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dark place. Trump had just been reelected and although it took us back to the utter shock of the 2016 election, this one somehow hurt more. Perhaps because we thought we knew better this time.
I went back and read my last column of 2024. It wasn’t a beacon of hope. It was impossible to predict what exactly would happen when Trump took office, but we had a pretty clear idea of what his agenda would be.
On his first day back at the White House, Trump issued an executive order eliminating guidelines that promoted non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community in healthcare, public health and welfare programs. He also withdrew guidance to let states collect information on sexual orientation and gender identity in public heath systems like Medicaid and CHIP.
A series of executive orders were targeted at the transgender community, banning gender-affirming care for persons under 19 years old, restricting sports participation to “biological sex” only and reinstating a ban on transgender service members in the military. Not a good start for our community.
The tone was set and fear encompassed our daily routine, something especially true for our undocumented siblings. We watched daily news reports of masked officers taking people off the streets and deported them without due process, including Andry Hernández Romero — a gay hairdresser who fled Venezuela and was in America legally.
We also saw a distinct erasure of community. Federal resources for LGBTQ+ people were removed from the administration’s websites. In a seemingly cruel move, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration overseeing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline removed
the option for callers under the age of 25 that identify as LGBTQ+ to be connected to counselors trained to support them.
Locally we saw Governor Ron DeSantis’ Department of Transportation literally erase us off the streets as FDOT painted over rainbow crosswalks and murals. To mask their anti-LGBTQ+ cruelty, they expanded that campaign to erase all asphalt art.
The administration started a war on diversity, equity and inclusion, convincing the country that these were bad words. They denied acknowledging Pride month and World AIDS Day. They sent corporations into a panic and scared them away from the level of support they had been giving our community. It is hard to believe all of this, and more, happened in just a year.
I am happy, though, to say that some of my predictions for 2025 were wrong. I figured Project 2025 would fast track a case to the Supreme Court that would end marriage equality. Instead, the court refused to hear a case brought by Kim Davis’ lawyers.
I had also predicted that the Insurrection Act would be invoked during the No Kings rally ensuring a Trump Dynasty for years to come. I am happy to report that hasn’t happened… yet.
What did happen is that people stood up against the hate that has been coming from the highest levels of our government. People came out en masse to repaint the rainbow crosswalk outside of Pulse, leading to several arrests. A couple of businesses, Mojoman and Se7enBites, welcomed rainbows to be painted in their parking spaces. The No King rallies drew huge crowds. Communities created systems to alert neighborhoods of ICE raids. We started to see that the despair of
December 2024 was turning into action in 2025.
Then hope turned into a reality during the November election. In race after race, people chose to abandon the current trajectory of our country and forge a new path. We saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m not trying to be naïve about the current state of our country. I understand we are not yet on the other side of this — but we can see a way out. We
A year ago today we were in a dark place.
must work hard to make change happen. We must be visible and we must show up.
If we can do this, we can change Congress in 2026. The ballot box is the battlefield and your vote is your strongest weapon. Use it and encourage others to use theirs. The election of 2026 is our chance to set things right.
I predict we will make it happen. The Trump regime will start to collapse. Maybe my prediction that Trump would lose wasn’t wrong, it was just in the wrong year.
In this issue of Watermark Out News, we celebrate the brave people in our community who have done something remarkable this year. It’s our chance to celebrate the good things we can do, the hope we can spread and the community we build together.
This is my last column of 2025. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones, have a wonderful New Year and remember to stay visible, stay strong and support each other.
REV. JAKOB HERO-SHAW is the a proud husband and father in a family that was legalized through marriage equality and adoption. Page 15
CAMPOS is a storyteller and photographer who believes in the power of community. She celebrates the stories that bring people closer to themselves and each other. Page 17
HOLLY KAPHERR ALEJOS, SABRINA AMBRA, STEVE BLANCHARD, DEBORAH BOSTOCK-KELLEY, JOHNNY BOYKINS, MARTIN “LEIGH SHANNON” FUGATE, BIANCA GOOLSBY, JAKOB HERO-SHAW, LORA KORPAR, JASON LECLERC, JERICK MEDIAVILLA, MELODY MAIA MONET, TATIANA QUIROGA, TIFFANY RAZZANO, SISTER JUANA REACTION, MOMMA ASHLEY ROSE, TREVOR ROSINE, BRYANA SALDANA, GREG STEMM, SYLVIE TREVENA, MICHAEL WANZIE, MULAN WILLIAMS, DR. STEVE YACOVELLI
BRIAN BECNEL, NICK CARDELLO, J.D. CASTO, BRUCE HARDIN, JAMARCUS MOSLEY, DYLAN TODD, CHRIS STEPHENSON, LEE VANDERGRIFT PHOTOGRAPHY
CMJM ENTERPRISES LLC, KEN CARRAWAY DISTRIBUTION AFFILIATIONS
Editor-in-Chief:
Bellanee Plaza
ORLANDO | Two individuals were arrested Nov. 23 for defacing the Pulse memorial crosswalk with chalk and charged with interference with a traffic control device or a railroad sign.
An FHP trooper responded to the scene after the Florida Department of Transportation notified the Regional Communications Center of the incident. The suspects, identified as Austin “Bubba” Trahan and James Houchins, were seen in a video chalking the crosswalk. Trahan is a former Watermark Out News employee.
Blake Simons, founder and managing partner of Simons Law Firm, represented Trahan and Houchins. He says the affidavit indicated that the individuals were “aggressively and purposefully” grinding chalk onto the crosswalk and defacing the traffic control device. It also indicated that the word “resist” was written on the asphalt.
“What caught me off guard is the state actually argued against my probable cause challenge, stating that nowhere said it was water-soluble chalk and made some further arguments. In previous instances of these arrests, the state remained silent and did not fight back,” Simons shares. “I countered their argument that it has to be water-soluble if they’re alleging it’s $1,000 [in damages] with all of these wash-offs of the crosswalk that they’ve done.”
He says the way FHP and FDOT try to fabricate these crimes is by alleging that it costs money to come and wash it away. The judge agreed with Simons and did not find probable cause for the alleged felony for which Trahan and Houchin were arrested.
“She didn’t believe there was probable cause for any more than $200 in damage and dropped the alleged charges down to criminal mischief, which is a second-degree misdemeanor,” Simons explains. “That’s the smallest crime you could ever be convicted of under Florida law. But it still requires the state to file on it. So until they’re actually filed on, neither of these two individuals are actually charged or indicted with a crime by the state attorney’s office.”
Trahan and Houchin have been released, and Simons requested release on recognizance, which means they didn’t have to pay any bail money to be released.
Simons says it’s up to the state attorney whether or not they actually file charges on these arrest affidavits or not. In Simons’ opinion, he says no crime has been committed, and nobody who has been arrested has defaced a traffic control device.
Simons says the state attorney is welcome to file charges but he would “fight vehemently against those charges” and most likely take it all the way to trial.
ORLANDO | Orlando-based illustrator and gouache painter Alex Rogers, whose work centers on queer and trans people, was selected to showcase his art at Mills Gallery Arts for the second edition of the Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition.
As a trans artist, Rogers’ pieces are contemporary domestic scenes of queer and trans people being as authentic as possible. He says he is depicting himself and the people in his life who are in the LGBTQ+ community. He explores different relationships and dynamics that involve gender identity, expression and performance.
“I am making these paintings that are really ordinary but radical at the same time because it shouldn’t be radical for me to show trans people just expressing themselves, but it is,” Rogers shares. “There are some obvious things or some less obvious things that indicate that these people are gender non-conforming or that they’re mid-transition… I really like to show in some of my work male figures that have not had top surgery, that have their chest exposed because they’re with
people that they’re comfortable with. They’re able to do that without the judgment.”
The exhibition also highlights four other emerging artists who represent the diversity, vision and new creative voices shaping Orlando’s cultural landscape. The exhibition focuses on giving each artist meaningful visibility and community support as they advance in their careers, and the work will be on display until Dec. 28.
The event was named in honor of Mike and Gail Winn, who were pioneers in the initiative. The other artists were Jordan Carl Jones, Sophia Mitchell, Xavier Moss and Mya Osborne. Beyond financial support, the five artists will participate in development workshops led by renowned figures to gain insight into the business of art.
Juan Pablo Santa Luna, Executive Director of Mills Gallery Arts, said it is important to highlight artists like Rogers for both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader cultural conversation in Orlando.
Mills Gallery Arts has been recognized by Orlando Magazine as the Best Art Gallery of 2024 and 2025. Luna said this recognition
gave the gallery a strong platform to elevate artists who are contributing to the growth and diversity of the city’s art scene.
Rogers says his favorite piece on display was “The Meeting and Performance!” and a gentleman bought the piece for his daughter because it reminded him of her and her friends. Rogers says it felt good to know that people can see themselves or see others in his work.
When asked what pushes Rogers to continue making visible queer art, especially in the current political climate, he says he doesn’t think he could ignore it or hide who he is.
“I am also making this work for other queer and trans people; it’s not just for myself,” Rogers explains. “I’m not making it to exist in a vacuum. I’m making it to share and invite other people to feel like there’s spaces where they can be comfortable like that. I couldn’t possibly go back now; you got to push through it.”
The Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition will be on display until Dec. 28 at Mills Gallery Arts at 1650 North Mills Ave. Orlando. For more information, visit MillsGalleryOrlando.com. View photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Ryan Williams-Jent
TAMPA | Kurt’s Place, which began operating at the former City Side Lounge less than four months ago, permanently closed Nov. 23.
Owner Kurt King originally announced the venture in February after the closure of its predecessor, which served Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community for over three decades. Its grand opening was set for March but delayed until Aug. 7.
Among other LGBTQ+ venues, King previously owned and operated four local Hamburger Mary’s restaurants. He told Watermark Out News earlier this year that he wanted to provide another safe space for the community.
His efforts were initially supported by Hunter Vance and Michael Wilson, fellow industry veterans who King said co-owned the establishment in September.
“It’s been a great experience and outpouring of support from the community that the space is back open,” Wilson told Watermark Out News at the time. “Our grand opening was like a huge family reunion.”
Both he and Vance left prior to its closure. Leading up to it, Vance and the Kurt’s Place business page also publicly disparaged one another via social media.
On Nov. 19, the Kurt’s Place’s Facebook page also posted a notice attributed to the Buchman-Italiano Partnership, the building’s landlords, dated Nov. 18. It demanded payment or repossession of the premises by Nov. 21.
“You are hereby notified that you are indebted to me in the sum of $33,662.87, for the rent and past due fees for the use of the premises at 3703 Henderson Boulvevard,” it read. The photo of the notice was subsequently deleted.
Watermark Out News spoke with King Nov. 18, who confirmed sole ownership of Kurt’s Place. He denied that the business was being evicted and initially advised the venue would close Nov. 30.
“Sometimes I feel like we’re our own worst enemies … being part of the LGBTQ community,” he said. “We never fight and help each other when we need to and that’s the only thing I ever wanted, to give us our rights we deserved.”
Leading up to its closure, Kurt’s Place listed patio furniture and alcohol for sale through Nov. 25. King told Watermark Out News Nov. 24 that he was selling what he owned, denying the validity of the notice received and advising he had paid rent.
“ALL liquor and beer has been sold! Yes, it’s been a short tenure here but THANK YOU to the community and people who did support this establishment,” the Kurt’s Place page shared late Nov. 25. “We are grateful for the support of our customers and the dedication of our employees, past and present. Effectively immediately, we are now closed. Thank you for your patronage.”
Watermark Out News reached out to a representative of the Buchman-Italiano Partnership who declined comment.
TAMPA | Equality Florida held its annual Tampa Gala Nov. 21 at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, raising $719,000.
The organization’s regional fundraisers detail Equality Florida’s work as the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights group. The sold-out event was emceed by state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and honored local advocates, including outgoing Executive Director Nadine Smith.
Equality Florida announced Nov. 17 that Smith would be departing the organization after 28 years in January to lead Color for Change, a nationwide racial justice organization. Stratton Pollitzer, the nonprofit’s co-founder, has been named incoming CEO and executive director.
Attendees enjoyed a seated dinner service and charity auction as speakers reflected on the impact of Smith and the organization at large. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was among the first to speak.
A video commemorating Smith’s 28 years followed before she took the stage. She reflected on Equality Florida’s founding and future.
“It’s hard to leave because so many of the things we’ve planted over these decades are finally coming to bloom … but
you also know when it’s time to go,” Smith said. “I am leaving an LGBTQ organization with a fierce commitment to racial justice to join a racial justice organization with a fierce commitment to LGBTQ equality — and as somebody who has preached that you do not abandon the front line in a battle, I’m staying right here. I’m staying in Florida.”
Smith added that she trusts Pollitzer with her life and with Equality Florida.
He took the stage not long after, praising Smith and thanking attendees for their ongoing support.
“Tampa was the city that … quite literally put the heartbeat in this organization back in 1997,” he said, “and you have stood with us and helped us build Equality Florida into the largest state LGBTQ group in the United States today.
“Nadine and I may be the co-founders of Equality Florida, but the reality is that this room is filled with co-founders who were there with us in the beginning,” Pollitzer continued. “Thank you to everyone who is here for the very first time, and thank you to those folks who have been here for all 28 years. We need every one of you right now.”
Guillermo Smith subsequently led the evening’s auction, which
raised $131,000 in the room. Equality Florida then honored David K. Johnson with the 2025 Voice for Equality Award.
The USF professor launched the Tampa Bay LGBT History project this year and is an accomplished historian. His work includes “The Lavender Scare” and “Buying Gay.”
“They can erase our rainbow crosswalks, but they will not erase our history,” Johnson told the crowd. “A history of joy and a history of resistance.”
The gala also recognized LGBTQ+ trailblazer Bill Kanouff, who received Equality Florida’s Lifetime Achievement Award during a pre-gala VIP reception Oct. 24. The LGBTQ+ advocate has led multiple businesses and organizations over the years.
“I’ve never done anything for award or for acknowledgement,” Kanouff accepted the honor in October. “I’ve always done what I thought was good and right for our community.”
This year’s Tampa Gala concluded with dessert and dancing. Equality Florida’s work will continue through the end of the year and into next with Pride at the Capitol 2026, when LGBTQ+ advocates travel to Tallahassee for meetings with lawmakers and more Jan. 20-28.
View photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Girlalala, a hairstylist and social media influencer, died Nov. 14 at the age of 21 in Pompano Beach, Florida. The Broward Sheriff’s Office in Lauderdale Lakes responded to a medical call around 7 p.m. and discovered “an individual in the front passenger seat of a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds,” according to their statement. Girlalala was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors later confirmed the influencer’s death. The suspect and victim’s longtime partner Shanoyd Whyte Jr. was arrested on Nov. 14 and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and is being held without bond.
Democracy Forward and the ACLU filed a class-action lawsuit Nov. 20 in federal court challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s bathroom ban policies. The lawsuit, filed on behalf a civilian employee of the Illinois National Guard, challenges their policy prohibiting transgender and intersex federal employees from using restrooms aligned with their gender identity. Advocates have condemned the policy since its signing in January and continue to push back against the administration. “We cannot let the Trump administration target transgender people in the federal government or in public life,” said the ACLU.
The European Union’s highest court on Nov. 25 ordered Poland to recognize same-sex marriages registered in other EU countries even if Polish law does not permit them. EU countries have the obligation to recognize a marriage between two EU citizens of the same sex lawfully concluded in another EU state, the court ruled. LGBTQ+ individuals for decades have been fighting for equal rights in Poland, where same-sex marriage and civil partnerships are illegal. The EU court said the ruling does not mean Poland is obliged to legalize same-sex marriage.
The co-creator of British TV sitcoms “Father Ted” and the “IT Crowd” was cleared Nov. 25 of harassing a transgender activist on social media, but he was found guilty of damaging their mobile phone during an encounter last year. Prosecutors alleged that Gary Linehan, known for transphobic posts, wrote “repeated, abusive, unreasonable” social media posts about Sophia Brooks. He denied the charge. District Judge Briony Clarke said while Linehan’s social media posts were “deeply unpleasant, insulting and even unnecessary,” they did not amount to harassment.
Ryan Williams-Jent
ST. PETERSBURG | The Joy Ride completed its two-day, 165-mile trek from Orlando to St. Petersburg Nov. 22, revealing an initial fundraising total of $282,431 at Albert Whitted Park.
The SMART Ride successor is organized by FAB Adventures, Inc. and donates 100% of funds raised to support Florida nonprofits. The beneficiaries are Broward House, Compass, Empath Partners in Care, Miracle of Love and Pridelines.
While the inaugural fundraiser followed the SMART Ride’s historical route from Miami to Key West, the 2025 Joy Ride charted another course. The route began where Miracle of Love is based and ended in EPIC’s hometown.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome riders into our own backyard in beautiful St. Petersburg,” EPIC President Joy Winheim shared ahead of time.
“Ending The Joy Ride here offers participants a chance to experience
the vibrant energy and stunning scenery of our city.”
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch was among those to welcome riders.
“We’re so happy for the first time you’re ending the ride right here in St. Petersburg,” he shared. “We live in a great city, and it’s because of the things we believe in … It’s making sure we’ve got a healthy community, and also making sure that we’re an inclusive community, where everyone feels welcome.”
Ride sponsors also spoke, including NPS Pharmacy which pledged to donate another $25,000 to next year’s ride. It’s currently scheduled to follow the same route in November 2026.
“We did what they said couldn’t do — we moved the ride, and look at the wonderful results,” said Christian Klimas, a SMART Ride veteran and crew chief for the Joy Ride. He subsequently honored each of this year’s participating teams.
“Thank you all for putting in the effort and making this a rockstar year,” Klimas said. “Well see you next year.”
FAB Adventures President Tom Manning spoke next, praising cyclists, crew and supporters.
“Being here matters,” he said. “I know that being here makes a difference. I know that being here changes lives, and not just the lives of the clients that are served by our benefiting agencies.
“Pushing yourself to the limits of doing what we do, allows you to find new limits,” he continued.
“I know that pushing through those limits, pushing through those emotions … allows us to get through these emotions and find our new self on the other side.”
Representatives from each benefiting agency subsequently joined Manning on stage to reveal this year’s fundraising total. He noted that fundraising continues through the end of the year and challenged cyclists to increase the final total.
View photos at WatermarkOutNews.com. For more information about the Joy Ride and to make a donation, visit TheJoyRideFL.org.
Joe Reberkenny via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
For the first time since the global observance began, the U.S. government did not commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.
World AIDS Day, first marked in 1988, has long served as an annual reminder of the ongoing effort to end an epidemic that has killed more than 44.1 million people worldwide and continues to disproportionately impact LGBTQ people, communities of color, and those in the American South. Yet the Trump-Vance administration declined to acknowledge the day this year, severing a symbolic but consistent tradition upheld by every president since Ronald Reagan.
The move comes despite the scale of the epidemic today. Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, according to federal estimates, and about 13 percent — 158,249 people — do not know their status. Globally, the World Health Organization reports 40.8 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2024.
Presidents of both parties have historically used World AIDS Day to highlight progress, remember lives lost, and recommit to reducing disparities in prevention and treatment. Past administrations have also commemorated the day through displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt — first created in 1987 and later spread across the National Mall and White House lawn. Today, the quilt includes the names of more than 94,000 people lost to AIDS on more than 47,000 panels.
This year’s silence from the White House follows several sweeping foreign aid rollbacks
instituted by Donald Trump after his 2024 inauguration. According to an October report by KFF, the administration enacted a “90-day review of foreign aid; a subsequent ‘stop-work order’ that froze all payments and services for work already underway; the dissolution of USAID, including the reduction of most staff and contractors; and the cancellation of most foreign assistance awards.”
These cuts have created significant funding gaps for nongovernmental organizations around the world — many of which work directly to prevent HIV transmission and expand access to lifesaving treatment.
The State Department dismissed criticism of the administration’s decision not to acknowledge World AIDS Day.
Despite overall declines in transmission, HIV continues to disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, and men who have sex with men.
Marcus Wilson, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences
Sponsored by Gilead Sciences
about HIV have centered primarily on preventing transmission. While that’s important, it often leaves out another vital part of the story: the health, well-being and dignity of people with HIV themselves, especially those from underrepresented communities who rarely see their stories reflected back to them.
That’s where Choose UTM comes in. This new initiative from Gilead Sciences was created with one goal in mind: elevate the stories and lived experiences of people with HIV who are taking their treatment as prescribed and prioritizing self-care to help them lead healthier lives. It’s about
choosing yourself — working closely with your doctor to find an HIV treatment that works for you for the long term.
WHY STORIES MATTER
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers people with HIV face. It shows up in healthcare, in relationships and in society. But when stories are shared
openly, stigma begins to lose its power. Choose U is built on the belief that personal stories can spark connection, inspire action and remind people that they are not alone.
Andrew, a patient ambassador for the campaign, adds, “Having HIV forced me to dive deeper and figure out who I really am beyond the diagnosis. That growth changed everything for me. Choose U represents that same transformation: helping people put themselves first and see their health as equally vital. It’s about embracing the right to live fully, not just surviving.”
Jahlove, an HIV advocate and educator who is also a Choose U patient ambassador, shares, “Letting go of shame and stigma felt like I was stepping out on stage. I felt free, seen and powerful. That’s why I speak out, so others can feel that same freedom. Choose U matters because it reminds us to put
York celebrating two decades of advocacy following his HIV diagnosis.
These voices are honest and deeply human. They remind us that living with HIV is not one story — it’s many stories, each valuable and worth telling. The campaign was developed in collaboration with community representatives, ensuring that underrepresented perspectives are centered. The campaign amplifies voices often left out of national narratives — particularly Black and Latiné people, LGBTQ+ individuals and those over 50. By sharing these personal journeys, Choose U inspires individuals to prioritize their long-term health and amplifies the importance of starting and staying on HIV treatment to become and stay undetectable.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
ourselves first, to see our health and our future as something worth celebrating and looking forward to.”
From Gilead’s perspective, the campaign is about ensuring that people with HIV see themselves reflected in authentic stories. These stories can act as reminders that living a healthier life can be within reach for everyone with HIV, if they take and remain on treatment as prescribed and stay undetectable.
REAL STORIES, REAL
Through Choose U, people from across the country are sharing their journeys — their challenges, resilience and triumphs.
These stories reflect the diversity and strength of the HIV Community, from a grandmother in the South who stayed engaged in care and uses her knowledge as power, to a Black man in New
A major goal of HIV treatment is to become undetectable, meaning there is so little virus in your blood that a lab test can’t measure it. In the U.S. in 2022, about one-third of people with HIV had not yet reached that point. Open conversations with doctors and staying on treatment are essential to getting to and staying undetectable. Starting and staying on treatment as prescribed and getting to undetectable is the start, but the experiences of PWH go beyond treatment. Choose U is about more than the virus. It’s about saying, “your story matters, and your health matters.”
Choose U is putting the stories of people with HIV at the center of the conversation. When we elevate stories, we don’t just reduce stigma — we create a community where people with HIV feel seen, valued and inspired to prioritize their health.
Talk to your doctor today about an HIV treatment that’s right for you for the long term. Learn more at ChooseUHIV.com
US-UNBC-3470 11/25
HERE WE ARE, ONCE again, at the “most wonderful time of the year,” and I find myself wondering, is that a bit of false advertising?
I am pretty sure we didn’t sign up for most of what we must endure from now until we’re ready to shout, “Happy New Year!” Why do we work so hard to convince ourselves that this season is filled with nothing but wonder and joy? Honestly, the expectation of non-stop happiness adds to the stress.
Let’s take a moment to consider what we must do to make it through all the conversations, commitments and carbohydrates we must contend with between now and 2026. As you navigate this season, remember that the stress you feel is not an indication of your own personal flaws. Instead, this is a normal reaction to the expectation that you place yourself in situations where you cannot be fully seen for who you are.
We are now well into the holiday season, so most of us are finding ourselves in social situations outside our comfort zone. You may be the outlier and totally thrive in that space. Small talk, tactfully dodging political conversations and discussing the weather with near strangers might be your forte. If you are fantastic at that, please offer a TED talk on how to survive these scenes, because the rest of us are miserable over here.
As someone who can be socially awkward and introverted, my best advice on surviving this season is knowing when to endure and when to opt-out of a commitment.
Yes, I am saying that even if you believed you could totally handle attending some event, party or religious service, it’s okay to change your mind. If being there will damage your spirit, don’t go!
Even if you already said you would be there and already bought gifts for folks, you don’t have to show up. If you are stewing over the Instagram post some
family member shared about “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” you owe them nothing, especially not your presence.
The reality is that, for most of us, attending holiday gatherings means being in spaces where we do not feel entirely welcome and cannot wholly be ourselves. If you can be in that space without it damaging your spirit or making you doubt your self-worth, then consider going. If you are invited to gatherings with family or friends that you find enjoyable, definitely go. But if you feel obligated to show up at some holiday function and you know that being there will make you feel devalued or harmed in any way, please don’t go. I know it is hard for some of us to decline an invitation, especially during the holidays. Anecdotal evidence, gleaned from decades as an activist and in religious leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, has shown me that many people in our community tend toward being accommodating people-pleasers, especially those of us who are Generation X and older. We have spent so much of our lives trying to figure out how to fit in that we lost a bit of ourselves.
We learned to accommodate, to avoid topics, to put other people’s comfort above our own. If this sounds familiar to you, then let me officially give you permission to shift your mindset and establish new boundaries. If you have a holiday commitment on the horizon that weighs on your heart and fills your stomach with dread, what would it take you to free yourself from it?
Of course, sometimes we simply cannot decline an invitation. But it still does not have to be a disaster. You just need a strategy. Before stepping into an awkward situation, think through your responses to predictable scenarios.
Think of tactful ways to change the subject and avoid intrusive questions. If you are going into religious spaces, develop a care plan for yourself to navigate any religious trauma you might be carrying. Decide what parts of yourself you are willing to
care to folks who find the holidays incredibly hard. There are many reasons for this. There are some aspects that we can’t control, such as the grief we feel as we miss loved ones who are no longer with us. But other elements are within our control. I encourage you
Remember your value. Surround yourself with the people who truly see you, the people who trust you, know you, and understand you. We owe it to ourselves to take gentle care of each other during this season. Let’s not get lost in the chaos, the busyness and
For most of us, attending holiday gatherings means being in spaces where we do not feel entirely welcome and cannot wholly be ourselves.
mask, to keep the peace. Also, decide your non-negotiables, what are the things you refuse to hide about yourself? What will you refuse to tolerate? You don’t have to show up as anything less than the person you are. Do not let anyone convince you that you are too much! Every year, I provide spiritual and emotional
to let this be the holiday season where you shift your experience. 2025 has been challenging for many of us. What can you do now to offer yourself some kindness as the year ends? Where can you carve out some time for self-care? How can you prioritize your own mental, spiritual, and emotional health today?
the extra obligations of this time of year.
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.
positive LGBTQ+ news in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, uplifting and inspiring stories highlighting locals in our community. In this issue we meet Mike Morse, creator of Queering the Dots.
When Mike Morse first launched what would become Queering the Dots, it wasn’t yet a collective. It was a wakeup call. In late 2020, fresh out of school and writing through a year of upheaval, they started a project called Wake Up Suburbia to share political education with friends and family who didn’t seem to be paying attention.
“It was a place for me to share information,” Morse says. “Especially trying to draw connections between why you should care about social and political issues that might not directly affect you.”
As the work grew, so did the vision. Morse met other creators who wanted a home to publish without having to flatten their voice to fit a theme or a word count. The platform shifted and took on a new name that captured its purpose: Queering the Dots.
“It’s a play on connecting the dots,” they explain. “We’re putting a queer perspective on the work and drawing parallels across struggles, from here to places like Palestine.”
Today, Queering the Dots is a queer and trans creative collective that publishes writing, comics, sculpture, audio pieces and more. They run a quarterly zine with themed open calls and a Patreon that operates on a pay what you can model.
The aim is simple: reduce gatekeeping and increase access.
“We don’t turn work away unless it’s actively harmful or discriminatory,” Morse says. “We believe all voices have a right to be heard.”
The structure is intentionally light. Morse keeps things moving with a small group of seven “masterminds” across the U.S. who plan together via monthly calls.
Members post work to Patreon, co-edit by request, and propose where mutual aid dollars flow. “Every month we get a small payout, and we rotate who we support,” they explain.
That has included Healing Our Homelands and the Central Florida Mutual Aid Trans Safety Fund, the beneficiary of their first live event, Rage Against Rowling. Participants repurposed “Harry Potter” books into collage and blackout poetry to protest transphobia.
“What better way to protest the transphobic than to give money to trans people,” Morse says.
That night captured what the collective is building: skill sharing, joy and resistance in the same room. “People were ripping up books, collaging, painting, sharing resources and art forms,” Morse recalls. “It’s the relationships and collective networking that become radical.”
They’re growing those connections internationally too, collaborating with a UK-based, trans-centric art group and inviting creatives from anywhere to plug in.
Care and accessibility are nonnegotiable. Masking is
required at in-person events, and virtual offerings are built in from the start so disabled, immunocompromised or far-flung community members can participate fully.
“We’re intentional about COVID awareness,” Morse says. “We want our spaces to be genuinely accessible.”
If the collective resists traditional arts funding, it’s because the members choose a different metric for success. They once split Patreon payouts among themselves, but the sums were so small that they decided to redirect funds outward.
“Eight people getting five dollars is forty dollars to a mutual aid fund,” Morse says. “That felt more aligned with our values.”
The money isn’t the point, anyway. Visibility, connection and capacity are.
“Being able to give yourself creative outlets and connect with others outside of work and production is what keeps us sane and builds long-term capacity for the revolutionary work we want to do,” they continued.
Recent zines have centered queerness and disability for Disability History Month and Queering Women’s History
Month. Between issues, masterminds post essays, drawings, audio readings and prompts.
Morse’s favorite part is still the simplest: seeing people light up when their work is held and celebrated.
“I love seeing how many people get excited to see this work being done,” they say. “It’s not just about the art you make alone. It’s about the relationships you build through your art.”
If you want to support or get involved, you have options. Follow @QueeringTheDots on Instagram and Bluesky, subscribe to its Patreon, contribute to open zine calls, or reach out about joining the mastermind circle if you’re ready for organizing and planning.
“Just send us a message if you want to be part of the collective,” Morse says. “We’ll get you looped in.”
Interested in being featured in The Good Page? Email Editor-in-Chief Ryan Williams-Jent at Ryan@WatermarkOutNews. com in Tampa Bay or Central Florida Bureau Chief Bellanee Plaza at Bellanee@ WatermarkOutNews.com in Central Florida.
Our annual list of Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ changemakers
ATERMARK OUT NEWS HAS RECOGNIZED
local LGBTQ+ advocates and allies with our annual Remarkable People issue for over a decade. It highlights changemakers who have gone above and beyond to show just how remarkable they are each year.
We know there’s no shortage of remarkable people doing important work across LGBTQ+ Central Florida and Tampa Bay, which is why we always ask readers for help. We launched our
locals: five from Central Florida and five from Tampa Bay. Then we asked someone in the community who knows each honoree to write a profile detailing why they were chosen this year.
search to find 2025’s honorees in October and received a remarkable number of nominations.
After careful review and consideration, we narrowed this year’s list down to 10
Watermark Out News is proud to be your LGBTQ+ news source. Stay up to date with all of the remarkable individuals we serve at WatermarkOutNews.com, where you can find our distribution map, digital editions and more, and congratulations to all of this year’s Remarkable People.
Rob Hall Winter Pride Executive Director
Gabe Alves, Winter Pride board member
Rob Hall beautifully reflects the heart, leadership and dedication of Tampa Bay’s LGBTQIA+ community. This honor feels like a natural acknowledgment of the countless ways he has shown up, stepped in and lifted others through his work and his presence.
I met Rob three years ago, and our friendship began with a deeply personal connection. We shared similar journeys: both having been married before coming out, both raising children from our previous marriages, both learning what it means to rebuild life with authenticity. That common ground connected us, but it was Rob’s character — his kindness, his generosity, his instinct to serve — that made him unforgettable.
As we moved into 2024, Rob became a driving force behind the
Teatro Founder Andrea Montanez, GOALcfl executive director
Nadia Garzón is a remarkable person not only in Orlando. She is one of those rare visionaries whose work, creativity and heart leave a lasting mark on everyone she encounters.
I have known Nadia for years. I met her in a Zoom work call and we had an instant connection; we are both Colombians and she has that accomplice aptitude and solidarity for immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities. I have witnessed her remarkable growth, courage and unwavering dedication to building spaces where art becomes
creation of the very first Winter Pride in St. Petersburg, held this year. From planning logistics to building partnerships to shaping the vision of what Winter Pride could be, Rob was there — fully invested, fully present.
His leadership made such a profound difference that the board unanimously chose him as executive director. It was an easy decision for everyone who had witnessed his dedication firsthand.
Under Rob’s direction, Winter Pride made history. Its inaugural year welcomed more than 50,000 attendees, an extraordinary achievement. This reflected the passion, experience and strategic insight that Rob brings to the table — much of it shaped by decades in the corporate world, which he left behind to serve the community he loves.
But Rob’s influence doesn’t stop with Winter Pride. He is a proud member of the Krewe of Cavaliers, a key organizer of St. Pete Newbies, Dudes & Friends, and someone people naturally turn to when they are new,
a tool for liberation, healing and community transformation.
As the founder and leader of Descolonizarte Teatro, a grassroots queer, Latinx-led theater organization in Orlando, Nadia has redefined what community theater can be. Through her vision, Descolonizarte Teatro has become a vibrant cultural and political force — centering stories that challenge colonial narratives, uplift voices and celebrate the beauty and resilience of the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.
Her productions do not simply entertain; they educate, provoke and mobilize. They create spaces where audiences are invited to engage critically with themes of justice, migration, gender and belonging.
Nadia’s leadership goes far beyond the stage. She has built a platform for artistic activism, mentoring young artists, organizing bilingual workshops and collaborating with local organizations to expand access to the arts for underrepresented communities. Her work exemplifies the belief that storytelling is a form
looking for connection or simply seeking a welcoming space. He builds community effortlessly — not out of obligation, but out of genuine care.
Rob is also the kind of friend who shows up — in good times, in hard times and in the small moments that matter most. He is steady, patient, thoughtful and endlessly supportive.
As my partner on our real estate team, he is the calm to my chaos, the clarity when ideas run wild, the grounding voice when life becomes overwhelming. His emotional strength doesn’t just make him a remarkable leader — it makes him a remarkable human being.
Rob Hall is, without question, one of this year’s Remarkable People of the Year — not only for what he has accomplished, but for who he is. And for anyone who meets him, it quickly becomes clear why.
of resistance — and that art, when rooted in community, has the power to dismantle oppression and inspire collective healing.
In moments when our communities have faced adversity and loss, Nadia has been a steadfast presence — organizing performances, cultural festivals and healing spaces that bring people together in solidarity. Her artistry bridges divides and sparks dialogue across cultures, generations and social movements.
Nadia is more than an artist; she is a cultural architect, educator and changemaker whose work embodies the spirit of Orlando’s diverse and resilient communities. Her leadership continues to shape the cultural landscape of Central Florida and stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in advancing equity, visibility and social change.
She is my friend, my accomplice, my support. Nadia is a worker bee that is looking to support the fight to be visible, to use art as a voice of the people who cannot use their voice.
She is persistence and love. She is not an ally, she is the real deal. Gracias por ser tu, Nadia Garzón.
SOMOSLOUD Central Florida President
biracial leader of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican descent, they navigate and challenge systems that were not built for them, embodying resilience and authenticity at every turn — even when it angers others, she stands on business. Their neurodivergent perspective informs a critical, level-headed and strategic approach to leadership, rooted in a Marxist philosophy that empowers them to not just participate in the community but to actively shape its future.
In their leadership roles, Kassanndra served as governance co-chair on the Contigo Fund Steering Committee, where they learned the importance of community-centered strategies, and as a member of Orange County’s Disability Advisory Board. As the current president of SOMOSLOUD Central Florida, Kassanndra continues to make significant strides in the crucial fight for HIV stigma and decriminalization. Their work emphasizes intersectionality, amplifying the voices of queer and trans people of color while fostering a sense of belonging.
Last year, Kassanndra faced serious health challenges that brought them to the brink. Yet, they emerged from that experience not only with renewed strength but also with a profound sense of purpose, continuing to serve as a thought leader and community anchor despite critical illness. Their commitment to the community shines through the noise, earning them a recognition from the City of Orlando for their community service that same year.
Currently, Kassanndra is spearheading the inaugural LGBTQ+ Town Hall for Pine Hills and West Orlando as the co-executive director of Development for Las Semillas — leading a pivotal moment for visibility and the amplification of voices in this minority majority area. They lead not from titles but from lived experiences and heartfelt connections.
Kassanndra doesn’t just serve the community; they too are the community. That framework of relationships has no hierarchies. They are beside you.
Kassanndra Santiago stands out as a truly remarkable person deserving of recognition, not only for their unapologetic support and warmth but also for their transformative impact on our community. Their innovative approach to building bridges and fostering inclusivity challenges us all to listen, learn, and engage more deeply with one another. They are kindness and a spoonful of tough love.
U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost
Being remarkable means stepping up when it matters most and leading with love. In a year when Florida has faced extraordinary challenges, our community has relied on leaders who not only speak our values but organize, mobilize and deliver for them. One of those leaders is Samuel Vilchez Santiago.
I’ve known Samuel since we were teenagers. We met as Bank of America Student Leaders, both of us just beginning to understand what public service could look like. Even then, Samuel stood out. He had a natural ability to bring people together, a sharp understanding of politics and a steady confidence that made people trust him.
Samuel arrived in Florida at 13 after fleeing Venezuela’s authoritarian government. He didn’t speak English, had left behind everything familiar and was suddenly navigating a new country and culture. But what could
have been an obstacle became his motivation. His lived experience shaped a deep belief in democracy, community and the responsibility we all share to protect the freedoms he saw stripped away in Venezuela.
Today, Samuel serves as Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party — the youngest and only Hispanic local Democratic Party chair in all of Florida. Under his leadership, our DEC has become the top-fundraising county party in the state and, in my view, the strongest Democratic Executive Committee in the country. But the real story is what those resources have built: a year-round organizing operation that doesn’t wait for elections to get to work.
And the results speak for themselves. Orange County flipped three seats blue during the 2024 red wave, and this year we removed the final Republican from the Orlando City Commission. That success wasn’t a coincidence — it came from Samuel’s vision for a multiracial, multigenerational coalition that
reflects who we are and what we stand for.
Samuel’s leadership rejects the idea that Florida is too divided to make progress. Here in Orange County, we don’t shy away from talking about immigration, LGBTQ+ rights or economic justice. We work to build a party that mirrors our community and puts working people at the center of our movement.
I wouldn’t be the first Generation Z member of Congress without Samuel. His strategic guidance, encouragement and partnership helped power my own campaign and helped prove that young people and immigrants are essential to the future of our democracy. He leads with integrity and intelligence.
Samuel is a reminder of what leadership rooted in the community looks like. At a time when Florida needs it most, he continues to show what’s possible with purpose. That is what makes him truly remarkable.
Tampa Bay hero
is a powerful example of how one person’s fearlessness, courage and caring nature can ripple far beyond a single moment. Their act of heroism in 2025 — saving a child who fell from a building balcony — revealed the depth of their character to everyone who
In a situation where most moved with instinctive bravery and compassion. Their quick action did more than save a young life; it reminded their community that real heroes are often the people around us, like you and me, who choose to act when
This moment truly exhibited the is: someone who is truly selfless with a naturally caring nature, someone who steps forward when it matters most.
Hum’s impact stretches far beyond that extraordinary event.
Their presence and unwavering confidence is a source of visibility, encouragement and belonging for others who are navigating their identities in a world that still does not always make that journey easy.
Hum lives openly and authentically, and in doing so, they challenge outdated expectations while also offering others an example of pride and possibility. They actively encourage this by volun-queering and participating in multiple event planning organizations in both Florida and Colorado that help to create safe spaces for true self-expression and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. What makes Hum particularly impactful is the way they carry their authenticity with an undying kindness. They approach others with understanding and empathy, they listen deeply and offer unwavering support without a minuscule of judgement. These qualities might seem quite small compared to acts of heroism, but I can tell you they are just as equally impactful!
Hum creates spaces where people feel acknowledged, seen, heard and accepted. Finding traits like that might not seem at first glance as heroic but emotional safety is something society could benefit from as much as physical safety. Many who know them would describe how the impact Hum has makes them feel confident, empathetic and more connected simply by being present. Beyond the personal connections they foster, Hum naturally bridges communities and encourages understanding among people of different backgrounds. They lead not through authority or force but through example — showing how to live with compassion, how to speak up for others and how to remain grounded even when facing hardship. Their life demonstrates that impact isn’t measured only by grand gestures but also by the everyday choice to uplift others. In every setting they step into — whether it’s their neighborhood, workplace or broader community — Hum brings an unmistakable force of goodness. Their heroism, their identity and their compassion all intertwine to create a meaningful influence on the world around them.
Silkpride Founder
Don Andersen, Jr., Husband
Some people collect stamps, vinyl or vintage lunchboxes. Leo Andersen collects queer Chinese history — 2,000+ artifacts of it — and somehow makes it look effortless, joyful and world-changing all at once.
Born in northern China and later working in Beijing during what many still call the “golden age” of the queer movement, Leo wasn’t just nearby as history unfolded. He was in the meetings, backstage at the events, mentoring volunteers, running programs and building communities brick by brick.
Today, many prominent activists in China either worked directly with Leo or were trained by someone who once learned from him. He’s basically an entire gay family tree in human form.
But everything changed after 2012. As the political climate tightened under Xi Jinping, both online and offline queer spaces came under intense surveillance. Activists shifted to whispered strategies, coded posts and alternative methods of reaching their communities.
In 2021, student-led LGBTQ+ groups across China saw their social media accounts abruptly wiped out — vanished without warning. And during the pandemic, when gathering in person was nearly impossible, many long-standing queer organizations were quietly forced to close their doors. Among the most devastating was the Beijing LGBT Center, which shut down in 2023, just shy of its 16th anniversary.
By then, activism inside China had reached a near standstill. And more and more, queer Chinese voices had to find safety, visibility and community beyond national borders.
For Leo — who had poured his youth into building these spaces — the loss was heartbreaking. But heartbreak didn’t end the story. It redirected it.
After immigrating to the United States, Leo settled in Clearwater with our beloved dog and me. And while the sunshine was new, his mission wasn’t: if queer history in China could no longer
be safeguarded at home, someone else had to step up.
So, Leo founded nonprofit built around four deceptively simple words: Participate. Pass On.
Silkpride has since grown into of the largest queer Chinese diasporic archives in the world, with more than 2,000 artifacts, artworks and cultural treasures. But this isn’t a museum built on mourning — it’s built on hope. Leo created a pledge that sets Silkpride apart: every organization that donates its surviving materials will get them back when China’s queer movement can openly thrive again. It’s archival work with optimism, stubborn faith and a long-term commitment to restoration, not ownership.
His award-winning exhibit, “Silkpride Around the World,” was invited to DC this year and remains accessible online in VR (because yes, Leo has officially taken queer history into the metaverse).
He has spoken internationally — in the Netherlands, Taiwan, and New York — and is becoming a go-to guest lecturer for universities eager to understand queer Chinese culture beyond textbooks. Leo moves with passion and purpose. He believes queer Chinese history is not just worth saving — it’s worth celebrating, sharing and one day returning home.
Yet with all this gravitas, Leo remains far from solemn. He is a pun enthusiast and a nonstop question factory. At home, he has a daily quota for his “but why?” questions because, like a curious kid interrogating a very tired parent, he can — and will — ask endlessly.
To support SilkPride and help them reach 1,000 followers to livestream events, follow Silkpride on social media. And if Leo asks you “but why?” — well… that’s just who he is.
David Goldstone, The Small Marketing Agency
LLC Founder
Blake Simons, Esq. is a fighter who prides himself on ensuring our voices are heard. He believes a person’s rights are worth fighting for because when their rights are taken away, you never know whose rights could be targeted next.
As one of the area’s pre-eminent legal advocates, Blake has become a trusted friend and resource to the people and businesses throughout Central Florida.
Blake founded the Simons Law Firm, PLLC in 2022 to ensure “Justice for All” with each client he represents. He wanted to give a voice to the people who were not being heard or being taken advantage of. Its original focus was on criminal defense but over the years, has evolved to serve the needs of Blake’s clients and most recently in civil law as Orlando’s Rainbow Crosswalk champion. When
he sees a voice being silenced, Blake is always there to help.
After graduating from the South Texas College of Law and serving as a judicial intern under Judge John Ellisor, Blake quickly advanced to a felony level prosecutor with the Florida State Attorney’s office in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, covering Orange and Osceola counties. Prior to law school, Blake was active in Central Florida’s theater community as a singer and performer, as well as earning his ears as a cast member at Disney.
He currently sits on the board of Encore! Performing Arts and occasionally finds time to return to the stage. While running his own law firm, performing and volunteering in the community, Blake was named as one of Florida’s Rising Stars of 2025 by Super Lawyers.
Blake’s approach to life and work is a result of growing up in Oklahoma, where honesty, diligence, community and communication were central to his upbringing. He applies the same values to everything he does.
Most recently Blake has been involved in high-profile civil rights cases in Orlando, representing individuals arrested for chalking the Pulse memorial crosswalk. He argued the crosswalk is an extension of the sidewalk and therefore a public forum space where his clients could exercise their First Amendment rights, pointing out that no damage was done to public property when rain completely washed away the sidewalk chalk.
He has gone toe-to-toe with law enforcement to ensure community voices are heard and legacies are respected. This is what activism and leadership look like.
In the months ahead Blake’s goals are to continue fighting for the rights of his clients and community, find a great stage production to be involved in and to do some LARPing. Work/life balance is important to him, which is one of the reasons this boy from Oklahoma has been so successful in Central Florida. He’s a real person helping real people and living his best life.
Se7enBites Owner
Katie Donzanti, Head
very year, Orlando’s Pride season brings a cascade of life, color, community and celebration. Pride feels as inherent to Orlando as biscuits are to Southern fare.
But this year, one of the most enthusiastic additions wasn’t a float, a festival stage, or even a parade moment —
Parking Spaces for Pride, a vibrant response conceived by local advocate and business Trina Gregory.
Born of rage, sass, stepping up and reclaiming power from an oppressive state government — one that finds all sorts of detours through Florida Department of Transportation to erase representative art — Trina searched for something that
couldn’t simply be painted over in the night. She walked out to her parking lot.
Gregory has owned Se7enBites, a beloved local brunch spot, for years, and centering equality has always been part of the brand. What began as a spark of imagination quickly took shape under Trina’s vision.
The project was simple yet powerful: transform ordinary parking spaces into bold, rainbow-forward visual statements celebrating Orlando’s deep LGBTQ identity, history, support and joy.
Known throughout Orlando for delighting taste buds, Trina also understands that Pride isn’t defined only by big events. It lives in the small, daily reminders that tell LGBTQ neighbors, You belong here.
By partnering with artists and local media, she turned an idea into an installation visitors couldn’t ignore. Each painted spot became a micro-celebration of Pride — a beacon of acceptance and a selfie-worthy moment spreading joy across social media.
What truly sets Trina apart is that this project is only the latest chapter in her history of LGBTQ+ advocacy. For years, she has been a visible, reliable presence in Orlando’s queer community — supporting nonprofits, volunteering at events, amplifying marginalized voices and showing up whenever attention is needed.
Those who know her describe her as someone who makes actionable waves. She is both visionary and practical: the one who dreams big and the one who stays late to make sure the tape lines are straight and the supplies are ready for morning. It’s this combination of heart and hustle that allowed Parking Spaces for Pride to flourish into a community-embraced project that will be remembered long after the paint dries.
Through Parking Spaces for Pride, Trina didn’t just create colorful parking spots; she created moments of affirmation, connection and celebration across Orlando.
Thanks to Trina, even the act of parking a car can now be an expression of Pride.
JoJo brings a different but equally essential strength to their shared vision. A trained and exceptionally talented graphic designer, she channels her creativity, love for her wife and passion for accessible movement into the visual world of Effortless City. Her thoughtful design work shapes the project’s maps, guides and layouts, making them not only functional but beautiful, inviting
Beyond Effortless City, JoJo is deeply embedded in the community, lending her design skills to local businesses, events and neighborhood projects. Her artistry helps make the couple’s mission visible, tangible and deeply human.
Together, Shannon and Jojo map sidewalks, routes and local amenities — restaurants, bars, shops and ADA-accessible restrooms. Their motto is clear: eat, drink, shop and party like a local, whether you walk, roll or stroll. They also compile weekly lists of live music and cultural events around Gulfport and St. Pete, reinforcing their belief that community is built not just through access, but through connection.
Effortless City first sprouted after a few trips to Jojo’s hometown in Portugal and blossomed further as JoJo’s Thesis project for her master’s in graphic design. It later expanded to Gulfport when the couple moved there in 2019 and has been steadily growing across the Tampa Bay region with hopes of one day mapping all of Florida.
Their approach is hands-on and deeply personal; rooted not in institutional authority, but in compassion, curiosity and a commitment to making everyday life easier for the people around them.
Shannon and Jojo are a genuine force: two women who turn challenges into opportunities, art into advocacy and community into a shared responsibility. Their impact is seen not only in the routes they map, but in the lives they quietly make more navigable. Through Effortless City, they have made St. Petersburg not just easier to get around, but easier to belong to.
Their work, their partnership and their passion for a more inclusive city embody what it means to be truly
Equality Florida held its annual Tampa Gala Nov. 21, raising $719,000 and honoring local LGBTQ+ advocates David K. Johnson and Bill Kanouff. Read more on p. 10 and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The Joy Ride completed its two-day, 165-mile trek from Orlando to St. Petersburg Nov. 22, raising an initial $282,431 for Broward House, Compass, Empath Partners in Care, Miracle of Love and Pridelines. Fundraising continues through the end of the month. Read more on p. 12 and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The City of St. Petersburg named Nathan Bruemmer as its next LGBTQ+ liaison Dec. 1. “St. Pete has long set a standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and I look forward to working with Mayor Welch, City staff and community partners to expand access, share resources, deepen engagement and help ensure that all residents feel a true sense of belonging,” he said. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Nathan Bruemmer was appointed as the City of St. Petersburg’s new LGBTQ+ liaison Dec. 1. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
CAN Community Health held its World AIDS Day fundraiser Dec. 1, a concert with original “RENT” stars Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal benefiting the Susan Terry Foundation. Read more and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Discord Addams will compete on the 18th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Bambu the Eco Salon owner Joshua DeBlock, Massage therapist Ron Diana (Dec. 4); Opera Tampa assistant conductor Luis Gonzalez, Spathouse’s Scott Durfee, former Cider Press Cafe owner Roland Strobel (Dec. 5); Venice Theater GM and Director of Diversity Kristofer Geddie, Lucky Star Lounge staple Daniel Harris, Shelter Strong Founder Theresa McGivern (Dec. 6); Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg psychiatrist Tom Young, Tampa’s Red Herring Ltd. expert Ivan Moros, Miss St Pete Pride 2023 Ceazia Giovanni Kreshe (Dec. 7); St. Pete free spirit Miranda Colette, Tampa Bay Gay Founder Dave Borman (Dec. 8); Tampa Bay entertainer PheYonce Montrese aka Metro Healthy Communities’ Nate Taylor, Tampa Bay realtor Rick Fifer, Tampa Bay advocate Adam Morrison (Dec. 9); Tampa Bay actor Spencer Meyers, Largo pharmacist Eric Hutton, Tampa Bay entertainer Veronica Vixen aka Vincent Bailey-Santamarina, Tampa Bay dancer Fernando Chonqui (Dec. 10); Tampa Bay softballer Les Croy, TransNetwork board member AJ Cuevas, Christian minister Chancey Martinez Colon (Dec. 11); Philanthropist Ed Lally, Former state representative Jennifer Webb, Sarasota realtor Jim Jablonski, St. Pete Twirler Jose Luis Perez (Dec. 12); Bradenton MAC makeup artist Joey Killmeyer (Dec. 14); St. Petersburg outdoor lover Dan Barrett, Clearwater softball stud Gregory Toth (Dec. 15); Tampa Bay lawyer David Schauer, Pastor at St. Andrews UCC Sarasota Paul Werner, Acclaimed author Rob Sanders (Dec. 16); Sarasota’s Sage SRQ Executive Chef Christopher Covelli (Dec. 17)
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STAYING VISIBLE: Artist Chad Mize completes an LGBTQ+ mural at Aids Healthcare Foundation in St. Petersburg Dec. 1. PHOTO COURTESY CHAD MIZE
2 NOT FORGOTTEN: Stephanie Stuart attends Pasco Pride’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event Nov. 20 in New Port Richey. PHOTO VIA PASCO PRIDE’S FACEBOOK
3 LOCAL LEGENDS: Equality Florida Tampa Gala honorees Bill Kanouff (L) and David K. Johnson come together at this year’s fundraiser. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
4 GIVING THANKS: Discord Addams performs on Thanksgiving Eve at Cocktail.
PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
5 SEASON’S GREETINGS: (L-R) Ana Cruz, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Santa Claus light up Tampa Nov. 30. PHOTO COURTESY NICHOLAS CARDELLO
6 A TRUE JOY: Representatives from Broward House, Compass, Empath Partners in Care, Miracle of Love and Pridelines reveal the fundraising total for this year’s Joy Ride Nov. 22 at Albert Whitted Park. PHOTO BY RYAN WILLIAMS-JENT
7 LADIES IN RED: The Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence raise funds for World AIDS Day at the Wet Spot for their second annual Red Dress Ball Nov. 30. PHOTO VIA THE TAMPA BAY SISTERS’ FACEBOOK
8 NO DAY BUT TODAY: Original “RENT” stars Anthony Rapp (L) and Adam Pascal perform at CAN Community Health in Tampa for a World AIDS Day fundraiser benefiting the Susan Terry Foundation Dec. 1. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
6:00 pm Arrival, cocktails, networking, and f irst chance to bid on exclusive experiences
7:00 pm Ballroom doors open, seated dinner, live music , and immersive performances
7:30 pm Main program hosted by Mr Ms and Chevalier Lovett with a special community award
After the program Dance floor opens and the celebration continues into the night
Presented by Your Defying Gravity Night
The City of Orlando was among the Florida cities to retain its perfect scores of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign’s 13th annual Municipal Equality Index. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Illustrator and painter Alex Rogers, whose work centers on queer and trans people, was selected to showcase his art at Mills Gallery Arts for the second edition of the Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition. The exhibition also highlights four other emerging artists Jordan Carl Jones, Sophia Mitchell, Xavier Moss and Mya Osborne, who represent the diversity and vision. Read more on p. 8 and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Heather Wilke and Dr. Francis Cisnarf were married in Orlando on Nov. 23.
The Central Florida Softball League held its closing banquet at Outpost Neighborhood Tavern on Nov. 24.
The Renaissance Theatre Company announced Nov. 25 it’s moving to a temporary new home at 54 W. Church St. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
The 36th annual Turkey Trot 5K was on Nov. 27 and raised crucial funds for vital programs like Meals on Wheels.
Harry P. Leu Gardens’s Dazzling Nights is back for its sixth year. Read more and view photos at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Myki Meeks will compete on the 18th season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Ripple Hauxs a BIPOC Trans-led LGBTQ sanctuary will celebrate one year on Dec. 6.
“Flame On” podcast host Bryan Pittard, Osceola Arts COO Jeremiah Krivinchuk, Bites and Bubbles entrepreneur Eddie Nickell (Dec. 6); Orlando Theatre goddess Beth Marshall (Dec. 7); Former Come Out With Pride President Jeff Prystajko, former Watermark Out News intern Christina Nicole Diaz, Mainframe Real Estate founder and CEO Sean Frank (Dec. 8); Zebra Coalition CEO Heather Wilkie, Southern Nights Orlando bartender Cameron MacDonald, Southern Nights Orlando’s D’Andre Bims (Dec. 9); Orlando artist Jeff Jones, Mitzi Morris’ alter ego Kevin Kreigel (Dec. 10); Former Watermark Sales Director Mark Cady, Central Florida actor and vocalist Zachary Thomas, Royal Caribbean International’s David Bain, Central Florida Ford-dealing bear Fred Berliner (Dec. 11); Massage therapist Isaac Torres, Orlando Chorus baritone Jamie Decker, Altamonte Springs chiropractor Dr. Bradford Levine (Dec. 12); Walt Disney Creative Entertainment Talent Casting Director Mark Catlett-Miller, 4 Corners writer Lawrence W. Caul (Dec. 13); Orlando Weekly publisher Graham Jarrett, Come Out With Pride’s former festival director Joyce Almeida, Orlando Regional Chamber Business Development Manager Greg Mason (Dec. 14); Orange County library’s Ben Garcia (Dec. 15); WAVE Award-winning Sephora beauty consultant Justin Jimenez, Crew Health’s Brittani Acuff (Dec. 16); OAK Central Florida’s Ken Terrell, actress Becky Fisher (Dec. 17).
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SHE SAID I DO: Heather Wilke and Dr. Francis Cisnarf get married at The Cottage on Lake Fairview in College Park.
PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
2
EXPRESSIVE ART: Painter Alex Rogers speaks at Mills Gallery Arts for the Winn Win Emerging Artists Exhibition Nov. 20 about his art. PHOTO BY BELLANEE PLAZA
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GIVING BACK: Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and his team joined dozens of volunteers to support United Against Poverty Orlando’s Hopeful Harvest Initiative on Nov. 24
PHOTO VIA CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH’S FACEBOOK
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TURKEY TROT: Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (L) and her sister Ida Eskamani (R) take a selfie after running the Orlando Turkey Trot Nov. 27.
PHOTO VIA ANNA V. ESKAMANI’S FACEBOOK
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WINTER WONDERLAND: Jennifer D’Hollander (L), executive director of Harry P. Leu Gardens and Cole NeSmith (R), founder of Creative City Project, take a photo together at the media night for Dazzling Nights. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
6 DRAG BRUNCH: April Fresh (R) at SAVOY’S Drag Brunch Nov. 30 with special guests, including Parliament House’s Don Granatstein and Susan Unger. PHOTO VIA APRIL FRESH
7 COMMUNITY UNITY: GOALcfl members teamed up with The Center to deliver 25 Thanksgiving meals and turkeys to local families in need.
PHOTO VIA GAY OFFICERS ACTION LEAGUE CENTRAL FLORIDA
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SHOW STOPPING: Ginger Minj takes a photo with guests in SAVOY Orlando on Nov. 28 after performing.
PHOTO VIA GINGER MINJ’S FACEBOOK
SATURDAY, DEC. 6, 13 AND 14, 7:30 P.M.
THE STARLITE ROOM AT SAVOY
Playwright and actor Michael Wanzie returns to the stage after a three-year hiatus, reviving his popular drag character, truck stop waitress and Carolina Moon Cottages and Trailer Court refugee, Deloris Scrud. This is a hi-camp holiday comedy of the slightly irreverent nature guaranteed to induce belly laughs. For more information, visit Eventbrite.com.
Gay
“Gay Bells Ring - Are You Listening?”
SATURDAY, DEC. 13-14, 7:30 P.M.
THE PLAZA THEATRE
Join the Orlando Gay Chorus for an unforgettable evening as the chorus celebrates 35 fabulous years of harmony and inclusivity with their special 35th Anniversary Holiday Concert, Gay Bells Ring - Are You Listening? This vibrant performance will warm your heart with a dazzling display of music, joy and community spirit. For more information, visit OrlandoGayChorus.org.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7, 1-5 P.M.
THE WET SPOT, ST. PETERSBURG
Deck the heels at The Wet Spot for this inaugural Winter Pride turnabout fundraiser. Representatives from Inclusive Care Group, Love the Golden Rule, Cocktail, Allendale UMC and more will be “dragged” to the stage in support of the celebration. “Come stuff their stockings in support of Winter Pride,” organizers shared. Learn more at Facebook.com/ TheWetSpotStPete.
Stevens’
SUNDAYS, DEC. 7 & 14, 8 P.M. BRADLEY’S ON 7TH & ENIGMA, TAMPA BAY
Local drag legend Kori Stevens’ 16th annual Toys for Tots benefit will be held Dec. 7 at Bradley’s on 7th in Ybor and Dec. 14 at Enigma in St. Petersburg. Stevens will once again be joined by fellow fan favorite entertainers to raise funds and collect toys for locals in need. Donations can be dropped off at the venues or Casa del Merman in St. Petersburg. Learn more at Facebook.com/Kori.Stevens.153360.
Off Book: The Improvised Musical, Dec. 4, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Michael Bublé
Tribute, Dec. 6, Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont. 352-394-4800; ClermontPerformingArts.com
Sarah Brightman, Dec. 7, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Be Diverse Network’s Harmony Gala, Dec. 7, Consulate Dr., Orlando. BDNetwork.org
John Mulaney, Dec. 10-11, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
St. Luke’s UMC annual Christmas Concert, Dec. 11 and 13, St. Luke’s UMC, Orlando. 407-876-4991; St.Lukes.org
Lea Salonga, Dec. 13, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
ThriftCon Orlando, Dec. 13, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando. 407-685-9800; OCCC.net
Taylor Swift Christmas Drag Brunch, Dec. 14, Orlando Improv Comedy Club, Orlando. 407) 480-5233; Orlando.FunnyBone.com
Vienna Light Orchestra
Christmas Tour 2025, Dec. 14, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
VOLUME VII: “Bizarre Love Triangle”, Dec. 15, Wills Pub, Orlando. WillsPub.org
Pentatonix, Dec. 16, Kia Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; KiaCenter.com
Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal, Dec. 16-17, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Nestor Torres, Dec. 18, Judson’s Live, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org
Zubrick Magic Theatre Holiday Spectacular, Through Jan. 4, Zubrick Magic Theatre, St. Petersburg. 866-982-7425; ZubrickMagic.com
“Holly, Jolly and Gay!” Dec. 5-6, Allendale UMC and Seminole Heights UMC, Tampa Bay. GMCTB.org
Willam, Dec. 6, Disco Pony Nightclub, Tampa. Instagram.com/ DiscoPonyNightclub
Jobsite Rocks! Benefit, Dec. 6, New World, Tampa. 813-229-7827; JobsiteTheater.org
To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser
TransNetwork Holiday Party, Dec. 7, Climate First Bank, St. Petersburg. MyTransNetwork.org
Christmas Drag Bingo, Dec. 9, Blur Nightclub, Dunedin. Facebook.com/ MissMardiGrasDunedin
“Les Misérables,” Dec. 10-14, Straz Center, Tampa. 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org
Christmas Charity Bingo, Dec. 12, Allendale UMC, St. Petersburg. 727-527-6694; AllendaleUMC.org
Brandy & Monica, Dec. 12, Benchmark International Arena, Tampa. 813-301-6500; LiveNation.com
“Read No More: Haunted Holidays,” Dec. 12-14, Jack Kerouac House, St. Petersburg. 516-906-2140; WordierThanThou.com
Pride of Tampa Pool Party, Dec. 13, Casa del Merman, St. Petersburg. 727-310-4130; GayStPeteHouse.com
“Wicked: For Good” Drag Show, Dec. 13, Thyrst, Largo. 727-240-0150; PlurCentral.com
Basic Needs of Life Food & Toy Drive, Dec. 13, United Women’s Club, Lakeland. 863-267-6172; RoseDynastyFoundationInc.org.
Pride in Real Estate Meetup, Dec. 16, The Study, St. Petersburg. Facebook.com/ Groups/PrideInRealEstate Holiday Ballroom Drag Bingo, Dec. 17, Red Mesa Cantina, St. Petersburg. 727-896-8226; RedMesaCantina.com
Fortune Feimster, Dec. 18, Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767; TheMahaffey.com
“Monsters of the American Cinema,” Through Dec. 7, Urbanite Theatre, Sarasota. 941-321-1397; UrbaniteTheatre.com
24/7 ER Just for Kids.
Our wish for the season is a safe holiday for all — but we know holiday mishaps are bound to happen. Whether it’s a slip and fall from those new skates or the start of a household flu cycle from visiting friends and family, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is here to help throughout the holidays — providing emergency care exclusively to children and we are home of the only Level One Trauma Center in Central Florida. Learn more at ArnoldPalmerHospital.com/ER
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