Editor’s Desk: Puppy Power!

As an LGBTQ+ American, it’s hard not to dwell on every setback facing our community and country right now. As a journalist, it’s even harder not to write about it when you have a column.

However, I promised myself this space wouldn’t exclusively focus on Washington, D.C.’s disarray because it’s not healthy for anyone’s mental health to fixate on Donald Trump. So I wanted to share some of the ways I’m finding cheer amongst the chaos, in hopes that it might help other folks remember to do the same.

If you’re like me, the joy is always there — I have a wonderful personal and professional life, which I try not to take for granted — but it can take some effort to focus on sometimes. One trick I’ve found lately is to make it impossible not to.

We got a puppy:

Frankie joined our furever family on Jan. 25. Our little girl is a Pomsky, a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian, and she’s every bit the adorable hurricane that sounds like, who managed to sit still long enough for Watermark Out News Creative Designer to graciously take the photos above.

I’ve exclusively been a dog person for most of my life, but she’s only the third I’ve owned as an adult. I grew up with dogs and have loved almost every single one I’ve ever met, but I just never wanted the responsibility myself.

That changed when I started dating my husband, who was a package deal with Riverboat, a tiny Pomeranian with more heart than any dog I’ve ever known. I joked for years that he’s the reason we got married, because there was just no living without him.

We lost him at 13 last October, a heartbreak our household will never forget, but I’m thankful for the 11 years we had together. He was also instrumental in raising his best buddy, the first puppy I ever owned: our Jack Russell mix Howard, who turned 10 last month but remains my baby.

One of the coolest things about Frankie was watching him go from being Riverboat’s little brother to her big one. She’s helped heal all of our hearts after such an unimaginable loss and I’m so thankful. If you can get a puppy to get through the next four years, I highly recommend it.

Coming together as a community has also significantly helped me find joy, like during last month’s Winter Pride. The inaugural event was held Feb. 16-23.

We’re lucky to have so many LGBTQ+-focused outings in Tampa Bay — like Tampa Pride, TIGLFF, Come OUT St. Pete and St Pete Pride, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration — and it was a wonderful addition to the pack. I witnessed and experienced LGBTQ+ joy at every event I attended.

Watermark Out News also held our inaugural WONDER Awards celebration Feb. 28. Formerly the WAVE Awards, readers recognized Tampa Bay’s diversity, excellence and resilience in 60 categories.

I want to thank emcee Veronica Foxx, DJ Mike Sklarz, the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Equality Florida’s Alex Quinto, Mr. Gripp, Robert Rigsby and Jobsite Theater’s Colleen Cherry for sharing your talent and voices, and Cocktail for hosting us. It really was a WONDERful night.

I also want to thank our readers for voting me as your Favorite Local Writer/Journalist this year. I’m so thankful to do what I love and it wouldn’t be possible without your support.

Outside of puppies and parties, this Marvel fan has found comfort in superheroes. I thoroughly enjoyed “Captain America: Brave New World” on the big screen and “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” at home, and Disney+’s “Daredevil: Born Again” is off to a thrilling start.

I’ve also read quite a bit of fiction thanks to our local library system. I got my card last year and whether you’re a casual or avid reader, I can’t recommend doing the same enough.

I recently finished “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow,” a love letter to gaming and friendship, and I’m about to start “The House in the Cerulean Sea.” A friend told me it’s an LGBTQ+-inclusive series akin to “Harry Potter,” something magic without J.K. Rowling’s bigotry.

Having an escape is important but so is advocacy. That’s why we detail how local advocates are standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in Tallahassee this month at Pride at the Capitol and the Let Us Live March. We speak with lawmakers and organizers about how we can all make a difference.

In Tampa Bay news, Love the Golden Rule announces their inaugural fashion fundraiser and Kurt’s Place moves into City Side Lounge. We also detail Tampa Pride 2025 in our Pride in Tampa magazine, available in Tampa Bay print editions and on our website.

Watermark Out News is proud to be your LGBTQ+ news source. Please stay informed, support those who support you and enjoy this latest issue.