LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay Chefs on Finding Their Tribe In

Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.15 • JULY 27 - AUGUST 9, 2017 watermarkWATERMARKONLINE.COM TAMPA BAY EDITION

LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay chefs Familyon finding their tribe in theMeal restaurant life

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This issue features two covers! In this issue we feature lgBtQ chefs from both Orlando and tampa Bay. FamilyMeal Your LGBTQ Life.

ISSUE 24.15 • JULY 27 - AUGUST 9, 2017 watermarkWATERMARKONLINE.COM CENTRAL FLORIDA EDITION

LGBTQ Central Florida and Tampa Bay chefs Familyon finding their tribe in theMeal restaurant life

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4 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 deparTmenTs this President is dangerous! this shameful man is 6 // mail woefully lacking integrity. this President cares not 7 // ediTOrs desk PAGE for the plight, future, security or the prosperity of 8 // OrlandO news 17 anyone other than him and his family. 10 // Tampa Bay news —MicHael wanzie in His coluMn, WONDERFUL WORLD OF WANZIE 12 // sTaTe news 14 // naTiOn & wOrld news 21 // Talking pOinTs 37 // cOmmuniTy calendar 39 // Tampa Bay OuT+aBOuT 41 // OrlandO OuT+aBOuT 42 // Tampa Bay markeTplace 43 // wedding Bells/ annOuncemenTs 44 // OrlandO markeTplace

On THe cOver

PAGE a legacy Of lOve: PAGE COOKinG WiTh Filmmaker Sandi Hulon takes an DiveRsiTY: A pinch intimate look at the life of Eddie of openness, a dash of 32 Sotomayor, One of 49. 23 acceptance and voilà, you have LGBTQ chefs running some waTermark issue 24.15 //July 27 - augusT 9, 2017 of the best kitchens in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Photography by Jake Stevens ciTy rainBOws paper faces Happens in vegas reQuired reading

LeS Ange Sm in LoS iDS Activi Anti-A scan read from the 1980S to the 2000S Qr cOde fOr It online! waTermarkOnline.cOm In addition to a Web site with daily LGBTQ updates, a digital version of each issue of the publication is made available on WatermarkOnline.com PAGE A petition is calling for PAGE It’s all Black & White for PAGE The National Gay & PAGE Binghamton University city officials to create Balance Tampa Bay’s third Lesbian Chamber of professor Benita Roth 08 a rainbow crosswalk at 10 annual Masquerade Ball at 14 Commerce celebrates 15 35 explores the rise of the the intersection of S. Orange Ave The RITZ Ybor in Tampa. years with a leadership conference ACT UP/LA during the 80s and 90s and Kaley St. in Las Vegas. in new book.

GIve us a folloW on TWITTer and InsTaGram aT @WaTermarkonlIne and be sure To lIke us on facebook.

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 5 Orlando 1216 N. Mills Ave. TOp weB cOmmenTs 407.896.7035 “One could make a case for ‘religion Lake Mary on caITlyn jenner • Laundered Shirts & Blouses • Dry Cleaning 865 Rinehart Rd. conversion therapy,’ since homosexuality meeTInG WITh nIkkI • Comforters and Blankets • Household Items • Area and Oriental Rugs haley To dIscuss 407.688.7855 is found virtually throughout nature, Global lGbT Issues: • Wedding Gowns • Alterations and Repairs • Shoe Repairs Maitland/ and by deﬁ nition is completely ‘natural.’ Winter Park Whereas religion is not, making religion “I doubt her sincerity. Family owned and operated – Orchid Cleaners has been 246 N. Orlando Ave ‘unnatural’ by deﬁ nition.” —greg HigHfill plightShe needs and toread talk many to many proudly serving the Central Florida area for over 30 years! 407.644.0468 booksLGBT, experiencebefore she cantheir orchidcleanersorlando.com — ROY QUEEN ‘represent’ anyone.” on neW TrumP waTermarkOnline.cOm communIcaTIons on rhode Island chIef scaramuccI becomInG The 10Th backInG lGbT rIGhTs: “What’s happening with sTaTe To ban “eX-Gay” —MILLYall these BOU TV MIRANDApeople going conversIon TheraPy: into politics?” “One could make being“So why pro is marriage he deleting on Gay TEEN VOGUE a case for ‘religion equalityall of those and tweets believing about in edITor defendInG conversion therapy,’ since manmade climate change? maGazIne’s homosexuality is found anal seX GuIde: virtually throughout I wonder what the price of WE WILL DONATE —BRIAN CAHILL sad truth is that teen girls is completely ‘natural.’ his convictions was?” are“Shocking engaging article more but into the Whereasnature, and religion by definition is not, making religion ‘unnatural’ on Wnba sTar sue $ bIrd comInG ouT and idea that they remain revealInG ThaT she Is aanal virgin sex andwith cannot the wrong get 100 by definition. I wonder daTInG meGan raPInoe: TO THE GLBT CENTER OF how these self-righteous pregnant. Sex Ed is needed bible-thumpers would —LUCAS BARSZCZ in schools with more “Welcome to the family!” —RAFAEL E PINERO CENTRAL FLORIDA INC. happenfeel with in the the shoe current on the parental guidance.” administration,other foot? I know but it this won’t is on AMERICAN HORROR when you bring in this ad and on conGressman STORY unveIlInG season sTeve kInG comParInG open a new account with seven TITle and TraIler, TransGender TrooPs just another reason why and If you WIll WaTch: $800+ direct deposit.* we need LGBTQ protection To casTraTed slaves: laws at a federal level. —GREG HIGHFILL — CARL SWEEZY Good for Rhode Island!” “Hell yes.” “Less than human and First GREEN Bank is the first on b-52s sTar cIndy — JEFF CHANDLER always has been.” bank of its kind to promote WIlson’s InTervIeW positive environmental and social on her neW “Lena Dunham is in the on floyd mayWeaTher solo PoP album: callInG conor responsibility while providing —new ADAM season, DAVIS because of that, hell to the no.” mcGreGor anTI-Gay traditional banking services. slur durInG on The WhITe house have“An insightful these to lookinterview back onby Press evenT: sayInG IT’s uPseT by andBilly, read as always. and be So reminded glad we chechen leader’s of his intelligence, Meredith Pagan Proud Member of the anTI-Gay remarks: disappointment“I understand it’s to all see “[White House] upset by for show - but what a Winter Park Office GLBT Center of Central Florida Inc. —MARGARET NOLAN wit and heart.” — DANNY GARCIA anything they are jealous such childish behavior.” this? LOL no they’re not. If waTermark’s on Thomas dekker faceBOOk opportunityand taking notes to implement for when comInG ouT as Gay www.firstGREENbank.com on radIo hosT Pence and Sessions get an afTer Producer bryan blamInG meGyn — James ferguson fuller ouTTed hIm: kelly’s loW raTInGs Offices Throughout Florida the same here.” on Gay, lIberal men: on evan rachel Wood blasTInG ben have“ Sorry embraced it wasn’t iton and your are *A $100.00 donation will be made to the GLBT Center of Central Florida Inc. when you bring in this conservative men only affleck’s 20-year-old partterms, of butour wecommunity are glad you ad and a new account is opened at any First GREEN Bank location. Must be New Money, defined “Is he then suggesting “Gay kIss” commenT: publicly. Outing other as money not currently on deposit with First GREEN Bank. A monthly direct deposit of $800 or people is not a nice more is required. Promotion may end at any time at First GREEN Bank’s discretion. —DANIwatch herPAGE because they think she’s eye candy?” —KEVIN WOOD —PATRICK“Talk about EDWARDS digging up ancient history.” thing to do!”

6 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 perfect to me. As Watermark contributors employment,at the newspaper like theis haunted details ofby his this responsibilities and’s editor, less staff Billy circumstance. The particulars of his Sabrina supporthad a difficult than at job, the with Orlando different Weekly . He arrived on the heels of the death, are confidential. Billy never Ambra told us he was ill. We just knew he is a cohost of Real legalizing marriage equality, and he was no longer thriving. With his Radio 104.1’s momentous Supreme Court opinion enormous talent, I felt certain he “News Junkie” that landmark decision. A year later would regroup in a position in which program and will kick your ass if she hehelmed found our himself full-throated in the vortex coverage of an of shocking,he could flourish, and the andpain perhaps felt by heal. needs to. Page 19 unprecedented nightmare. familyBilly’s and sudden friends death so profound, was so that many stretched for an explanation, Michael founder’s particularly on social media. With Wanzie is he becamePulse thrust Orlando’s Billy intoanguished the my input, Watermark’s attempts an Orlando-based conscienceinternational for spotlight, an unspeakable where playwright, actor and ordained Tom Dyer to weigh in proved awkward and minister. He is most recognized for founder and tragedy. He and Commissioner unhelpful. We struggled to find his direction of productions at the guiding light Patty Sheehan did dozens of words that offer clarity and comfort Footlight Theatre at the Parliament [email protected] heartsinterviews and theirat all hoursfaith that of the love day Billy had a way House. Page 17 triumphsand night, over exposing hate. their wounded forum Watermark’s heartsick of expressing Holly V. himself that was Kapherr comprehensive coverage that is a food, travel and illy Manes wore sweaters offeredstaff responded hopeful perspectiveto Pulse with to uniquely his own; a lifestyle writer and our reeling community. With his editor born and captivating stream- bred in Orlando, Florida. Her work has prevent the murders from being appeared in local, regional and national focused advocacy, Billy sought to of-consciousness B on the hottest summer days, often with mischaracterized and exploited. publications such as the New York a scarf and beret. He was quirky in that that made you want Post, Florida Travel + Life, Cooking With his gangly body and Light and Orlando Weekly. She dreams “There is a press camp outside and so many other ways. the opportunity to share my feelings Watermark to camp out inside of one day running a fish taco stand in I asked publisher Rick Claggett for of Pulse right now,” Billy wrote in in this space. Mexico.Page 23, 43 loose-limbed walk, and that shock Watermark being pulled. “I from spent microphone the better partto his mind. of peroxide blonde hair, he was like of yesterday in the sweltering heat Aaron Alper, Scottie Campbell, Susan Clary, an elfin Muppet. Strange in a stylish I sold a year-and-a- that this community should have to and wonderfully appealing way. half ago; I hadn’t worked directly microphone…. This is not anything Krista DiTucci, Kirk Hartlage, Joseph Kissel, Disarmingly honest. Transparently with Billy since. But we were office in an extraordinarily difficult Jason Leclerc, Mary Meeks, Stephen Miller, vulnerable. Self-effacing to a fault. neighbors, and I saw him almost endure. This is not human.” convincedcircumstance. they After don’t a exist.half-dozen David Moran, Gregg Shipiro, Greg Stemm, But also passionate and courageous every workday. I don’t recall the My office sat between Billy’s rewrites of this column, I’m Dr. Steve yacovelli, , Michael wanzie when moved by injustice. origins, but we would greet each office and his parked car. For weeks Billy had a way of expressing other in an affected voice that was I watched him come and go, always family,For Watermarkthis reason,’s and reporting out of on photography himself, verbally and in writing, that kind of a cross between Snagglepuss with an anguished but purposeful respect for the wishes of Billy’s was brilliant and uniquely his own; a and W.C. Fields. “Billy,” I’d say with a expression on his face. When I’d Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, Angie Folks, captivating stream-of-consciousness Orlando Weekly mock tip of the hat. “Tom,” he’d reply recovering.inquire, Billy told me he was having incalculablehis death will contributions. be limited. It does Bruce Hardin, Julie Milford, Travis Moore, recognizedthat made you and want cultivated to camp that out talent, with good-natured formality, “How difficulty sleeping, processing, not reflect our appreciation for his Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift, Tinkerfluff andinside he his made mind. a name The for himself as are you this fine day?” a year had passed since Pulse. A anniversary of Pulse: their featured columnist. I loved peeking into his office, But he soldiered on, and soon Billy wrote this on the Watermark’s editor for which was quirky – there’s that carried the injured out of the club, distribution wordoften broughtagain – in him a spare bouquets and eccentric of counselor friend told me that first “Friends, like the friends who Billy was way. Billy’s devoted husband, Tony, anniversaries are uniquely difficult LVNLIF2 Distributing, Lisa Jordan, the past two years. Like the rest of for trauma survivors, and I think that are indispensable mirrors, reflections Jill Bates, Ken Carraway the community, we were shocked by long-stemmed red roses. When they sensitivity.was the case for Billy. He inhabited polishedreminding by us a largewho we and are devoted inside.” behind.news of Ashis Watermark sudden illness’s founder and death, and wilted and dried, Billy placed them that tragedy with unflinching Billy’s radiant reflection will be CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal Watermark copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole as unexpected as a body blow from conspicuously throughout his office. or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned Over time it came to look like a Tim Billy’s tenure at following. His spirit will remain alive. unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported the person who hired Billy, Burton movie set, which seemed ended just before he died. Everyone It’s what we’ve got. And it’s a lot. by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept watermark staff responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or Orlando Office listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as Founder and Guiding Light: Tom Dyer • [email protected] Sales Director: Danny Garcia any indication of the sexual orientation of such 414 N. Ferncreek Ave. persons or members of such organizations. Ext. 108 • [email protected] Owner & Publisher: Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 • [email protected] Orlando, FL 32803 WATERMARK is published every second Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 Office Manager: Kathleen Harper • Ext. 100 • [email protected] Senior Orlando Account Manager: Sam Callahan TEL: 407-481-2243 (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). FAX: 407-481-2246 The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only Staff Writer: Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 • [email protected] Ext. 103 • [email protected] in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, letters and articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s Art Director: Jake Stevens • Ext. 109 • [email protected] Tampa Bay Account Manager: Debbie Reeves owner or management. We reserve the right to edit Tampa Bay Office or reject any material submitted for publication. Creative Assistant: Jason Donnelly • Ext. 102 • [email protected] Ext. 301 • [email protected] WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to TEL: 813-655-9890 typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing Proofreading: Ed Blaisdell Nat’l Ad Representative: Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863 FAX: 813-849-2986 ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors. Watermark Publishing Group Inc.

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 7 central florida news

Petition calls for city officials to create rainbow crosswalk in Orlando Rachel Dececco

RLANDO | Orlando June 12, 2016, claimed the lives of 49 one of O The mass shooting at Pulse in downtown a kind: looks to turn an intersection near the nightclub into a Billy Manes innocent citizens. Now a petition circulating online spectrum of hope and remembrance. became editor-in-chief of Watermark in the summer of 2015, The petition on the website Change.org calls for the city of Orlando to install a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection just before the U.S. of South Orange Avenue and Kaley Street “to honor both the Supreme Court memory of the victims and the struggle of the survivors.” ruled in favor of The S. Orange/Kaley intersection is the closest major marriage equality. intersection where Pulse is located. Photo by Jake Stevens visitorsThe petitionfrom around states the that globe the S.continuing Orange/Kaley to visit intersection the Pulse “has become a crossroad to the world with thousands of began pouring in, including from

beenmemorial proposed site to and pay installed their respects.” in major cities across the Crosswalks in support of the LGBTQ community have Local Legend Manes’ friend of more than 20 years, Orlando City Commissioner world. In Atlanta, Mayor Kasim Reed announced on the Patty Sheehan. U.S. Representatives first-year mark of the Pulse massacre that they would Orlando LGBTQ icon and former Susannah Randolph (FL-9) and install their own rainbow crosswalksAtlanta Journal-Constitution as a way to “reaffirm. Carlos Guillermo-Smith (FL-49) our unwavering and unqualified support for our LGBTQ Watermark editor, Billy Manes, dies at 45 serviceand Orlando and as Mayor an integral Buddy member Dyer all of residents,” according to the thememorialized city’s fabric. Manes publicly for his Along with rainbow crosswalks, support for the Staff Report and radio programs. His advocacy community in Orlando was demonstrated after the Pulse admirers and friends came together tragedy through displays of the rainbow colors on world provocative verbiage, made him a About 100 of Billy Manes’ momentsWatermark including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Seattle’s Space RLANDO | naturaland activism, spokesperson. along with his Needle, Tel Aviv City Hall and more. redfor a pagoda grassroots-organized July 22. candlelight reached out to the office of Orlando Mayor former longtimeBilly Manes, columnist iconic vigil in his honor at Lake Eola Park’s Buddy Dyer, one of the public officials to whom the petition OOrlando LGBTQ activist, Manes spoke to NPR’s Ari Shapiro, for Orlando Weekly and former will be sent, and received a statement from press secretary Watermark, died with whom he cultivated a friendship Manes’ love for music was Cassandra Lafser. July 21 just after 4 p.m. from a isafter not Pulse, the defeatist on the one-yearor the defeated. unmatched, and in a tweet, the “This is something we are looking into and researching editor-in-chief of anniversary of the tragedy. “My role new-wave band Duran Duran in general regarding possible color/art treatments in honored Manes by name: “Thanks crosswalks,” the statement reads. “This also involves sudden onset of pneumonia. He was What I do is try and love more.” for all the kind words, the support, discussion and involvement with FDOT (Florida 45. He is survived by his husband, his NoOrlando stranger Weekly to tragedy, Manes was the passion & more. ‘I’ll see you in Department Of Transportation) as they have ultimate movedAnthony to Mauss. Orlando in 1997. He began working on a memoir expanding on Wilson,some other plans lifetime.’ to dedicate @billymanes.” her July authority over crosswalk markings through the Manual statute. Part of this evaluation involves ensuring safety and his Manescareer wasin journalism from Boca in Raton the sales and story “Til Death Frontwoman of the B-52s, Cindy visibilityon Uniform and Traffic researching Control things Devices like (MUTCD) possible pertreatments, state department at Orlando Weekly and Do Us Part,” published in 2013, Just hours after his death, street art eventually became a staple in the about his eight-month legal battle 27 show at Will’s Pub to Manes. following the suicide of his partner maintenance and costs. ” of 11 years, Alan Jordan. Because bearing Manes’ signature platinum District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan says a plan that alsopaper, attended writing Orlando the “B-List,” city “Blister”council belongings,same-sex marriage including was Jordan’s not yet ashes. legal, hair and wraparound sunglasses meets FDOT guidelines was drafted and is being submitted meetingsand “Happytown” and recapped columns. them He in the Manes fought to secure their mutual appeared outside The Venue on for consideration. The crosswalk would be rainbow in color Virginia Drive, immortalizing Manes. and surrounded by white stripes; however, the process Orlando Sentinel Shortly after publication of the Scott Maxwell, columnist for could take a while, based on past submittals. column “Council Watch.” article, filmmaker Vicki Nantz made , admired Manes “I think it should be a nice touch. Especially since I Watermark. His In 2015, Manes was named a 37-minute documentary on Manes’ spent so much time in that intersection myself on June 12,” as a fellow writer and voice for the editor-in-chief of legal struggles while simultaneously Sheehan says. of marriage equality and carried city, “Billy lived much of his life position began with the onslaught dealing with the grief of losing his The petition exceeded its original 2,500 signature goal through Orlando’s most trying without brakes or apologies. He was longtime partner. The film raised and now sets out to reach 5,000 signatures. months during and after the shooting passionate and forceful in his writing. awareness to the plight of LGBTQ According to the website post, the petition was sent to at Pulse that took 49 lives on July He was the only writer I knew Dyer, Sheehan and City of Orlando Transportation Planning visitationcouples without and estate legal planning protections, issues. as uswho think. could And use laugh. nouns And as verbs sometimes and Manager Claudia Korobk off once the original goal of 2,500 well as those dealing with hospital squirm.somehow And make Orlando it work. is better Billy made signatures was reached. by12, appearing 2016. Manes on nationalbecame thetelevision voice tributes from city and state notables for Orlando’s LGBTQ community Immediately after his death, because of that.” 8 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

UNBC1851_ML2_9-25x10-1_Watermark_p1.indd 1 4/26/17 4:24 PM watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 9 tampa bay news

iT’s all Black & wHiTe fOr Balance Tampa Bay’s masQuerade Ball aT THe riTz yBOr Sophia Mackrides

aMpa | GOne TOO Balance Tampa Bay is back, masks on sOOn: Ryan Tand ready, for the Third Annual Masquerade Ball Stroehlein worked coming to the Ritz Ybor July 29. Balance Tampa Bay’s first two Masquerade as a bartender at Balls —2015’s inaugural party that had hundreds Enigma St. Pete until of paper faces on parade and last year’s Summer his passing July 11. Olympics-inspired Rio-themed bash— were some of the PHOTO COuRTESy biggest celebrations in Tampa Bay, and there is no reason EnIGMA ST. PETE to think that this year will be any different. For the third installment, Balance Tampa Bay has themed the event “Black & White” and are moving it from District 3, home to the previous two balls, to the Ritz Ybor. Ed Gonzalez, Enigma’s owner who Proceeds raised from the event will go to benefit Empath Remembering Ryan they met, about three and a half years hired Stroehlein, reflected on the day Partners In Care (EPIC). EPIC became one of the largest HIV/AIDS service providers in the state of Florida last year when Ryan Stroehlein lives on in the hearts ago “when Enigma was nothing more St. Petersburg’s AIDS Service Association of Pinellas largethan concretehand truck and to dirt arrive inside.” and help (ASAP) and Tampa’s Francis House (the beneficiaries of Enigma family, LGBTQ community me “Imove was ourwaiting ice machine for a man into with its a of the inaugural Masquerade Ball and Masquerade Ball: Rio, respectively) merged under the organization Ryan Williams-Jent Empath Health, a non-profit network of care supporting periodicallypermanent location. checked Ithe was front working to make those who are faced with life-changing illness in the of the rare, genuinely selfless people in the back and the man was late. I Tampa Bay region. t. petersburg | that truly put the well being of others Victoria Fortugno-Oliver, director of Hillsborough before his own.” sure I didn’t miss him, and on one of County Services at EPIC, participated in last year’s had tragically lost hisWhen life news It’s a sentiment that patrons also those checks, Ryan was walking past sbroke that Ryan Stroehlein share. “I remember when Ryan first the front of the building,” he recalled. Masquerade Ball: Rio and will attend again this year. in a motorcycle accident July 11, “The Masquerade Ball is a lot of fun and it’s for a great someonestarted working you could at Enigma,” depend onsays to “He said hello and asked what I cause,” Fortugno-Oliver says. ”It helps to bring awareness Jayson Chancey. “He quickly became was doing with the space. We talked to the services available in the community.” shockwaves were felt throughout for a bit when the guy with the hand The dress code is “wear what you want, but we hope St. Petersburg’s LGBTQ community. be smiling when you approached truck arrived. I had no idea how we you’ll have on a mask,” according to Balance Tampa Bay’s an infectiousSome knew smile him and well, uplifting and others the bar. He was very genuine in were going to lift the huge motor on website. In keeping with the theme, attendees are just as a community ally with conversations…“He had a kind He heart was aand staple frankly, that a top of the ice bin, and Ryan insisted on we always looked forward to seeing.” expected to wear either black, white or some combination behind the bar at local hotspot secondshelping. The rest is history.” demeanor; a young man standing of the two. Also, judging from the previous two balls, there “Had Ryan walked by justseconds 10 is no such thing as “too formal.” great aura about him,” he continued. earlier,” Gonzalez says, “or Masquerade Ball: Black & White, with the help of Enigma.And he But is. all agreed that he “He genuinely cared about how we felt had I checked the front 10 presenting sponsor Kroger Specialty Pharmacy and more would be missed. and what was happening in our lives. later, most of our community would’ve I remember in-depth conversations than two dozen other sponsors, is hoping to break the bar seeing his smile behind the bar. He is, never even known him. It had to be “Ryan was one of the most genuine, with him about life… It’s been odd not him as anything other than a part of set by last year’s Rio event. destiny because I cannot imagine “Last year we raised $30,000,” says Scott Klingmann, caring and sweet individuals I’ve co-chair of the masquerade committee and a former itever easy known,” to love Sarah him, as Wilson, many ofa former us and will continue to be, highly missed.” our family.” president of Balance Tampa Bay. “This year our goal is to did,bartender and had at moreEnigma integrity says. “He than made Michael Ackeret, another of Gonzalez says he witnessed “a kid raise somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000. It’s all Enigma’s 19 staff members, noted that amazing young with a painful past blossom into a about giving back to the community.” “when you work together so closely confident yet humble, The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will be complete most… you could always count on for so long, you become a family.” He man,” noting that “often life is cruel.” with professional entertainers, amazing performers him in a bind.” assaid he that recalled that Stroehleinthat they’d “didn’t dubbed have it and hot tunes being played by global superstar DJ Toy Wilson called Stroehlein “a thea bad reason bone theyin his became body,” laughingsuch good “On that day,” however, he says “it Armanda, coming all the way from the Philippines. ofprotector helping of friends all and or a aquiet complete leader,” one was incredibly generous. Through Masquerade Ball: Black and White is a 21 and up stranger.who “never He’ll flinched be missed at the so thought much manyAnd tears, for so I’ll many be forever in the grateful for only event and tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the by our community and especially by friends and co-workers. “We were the gift life gave us that day.” door. This year there is a $250 Friends and Family Alwayssuch opposites.” sponsorship, which includes two tickets, VIP Reception “He was always professional. St. Petersburg LGBTQ community, and Valet parking. Tickets can be purchased at Enigma’s staff.” polite,” Ackeret continued. “He that’s exactly what Ryan was: A gift. TampaMasquerade.com. of thoseRussell people Sutherland, that come currently into your on always went above and beyond to One that the Enigma family, along lifestaff that at Enigma, can never agreed. be replaced. “He was One one make sure customers were happy and with the Stroehleins, will honor in a comfortable. Everyone loved Ryan… he “Celebration of Life” July 27, followed was the kindest person I’ve ever met.” by a benefit show July 30. 10 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 GET

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watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 11 state news Wilton Manors Activist Gets Arrested in D.C. Healthcare Protests Michael d’Oliveira, temporarily detained. health coverage for all people, vibrant private sector market courtesy South some in wheelchairs, inside said that he wanted to create a Florida Gay News “I’ve never been one that atRubio’s the time. office. A staffer said people with HIV will die like the affordable for everyone. He thought I would engage in Rubio was at the Capitol building Reagan days,” shouted Rajner criticizedwhere health the currentinsurance system was inan arrest.action Perhapsof non-violent it’s because civil as the group began to file out of as not providing real health thedisobedience penalty at thatthe nation’swould result With shouts that included “Kill Rubio’s office. After leaving the insurance because many people this bill, don’t kill us” and “We chantoffice, asRajner others and in otherstheir group sat down never reach their deductible he morning before he took need treatment, not tax cuts,” in the hallway and continued to get arrested, results in only a continued on. and end up paying out of pocket part in a protest against capital, and knowing where to Rajner and others performed for healthcare. T groupseveral of “mic people checks” loudly in repeatRubio’s $50 fine and something that just office. A mic check is when a “This is your third and final Republican efforts to repeal his ground on his promise to goes away and doesn’t stay on warning. If you do not cease and the Affordable Care Act [ACA], consequences of not standing Rubio also said he would stand your record.” But, he added, the what one person in the group desist, you will be subject to Wilton Manors activist Michael and accessible healthcare for says. It was a tactic made famous arrest,” said one Capitol police Rajner predicted an arrest was in repeal the ACA. up for high-quality, affordable, by Occupy Wall Street in 2011. officer using a megaphone. on the promise of repealing his near future. “I’m likely getting “I ran for election in 2010 an email to SFGN. “I implore Senator Rubio: Moments later, Rajner arrested today,” Rajner wrote in everyone were greater. insurancereject the repealfrom tens of the of millionsACA was arrested. Obamacare and replacing it. I ran cover“It’s less unimaginable people and thatimperil they which will take away health respectfulHe later and wrote even on thanked Facebook him He was right. for re-election in 2016 on that continue to decide to want to support the only solution to our forthat protesting. Capitol police were of himselfOn Facebook talking Wednesday about being of Americans. I demand that he same promise. It is a promise I night, Rajner posted a video the lives of so many,” said Rajner ofintend our countryto do everything and for the I can good to after protesting inside the about the GOP. “I refuse to be shehealthcare is a registered crisis – nurse.Medicare for completelyAfter midnight fatigued on and Thursday, feeling keep. It must happen for the good released by Capitol Police againsilent ifand these I may protests very well continue. may be all,”Other said onespeakers woman talked who aboutstated Rajner wrote “Heading to bed he prefers to repeal and replace up here in Washington, D.C., soon of our state.” Rubio added that Russell Senate Office Building Hours earlier, he posted sick. Hope it passes and I wake in Washington, D.C., where U.S. anotherGet involved. video Don’t of himself be quiet.” and the dangers of repealing the ACA refreshed in the morning. The all at once but he is willing to do Senator Marco Rubio’s office is 20and years. also how Without it has comprehensive helped them. long day was worth it!” both separately if that’s what is located. He was one of about 155 “I’m living with HIV the past In a video posted on his proposed by Senate Republicans. others who were arrested and about two dozen other protesters, Facebook page on July 19, Rubio “That’s what I intend to do. Piñero Preventive Medical Care Serving our community for 10 years

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watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 13 nation+world news in other news NGLCC celebrates 15 years with a conference in Vegas Rhode Island becomes 10th Natalia Caballero state to ban “ex-gay” therapy author of Predictable Success The governor of Rhode Island signed into law July 19 a Lisa Vanderpump; and CEO and on “Theimportant NGLCC changes provides that so can much measure that bans widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion AS VEGAS Les instruction, training and workshops therapy for minors, the 10th state in the nation with McKeown, just to name a few. such a prohibition. The bill, HB 5277, was approved by | The National “Having our first conference work for the different chambers,” LGay & Lesbian Chamber of with only 80 people sitting in a says Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber the Rhode Island Assembly in May by a 69-0 unanimous Commerce, or NGLCC, is conference room to now over 1,000 of Commerce treasurer Blaine vote and the Senate last month before it reached celebrating its 15th year of bringing people in Las Vegas, and to be soLarson much on information the benefit fromof attending other Raimondo’s desk for her signature. Major medical together LGBTQ businesses and able to represent 1.4 million LGBT the NGLCC conferences. “You get and psychological institutions, including the American professionals together with the business owners that regenerate hear about the challenges other Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, 2017 International Business & $1.7 trillion in economic impact chambers attending; it’s good to the American Medical Association and the American Leadership Conference in Las each year is incredible,” says Academy of Pediatrics, widely reject conversion therapy. Vegas Aug. 1-4. Jonathan Lovitz, NGLCC’s senior face around the country.” Founded in 2002, The NGLCC vice-president. Orlando board member Sherri Christie approves law to give hadbegan really when considered Justin Nelson the economic and While the amount of influence Absher knows the key to keeping schools trans policy guidance Chance Mitchell realized no one itsthe highest LGBTQ goalcommunity is to maintain has on the chamberthe MBA thriving,members. maintaining impact economics could have on theeconomy essence is aof priority family theyto the have NGLCC, relationships“We are a very and closetrust betweenknit group the New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation July 21 theequality equality of LGBTQ movement, people according or the requiring the state to give guidance to public schools “Within our community it has about policies for transgender students, including established over the past 15 years. says.that have “We truststand with up for businesses businesses blocking the schools from forcing the students from to the NGLCC website. that go past a contract,” Absher using bathrooms that conflict with their gender identities. From those roots, the NGLCC never been more important that we “These guidelines are needed to ensure that transgender event,now hosts attracting the world’s more largestthan else,stand conference united,” Lovitz attendees says. feel as business.and their programs,With some and chambers always you students can safely be themselves without fear of being 200LGBTQ businesses business and development over 1,000 The NGLCC hopes that above all want to find a way to better the persecuted,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, entrepreneurs, corporate brothers and sister, are making a one of the Democratic sponsors of the measure. Schools though they, alongside their LGBTQ don’t always see that kind of direct would be blocked from requiring transgender students to relationship.” use bathrooms that conflict with their gender identities. fromdecision-makers, across the country affiliate and chamber change toward safer and efficient It’s those kinds of relationships leaders, and government officials ways to do business. that led the MBA to be named Trumpcare appears defeated, Both Tampa Bay and Central Chamber of the Year. around the world. Florida each have chambers “We definitely didn’t expect it, but LGBT groups remain wary The 2017 conference will within the NGLCC; the Tampa Bay andit truly strive is a to great become honor,” as uniqueAbsher as After Republican support crumbled for Trumpcare, LGBT communityfeature numerous including influential fashion icon Diversity Chamber of Commerce says. “It makes us set the bar higher advocacy groups that sought to preserve the Affordable keynote speakers from the LGBTQ and Orlando’s Metropolitan Care Act are quietly confident it will remain in place Business Association (MBA), the possible.” — although they say they’re keeping a watchful eye. and best-selling author Tim Gunn; latter of which was named the 2017 “There is much that the administration can do through entrepreneur and LGBT advocate Chamber of the Year. regulation to alter health care — private insurance plans and Medicaid — and [we] expect them to do that, Effects of ‘bathroom bill’ linger in North Carolina actually they have started to make changes as well,” Carl Schmid, deputy executive director of AIDS Action, said. Wire Report “As they make changes, we want to make sure they do harmsLegal said of its the predecessor. replacement law, would meet the same goals as the not restrict access and benefits and loosen important ALEIGH, N.C. known as H.B. 142, continues the “bathroom bill,” according to the patient protections. Legislative fixes are still needed, lawsuit. It cites a statement from premiums and patient cost-sharing are too high, and | The law that The compromise earlier this “personsHouse Speaker of the Timopposite Moore sex that cannot Rreplaced North Carolina’s year between Republican legislative the replacement law ensures that we hope that they can happen on a bi-partisan basis.” notorious “bathroom bill” leaders and Democrats led by transgendersports a new people look but from maintains using thatGov. transgenderRoy Cooper eliminated people use the trespassinggo into designated charges. multi-occupancy German President signs restroomsLGBT discrimination matching their and prevents restrooms“bathroom inbill” many requirement public buildings restrooms” and could face criminal same-sex marriage bill gender identity, according to a corresponding to the sex on their declined comment. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 20, A spokesman for Moore signed a bill that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples. Steinmeier signed the measure less than a lawsuit July 21. birth certificates. processThe lawsuit and equal argues protection that the rights, month after the lower house of the German Parliament, The lawsuit renews a Assembly,But the notnew local law governmentmakes law violates constitutional due which is known as the Bundestag, approved it by centerhigh-profile of the legal national battle debate that has clear that that only the General a 393-226 vote margin. The bill is expected to take thrust North Carolina into the as well as federal laws against or school officials, can make rules discrimination in workplaces and effect on Oct. 1. Lawmakers approved the measure over LGBT rights. The state took for public restrooms from now thatschools. challenged The filing the is original a revamped ahead of elections that are scheduled to take place the “bathroom bill” off the books nondiscriminationon. Local governments ordinances are also for version of an existing lawsuit on Sept. 24. Germany since 2001 has allowed gays reputationin late March and after caused a yearlong businesses prohibited from enacting new and lesbians to enter into civil partnerships. It is andbacklash sports that leagues hurt Northto back Carolina’s out of from“bathroom the previous bill” in complaint,federal court. among the last countries in Western Europe to lucrative events and projects. workplaces, hotels and restaurants Most of the same parties remain extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. until December 2020. The ambiguity is compounded defendant.with the addition of two new But lawyers from the American by statements from Republican plaintiffs. Cooper is also named as a Civil Liberties Union and Lambda lawmakers that the new law

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16 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 viewpoint

that is devoid of practical blinded by hatred of Hillary, rather than play by the rules being stubborn and admit this governing experience, then yes, of a democratic system of of your trust, that he does Obama and Muslims that they notman act is absolutelyin the best unworthyinterest of it would be prudent to engage refuse to acknowledge we have government. Congress knows in “radical transparency.” a Kremlin-like administration this, but Republicans in see this at this point in time ifHowever, you are guiltyif you knewas fuck, exactly diligentlyin power whichto suppress not only truth spews thisCongress country seem ahead to be of incapable party. isAmerica. either just Anyone plain who stupid, can’t too thenwhat transparency you were doing is not and a lies on daily basis, but works of putting the welfare of stubborn to budge, or so mired viable option. among us into a frenzied belief incapable of putting the health in hate and racism that they Of course every lie about thatand whipthe free up pressthe less is theeducated enemy andRepublicans viability inof Congressour very system are refuse to see it.

thatthe meeting completely was contradicted quickly of the people. However, for of government - WHICH To my Log Cabin Republican followed up by another lie the most part, the Congress of IS UNDENIABLY UNDER soundfriends reasons out there for (most voting of for Michael Wanzie ignorantthe United to States the reality of America of the ATTACK BY THE TRUMP whom I am certain had good operatingthe first lie, procedure which is in for now this sadknows and better. dangerous They situationare not areADMINISTRATION standing by their - ahead man of for the sake of our country, administration.the well-established standard evenparty. as They their are man cowards unleashes who Trump) I am begging you, in Washington and tell them he didn’t secretly trade arms in which we find ourselves. A our government rather than youcontact insist your they elected stand officialsup THE WONDERFUL True, Ronald Reagan said situation where not only can a wrecking ball to decimate we not trust anyone in the when he did. Bill Clinton Without free press we would be left with a state-run WORLD OF WANZIE said he didn’t have sex with news organization to serve no purpose other than that woman when he did. I suppose every president who to legitimize the lies of the administration. headlights,ever held office but nevermay have in the told a deer fib when caught in the current administration, but to this president and this President Pants on Fire our country rather than make chosenhistory styleof our of country governing have is we shore it up; to further divide administration. Hold them predicatedhad an administration on the practice whose of andalso campaignsa situation towhere undermine we have insulate us from global affairs accountableanti-democratic-society for their continual here is even one oura president faith and who trust actively in our labors ratherany attempt than maintain to unite us; our to once everyone from the president judiciary, our intelligence shining status as the leader of insist they stop defending lying. Not until now. Virtually thestream most of shameful lies. Tell them president you advisors, the press secretaries, W Republican in Congress to the vice-president, the agencies, and our all-important the free world. Fourth Estate. Without free This president is startwe have thinking ever had in terms to endure of with the spine, conscience simplyand even come the toCabinet expect members, and topress serve we no would purpose be left other with a dangerous! This shameful man and that you want them to and courage to stand up and say, “I’m acceptall lie. They this systemic lie daily. Weculture have of thanstate-run to legitimize news organization the lies of theis woefully plight, future, lacking security integrity. save our country and ourselves orThis the president prosperity cares of anyone not for fromimpeachment this unhinged so that madman. we can madApparently as hell they and don’t I’m yet exist. not going to take have accepted the sad reality other than himself and his it anymore?”The Wall Street Journal deceit as “just the way it is.” We endeavorsthe administration. to do, and That in the is president or his spokespersons corridorsprecisely whatof the this haters president and I contend that the United has called for the Trump regime that it matters not what the the ignorant he is succeeding family. This president and his kingpinStates of orchestrating America is under this to immediately engage in “radical transparency” as the only cannot count on anyone in this in a truly spectacular and administration as a whole have attackattack. onInconceivably, our system ofthe means by which they might save themselves from the heavy administrationmay have to tell to us be because truthful. we no relationship whatsoever government is the commander weight and potentially dire consequences of the Russia with the truth, but they have no probe. This would be sound advice if, and only if, Donald Jr. every sane American? dangerous way. These are shortage of relationships with of America and he must and the Trump administration had nothing to hide. HowUnfortunately, is this not alarming there are to likethe seedsin his ofvarious tyranny. businesses, These Russians. 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18 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 viewpoint

inseminations are a thing of the Ashton deserves it after Punk’n all those innocent celebrities. rescuing. My position: moments of my life. I made it, helplessreminiscent kittens of a intobelly-flopping a box, take Procreationpast (or past is life, beautiful depending and so Ma. I have also decided that on themsnow toangel. the closestMy plan: veterinarian, place on who is reading this). Lastly, I believe it would be the dawn of my next payday, I to focus on the upkeep of the worth noting that this traumatic will become a [one] shareholder is my vagina. I have decided experience was just last week of CSSE. “Why”, you ask? I’m (insert Step #3 here), and and I’ve gone through a couple giving Mr. Kutcher a second become a hero. My reality: I latter, but I digress. Spoiler life changes since. I’ve learned chance. If things end up going kittensplaced fivein the unsuccessful passenger seat,calls, alert: I’ve decided to not submit themhow to use care the for bathroom newborn by theour struggleway, I’ll put of it my all, IVF-baby starting I had a box full of newborn this story to Chicken Soup for kittens, including how to help through college and write about the Soul Entertainment, mostly fucking mind that reads Chicken savingand I was these full-blown precious sobbing. kitty because I think this is ripe for ofDJ theScribble-Scrabblin’ more uncomfortable their Soupwith thefor thekittens. 2038 I’ll Soul. blow every I went from thinking I was a Lifetime movie and partly newborn kitten buttholes - one Sabrina Ambra be the reason for their cold, because I’m not quite sure if angels to believing I would At that point, my original cardboard-enclosed death. THE BARBER FUND plan was no more. I did what HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH CANCER ladyfingers any adult in this situation would do and I called my mother. No www.thebarberfund.org answer. I tried again. No answer. she’sAW. HELL. given NAW. me the What reject in buttonthe WE HONOR THEIR COURAGE. Crazy cat lady shit is this woman doing that WE HONOR THEIR STRENGTH. mytwice? reprimand… I tried one something more time, but this time I was preparing WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT! What if you didn’t get to talk n light of the recent In Memory of tolike, me “What one last if I timewas dying, because Ma?! John “Tweeka” Barber ONE LOVE! 1972 - 2011 I news that Chicken Soup for the you were in child’s pose?!” Fortunately for her, I quickly Soul Entertainment, Inc., is filing realized I had no time to scold. for IPO after being backed by Ashton Instead, I briefly informed her that I had pulled another Kutcher (oh, you didn’t hear?), I have “Sabrina move” and it would decided to come up with a chicken behoove her to tell me what inspiration and hope are great and all, to do, considering how close butnoodle gloom, recipe reality of my and own. pessimism Happiness, have I was to hyperventilation. Not sure if you can tell, but I handle the potential to be so much funnier. stressful situations like a boss; a When you’re in shitty, anxiety-ridden boss. Good Hands ,® I won’t get into the details Also, the thought of the Chicken Soup roundtable reading thefollowing kittens the are phone in better call andwith You’re Good. my story while huffin’ and puffin’, and/or dry-heaving makes my mother. Long story short: me giggle like the adorable little troll I am. Plus, double-plus for the millennials, they would never let me say “fuck” in ammuch not safer be ready hands. to Also,have aI havebaby there. As far as I’m concerned, the most valuableChicken lessons Soup for come to the conclusion that I that life will teach you involve the word “fuck” in some form Get great protection at a great price. orI another.went So from with that, thinkingI present to you: I was saving theseyet. I say this precious not because I was I can help you get big name car insurance without a big price tag. Drivers who switched to Allstate saved on average of $498 a kitty angels to believing I would be the reason year. Start with the Your Choice Auto® Value Plan and upgrade for their cold, cardboard-enclosed death. as your needs change. Call me for a quote today. 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I had no other choice; well, I May I take the opportunity Allstate Insurance Co. probably had a few other choices, but I had to save those 148753 being a lesbian? Reason #354: So there I was, face-to-asphalt deep in some kitty Unexpected and unbeknownst

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 19 20 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 talking points

that discussion was about [Angels in America] and how deeply grateful I am that I get to work on something so profound. We were talking about, ‘How do you prepare for something so important and so big?’ and I was basically saying, ‘I dive in as fully as I possibly can.’ the intention was to speak to that, speak to my desire to play this part to the best of my ability and to fully immerse myself in a culture that I adore. —anDrew garfielD, explaining to bbc’s NEWSBEAT How His worDs were taKen out of context after tHe bacKlasH He receiVeD for His “gay witHout tHe pHysical act’ coMMent.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, FEUD amonG shoWs earnInG mulTIPle emmy nomInaTIons

He 69tH priMetiMe eMMy awarDs noMinations RuPaul’s Drag Race Feud: Bette and Joan were unveiled July 13 with T picking up seven nominations and Ryan Murphy’s performers, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt earning 10. Several Netflix shows received nominations for their LGBTQ Orange is the New Black ’s Titus Burgess for Best Supporting Actor in a ComedyGrace Series. & Frankie Laverne Cox’s role on earned her a spot for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series and Lily TomlinSaturday is a nominee Night Live for. BestTransparent Actress inreceived a Comedy seven Series for . Last year’s winner for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series 19 Kate McKinnon is back, nominated again for nominations, including one for Jeffrey Tambor in the Best Actor in a Drama category; however, LESBIAN it failed to pick up a Best Comedy Series nom. The 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, AND BI hosted by Stephen Colbert, will air live Sept. 17 on CBS. FEMALE CHARACTERS ON TV WERE KILLED OFF In The 2016/17 season GroundbreakInG Queen confIrms Tyler, The creaTor, ON SHOWS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. serIes THE L WORD To freddIe mercury may have come ouT reTurn To shoWTIme bIoPIc Is haPPenInG on neW album ThaT Is lene cHaiKen’s THE L WORD, ueen Has confirMeD yler, tHe creator, about a group of out friends tHat tHe freDDie MigHt HaVe coMe out as i QMercury biopic starring Tgay or bisexual on his latest album, Scum Fu*k Flower Boy DOWN everin dramatic Los Angeles, series changed exclusively the face of television by being the first BohemianRami Malek Rhapsody is “finally, is happening.” scheduled online July 9 and some lyrics had. The from lasT season’s The film, which is tentatively titled album, released July 21, was leaked theirabout sexuality lesbian characters and relationships. who RECORD-BREAKING were complex and open about to start filming mid-September in people wondering if the rapper the U.K., the band confirmed on its was coming out the closet. In a line The show ran for six seasons on aofficial joint statementsite. Guitarist saying Brian they May are and on the track “I Ain’t Got Time! ” he 33 LESBIAN AND BI the cable channel Showtime and exciteddrummer for Roger the Mr. Taylor Robot released star to rapped, “I been kissing white boys the show’s original network is asince garden 2004.” shed, On a the metaphor song, “Garden some TV CHARACTERS WHO WERE KILLED OFF, bringing it back. Storylines will completely living and breathing thinkShed,” refers Tyler totalks being about in the hiding closet. in membersfocus on a appearing new cast of from queer time women to take on the role of Mercury. “He’s buT Is sTIll HIGHLY with some of the original cast DISPROPORTIONATE WITh Freddie already, which is just Tyler has alluded to being gay or The raTe of rePresenTaTIon. time. Chaiken will be an executive wonderful to see,” the bandmates orbisexual deny the in the speculation past on Twitter stemming and hasproducer not announced for the project, a premiere but will date revealed. The band also confirmed in interviews, but has yet to confirm —LGBTFansDeserveBetter.com fornot thebe theseries show return. runner. Showtime Bryan Singer will direct the project. The film is expected to debut in from the new album. theaters Christmas 2018.

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 21 FamilyMeal

22 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 In-dePTh: lGbTQs In The kITchen

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28 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 | uu | Family Meal from pg.23

Trina Gregory-Propst, chef and half-Chinese grandfather. It doesn’t matter who learned from her grandmother. owner of Se7en Bites in Orlando, Kevin Fonzo you are in the kitchen — Former chef-owner of K Restaurant, , now head of Kevin you can be gay, straight, black, Fonzo Enterprises, learned from visiting his Italian grandparents in the summer. Fonzo says, “Cooking white — it doesn’t matter, was the mechanism through which we spent time with our loved ones.” Now, these chefs are building as long as you can cook. havefamilies long of been their more own —than the just crews a —Jeffrey Jew that run their kitchens. Restaurants haveplace evolved where people into refuges come forto eat. those The front and back of the house and external forces, from substance abusewho struggle to gender with identity. both internal

In the kitchen, you can be you safe haven for undocumented immigrants,Restaurant individuals kitchens are dealing a with substance abuse disorders, and those who feel like they just don’t fit in, including members of the LGBTQ andcommunity. servers, Forthe manyrestaurant of these is chefs, line cooks, dishwashers, bartenders their birth family is absent from their lives.family; sometimes because open about the solace they’ve Many celebrities have been found working with food and have brought awarenessBizarre to the Foods power chef of the kitchen in healing lives. Travel Channel host of Andrew Zimmern struggled with ‘Burg Boîtes: Jeffrey Jew is the executive chef of BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern in downtown St. Petersburg. Photo by Jake Stevens substance abuse and was homeless successbefore walking in cooking. into a restaurant, getting sober and finding eventual front of an audience of thousands

“Work is salvation,” says with us than they do with their own Italian embassy for a time. He also she was nine years old. Her father Pierola, who rebuilt the kitchen at families.” Two-thirds of the staff at worked“Angela under once chef heard Angela someone Hartnett, was a Cuban immigrant and her at a stand-up show by the award-winning Bern’s Steakhouse directorsSe7en Bites for identifies Top Chef Seattleas LGBTQ. makea protégé a comment of Gordon about Ramsey. me being mother was of Spanish decent from comedian Gallagher. and SideBern’s before opening Jew got the call from casting disagreementNew Orleans. “Weand hadfought an constantly,intense a pixie“I look haircut like yourand clogs‘average’ most the Edison. “It fortifies you. It’s while family. My parents were always in lesbian,” says Pierola, who rocks humbling. It is the healthiest thing on a train to New York City from gay. It wasn’t a flattering comment. we can do to build self-worth and Washington, D.C., where he was the She wouldn’t have any of that. She butPierola they loved learned each early other on and that were her days. “I’ve never experienced any lesbianpersonal and pride.” other queer individuals chef at Blackbird. put a stop to it right away. That married for 65 years.” outward bigotry or discrimination As with any creative career, gay, “I have no idea how they got was the beginning and end of in any restaurant kitchen, but I’m its open and accepting environment. my name,” he says. “I assumed it any discrimination I faced in the work ethic would carry her as far solidaritysure it’s happened in restaurant behind kitchens. my back.” are drawn to the kitchen because of was because they needed to fill a kitchen. I’ve never felt as at-home as she could dream. “My natural Fonzo agrees regarding the kitchen gives us the opportunity to ‘gay chef’ role on the show.” It is or accepted as I do in a restaurant personality is well-suited to the As Gregory-Propst puts it, “the Bravo, after all. “Funny enough,Top Chef kitchen,”It doesn’ says tJew. matter who kitchen; I’m bombastic, I demand “The industry is such a diverse Seattleeven though I was the gay chef on or what you are, as respect,Pierola I don’t originally have adreamed problem workplace because it takes all kinds live out loud.” my season, the winner of long as you can cook ofspeaking being a my comedienne mind.” but soon culturesof people and with different different career skill levels,goals directionGregory-Propst and operations and her behind wife the , Kristen Kish, came out realized that a fear of rejection socio-economic backgrounds, breakoutof four years, bakery Va, runand thebrunch creative spot shortly after the season aired.” have to respect each other and gainedJew notorietyattended thein the Culinary culinary to make it work,” he says. “We Institute of America and quickly Pierola grew up the daughter of would hold her back from taking the family. Often, they spend more time a hotelier family in Ybor City before Continued on pg. 30 | uu | Se7en Bites. “Our staff is like our stage. Ironically, she was publicly world, appointed head chef at the moving to Anna Maria Island when outed, with her then girlfriend, in

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 29 I see young people come into our staﬀ family with the weight of the world on their shoulders. When they’re here, they don’t have to hide who they are or who they love. This is a safe haven. It’s about the food, it’s about family and it’s about taking care of each other.

— trina gregory-propst

se7entH HeaVen: Trina Gregory-Propst owns Se7en Bites, which is consistently voted by the people of Orlando as having the best brunch and best bakery. PHOTO By JAKE STEvEnS

completely different environment | uu | Family Meal “I knew I needed to be right now acceptable than it is now. “It’s a a dress every once in a while,” says after my first time in a commercial from PG.29 aboutwhere being these gay,kids or were even going about to being be that doesn’t mean it’s easy by any Pierola. “It’s adorable. She’s just kitchen, I was hooked on the rely on each other to make each in their careers in 20 years. It wasn’t today,” Gregory-Propst says. “But from a different time.” camaraderie. We are open-minded in restaurant“There’s a life.family “Once mentality you’re inin, and embrace our differences.” Those a woman — it was about my age.” means.” Fonzo came out to his the kitchen,” says Jew of his time differences, Fonzo says, have helped individual job work.” to makePierola, it in Gregory-Propst their profession, family on Thanksgiving — the food connection food has to love as the manyhim find young success chefs in come his career. to explore Gregory-Propst, who ties her and Jew all knew that in order explainingholiday, of coursetheir sexual — nine identity years ago. thingyou’re that in forever.” binds a Pierolakitchen citesteam the Se7en Bites is a place where eachfire-red day, hair relays in a a kerchief similar sentiment.and wears harder and better than anyone Each had different experiences for their talent, and though being a full face of pin-up-style makeup elsethey’d in havethe kitchen. to work Pierola longer, never faster, to giving comfort, to emotional gaytheir isn’t creativity the primary and find reason a home for the people think of as a lesbian, received professional training, and parentsto their biologicalgoing through families; initial some together. Food is directly related so being“I don’t gay look has like never what been most experienced their “baby boomer” their child’s sexuality and lifestyle. memories and familial bonds. “I’ve restaurant’s draw, it’s a factor. Gregory-Propst and Jew both came shock and coming to terms with met many people whom the kitchen “Often, I see young people come discriminationfront-and-center because for me ofin my into their careers later in life. Jew ostracized or abandoned by their has saved. Making food for others is into our staff family with the weight my career. I’ve never felt puts it this way, “It doesn’t matter However, none of them felt a way to express our love for them. of the world on their shoulders,” who you are in the kitchen — you Making food together, as a team, is says Gregory-Propst. “When they’re sexual identity, but I’ve never can be gay, straight, black, white families. Reactions ranged from “so an unbreakable bond.” here, they don’t have to hide who hidden it either.” — it doesn’t matter, as long as what?” to “it’s just a phase” to “we Fonzo has equated food to aboutthey are family or who and they it’s aboutlove. This taking is a culinaryGregory-Propst school, and was focused the oldest more you We’re can cook.” all famIly here familiesfigured as both much.” came from open and family for his whole life, including safe haven. It’s about the food, it’s onin her advancing class at pastthe Valencia her classmates, College acceptingPierola industries: and Gregory-Propst’s Pierola’s family in his College Park restaurant. “My cookinghappiest or memories gathering of around growing the up careSpecial of thanks each toother.” Quench Lounge in Largo high school. were either being in the kitchen for lending their space for our Tampa Bay Three out of four of these chefs chefs photography! most of whom had just graduated came out in the 1980s and ‘90s, owned a hotel and Gregory-Propst’s when being gay was less socially mother was a hairdresser. dinner table,” he says. “I got a job as “My mom still suggests I try on a dishwasher when I was 15, and 30 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 Conway Cleaners Your FREE Pickup and Delivery Service TWiCe a Week PiCkuP aND DeLivery

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watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 31 O R L A N D O L I G H T O P E R A P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T S

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32 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 arTs and faMily loVe: Eddie Sotomayor (L) with his sister, Kim. enTerTaInmenT PHOTO COuRTESy THE SOTOMAyOR fAMIly

EDDIE’SLEGACY

From Sarasota to Pulse, Tampa Bay filmmaker Sandi Hulon looks at the life of Eddie Sotomayor in One of 49: A Legacy of Love

Jeremy Williams she has never met him or had a WhaT led you To PIck eddIe as out of the car The subjecT To Tell ThIs sTory?

n tHe MiDDle of tHe nigHt on conversation with him. and seeing the hearse. I realizing every“I have morning this photo and come of Eddie around I was at my home in St. Petersburg. that this was more than just the hanging on my refrigerator. I get up I got a phone call asking if I could vigil, this was is funeral service. I memorialput a film crewservice together for one and of the said to my production partner “I i June 12, 2016, documentarian and filmmaker that corner and I share a high come down to Sarasota to film a can’t do this,” and she looked at me Sandi Hulon was doing the same thing as five with him and say ‘Ok, Eddie, sheand grabbedsaid “yes, her you still can, camera we can and do somethingwhat have youevery got day today?’ that comesEvery Pulse victims. The person told me camethis.” Iin grabbed through my heavy video security camera, at many of us throughout Orlando, Tampa Bay and morning I do that; and there is that friends and family of Eddie that time, of course. across the world: sitting with eyes glued to the or an email or something from vigilwould or be something there and of I thatassumed nature. it nightclub covered in blinking blue and red lights in, whether it is a text message was going to be like a candlelight WhaT Were you feelInG TV in horror as we watched the outside of Pulse as you Walked In? making,Facebook,” Hulon she issays. developing a meWhen to documentI walked in and I realized record it was More than a year in the forEddie’s the family. funeral they had asked from emergency vehicles on the national news. One of 49: A Legacy of I remember when we walked There was a shooting. By the happened, we got the identity of Lovedocumentary on the lifeWatermark of Eddie in WoW, ThaT musT have in all of the flowers, they were morning we would know that 49 the first confirmed victim. He was a film called been a shock To Walk so beautiful. And I saw top hats were killed and 53 injured in the a 34-year-old male from Sarasota. . Hulon spoke with InTo ThaT sITuaTIon. everywhere. Walking up I was | uu | nation’s worst mass shooting in His name was Eddie Sotomayor. comeabout outthe ofstatus tragedy. of the film, who conTInued on PG. 34 modern times. But in those early Hulon has gotten to know Eddie was and the love that has hours, waiting to find out what Eddie very well, even though I remember pulling up, getting watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 33 | uu | Eddie Sotomayer from pg.33 scared and nervous and every other emotion you can think of, thebut memorial.as soon as we got in it was surprisingly calming. So we filmed I saw some of the photos taken during the filming, and I saw a lot from St. Pete Pride that year.

Yes, the memorial was also St. Pete Pride weekend. Al and Chuck Travel, Eddie’s employer, provided buses to take anyone who wanted to go up to St. Pete for Pride. People were wearing their Eddie t-shirts and top hats. I remember hisstarting mom to march with all these people who knew and loved Eddie; on - I could see a big smile work and play: (Above):Employer and friend Al Ferguson speaks about Eddie for the film. (Right): Eddie and Al visit Cuba. on her face with what was going above left photo by Ariana Shelton | Above right photo courtesy al ferguson very - emotional. and Louis, his partner at the time.We It go was around really the amazing corner and and pictureknew someone, popped uphe onwas the the screen very first victim they announced. His I see it: I’m struck with the love, emotion and sweet kindness that and it stopped me in my tracks. I just envelopes me as I literally himthought, and had“I have a long seen conversation, him before.” make this corner. It is all the way People are sticking out their arms I can never claim that I have met down the entire parade route.

Ibutt’s Iamaz do feelin likeg ho I knoww you him now. completefor hugs and strangers saying coming“I’m so sorry.”up to Everyone just wanted to hug, can know somebody so intimately, more than some us. It was just this really emotional people who might have seen Eddie all the time, and never moment of walking and huggingand met them. Have you had any and walking and hugging.you Ican was moments in putting this walkinghear me alongjust saying filming over - and over I have this on film - film together that stick out and made you stop and “thank you, thank you, thank you” have to gather yourself? and you can hear me sobbing. It the love that is popping up all Whenwas just d isod youmuch real lovei zeand t haemotion.t Every day I am overwhelmed by this was going to go from documenting Eddie’s around me because of Eddie. That’s funeral to a feature length One of 49: A Legacy of Love haswhy been we named such an the outpouring documentary of documentary of who he was? . There

love is love: Sandi Holson visits Pulse in Orlando after the shooting. Photo by ariana shelton solove. many Eddie’s people family together has embraced and When I got home that night after me and this film. It has brought Pride, my partner and I just looked at each other and said, “This is brought me to Eddie. This isn’t just much more than a memorial film projectanother for film life. for me, or just another for the family.” It was a couple of documenting his memorial became people are able to come back from project. This film is my passion days after that that we got on the a tragedy like this and be strong this spot and never got to. There phone with Al Ferguson [of Al Principle photography is nearly complete and were reminders and notes that he a three-part story for me. The first some amazing things in light of Holson hopes to begin editing by mid-August. alland over Chuck it. Travel] and said, “We had comeleft for in himself. and placed The aonly couple thing of part is about Eddie, his family and and powerful. People have done wantHe to opened do this his and doors more.” for Al us was and From there she wants to take the film to rosesthat was on hisdifferent keyboard. is that people secondfriends. partI have is oninterviewed the changes his in festivals across the U.S. and the world. mother, his sister, his aunt. The this tragedy and we show and Holson has spoken with more than two dozen document some of that in this film. let us into the office where Eddie You said when you got home You never got the chance people who knew Eddie— family, friends national brand manager for Al and the Christian faith community in worked. Eddie worked as the you realized this was more to meet Eddie, did you? and co-workers—and hopes to have the film Sarasota, up through to Orlando. than just that one day you No, and here is something strange: completed by Nov. 1. OneOf49.com will be up I watched a faith leader apologize Chuck Travel. We filmed his desk. filmed. What is it that this and running soon and will have information, film has turned into? to the LGBTQ community for the It was left just as it was. We did it updates and ways you can contribute to help way they have been treated by not to be morbid but to show that When I was watching the news the religious in this country. The finish the documentary. Eddie literally got up from his desk coverage and waiting to see the third part is about resilience. How on Friday expecting to return to This film that started as names of the victims, to see if I

34 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 books

timeInternally and its the undercurrent organization of struggled misandry with gay and lesbian relations of the Required Reading despiteand misogyny. the fact A that Women’s the model Caucus of the was formed and met with opposition Benita Roth explores the rise of the ACT UP/LA organization was a “General Body” statementswith several of working support, committees, they smacked during the ‘80s and ‘90s in new book ofand placation. when male “leaders” would give

of activist groups from a sociologist’s It is interesting to see the formation Ro The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA explores the history of the AIDS

Coalition to Unleash Power, Los Angeles, part of the militant anti-AIDS TH movement of the 1980s and 1990s. ACT UP/LA battled government, The Life The medical, and institutional neglect of the AIDS epidemic, engaging in dayperspective take a look and at you’ll your find community’s yourself, multi-targeted protest in Los Angeles and nationally. The book shows as I did, hoping an author will one how appealing the direct action anti-AIDS activism was for people across the United States; as well as arguing the need to understand how the Anti-AiDS ActiviSm in LoS AngeLeS politics of place affect organizing, and how the particular features of

and ACT Death of UP/LA from the 1980S to the 2000S the Los Angeles cityscape shaped possibilities for activists. A feminist LGBTQ history with an objective eye lens is used seeing social inequalities as mutually reinforcing and inlike Roth has here. Her study shows terdependent to examine the interaction of activists and the outcomes of their actions. Their struggle against AIDS and homophobia, and to thesehow such rebellious groups groups, work and and don’t their have a voice in their healthcare, presaged the progressive, multi-issue, anti-corporate, confrontational organizing of the late twentieth century, stubbornnesswork, the striking to ignore similarities the lessons among and deserves to be part of that history.

Roth ISBN 9781107514171 CVR C M Y K CVR 9781107514171 ISBN Roth of history. Over the organization’s

Benita Roth is Professor of sociology, history, and women’s studies at Binghamton University. Her research focuses on the intersections of gender, social protest, race/ethnicity, and sexuality. Her first bookSepa - differing opinions about the degree to rate Roads to Feminism, Black, Chicana, and White Feminist Move- decade-long history, there were ments in America’s Second Wave (Cambridge, 2003) won the Distin- guished Book Award from the Sex and Gender Section of the American Sociological Association. which the group should be pursuing gay rights which gave rise to Queer Photo credit: ACT UP/LA marching at the 1991 Christopher Street West Parade, West Hollywood, California. Photograph by James Rosen. Nation. QN, as it was referred to, Cover design by James F. Brisson BeNITA RoTH insteadattempted the to treasurer be so anti-establishment kept their funds inthey a box eschewed under his traditional bed. banking and

disrupting the Oscars and an attempt of more than one population and Some actions by ACT UP/LA, like awith historically a population marginalized long consisting gay to disrupt the Rose Parade, were intended to create awareness of the community. Roth touches on other someoneAIDS crisis. among While them participants found each saw of chapters of ACT UP only when there the actions as a success -- invariably hospitalswere national and insurancecollaborations, companies which created as much confusion as they appearwere rare. more Local successful actions inlike getting protesting their actions a success -- they probably direct action. did awareness. Shrine Auditorium those of the feminist movement, security asked one protester what ACT UP’s model is similar to presentationgrudge he had by against exclaiming, Chevy “102,000 Chase Scottie Campbell after he interrupted an off-air Oscars anti-nuke protests and anti-Vietnam essential ingredient in the social (above) enita Roth is a professor of War protests with face-to-face movementdead!” Chaos recipe. does seem to be an A ROTH confrontation toward “systems of A mixture of anarchists and power through ‘misuse’ of spaces.” READ: these movements. Perhaps the most Binghamton During our last recession we saw an example of similar action with Occupy strikingpacifists part is also of thecharacteristic book is learning of University professor Bthat sociology, history and women’sis academicstudies at and The Life and Death of ACT UP/LA Wall Street and tangential movements Benita Roth looks it hatched. Inherent in the model is the at the AIDS crisis Binghamton University so it is unsurprising thatconcept concept of being is the leaderless, thing of myths. as Roth’s participatehow often members in actions of but ACT still UP/ did. in her new book, chronicling of ACT UP/LA illustrates, LA were scared and frightened to The Life and Death forwill a primarily cumbersome, have though a life as essential, assigned read. reading in college of ACT UP/LA. Looking at the movement through This echoes the confessions of other Photo courtesy courses. Dense and meticulously annotated, it makes a feminist lens, Roth seems to argue activists – filmmaker Michael Moore Cambridge comes to mind – and it shows enviable University Press that ACT UP wouldn’t have happened ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to remaining(albeit decidedly three members more quiet voted these it out without the feminist movement and courage. In Roth’s field notes, ACT Unleash Power) was born in New ofdays), existence. lasted a decade until its its fight for women’s health. While that UP/LA members describe being in York City in 1987 when Larry assertion is debatable, what is clear is actions where they were certain challengedKramer, disillusioned an audience with to createthe Gay women had their own unique struggle they would die. Men’s Health Crisis he co-founded, Roth makes a strong argument for within ACT UP/LA and the anti-AIDS Many people (myself included) UPfocusing “scholars on ACT have UP/LA usefully noting referred that movement. Imagine protesting would not be here today, and others a more effective organization. ACT towith local “social contexts movements” as social likemovement ACT thenalongside having your to turnbrothers around to getand a ward would not have lived so long, if it UP/LA was formed in December in a hospital dedicated to AIDS victims, wasn’t for the vital crusade waged of the same year and, unlike ACT researchedby the ACT UP/LAaccount and your groups attention. like it; UP/NY which is still in existence fields.” Los Angeles is a diverse city fight that the ward include women. that alone is reason to give Roth’s well

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 35

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36 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 community calendar evenT Planner arTs+enTerTainmenT orlando orlando Shawn Mendes, July 28, Amway Feast for the 14 Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com tHursDay, aug. 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.M. rubio’s, winter parK flex fridays presents DJ Chris Tavi Birthday Bash, Join Miracle of Love, Inc. at their first ever Feast for the 14, July 28, Southern Nights, a fundraising event for their SMART Ride 14 team. SMART Orlando. 407-412-5039; Ride is an annual two-day, 165-mile ride from Miami to SouthernNightsORL.com Key West to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS research. During the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., Rubio’s Sing-A- MAMMA MIA! will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from each meal to long, July 28, The Abbey, MAKE’EM the MOL’s SMART Ride 14 fund. For more information, Orlando. 407-704-6261; contact Brett Yancy at 954-299-0554. AbbeyOrlando.com Prince Royce, July 29, Amway MBA August Center, Orlando. 407-440-7000; AmwayCenter.com Networking Mixer Girl the Party: Bieb’s Beach weDnesDay, aug. 9, 6:00 - 8:00 p.M. Bikini Birthday Bash, stK, orlanDo July 29, Southern Nights, The Metropolitan Business Association invites you to Orlando. 407-412-5039; LAUGH their August networking mixer at STK Orlando at Disney SouthernNightsORL.com Springs. Network with Central Florida’s leading LGBTQ Orlando Gay Chorus Comedian Jeff Jones hosts Comedy Night at the Starlite Room on Aug. 8 at Savoy Orlando. The event and allied businesses. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be new Member Mixer, will continue on the second Tuesday of every month. PHOTO COuRTESy JEff JOnES COMEDy available. The event is free to members and $20 for non- Aug. 2, The Hammered Lamb, members. RSVP at MBAOrlando.org. Orlando. 407-704-3200; HammeredLamb.com Blondie & Garbage, DJ Ranny returns to Tampa Bolts Brew fest presented The Tijuana flats Just In Queso Aug. 9, Hard Rock Live, Bay, July 28, Honey Pot, by Creative loafi ng, TamPa bay foundation Gala, Aug. 5, Orlando. 407-351-5483; Tampa. 813-247-4663; Aug. 5, Amalie Arena, Tampa. Full Sail Live Venue, Orlando. Hardrock.com/Live/ Facebook.com/Honey-Pot 813-739-4800; CLTampa.com take the stage! 407-679-0100; FullSail.edu Locations/Orlando 3rd Annual Masquerade Hawk & Wayne - Anywhere, youth talent show Sabrina Carpenter, Waving Through the Ball, July 29, The Ritz Ybor, uSA, Aug. 6, America Stage, Aug. 5, Dr. Phillips Center Window: A Cabaret with Tampa. 727-512-1304; St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529; saturDay, aug. 5, 7:00 - 9:00 p.M. for the Performing Arts, Deejay young, Aug. 9-11, BalanceTampaBay.org American Stage.org Metro HealtH, wellness Orlando. 844-513-2014; & coMMunity, st. petersburg Winter Park Playhouse, Balance Tampa Bay’s Drag Queen Bingo benefi ting DrPhillipsCenter.org Winter Park. 407-645-0145; Masquerade After Party, EPIC, Aug. 7, Hamburger Mary’s, If you are between the ages of 13 and 22 Metro wants 2nd Annual Italian Wine & WinterParkPlayhouse.org July 29, Southern Nights, Clearwater. 727-400-6996; to know what interesting or unique talent you have to Cheese festival, Aug. 6, The nerd nite Orlando lIv: Con Tampa. 813-559-8625; HamburgerMarys.com/ showcase. Join your M.C. , PheYonce Montrese, for an Wine Room on Park Ave., languages, Sneakernomics SouthernNightsTPA.com Clearwater evening of fun and surprises. The event is open for anyone Winter Park. 407-696-9463; to attend, tickets are $1 for youth under 22 and $5 for and lEGOs, Aug. 10, Scott and Patti Pajama Party, Motown The Musical, Aug. TheWineRoomOnline.com everyone else. If you want to be up on stage and a part of The Geek Easy, Winter July 31, American Stage, St. 8-13, Straz Center for the the show, make sure to register at MetroTampaBay.org/ Collective launch: Opera Del Park. 407-332-9636; Petersburg. 727-823-7529; Performing Arts, Tampa. SummerCamp. Sol, Aug. 7, Citrus Club, Orlando. MyGeekEasy.com AmericanStage.org 813-229-7827; StrazCenter.org 407-843-1080; Citrus-Club.com Balance Tampa Bay’s July Donald fagen & The Shattering the Glass Ceiling, TamPa bay Drag Queen Bingo, July nightfl yers, Aug. 9, Ruth Eckerd sarasoTa Aug. 7, The Plaza Live, Marie Antoinette, July 15- 31, Hamburger Mary’s, Hall, Clearwater. 727-791-7400; Orlando. 407-228-1220; Aug. 13, freeFall Theatre, St. Brandon. 727-512-1304; RuthEckerdHall.com summer Book Club PlazaLiveOrlando.com Petersburg. 727-498-5205; BalanceTampaBay.org legislative Town Hall w/Rep. freeFallTheatre.com Cult Classics: Edward sarasoTa Meeting and Party Smith & Rep. Mercado, Aug. 8, Scissorhands, Aug. 3, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Zombie Prom - venice Theatre tHursDay, aug. 3, 5:00 - 6:00 p.M. Acacia Banquet Halls, Orlando. Dali Museum, St. Petersburg. July 28, Quench Lounge, Summerstock Musical, July 28- also youtH, sarasota 407-681-5433; Giovanna. 727-823-3767; TheDali.org Largo. 727-754-5900; Aug. 11, Venice Theatre, Venice. ALSO Youth is closing out their summer book club series [email protected] QuenchLounge.com neiBEARhood Takeover Tampa/ 941-488-1115; VeniceStage.com with the club’s final meeting and celebratory pizza party. Comedy night at the Starlite Bearbadook, Aug. 4, Southern Glow Party - Code Bar, July Sarasota Gay Beach Party, July This summer’s book is M-E Girard’s Girl Mans Up. If you Room, Aug. 8, Savoy, Nights, Tampa. 813-559-8625; 28, Flamingo Resort, St. 30 and Aug. 6, North Lido Beach, are not already a member of the book club, it’s not too Orlando. 407-270-4685; SouthernNightsTpa.com Petersburg. 727-321-5000; Sarasota. BeadleMedia.com late. Sign up at the ALSO Youth Center where there are still SavoyOrlando.com FlamingoFla.com books available. Please try and have the book completed by the meeting. For more information or to sign up online, email Jules at [email protected]. To submit your upcoming event, concert, performance, or fundraiser visit watermarkonline.com.

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38 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 overheard TamPa bay ouT+abouT a GroundbreakInG serIes In our oWn backyard s tHe sun rises oVer tHe city of taMpa bay, the audience is introduced to a agroup of ambitious and motivated black, lesbian episodewomen attemptingof My Beautiful to change Pain the face of television. Earlier this week LaJoi Media debuted the premiere entrepreneurial lesbians of color, a YouTube determined series to about make it the relationships and careers within a group of years,as the including“first black being LGBT replaced network.” by an earlier project titledThe Crucial series Moves has gone through many changes over the to come full circle, back to the enticing storyline of My 1 2 Beautiful Pain. Production, but somehow began back always in April. managed existing relationships and outreach on social media. 3 The majority of the actors were selected through Deep blue sea: John Desmond (L) and nancy Each dedicates at least 10-20 hours per week of Desmond check out the personal time filming the series. 1sea life at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa July 20. The aquarium For series creator Ashley Wooten, the drive behind played host for the TB Diversity seethe showblack runsdirectors, much especially deeper than black a want female for directors, fame. Chamber mixer. PHOTO By Growing up she always questioned why she didn’t JEREMy WIllIAMS While Wooten’s end goal is to be picked up by a looKs a lot making films and television shows. liKe xMas: Edith 2 lewis Allen (L) and Ryan Williams-Jent enjoy network, she has expressed in interviews that her cast Christmas in July at Enigma in St. Petersburg July 22. PHOTO 4 5 always comes first. By RyAn WIllIAMS-JEnT The majority of funding from the show comes from Wooten and her co-producer/girlfriend Jessica Lindsey, sleepoVer: Maria taken time out from pursuing her nursing career at Morrow (L) gets cozy who plays Kira Matthews in the series. Lindsey has 3 with Scott & Patti (Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee) for their Pajama Hillsborough Community College to help with the show. Party at American Stage in Wooten has a GoFundMe page, but says more help is St. Petersburg July 24. PHOTO Wootenneeded tohopes take tothis get film better to the equipment next level. as the series COuRTESy MARIA MORROW progresses.The series is shot on DSLR cameras, and tHe reD carpet: (L-R) Ashley figlow, Marta McKinnon, he belIeves The chIldren 4Miranda Wolf and Brian Craft at the Venice Theatre are our fuTure in Venice where Figlow, Wolf and Craft performed in On the lso youtH announceD natHan 21st Century July 16. PHOTO brueMMer COuRTESy MARTA MCKInnOn luncH buDDies: a as the organization’s new Gina Duncan (L) and Executive Director. Bruemmer is a Florida 5 Todd Richardson get their lunch on at Pom Pom’s native, more specifically from right here in the Teahouse and Sandwicheria in Tampa Bay area. A former public school teacher and St. Petersburg July 18. PHOTO advocate for LGBTQ rights, Bruemmer was able to put COuRTESy TODD RICHARDSOn a greater focus on his passion for advocacy when he let tHeM eat caKe: attended Stetson University College of Law, which he Una Voce celebrate 6 6 their 15th anniversary just graduated from this past May. with cake at Quench Lounge ALSO Youth began 18 years ago as a group of in Largo July 15. PHOTO By volunteers with a goal of reaching out to LGBTQ teens DAnny GARCIA providein crisis. safeALSO places Youth for is youthsnow one to offeel the accepted largest andand mostcan spa Day: Brent Douglas successful support groups for LGBTQ youths. They (L) and Aaron Drake 7 relax with pedicures at New Image Nail Spa in servicesbe treated such with as respect consultation from othersand advocacy going through for those the St. Petersburg July 15. PHOTO COuRTESy BREnT DOuGlAS needingsame issues. assistance. ALSO Youth has seen success by providing Drag bingo: Roger Bowersox (L) and James Keane at Punky’s Bar Bruemmer has been working on the frontlines of 8and Grill in St. Petersburg July 8 LGBTQ rights for some time. He serves on the board for 19 for Pinky’s Bingo4Charity. PHOTO COuRTESy JAMES KEAnE St. Pete Pride, the LGBT Bar Association of Tampa Bay thisand year.TransAction Florida. His work with the latter led 7 to the first ever Trans March during St. Pete Pride

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 39 Bodywork is More than Massage consultation & try out only $45!

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40 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 overheard orlando ouT+abouT one orlando allIance honored n July 15tH, orange county Mayor OtHeresa Jacobs HonoreD the One Orlando Alliance with the 2017 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, the first time the county gaveservice the organizations, award to a group. including Watermark, and servesThe asOne a vitalOrlando support Alliance system is made to strengthen up of over 40 the local 2 thecommunity alliance membersin the wake stay of theand Pulse presented tragedy. each one After the award ceremony, Mayor Jacobs had withthe recognition a commemorative Pulse coin. Jennifer Foster, 1 co-conveneleadership overr of the the Alliance, past year. thanked Mayor Jacobs for as well as showing grace, strength and openShe heart added: to “Mayor Jacobs proved elected officials have the capacity to change and have an 3 understand the issues facing the LGBTQ community.”aTlanTa fan Goes Too far n tHe spirit of coMpetitiVe sports, banter

United fan doesn’t really understand that concept as ibetween rival teams is expected, but one Atlanta he posted an insensitive comment on Facebook. The comment was screenshot and posted in a tweet by Ruckus, an independent Orlando City supporters club, July 19. The comment read “think of [the upcoming game between Atlanta and Orlando] as Pulse part 2.” Although he didn’t see it, Orlando City head coach, Jason Kreis, responded to the comment, saying 4 5 6 “There’s a line; there should always be a line. At the end of the day, this is a sport. This is not life or death. matchThis is Julynot war.21. So we need to treat it that way.” Unfortunately, Orlando City loss to Atlanta in their coMparing cultures: scottie’s big The MBA’s Red Group aDVenture: Scottie ouTloud orlando Central meet with LGBTQ Campbell shows off his GeTs a neW hosT 1advocates from China at the 5hot new ride at Ace Metric Cycles GLBT Center of Central Florida in Orlando July 15. PHOTO By ince tHe suDDen passing of Outloud in Orlando July 25. PHOTO BREnDAn O’COnnOR COuRTESy MBA spiDer-Men: felipe life art: Watermark Arboleda (L) and Carlos sOrlando’s David “Justice” Zedonek back in hosts their monthly Third 6 Carbonell take in a little October 2016, Rob Ward has stepped up as a 2 Thursday mixer at the Albin wall climbing at Aiguille Rock Polasek Museum & Sculpture Climbing Center in Longwood temporary host. Ward, who was often a guest of the Garden in Winter Park July 20. July 22. PHOTO COuRTESy show,Ward hosted took the over show as host for nineto honor months, his friend even though PHOTO COuRTESy JuSTICE MITCHEll CARlOS CARBOnEll his original plan was only to do it for six months. saVoy saturDays: coMMunity leaDers: 7 (L-R) Carlos Guillermo Orange County mayor Zedonek and to make sure that his legacy would carry 3 Smith, David Moran and 7 Teresa Jacobs (center, Orlando Torres at Savoy in holding plaque) awards the One on in the show. Ward even continued to use the exact Orlando for the kick off to their Orlando Alliance with Orange same intro and outro that Zedonek used. Saturday party “Noche Latina Zaa County’s 2017 Distinguished Zaa!” July 22. PHOTO COuRTESy Citizen of the Year Award at Ward recently announced that he was finally ready CARlOS GuIllERMO SMITH the Orange County Convention to pass the hosting duties on, and he picked his co-host, Center July 15. PHOTO COuRTESy you bette ya: MICHAEl DEEyInG Lady Berri Matthews, to do it. Matthews will have Jennica McCleary (L) complete control of the show and its direction. Ward 4 and Channel 13’s Allison GOinG DOWnTOWn: will co-host periodically and will still conduct interviews Walker Torres talk Bette at The (L-R) valentina Boré Abbey July 21. PHOTO COuRTESy 8 fellay, Hilarion Marie, with a lot of their guests. JEnnICA MCClEARy Tiffany Gerrity and Elena Erez Ward says that Zedonek’s family was very supportive looking classy at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando July 23. PHOTO of the show and happy to see that it was continuing. COuRTESy HIlARIOn MARIE You can listen to Outloud Orlando on 91.5FM WPRK Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., or on their new site at OutloudOrlandoLive.com. The website will also 8 feature past shows which you can listen to.

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 41 tampa bay Marketplace

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42 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 announcements WeddInG bells cOngraTulaTiOns Kellie & sarah Evans fred Berliner joins the team at Mullinax Ford of from Orlando, Florida Apopka after 30 years with Peacock Ford (formerly Don Reid Ford) of Maitland. engagemenT daTe: lOcal BirTHdays July 23, 2015 Southern Nights Tampa’s door goddess Elektra Heavenly (July 26); Tampa Pride’s nancy Desmond wedding daTe: (July 27); Watermark’s office manager Kathleen April 9, 2017 Harper, regional manager for Grey Goose vodka David Chase Harding III (July 28); House of Adonis’ Josh wedding venue Walker, dance instructor William Merchante, St. Pete Bears’ Buddy Chapman, former MBA president nayte & caTering: Carrick (July 29); Pom Pom’s manager Kerrie finn, Historic Watermark’s founder and guiding light Tom Dyer (July Dubsdread 30); actress Elizabeth Murff, Orlando realtor Danny Ballroom veal, violinist Michelle Jones, Vice-Chair of Lockheed (Orlando, FL) Martin’s Mission System and Training PRIDE Employee Resource Group Michael vacirca, Savoy owner Brandon wedding Bracale-llewellyn, performer Donal noonan (July 31); flOwers: Stonewall Orlando bartender James Costello, Tampa Bay PHOTO By JEnn HOPKInS PHOTOGRAPHy Pixies & Petals superstar Scott Daniel (Aug. 1); LGBT-affirming (Jennie Maretti) St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman, Sarasota visual Hey’ll neVer agree about artists and AIDS activist George Box, Naked Singing Boy wedding cOlOrs: Josh Roth (Aug. 2); dynamite derby girl Kiersten Taylor, father hugged me as he gave Sarah former Tampa Eagle wrestler and Iowa’s Access Online Navy, Coral & Grey away; I have tremendous respect editor Arthur Bruer (Aug. 3); sky 60-Niners slugger for him and I am grateful for how Donnie McCammon (Aug. 4); Watermark contributor wedding sOng: T who “winked” first, but their first e-mails welcoming he has been to me Aaron Drake, Orlando Fringe “Splashy” winner Johnnie “I’ll Always Be sent through Match.com — which they since day one,” says Kellie. Maier III, Orlando Penthouse Acupuncture owner Right There” “Seeing all the people we love Mike Eghbal, St. Petersburg java flinger and Starbucks by Bryan Adams refer to as the “mini People’s Choice Awards” in one place to celebrate with supervisor Mark Mercado, Tampa scuba diver and beach — led to their last first date. The messages us was a humbling feeling,” says fan nick Walters, Orange County Soil & Water District wedding dJ: andSarah. decided “It made to makemy heart that soar.” the Supervisor Eric Rollings, Parliament House bartender they began exchanging are now referred to as Kellie and Sarah both love brunch Brian Scott – but planned on getting married Drew Bracker, straight ally bartender Colleen lindsay Weddings Only DJ chapters in their love story. Cue the “awwww.” (Aug.5); Hillsborough County ally Russell Patterson, Sarah was just trying to figure centerpiece of their wedding — made of donuts. Orlando designer and Project Runway alum Jesse out how to be a single mom to her back in Florida, so a destination literally! Their centerpieces were most important vendors to me lenoir, GaYbor District Coalition board member emeritus cake Bakery: son, Gavin, when she and Kellie wedding it was. “One of the Rich Kerin, ex-Watermark intern and The Villages Daily Florida kindstarted to justchatting. go up “The to someone bar and andclub “My ‘something borrowed’ was Sun staff writer Ciara varone (Aug.6); Tampa showgirl Sweets & Co. scene was just not me. I’m not the towas capture our photographer, the true chaos Jennifer and my mother-in-law’s engagement Hopkins. They needed to be able ring. It was a sweet and thoughtful and laser professional Jamie Cole, traveler of the friendly wedding THeme: start a conversation,” she says. “I touch that I never saw coming,” skies Drew Sizemore (Aug. 7); Kirkpatrick Veterinary couldn’t believe [Kellie] started love of our little family perfectly,” says Sarah. The couple created a Hospital manager victor Daza, St. Petersburg doc Sunday Brunch important, and they chose the a conversation with me. I mean, Sarah says. Their venue was also memory table for Kellie’s mother Kush Patel, Orlando softball champion Scott Dunkle have you seen her? I definitely historic elegance. memoryat the reception. of her. Kellie wears (Aug. 8); Sarasota actor/writer Steve Warren, The Dru wedding freaked out a little.” ballroom at Dubsdread for the her mother’s wedding band in Project’s Brandon J. Wolf, numbers-cruncher Rose pHOTOgrapHer/ When Kellie decided to started early, since they had a deeper commitment once you Gamba, QLatinx executive director Christopher J. videOgrapHer: propose, she knew she wanted Their wedding day The women feel there is a Cuevas (Aug. 9). familyGavin to portrait be a part session of it and and wanted told Jenn Hopkins herto capture photographer it on film. about She herset upplan. a brunch wedding. say “I do,” and the gravity of the Photography “[Sarah] absolutely blew me marrieddeed isn’t couple lost on is them. something “To know dO yOu Have an annOuncemenT? Having a BirTHday Or away,” Kellie says. They both we are legally recognized as a a videographer. anniversary? did yOu geT a new JOB Or prOmOTiOn? recalled the moment Sarah She also decided to secretly invite incredibly special sequence. “As See your news in Watermark! Send your walked down the aisle as another I never thought I’d be able to announcement to [email protected] or go Kellie proposed on her late experience,” says Kellie. Sarah to WatermarkOnline.com/Submit-a-Transition. believemother’s my birthday, mom had which a hand was in a soon as I saw Sarah turn the agrees, “I have a strong sense of special date for both women. “I corner, I was so overcome with pride when I get to say, “this is iT’s THaT easy! emotion knowing this amazing my—Holly wife.” V. Kapherr bringing Sarah to me,” says Kellie. woman was about to be my wife. The two had moved to Indiana, It was also very special when her Do you have an interesting wedding or engagement story you’d like to share with Watermark readers? If so, email the details to [email protected] for consideration as a future feature on this page.

watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 43 ORLANDO MARkETPLACE

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46 watermark Your LGBTQ life. July 27 - August 9, 2017 // Issue 24.15 OCTOBER 14

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