There are so many things I love about working at Watermark, first and foremost connecting with our community. Our stories are valid, they matter and a free and independent LGBTQ press ensures they’re told.
That’s more important than ever, especially here in Florida. With one foot in the governor’s mansion and the other on “Fox & Friends,” Ron DeSantis has used his first term to wage war on almost every minority in the state – especially the LGBTQ community – for political points.
He’s also adopted other moves from Donald Trump’s playbook, including a high-profile attack on the press last month. It seems clearer than ever that DeSantis wants to follow in his idol’s footsteps, and like the Republican Party is waiting with open arms with eyes on the White House.
The governor’s attack on the press drew national attention, in part for its absurdity. The “Top Gov” released an ad in the vein of “Top Gun,” in which DeSantis – who served in the Navy as a military lawyer – bills himself as Tom Cruise’s Maverick from the classic film and its recent sequel.
It opens on “Freedom Headquarters,” allegedly Florida, as DeSantis likens an aerial battle between fighter jets to “fighting the corporate media.” He completes his cosplay by zipping himself into a flight suit, strolling through a tarmac and sitting in the cockpit of a jet, helmet and all. Clips of him proudly berating journalists play throughout.
The ad is disturbing on a number of levels, but I think the Democratic National Committee summarized why best.
“While Floridians struggle with sky-high housing prices and unaffordable health care costs, GOP Governor Ron DeSantis is putting out cringey ads about his grievances with the media instead of addressing the needs of his constituents,” they responded. “DeSantis is no ‘Top Gov’ – he’s Top Dud.
“DeSantis has failed to meet his constituents’ needs,” the DNC continued. “This political stunt is just the latest example of his inability to govern. The people of Florida deserve better from their leaders.”
We do, and it’s worth noting that the only way to get better leadership in this state is to vote. DeSantis knows that, which is why he released the ad on the eve of Aug. 23 – Florida’s primary – when not enough people did.
Of Pinellas County’s 690,520 registered voters, only 219,390 ballots were cast for a turnout of 31.77%. 229,064 ballots were counted from Hillsborough County, or 25.2% of its 908,954 registered voters.
Tampa Bay and Florida at large will need to do better in the general election if we want better.
I know I do, so please make sure you and everyone else you know is registered and ready to vote at Vote.org. Members of the LGBTQ community and our allies can make a tremendous difference Nov. 8, but only if we show up.
We detail other ways members of our community are making a difference for National Hispanic Heritage Month this issue. LGBTQ Latinx activists share how they’re making a difference throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida.
In Tampa Bay news, we preview the second annual Pride on the River, Tampa Pride’s kickoff to the organization’s 2023 season. In Central Florida, we detail the return of the Orlando Strong Symposium.
Equality Florida’s political action committee also endorses Charlie Crist for governor in State News, calling him “a proven champion of LGBTQ equality” and clear contrast to DeSantis.
This issue’s arts and entertainment coverage includes a personal and professional highlight for me, an interview with Disney Legend Jodi Benson. Among other roles, she voiced Ariel in 1989’s “The Little Mermaid,” the first film I remember seeing as a child and undoubtedly the first to have an impact on my life.
Like so many people in and outside of the LGBTQ community, “The Little Mermaid” helped shape who I am today. As a little gay boy growing up in poverty, the movie gave me the courage to find my voice, showing me that I could reach for more in life and get it. Just like Ariel.
I was given the opportunity to tell Benson that directly, something I’ll never forget or take for granted. She was everything I wanted her to be; Ariel herself proved that sometimes you really should meet your idols.
Benson discusses the film, its numerous ties to the LGBTQ community and her new book in our interview. We also preview the hit musical “SIX” this issue, which plays in Orlando next month and visits Tampa in November.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
