LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH IS COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU - ST PETE PRIDE 2020 CANCELLED - UFDC IMAGE ARRAY 2
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Your LGBTQ Life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 • Issue 27.11 LGBTQ Pride Month is coming to a screen near you LGBT+ Center St Pete Pride Orlando vandalized 2020 cancelled D A Y T O N A B E A C H • O R L A N D O • T A M P A • S T . P E T E R S B U R G • clear w ater • S A R A S O T A
Gus Kenworthy & Birdie Silver Medalist Freeskier Nulo’s high-protein, low carb recipes help your dogs and cats fuel their inner athlete. See Why There’s No Better Pet Food ALREADY CONVINCED? Get 20% off your purchase of a trial bag at Nulo.com with coupon code SAVE20. All trial bag orders come with a coupon for $10 off your next purchase of Nulo – valid wherever Nulo is sold. 2 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
F R I DAY, M AY 2 9 - S U N DAY, M AY 3 1 1 WITH SELECT MATTRESS PURCHASES OVER $699 SAV E U P TO $ 7 0 0 ON SELECT BRANDS 1. Receive a Free Power Base with the purchase of select Kevin Charles Mattresses over $699. One free power base per mattress purchase. Free Power Base offer only applies to the Copper Head Up Power Base. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by City Furniture at its sole discretion at any time. Offer valid 5/29/2020 - 5/31/2020. 1-800-589-9960 • Mon - Sun 10-9 cityfurniture.com watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 3
I am thinking of your health and well-being by offering: 20 Min Results - TOUCH FREE VIEWING - MOUTH AND NOSE Walk-Ins COVERINGS Welcome - 6-FEET DISTANCING LET ME HELP YOU SAFELY FIND YOU A HOME YOU’LL LOVE! Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, I’M HAPPY TO HELP! WAVE WINNER! Scott Benson,Realtor ® Green House Realty, Inc. 623 Virginia Drive Orlando, FL 32803 Phone: 407-474-0724 www.scottytherealtor.com * UltraBody ----------------------------- www.bodenvy.com/WM (407) 358-3994 415 N. Orlando Ave • Suite 104 • Winter Park, FL 32789 4 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
departments The June 12 Pulse Annual Remembrance Ceremony will look 7 // Bureau Chief’s Desk a little different this year as we work to keep our community page 8 // Central Florida News 10// Tampa Bay News 25 healthy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. - Scott Bowman, onePULSE Foundation chief communications officer 12// State News 13 // Nation & World News 17// COVID-19 Resources 19 // Talking Points 31// Tampa Bay Out & About 33// Central Fl Out & About 34// Tampa Bay Marketplace 36// Central Fl Marketplace On the cover page Equality Focused: page VIRTUAL JUNE: 12 Florida leaders, Biden campaign discuss 21 LGBTQ Pride Month heads commitment to equality to a screen near you. Watermark Issue 27.11 // May 28 - June 10, 2020 Hate Speech Safety First Music Man Stream On scan Read 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 LGBT+ Center page St Pete Pride cancels page Orlando singer Billy Mick page Tampa Bay theaters 08 Orlando vandalized. 10 2020 celebration. 27 releases debut album. 29 navigate COVID-19. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WatermarkOnline and Like us on Facebook. watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 5
Bundle. Save. Simple. WITH RESULTS IN JUST 1 MINUTE! Life can be complicated. I'm here to help simplify your insurance. Plus, the more you protect, the more you can save. Call or stop by today for a free quote. Richard Dean Plummer II 941-999-3131 8441 Lorraine Road Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 rdplummer@allstate.com I'm always here with local advice you can trust. 10981861 Based on coverage selected. Savings vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Castle Key Indemnity Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co. SPECIALIZING IN • PERSONAL INJURY • AUTO ACCIDENTS • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS • RIDE SHARE ACCIDENTS Main office St. Petersburg 727-895-7932 ST. PETERSBURG 727-321-3854 TAMPA 813-232-3808 CLEARWATER 727-220-0550 NEW PORT RICHEY 727-494-7625 Ian Gómez, Esq. Lindsey Sheppy, Esq. Robert W. Pope, Esq. www.GBYAssociates.com P S A B RO U G H T TO YO U BY WAT E R M A R K 6 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
my new obsessions — tiny cooking! to go. Some of my favorites It’s as weird, and wonderful, as that I check in with daily are @ contributors ASMR and involves people making adamrayokay, @iamtabithabrown, miniature versions of food in tiny @yungjackinnanen and @ Camille kitchens with tiny pots, pans and ben_brainard. Barbone bowls. Some videos feature tiny Like most people, the main thing is a coach and cakes being baked in tiny ovens, that I have done during quarantine consultant while others feature tiny ravioli and — besides using DoorDash and with 25+ years lasagna all made from scratch on UberEats to order all of my food — of entertainment business tiny cast iron stoves. is binge watching. experience. She has worked for central florida I love everything about these videos, from the elaborate kitchen Prior to lockdown, I had never seen an episode of “Schitt’s Creek” major companies including Sony, bureau chief’s Universal, Warner Chappell and set ups to the details in the cakes but I managed to watch all six others and has developed and Desk to the tingles that I get from the seasons within four days and I have step-by-step directions. Two of to say: What the hell was I waiting managed high-profile artists such my favorite YouTube channels for? It is the best thing I have as Madonna, produced major are Cookin’ Little and Miniature seen on television in a long time. concerts and provided music for Cusina. If the lack of sound doesn’t If you haven’t checked it out, do major motion pictures. Page 15 float your ASMR boat, there are so immediately. Jeremy Williams some tiny cooking videos that put a Other shows you should check cfl bureau chief jaunty tune over them. Edward Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Another one of my quarantine Segarra obsessions is TikTok, which I have Regardless of currently attends been told by several people on the the University of what you do to I app and in my real life that I am Central Florida t’s getting harder to avoid all too old to be on. All I have to say to that is haters gonna hate, hate, hate, get through, just as a journalism major. They enjoy writing about pop culture and the negativity flying about these days. It hate, hate; so I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake make sure you hope to work in entertainment journalism upon graduating from hasn’t always been a basket of delights while it off, shake it off. That’s what the aren’t doom and college. Page 27 kids say, right? watching the news, scrolling through social media TikTok is a “video-sharing, social glooming it 24/7. or answering the phone but in these days of isolation media network” that allows people Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, to create short-form content a la out if you haven’t already: “Upload” Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, and social distancing it’s getting harder for people to Vine. I personally do not make any on Amazon Prime, “Hilary” on Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, see that light at the end of the tunnel or take comfort videos — yet! — but I do spend Hulu, “Defending Jacob” on Apple Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, many hours vegging out on my TV+, “Hollywood” on Netflix in those silver linings. couch, scrolling through my For and “Watchmen” on HBO. If you Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie I was noticing even I was quick I enjoy watching ASMR videos You Page and marveling at how don’t have any of these streaming to anger or irritation much easier on YouTube. For those of you creative people can be in a matter services, then make friends with than before. I started unplugging who don’t know what that is, it of 30 seconds. someone who does and borrow photography over the weekends — taking time stands for Autonomous Sensory Some videos are dance their account. not to open my Facebook or Twitter Meridian Response and it basically challenges or lip syncs, some Regardless of what you do to get Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, apps and banning CNN and MSNBC is this pleasant, tingly sensation are comedy sketches or daily through, just make sure you aren’t Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, from the TV — to just find new some people get when listening diary entries about how people doom and glooming it 24/7. Show a Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift things to do or watch that give to someone speak in a low or around the world are handling little self love and take care of you. me enjoyment. whispered voice or make sounds isolation. For those of you who In this issue, we look at how you are Gen X or older Millennial can celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month So I thought instead of ranting such as tapping, clicking and like me, TikTok feels like what from the comfort of your own home distribution about the idiocy of certain popping. If it sounds weird that’s politicians or whether or not you because it is, but if you get “the YouTube felt like when it first with our guide to Virtual June. LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, should go sit in a restaurant masked tingles” like I do then you deal launched. It is sometimes hilarious, In other news, we bring back Vanessa Maresca-Cruz up and order an adult beverage with the weird. sometimes cringeworthy, and our A&E section with a look at and some potstickers, I would list Since social isolating got my sometimes emotional; but it is some local entertainers, The Center off a few things that have given me anxiety tingling again, I have been always entertaining and a great Orlando gets vandalized and St Pete CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole joy and happiness over the last few watching more ASMR videos to try way to kill some time when you Pride announces it won’t hold any or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned months in these horrid times. and relax and came across one of have nothing to do and nowhere events until 2021. unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. watermark staff Publication of the name or photograph of any Orlando Office person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as CFL Bureau Chief: any indication of the sexual orientation of such Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: 1300 N. Semoran Blvd. persons or members of such organizations. Sales Director: Ste 250 Owner & Publisher: Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Russ Martin • Ext. 303 WATERMARK is published every second Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Orlando, FL 32807 Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 Russ@WatermarkOnline.com (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Founder and Guiding Light: TEL: 407-481-2243 The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only Senior Orlando Account Manager: in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, Business Manager: Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Tom Dyer letters and articles are those of the writers and do not Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com Creative/Photographer: Sam@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Office necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 National Ad Representative: or reject any material submitted for publication. Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863 401 33rd Street N. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing St. Petersburg, FL 33713 ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors. TEL: 813-655-9890 Watermark Publishing Group Inc. watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 7
brought the majority of social others who feel they’re already interactions to a standstill. living in it and more who feel contributors For the most part I’ve leaned they’re nowhere near ready to heavily on my introverted side. begin. It’s critical that we find a Camille I’ve completed a puzzle that was way to move forward with these different perspectives together Barbone collecting dust, devoured a novel is a coach and I instantly longed to read and and the best way to do that is consultant after two decades rediscovered with a little empathy. my rad love for rollerblading. Business owners aren’t with 25+ years I even started baking, which reopening to hurt the people who of entertainment business tampa bay has resulted in fewer falls. are reluctant to patronize them, experience. She has worked for While I’m more of a Cheez-It and those who aren’t yet ready major companies including Sony, bureau chief’s guy, the relaxation from making to venture out don’t want those Universal, Warner Chappell and Desk sweets from scratch has been businesses to fail. Be kind to others and has developed and a surprising delight. I’m finally one another. managed high-profile artists such putting the Kitchen Aid I bought I’m not sure what our new as Madonna, produced major my husband a few years ago to normal will look like going concerts and provided music for Ryan use and since he’s practically the forward, but I know it doesn’t major motion pictures. Page 15 Cookie Monster, he’s enjoyed it involve never seeing our loved Williams-Jent too. C is for Cookie and that’s ones in person again. I also TB bureau chief good enough for marriage. know it doesn’t involve this Edward Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Of all the joys I’ve managed Segarra to find or hold onto in these troubling times, the one I’ve The unexpected currently attends the University of spotlight is what I valued the most has been virtual Central Florida conferences with loved ones. ’ve always considered myself From chatting with my mom paralyzes me. as a journalism major. They enjoy writing about pop culture and in Ohio to game nights with an extroverted introvert, both someone who our friends-turned-family in summer looking anything like hope to work in entertainment journalism upon graduating from can thrive as the center of attention and Florida, my husband and I have last year’s. The science tells us college. Page 27 been fortunate enough to stay that it shouldn’t – and thankfully someone who desperately wants to avoid the connected with those we love, our community is listening, spotlight. It’s all about context. some of whom we’ve seen more which is the focus of this issue’s Sabrina Ambra, Nathan Bruemmer, regularly as of late. in-depth coverage. The years I spent as a are essential. Likewise, I could Scottie Campbell, Miguel Fuller, I’ve tried not to forget how As we enter June, we Divine Grace, Holly Kapherr Alejos, corporate trainer for a medical share a dissertation about how fortunate we are to have that examine a new kind of LGBTQ Jason Leclerc, Melody Maia Monet, company are a prime example easy it is to wear a mask in public option, and it was through our Pride month, one that’s just as Jerick Mediavilla, Greg Stemm, of that. I was drawn to the role or to only walk one way down chats that I realized I’d begun proud but without the crowd. Dr. Steve yacovelli, Michael wanzie for the same reason I love being an aisle at Publix. It’s all about taking something for granted. Organizations from around a journalist: I have a strong preparation. Their sustainability. the world share details about desire to inform. The unexpected spotlight is About a month ago, a friend numerous virtual events coming It made training a fantastic fit. what paralyzes me. It’s why I’ve who works in the medical field to a screen near you. photography Watching people with a longing always hated audience Q&As raised a point that my introverted In Tampa Bay news, we check to learn come to understand after live theater and have spent side hadn’t yet begun to consider. in with one of those organizations Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello, something is incredibly rewarding years avoiding drag queens with Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley, He shared that we may need to as St Pete Pride postpones Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift – I loved helping them grasp the microphones. The prospects of return to the real world before in-person festivities this year. unknown and could easily lead being called on stage or asked an we’re necessarily ready to do so, In Central Florida, the LGBT+ a presentation for hundreds impromptu question have always as society has in the face of other Center is vandalized and in arts without breaking a sweat. horrified me. life-threatening pandemics. Long and entertainment, we chat with distribution I still could, depending on the Like the rest of the world, it’s before COVID-19’s eradication, we Tampa Bay theaters and Orlando situation. I could easily discuss not an issue I’ve had to dread would have to learn to live with it. singer Billy Mick. LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway, the importance of the free press, for several months now. The I now believe we’re nearing Watermark strives to bring Vanessa Maresca-Cruz particularly its battle against mounting death toll resulting that time – and as various you a variety of stories, your tyranny on Twitter or why from COVID-19 has crippled stay-at-home orders are lifted stories. I hope you stay safe and CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal LGBTQ outlets like Watermark communities and out of necessity, across the country, there are enjoy this latest issue. copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited article submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Although WATERMARK is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. watermark staff Publication of the name or photograph of any Orlando Office person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing in WATERMARK is not to be construed as CFL Bureau Chief: any indication of the sexual orientation of such Jeremy Williams • Ext. 106 Senior Tampa Bay Account Manager: 1300 N. Semoran Blvd. persons or members of such organizations. Sales Director: Ste 250 Owner & Publisher: Jeremy@WatermarkOnline.com Russ Martin • Ext. 303 WATERMARK is published every second Danny Garcia • Ext. 108 Orlando, FL 32807 Thursday. Subscription rate is $55 Rick Claggett • Ext. 110 Russ@WatermarkOnline.com (1st class) and $26 (standard mail). Tampa Bay Bureau Chief: Danny@WatermarkOnline.com Rick@WatermarkOnline.com Ryan Williams-Jent • Ext. 302 Founder and Guiding Light: TEL: 407-481-2243 The official views of WATERMARK are expressed only Senior Orlando Account Manager: in editorials. Opinions offered in signed columns, Business Manager: Ryan@WatermarkOnline.com Tom Dyer letters and articles are those of the writers and do not Sam Callahan • Ext. 103 Tom@WatermarkOnline.com Kathleen Sadler • Ext. 101 Kathleen@WatermarkOnline.com Creative/Photographer: Sam@WatermarkOnline.com Tampa Bay Office necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper’s owner or management. We reserve the right to edit Dylan Todd • Ext. 102 National Ad Representative: or reject any material submitted for publication. Rivendell Media Inc. • 212-242-6863 401 33rd Street N. WATERMARK is not responsible for damages due to Dylan@WatermarkOnline.com typographical errors, except for the cost of replacing St. Petersburg, FL 33713 ads created by WATERMARK that have such errors. TEL: 813-655-9890 Watermark Publishing Group Inc. watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 7
central florida news 2 injured in shooting near Parliament House Jeremy Williams O RLANDO | Orlando police are investigating a shooting that occurred near the Parliament House hotel May 15 that left two men injured. According to the police report, officers responded to a call from Parliament House security who contacted the police after seeing an individual pointing a rifle at a vehicle. The caller provided no other information. When police arrived they were advised by security that multiple gunshots were heard near the lake on the west side of the hotel just before 8:30 p.m. Police found nine 9mm shell casings in front of one of the hotel rooms Hate Group: A that faces the lake and found the two victims — Albert Patriot Front sticker found Antonio Williams, Jr. and Lorenza Morris, Jr. — in another attached to The Center. room located in a different area of the hotel. According to Photo courtesy police, the victims ran to the hotel room after sustaining George Wallace their injuries. Hate Speech According to the report, Williams suffered injuries to both of his feet and Morris had more serious injuries to another white supremacist sticker. his left leg as a result from the shooting. The report states So there were two on our building.” that Williams and Morris are cousins. Both victims were Orlando police collected the hospitalized and are expected to survive. sticker as evidence and took photos No arrests have been made at this time. of the graffiti. Cameras at The Center LGBT+ Center Orlando vandalized with have footage from the front entrance and lobby of the organization but Calvin Klein supports white supremacist propaganda The Center’s parking lot camera was not working at the time of the onePULSE Foundation Jeremy Williams The messenger posted the photo incident due to prior water damage. Another camera located at the rear on the website Reddit on the r/ of the building does not cover the O Edward Segarra orlando page. User pauliebleeker alley way where the second sticker RLANDO | The LGBT+ Center wrote that while eating tacos, they and graffiti was found. O in Orlando experienced wanted to take a photo of the Pulse Since those incidents, The Center RLANDO | Fashion brand Calvin Klein is several acts of vandalism memorial painted on the side of has seen an increase in messages supporting onePULSE Foundation’s mission during the month of May — The Center and noticed something of support and donations, says of LGBTQ+ equality this Pride season with the including cut internet lines, graffiti covering the Pulse logo. Wallace; however, that did not stop unveiling of their latest collection, according to a press and white supremacist propaganda “I walked up and it was a the stickers from re-appearing. release from the onePULSE Foundation. — which has resulted in a financial sticker of a man with a gun and an Another pair of Patriot Front #PROUDINMYCALVINS features an assortment of gift from Johnson & Johnson toward American flag type background. stickers were found on one of The Pride-themed apparel for customers to choose from repairs and security. Under it gave a website for the Center’s entrance doors May 18. and is branded as “a celebration of self-love and the full The Center’s first incidents of group Patriot Front. I was upset One covered the Human Rights spectrum of identity.” vandalism occurred when staff someone would vandalize the mural, Campaign sticker on the door and Calvin Klein and its parent company PVH Corp. members discovered graffiti on ripped it down and threw it away, the other covered the Orlando Police donated funds to the onePULSE Foundation, including a the building May 11 and had their didn’t think to take a photo of the Department Safe Space decal. $1 million grant by the PVH Foundation, according to a internet and phone lines cut May 12. sticker,” they wrote. In response to the vandalism, Calvin Klein spokesperson. The Center’s Executive Director Patriot Front is listed by the Johnson & Johnson made a $5,000 The money from the PVH grant supports the George Wallace says he was Southern Poverty Law Center as “a donation to The Center through its construction of the National Pulse Memorial & Museum, alerted to another incident of white nationalist hate group that Care With Pride initiative. as well as a scholarship that honors the life of Pulse victim vandalism by a Facebook message broke off from Vanguard America in “With these funds, we’ll be able and former Calvin Klein manager Frank Hernandez. received May 14. the aftermath of the deadly ‘Unite to cover mural re-paint as well as In addition to fashion, the collection showcases queer “We got this message that said the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, increased security for our staff and visibility by telling the “the powerful narratives” of ‘Hey, I was taking a picture of the Virginia, of August 12, 2017.” clients,” The Center posted to its LGBTQ+ public figures through a series of interviews. mural and noticed this sticker so “When I read the message Facebook page, announcing the The content series accompanying the collection aims I pulled it down and threw it in I thought I should walk around contribution, May 20. “Johnson & to celebrate “shared themes of love, family, coming out, the trash can. When I got home and make sure there’s no cracked Johnson stands strong with the allyship and identity” and will run throughout the year. I Googled the website and realized windows or anything around the Center in declaring that there is no The series can be found across Calvin Klein’s digital it was a white supremacist sticker building,” Wallace says. “When place for hate and discrimination in platforms. so I wanted to bring it to your I walked to the side of the building Orlando — or anywhere else.” attention,’” Wallace says. where the graffiti tag was, I noticed on the electric meter that there was 8 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
Join us Friday, June 12, 2020 | 7 p.m. Four-Year PULSE Remembrance Ceremony Every year during our Annual Remembrance Ceremony on June 12, we have been blessed by the presence of a rainbow over Orlando. We know it’s our 49 Angels joining us in their celebration of life. This year, even though we cannot gather together physically at the Pulse Interim Memorial, we can all still come together as a community and Be the Rainbow. Please join us at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12, online at www.onePULSEFoundation.org/remembrance for our Annual Remembrance Virtual Ceremony. We will not let hate win. onePULSEFoundation.org watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 9
tampa bay news TIGLFF launches virtual screenings with new program director Ryan Williams-Jent T AMPA | The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) launched its virtual screening platform TIGLFF Online May 14 with its new program director Derek Horne. Virtual programming is a first for TIGLFF, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Horne, ST PETE a Sarasota native who lives in Los Angeles and PROUD: St Pete Maryland, has worked with film festivals for more than Pride supporters two decades. enjoy its 2019 He follows the nine-year tenure of KJ Mohr, who left parade in downtown to spend more time with her family. “We’ll miss her, but St. Petersburg. PHOTO we understand and wish her all the best,” newly-minted BY NICK CARDELLO TIGLFF President Rob Akins says. Safety First Akins assumed TIGLFF’s presidency ahead of this year’s 31st outing but is no stranger to the festival. should continue to embrace and He first became a board member in 2004 and actively celebrate our LGBTQ residents and returned in 2018. allies every day for their efforts in “Derek has an exciting vision for the future of TIGLFF helping the sun to shine so brightly programming, where we will showcase fun, exciting, on us here in St. Pete.” touching, raucous, meaningful and even some edgy LGBTQ cinema,” TIGLFF shared May 10. Akins says the St Pete Pride cancels in-person The St Pete Pride board also thanked the community and its festival’s new virtual programming is a key part of that. “With the many changes to movie watching in 2020 celebration, looks to 2021 supporters for their understanding and patience while it determines recent years, virtual screenings are something we’ve safer ways to celebrate Pride. They discussed, but now with the COVID-19 pandemic we Ryan Williams-Jent More than 265,000 people are also stressed that the organization quickly made the move in order to continue providing estimated to have attended St Pete will continue to develop its S LGBTQ cinema,” he explains. “We’ll be able to provide Pride 2019, creating an economic Community Grants Program, a variety of films to entertain our diverse audience T. PETERSBURG | St Pete impact of $67.2 million on the which supports nonprofits more frequently. Now people can watch where and Pride has cancelled its city of St. Petersburg. Mayor Rick throughout Tampa Bay at events when they like.” in-person 2020 festivities in Kriseman, one of the celebration’s throughout the year. That began with a retrospective of short films response to COVID-19. earliest supporters, shared that he Sponsorships, registrations and called “Laughter in Lockdown” via TIGLFF Online, The 18th annual outing understood the decision. advertisements for St Pete Pride which featured a video introduction from Horne. “I’m was originally scheduled for “While I am saddened by the 2020 will automatically be credited here in Maryland but look forward to joining you all June 26-28. Organizers initially cancellation of this year’s St Pete to all sponsors, advertisers and real soon,” he shared. “We’re on this weird, strange postponed this year’s celebration Pride, I respect the decision made registrants for the parade and journey together into the unknown – we’re just going to until the fall to work with city by the event’s organizers given festival for 2021’s celebration. St follow the currents and see where it takes us, whether officials on securing new dates. the inability to plan such events Pete Pride noted that it appreciates that’s upstream or downstream or anywhere but the “After careful consideration in the face of this unprecedented the continued support. mainstream.” and thorough exploration of uncertainty,” he said. “Our shared “The leadership of St Pete Pride “I am excited to be joining TIGLFF at this time alternatives with the city of St focus and most important job is laser focused on our mission, our of huge societal change and explore the creative Petersburg, the Board of St Pete is public safety. St Pete Pride community and our supporters as possibilities,” Horne tells Watermark. “The TIGLFF Pride has made the difficult certainly recognizes this. we are adapting to our new reality board has given me the bandwidth to experiment decision to cancel all large “St Pete Pride is one of the best of social distancing during the and the new board president Rob Akins has been a in-person events,” the organization and biggest LGBTQ+ events in the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic,” great partner.” shared May 21. nation and will certainly outlast they concluded. “We will continue He adds that TIGLFF Online, streamed utilizing “The initial hope was to any challenges that come its way,” to be visible through our website, Eventive, provides the festival with flexibility while postpone these events,” St Pete Kriseman continued. “Working our newsletters and in the being user-friendly. He views “Laughter in Lockdown” Pride’s statement continues. with St Pete Pride and other community as we all work together as a gift to the community and “an appetizer to the “However, the level of uncertainty organizations and individuals through these difficult times.” main course.” and lack of clear guidance from in our community, we will find “We are just whetting your appetite for a year-round experts prompted the decision ways to celebrate this year’s pride For more information about St Pete Pride, schedule of screenings,” Horne teases. to cancel as the Board deemed month safely and collectively. this year’s cancellation and more, visit the health and safety of our I hope that all residents of St. Pete StPetePride.com. For the latest updates For more information about TIGLFF, its 31st festival and to complete its community, both near and far, remember that while we may about COVID-19 and its impact on the patron survey, visit TIGLFF.com. most important.” be separated due to COVID-19, LGBTQ community in Tampa Bay, view we are never alone and that we Watermark’s frequently updated coverage at WatermarkOnline.com. 10 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse. You can quit. CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW. #CDCTips HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck. Smoking with HIV did. Brian, age 45, California watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 11
state news Westlake virtually passes protections Biden campaign, for lgbtq residents in statewide first Florida leaders Ryan Williams-Jent Westlake in employment, housing forward with the civil rights discuss equality and public accommodations based ordinance,” she reflected. “That W on sexual orientation, gender shows true leadership.” ESTLAKE, Fla. | The identity or gender expression, as “The enactment of the Westlake Westlake City Council well as race, color, religion, sex, Civil Rights Ordinance will help Ryan Williams-Jent unanimously passed a national origin, age, disability, attract more homeowners to Westlake Civil Rights Ordinance familial status, pregnancy, marital our city,” Vice Mayor Katrina F (WCRO) to protect LGBTQ status or genetic information. Long-Robinson added. “In ormer Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential residents May 11 by virtual vote, a “The U.S. Congress and the addition, the ordinance will help campaign hosted an LGBTQ engagement call with first in the state of Florida. Florida Legislature have failed bring jobs, revenue and resources Florida leaders May 14 to discuss the candidate’s Westlake is Palm Beach to enact any civil rights laws to Westlake.” commitment to equality. County’s newest and smallest protecting gay, lesbian and gender Westlake joins a growing The virtual gathering was led by Biden for President municipality, with 531 registered nonconforming individuals,” number of Florida municipalities LGBTQ+ Vote Director Reggie Greer and Florida State voters and a city council of five. PBCHRC President and Founder which have enacted Rep. Shevrin Jones. They welcomed representation According to the Palm Beach Rand Hoch shared in a statement. LGBTQ-inclusive civil rights from Equality Florida, the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, County Human Rights Council “Therefore, the responsibility to ordinances and policies, including the One Orlando Alliance and more. (PBCHRC), plans exist to add prohibit discrimination rests on Orlando, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Jones could become Florida’s first openly-LGBTQ 4,500 homes, 2 million square feet the elected officials in Florida’s Tallahassee, Tampa and more. state senator if elected this year. He began the call by of commercial space and more, counties and municipalities.” Late last month, the neighboring discussing the importance of supporting the former making it the “fastest growing city PBCHRC Board Member Tamara Boynton Beach voted to make vice president against Donald Trump this November. in Florida.” Sager detailed the organization’s city-owned restrooms gender “The stakes are too high for any of us to sit on the The PBCHRC was founded in efforts and stressed the neutral in another victory. sidelines at this time – far too many LGBTQ people are 1988 and touts itself as Florida’s importance of the WCRO during “Sadly, 55 counties and 381 facing discrimination and violence simply because of oldest, independent, nonpartisan, the city council’s virtual session, municipalities in Florida have no who they are and who they love,” Jones shared. “Our political organization dedicated held via the video conference laws protecting LGBTQ Floridians community cannot afford four more years of Donald to ending LGBTQ discrimination. platform Webex. She subsequently from discrimination,” Hoch also Trump and Mike Pence.” They proposed the city’s WCRO as addressed its passage in noted. “A great deal of work on civil He subsequently stressed the importance of the a part of their “Palm Beach County: a statement. rights remains to be done in the LGBTQ vote, calling Florida the epicenter of the You’re Welcome!” campaign. “While our country is on hold Sunshine State.” election. “It’s up to us, all of us and the millions of The WCRO will take effect June due to the coronavirus pandemic, equality voters across the state of Florida to make sure For more information about the PBCHRC, 11 following a final reading. It will Westlake City Council Members Joe Biden is our next president,” Jones shared. visit PBCHRC.org. prohibit discrimination throughout found no reason to delay moving Greer began by thanking Jones and the organizations present for their commitment to equality, taking a moment to reflect on the work of the late Terry Fleming. The prominent and longtime Florida LGBTQ activist, who most recently served as co-president for Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus releases Gainesville’s Pride Community Center, died April 28 at the age of 58. “When we get Vice President Biden elected he will be first round of 2020 election endorsements the most pro-LGBTQ president that we’ve had walking (CD-7), Rep. Darren Soto (CD-9), struggle for equality,” he continued. into the White House,” he said. “We can walk hand in Ryan Williams-Jent Rep. Val Demings (CD-10), Rep. “We need their voices in Congress hand with a presidential candidate in a way in which we D Charlie Crist (CD-13), Rep. fighting for us.” know our community, even the most marginalized, will elray Beach, Fla. | The Kathy Castor (CD-14), Rep. Alcee “We’re making these be protected; their rights defended.” Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Hastings (CD-20), Rep. Lois endorsements because we know Greer discussed the pillars of Biden’s LGBTQ plan, Caucus released its first Frankel (CD-21), Rep. Ted Deutch we can always count on them which the campaign previously shared with Watermark round of endorsements in the (CD-22), Rep. Debbie Wasserman to support LGBTQ+ equality,” directly. He noted that as president, Biden will protect 2020 election cycle May 18, Schultz (CD-23), Rep. Frederica Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic LGBTQ youth, strengthen transgender protections, pass backing 13 candidates seeking Wilson (CD-24), Rep. Debbie Caucus Campaign Director Susan the Equality Act, ensure the U.S. is a global leader in reelection throughout the state. Murcarsel-Powell (CD-26) and McGrath added. “From passing the LGBTQ equality and much more. The caucus represents the Rep. Donna Shalala (CD-27). Equality Act to allowing patriotic Jeff Trammell, a D.C.-based, native Floridian who interests of LGBTQ Floridians as “We are proud to endorse trans service members to serve worked on the presidential campaigns of former Vice an arm of the state’s Democratic Florida’s Democratic members of openly to blocking the Trump President Al Gore and Secretary John Kerry, succinctly Party. It currently has 21 Congress for reelection,” Florida Administration’s attempts to summarized the campaign’s call to action. “We hold the statewide chapters. LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus enshrine discrimination in federal veto power of a second Trump term,” he said. The endorsements were President Stephen Gaskill said. regulations, Florida’s Democratic “We deserve a voice again in Washington,” made after “a careful review “All 13 Representatives have Congressional Delegation will do Greer added. of statements, support and furthered the cause of equality for what’s right, fair and just.” Congressional records,” the LGBTQ+ Floridians and we thank For more information about the former vice president’s campaign For more information about the Florida caucus shared. The organization them for their strong support of and to read his full plan to advance LGBTQ+ equality, visit his LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, additional is supporting Rep. Al Lawson our community. JoeBiden.com/LGBTQ statewide endorsements and more, visit (CD-5), Rep. Stephanie Murphy “Our work is not done in the LGBTQDems.org. 12 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
nation+world news in other news Court won’t hold up trans inmate surgery 2 Missouri cops accused of Wire Report than 16 in 2012. She’s scheduled procedures that other Idahoans assaulting trans woman for release in July of 2021. can’t get covered through their A Kansas City, Missouri grand jury indicted officers B She sued the state three years own insurance. Matthew Brummett and Charles Prichard on one OISE, Idaho | The U.S. ago, contending that prison But Edmo’s attorneys say misdemeanor charge each of fourth-degree assault Supreme Court won’t put an officials’ refusal to provide her prisons don’t get to pick and related to a May 24, 2019, physical assault, the Jackson Idaho transgender inmate’s with gender confirmation surgery choose which people to treat, County prosecutor’s office announced May 15. A video, gender confirmation surgery causes her severe distress because and they’re required to provide recorded by a passerby, shows the officers kneeing on hold while a lawsuit over the she has gender dysphoria. medically necessary care to Breona Hill, a 30-year-old transgender woman, in the procedure moves forward. Attorneys for the Idaho incarcerated people. The order on May 21 means Department of Correction and Edmo has so far prevailed face, torso and ribs and forcing her arms over her head Adree Edmo can continue private prison healthcare company at both the federal district and while handcuffed. Hill has since died after being shot getting pre-surgical treatments Corizon have agreed that Edmo’s appellate courts. in October at a Kansas City home, and a man has been and potentially even gender condition has caused her distress. The state’s attorneys asked the charged in her death. Brummett and Prichard maintain confirmation surgery this year But they contend her prison Supreme Court to consider the case that they used reasonable force. while Idaho officials wait to hear doctors have determined the earlier this month, and the high if the high court will consider surgery isn’t medically necessary court hasn’t yet decided if it will Congressional LGBTQ Equality their appeal. and would do more harm than good do so. The order denying the stay Edmo has been housed in a because it could exacerbate her was given by Justice Elena Kagan PAC endorses Biden men’s prison facility since she first other mental health conditions. without explanation, but it noted The Equality PAC, the political action committee lead began serving time on a charge of Idaho Gov. Brad Little has also that Justices Clarence Thomas and by openly LGBTQ members of Congress, has thrown sexually abusing a child younger said Edmo shouldn’t have access Samuel Alito would have granted its support behind Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential to taxpayer-funded surgical the state’s request. election. In a statement to the Washington Blade, Rep. David Cicilline said the Equality PAC, which he co-chairs, Iconic San Francisco gay bar to shutter is backing Biden because he “has been a strong leader on LGBTQ issues over his career and as president will continue to be a champion for our community.” “Too many LGBTQ Americans can still get fired from their Wire Report The 18-member collective that It’s at least the second time jobs or kicked out of their homes just because of who operates the club announced May the 54-year-old bar has faced they are,” said Cicilline. The endorsement was timed S 20 that they had decided to close the prospect of full closure. But to coincide with the anniversary of the U.S. House’s AN FRANCISCO | One of the the bar, though they will look for a previous situations were due to passage of the Equality Act. nation’s most celebrated gay new location. gentrification in San Francisco, now bars is being forced from its “Because of a lack of revenue one of the nation’s tech hubs. home amid the financial fallout of due to the COVID-19 pandemic, In 2016 The Stud’s current Navy grants first-ever waiver the coronavirus pandemic. the historic bar will be announcing location was sold, and the under trans military ban The Stud is the longest that they are permanently closing bar’s then-owner was notified The U.S. Navy has granted the first-ever waiver continually running gay bar in San their location and will be holding a that monthly rent for the under the transgender military ban to an individual Francisco and known throughout drag funeral to honor the end of an 2,800-square-foot space would leap who had sued to remain in the service. The waiver the country as one of the bohemian, era of LGBT nightlife,” said one of from $3,800 to $9,500. was granted to the Jane Doe in the case against gender-bending, anything-goes the owners, Honey Mahogany, in a A cooperative group of 18 the transgender military ban filed in March. The institutions that made San news release. owners then bought the bar to keep anonymous Navy officer faced discharge because Francisco into a gay mecca. it running. she’s transgender. The ban requires the discharge of any service member diagnosed with gender dysphoria Hungary bans recognition of trans citizens and bars the enlistment of any individual who has received transition-related care, but the policy has an exemption to allow trans service members to continue serving if they came out when serving openly was Wire Report The bill changes the “sex” the bill into law and send it for category in official documents review to the Constitutional Court. instituted in 2016. B like birth certificates to “sex at Dunja Mijatovic, the Council UDAPEST, Hungary | birth,” defined as the “biological of Europe’s Commissioner for Albania bans conversion Hungarian lawmakers sex determined by primary sex Human Rights, earlier asked therapy approved legislation May 19 characteristics and chromosomes.” Hungary’s Parliament to reject the LGBTQ rights organizations welcomed a decision May banning the legal recognition of Once determined, the birth sex amendments, calling on authorities 16 by the governing body of psychologists in Albania transgender citizens. category can’t be changed. to “ensure that transgender Amendments to the law on the The amendments were part of a people have access to expeditious to prohibit the practice of conversion therapy. A birth, death and marriage registry, large legislative package submitted and transparent procedures for statement from the country’s main LGBTQ organization approved mostly by deputies by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt changing their names and gender said the decision “places the Order of Psychologists in from Prime Minister Viktor Semjen, head of the Christian or sex in the civil registry, and Albania in the forefront of the institutions respecting Orban’s Fidesz party, will prevent Democratic party. on identity cards, passports, LGBTI rights.” All registered therapists in Albania must transgender or intersex people The legislation has come under educational certificates and other be members of the Order of Psychologists. Albania from legally changing their gender strong criticism from rights groups, similar documents.” passed an anti-discrimination law in 2010 that grants to match their gender identity. which are asking Hungary’s legal rights to homosexuals. president to refrain from signing watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 13
Conway Cleaners Your FREE Pickup and Delivery Service TWiCe a Week PiCkuP aND DeLivery Serving Orlando for more than 30 years Downtown Maitland Call Today to Sign Up! Orlando Lake Nona Winter Park Waterford 407-275-0397 College Park Lakes ConwayDryCleaner.com Conway Cleaners & Shirt Laundry • 4450 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, FL, 32812 14 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
viewpoint “orphaned” revenue, management organizations signing up. If artists you will be paid for known as black box before distribution to work through a music the use of your music. royalties, is held in special performers, composers, distributor, they will assign Don’t contribute to the accounts in the hopes of music publishers, record and embed the codes on ever-growing black box finding the owners. companies, producers or their behalf. royalty account. Claim According to the other entities owning and The actual composition, what is yours and enjoy collection organization controlling the copyrights. the song, music and the fruits of your labor. Songtrust, current black The system is based on a lyrics, requires a different Be prepared and box royalties total a rather old and convoluted code. An ISWC code positioned to earn. Be growing $250 million process that was used to establishes ownership of ready for success with globally. Some collection collect radio airplay and its copyright, ensuring that all its perks, problems Camille Barbone agencies attempt to find live performance royalties. all composers are paid a and responsibilities. If the rightsholders, but most For sound or master performance royalty each you need help, reach out Covid-19 and give up after a few feeble recordings you must time a song is streamed or to an industry expert; attempts because trillions register your master with downloaded. entertainment business of bytes coaches, the Community of data music must be publishers, reviewed Claim what is yours and enjoy the fruits of your labor. client to service identify reps at A content owners. the Library of Congress, When artists sign up the performing rights There are a number of using the assigned number with a performance rights agencies, or artist ll the world’s a ways to earn royalties and each time you upload a song to any digital organization, like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, they will managers can help. Get the licenses are issued for the information you need and stage, but COVID-19 has different uses, including service provider. This assign ISWC codes for start earning. robbed entertainers of the for songs used by drag allows royalties to be you. You can secure ISWC and other performers paid to featured artists, codes through ASCAP Camille Barbone is a coach chance to perform on the majority who lip sync on social master owners and without being a member, and consultant with 25+ years of entertainment business of them. From super-stars to media. A sync license must non-featured performers. but it is very difficult if experience. She has worked for be issued for each song A well-respected not impossible to collect fledgling performers, LGBTQ and that’s performed, entitling performance rights performance royalties on major companies including Sony, your own. Thousands of Universal, Warner Chappell and ally artists are trying to figure out the rightsholder to a organization known as others and has developed and negotiated fee whenever Sound Exchange collects sites must be monitored. how to deal with all the lost income. the video is played. and pays out this type Sound recording managed high-profile artists such as Madonna, produced major It isn’t enough for of revenue. copyright registration Live performance is big business, $30 billion concerts and provided music for a performer to share Artists must also secure numbers, ISRC codes, ISWC dollars globally, and it has grounded to a major motion pictures. disclaimers that they an ISRC code for their codes and a membership screeching halt. For entertainers, the internet has don’t own the rights to sound recordings, the in a performance rights Her coaching practice provides become the primary performance platform and the music. Social media equivalent to UPC codes agency will keep you on guidance and structure to income producer for the foreseeable future. platforms will still block for physical products. The track to receive royalties individuals and companies aspiring Digital service providers like Spotify and or remove the videos, code is embedded into the you have earned globally. to success in the entertainment iTunes rely on musical content to attract traffic, something that’s enforced actual master recording Simply put, it’s all about industry. For more information, which attracts advertising dollars from companies by record companies. They and scanned each time the making sure you take an visit CamilleBarbone.com or email promoting products and services. Conversely, each simply see that the drag song is played, streamed active role in establishing Office@CamilleBarbone.com. time a song is streamed or downloaded digitally, performer did not write or or downloaded. The ownership of your they’re legally obligated to pay a royalty to the record the vocal. Without a embedding process is intellectual properties. music’s rightsholder. license, they’re infringing usually done in the studio. The process is tedious Sony earned more than $1 billion in the first on the copyright and the ISRC codes are acquired and sometimes confusing, quarter of 2020 on digital music, a portion of rightsholder is not being by visiting ISRC.org and but it is the only way which belongs to the artists and rightsholders of the music. In the past, artists, composers, music paid for the use of their Read It Online! publishers and other rights holders were not paid intellectual property. for content, but 2018’s Music Modernization Act So, how can changed that. rightsholders collect It added income from digital streaming and royalties? Strict downloads to traditional royalty streams such adherence to the digital as terrestrial radio airplay, live performance, fingerprinting process. “elevator” music and jukebox plays. Performing Artists must secure Head to the right codes and rights organizations collect performance royalties and identify the rightsholders through a process registration numbers, WatermarkOnline.com called audio fingerprinting, a system of codes and assigning and embedding them in their songs and click on the Digital registration numbers linked to the songs. Every day over 40,000 songs are added while working with a Publications link to a read to an existing global catalogue. If the audio collection management organization. This creates a digital version of the fingerprinting information is incorrect or incomplete, digital service providers cannot a path for royalties to printed newspaper! identify rightsholders and pay royalties. The flow from digital service providers to collection watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com 15
Introducing Our New TELEHEALTH PROGRAM Visit your doctor electronically without leaving home. CLEARWATER ST. PETERSBURG YBOR CITY 2349 SUNSET PT. RD. #405 3251 3RD AVE. N. #125 1315 EAST 7TH AVE. CLEARWATER, FL 33765 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33713 TAMPA, FL 33605 (727) 216-6193 (727) 498-4969 (813) 769-7207 ORLANDO FOR MORE INFORMATION 1301 W. COLONIAL DR. (844) 922-2777 ORLANDO, FL 32804 CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG (407) 246-1946 FOLLOW US 16 watermark Your LGBTQ life. May 28 - June 10, 2020 // Issue 27.11 wat e r m a r konline .com
You can also read