I’ve always considered myself an extroverted introvert, both someone who can thrive as the center of attention and someone who desperately wants to avoid the spotlight. It’s all about context.
The years I spent as a corporate trainer for a medical company are a prime example of that. I was drawn to the role for the same reason I love being a journalist: I have a strong desire to inform.
It made training a fantastic fit. Watching people with a longing to learn come to understand something is incredibly rewarding – I loved helping them grasp the unknown and could easily lead a presentation for hundreds without breaking a sweat.
I still could, depending on the situation. I could easily discuss the importance of the free press, particularly its battle against tyranny on Twitter or why LGBTQ outlets like Watermark are essential. Likewise, I could share a dissertation about how easy it is to wear a mask around other people in public or to only walk one way down an aisle in Publix. It’s all about preparation.
The unexpected spotlight is what paralyzes me. It’s why I’ve always hated audience Q&As after live theater and have spent years avoiding drag queens with microphones. The prospects of being called on stage or asked an impromptu question have always horrified me.
Like the rest of the world, it’s not an issue I’ve had to dread for several months now. The mounting death toll resulting from COVID-19 has crippled communities and out of necessity, brought the majority of social interactions to a standstill.
For the most part I’ve leaned heavily on my introverted side. I’ve completed a puzzle that was collecting dust, devoured a novel I instantly longed to read and after two decades rediscovered my rad love for rollerblading.
I even started baking, which has resulted in fewer falls. While I’m more of a Cheez-It guy, the relaxation from making sweets from scratch has been a surprising delight. I’m finally putting the Kitchen Aid I bought my husband a few years ago to use and since he’s practically the Cookie Monster, he’s enjoyed it too. C is for Cookie and that’s good enough for marriage.
Of all the joys I’ve managed to find or hold onto in these troubling times, the one I’ve valued the most has been virtual conferences with loved ones. From chatting with my mom in Ohio to game nights with our friends-turned-family in Florida, my husband and I have been fortunate enough to stay connected with those we love, some of whom we’ve seen more regularly as of late.
I’ve tried not to forget how fortunate we are to have that option, and it was through our chats that I realized I’d begun taking something for granted. Their sustainability.
About a month ago, a friend who works in the medical field raised a point that my introverted side hadn’t yet begun to consider. He shared that we may need to return to the real world before we’re necessarily ready to do so, as society has in the face of other life-threatening pandemics. Long before COVID-19’s eradication, we would have to learn to live with it.
I now believe we’re nearing that time – and as various stay-at-home orders are lifted across the country, there are others who feel they’re already living in it and more who feel they’re nowhere near ready to begin. It’s critical that we find a way to move forward with these different perspectives together and the best way to do that is with a little empathy.
Business owners aren’t reopening their livelihoods to hurt the people who are reluctant to patronize them, and those who aren’t yet ready to venture out don’t want those businesses to fail. Be kind to one another.
I’m not sure what our new normal will look like going forward, but I know it doesn’t involve never seeing our loved ones in person again. I also know it doesn’t involve this summer looking anything like last year’s. The science tells us that it shouldn’t – and thankfully our community is listening, which is the focus of this issue’s in-depth coverage.
As we enter June, we examine a new kind of LGBTQ Pride month, one that’s just as proud but without the crowd. Organizations from around the world share details about numerous virtual events coming to a screen near you.
In Tampa Bay news, we check in with one of those organizations as St Pete Pride postpones in-person festivities this year. In Central Florida, the LGBT+ Center is vandalized and in arts and entertainment, we chat with American Stage and freeFall Theatre in Tampa Bay . We also listen to Orlando singer Billy Mick’s debut album.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you stay safe and enjoy this latest issue.
