Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and original RENT stars joined CAN Community Health to mark World AIDS Day. The event raised funds to help break down barriers to care for those living with HIV.

Our annual Remarkable People issue is here, highlighting 10 local activists who made a difference in 2025. Hear about their work and impact, catch up on the latest news, views and more in the latest issue of Watermark Out News.

Our annual Remarkable People Issue is here, highlighting 10 local advocates who made a difference in 2025. We detail their impact on LGBTQ+ Central Florida and Tampa Bay, share local news, views and more. Read the digital edition here!

Radio duo Miguel and Holly are back with "Miguel & Holly Mornings" on Mix 100.7 starting Jan. 5, 2026! Miguel Fuller said, "Returning to Tampa Bay feels like stepping back into the place where my life truly started.

In the final Publisher's Desk of 2025, Rick Todd states, "We must be visible and we must show up." He predicts LGBTQ+ voters will make a change in the 2026 Congress election.

The Remarkable People issue hits newsstands today, our annual list of local changemakers who have made the LGBTQ+ community a better place this year. Tampa Bay's Shannon Moore and Joana "JoJo" Cardoso-Moore cover our Tampa Bay edition.

The Remarkable People issue hits newsstands today, our annual list of local changemakers who have made the LGBTQ+ community a better place this year. Orlando's Kassanndra M. Santiago covers our Central Florida edition.

CAN Community Health marked World AIDS Day Dec. 1 with “No Day But Today,” a sold-out benefit for the Susan Terry Foundation featuring Alexander Zenoz & The Birds of Paradise and headlined by RENT stars Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal. Read more and view photos at shorturl.at/FqyBt.

Rick Todd and Jeremy Williams hit episode 148 with Stranger Things binges, Thanksgiving adventures and a jaw-dropping night at The Metropolitan Opera. Then it’s on to "Heated Rivalry," the wildly horny hockey romance that’s somehow both terrible and addictive.

Please join us in wishing Editor-In-Chief Ryan Williams-Jent a very happy birthday. Thank you for all that you do!

The Victory Institute is set to honor former President Joe Biden for achieving "the most LGBTQ+ inclusive administration in U.S. history." The honor will be presented at the Institute’s annual International Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

Rejecting the use of religion as a weapon, leaders of 10 major faith organizations affirmed the "full spectrum of gender," stating, "Let it be known instead that our beloveds are created in the image of God — Holy and whole.”

Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Jimmie “Jay” Lee, who was known for his creative expression and drag performances. Herrington's initial trial resulted in a mistrial when the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Don't miss your chance to see Sarah Brightman at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 7! Watermark Out News is giving away 2 tickets to see the legendary soprano, but the giveaway closes at 12pm today. Enter to win here!

Central Florida and Tampa Bay will sashay onto RuPaul's Drag Race Jan. 2. Its 18th season will feature St. Petersburg's Discord Addams and Orlando's Myki Meeks. Read more about Myki Meeks at shorturl.at/oxA83 and Discord Addams at shorturl.at/6BB8s.

Orlando entertainer Myki Meeks will compete on the next season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The theatrical powerhouse said: “I know what I can do.”

Tampa Bay entertainer Discord Addams will compete on the next season of RuPaul's Drag Race. "All hail the Queen of Punk," the series announced.

The award-winning Watermark Out News Q-Health Guide is back for 2025! 🏆 This comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ Central Florida and Tampa Bay includes expert interviews, news on a breakthrough HIV medication, and more. Read the guide online at shorturl.at/lu55U.

December's schedule also features multiple new LGBTQ+ holiday romances, including Hallmark's "The Christmas Baby" and "A Keller Christmas Vacation," starring Jonathan Bennett. Other anticipated titles include the mystery "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" and the drama "Hamnet."

Mustafa El Mahmoud, made multiple passes at the group and drove recklessly before fleeing. Officers later located him in a downtown parking garage, where he was taken into custody without incident.

For the first time since 1988, the White House did not commemorate World AIDS Day. The HRC reports that funding reductions have driven prevention resources "to historic lows," stripping support from critical programs.

Radio Korea faces backlash after a host made homophobic comments, including endorsing conversion therapy. Activist Nathan Ramos-Park said such comments "embolden" people with misinformation, potentially perpetuating "violence against queer people.”

From major fundraising wins to challenging community closures, here are your top 5 headlines from last week. We detail the Equality Florida Tampa Gala raising $719,000, the permanent closing of Kurt's Place in Tampa, and the rise of trans-led safe spaces.

The judge found the posts "deeply unpleasant" but not harassment, though Linehan was found guilty of criminal damage for breaking the activist's phone.

St. Petersburg, Florida Mayor Ken Welch has appointed Nathan Bruemmer as the city's next LGBTQ+ liaison. The longtime advocate is the first transgender liaison for the city.

Souvik Saha of People for Change says that the new policy means, "For the first time, transgender persons will have a recognized and respectful space within the public health system."

Despite rapidly increasing public and business support, the Tokyo High Court upheld the ban on same-sex marriage. Japan is the only G7 nation that still does not recognize same-sex unions or offer legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples.

Today is World AIDS Day. Since 1988, this global health day has been a chance to unite against HIV, support those living with the virus, and honor the memory of those lost to AIDS. Read more at bit.ly/3UoiHg5.

The Pentagon's move to sever ties with Scouting America specifically cites the organization’s new "genderless" policy and promotion of DEI. If finalized, it ends a decades-long partnership that provided support to the National Jamboree.

Get ready for flirty holiday tunes! David Archuleta on his new EP My Only Wish: "I wanted to write holiday music that was more in the space of where I'm at in life. I wanted it to be fun and flirty." He is playing select live shows in December. Read more at watermarkoutnews.com/2025/11/26/d...

Amid rising hostility, trans-led organizations like Ripple Hauxs (Orlando) and TransMasc of Tampa are building vital community. Stxph Viana, founder of Ripple Hauxs, says, "BIPOC, trans and LGBTQ folks especially in Central Florida right now are needing and craving community."

Despite the news, GLSEN leadership pledged to continue the fight for trans and queer youth, affirming, "We will continue that work in our personal capacities."

The Renaissance Theatre Company has secured a short-term lease at the former Mad Cow Theatre space. The company will open the temporary venue with two major productions: "The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show" in December, followed by the musical "Mean Girls" in January.

PFLAG Tampa answers a parent's question on finding "resilience" after the solemn Transgender Day of Remembrance. The column details how community, conversation and consistent small resets help keep memory, dignity and love alive.

Watermark Out News is giving away tickets to see RuPaul's Drag Race alums Gottmik and Violet Chachki bring their high-glam showdown to Florida. Enter for your chance to catch the tour in Orlando Dec. 4 or Tampa Dec. 5! We will draw a winner Dec. 1 at noon.

The "Wonderful World of Wanzie" column is back in Watermark Out News! Michael Wanzie asks anti-Trump voters to keep up the momentum to save democracy, but he promises a chuckle after, involving a giant dog and a 12-pound turkey.

The world’s biggest-selling soprano returns to Florida and Watermark is giving away a pair of tickets! Sarah Brightman brings her new Christmas spectacle to the Dr. Phillips Center on Dec. 7. We will draw a winner Dec. 3 at noon, so enter now for your chance to win.

A judge reduced the initial charge of interfering with a traffic device to criminal mischief. Their lawyer noted police watched as vehicles performed burnouts on the crosswalk after a prior chalking arrest without interference.

Board member Ronald A. Snider questioned the Alabama Public Library Service chairman's actions following the vote, asking if he was "becoming censor-in-chief" of the state.

The Joy Ride completed its 165-mile trek from Orlando to St. Petersburg, raising an initial total of $282,431 in its second year. The funds will support Broward House, Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) - St. Petersburg, MIRACLE OF LOVE INC. and Pridelines.

A lawsuit is challenging Tennessee's new statewide school voucher program, which directs nearly $150 million to private schools. Plaintiffs argue the law is unconstitutional and note that participating private schools are allowed to discriminate based on criteria like LGBTQ+ status.

The U.S. Coast Guard reversed its controversial policy reclassifying swastikas as "potentially divisive." Following backlash and safety concerns, the agency restored the symbols as prohibited hate symbols and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy.

Kurt's Place, which began operating at the former City Side Lounge less than four months ago in Tampa, permanently closed to the public Nov. 23.

A class-action lawsuit, backed by the ACLU, challenges the White House policy that bars trans and intersex federal employees from using restrooms aligned with their gender.

David Archuleta says he has gained "more attitude as a performer," noting he is tired of holding back his sensual feelings. Learn how this shift impacts his music, including "Earthly Delights" and "My Only Wish." Read the full interview in the latest issue of Watermark Out News!

Though barred from top roles in the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, advocates vow to persist. The Women's Ordination Conference executive director calls the movement a "symbol of resistance."

FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi are named defendants in the lawsuit. The suit alleges the firing of the veteran employee over an LGBTQ+ flag violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights.

Glenn Woods and Keith Herbrand have been together for 40 years and have worked as business partners for 24 of those. Their pairing created the Pottery Boys, which specializes in handmade, one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pottery.

PFLAG National honored U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) with the 2025 PFLAG National Champion of Justice award during its annual event. Waters was praised for her support for the LGBTQ+ community. “Discrimination has no place in our laws,” Waters said.

U.S. Reps. Sarah McBride and Brian Fitzpatrick reintroduced the Global Respect Act in the House Nov. 20. The bill aims to sanction foreign officials responsible for anti-LGBTQ+ abuses, including torture and arbitrary detention.