partners moving forward, working together to better the lives of our Tampa siblings.

Watermark doesn’t pick sides. We report the news. The only side we are on is yours, the community that we serve. I hope you have a successful Tampa Pride and I hope you enjoy this latest issue.

REV. JAKOB

HERO-SHAW is the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa. He and his husband are the proud parents of two. Page 17

MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON”

FUGATE is a local business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer best known for hosting the No. 1-rated female impersonation show in Florida. He has run for political office and has a wide, diverse fan base. Page 19

HOLLY

SABRINA AMBRA, ABBY BAKER, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCKKELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, NICHOLAS MACHUCA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:

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

ABOUT BIKTARVY

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

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

 dofetilide

 rifampin

 any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

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

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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

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 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

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 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0292 04/23

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Person featured takes BIKTARVY and is compensated by Gilead.

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

ORANGE COUNTY, ZEBRA YOUTH AWARDED $1 MILLION GRANT

Connor Barry

ORLANDO | The Corporation for Supportive Housing has awarded Orange County Health Services a $1 million grant to help local youth and young adults living with HIV find homes.

“Supporting Replication of Housing Interventions,” or SURE grants, were awarded to 10 nationwide applicants that use the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, Orange County being one of them. Orange County’s grant request was in collaboration with Zebra Youth, a local organization that helps at-risk LGBTQ+ youth with housing, food, education, mental health care and many other issues.

The Ryan White Program is a national program that helps provide services for HIV positive individuals that cannot afford to cover their own medical expenses, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The grant will be awarded over the next three years.

“This new grant will help us fill a housing gap in the community,” said Orange County Health Services Fiscal and Operational Support Division manager, Claudia Yabrudy, in a press release. “Clients enrolled in the SURE Housing Initiative are provided housing assistance for up to two years and are connected to medical and support services under the Ryan White Part A Program.”

The funds will be provided to Zebra Youth through the Orange County Health Services. Zebra Youth will use the funding to provide case management services and housing assistance, as well as act as a resource for connecting those in need to Ryan White Part A.

Through the Part A program, 75% of the Ryan White funds are used directly on core medical services, while 25% of the funds are for support services.

Core services include AIDS drug assistance treatments, AIDS pharmaceutical assistance, early intervention services, health insurance premium and cost sharing, home and community-based health services, home health care, hospice, medical case management, medical nutrition therapy, mental health services, oral health care, outpatient health services and substance abuse care.

“Getting this grant sends an important message that we have support from the county, which is proactive in securing these grants and providing these much-needed resources,” said Zebra Youth Executive Director Heather Wilkie, in the release.

The LGBTQ+ population is at a greater risk for HIV, Wilkie said, making funding like the SURE grant critical in serving those living with the virus.

“Rapid rehousing helps with case management because the program connects them to prescriptions, oversight and doctors’ appointments, plus follow through, so they can stay healthy,” she said.

Palestinian Protest Pro-Palestine protest disrupts Congressman Frost’s music festival

Connor Barry and Bellanee Plaza

ORLANDO | A group of about 300 people marched up to Congressman Maxwell Frost’s MadSoul Music Festival March 2 outside of Loch Haven Park to protest Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and to demand local representatives for a ceasefire.

Over two dozen people from the music festival left the festivities to join in on the protest, chanting from inside the park fence.

The protest was arranged by End to Genocide Coalition as a global day of protest, their goal was to make it known that there is “no business as usual during genocide.”

As the protest continued so did the festival. A member from the Pine Hills community organization Las Semillas went onto the MadSoul Stage to speak about the protest, saying there needs to be truth and justice from Pine Hills to Palestine.

Protestors divided into two groups to chant outside the fence so more guests from the festival could hear them. Some of the chants were, “Joe Biden, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes!”

Many of the protestors expressed frustration at Frost, the festival’s organizer, and New York Congresswoman Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez, who was also in attendance.

During the protest, Frost went on stage to address the situation saying, “We’re going to continue to fight for a ceasefire. … We support people’s right to protest, no matter where, and we encourage that to continue because we do need a ceasefire and we do need to save lives. … It doesn’t matter where you’re from, it doesn’t matter who you are. We need a ceasefire, and we need peace.”

Throughout the duration of the festival, after much of the crowd protesting left, many speakers and musical artists continued to voice

support for Palestine and call for a ceasefire.

In a statement shared with Watermark following the festival, Frost said “As someone who was out in the streets, got arrested, tear gassed and maced during the Black Lives Matter uprising – I got elected to Congress as an organizer and protestor at heart. Making your voice heard in any way possible is at the core of our democracy and I respect everyone’s right to fight for what they believe in. I’m currently the only member of Congress in the state of Florida calling for a ceasefire and thanked the ceasefire demonstrators that were outside the festival, from the stage. I’m proud to have hosted an impactful event that centered the arts and advocacy as we fight right-wing neo-fascism in the South. MadSoul is about connecting music to the issues that impact our lives.”

A representative from Frost’s team also said that despite claims, event staff and security did not ever put their hands on the protestors.

The representative also said that the event had a no posters, banners or flags policy that the security was trying to enforce by asking the protesters to put them away, but the protesters refused.

The group was not forcefully removed and left of their own choice, according to the representative.

CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE: Protestors outside the fence at the MadSoul Music Festival protest.

PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA

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‘Celebrating You’

Tampa Pride marks 10 years

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | Tampa Pride will hold its 10th outing March 23 from 10:45 a.m.-11 p.m., returning to Ybor after a series of smaller events and calls for change.

Last year’s celebration welcomed over 90,000 people, President Carrie West says. This year’s milestone is expected to feature 140 street festival vendors and 150 parade entries to mark “10 years of celebrating you.”

Vendors will display goods and services in two main areas, E. 9th Ave. and the Hillsborough Community College parking lot, from 10:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m., as well as in the Cuban Club Courtyard through 11 p.m. The latter will host Pride at Night and features Tampa Pride’s main stage.

The 2024 parade will head east along 7th Ave. beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment at the Cuban Club will flank the processional and feature the 2024 Royal Court, KC Starrz, Ericka PC, Esme Russell, Imani Valentino and other fan favorites.

It will continue through the evening with headliners Coco Montrese of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” David Hernandez of “American Idol” and the group Actual Bank Robbers. West says there are 70 entertainers this year, 40% of whom are new.

The main celebration follows several smaller events, including a Grand Marshal Gala on March

7. It honored Dr. Gary Howell and Gabrielle Fearce Santi as grand marshals, the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as community leaders, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn as a trailblazer, Daniel and Dustin Johnson as a grand couple and Out Coast as a business.

Festivities continued March 9 with the inaugural Rainbow Run at Al Lopez Park, a multi-race event attended by supporters old and new. An Interfaith Pride Service is also scheduled for March 19 at The Portico, open to those of all faiths.

Each of this year’s events follow calls for change in the nonprofit’s structure. Multiple outlets reported last year that former Tampa Pride board members and supporters were publicly seeking more transparency regarding its operations, citing the board’s cancellation of Pride on the River 2023 last May and more.

West confirmed at the time that the celebration wouldn’t return in September, citing anti-LGBTQ+ laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. One such law was utilized to target drag across the state, a matter currently being litigated.

Members of the community raised concerns over the Tampa Pride board’s turnover as well, noting that at least nine members had resigned or been removed since 2021. They also took issue with West having a paid position while serving as Tampa Pride’s board president, a voting member.

YBOR

West did not respond to Watermark’s requests for comment last year but confirmed in December that he’s joined on the board by Howard Grater and Derek Durum. He subsequently addressed board turnover this month, responding to Watermark’s questions in writing. His answers have been altered only to remove caps lock.

“Some individuals have medical conditions that they responded by taking an absence of volunteering,” he wrote. “Others have moved, gotten new careers, but remember that any non-profit lives by the volunteerism of individuals in the community itself.

“Tampa Pride does not hold back nor should we because we are a LGBTAQ+ organization from those that cause community mis-trust, lies, fake rumors, mis-truths, thievery and mis-trust of funds by people suppositively to be in the organization,” he continued. “They are sanctioned or fired!”

Regarding calls for a change in leadership, West added that “I am all for getting on the Tampa Pride team. But it is work!” He also confirmed Pride on the River’s future will be addressed in May but did not respond to Watermark’s multiple requests for additional information.

“This is a remarkable space in this unpredictable climate in this country,” he said of marking 10 years. “… Love the views of everyone positive or negative, be who you are and live today. Now let’s all get to work.”

For more information about Tampa Pride 2024, visit TampaPride.org. You can also read Watermark’s inaugural Pride in Tampa magazine in Tampa Bay editions of this issue and at WatermarkOnline.com.

CHARGES FILED IN GAY MAN’S TAMPA MURDER

Ryan Williams-Jent

TAMPA | The State Attorney’s Office announced March 8 that second-degree murder charges have been filed against Gerald Declan Radford in the shooting of John Walter Lay, a gay man murdered in the Egypt Lake-Leto area’s West Dog Park last month.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted a death investigation Feb. 2. Deputies identified both Lay, 52, and his shooter, 65, who claimed self-defense.

No arrest was made and there were no known eyewitnesses. HCSO advised Watermark that the investigation would be handed over to the SAO at its conclusion to determine if criminal charges should be filed. Radford was arrested March 8.

“The defendant alleged self-defense, but following a thorough investigation, the evidence shows Radford was the aggressor and was motivated by the fact that the victim was a gay man,” the SAO said in a press release. They will seek an enhancement as a hate crime.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, which spoke with some of Lay’s friends and family, Radford “had been harassing him at the park for months, hurling homophobic slurs and threatening him.” The outlet obtained a video in which he chronicled one such incident on Feb. 1.

“So this morning while I’m walking — and we’re the only two here — he comes up to me and screams at me, ‘You’re going to die, you’re going to die,’ and I asked him to just leave me alone, and so far he has,” Lay said in the recording.

According to prosecutors, multiple parties “came forward in the days and weeks following the shooting to report hearing Radford use bigoted slurs toward the victim, even talking about wanting to harm him while at the dog park.” Detectives also reviewed the video in question.

The SAO addressed concerns about how long it took to charge Radford as well. They noted “it is important to note how difficult it can be to refute a Stand Your Ground claim in some cases because the only other witness to the incident is deceased.”

“Throughout the course of this investigation, community members stepped forward with important information about ongoing tensions that helped add context to the incident,” they continued. “Combined with video recordings created by the victim before he was killed, investigators were able to build a strong case to bring to our office for prosecution.”

State Attorney Suzy Lopez also addressed the charges.

“We should all be able to enjoy a day at the dog park without the fear of gunfire,” she said. “This victim also deserved to live free from fear and discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The evidence shows the defendant’s actions were motivated by hate, and he will be held accountable. My heart is with the victim’s family and large group of friends as we fight for justice together.”

STAPLE: Crowds gather along 7th Ave. in Ybor for Tampa Pride’s 2022 Diversity Parade.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES

Connor Barry

The 2024 Florida Legislative session came to a close March 8, seeing the shutdown of nearly 20 anti-LGBTQ+ bills.

According to a press release from the Human Rights Campaign, during the session only one of the many anti-LGBTQ+ legislations were passed and is expected to be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Of the proposals defeated during this session, some include bans for Pride flags in government buildings, expansions of “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” restrictions into workplaces and restrictions on gender-identity changes on driver’s licenses and other state-issued documents, according to the release.

One such bill, House Bill 1639, dubbed by LGBTQ+ activists as the “Trans Erasure Bill,” was widely protested and led to hundreds of transgender and allied Floridians protesting at the “Let Us Live Rally” outside the Florida Capitol.

HRC, Equality Florida, Florida Rising and Floridians Protecting Freedom put together dozens of trips to the Capitol to rally against these legislations.

Republican Senate President Kathleen Passidomo continued to emphasize her focus on maintaining the Senate’s process throughout this legislative session, despite GOP pressure to push through legislations.

“Our bill process is not the Republican Party of Florida. We are the Legislature. We make laws. We review laws… I’m not going to, because the Republican Party of Florida has a platform, take [a bill] out of a committee or violate our rules,” said Passidomo in a February interview with POLITICO.

While many proposals did not make it through the Senate, HB 1291, otherwise known as the “Stop WOKE Teacher Training Bill,” was passed through the legislature and now waits for approval from DeSantis.

If signed, the bill would prohibit the State Board of Education from addressing systemic racism, misogyny, oppression and privilege in teacher’s training. It would also ban any instruction that “teaches identity politics,” according to the release.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani says that despite the challenges of this legislative session, the fighting paid off and will keep paying off if Floridians continue.

“This was a tough legislative session. … No real reforms were made to address the property insurance crisis or housing affordability challenges. Workers’ rights and wages were further pre-empted too,” said Eskamani in a statement released to the media. “However, we did stop some of the worst bills from passing – including another attack on the LGBTQ+ community, an attempt at fetal personhood and efforts to loosen Florida’s already lax gun laws. … This was a session where advocacy worked, and I encourage everyday Central Floridians to continue the fight.”

SETTLEMENT REACHED IN ANTI-LGBTQ+ LAW

Wire Report

ORLANDO | Students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, provided it’s not part of instruction, under a settlement reached March 11 between Florida education officials and civil rights attorneys who had challenged a state law which critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay or Trans.”

The settlement clarifies what is allowed in Florida classrooms following passage two years ago of the law prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. Opponents said the law had created confusion about whether teachers could identify themselves as LGBTQ+ or if they even could have rainbow stickers in classrooms.

Other states used the Florida law as a template to pass prohibitions on classroom instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and North Carolina are among the states with versions of the law.

Under the terms of the settlement, the Florida Board of Education will send instructions to every school district saying the Florida law doesn’t prohibit discussing LGBTQ+ people, nor

prevent anti-bullying rules on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or disallow Gay-Straight Alliance groups. The settlement also spells out that the law is neutral — meaning what applies to LGBTQ+ people also applies to heterosexual people — and that it doesn’t apply to library books not being used for instruction in the classroom.

The law also doesn’t apply to books with incidental references to LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex couples, “as they are not instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity any more than a math problem asking students to add bushels of apples is instruction on apple farming,” according to the settlement.

“What this settlement does, is, it re-establishes the fundamental principal, that I hope all Americans agree with, which is every kid in this country is entitled to an education at a public school where they feel safe, their dignity is respected and where their families and parents are welcomed,” Roberta Kaplan, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said in an interview. “This shouldn’t be a controversial thing.”

In a statement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office described the deal as a “major win” with the law formally known as the

Parental Rights in Education Act remaining intact.

“We fought hard to ensure this law couldn’t be maligned in court, as it was in the public arena by the media and large corporate actors,” said Ryan Newman, an attorney for the state of Florida. “We are victorious, and Florida’s classrooms will remain a safe place under the Parental Rights in Education Act.”

The law has been championed by the Republican governor since before its passage in 2022 by the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature. It barred instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade, and it was expanded to all grades last year.

Republican lawmakers had argued that parents should broach these subjects with children and that the law protected children from being taught about inappropriate material.

But opponents of the law said it created a chilling effect in classrooms. Some teachers said they were unsure if they could mention or display a photo of their same-sex partner in the classroom. In some cases, books dealing with LGBTQ+ topics were removed from classrooms and lines mentioning sexual orientation were excised from school musicals.

FLORIDIANS CLAIM 16K+ BOOKS FROM RIPLEY’S

Jeremy Williams

Escambia County Public Schools flagged and removed over 1,600 titles from its school library shelves for review after Florida lawmakers passed an education bill last year restricting student access to certain types of materials.

The flagged books included dictionaries, encyclopedias and reference books, including three titles from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! series.

In response to the pulling of its books, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! issued a notice that it would gift one of their annual books to every Floridian who wanted one

free of charge, and Floridians responded in mass.

As of March 2, Ripley’s had received more than 16,500 requests for a book.

“We want to thank the educators, parents, authors, fans, and everyone who has participated so far,” said Ryan DeSear, Vice President of Attraction Operations and Technology, in a press release. “Our mission has always been to entertain and educate. Ripley’s books open doors to diverse cultures, untold stories, and unbelievable people, creating awareness about the incredible world around us.”

In a separate release last month, DeSear said “The very idea of banning these books is worthy

of entry to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ironically, Escambia County officials are practically authoring our next book for us! While Ripley’s response to this issue is a bit tongue-in-cheek, we very much encourage all Florida residents to claim their free copy and decide for themselves.”

Ripley’s is continuing its banned book giveaway through May 15. Ripley’s next edition, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dare to Discover,” goes on sale Sept. 10. Florida residents participating in Ripley’s giveaway will receive an exclusive discount on this title.

For more information and to request your own copy of a Ripley’s book, go to Ripleys.com/ general/floridabooks.

BIDEN SOTU SUPPORTS LGBTQ+ AMERICANS

Christopher Kane of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association

President Joe Biden spoke in defense of the transgender community, called for passage of the Equality Act and voiced his opposition to book bans during his 2024 State of the Union address March 7.

“Banning books,” he said, “It’s wrong! Instead of erasing history, let’s make history!”

The president added, “I want to protect other fundamental rights! Pass the Equality Act and my message to transgender Americans: I have your back!”

First introduced decades ago, the Equality Act would codify LGBTQ+-inclusive nondiscrimination rules in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit and jury service.

“My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy,” Biden said. “A future based on

the core values that have defined America: Honesty, decency, dignity, equality. To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor.”

He then drew a contrast between this vision and the worldview of his political opponents.

“Now some other people my age see a different story: An American story of resentment, revenge and retribution,” Biden said.

“That’s not me.”

Shortly into his speech, the president took aim at Republicans who supported the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, that was fomented by former President Donald Trump. Without using his name, Biden then inveighed against his presumptive 2024 GOP rival for refusing to abide protections for NATO allied countries and appointing U.S. Supreme Court justices who have taken rights away from Americans.

Reproductive freedom was a major theme of the speech.

Biden touted the electoral wins for Democrats in 2022 and 2023 that were attributed to the mobilization of voters, especially women, who were outraged by the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion.

Repeating a promise that he has often made, in the aftermath of that ruling, Biden said “If Americans send me a Congress that supports the right to choose I promise you: I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.”

LGBTQ leaders praise Biden’s speech.

In a statement, GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis wrote “President Biden accurately included LGBTQ people in the greatness of American diversity and the fight for fundamental freedoms. The freedom of LGBTQ people to be ourselves, to live in peace and not be discriminated against, to read books about our lives, to have our votes and voices count, are connected to everyone’s freedoms.”

Biden “just reaffirmed solidarity with trans folks across America,” Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson also shared. “We know visibility and allyship matters, especially in times of crisis. This support by President Biden is a critical step in the fight for equality.”

PUTIN ENSNARES LGBTQ+ RUSSIANS AND MORE

Wire Report

It’s not just politicians who are targeted in the crackdown by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government in recent years. Also falling victim are independent voices as well as those who don’t conform to what the state sees as the country’s “traditional values.”

Russia’s once-thriving free press after the collapse of the Soviet Union has been largely reduced to either state-controlled media or independent journalists operating from abroad. Lawyers who represented dissidents have been prosecuted. LGBTQ+ activists have been labeled “extremists.”

Russian authorities since 2021 also have labeled dozens of outlets and individual journalists as “foreign agents” – a designation implying additional government

scrutiny and carrying strong pejorative connotations aimed at discrediting the recipient. Some have also been outlawed as “undesirable organizations” under a 2015 law that makes involvement with such organizations a criminal offense.

More restrictions appear to be coming. Parliament passed a law banning advertisers from doing business with “foreign agents,” likely affecting not just news sites but also blogs on YouTube that need advertising and are a popular source of news and analysis.

Dozens of rights groups, charities and other nongovernmental organizations have been labeled “foreign agents” and outlawed as “undesirable” in recent years, and the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights has gone on for more than a decade.

In 2022, authorities adopted a law banning propaganda of “nontraditional sexual relations” among adults, effectively outlawing any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights. Another law enacted in 2023 prohibited gender- affirming care.

In November, the Supreme Court banned what the government called the LGBTQ+ “movement” in Russia, labeling it as an extremist organization. That effectively outlawed any LGBTQ+ activism. Shortly afterward, authorities started imposing fines for displaying rainbow-colored items.

Igor Kochetkov, human rights advocate and founder of the Russian LGBT Network, told AP the Supreme Court ruling was more about ideology than anything else.

Putin’s 24-year rule is likely to be extended by six more years in this month’s presidential election.

DEPT. OF EDUCATION INVESTIGATING TEEN’S DEATH

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Owasso Public Schools to determine if officials “failed to appropriately respond to alleged harassment” of Nex Benedict, the 16-year-old nonbinary student who died Feb. 8. It was triggered by a formal complaint made by Human Rights Campaign, who asked them to prevent similar tragedies from taking place in the future and to help hold accountable those responsible. “We need them to act urgently so there can be justice for Nex, and so that all students … in Oklahoma can be safe from bullying, harassment and discrimination,” HRC said.

SCHOOL DISTRICT CHANGES OUTING POLICY

A Southern California school district sued by the state has updated its policy requiring staff to notify parents that a student is using a different pronoun or bathroom designated for another gender and now will only mention if a child requests a change to their student records. The Chino Valley Unified School District board approved the update March 8 as the district fights a lawsuit filed by Democratic state Attorney General Rob Bonta, who called the policy discriminatory. Teachers, parents and advocates who oppose it say it could put students’ safety at risk if they live in abusive households.

CZECH LAWMAKERS REJECT MARRIAGE EQUALITY

The lower house of the Czech Parliament rejected a bid to allow same-sex marriage in the country Feb. 29, instead passing a compromise bill that expand the rights of same-sex couples in registered partnerships and allow them to adopt each other’s stepchildren. Czechia has allowed same-sex couples to form registered partnerships since 2006. Notably, same-sex couples were barred from adoption, and were not allowed a widow’s pension or joint property rights. Czech marriage equality advocacy group Jsme Fér called the result disappointing.

ETHIOPIAN CHURCH CONDEMNS LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is one of the world’s oldest religious denominations, has condemned the LGBTQ+ community. The church in a statement said the right to various gender identities, what it describes as gender conversion therapy and allowing same-sex relationships leads to complex religious, social and cultural problems. They also “strongly warn[ed] those who promote homosexuality, spread and do hidden activities to refrain from their actions.” Activists condemned the statement. Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain criminalized in Ethiopia and are punishable by up to a year in prison.

Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw

IHAVE A CONFESSION. IN

our community, I hear a lot about the good ol’ days when there weren’t so many trans folks around.

I, too, am nostalgic for a simpler time. I am wistfully dreaming of the past, the days when people didn’t know much about trans people and therefore didn’t know that trans men even existed. I acknowledge that this is a terrible thing to confess, especially with Trans Day of Visibility right around the corner on March 31. But I’m a pastor and it’s the season of Lent, so I am in the mood for some confession. I yearn for the time of my own anonymity.

Of course, visibility matters, visibility is lifesaving. When trans folks dare to be visible, it helps others see that they aren’t alone, it also helps allies understand. Naturally, trans visibility is vital. On the other hand, I have lived unquestioned in my maleness now for almost my entire adult life. Have I not earned the right at this point to just live my life and be the man I am?

I am now 44 years old. The first time I uttered truths about my gender identity was almost 30 years ago, when I was a high school freshman. Although I didn’t have the language for it then, I knew I had to find a way to be comfortable in my skin. By the time I finished college, I walked across that stage at graduation and was fully the man I was meant to be. I transitioned so long ago, why bring all this up now?

I would have preferred to write about a different topic, but I can’t stop seeing Nex Benedict’s face

in my mind’s eye. I can’t stop thinking about this innocent kid who was attacked in a school bathroom. When I was a differently-gendered high school student, I too was “jumped” at school, but I was fortunate to have had a different outcome. Nex, who was nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, had apparently been harassed by kids at school. I remember what that was like, and although my identity is different than Nex’s, I know what it is like to have a misunderstood gender as a kid.

Apparently, Nex threw water on their attackers. I have seen social media commentary claiming that Nex got what they deserved. How do people claim this? No child should be beaten and later die for throwing water on someone, and no child deserves to die for being different. When I was attacked, I too would have thrown water, if that’s what was in reach. I am lucky that I was able to run away. Nex’s story has awakened a memory that I thought I had long ago put to rest. I feel a sense of deep grief and solidarity when I think of Nex and what they endured.

So many years have passed since I was Nex’s age. I don’t often think about being attacked in high school. In fact, I really don’t think about being trans that much. I rarely reminisce about the painful soul-searching I once had to do. I choose not to recall the surgeries I had so long ago. I rarely even contemplate the life-long hormone treatment that I take to this day, unless I forget to go to the pharmacy to pick it up.

I don’t think about any of this until I am faced with discrimination or with elected officials who are attempting to take away trans people’s right to identity as our truest selves. I don’t think

about it until a trans kid is beaten so badly in a school restroom, that they die from their injuries.

Then I think about how the world sees people like us. Our identities are seen as easy to mock, our bodies are seen as easy to legislate and our lives are seen as easy to take away altogether.

Despite all the pain, despite being misunderstood, and even despite the mistreatment from elected officials, I actually wouldn’t do any of this life of mine differently. I am grateful for this journey, and I have learned to love the scars it has brought me. I wish Nex could have lived long

enough to say the same about their life.

I don’t know why young Nex lost their life in such a brutal way. Even as a pastor, I don’t pretend to have an answer to those difficult questions, why such horrific things happen. I also don’t know how I survived long enough for my hair to fall out, or my beard to start turning grey. But I do know that visibility matters. As more trans people are open and visible, the easier it becomes for the next generation to find acceptance.

My life would be easier if I never told you that I am trans. But I have never sought for easy, when justice is at stake.

Nex reminds me that there is something far more important than the comfort that comes with anonymity. I owe my visibility to the next generation of trans people. I want them to have the privilege of looking in the mirror one day and not only seeing a reflection of their true gender expression — I want them to be able to see a reflection of someone who has had the privilege to grow old.

Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw is the senior pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa, MCCTampa. com. He is a proud husband and father in a family that was legalized through marriage equality and adoption.

Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate

LEIGH’S VIEW

They were JUST... Gay

LET US JOURNEY BACK TO

1976, where I sat parked in my modest blue Ford Mustang on Main Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, at the striking hour of 10 p.m., brimming with anticipation. Whispers had circulated that Main Street was the epicenter of gay culture, and as I lingered there, the neon brilliance of the Downtowner Nightclub cast an irresistible allure. At the tender age of 17, I had been forcibly ejected from my family home due to my sexual orientation, rendering me homeless for weeks on end. However, on that fateful night, as I witnessed a green Volkswagen bus glide to a halt and three beautiful women sashay into the nightclub, an overwhelming sense of belonging enveloped me.

I walked in, dressed in a cream-colored, zip-up jumpsuit adorned with Puka Beads, sporting feathered hair and a tight, built body. Of course, I was a blonde newbie to this bar. Guys kept hitting on me because I was “fresh” meat and only 17. One guy mentioned there was a show in the back, so I ventured there, and to my surprise, there was Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle and many more. The older man who followed me closely said, “Those are dudes, man!” I was so taken aback by that.

Then, I met a few drag queens who were eager to sleep with me as well. Peaches LaPitt said, “let me show you how to do drag!” I accepted the offer, being a choir singer and a church person, as I loved

to perform. The next week, I had shaved my face, arrived and was hired for $5 a night.

The memory of what would happen over the next 10 years stayed with me, and it’s the point of this article.

I worked with many types of drag queens in Louisville. We all lived in terrible times where we were trying so hard to be accepted. We had demons inside ourselves as we were persecuted and deemed evil. I, along with other drag queens, started talking about becoming women so we could have an easier life. Our thoughts were that we could be “normal” and loved. Many started with injections of silicone by non-doctors and took many steps to feminize. I did not go through with it. Thank goodness for me personally, as that was not my journey to walk.

So many years flew by, and while many fellow drag queens have not yet made the transition, they’ve taken many steps to change to a more feminine appearance. The very thought of being “normal” was the main focus. But a couple had made the full change and seemed very happy. Some who had changed their appearance realized that being female was actually worse than they thought. They were so demonized and many realized they were just gay and a drag queen. Sadly, many are living today in later years of age, and I have talked to them personally, stating they would have never started the transition, making a rash decision based on being treated like an evil person by the church and the straight world of that time.

And at that time, even bisexual people were considered evil and should not even exist. The people I speak of have told me... “I Was Just Gay.”

I feel compelled to emphasize that while recounting this deeply personal experience, I am in no way an authority on trans or other gender identities.

My intent is simply to share a glimpse into my own life journey, navigating moments of discovery and revelation. My point in this article is to highlight that the latest attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are reminiscent of the time I talked about. Though it may require

challenging place for all of us who are deemed “different.”

AND a reminder, it is so important to vote this year, not only for democracy but also because some are trying to “erase” history, non-white people and the LGBTQ+ community. I predict the protections we have may

and freedoms, I urge you to make your voice heard. Vote not only for democracy but for the preservation of our history, our diversity and our humanity. For in a world that seeks to erase us, our voices are our most potent weapons.

In a world that seeks to erase us, our voices are our most potent weapons.

different actions, it’s similar in some regard. No matter what you may face in life, never change yourself to be accepted, loved or seen as “normal” in the eyes of others. You may just be... gay. And I would like to add, please take the time to understand who you are. Take baby steps to determine what makes you happy not only in your teens but also in the decades to follow. The world is a

very well be gone soon. Did you ever think that in this country, we would be “force breeding” women?

So, to anyone facing similar struggles, I offer this advice: embrace who you are, unapologetically and without compromise. The road may be difficult but authenticity is worth the journey.

As we stand on the precipice of uncertainty, facing threats to our rights

And so, let us rise, united in our diversity and let our collective roar echo through the corridors of power. For we are not just gay; we are resilient, we are proud and we are here to stay.

VOTE!!!!

Martin “Leigh Shannon” Fugate is a local business owner, actor, comedian and entertainer. A strong advocate for getting out the vote and creating political change, he is a past candidate for local political office. He’s been happily married to his husband, Joey, for 37 years.

94% OF LGBTQ+ REGISTERED VOTERS SAY THEY WILL VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION THIS NOVEMBER.

LGBTQ+ VOTERS PREFER BIDEN OVER TRUMP BY 53 PERCENTAGE POINTS NATIONWIDE AND

57 PERCENTAGE POINTS IN SEVEN CURRENT CLOSE CONTEST STATES:

talking points

When homophobic hate comes my way and says, ‘why did you have to make it a gay story,’ we say, ‘because you ask questions like that.’ It’s not a gay story, it’s a love story, you asshole.

—NICK OFFERMAN, ACCEPTING

HIS FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD FOR BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A NEW SCRIPTED SERIES FOR HIS ROLE OF GAY CHARACTER BILL IN “THE LAST OF US”

HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATES THE BEST IN FILM AT THE 96TH ACADEMY AWARDS

AFTER ALL THE OSCAR STATUETTES WERE HANDED OUT, “OPPENHEIMER” CAME AWAY THE BIG WINNER OF THE NIGHT WINNING SEVEN OSCARS, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Christopher Nolan’s film about physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and how he became the “father of the atomic bomb” was heavily favored to win many of the top prizes since the film came out last July as a part of the cultural phenomenon known as Barbenheimer. “Oppenheimer’s” counterpart “Barbie” didn’t fare as well, winning only one of its eight nominations for Best Original Song, Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” The other big winner of the night was Yorgos Lanthimos’ Frankensteinian fantasy “Poor Things.” Star Emma Stone won her second Best Actress Oscar for performance. Other highlights included Da’Vine Joy Randolph winning Best Supporting Actress for “The Holdovers,” becoming the 10th Black woman to win it the category, and Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction” and Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” winning Best Adapted and Best Original Screenplays, respectively.

‘QUEER EYE’ HIRES NEW DESIGNER

BOBBY BERK LEFT NETFLIX’S “QUEER EYE”

after eight seasons and a new interior designer replacing him has been announced. Jeremiah Brent will be joining the team of Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France starting in the show’s ninth season. Brent is the founder of Jeremiah Brent Design and the lifestyle brand Atrio. He got his big break as Rachel Zoe’s styling associate on fourth season of “The Rachel Zoe Project.”

In 2020, Brent hosted the Netflix show “Say I Do,” a wedding show with a spin on the “Queer Eye” format from the same producers. He was the design expert on the show, with fashion expert Thai Nguyen and food expert Gabriele Bertaccini.

LUX PASCAL CAST IN NEW THRILLER

LUX PASCAL, A TRANSGENDER ACTRESS AND SISTER TO “THE LAST OF US” STAR PEDRO PASCAL, is set to star in the upcoming movie “Summer War.”

The film, to be written and directed by Alicia Scherson, tells the story of Hugo, an American champion of a board game called Third Reich.

“His peaceful vacations will change when another tourist mysteriously disappears at sea, mixing life and game and turning the sunny beach into a dangerous place, like his own mind,” the film’s synopsis reads.

“Summer War” is based on Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño’s book “The Third Reich.” Bolaño wrote it in 1989 but it was not published until 2010 after the author’s death. It has not yet been announced which role Pascal will play. The film does not have a release date yet.

LINDSAY LOHAN CONFIRMS ‘FREAKY FRIDAY’

SEQUEL

DURING AN APPEARANCE ON SIRIUSXM’S “ANDY COHEN LIVE,” LINDSAY LOHAN CONFIRMED that she will be working on a sequel to her hit 2003 film “Freaky Friday.” “I don’t want to say too much,” Lohan said. “And we’re both excited, I’m gonna speak for Jamie.” Lohan is speaking of her “Freaky Friday” co-star, Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis has also been dropping hints about a possible sequel. In May, during an interview with the New York Times, Curtis said people kept asking about a possible sequel to “Freaky Friday” while she was promoting her film “Halloween Ends.” “Something [with ‘Freaky Friday’] really touched a chord,” she said. “I called my friends at Disney and said, ‘It feels like there’s a movie to be made.’”

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Important Facts About DOVATO (cont’d)

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FIGHTING BACK

TRANSGENDER FLORIDIANS RISE UP FOR THEIR RIGHTS

Ryan Williams-Jent

HUNDREDS OF TRANSGENDER

Floridians and their allies traveled to Tallahassee Feb. 28, converging from across the state at the Florida Capitol Building to demand Republican lawmakers “Let Us Live.” The march and rally were organized by six trans-focused organizations in just a few weeks’ time.

Their efforts began after the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles rescinded its policy allowing Floridians to update the gender marker on their IDs to match their gender identity.

HSMV Deputy Executive Director Robert Kynoch detailed the change in a memo to county tax collectors dated Jan. 26, a decision that went public Jan. 29.

Prior to the update, Floridians could update their licenses by providing an official statement from an

applicant’s attending physician noting it was appropriate to do so. According to the memo, however, this provision was “not supported by statutory authority” and the term “gender” should be “understood as a synonym for ‘sex,’” which subject matter experts like the World Health Organization refute. Kynoch wrote that “permitting an individual to alter his or her license to reflect an internal sense

of gender role or identity … undermines the purpose of an identification record and can frustrate the state’s ability to enforce its laws.” He also noted that “misrepresenting one’s gender, understood as sex … subjects an offender to criminal and civil penalties.”

CONTINUED ON PG. 26 | uu |

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The state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization called the change an attempt “to make the transgender community feel unsafe and unwelcome in Florida and to bully them out of public life entirely.” Through its transgender-focused program TransAction, founded in 2014, the organization played a role in fighting for the inclusive policy.

“The DeSantis administration’s obsession with scapegoating transgender Floridians has escalated into an outrageous attack that further erodes freedom and liberty in our state,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement.

“In Florida, tens of thousands of people have legally updated their gender marker on their driver’s license or ID. They carefully followed the rules to ensure their identification accurately reflects who they are, and they trusted this process,” she continued. “Now, an abrupt policy reversal has thrown their lives into chaos. The cruelty of this kind of government overreach and intrusion should alarm every Floridian.”

“Let Us Live” organizers agreed. They were among the LGBTQ+ advocates who staged protests at DMVs in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and more while simultaneously working to combat the advancement of House Bill 1639. Introduced as “Gender and Biological Sex” in January, it was dubbed the “Trans Erasure Bill” by LGBTQ+ advocates.

Like the DMV memo, HB 1639 would have restricted trans Floridians from changing the gender marker to match their gender identity. It would have also required insurance companies to include coverage for the discredited practice of “conversion therapy” in Florida, specifically relating to gender identity, among other anti-LGBTQ+ measures.

It passed the state House by a vote of 75-33 March 1, just days after the “Let Us Live” rally. It did not advance in the state Senate, however, after Republican leadership advised it was “stuck in committee.”

TransAction Florida Special Event Coordinator Angelique Godwin was among the “Let

Us Live” speakers. Known for her advocacy in Tampa Bay, she now calls Pensacola home and accepted her role with Equality Florida last December to “provide a better quality of life for trans individuals across the state.”

“When the DMV memo leaked, there was a lot of confusion because we were already battling

Drag Queen March — of which the advocate and entertainer played a key part — intent to organize something similar to galvanize support for trans Floridians. Activists convened in Tallahassee in response to legislation targeting the craft last April, just one of 2023’s discriminatory laws now being litigated.

It was. Organizers and participants also included Capitol Tea, the Gender Advancement Project, The Queer Trans Project, Trans United in Elevation and Unspoken Treasure Society. Advocates in attendance included Maia Monet, who serves as Transgender Resource Manager for the LGBT+ Center in Orlando.

It’s okay to be afraid, but I want our community to lean into that fear and use it as a strength.

— ANGELIQUE GODWIN, TRANSACTION FLORIDA SPECIAL EVENT COORDINATOR

and hearing about HB 1639,” Godwin says. “I was asked to come on a call for an emergency meeting of individuals who are in the trans community to help understand the bills, understand the DMV notice and also what our next steps could be.

“When I arrived on that call, there was a huge call for action to take a stand and to actually facilitate change,” she continues.

“I already had that heavy on my heart and wanted very much to do something, but I didn’t know where to start.”

Godwin says participants pointed toward last year’s historic

“I offered my assistance because I had the experience with last year’s Drag Queen March and I had access to help with Equality Florida,” Godwin says. “I offered to help facilitate and I ended up leading it because people naturally put me in that position. I just made sure it happened because I had belief in the march and belief in its necessity and capability.”

“It was something that was already going to happen,” Godwin adds. “I just wanted to make sure that it happened well and was executed in a peaceful manner without opposition.”

“These were pre-existing groups run by my predecessors, but I’m the first full-time Transgender Resource Manager and we’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance,” Monet says. “Whereas before I started [last August], from what I understand, there would be a handful or 9, 10, 11 people … I now regularly see over 30. I’ve had as high as 46.”

Monet cites Florida’s anti-trans policies and laws as one reason for the increase, but also points toward tragedies like the death of Nex Benedict. The 16-year-old nonbinary student died last month in Oklahoma after being bullied at school, a matter being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education.

“You see spikes and we certainly find solace in being around other trans people where we don’t have to explain ourselves all the time,” Monet says. “There are people at all different stages: people who are starting out and asking questions about how to come out to their families, and people who transitioned 10 years ago that help younger folks through the process.

“That kind of support is one of the reasons they come and it is very important,” she continues. “But of course, there are also people who are advocates themselves that are looking to fight back. We partner with other groups sometimes, so there’s more than just support going on; people are being made aware of opportunities to flex their advocacy muscles.”

That’s happening in Tampa Bay as well, thanks in large part to TransNetwork. The organization is nearing its first full year as a nonprofit and exists to build “a community where trans and gender expansive people thrive as healthy, connected and supported members of society.”

“It was nice to see trans people coming in from all over the state,” she says. “It was also great to see [Democratic] politicians come out, see us and speak about what was going on in Tallahassee in this legislative session.”

Staying informed is a key part of Monet’s work at The Center, which supports Central Florida’s trans community by creating safe spaces, assisting with documentation and providing other essential services. She currently facilitates three trans-focused support groups through her role.

The organization was co-founded by LGBTQ+ advocates Tristan Byrnes, Andy Citino and Andre Clarke. They came together in March 2023 to combat the DeSantis administration’s mounting attacks on trans health care — through the Florida Department of Health and the state legislature alike — as well as the misinformation surrounding their anti-trans policies and legislation.

“People were absolutely petrified,” Clarke says. “We were hearing about friends, relatives

TAKING ACTION: Transgender advocates and allies in Orlando protest a Florida DMV memo rescinding its policy allowing trans Floridians to update the gender marker on their IDs Feb. 9. PHOTO BY MAIA MONET

FROM PG.26

and loved ones moving out of state because they thought that they were suddenly going to be a part of some sort of pogrom. We needed to start something to fill a void.”

The group began by holding town halls at LGBTQ+-affirming churches MCC Tampa and Allendale UMC. They welcomed legal experts and other LGBTQ+ advocates to quell fears.

“People were moving because of misinformation. People were talking suicide because they were so scared,” Byrnes recalls. “We felt like we needed to create a space and bring in some experts that could speak to what these laws really meant. They were pulled together quickly because of what we felt was an emergency to help calm anxiety and panic.”

Citino says “attendance for these events was absolutely incredible,” noting that 95 people convened in Tampa and over 130 came together in St. Petersburg.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. We’ve all been doing this a long time in different ways,”

he notes. “But I’ve never seen attendance like that from the trans community and our allies. It was unbelievable.”

“It was raw. It was just absolutely raw,” Clarke adds. “People’s emotions were just drained and they were so scared … those initial town halls were to say, ‘we’ve got you.’”

TransNetwork has united the community in other ways since then. Through a partnership with PFLAG Safety Harbor, they hosted a Trans & Ally Picnic for nearly 200 people last month.

“What we hear from the trans community more than anything is that there is a need for a place to come together to know we’re not alone and to be amongst our people,” Byrnes says. “We are going to have more of these types of events because that’s what’s needed. As we hold more events our mission is becoming more defined.”

“Network is part of our name for a reason,” Citino adds, as evidenced through another partnership. TransNetwork and the Pinellas County Democratic Party will hold a UNI-Tea Dance April 28 in St. Petersburg to bring the community together.

Clarke says efforts like these are particularly impactful for trans youth.

“The younger people just want to see and know more people — so many 22-year-olds tell us it’s amazing meeting a trans elder,” he says. “They say, ‘It gives me hope that I can make it to 55’ or ‘It gives me hope that I can make it to 35,’ because with everything going on, many people didn’t think they ever would. That’s why these social things, even more than the informational things, are so important.”

Orlando’s Britney Stinson agrees. She founded Transitional Space in 2018 to provide “a place where people can come together without judgement and give and get support [while] being their best self and having a good time.”

“I’m so thankful for the organizations who provide healthcare, therapy, housing; for the advocacy groups, and the groups and individuals who keep us abreast of all the negative press and legislation that is targeting our community,” she explains. “But I think there needs to be a space too where we focus on positive things, and do just fun, community building events.”

The organization has served over 3,000 people through its virtual drop-in center, support groups and other events. Stinson says Transitional Spaces will focus on providing opportunities in sports this year.

The decision is a response to Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” and other measures. It was signed into law in 2021 to prevent trans youth from playing sports that align with their gender identity.

“With the way legislation is now, trans folks have almost no opportunities to play organized sports in Florida,” Stinson explains. “We are starting with flag football, baseball and softball for teens and adults, but are hoping to expand.”

Fighting for trans rights in Florida takes many forms, Godwin notes, all of them worthwhile. It’s why she’s been working diligently on TransAction Florida: Voices for Change, the first statewide convening of trans-led organizations.

The gathering is scheduled for late April and was designed to create “a better quality of life for trans individuals in the state of Florida.” Over 65 attendees

are expected to participate in the private event.

“The idea is to use this opportunity to network and build rapport with fellow trans organizations and leaders that support the community,” Godwin says. “We want to see what health looks like for everyone in it.”

“It’s okay to be afraid, but I want our community to lean into that fear and use it as a strength,” she stresses. “Let it become a fire that ignites passion to stand up and speak out, to continue to fight and to join the organizations that are fighting — because when we choose to tell our stories, they listen and they hear us. You don’t get to experience that unless you do, so it’s time for us all to take a stand.”

For more information about TransAction Florida, visit EQFL.org/TransActionFL, and contact Angelique Godwin at Angelique@EqualityFlorida.org to learn more about the private TransAction Florida: Voices for Change. Learn more about The Center Orlando and its transgender services at TheCenterOrlando.org and about TransNetwork and future events at MyTransNetwork.org. Visit TransitionalSpace.Info for details about Transitional Space’s work.

| uu | Fighting Back

JOINING FORCES: Tampa Bay nonprofits TransNetwork and PFLAG Safety Harbor along with supporters at their Trans & Ally Community Picnic held Feb. 11. Around 200 people attended in North Pinellas County, which promised “a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates unity, acceptance and love” in Tampa Bay and beyond. PHOTO COURTESY PFLAG SAFETY HARBOR

Flying High

Xander Taylor soars in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘BAZZAR’

CRyan Williams-Jent

IRQUE DU SOLEIL HAS

captivated audiences since 1984, presenting circus spectacles as only the entertainment juggernaut can. Their celebrated shows have been held on six continents and include the touring “BAZZAR.”

The show premiered in 2018 and toured India and the Middle East before a South American stretch in 2022. Its North American tour plays under the Big Top at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field through March 24, promising “a high-energy spectacle of intrepid acrobatics, dynamic stunts and exhilarating performances that pays homage to the entertainment company’s legacy.”

The show features “an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an

awe-inspiring spectacle,” Cirque du Soleil explains. “Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical one-of-akind universe … where the unexpected is expected [and] the colorful group imagines, builds and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game.”

The tour features an international cast of 35. Among other talents, they display their expertise in teeterboard, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller skate, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline and duo trapeze.

LGBTQ+ circus performer Xander Taylor is one half of the show’s trapeze act — along with his partner Mélanie Dupuis — as well as a backup clown. He discussed his craft and the circus with Watermark before dropping into St. Petersburg last month.

WATERMARK: WHAT DREW YOU TO CIRCUS WORK?

Xander Taylor: I was someone that was really into sports — I was a diver growing up — but I was also into a lot of theatrical elements. So basically, growing up there was a lot of acrobatics and theater training going into a lot of what I was doing.

HOW DOES ONE TRAIN FOR YOUR ROLE?

A lot of different ways actually, that’s kind of the beauty of circus.

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PHOTO BY MARK LOMOGLIO

For me, I happened to go to a circus school in Montreal; there are a few institutions like this around the world where you can go. It’s like circus university, basically. I went to a four-year training program and since the capacities I already had really oriented towards circus and trapeze, specifically, that was my path.

For some, you have traditional circus families in this industry as well; people that really have been born and raised under a Big Top. You also have some people that came directly from sport, like gymnasts or divers; sports that have a little bit more of an acrobatic edge, or dancers. Sometimes they will come from a childhood of competing in dance or going to some kind of conservatory before coming into the circus world through that.

WERE YOU ALWAYS INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR CIRQUE DU SOLEIL?

Yeah, it was kind of the end goal, and then you get into Cirque and you’re like, “Well, I guess I’ll make another dream now.”

(Laughs.) But growing up, it was very much that. When I was in elementary school, I actually remember very clearly making a PowerPoint presentation about wanting to be an acrobat. So it wasn’t something that was a direct line … but I did know that acrobat was where I wanted to go.

I ended up in a little bit more of an academic route and kind of dabbled in theater, thinking that going into the acting field was more something I wanted to do. But then because I competed so much as a diver, once I retired from that, I went to a Cirque du Soleil audition which they hold specifically for people that come from sports. I didn’t actually get a position with the show but they did refer me to another company that was putting together something just on the other side of Florida with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. They were doing an aqua theater concept and so as a diver that was my first contract in this field.

WHAT CAME NEXT FOR YOU?

I did that for a couple years but I met some circus artists and found that there’s really something about being a circus acrobat that I want to do. I went

to circus school back in Canada and then because the school is right across from Cirque du Soleil headquarters, we have a lot of natural back and forth communications with them before we even graduate. I was pretty lucky that at our graduation show — the day of graduation, my partner and I Mélanie — we basically got our first contract offer for [Cirque’s] “Paramour” on Broadway that same day. It was very much a stars aligned type of situation and that’s how we ended up with Cirque du Soleil. There’s a very vast world in circus, but Cirque du Soleil was definitely one of the big ones that we wanted to check off the list.

DO THE TWO OF YOU ALSO WORK INDEPENDENTLY?

Within Cirque du Soleil we’ve always worked together, but we have. With trapeze, it’s a very particular thing. It’s been almost 13 years now that we’ve been working together and while there are some disciplines where you can kind of swap back and forth with partners relatively easily, with trapeze and the danger elements involved and the degree of confidence that you have to have with each other — not just physically, but almost this kind of psychic mental connection — it can make it really hard to just hop over to another partnership like that.

So for us, we’ve established something that’s pretty ingrained in our bodies and our minds, so we tend to just rely on that. It also bears fruit in terms of the contracts we get, because it

makes us very consistent and I think appealing to potential employers, because they see we are well seasoned and there’s less of a chance that we’re going to fall off their trapeze every second show, let’s say.

THERE MUST ALSO BE A TRUST ELEMENT.

A massive one! You notice it the moment that you’re up there with someone else. First of all, it’s the simple things like, “oh, your forearms are double the size of the person that I normally have hanging there,” or even if there’s a different emotional status for a day. With us we can tell immediately by feeling each other’s hands — we know, okay, this is gonna take a little bit of adaptation today to make sure that we’re together and that we kind of anticipate how it is we’ll react. It’s very particular.

HOW DID YOUR TIME WITH “BAZZAR” COME ABOUT?

We were looking to come back into the Cirque du Soleil fold as it were and had been working with another company prior to the pandemic, and it was just good timing. We had contacted the company saying we would like to come back and it so happened that the duo trapeze [artists] for this show had decided that they weren’t going to come back [post-pandemic.] So the position opened up and we were really, really lucky in that sense. So in 2022 we were able to get a contract offer and come join the team.

HOW DO YOU AND YOUR PARTNER FIT INTO THE STORYLINE?

I’m sure we would have very different ideas on this, but I see myself as a musical note on a page basically. One that’s also been blasted apart with this disaster that occurs at the beginning of the show. We’re kind of finding each other on the trapeze at a certain point and figuring out how these two musical notes bind together. At least conceptually, that’s what I tell myself in terms of what it is that people take from the show and see. I’m sure there are very different interpretations, but for me at least we’re musical notes trying to find their way and trying to find their link within this orchestra that’s rebuilding itself.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE SHOW CAN APPEAL TO LGBTQ+ AUDIENCES?

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE SHOW?

From a story point of view, the show is essentially about a maestro who has this powerful hat that ends up breaking apart. He comes into the show wanting to put on a giant orchestral masterpiece for the public, only to have his source of power destroyed right at the beginning. So we basically see the maestro going along with all of these pieces of his orchestra — the acrobats, dancers and musicians in the show — trying to figure out how it is that we can still help him put out this orchestral symphony.

Within that there are mini stories as well, and I think you’ll like it if you’re looking at the show as a whole. It’s a bit more of a return to what the roots of Cirque du Soleil are … I would say it’s a little bit less of an abstract show. There’s a simpler storyline to be able to follow, and the beauty about that is that you can kind of see these characters from A to Z.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?

With a lot of Cirque du Soleil shows, they can be so massive with people doing six different costume changes throughout the show, and you may not be able to really follow one character from the beginning to the end. With us that’s not really the case — you have these really clear and defined individuals that are going through it with their unique style and method of movement. So you’re able to really kind of latch on to certain people from the beginning of the show to the end and see how it’s all developing.

Within Cirque du Soleil and within this show, in terms of who is in the show, we have people that are gay, we have people that are trans, and so we have this array of color and variety in the show. We’re trying to show that every instrument, every person, every flavor has its place on this stage and has its importance on this stage.

Also with the maestro who has this performance completely taken away from him, there are certain parallels I think in terms of the story. As LGBTQ+ people we can feel like we have the world working against us, but through working together and finding a sense of community we can really build everything back up. It creates the foundation for you to be able to succeed and reach your full potential.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT AUDIENCES TO KNOW?

We are really, really happy to come and perform a show like this, especially in Florida where I know things aren’t necessarily very easy right now. We try to offer a place that has a light-hearted nature and also a place of absolute acceptance. So come and have a good time where you can enjoy a feeling we think everyone should have out there in the real world.

Cirque du Soleil’s “BAZZAR” plays Wednesdays-Sundays through March 24 under the Big Top at Tropicana Field, located at 1 Tropicana Dr. in St. Petersburg. Times and ticket prices vary. For more information and to purchase yours, visit CirqueDuSoleil.com.

DYNAMIC DUO: Mélanie Dupuis atop Xander Taylor on the duo trapeze, performing in St. Petersburg for “BAZZAR.” PHOTO BY MARK LOMOGLIO

CIRCUS LIFE: Cirque du Soleil artist Xander Taylor. PHOTO VIA TAYLOR

‘From Here’ to Eternity

Orlando musical to play locally before going Off-Broadway

DBellanee Plaza

ONALD RUPE’S CRITICALLY acclaimed original musical, “From Here,” is coming back to Orlando for a series of fundraiser performances before its six-week, Off-Broadway engagement in New York City this summer.

Set in 2016, “From Here” follows the story of Daniel, a 30-something gay man on his personal journey with life, love and family when a tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub changes everything, including him. Daniel’s character is inspired by Rupe and other friends who lived in Orlando during the days surrounding the Pulse shooting.

Rupe is the writer and producer of “From Here.” He says he titled it “From Here” because he was born and raised in Orlando. Rupe says the all-Orlando cast and crew couldn’t be happier to take the show to Off-Broadway.

“The musical is based in Orlando, it’s about people in Orlando and it’s about events

in Orlando,” Rupe says. “We felt really strongly that it’s more authentic when the people who are in the show are talking about things that they know, love and remember.”

The show’s focus isn’t on the shooting itself but the city’s response to the tragedy in the aftermath. Rupe weaves in real-life experiences of what it was like to live in Orlando and be with the community during a time of need.

“From Here” shines a light on how support and love from friends and family can be moving through difficult moments.

Rupe says he feels like the cast and crew are ready to take the show to the next level because

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PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH ANN GARDNER

uu | ‘From Here’ to Eternity

FROM PG.35

of the talent and art that is created in Orlando.

The originator of the lead role from the show, Blake Aburn, plays Daniel, who is a hopeless romantic. He says he has learned a lot about himself over the past five years of playing the character.

“I bawled my eyes out when I found out that this was happening and still to this day, I get choked up talking about it,” Aburn says. “It’s one of those things that you always dream of but you never really think that it could happen and then all of a sudden you’re presented with this crazy opportunity.”

The musical debuted at the 2019 Orlando Fringe Festival and was a huge hit, selling out shows and nearly sweeping in Watermark’s annual Splash Awards, an online “best of” awards that allows our readers to vote on their favorite LGBTQ+themed shows from the year’s Fringe festival. “From Here” took home the Splash Award for Favorite LGBTQ+ Show, Rupe won for Favorite LGBTQ+ Director and Favorite LGBTQ+ Writer, and Aburn picked up Favorite LGBTQ Lead Performer.

The show has had a few limited runs in Central Florida since then but is now set to complete its first full local run at the Renaissance Theatre Company starting on March 22 and running through May 5 after a previous run was cut short.

“We wrote the show originally in 2019,” Rupe says. “Then everything kind of stopped during the pandemic so it cut our initial performances short. We’ve been working on it ever since, doing different iterations and edits, and the show has evolved over time.”

Aburn says he is very grateful to work with Rupe as they have been colleagues and friends for 12 years.

“He has pushed my career to places that I feel like I never could have done myself,” Aburn says.

“From Here” played a sold-out concert at the famed 54 Below in New York City last January, where Broadway producers and industry professionals in attendance encouraged the Orlando-based cast and crew to explore the next steps, according to a press release.

One of the things Rupe kept hearing from the Broadway producers and industry professionals was that they were very impressed by the performers, the talent level and the skill level.

“It was meaningful to the people in New York that all of us came there to tell our story as a unit,” Rupe says. “So we decided to stick with that and all in all we think it’ll be worth it.”

Kendall Leamy, an ensemble character in “From Here,” says she has been with the show since 2020. She was a part of the show in New York and says it felt like a dream come true.

“I think it feels validating in a way because when you’re a part of something that you know is special, but then taking

it somewhere sometimes it feels like you’re a big fish in a small pond,” Leamy says. “Then when you’re going to someplace like New York City, which is like the capital of New York Musical and other people are seeing it, you feel validated in that.”

Rupe is also the co-founder of the Renaissance Theatre Company, and he says the company has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. “The Ren,” as it is nicknamed, was founded in 2021 and is dedicated to bringing original theatre to Orlando and beyond.

Producing an Off-Broadway show isn’t cheap, the run is expected to cost between $500,000 and $700,000, according to a press release. The team hopes that members of the community and corporate sponsors may jump on board to support the show.

Members from the LGBTQ+ community and the Pulse-affected community will have the chance to say dedications before the show and raise funds to support the organizations dear to them.

“‘From Here’ deals with a lot of themes about the LGBTQ+ community and there is a moment in the show that reflects on how the Pulse tragedy affected people in Orlando,” Rupe says. “So, it’s always been important to me to tie this show to some sort of advocacy.”

Leamy says The Ren is all about giving back to the community because that’s why the theater was created.

“We want to give back to the Orlando community as much as

we can because Orlando is our home and this show is a love letter to Orlando, we want to build up the community in the arts and the queer community as much as we can,” Leamy says.

The Ren plans to partner up with organizations like Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, to raise funds and awareness for their ongoing fight for equality. The Ren proudly spends about 80% of its income to pay local artists.

Rupe says he reached out to community leaders, some people affected by Pulse and people who run LGBTQ+ organizations and invited them to do a dedication at the end of the show. He wants to encourage the audience to donate to organizations while they are there.

The cast and crew have grown with one another as the show is not the same as it was five years ago, Rupe says.

“It’s nice to have history and to be with people who know what the show used to be, have seen it evolve, seen the characters change and the music change,” Rupe says. “So much for the show has changed and it’s cool to be around the same people who are kind of growing up with the show.”

The musical has been called a love letter to Orlando because in the face of adversity, the city came together in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Rupe says there is so much to be proud of in Orlando because during Pride Month rainbow flags fly high throughout the

city. He feels that stories from the city should be shared more as there aren’t that many works of art that talk about the great parts of Orlando.

“This play says some good things about what the city can do even in the most difficult moments,” Rupe says.

One thing Rupe has learned to do with his work is enjoy the moment. He says he wants to take it all in.

“I have hopes that the show will be seen and embraced by a larger audience but really the opportunity to just tell the story and to do it with so many people who I love, to see people thrive in a different place is really enough,” Rupe says.

“From Here” will play at the Renaissance Theatre Company in Orlando from March 22–May 5. Tickets are $40 each for General Admission with Reserved Seating available for $50 each. VIP packages are also available with standard VIP tickets at $65 each and include reserved seating, two specialty cocktails and a concession item. Premier VIP tickets are $100 each and include all standard VIP add-ons plus you will be listed as a sponsor of “From Here” in New York City.

The Renaissance Theatre Company will present a new run of “From Here”

Off-Broadway June 29-Aug. 11 at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center. An all-Orlando cast and crew will perform their musical love letter to Orlando at the 191-seat theatre in the heart of New York City’s “Theatre Row” on 42nd Street.

Tickets for the Orlando shows are available now and are on sale at FromHere.com.

STAGE FAMILY: ”From Here” cast and crew; (L-R) Justin Jimenez, Kendall Leamy, Xavier Cano, Blake Aburn, Donald Rupe, Joshian Morales, Sara Catherine Barnes, Devin Skorupski and Adonus Mabry. PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH ANN GARDNER

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Blake Aburn during a performance of “From Here.”

PHOTO BY ASHLEIGH ANN GARDNER

announcements TAMPA BAY OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Salty Nun celebrated two years in St. Petersburg March 3.

PFLAG Riverview celebrated its fourth year March 10.

Shuffle celebrates six years in Tampa March 16.

Miss Rose Dynasty contestants raised over $8,800 for their respective charities March 9. Veronica Foxx was also crowned Miss Rose Dynasty 2024 and Mr. Vyn Suazion was named the first Mr. Rose Dynasty. Read more at RoseDynastyFoundationInc.org.

Come OUT St. Pete hosted the return of the Grand Central District’s Chili Cook-Off March 10. Read more and view photos at WatermarkOnline.com.

Tampa Pride will celebrate 10 years in Ybor March 23. Read more on p. 13 and in Watermark’s inaugural Pride in Tampa magazine, inserted into Tampa Bay editions of this issue and available digitally at WatermarkOnline.com.

EXPANDED ACCESS

The Wet Spot Pool Bar and Day Club announced March 4 that day passes are no longer required to access the LGBTQ+ hotspot’s pool. Learn more at CocktailStPete.com.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Tampa Bay style icon James Watson, Beau n Mo’s staple Mitch Demmons, Tampa event planner Tim Thompson (March 14); Tampa nutritional biochemist Debra Roche, St. Petersburg realtor Bobby Poth, Sarasota realtor Rob Krasow, United Health’s Paul Bradford, Universal lover Bobby Dixon (March 15); Publix HQ PR man Chris McNally, Tampa Bay entertainer and entrepreneur Viktoria Sommers (March 16); Tampa Bay entertainer Viktoria Sommers, Britney-loving bear Nabil Harb, former St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell, “Talkin’ Pets” co-host Jon Patrick, Enigma staple Indrek Karner (March 17); Associate director of admissions for Stetson Law School Darren Kettles (March 18); St. Petersburg massage therapist Terrell Ray, former Love the Golden Rule office manager Jojo Wallace, Breaking Rules Publishing President Christopher Clawson Rule (March 19); Sarasota County Health Department’s Sue Westcott, Tampa Bay entertainer Stephanie Shippae, Hyde Park Antiques owner Randy Strebing, (March 20); Worth Clark Realty’s Bill Munette (March 21); Metro Inclusive Health’s Christian Klimas (March 22); former T Network leader Jennifer Kurzawa (March 23); Former Florida House Rep. Adam Hattersley, American Stage Board Chair Anastasia Hiotis, Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps board member Eric Peak, Mad Hatters Kava Bar’s David Baptista (March 24); Strategic Property Partners’ Brian Gallaher (March 25); Tampa photographer John Kantor, former St Pete Pride board member Delores Ringgold, Former Gazette publisher Brian Feist, Lakewood Ranch Allstate owner Richard Plummer, St. Pete social media sensation Chris Gibson, Suncoast Softballer Ryan Menke, Sarasota insurance professional Richard Dean (March 26); St. Petersburg chef Domenica Macchia, Tampa karaoke extraordinaire Normie Dunn, Sarasota retiree Donald Attanas, St. Pete realtor Aaron Hoffman (March 27).

1 SUPERSTARS: The Straz Center for the Performing Arts PR team accepts the theater’s WAVE win before “Jesus Christ Superstar” March

5. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

2 CLASS ACT: Actor Matthew McGee proudly displays his WAVE win for favorite local performer at freeFall Theatre March 1. PHOTO COURTESY FREEFALL THEATRE

3 DYNAMIC DUO: Husbands Clay Ellerbroek and Trevor Pettiford strike a pose for the latter’s WAVE win March 1 at Tampa Bay’s celebration.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

4 THE SISTERHOOD: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host this year’s WAVE Awards at The Wet Spot March 1.

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

5 DOUBLE TIME: DJ Greg Anderson picks up his two WAVE Awards at Watermark’s Tampa Bay office March 6.

PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT

6 ST PETE PROUD: (L-R) Noelle Soncrant, Nicole Berman, Stephanie Morge, Molly Robison, Immani Love and Gabe Alves represent St Pete Pride and their individual WAVE wins at Tampa Bay’s celebration March 1. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

7 GEEK SQUAD: Emerald City Comics staffers show off their favorite local geek spot WAVE Award March 2. PHOTO BY AMY BORDEAUX

8

BIG GAY WIN: (L-R)

“The Big Gay Radio Show” Hosts Chris Gorman, Esme Russell and Bryan Hinkson mark two years of WAVE wins March 8 in their studio. PHOTO COURTESY BIG GAY RADIO SHOW

announcements CENTRAL FLORIDA OUT+ABOUT

CONGRATULATIONS

Enzian Theater celebrated its 39th anniversary as one of Central Florida’s most beloved independent cinemas Feb. 15.

The LGBTQ+ community turned out in droves for the 2024 Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence’s Central Florida celebration at Savoy in Orlando Feb. 29. Hosted by Orlando performer and WAVE winner Kendall Leamy, the event featured live entertainment from current and past WAVE winners Billy Mick, Risa Risque and Chantel Reshae. Attendees enjoyed light bites, a Mac ‘n’ Cheese bar and music provided by WAVE winner DJ Joanie. Congratulations to all the winners from this year’s WAVES, which included several for Watermark, including Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Williams as Favorite Local Writer/Journalist, “Wine, Wine Not: A Queer Podcast” as Favorite Local Radio Show/Podcast and WatermarkOnline.com as Favorite Local Website. Go to the award-winning WatermarkOnline.com to see all the photos from the night’s event.

Orange County Health Services, in collaboration with Zebra Youth, was awarded this month with a $1 million grant from the Corporation for Supportive Housing to help local youth and young adults living with HIV find homes. Read more on pg. 10.

The Pride Chamber CEO/President Daniel Sohn will be honored as the 2024 Diversity Gamechanger by the Orlando Magic during it annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night at the Kia Center in Orlando March 19.

LOCAL BIRTHDAYS

Central Florida softball superstar Mary Johnson (March 14); Central Florida mental health professional Kristy Weick, Brevard-based activist Scott Wall-DeSousa (March 15); Skincare genius Tabor Winstead (March 17); Orlando Gay Chorus board chair Sean Mundyschein; Central Florida recruiter Charles Elliott (March 18); Miga Made creator Evan Miga, ABM Orlando’s Sheila Block (March 19); Chair of the SemDems Lynn “Moira” Dictor, JM Best Entertainment owner John Best, Central Florida performer William Bruce, BodyStreet Winter Park co-owner Reiner Wolf (March 20); Orange County Sheriff’s Office LGBTQ Liaison Brandon Ragan, Orlando performer Chris E. Mistery (March 21); Orlando dancer Tia Kadena (March 22); 2023 Entertainer of the Year Twila Holiday aka Joshua Michael Patrick Huntington Orsini-Collins, Channel 13 News IT Director Ian Michael (March 23); Southern Nights Orlando showgirl Chevelle Brooks, Florida-based travel nurse Christopher Milliron (March 24); BizzyNate Creative owner Nate West (March 25); VarieTEASE dancer Megan Boetto, Bowled Over Promotions’ Lisa Brown (March 26); Olde Town Brokers realtor Jay Wood, Orlando dancer Brittainy A. Derden, Orlando counselor Chad Brown, Naked Eye Studio’s John Caroll (March 27).

1 TRIPLE CROWN: Team Watermark celebrates its 2024 WAVE wins for Favorite website, podcast and writer in Central Florida.

2

INFLUENTIAL ACTIVIST:

Daniel Downer is named Favorite Local Influencer for Central Florida at the WAVEs. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

3 DOUBLE WIN: Gregory Metts shows off both of his 2024 WAVE wins in Central Florida. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

4 SPIN FOR WIN: DJ Joanie, who kept the music going at the Central Florida WAVE celebration, wins Favorite Local DJ. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

5 FOR THE KIDS: Heather Wilkie (L) and Tatiana Quiroga celebrate the multiple wins for Zebra Youth at the 2024 Central Florida WAVE awards. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

6 TOP PERFORMERS: Joel Swanson (L) and Risa Risque show that they made it into the Top 3 in a few categories at the 2024 Central Florida WAVE celebration.

7 COMMUNITY CENTER: (L-R) La Jon Dantzler, Marshall Turner and Lee Cohen are part of the reason why the LGBT+ Center Orlando was voted Most Effective Local Nonprofit at the 2024 WAVEs.

8 BRIGHTEST STAR: Kendall Leamy showed why she is a Top 3 Breakout Performer as she hosted Watermark’s Central Florida celebration at Savoy Feb. 29. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD

community calendar

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Jimbo’s Drag Circus World Tour

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 8 P.M.

THE PLAZA LIVE, ORLANDO

Murray & Peter in association with House of Jimbo proudly present “Jimbo’s Drag Circus World Tour,” the weirdest show on earth. Get ready for an evening of outrageous characters and adult humor starring Canada’s own Jimbo from “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” and Canada’s “Drag Race.” VIP seats are available which include a Meet & Greet. This is an 18+ event. Tickets start at $99 and are available at PlazaLive.org.

18th Annual National Miss Comedy Queen Pageant

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 7 P.M.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER, ORLANDO

The 18th Annual National Comedy Queen Pageant brings together drag contestants from across the country who have qualified at preliminary competitions to compete in categories such as Comedic Talent, Outrageous Evening Gown and 60 Second Spokeswoman. The one who ends up with the most points at the end of the evening will be crowned the new National Miss Comedy Queen. This is an 18+ event. Tickets start at $69 and are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org.

TAMPA BAY

Mystical Mermaid March

SATURDAYS THROUGH MARCH 30, 12-4 P.M.

FAIRGROUNDS, ST. PETERSBURG

Dive into the art of merculture through the end of March with mermaid-themed events each weekend. Experience a mermaid meet and green with Erik the Mertailer and Iona Parris from Netflix’s “MerPeople” March 16, Lily Luna March 23 and Loreley March 30 in addition to family-friendly activities and more. For additional information visit Fairgrounds.art.

Tampa Pride 2024

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 10:45 A.M.-11 P.M.

YBOR, TAMPA

Tampa Pride marks “10 years of celebrating you” with festivities all day. This year’s street festival runs 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m., the parade kicks off at 4 p.m. along 7th Ave. and Pride at Night runs 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Read about this year’s entertainment and more in Watermark’s Pride in Tampa magazine, inserted in Tampa Bay editions of this issue and available digitally at WatermarkOnline.com.

EVENT PLANNER

POPULAR

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, March 15-17, Central Park, Winter Park. 407-644-7207; Facebook.com/ WinterParkSidewalkArtFestival

Randy Rainbow, March 16, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

St. Patty’s Day Drag Brunch, March 17, The Garden Bistro, Orlando. 407-930-2640; TheGardenBistro407.com

“Jagged Little Pill,” March 19-24, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen, March 20, The Abbey, Orlando. 407-704-6261; AbbeyOrlando.com

Nicki Minaj, March 22, Kia Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; TheKiaCenter.com

Air Supply, March 22, King Center, Melbourne. 321-242-2219; KingCenter.com

Detox, March 22, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

Oops! All Drag Kings – a draglesque show, March 22, ME Performing Arts, Orlando. 844-633-2623; MEPerformingArts.com

“Vida,” March 2230, Fringe ArtSpace, Orlando. 407-648-0077; OrlandoFringe.org

Rep. Anna V. Eskamani’s 2024 Canvass Kickoff, March 23, Orlando. Mobilize.us/ AnnaForFlorida/event/601648

Mr. & Miss Glamorous Welcome Dinner Show, March 23, Jack & Honey’s, Orlando. 407-440-4079; JackAndHoneys.com

Girl The Party’s

GTP Y2K, March 23, Southern Nights, Orlando. 407-412-5039; Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

Mr. Glamorous 2024, March 24, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

Miss Glamorous 2024, March 25, The Plaza Live, Orlando. 407-228-1220; PlazaLiveOrlando.org

18th Annual National Miss Comedy Queen Pageant, March 28, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 844-513-2014; DrPhillipsCenter.org

Orlando Ballet presents Director’s Choice, March 28-31, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407-426-1733; OrlandoBallet.org`

TAMPA BAY

Cirque du Soleil Bazzar, Through March 24, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. CirsqueDuSoleil.com

“The Beauty Queen Of Leenane,” Through April 7, Jobsite Theater, Tampa. 813-476-7378; JobsiteTheater.org

Shuffle

Turns 6, March 15-17, Shuffle, Tampa. 813-450-3797; ShuffleTampa.com

EPIC Generations Coffee Hour, March 18, Senior Center, Dunedin. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Mangsen Law Q&A, March 19, Empath Partners in Care, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Coco Montrese, March 22, City Side Lounge, Tampa. 813-350-0600; CitySideLounge.com

“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” March 22-24, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

EPIC Generations Coffee Hour, March 22, Senior Center, Gulfport. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

Pride Dance Party, March 23, The RITZ Ybor, Tampa. 813-248-4050; Facebook.com/ TheRitzYbor

CallaBoone Pool Party, March 24, Hollander Hotel, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ CallaBoone

Make Your Own Candle & Lunch, March 26, Candle Pour & Hawkers, St. Petersburg. 727-328-3260; MyEPIC.org

LGB2B+ Networking, March 27, VFW Post 39, St. Petersburg. 727-327-8109; Facebook.com/VFWPost39

“Girl from North Country,” March 27-31, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org

Beyonce Album Release Party, March 29, Ride ‘Em Cowboy, St. Petersburg. RideEmCowboyDTSP.com

SARASOTA

Twila Holiday Disco Brunch, March 17, Bijou Garden Café, Sarasota. PPSRQ.org

Kristin Chenoweth, March 22, Van Wezel, Sarasota. 941-263-6799; VanWezel.org

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

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth brings her talent to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota March 22. PHOTO FROM VANWEZEL.ORG

Jeremy

Best in Central Florida.

When it comes to your cardiovascular health, you deserve to know your heart is in the best hands. We’ve been honored to care for the hearts and health of Central Florida residents for 60 years. From regular checkups to advanced surgeries, our team delivers award-winning cardiovascular care that’s completely focused on you. Giving you more reasons to choose well. Learn more at OrlandoHealth.com/Heart

Your Heart is in the Right Place.

Bayfront Health is now Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.

A new name, for a new century of care. Three years ago, we welcomed Bayfront Health into the Orlando Health family of hospitals. Since that time, we’ve been making steady investments in Bayfront Health and the St. Petersburg community to improve the quality of care and your patient experience, with expanded services and access to more top specialists. And we are proud to add our name. Stay tuned for even more good news to come.