What a difference a year makes. It’s a cliche statement – one I’ve used a few times over the years, especially as a Britney superfan circa 2007 – but it’s never felt more accurate to me than it does now.
That’s because even as we find ourselves barreling toward the end of March 2021, I’m still processing March 2020. I imagine that’s the case with a lot of folks who have found themselves reflecting on their last “normal” day, week or month, whenever it was.
I remember mine vividly, and how drastically it changed March 11 when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The word was not one “to use lightly or carelessly,” the organization shared.
“It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death,” its leadership continued. “This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus … we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action. We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.”
At the time, WHO noted that there were more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, with more than 4,291 deaths. Thousands more were already fighting for their lives in hospitals around the world, the implications of which I grossly underestimated.
That’s because very little felt different in our Tampa Bay household last March. My husband and I had loved ones visiting from both Ohio and Michigan and spent the first half of the month in large groups enjoying various tourist traps and events. All without masks or hand sanitizer.
Watermark was also hard at work producing our in-depth coverage for Tampa Pride 2020, then-slated to welcome 60,000 people to Ybor on March 28. After WHO’s announcement, it seemed unlikely that would be possible – at least for a few weeks or at the absolute most, months.
It was ultimately pushed out more than a year to protect the public. Tampa Pride postponed its celebration March 13 and Watermark’s coverage was immediately repurposed to focus on the mounting coronavirus concerns in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, reporting which continues today.
On a personal level, that Friday evening also became the last time my closest friends and I all gathered together in person. Weekends for the rest of the year were pretty tame, and for us are still largely spent connecting with one another from home via virtual game nights.
It’s been an adjustment, particularly for every passing birthday, holiday or almost any other special occasion in which we’ve seen each other on screen. While we’ve supported restaurants and businesses via other means when possible, we’ve essentially dialed into every “outing” we’ve had. It’s kept all of us safe and I’m thankful for that, but the Zoom fatigue is real.
Thankfully, I can see a light at the end of the call. That’s because as fate would have it, I was able to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine exactly one year after my last “normal” night out.
My eligibility via medical waiver came as a bit of a surprise, and I struggled with whether or not to pursue receiving a vaccine given my age. After my doctor confirmed my high risk, I decided to move forward to protect not only myself but everyone around me.
I’m incredibly thankful to have begun the process, which seems somewhat odd since it’s because I have asthma. It marked the first time the diagnosis was a benefit in my 36 years, but I’m proud to have done my part. It’s my hope that everyone receives their vaccination as soon as they’re able, and that we all do our best to stay safe until then.
In this issue we focus on LGBTQ and ally businesses which have tried to do that since last March, proving what a difference a year makes in industries heavily impacted by COVID-19 closures and concerns. Tampa Bay’s Community Café, GayStPete House and Tampa Theatre as well as Central Florida’s MojoMan Swimwear & Clothing and Ranger’s Pet Outpost and Retreat detail their roads to recovery.
In Tampa Bay news, PFLAG Riverview marks its COVID-conscious first year. Project Pride also unveils the nonprofit’s plans to install a historic LGBTQ street mural in Sarasota.
Over in Central Florida, the Orlando Gay Chorus hits the stage for the first time since the pandemic. Moving to Tallahassee, Equality Florida prepares to fight for transgender youth in the state legislature.
In Arts and Entertainment, TikTok sensation Heather Shaw talks her unique brand of comedy. The new Avant-Garde theatre company Off Kilter also launches its first St. Petersburg production.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
