Hometown Genie returns to Orlando for 'Aladdin' Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber unveils new name, branding - Your LGBTQ Life.
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Your LGBTQ Life.
January 23 - February 5, 2020 • Issue 27.02
Hometown Genie returns Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
to Orlando for ‘Aladdin’ unveils new name, branding
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4 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com
departments Too many people think transphobia is binary. There are
plenty of people who are allies but hold transphobic views.
7 // Publisher’s Desk Some LGBTQ people don’t understand the trans experience
page
23
8 // Central Florida News and they’re unwilling to become better allies.
10// Tampa Bay News –YouTube influencer, Watermark columnist and photographer Maia Monet
12// State News
13// Nation & World News
17// Talking Points
33// Community Calendar
35// Tampa Bay Out + About
37// Central Fl Out + About
38// Tampa Bay Marketplace
40// Central Fl Marketplace
45// Wedding Bells/
Announcements
46// The Last Page
On the cover
page Great Scott!:
page The Battle
21 Within: Transgender
and nonbinary
discrimination in the
25 Central Florida native Michael James Scott
heads back to Agrabah (and Orlando) to
play the Genie in “Disney’s Aladdin.”
LGBTQ community. Watermark Issue 27.02 // Jan 23 - Feb 5, 2020
Design by DiBenedetto/wiedemann.
Updating Her Life State of the Bay Team Trump Page Turners
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 Central Florida intersex page The Tampa Bay LGBT page Former Attorney page ReadOut presents its third
08 woman asks judge
for gender change on
10 Chamber of Commerce
unveils its new name.
12 General Pam Bondi
named part of Trump’s
31 annual festival of lesbian
literature and events.
birth certificate. impeachment legal team.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WatermarkOnline and Like us on Facebook.
watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 5
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6 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com
to the first verse, but that’s about we get together Saturday for a
as far as I made it. Since my last sundae?” As long as my dad could contributors
article, my family experienced the talk, right up to the end, he made
5-year mark of my dad’s passing. cringe-worthy jokes that always
He died on New Year’s Eve 2014 had me laughing.
after suffering from a long-term I may not think about him Beneva
illness. His death was slow and my every day, but every day he lives Fruitville
mom and I were by his side when on through me as I carry on his has been honored
he took his last breath. terribly funny sense of humor. It’s for her theatrical
I relate so much to the words not just me either. It’s rubbed off roles and
James Blunt puts together: on my roommate, my fiancé and volunteerism. She
acknowledging the imperfections certainly my brother’s kids. I’m has performed onstage from New York
Publisher’s of himself and his father as the sure if my Puggle, Amber Atkins,
could talk she would carry on his
to Fiji and can be seen on screen via
Desk
two men simply find a way to say Amazon Prime and Sarasota’s Suncoast
goodbye. Hearing that one word, legacy as well. Thank you James View. Page 15
“goodbye,” took me right back to Blunt for the trip down memory
the moment I said goodbye to my lane, and thank you dad for the
dad. There was great sadness in continuing laughter. I love you Alec
that moment, losing the man who Reynolds
Rick Claggett had taught me so much; but there is a USF alum
PUblisher was relief for the end of his pain
and beauty in comforting him
I may not think and progressive
Rick@WatermarkOnline.com
— protecting him from his fears about him every activist in
Tampa Bay fighting
and monsters.
I
I can’t say that a day goes by day, but every on behalf of inclusivity and equality in
Florida. Page 19
went to a small, Southern that I don’t think of him. Sadly too
many do. I don’t say that in shame, day he lives on
Baptist college in Mars Hill, North Carolina. but just the reality of life. With
through me as
living in two cities, sitting on two Lora
It was definitely a culture shock. I considered boards, running two companies I carry on his Korpar is
myself a religion-wary, big city boy from Central and trying to plan a wedding, a journalism
Florida. Is that even an accurate statement for
it’s easy to lose track of the past. terribly funny student at the
Luckily life has a way of jogging my University of
Orlando in 1993? There were still orange groves memory of what is important. sense of humor. Central Florida and a former
In honor of my dad, I’m going
everywhere I walked and the East-West Expressway to share a story that epitomizes and I miss you.
Watermark intern. She plans to
graduate in Spring 2020. Page 45
was just two lanes each way, with 25 cent tolls. my relationship with him. It was In this issue of Watermark
1985 and my parents and I were we continue our series of
Although, we had Blockbuster which was more than heading home from a little league discrimination within the LGBTQ
Mars Hill could boast. Mars Hill was a two-stoplight game when we passed my 10 community, focusing on the
year-old self’s favorite place in treatment of our transgender and
kind of town. the world — Taco Bell. This was non-binary family. Our arts and
photography
I didn’t hate it though, in music has on us. It can take over the year Taco Bell introduced the entertainment features introduce
Pizzazz Pizza, so I said, “Ooo dad, you to Central Florida’s Genie Brian Becnel, Nick Cardello,
retrospect I loved it. College any situation. Music can pull you Bruce Hardin, Jamarqus Mosley,
is where I gained my passion out of a funk in an instant, and it I want a Pizzazz!” To which my in a bottle from “Aladdin” and Chris Stephenson, Lee Vandergrift
for musical theater. I had the can tear at your soul when you dad exclaimed, “You want a piece Gulfport’s ReadOut. In Central
opportunity to stage manage a least expect it. The latter being the of what?!?” Florida news we follow Juleigh
musical called “American Beauty.” case for me most recently. I feel like we laughed for ten Amanda Mayfield’s battle to have
It was a spoof on beauty pageants, I was scrolling through my minutes. That’s who my dad was, her birth certificate reflect her distribution
but it made my sappy, young, gay Facebook feed when I saw several and that’s the moment I developed gender, and in Tampa Bay news the
my sense of humor. He was the Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber gets LVNLIF2 Distributing, Ken Carraway,
heart melt. friends had posted a new music
king of corny dad jokes. Every a make-over. Vanessa Maresca-Cruz
There was a beautiful song by video from James Blunt called
a stunning actress, formerly Ms. “Monsters.” Spoiler alert: It’s a tear time my brother would say, “I’m We strive to bring you a variety
Illinois, called “Music.” The lyrics jerker. Basically, it’s a goodbye song thirsty,” my dad would follow with, of stories, your stories. I hope you CONTENTS of WATERMARK are protected by federal
are about the immense power to his ailing father. I have listened “Hi thirsty. I’m Friday. How ‘bout enjoy this latest issue. copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole
or part without the permission of the publisher.
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watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 7
central florida news
LGBTQ workshop to help heal
trauma coming to Winter Park
Samantha Neely
O
RLANDO | The sting of rejection within the LGBTQ
community is something therapists Lindsay
Kincaide and Marcie Cramer have seen show up in
many forms for years, both professionally and personally.
“When you look at what people think of trauma and
about sexual abuse, being beaten or being neglected, at the Intersex
core of all of those is a rejection,” Cramer says. “From my advocate:
perspective, the community is rejected, so it’s multifaceted
Juleigh Amanda
and you’ll see it’s really like a gem. Wherever you turn,
Mayfield speaks
you’ll see a different facet but at the core of this is: ‘Do
with the press
I have a right to be here?’ ‘Do I have a right to exist?’ ‘What
outside the Osceola
is my worth?’ … that all comes from rejection.”
Kincaide says after finding out Cramer ran LGBTQ County Courthouse
workshops in the late 90s to 00s, she wanted to collaborate Jan. 15. Photo by
on a workshop for the community that she loved. After Jeremy Williams
weeks of planning, they created “Healing Trauma in the
Updating Her Life
LGBTQ Community,” deciding that focusing on rejection you had transitional surgery to get
and the internalized shame it causes was the most the gender change.’ I didn’t have to
meaningful approach. do that because I was born both.”
“What makes the group therapy and workshops so Pons and her class began creating
powerful is you get that message that you are wanted, the documentation Mayfield would
accepted and you’re allowed to speak your truth,”
Kincaide says.
Central Florida intersex woman asks need to ask a Central Florida judge to
grant an order for a gender change
Kincaide and Cramer, who both work at Center for the
Healing Arts, agree that workshops are a great way to heal
judge for gender change on birth on all her legal documents, including
her birth certificate.
old wounds. After years of not facilitating sessions and
noticing that there are very few LGBTQ specific workshops,
certificate Pons and Mayfield hoped that
on Jan. 15, the judge would sign off
Cramer says she is excited to create a safe space for the on the request which, according
community she’s been an ally of since her teens. Jeremy Williams copious amounts of estrogen. This is to Pons, means Alabama should
“Workshops use the opportunity to drill down to the when Mayfield began her journey to have to recognize it. However, the
K
cause instead of just trying to deal with the symptoms,” becoming Juleigh. judge postponed his ruling, asking
she says. “We heal down and we grow up – so we can really ISSIMMEE, Fla. | A Central “I travel a lot for work, as an for a week to review the case
drill down to where the trauma is.” Florida intersex woman asked actress and an advocate for the including information on a similar
While planning the activities and discussions for the an Osceola County judge for a XXY community,” Mayfield says, case from Indiana Pons submitted
workshop, the duo made sure to cater it to each person to gender marker change on her birth “and I was traveling as Juleigh but to the courts.
fit their agenda. certificate Jan. 15. showing up with James’ ID. I would “The Indiana case is specifically
“It’s very experiential, they are really going to Juleigh Amanda Mayfield was have to give TSA a piece of paper on point,” Pons said after the
experience healing and then confront the feelings,” born 47XXY, meaning she was that says ‘I’m in the process of hearing. “I also have 109 cases to
Kincaide says. “We’re going to have a variety of different born with an extra copy of the X transitioning, please don’t make an look through and I’m going to bolster
types of activities and techniques to use, so there is really chromosome. This left Mayfield issue about it. My paperwork will all her position as much as I can based
going to be something that’s going to fit everyone with all neither completely biologically male say male.’ That’s very scary because on the authority that I find. Then we
sorts of different processes.” or female, but both. At birth, her you don’t know how people are wait for his decision.”
However, they say they are aware that this is an intense, parents began raising her as male. going to react.” If granted, this would be the first
immersive process and it can be challenging for some. “Information just wasn’t readily Along with her class, Dr. Irene case in the Ninth Judicial Circuit
“We are conscious that there will be some people that available in 1975,” Mayfield says. Pons – a University of Central Court where an intersex person is
come in with a lot of anxiety,” Cramer says. “They are the “XXY wasn’t even discovered until Florida associate lecturer and allowed a gender marker change to
warriors because they’re doing it in spite of how anxious the early 1950s, so it’s safe to say an old friend of Mayfield’s since be applied to another state.
they feel.” doctors in Alabama in 1975 had no their days of working at Disney “It’s hard to understand that just
The main idea that they want participants to leave with knowledge about it.” – assisted Mayfield in getting her a piece of paper weighs so heavy on
is that they are loved and deserve love. At age 17, Mayfield moved to name changed on her ID to reflect everything we do and what so many
“The more everyone is in touch with the best part of Orlando and was diagnosed with her correct name. They found that people take for granted in society,”
themselves, the better the planet will be,” Cramer says. XXY. She was given testosterone and changing its gender marker was Mayfield says. “It’s not just about me
would take it for five years before not as simple. getting my birth certificate, it’s about
“Healing Trauma in the LGBTQ Community” will be held Feb. 22 from she was advised by doctors to stop “I contacted Alabama to see me sharing my story.”
9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information and to reserve a space, visit due to health issues. For 20 years what I had to do to change my birth Pons had until Jan. 22 to submit
CenterForTheHealingArts.com. Mayfield was on no hormones. certificate from male to female,” the amended case, at which time
In 2018, again due to serious Mayfield says. “The person on the the judge will review and make a
health-related issues, doctors phone said, ‘You are going to have to decision.
told Mayfield she needed to be on prove to the state of Alabama that
8 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com
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watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 9
tampa bay news
Sarasota Pride marks 30 years
with first January outing
Ryan Williams-Jent
S
ARASOTA | Sarasota Pride will be held Jan. 25
from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, the first
January outing in the celebration’s 30-year history.
Sarasota Pride, Inc., its organizing nonprofit, exists
to encourage visibility for members of the LGBTQ A NEW DAY:
community living in Sarasota and throughout Florida. (L-R) Mayor Jane
It promotes the elimination of prejudice through Castor, LGBT Chamber
community activities like this year’s Pride in the Park. of Commerce President
An estimated 6,000 participants attended Sarasota Justice Gennari and
Pride’s last gathering on Oct. 20, 2018, Sarasota Pride, Mayor Rick Kriseman
Inc. Chair Cindy Barnes says. In August of last year, the unveil the chamber’s
organization announced it would skip its traditional new name Jan. 17.
October festival, and thus 2019 altogether, citing PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
scheduling conflicts with the city.
Barnes now sees the conflict as a blessing. Sarasota
Oktoberfest, held at J.D. Hamel Park in lieu of Sarasota
State of the Bay
Pride 2019, was shuttered due to inclement weather. and this event highlights the
“We would have had to cancel the thing,” she says. milestones we have achieved.”
She also sees the move as benefiting the organization Gennari subsequently unveiled
and Pride attendees in other ways. “October is one of the chamber’s new name and
the busiest months of the year,” Barnes says. “When we branding, sharing its updated
had Pride in 2018 there were seven events going on in
town that day. It’s hard to get tents, tables and chairs.”
Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of logo designed by Tampa’s BKN
Creative. The LGBTBE-certified firm
Barnes also cites the weather. “I don’t think it’s ever
going to be cool in October again,” she says. “I think the
Commerce unveils new name worked diligently on the design to
ensure it matched the chamber’s
weather’s going to be much better.” strategic plan.
More than 40 new and returning vendors are Ryan Williams-Jent leadership, members and Trulieve, The new branding incorporates
expected to fill J.D. Hamel Park for Sarasota Pride this the event’s presenting sponsor. the colors of the rainbow and
T
year, showcasing an impressive assortment of goods The State of the Chamber seven hexagons, representing the
and services. “We have a lot of vendors who have never AMPA | The Tampa Bay exists to recognize community chamber’s seven core values and
been here before,” Barnes says, “they’ve just come out LGBT Chamber of Commerce, leaders, discuss the chamber’s the Tampa Bay counties its serves.
of the woodwork. We also have our repeat offenders, formerly the Tampa Bay vision for the future and detail its “We worked with BKN Creative
as I call them; they always come back. We have a big Diversity Chamber of Commerce, accomplishments of the previous to ensure that the new branding
variety this year.” unveiled its new name and year. Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber of truly represented our chamber,”
That includes a wide range of food and beverages, branding Jan. 17 at the Centre Commerce President Justice Gennari Gennari said.
with Barnes touting “the cheapest alcohol of any festival Club during its annual State of the used the opportunity to reveal “The transition will take place
in Sarasota.” Attendees can expect a plethora of fan Chamber luncheon. that membership had an overall over the next few weeks as we
favorite entertainment as well. The chamber has served growth of 830% in 2019, with event continue to execute our strategic
The St. Petersburg-based pop/rock duo Halcyon Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community attendance growing by 166%. plan for 2020,” he continued. “The
perform from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., followed by the since 1983, representing businesses, “We are kicking off 2020 with rebrand will not change the way
Sarasota-based rock group Divine AF from 2 – 4 p.m. groups and individuals throughout our members, past and current the Chamber advocates for current
Between performances, emcee Lindsay Carlton-Cline Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, board members, elected leaders members and it will continue to
will be joined by fellow drag entertainers Anita Cox, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota and corporate partners to showcase support its members throughout the
Savannah Lynn and Grandma Pearl for performances counties. As an affiliate of the our 35 plus years in the Tampa Bay seven-county region.”
throughout the festival. National LGBT Chamber of Region and our vision for the next “BKN Creative is incredibly
Sarasota Pride isn’t likely to return to an October Commerce (NGLCC), it provides 35,” Gennari shared. honored to have worked with the
outing, Barnes says, but says the organization’s LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTE) “Last year we hosted the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber on their
six-member board will consider feedback from the certification to LGBT-owned NGLCC International Business and recent rebrand and logo design,”
community. “It will depend on how this turns out,” she businesses and promotes equality. Leadership Conference in Tampa Bay BKN CEO Kevin Tydlaska-Dziedzic
says, “but I think we will probably stay in January. More than 175 supporters and this year we look to match added. “We look forward to seeing
“Everyone can’t have Pride in June and October,” attended the annual luncheon, the excitement with seven new this chamber continue to excel
Barnes adds. “We’ll have to evaluate after it’s over, see including St. Petersburg Mayor Rick educational programs, networking and impact our Tampa Bay LGBTQ
how everyone feels and go from there. Just come out Kriseman and Tampa Mayor Jane socials, events and so much more,” community.”
and have a good time.” Castor. The longstanding chamber he continued. “We truly are the
members discussed the state of only resource in Tampa Bay Area For more information about the Tampa Bay LGBT
Sarasota Pride 2020 will be held Jan. 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at J.D. equality in Tampa Bay, detailing advocating for the LGBT business Chamber of Commerce, its LGBTBE certification
Hamel Park. For more information, visit SarasotaPride.org. their dedication to diversity and community and dedicated to and future events, visit DiversityTampaBay.com.
inclusion for all. They were flanked expanding economic development To view a full photo gallery of the luncheon, visit
by presentations from chamber for the LGBT business community WatermarkOnline.com.
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watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 11state news
Florida Republicans introduce 4 anti-LGBTQ bills
Bondi named part of Samantha Neely repeal the protections that are Equality Act, banning conversion
Trump’s legal team currently in place for employers therapy nationwide and ensuring
H
to not discriminate against people that every LGBTQ+ person gets
ours before the 2020 for their sexual orientation or the gender-affirming health care
legislative deadline, gender identity. they need.”
Samantha Neely seven Florida Republican HCR 309, or “Equal Rights for Florida isn’t the only state that
lawmakers submitted four Men and Women” – and HB 537, has recently put forth anti-LGBTQ
F
anti-LGBTQ bills on Jan. 13. “Home Based Business” – could legislation. South Dakota, Missouri
ormer Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on Jan. 17
The lawmakers, which include legalize conversion therapy where and South Carolina all have bills that
was named a part of President Donald Trump’s legal
Rep. Anthony Sabatini, Sen. Dennis it has previously been banned. It would ban transgender-related care.
team for his impeachment trial.
Baxley, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. would also allow it to be performed These bills have caught the
Bondi will join the likes of former O.J. Simpson attorney
Michael Grant, Sen. Joe Gruters, within homes. attention of several local advocacy
Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, the former independent
Rep. Bob Rommel and Sen. Keith “It’s hard to believe that this is groups and many have released
counsel whose investigation of President Bill Clinton led to
Perry, introduced the bills that each a legislature where three LGBTQ statements on the bill.
his impeachment.
included a companion bill in the members are proudly and openly “This is the most overtly
Critics were quick to point out that Bondi, who is a
House and Senate. serving, but it is,” State Rep. Carlos anti-LGBTQ agenda from the Florida
longtime ally of Trump, is a highly controversial choice for
HB 1365, the “Vulnerable Child Guillermo Smith said in a tweet. Legislature in recent memory,”
his legal team considering the history the two share.
Protection Act,” would make it a “This is what it feels like to be kicked Equality Florida Public Policy
Bondi has an extensive anti-LGBTQ record as attorney
second-degree felony to provide in the gut by your colleagues. I am so Director Jon Harris Maurer said in
general. She filed a 40-page emergency petition with
certain medical care or treatments to utterly offended and disappointed.” a press release. “It runs the gamut
the Supreme Court to stop same-sex marriage in Florida
transgender children. Democratic presidential from openly hostile legislation that
and made several comments about the community,
According to Sabatini’s Facebook candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren would arrest and imprison doctors
such as saying that marriage is “a union between a man
post regarding the bill, he said, retweeted Smith’s commentary. for providing medically necessary
and a woman.”
“No parent should be allowed to “These bills would cause care, to legislation that would
Bondi has said that she believes Trump didn’t do
sterilize, castrate or permanently immense harm to LGBTQ+ Floridians carelessly erase critical local LGBTQ
anything wrong and Trump himself has called the
disfigure a child.” – especially children,” Warren protections.”
impeachment “totally partisan … a hoax.”
HB 305, or “Preemptions of wrote. “I’ll fight to protect LGBTQ+
Conditions of Employment,” would youth, including by passing the
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12 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .comnation+world news
in other news
White House, LGBTQ groups clash over regulations Bills seek to end kentucky
Chris Johnson of The Agriculture, the Labor Dept., Dept. If one measure of determining conversion therapy
of Homeland Security, the Dept. of whether or not a religious freedom Bills aimed at ending conversion therapy, which
Washington Blade, Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Agency for measure is anti-LGBTQ is testing out seeks change a person’s sexual orientation or
Courtesy of the National International Development, the Dept. it pleases anti-LGBTQ groups, the gender identity, have been introduced in Kentucky’s
of Health & Human Services, the results would come out as a “yes.”
LGBT Media Association Dept. of Education and the Dept. of Tony Perkins, president of the
Republican-dominated House and Senate. The proposals
would ban mental health professionals from engaging in
anti-LGBTQ Family Research Council,
F
Housing & Urban Development.
conversion therapy with people under age 18. It would
ollowing the release of new The Human Rights Campaign said Trump is “taking on the bullies”
also apply for adults who are under guardianship or those
regulations from the Trump (HRC) asserted in a statement that in a statement largely focused on the
the new regulations would “roll back new regulation ensuring teachers and who are wards of the state. Republican Sen. Alice Forgy
administration with the stated
existing protections for LGBTQ and parents can pray in schools. Kerr of Lexington, lead sponsor of the Senate measure,
intent of protecting the religious
other people seeking government Also hailing the measure was called the practice “conversion torture.” Democratic Rep.
freedom of federal grantees, LGBTQ
services and benefits.” Alliance Defending Freedom CEO Lisa Willner of Louisville, lead sponsor of the House bill,
groups and the White House are
locked in a dispute over whether they “The right to believe and to Michael Farris. He said the new denounced it as a “discredited and dangerous” practice.
enable anti-LGBTQ discrimination. exercise one’s faith is a core American regulations were based in part on the
President Trump unveiled the value. The right to discriminate anti-LGBTQ legal firm’s victory in the Uganda imam suspended
with taxpayer dollars is not,” HRC Trinity Lutheran case.
new regulations Jan. 16 at an event
President Alphonso David said. Rea Carey, executive director
for same-sex marriage
in observance of National Religious
White House Deputy Press of the National LGBTQ Task Force, Frank Mugisha, an LGBTQ rights activist who runs the
Freedom Day. The triage of measures
Secretary Judd Deere denied condemned the regulations at the group Sexual Minorities Uganda, says criticism of a local
are 1) Regulations from nine federal
agencies lifting regulations requiring the latest regulations enabled same time her organization was imam who unknowingly married a man in a Muslim
religious-affiliated federal grantees discrimination in a statement. “Are hosting its annual Creating Change ceremony highlights intolerance in the East African
to inform individuals seeking their these the same groups who function conference in Dallas, Texas. country. The imam, who says he did not know his partner
service of secular alternatives; 2) more like a campaign arm of the “The stated reason for the new was male, has been suspended from clerical duty and his
Guidance affirming First Amendment Democratic Party and have refused rules is to ‘remove burdens’ on partner has been charged with committing an “unnatural”
protections for prayer in schools; to credit the president with any providers, but serving women, offense. Mugisha said it was not clear whether the imam’s
and 3) An Office of Management & action he’s taken to protect LGBTQ people of color, religious minorities partner is transgender, one reason his group had decided
Budget memo ensuring religious Americans?” Deere asked. and LGBTQ people is not a burden,” not to release a statement regarding the case. Uganda has
organizations are eligible for grants. “The president believes in human Carey said. “Our communities attempted to enact life-threatening penalties targeting
It’s the first measure that has dignity for all and that no one no longer expect better from homosexuals, including death by hanging.
invoked the ire of LGBTQ rights should be discriminated against, this administration, yet every
including religious organizations time Trump attempts to remove
advocates. The nine agencies from
which the regulations came down and the LGBTQ community,” the support from those who need them anti-LGBTQ adoption bill
are the Justice Dept., the Dept. of statement continued. most, it causes both tangible and passes in tennessee
psychological harm.” In its first bill of the year, the Tennessee Senate approved
HB 836, which would allow adoption agencies to refuse
Belize Court of Appeal upholds sodomy law ruling
placement into LGBTQ homes on the basis of religious
objections. The Senate passed the bill 20-6. The bill,
sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose, prohibits requiring private
licensing child-placement agencies to participate in
Michael K. Lavers of The that any alienated section of society countries’ sodomy laws in court. child placement “that would violate the agency’s written
can stand on principle and can go The government of Trinidad and
Washington Blade, religious or moral convictions.” The Tennessee House
to court and use the fundamental Tobago has appealed a 2018 ruling
approved the legislation in April 2019 and following the
Courtesy of the National rights to ensure that the state leaves that declared the country’s sodomy
Senate bill’s passage, Gov. Bill Lee announced he would
no one behind,” said Orozco in a law unconstitutional.
LGBT Media Association statement after the Court of Appeal The Inter-American Commission sign the measure into law.
issued its ruling. on Human Rights last fall held a
Belize’s Court of Appeal has “Today is a renewal of hope in hearing in D.C. that focused on Brazil Supreme Court OKs
upheld a ruling that said the the substance of the chief justice’s challenges to Jamaica’s sodomy law. Netflix’s gay Jesus film
country’s colonial-era sodomy law decision in 2016, which still stands,” The three LGBTQ Barbadians
The president of Brazil’s Supreme Court issued an order
is unconstitutional. added Orozco. who have challenged their country’s
Jan. 9 allowing Netflix to continue streaming “The First
Belize Supreme Court Chief Justice OutRight Action International colonial-era statute brought their
Temptation of Christ,” a comedy depicting Jesus as a gay
Kenneth Benjamin in 2016 issued Deputy Executive Director Maria case to the commission. A decision
Sjodin noted to the Washington in their favor could have sweeping man. The special was produced by the Rio-based group
his ruling in a case against Section 53
Blade the Belize Supreme Court is the implications throughout the Porta dos Fundos, whose headquarters was bombed.
of the country’s Criminal Code that
first court in the English-speaking Caribbean, especially in countries “It is not to be assumed that a humorous satire has the
Caleb Orozco, a prominent LGBTQ
Caribbean to strike down a that continue to criminalize magic power to undermine the values of the Christian
activist in the Central American
country, brought. The Belizean colonial-era sodomy law. Activists consensual same-sex relations. faith, whose existence goes back more than two thousand
government challenged portions of throughout the region have said “We urge authorities in Belize to years,” Supreme Court President Jose Antonio Dias
Benjamin’s ruling, but the Court of Orozco’s case continues to resonate embrace and fully implement the Toffoli wrote in his decision. Porta dos Fundos said in a
Appeal upheld it. in their countries. ruling, and to work with civil society statement that it stands “against any act of censorship,
“I have proven as a citizen that LGBTQ people in Jamaica, to promote genuine equality for its violence, illegality, authoritarianism and all the things we
our fundamental rights have value Dominica, Barbados and St. Vincent LGBTIQ inhabitants,” Sjodin told no longer expected to have to repudiate in 2020.”
and can be upheld by our courts, and and the Grenadines in recent years the Blade.
have challenged their respective
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January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .comviewpoint
to be whoever I wanted 44-year-old, trans woman She talked me through and notating them. Metro,
to be in my bedroom who has never felt more the basics of Metro’s praise God, also works on
while “I Dreamed A alive and more comfortable services, treated me with a sliding fee schedule – so
Dream” onstage. in her own skin than being respect and care and we what you pay is based on
As my career progressed, able to say those words. So, are proceeding at my pace. what you make.
I started making a name for what does a girl do when she Now, let me tell you, I want
myself and was able to pick realizes that she needs to my Hormone Replacement So this is my journey.
the roles I wanted. It was put her mental health first? Therapy (HRT) and I want it I choose to be open, honest
about this time I was picked Quit her day job and make now! I also want my boobies and transparent because for
Beneva Fruitville to perform in an AIDS
benefit in drag, something
I had finally found my true self: a 44-year-old, trans
Picking Berry
I had only done onstage in
a musical. I was also asked
to pick a name for this woman who has never felt more alive and more
performance.
At the time, I was hired
comfortable in her own skin.
for the musical “Chicago”
in Sarasota. The rehearsals drag a full-time career! and I want them now! But, the first time I can pick who
All My World was a Stage were at a dance studio I clearly didn’t think that I am literally just beginning I really am – and this time,
located at the intersection out thoroughly. Jobs give my journey; just beginning I am Picking Berry.
I
of Beneva and Fruitville health insurance. No health the process of getting my
love musicals. In fact, Roads. Upon hearing that,
I said “Beneva Fruitville
insurance, no therapist. A
little lost and wondering
letter of support so that
I can begin HRT. Berry Ayers, aka Beneva Fruitville,
musical theater has been my … that sounds like a drag what my next step would In order to get approved has been honored for her
name!” My friends laughed be, friends told me to call for HRT you must have a theatrical roles and volunteerism.
hobby and lifelong career, a path and I suddenly had a Metro Inclusive Health. letter from your therapist She has performed onstage from
I chose after I saw the musical “A new nickname. Beneva I made an appointment explaining your dysphoria New York to Fiji and can be seen
on screen via Amazon Prime and
Fruitville it was! for an assessment and and we are working on that
Chorus Line” at 13 years old. In that Drag opened so many in December, I met my process now. Going through Sarasota’s Suncoast View.
one evening of music, dance, comedy doors for me, beginning new therapist. my past, defining examples
with guest performance of my specific dysphoria
and drama, I learned that performing spots. Within six months,
was not only a viable career – but I was hosting my own show.
I have since created the
one that I, Berry Ayers, absolutely longest-running theatrical
had to have. production in Sarasota
and occasionally co-host a
I grew up in church and sang my first solo at the daytime talk show for our
age of four with dreams of becoming the next Sandy ABC affiliate. It has also
Patti. That “Chorus Line” performance still hung in my been wonderful having
memory like the first time I saw Dorothy step out into a modicum of notoriety,
the colorful world of Oz, however; there were people something I dreamed about
on that stage talking about abuse, sex, hurt, anger, when I first sang that Sandy
power and ultimately, love. Patti song in church so
My life went from Sandi Patti to Patti Lupone, many years ago.
Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. I studied, Somewhere in the middle
worked hard, went to a performing arts high school of this journey, something
and I walked out of the Cincinnati Conservatory of changed in me. For so long
Music with an agent and a career. Performances I had chosen to be someone
Off-Broadway, in national tours, on cruise ships and in else – but intrinsically,
regional theater followed. without the Beneva persona
At first, the work I was getting was in the of being sexy, sassy and
ensemble; the townsfolk in River City or the dancing salacious – who was Berry?
waiters at the Harmonia Gardens. As a highly trained I tried self-medicating
and very serious actor, when I was dancing on the with drugs and alcohol.
“West Side Story” fire escapes of New York City, I was I played with the concept
asked to determine who my character was, what of gender fluidity. I also
his home life was like and what he wanted. Acting tried non-prescribed and
meant that you go on stage and become someone illegal hormones. Things
else. I didn’t have to be me; I could pick whoever got very dark, suicidal dark,
I wanted to be. and I resumed therapy.
At the age of nine, I was diagnosed with Manic I discovered that I was
Depressive Disorder with Suicidal Ideations. Other experiencing something
diagnoses through the years have been Bipolar called dysphoria, adding it
Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Severe to my previously stated list
Depression, PTSD, Anorexia, Bulimia and Body of diagnoses.
Dysmorphia. I am also an addict. Being me, all the In any case, I had finally
time, was not easy. Musical theater allowed me found my true self: a
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16 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .comtalking points
40%
Why are we celebrating her body?
Why does it matter? Why aren’t we
celebrating her music? ‘Cause it isn’t gonna
be awesome if she gets diabetes.
—Jillian Michaels talking about Lizzo on BuzzFeed News’ “AM to DM” Jan. 8
Taylor Swift, Janet Mock to be honored by
of those who GLAAD
T
identify
aylor Swift and writer-director-producer Janet Mock will
be honored at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards for their advocacy on
LGBTQ issues. Swift will receive the Vanguard Award, which is presented
to allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of
LGBTQ people. Mock will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, presented to an
LGBTQ media professional. Swift has become an outspoken proponent for the
Equality Act. Her “You Need To Calm Down” video also featured prominent LGBTQ
as male
celebrities. Mock, who wrote a book about her life as a transgender woman, is a
writer and director for Ryan Murphy’s “Pose,” about 1980s ballroom culture with
a large LGBTQ cast. She also signed a deal with Netflix in 2019 to produce content
50%
for the streaming service. They will be honored at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los
and Angeles on April 16.
Jake Gyllenhaal to Sundance aims for ‘Modern Family’ to
produce, star in film more movie critic bid farewell in April
version of ‘Fun Home’ diversity series finale
of those who “B A a
rokeback Mountain” Sundance Film Festival bc’s “Modern Family”
star Jake Gyllenhaal program designed to will air its finale
identify
will produce and star in increase diversity among after 11 seasons on April 8,
a film adaptation of “Fun Home,” media members covering the and there are no spin-offs in the
the Broadway musical based on annual event in Park City boomed works involving its large cast. Eric
Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel of in popularity in the initiative’s Stonestreet jokingly pitched one
the same name. Winner of the 2015 second year. For this year’s festival, featuring Cam and Mitch, the gay
Tony Award for Best Musical, “Fun 51 journalists were selected out of couple played by him and Jesse
Home” depicts Bechdel onstage at a pool of 319 applicants to receive Tyler Ferguson, after executive
as female
three different ages as she delves travel stipends provided in the producer Steven Levitan told a
into memories of her dysfunctional program. The chosen writers are TV critics meeting on Jan. 8 that
upbringing, especially those women (61%), LGBTQ (49%), nothing is planned. The show was
say they see gender surrounding her closeted father, minorities (84%) and people with an immediate hit and holds the
on a spectrum. in a home that also served as the
location for the family’s mortuary
disabilities (25%). The festival runs
Jan. 23–Feb. 2. Sundance officials
record with “Frasier” of five straight
Emmy Awards as television’s best
55% between ages 25-34 business. Gyllenhaal will take on the created the Press Inclusion Program comedy. Before the finale, ABC is
role of Bechdel’s father, Bruce. The in 2018 after a study by USC presenting a fan-curated tribute on
and 84% of LGBTQ people show’s original director, Sam Gold, Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative March 11. The network will kick
is on board to direct the film version showed that two-thirds of movie off the night in prime time with the
see gender on a spectrum. as well. Gyllenhaal will produce critics were white men. Netflix and series’ very first episode, followed
—Ipsos, a North American market research company through his company, Nine Stories the movie review website Rotten by favorite episodes that fans get to
Productions. Tomatoes are among organizations vote on next month.
backing the initiative.
watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 1718 watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com
T
he LGBTQ community
celebrated a milestone in 2019, the 50th
anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It was
an uprising born of exhaustion and fury over the
NYPD’s incessant raids on the LGBTQ bar.
Almost nightly, officers harassed and arrested Stonewall Inn patrons
simply for gathering at the Greenwich Village locale. Until June 28,
1969. That’s when LGBTQ patrons stood up and fought back, led by two
transgender women of color: Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
Not only were the riots intrepid but the protests served as a forceful
sign of activism yet to come; a catalyst for the civil rights we enjoy
today. The LGBTQ community now attends family-friendly parades
led by mayors proudly marching through their city streets and Bank
of America floats carrying LGBTQ and ally employees. Participants are
adorned in rainbow boas and glitter and follow routes protected by local
police departments.
LGBTQ and ally establishments are pridefully packed day and night
throughout the month, celebrating our identities and the benchmarks in
our social progression. While we still face oppression and discrimination
in today’s political climate, acceptance for LGB people is the new
overall norm.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual couples can marry across the nation, from
the expansive New York City to the tiniest town in blood red Texas. A gay
man can take his boyfriend to a work function and perform as a drag
queen on a Saturday night, all while serving in the U.S. military, and Ellen
DeGeneres is one of television’s biggest stars and a household name. For
many, it’s a beautiful time to be LGB – but what about the T?
Continued on pg. 21
watermark Your LGBTQ life. January 2 3 - F eb rua ry 5 , 2020 // Issue 27.02 wat e r m a r konline .com 19You can also read
