Joe Reberkenny via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NationNewsDepartment of JusticeDonald TrumpFDAJ.D. Vancekaren loewyken paxtontexasTexas Children's Hospital
Justice Department in D.C. (Washington Blade photo by Joe Reberkenny) The Justice Department announced May 15 that it has reached a settlement with Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals. Under the agreement, the hospital will pay more than $10 million in damages and civil penalties related to its provision of gender-affirming […]
(Photo via Temika Hampton-Johnson’s website) As a dedicated attorney, public servant and community advocate, Temika Hampton-Johnson decided it was time to create the change she wants to see. In her run for Ninth Circuit Judge, Group 1, she wants to ensure that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity and receives equal […]
NewsOrlandoPhotosCitrus ClubfloridaPatty SheehanPiñero Preventive Medical CareRafael Piñero
(Photo by Bellanee Plaza) ORLANDO | Piñero Preventive Medical Care celebrated its 20th anniversary May 16, marking two decades of delivering comprehensive, preventive and affirming healthcare to Orlando and the surrounding communities. The practice was founded in 2006 by Rafael Piñero, MD, and has grown into a trusted medical home for individuals and families 12 […]
NewsPhotosTampa Bayalice marie grippAllendale UMCAndy OliverAngelica Sanchezbanyan tree projectblue starBrandi GabbardBrandon ScottEquality Floridaj. carl devinejames bakeken welchpreston scottst. pete galaStratton Pollitzer
Equality Florida honoree J. Carl DeVine (L) and Development Leader Preston Scott. (Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent) ST. PETERSBURG | Equality Florida held its 2026 St. Pete Gala May 16, welcoming supporters to the Coliseum for a sold-out evening benefiting the organization’s work. This year’s theme was “Rainbow Disco: Our Colors. Our Power. Our Groove.” The […]
Michael K. Lavers of The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NewsWorldCaribe AfirmativoHong KongHungaryIDAHOBiTILGA WorldInitiative for Equality and DiscriminationSt. LuciaWorld Health Organization
“At the heart of democracy” is the theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. (Graphic courtesy of ILGA World) Activists around the world last Sunday marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. The IDAHOBiT Advisory Group — which includes 18 LGBTQ and intersex rights organizations around the world — […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeJosephineJosephine BakerOrlandoOrlando Family StageTodd KimbroTymisha Harris
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Mature Themes and Nudity Some shows arrive at Orlando Fringe with buzz. “Josephine” arrives with a legacy. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the award-winning production based on the life of Josephine Baker continues to prove exactly why it’s one of this festival’s most beloved returning shows. At this […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando Fringechappell roanCrossWalks: A Tribute to TruthOrange VenueOrlandoSAVES Act
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Mature Themes, Sexual Content, Sexual Assault Content and Violence “CrossWalks: A Tribute to Truth, Trans Rights, and Social Justice” turns the Orange Venue into equal parts musical, protest and cautionary tale. Centered around the fallout of the all too plausible SAVES Act (Standardization of American […]
NewsOrlandoStateBrandon WolfEquality FloridafloridaHuman Rights CampaignPulseStratton PollitzerThe Dru Project
ORLANDO | Pulse survivor and national LGBTQ+ advocate Brandon Wolf has rejoined Equality Florida as Senior Director of Communications Strategy. The nonprofit first shared the news May 16 at Equality Florida’s St. Pete Gala. They confirmed details May 18, just weeks before the 10th remembrance of the Pulse tragedy, when Orlando will mark “a moment of […]
NationNewshoustonKansasken paxtontexasTexas Children's HospitalTrump administrationU.S. Department of Justice
(Washington Blade Photo by Michael Key) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) | A Kansas judge on May 15 protected access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors as the nation’s largest children’s hospital moved to restrict such care in Texas, buckling under pressure from the Trump administration. Texas Children’s Hospital, based in Houston, said in a statement that […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeBryan CantrellDreamrolesLaurel MelinaMatt CordonOrlando
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language and Audience Interaction As someone who spent much of adulthood dreaming about being in musicals instead of just watching them, “Dreamroles” hit me right in the theatre-kid heart. The cabaret concept is simple but incredibly effective: performers stepping into songs and roles they may never traditionally be […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeEscape Room: It’s Just a Gamemurder mysteryOrlando
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Mature Themes and Sexual Content There’s something inherently fun about watching an escape room spiral completely out of control, and this Orlando Fringe production leans into that tension with plenty of twists, humor and paranoia. What begins as a simple meetup between two “friends” quickly unravels […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringefloridaJacob D’EustachioLord of the SwordOrlando
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Audience Interaction At Orlando Fringe, sometimes you want deep storytelling. Other times, you want to watch a man juggle bottles, dull blades and be pegged with freshly baked bread rolls while the audience braces for chaos. “Lord of the Sword” proudly delivers the latter. Jacob D’Eustachio’s completely unhinged comedic romp […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeHappy Human Song MachineOrlando International Fringe Theatre FestivalSavoy OrlandoStarlite RoomTod KimbroTod Kimbro: Happy Human Song Machine
This show contains Adult Language There’s something refreshing about a performer who walks onto a bare stage with nothing more than a keyboard, a microphone and an earnest desire to make people feel good for an hour. That’s exactly what Tod Kimbro accomplishes in “Happy Human Song Machine,” one of the most heartfelt and musically impressive […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando Fringegeneric maleGeneric Male: Just What We Need Another Show About MenOrlandoOrlando Family StagePUSH Physical Theatre
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language There’s something uniquely Fringe about a show that can make you laugh at the absurdity of masculinity one minute and quietly punch you in the chest with emotion the next, and “Generic Male: Just What We Need, Another Show About Men” pulls that off remarkably well. […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeAdonis Perez-EscobarErin McNellisLorena CoheaOrlandoRenaissance Theatre CompanySomething in the Water
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Mature Themes, Sexual Content and Strobe LightLurking in the Renaissance Theatre Company is “Something in the Water,” a play that surrounds a group of friends in the wetlands being stalked by something. The group is exiled to life in the swamp. We learn the group actually […]
NewsOrlandoCity of OrlandofloridaGomez Construction CompanyPulsePulse Memorial
(Photo courtesy City of Orlando) ORLANDO | Officials and designers for the permanent Pulse memorial revealed new renderings at the 60% design meeting May 14 at City Hall. The Pulse advisory committee revealed design images for the long-sought memorial to the victims of the 2016 Pulse shooting. Members from the Gomez Construction Company of Winter Park and […]
NationNewsMary McElroyNew York CityNYU LangoneNYU Langone HealthtexasTrump administration
(Photo via NYU Langone Health’s Facebook) A New York hospital system says it received a grand jury subpoena from federal prosecutors in Texas seeking information about children who received gender-affirming care and the medical providers who administered it. NYU Langone is the first hospital system to publicly acknowledge receiving a subpoena for such records as […]
Michael K. Lavers via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NewsWorldBoris Johnsonconversion therapyEnglandkeir starmerKing Charles IIItransgender
(Photo by Rob Wilson via Bigstock) King Charles III on May 13 said a transgender-inclusive ban on so-called conversion therapy in England and Wales is among the British government’s legislative priorities. “My government will bring forward a bill to speed up remediation for people living in homes with unsafe cladding [Remediation Bill] and a draft […]
NewsOrlandoPhotosfloridaLoch Haven ParkOrlando Family StageOrlando FringePatty Sheehan
(Photo by Danny Garcia) ORLANDO | Orlando International Fringe Theatre kicked off its 35th festival with the official Opening Ceremony on May 12 in the Silver Venue at Orlando Family Stage. The night included a celebratory ribbon-cutting featuring the Orlando Fringe board and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. After the board shared high-energy teaser shows featuring national […]
NewsTampa Baybior guignigrand central districtskybeach resortst pete pridest pete pride 2026st pete pride 24
(Graphic via St Pete Pride) ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride’s kickoff expands to an entire weekend May 29-31, launching this year’s 24th annual celebration with events in the Grand Central District and at SkyBeach Resort. Organizers say Florida’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride welcomed over 400,000 people to St. Petersburg last June. This year’s events run […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeCharly MontioneClare Ghezzidouble playKeith SmithOrlandoRandy Borek
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Mature Themes and Sexual Content Orlando Fringe’s magic has always come from giving passionate artists the freedom to tell deeply personal stories, and “Double Play” is exactly the kind of production that reminds me why Fringe matters. Written by and starring Randy Borek and under the […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeAlexander MrazekDisneyOnce Upon A Traitor: Faithfully Ever AfterOrlandothe traitors
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language “Once Upon A Traitor: Faithfully Ever After” takes the reality TV chaos of The Traitors and gives it a generous sprinkle of pixie dust. The result? A silly, lighthearted Disney spoof full of betrayal, camp and enough shady behavior to make every villain in the castle […]
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction and Mature Themes Get comfortable and get ready to laugh, P. Sparkle is back with a team of improvisers to invite you to an unforgettable pajama party. From a team at SAK Comedy Lab and P. Sparkle, the show resembles Saturday Night Live skit […]
Digital PublicationsallybookscampsCentral FloridacommunityeventsfamilyfriendlygamesgayinclusiveJoylanguagelgbtLGBTQLGBTQ+literacymediaPridePride eventsprogramsRainbow Family GuidereadingresourcesTampa Bay
This guide is your resource for family information for all colors of the rainbow, parenting LGBTQ+ youth with love, camps, fashion, LGBTQ+ events in Central Florida and Tampa Bay for kids of all ages and much, much more!
Arts & CultureDragNationNewsOrlandoTelevisionAngeria Paris VanMichaelsDarlene MitchellDrew BarrymoreGinger MinjJuicy Love DionMiss Comedy QueenMyki MeeksNini CocoParliament HouseRenaissance Theater Companyroxxxy andrewsthe kitty kat ballTrinity the Tuck
Arts & CultureFeaturesMusicOrlandoTampa Baydr. phillips centergrandma's gospel favoritesJason Mrazruth eckerd hall
Jason Mraz. (Photo by Jen Rosenstein) Two-time Grammy winner and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree Jason Mraz will uplift Florida with his “Still Yours” tour May 16 in Clearwater and May 17 in Orlando. Mraz, who first came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2018, is known for his signature blend of pop, […]
ViewpointViewpoints / ColumnsAdrian Lorenzoswamp boisThe Ripple Hauxthe space betweenTransMasc of TampaTransNetwork
For many trans men and masculine-of-center people, there is a realization that comes early in transition. Living authentically does not always lead to full recognition of what it means to be both trans and male, nor does it guarantee the male privilege often assumed to follow. Too often, people ask, “Where are all the trans […]
ViewpointViewpoints / ColumnsBryana Saldanadiary of a poetGrief
Grief has a strange way of arriving whether we invite it or not. Sometimes it slips in quietly and sits beside you for a while. Other times it bursts through the door and rearranges the entire room. Lately it has been doing a little bit of both in my life. It has been a while […]
Arts & CultureIn DepthNewsOrlandoOrlando FringeAutomatic Orchestra: Just Add MusicBig Gay Jesusconfessions of the tall & tartdouble playFour Dinnersgeneric maleMy Life as an “Inspirational Porn” Star!P. Sparklepoems for gardSororicideTempestt HalsteadThe Fast and the Bi-CuriousThe Pink Listthe vampira showthen eveVulva Va-Voomwild & gay animal kingdomyounger us
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival returns for its 35th installment in Loch Haven Park May 12-25 with another lineup spotlighting LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Since 1992, Orlando Fringe has provided a space for artists and performers to showcase their craft in an environment that encourages the unusual and uncensored. At Orlando Fringe, 100% of […]
LGBTQ TravelNationNewsDeerfield Ranch Wineryface to facegary SapersteinGay Wine WeekendKunde Family WineryMary LambertMuscardini Cellarsout in the vineyardSonoma Valley
Gay Wine Weekend. (Photo courtesy Out in the Vineyard) Pack your bags and get ready to grab a bottle. Hundreds of wine enthusiasts will travel to Sonoma Valley July 17-19 for the 15th annual Gay Wine Weekend. Billed as the birthplace of wine in the state — which is responsible for around 80% of the […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeBillie JaneRenaissance Theatre Companythen eve
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Death and Mature Themes Billie Jane’s “Then, Eve” arrives at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival at the Renaissance Theatre Company to search this site, enter a search term, and set on the same stage used for the Studio 54-inspired Disco “Boots.” Surprisingly, it doesn’t distract, as the performance […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeFabulett ProductionsLondonOrlandoThe Pink List
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Death and Violence In “The Pink List,” we are transported back to 1957 West Germany to learn the story of captivity and the price that comes with freedom. We meet Karl, a concentration camp survivor who goes through a process of learning that the war has truly never […]
The Polish Sejm in Warsaw in 2024. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers) The Polish government on May 12 said it will recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other European Union states. The EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg last November ruled in favor of a same-sex couple who challenged Poland’s refusal to recognize their German […]
NationNewsSportsarn tellembill walton global champion awardglioblastomaHuman Rights CampaignJason Collinsjason kiddNBA
Jason Collins. (Photo via the Boston Celtics’ Facebook.) Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, his family announced Tuesday. Collins spent 13 years as a player […]
Arts & CultureNewsOrlandoEatonvilleLGBTQIA+ open micOpen MicpoetryPoetry SlamSouthern Fried Poetry Slam
(Photo courtesy Leandra Diaz) ORLANDO | Southern Fried Poetry Slam, a multi-day performing arts festival, will come to Orlando and Eatonville for the first time for its 34th annual tournament on June 9-13. It will kick off with a tribute to American writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, who grew up in historic Eatonville, the […]
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Equality Florida Action PAC Executive Director Joe Saunders. (Photo courtesy EQFL Action PAC.) MIAMI BEACH | Equality Florida Action PAC announced May 8 that Joe Saunders will serve as the LGBTQ+ political committee’s first executive director. As the political arm of the state’s largest LGBTQ+-focused civil rights organization, Equality Florida Action PAC is dedicated to […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeGabrielle LeonoreMy Life as an “Inspirational Porn” Star!OrlandoOrlando Fringe Review
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Mature Themes, Sexual Content, Other Don’t be fooled, “My Life as an ‘Inspirational Porn’ Star!” will show you what it means to be honest and raw in storytelling. While you may have come for the porn, you’ll stay for the inspiration. This deeply personal […]
Joe Reberkenny via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NationNewsEdward Markeyjeffrey a. merkleymazie k. hironoTodd Blanchewilliam marshall III
(Photo by Andrushko Galyna/Bigstock) U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) is urging acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and William Marshall III, director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to reverse a policy affecting transgender inmates that lawmakers say is “endangering” their “health and safety.” Markey, along with U.S. Sens. Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.) and Mazie K. […]
Donald Trump at the White House. (Washington Blade photo by Joe Reberkenny) The White House released the “United States Counterterrorism Strategy” last week, introducing enforcement priorities that include references to people with “extreme transgender ideologies.” The document is the first executive branch counterterrorism strategy released since former President Joe Biden’s 2021 “National Strategy for Countering […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeAmplified Voices LotteryFour DinnersOrlandoPaper Rose Theatrics
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Mature Themes and Sexual Content In “Four Dinners,” the true dynamics of sisterhood are shared over four different dinners in one apartment. We meet Penny and Charlie, sisters who are both queer and in their 20s. Charlie doesn’t shy from sharing her thoughts on their conservative […]
It is time to vote in Watermark Out News’ ninth annual Splash Awards and let us know your Orlando Fringe LGBTQ+ favorites! We want to know what you think about the Orlando Fringe shows and talent, both on stage and behind the scenes, and which LGBTQ+-themed Fringe shows were your favorites. Here’s how it works: […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeAutomatic Orchestra: Just Add MusicOrlandoRenie and Rob Productions
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Audience Interaction and Death Renie and Rob Productions bring you “Automatic Orchestra: Just Add Music,” which is one of those Fringe experiences that makes you wonder whether you’ve walked into a performance or a participatory experiment. Entering the Blue venue, audiences are greeted with random musical instruments placed on […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeArthur Davis IIIBig Gay JesusBig Gay Jesus: The Third ComingOrlando
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Mature Themes, Nudity, Sexual Content, Sexual Assault Content and Strobe Light Arthur Davis III’s “Big Gay Jesus: The Third Coming” arrives at the Orlando Fringe Festival exactly as advertised: part cabaret, part therapy session, part fever dream and entirely committed to the bit. According to […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando Fringegay cabaretHaywood SlothOrlandoWild & Gay Animal Kinkdom
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Mature Themes and Sexual Content “Wild & Gay Animal Kinkdom” takes everything audiences expect from a mature-themed LGBTQ+ Fringe show and throws in animal puppets for good measure. Equal parts gay cabaret, chaotic comedy and oddly educational nature special, the hour-long production fully embraces its […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeDescolonizarte TeatrofloridaOrlandoqueer storytellingQueer!
(Photo courtesy Orlando Fringe) This show contains Adult Language and Mature Themes “QUEER!” invites audiences into a deeply personal and emotional exploration of faith, family, trauma and the pursuit of queer joy. Performed by a talented ensemble of five actors, the production unfolds through a series of vignettes that blend monologues, movement and touching visuals, including […]
Arts & CultureFeaturesOrlando FringeLavender Moon ProductionsOrlandoRheanne WaltonsSavana PetranoffSororicide
This show contains Adult Language, Audience Interaction, Death and Sexual Content Lavender Moon Productions presents “Sororicide,” a ridiculously funny murder mystery, one that may just kill you with laughter. The show is by Rheanne Waltons and Savana Petranoff and centers around the sorority sisters of Delta Nu and a few of their boyfriends and even flings. When […]
Michael K. Lavers via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NewsWorldanti-LGBTQHungarian Prime MinisterHungaryjd vancePéter MagyarViktor Orbán
Péter Magyar votes in Budapest, Hungary on April 12, 2026. He has been sworn in as the country’s new prime minister. (Screen capture via APT/YouTube) Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar took office on May 9. Magyar’s center-right Tisza party on April 12 defeated then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz-KDNP coalition. Vice President JD Vance less than a week before […]
Staff reports via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NationNewscongressional districtsdemocratHuman Rights CampaignVirginiaVirginia Supreme Court
The Virginia Supreme Court on May 8 struck down a Democrat-backed redistricting plan that voters approved last month. Ten of 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts favor Democrats in the plan that passed by a 51-48 vote margin in last month’s referendum. The Human Rights Campaign PAC is among the groups that support it. The court by a […]
NewsOrlandoPhotosAgeFWDDavid Minkfloridalgbt pride chamberTee RogersThe Pride Chamber
(Photo by Bellanee Plaza) ORLANDO | The Pride Chamber launched AgeFWD May 6, a new network and resource program for professionals serving LGBTQ+ older adults. It was announced at May’s monthly business connect, which was hosted by Dignity Memorial at Baldwin Fairchild. The room was packed with members and newcomers. AgeFWD represents a vital and […]
NewsOrlandoAEOStudiosAlan OstranderDrew DalirefloridaHenegar Center for the Art
(Photo via AEOStudios, Inc.’s Facebook) ORLANDO | AEOStudios, a special effects makeup and prop company long associated with Orlando’s theatre, film and television communities, announced May 5 it will permanently close June 30. Founded in 1996, AEO began by providing special effects makeup and props for Terror On Church Street, before expanding into mask, prosthetic and […]
Lou Chibbaro Jr. via The Washington Blade, Courtesy of The National LGBT Media Association
NationNewsCapital PrideCapital Pride Allianceheated rivalryLeikeli47Lisa LisaMarren MorisMyki Meeks
Maren Morris (Photo by Debby Wong/Bigstock) Capital Pride Alliance, the group that organizes D.C.’s annual LGBTQ Pride events, announced on May 7 that nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Marren Moris, who identifies as bisexual, will be the headline performer at this year’s Capital Pride Concert scheduled for June 21. The concert takes place as part of the annual […]
NationNewsAmerican Psychiatric Associationconversion therapyLaw & Liberty and Wisconsin Family ActionTony EversWisconsinWisconsin Institute
(Photo via Governor Tony Evers’ Facebook) Three weeks after two right-wing groups demanded the repeal of a professional licensing board’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ clients of social workers and other therapists, Gov. Tony Evers sent a sharply worded reply. In a May 5 letter to the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and Wisconsin Family Action, Evers […]