It’s been a whirlwind few months. My husband and I closed on our first home in April, moved into it as Tampa Pride returned in May and did our best to settle in as
St Pete Pride inspired events throughout June.
After Pride Month(s) ended, the U.S. also turned 245 – a birthday we hijacked to finally hold our housewarming party – and despite her many flaws, with the help of vaccinations, engaged voters and federal leadership, I don’t think she’s ever looked better. Our democracy is a tiring but ultimately worthwhile work in progress, not unlike a new house.
Which I can now confirm is at times an exhausting purchase, particularly when coupled with an influx of in-person events. But even with as tired as I am, I’m also very grateful.
That’s because while the last few months’ worth of activities have kept me from finishing every detail at home that I’ve wanted to, which I’ve learned we never actually will, it’s all been a welcome change of pace. If I never hop on Zoom as a form of entertainment again, it will still be too soon.
The conferencing platform was invaluable for staying connected with loved ones last year, but that call has long been dropped for me. Personally, nothing compares to hugging my friends again or sharing an in-person laugh with them while we’re out and about. On a professional level, it’s a thrill to reconnect with the community Watermark is here to serve.
My small talk may be a little rusty, something readers can likely attest if we’ve chatted during a recent outing or two, but covering the gatherings that unite our community has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. As a wise leader once said, we’re stronger together.
I was most recently reminded of that during St Pete Pride’s final weekend this June, which welcomed the LGBTQ community and our allies to North and South Straub Parks in Downtown St. Petersburg. Attendees were invited “to spend an evening along the beautiful bayside waterfront, enjoying picnics, musical performances and a fireworks display” to cap off PrideFest 2021.
That’s exactly what participants did, something I was lucky enough to experience firsthand. Every Pride is someone’s first and in watching people of all ages celebrate our community that evening, I’m certain the event was no exception. The pure joy I saw on the faces of families – chosen and non – was an important reminder of why celebrating our authentic selves is so important. You don’t get that on Zoom.
Various gatherings were held simultaneously and afterwards throughout Tampa Bay, from the Grand Central District to Pinellas Park, and from what I’ve seen they were all beautiful displays that our area and community should be very proud of. I know I am.
That kind of authenticity is the focal point of our new issue. We gathered transgender and nonbinary individuals from Tampa Bay and Central Florida to showcase how they’ve fully embraced who they are.
They reflected on their gender euphoria to do that, feelings which has been described as the satisfaction and joy that stem from loving one’s true self. It can mean many things, and does to a great deal of people, but these eight community members tell us what it represents to them.
We pair their thoughts with photos beautifully captured at The Snap House in Tampa and Wall Crawl in Orlando by Watermark’s creative designer and photographer Dylan Todd. The photoshoot was another gathering I was fortunate enough to experience in person, and I want to thank every participant for sharing their truth with readers and each studio for allowing us to utilize their space to do so.
In Tampa Bay news, we look back on Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried’s recent visit to St. Petersburg. The LGBTQ ally, who is the only statewide-elected Democrat and is also running for governor, officially recognized Pride Month in Florida.
She also named St Pete Pride President Nathan Bruemmer as Florida’s next LGBTQ Consumer Advocate, the second person to fill the position and the first who is transgender. Congratulations, Nathan.
Across the bridge, the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber welcomes its new board, and in state news, the Human Rights Campaign files a lawsuit against Florida’s discriminatory law targeting transgender youth. Further proving elections matter, we also examine the bill signed by President Joe Biden designating Pulse as a national memorial.
In Arts and Entertainment, “Another Gay Movie” scribe Todd Stephens discusses his new film “Swan Song.” Fan favorite entertainer Daphne Ferraro also reaches new heights with “Tall Tale,” her one-woman show.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
