We operate in two-week cycles here at Watermark. It’s a professional reality that can’t help but impact how we view our personal lives, at least in my own experience.
I find myself measuring the year in 14-day increments, just by default. That’s because when one issue wraps, we’re well underway on our work for whatever’s coming next. The news never stops.
It can be particularly challenging when one year ends and another begins. Sources and subjects aren’t as readily available in the months of December or January, but headlines won’t wait for the holidays.
It can present some unique obstacles when it comes to editorial coverage. Thankfully I’m pretty used to it, since this is the time of year I joined Watermark’s staff full time. Last month marked five years here, a milestone of which I’m incredibly proud. I freelanced before then, but officially came on board in Dec. 2017.
I’ve always had a much stronger grip on the English language than I have on math, but even I know that’s a lot of two-week cycles. It’s something I can’t help but reflect on as I write my first column of 2023, which prompted me to revisit my first ever from Jan. 2018.
“I’ve never made a New Year’s resolution – at least that I can remember,” I wrote. “It isn’t because I don’t hope for a better year than the last … It’s just something that never really occurs to me.”
That’s still true, though in recent years I’ve used my December birthday to make some significant life changes. I’m happy to report that last month marked four years without smoking and a full year of consistent trips to the gym. It’s never too late to make a positive change for yourself.
“There’s nothing wrong with people making resolutions,” I added and still believe. “It works for some and that’s wonderful. I try to make every day the best it can be, so an over-arching 365-day look-ahead just doesn’t do it for me.”
Also still true, albeit a little warm and fuzzy. It can be difficult to think about 365 days at a time when your life is compartmentalized into 14-day increments, but it’s something I wouldn’t change.
These last five years have been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to personally thank the late Matthew Shepard’s father Dennis for his family’s advocacy, shake Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s hand, gotten an “Oh Myyy” from “Star Trek” legend George Takei and reflected on the LGBTQ legacy of “The Little Mermaid” with Ariel herself. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world.
There have been highs and lows, but one thing that’s never waivered is my love for the work I’m fortunate enough to do. My love for what Watermark does and the local individuals and organizations we’re able to cover.
Watermark is your LGBTQ news source. Not mine, not the staff’s, yours. We exist to amplify LGBTQ voices throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida and present our community’s interests, and it’s my honor to play any kind of role in that. Especially in Florida.
The last few years have often been grim for LGBTQ Floridians. There have been a lot of two-week cycles dedicated to coverage of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ first term, which he largely utilized to target and attack our community.
Those attacks will only be bolstered this year by his presidential ambitions and the Florida Legislature’s Republican supermajority, so it’s more important than ever that we rely on one another. Our stories matter and deserve to be told.
In this issue we speak with someone who fully understands that, L Morgan Lee. She made history last year by becoming the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Tony Award for “A Strange Loop.”
The “big, Black and queer-ass Great American Musical” closed on Broadway Jan. 15 after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. It’s an honor few shows can boast, among them “RENT” and “Hamilton.” Lee, who originated one of its principal roles, reflects on her experience and what she hopes comes next.
We also speak with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Dancing with the Stars” alum Shangela, who made history of her own last month by attending a White House event in drag. She discusses that and more ahead of her “Fully Lit Tour” coming to Orlando next month.
Also in Central Florida, an Orange County school board member requests the reinstatement of an anti-transgender policy in schools. In Tampa Bay news, we highlight Zoie’s, a place for everyone.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. Thank you for an amazing five years and I hope each of you stay safe, stay informed and enjoy this latest issue.
