Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

LightNews

Watermark Out News

@watermarkoutnews.bsky.social

440 followers 450 following 1.3K posts

Watermark Out News is Central Florida and Tampa Bay's leading LGBTQ+ news source. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 11h

The Tampa Bay Living Out Loud Guide 2025 is in the latest issue of Watermark Out News! Hear fom those who actually live in the area, find all the greatest spots in the Tampa Bay area for LGBTQ+-inclusive arts and entertainment, dining, nightlife and much, much more!

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 12h

Hear from "Plainclothes" costars Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth about their new film in our latest issue. The movie is inspired by real-life police sting operations that targeted gay men in the 1990s.

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 13h

Miss Major "fought tirelessly for her people, her love as vast and enduring as the universe she knew herself to be a part of," the advocate's House of gg announced Oct. 13.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, trailblazing trans activist and Stonewall veteran, dies at 78 - Watermark Out News

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a pioneering Black trans activist and Stonewall veteran, died Oct. 13 at 78 years old.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 14h

The LGBTQ+ History Project returns for National LGBTQ+ History Month. In this first feature, researchers explore how queer people in rural areas built community through informal networks and found ways to connect despite limited resources.

LGBTQ+ History Project: The need to preserve LGBTQ+ histories of rural America - Watermark Out News

Research conducted by the Movement Advancement Project shows that rural America is just as queer as the rest of the United States.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 15h

Miss Major "fought tirelessly for her people, her love as vast and enduring as the universe she knew herself to be a part of," the advocate's House of gg announced Oct. 13.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, trailblazing trans activist and Stonewall veteran, dies at 78 - Watermark Out News

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a pioneering Black trans activist and Stonewall veteran, died Oct. 13 at 78 years old.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 15h

"Given the chance to protect children or protect Trump, Moms for Liberty chooses Trump," writes author and retired professor Maurice T. Cunningham in a special viewpoint. The group will hold their annual summit in Orlando Oct. 16-18.

Opinion: Moms for Liberty is just another political arm of MAGA - Watermark Out News

Maurice Cunningham, J.D., Ph.D. shares his thoughts on Moms for Liberty, likening them to "another political arm of MAGA."

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 16h

Ryan Murphy's "Monster" anthology returns, profiling notorious murderer Ed Gein and his influence on popular culture. The third and final season blurs reality and sensationalized fantasy, a choice that sparks debate about exploiting victims' memories for entertainment.

Murphy’s ‘Monster’ returns for a flawed but fascinating third round - Watermark Out News

Just when you thought there were already more than enough real-life monsters on your TV screen, Ryan Murphy has served up another one.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 18h

The monthly Wine and Art Walk is a popular recurring event, taking place every second Thursday in the Thornton Park District. The event features a wine tasting experience with 20 stops for ticket holders.

Read about the event and view our photos at WatermarkOutNews.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

Hope CommUnity Center hosted Apopka Pride 2025 on Oct. 11, creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ immigrants and working-class families. The theme was "Anointed in Resilience, Radiant in Pride." Read more about the event and view our photos at shorturl.at/WwGxk

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

Wake Forest Pride Fest Co-chair Amanda Cottrill stressed the importance of celebrating history, saying the political climate serves as a reminder of what "could happen." The N.C. town hosted thousands for the Oct. 11 event amid a wave of anti-trans efforts.

Rainbows but also clouds as NC town hosts Pride Fest amid Trump administration's anti-trans push - Watermark Out News

Thousands turned out on Oct 11 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in NC, but the current political climate was never far from their thoughts.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

During the trial, a transgender teen testified that puberty blockers and hormone therapy "turned her life around." Jess Braverman of Gender Justice said the ruling ignores that "real people's lives" are being impacted by the new North Dakota law.

Judge rules in favor of North Dakota’s ban on transgender care for minors - Watermark Out News

Judge has upheld a North Dakota law that bans gender affirming care for minors, which families say forced them to seek care out of state

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

Come Out With Pride's Executive Director Tatiana Quiroga, M.A. (she/ella) encourages the community to come together ahead of the 21st Come Out With Pride celebration.

Read the full in-depth coverage at shorturl.at/8RI4d

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

U.S. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose granted a preliminary injunction, halting Trump administration conditions on domestic violence grants. DuBose cited "irreparable harm" to "vital services" for victims if groups were forced to abandon DEI or abortion resource programs.

Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot put conditions on domestic violence grants - Watermark Out News

A federal judge ruled the Trump administration cannot put conditions on grants that fund efforts to combat domestic violence.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 1d

The Renaissance Theatre Company shared via social media that they have hope they will be back at the original building for additional dates and have not adjusted anything further until they know more.

Orlando supports Renaissance Theatre Company, 'Nosferatu' during temporary closure - Watermark Out News

Orlando community members have raised over $20,000 for Renaissance Theatre Company after failed annual inspection

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 3d

Happy National Coming Out Day from Watermark Out News!
Today and every day, we celebrate you for who you are.

Read more about NCOD here: tinyurl.com/6jwr57bb

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 4d

The White House meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, intended to focus on trade, veered to anti-transgender rhetoric. Carney sat silently as Trump spoke, despite one of his children identifying as non-binary.

In front of Canadian PM with non-binary child, Trump doubles down on anti-trans rhetoric - Watermark Out News

President Trump mocked trans people in the Oval Office on Oct. 7 in front of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has a non-binary child.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 4d

Artist Andrea Pawlisz designed the "Harmony" (LGBTQ+) and "History" (Black community) flags proposed to the St. Petersburg's City Council. The resolution, sponsored by Gina Driscoll, aims to assure residents the city remains dedicated to inclusion following state action.

St. Petersburg considers flags for LGBTQ+, Black communities after Florida removes murals - Watermark Out News

St. Petersburg City Council considered approval for two flags recognizing the city's LGBTQ+ and Black communities Oct. 9.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 4d

In response to the state-mandated repainting of the Pulse Memorial crosswalk Orlando artist Allison McIntyre began creating rainbow pins to fundraise for the LGBTQ+ community.

Orlando artist creates rainbow pins to support LGBTQ+ community after Pulse crosswalk repainting - Watermark Out News

Allison McIntyre created rainbow crosswalk pins after the crosswalk outside of the Pulse Nightclub memorial was painted over by FDOT.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 4d

Our new issue details Orlando Pride's 21st anniversary celebration, checking in with grand marshals, and features an interview with "Plainclothes" stars Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth.

Read the full issue online at shorturl.at/5M47c.

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 4d

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Tour comes to Florida. Original cast members Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Patricia Quinn will be meeting fans. Read about the Orlando and Tampa dates here.

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ 50th Anniversary Tour brings original cast to Orlando and Tampa - Watermark Out News

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary spectacular tour is coming to Orlando and Tampa just in time for Halloween.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 5d

A modern romance that began online, the story of Tony Pullaro and Josh Reed is featured in the newest edition of The Good Page. Read about their happily ever after here!

Wedding Bells ring for Tony Pullaro and Josh Reed in Tampa Bay - Watermark Out News

The Good Page features positive LGBTQ+ news in Central Florida and Tampa Bay, uplifting and inspiring stories highlighting locals in our community.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 5d

We sit down with "Plainclothes" stars Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth in the newest issue of Watermark Out News. We also cover the 21st Come Out With Pride celebration, the 2025 Tampa Bay Living Out Loud Guide and more.

Find a copy near you at shorturl.at/x4X6b and read it online at shorturl.at/5M47c.

Watermark Out News Issue 32.21: We The People - Watermark Out News

We The People: Come Out With Pride celebrates 21st year with unity and resilience. TransNetwork details new board and partnerships. One Orlando Alliance plans to refocus mission.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 5d

Openly gay comic Jessica Kirson says she performed gay material at the Riyadh Comedy Festival after receiving a guarantee, hoping to help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia "feel seen." Kirson later issued a statement of regret for performing and donated her full payment to a human rights organization.

Lesbian comedian Jessica Kirson apologizes after performing in Saudi Arabia - Watermark Out News

Jessica Kirson performed in Saudi Arabia, where consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 5d

Faced with manufactured chaos and attacks on visibility, is now the time to take a back seat? Publisher Rick Todd says that the majority is with the LGBTQ+ community, urging readers to "be seen and remind everyone" of that support.

watermarkonline.com/2025/10/09/p...

Publisher's Desk: We The People - Watermark Out News

Now is not the time to take a back seat or regroup in the face of challenges.

watermarkonline.com

Watermark Out News @watermarkoutnews.bsky.social · 5d

We detail the 21st Come Out With Pride celebration for our new issue, which also checks in with "Plainclothes" stars Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth, details local news, views and more.

Find a copy near you at shorturl.at/x4X6b and read it online later today.