One of the interesting things about my position as Tampa Bay Bureau Chief, a self-enforced rule more so than a mandated one, is that I work diligently to check many of my personal positions at the door.
It isn’t always easy when you’re writing a column. This space exists so that we’re able to connect with readers; so that to a certain extent you’re able to know us as we work to know you. I’m thankful to have this column for that reason, even if it’s the most self-scrutinized thing that I write, because I care deeply about our community.
I consider myself lucky to serve it, in Tampa Bay and beyond, and I want as many people to know that as possible. It can just get a little tricky as a journalist.
Journalism was one of my first true loves and remains my passion today. The written word is one of humanity’s most powerful tools, whether it’s being used to entertain or empower, and a free press dedicated to impartial truth is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. We should all fight for it, and against those who would threaten it.
Through all of their faults and long before they inspired Broadway ballads and bops, our Founding Fathers agreed. It was Thomas Jefferson, our nation’s third president who often found himself at odds with the journalists of his day, who succinctly summarized in 1823 that “the only security of all is in a free press.”
“The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right,” he also wrote in 1787. “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
My personal hero Stan Lee, a founding father of a different variety, popularized another phrase. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he wrote in “Spider-Man.” It’s a mantra that reinforces my desire to detail many of my personal positions sparingly to amplify my objectivity, particularly in Watermark’s pages.
That’s because it’s my duty to accurately and independently detail issues impacting the LGBTQ community and the allies we serve. In all that we do here, facts come first – and so I choose my words carefully.
With that said, I’m imploring our community to help carefully choose something else on March 17: the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. A candidate who, in November, will fight to make Donald Trump a one-term president and begin to repair the four years of damage he’s done to the free press, our community and this country as a whole.
Watermark doesn’t endorse candidates and I won’t personally go to “War” over who I think would have been the most qualified to become our next commander-in-chief from this election cycle; she could have been anyone running. Instead, I’ll simply say that whomever you support, do so wholeheartedly.
Just do it knowing that the Democratic candidates left standing on the ballot will ultimately be a welcome relief in November, even if your personal favorite doesn’t get the nomination. Vote not just for yourself, but for the most vulnerable among us. Your community and your country need you.
We focus on another 2020 race in this issue: the Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence, or the WAVEs. Tampa Bay and Central Florida responded in record numbers to recognize the best of the best in LGBTQ and ally activism, entertainment and more, and we’re proud to present your Top 3 favorites in nearly 50 categories.
Many of the individuals that you chose are highlighted throughout our coverage, beginning with our cover. It features Music Director Jeremiah Cummings, Senior Pastor Rev. Elder Dr. Candace Shultis and Associate Pastor Gina Durbin of King of Peace MCC, the WAVE Award winner for Favorite Local Faith-Based Establishment; Favorite Local Stage Performer and Musician Alyssa, Favorite Local DJ Mike Sklarz and Nate Taylor, representing Favorite Local Health Care Facility and Most Effective Nonprofit Metro Inclusive Health.
They were photographed by Watermark’s Dylan Todd, winner for Favorite Local Photographer, in front of “Pride & Love,” painted by artists Jay Hoff and Chad Mize, winner for Favorite Artist. The mural is found in the Grand Central District, St. Petersburg’s traditional “gayborhood,” the winner for Favorite Local Shopping/Entertainment District.
On a personal note, I want to thank readers for naming me this year’s Favorite Local Writer/Journalist in Tampa Bay. I’m so very grateful to do what I love and I couldn’t do it without your support of the free press, Watermark and our advertisers. I’m honored to have received your vote; please remember to cast another March 17 for the candidate of your choice.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue, and congratulations to all of this year’s WAVE Award winners!
