Strong female figures have always resonated with me. I know that may not be a unique or surprising statement for a gay man to make, but it’s no less true.
I’ve been drawn to them my entire life, beginning with my mother. It was just the two of us during most of my formative years, when she showed me it’s possible to be resilient, resourceful and still lead with your heart.
My grandmother was the same way, another shining example that love is a strength, not a weakness. I’m forever grateful for every lesson they taught me about working to be kind, decent and just in a world that often isn’t.
Another of my favorites is my sister. We didn’t grow up together but reconnected in my late teens, quickly making up for lost time. Insightful, loving and hilarious, she’s the kind of person you always want in your corner. Literally. I wish she’d move to Florida.
I’ve known even more that have had a profound impact on me – aunts, cousins and other family, chosen and not – but there are plenty I couldn’t possibly meet that have stuck with me. Mainly because I’ve always been a pop (and sometimes not-so-pop) culture junkie, with a strong admiration for books, television and film.
Disney princesses like Ariel, Belle, Jasmine and Tiana come to mind — another unsurprising take, I realize — and of course, Princess-turned-General Leia Organa from “Star Wars.” I’m a sucker for space, so “Star Trek” staples Lt. Uhura, Dr. Crusher and Cdr. Troi are also a must.
Nerd alert, I know, but I’d be remiss not to also mention the “X-Men.” The cartoon and comic book were two of my earliest loves. Despite the name, the team’s most Marvelous members have always been its women; it doesn’t get better than Jean Grey, Rogue or Storm.
Not all heroes wear capes, of course, unless they’re in fashion. I remember being introduced to one of mine in particular at around eight or nine years old, a female figure I was captivated by from the moment I saw her.
She was outspoken. She was unapologetic. She was intriguing and kind. She was also one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen. She just happened to be a man in a wig.
RuPaul fascinated me. I remember watching the music video for “Supermodel (You Better Work)” in toe-tapping awe, convinced that her brand of camp and charm was a new gold standard. For a lot of folks it’s certainly become that, especially those on the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” payroll; the reality competition has become a cultural phenomenon since its 2009 premiere.
Things were different in the early ‘90s, for the show’s namesake and certainly for me. I was a child, for one, and it was still years before I understood we were both gay men. I just appreciated RuPaul’s artistry for what it was: powerful and unique. Like I said, strong female figures have always resonated with me.
It was the drag legend’s authenticity that drew me in, obvious even under the makeup, hair and heels. She’s famously said over the years that we’re all born naked and the rest is drag and she’s a perfect example of that.
Her aura shines through in and outside of the artform, and while she’s had a less than inclusive record at times, there’s no denying she’s a trailblazer who’s ready to learn. I admire that.
Years after its 1995 publication, I devoured RuPaul’s autobiography “Lettin’ It All Hang Out.” In it, she shares that “some of the most unforgettable women in the world… are men.” I couldn’t agree more.
It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately as Republican outrage targets drag around the country. Here in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has even set his sights on venues for hosting family friendly shows like “A Drag Queen Christmas.”
It’s ridiculous and transparent, a culture war designed to elevate the governor’s presidential ambitions. It’s time for each of us to stand up for those in drag, and we don’t even need heels to do it. So many of them have certainly stood up for our entire community over the years.
In this issue we speak with equality-focused organizations and lawmakers fighting back against anti-LGBTQ animus in the state. They preview what LGBTQ and ally Floridians can expect from the 2023 legislative session, which starts next month with a Republican supermajority.
In Tampa Bay news, we look back on Florida Entertainer of the Year, detail ReadOut: A Festival of LGBTQ Literature and Metro Inclusive Health CEO Lorraine Langlois announces her retirement. DeSantis’ attacks on drag and the LGBTQ community are detailed in Central Florida and State News.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Please stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
