Watermark Out News is Central Florida and Tampa Bay's leading LGBTQ+ news source. Read more at WatermarkOutNews.com.
Civil rights advocates emphasize that ongoing policy shifts in Puerto Rico threaten basic protections for more than 3 million U.S. citizens, prompting calls for unified national advocacy to safeguard LGBTQ+ rights and resources.
LGBTQ+ ‘human rights crisis is unfolding in Puerto Rico’ - Watermark Out NewsAn activist from Puerto Rico said anti-LGBTQ laws and policies have left the LGBTQ community in the U.S. commonwealth even more vulnerable.watermarkoutnews.comA presidential veto in Poland halted long-awaited cohabitation legislation passed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's governing coalition. Equality groups across Europe condemned the ruling and renewed calls to establish comprehensive legal protections for same-sex couples.
Polish president vetoes same-sex relationship recognition bills - Watermark Out NewsPolish President Karol Nawrocki on July 17 vetoed bills that would have extended rights to same-sex couples.watermarkoutnews.comIn our new issue, columnist Melody Maia shares how lifting up underrepresented lesbian and trans voices makes our entire community stronger. Find a copy near you at shorturl.at/PJKgK and read the digital version at shorturl.at/JdA6h.
In response to the removal of Orlando's Pulse Memorial crosswalk, two Colorado artists digitally recreated the rainbow landmark using interactive code. The digital project preserves the memorial's design and allows users worldwide to interact with a virtual tribute to the 49 victims.
Resurrected in code: Colorado artists digitally recreate Pulse crosswalk memorial - Watermark Out NewsInspired by the erasure of the Pulse nightclub crosswalk, two Denver artists created a digital memorial using augmented reality.watermarkoutnews.comFrom participating in Stonewall to leading investigations into violence against trans women, Victoria Cruz dedicated five decades to justice and healing. The beloved activist passed away at 79, leaving an indelible mark on the movement.
Remembering Victoria Cruz, Stonewall veteran and beloved trans activist - Watermark Out NewsVictoria Cruz, a veteran of the 1969 Stonewall uprising and unwavering advocate for survivors of violence, died at age 79.watermarkoutnews.comSt. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch reflects on his reelection bid in our new issue, defending his record on LGBTQ+ advocacy while promising to challenge Florida's anti-DEI laws and maintain inclusive governance. Find a copy near you at shorturl.at/PJKgK & read the digital version at shorturl.at/JdA6h.
Reflecting on 30 years of "The Birdcage," the 1996 comedy classic remains a cultural touchstone for LGBTQ+ storytelling. Its sharp humor and message of self-acceptance continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
30 years on, ‘The Birdcage’ remains a landmark - Watermark Out NewsThirty years ago, “The Birdcage” was a fun celebration; today it’s a great film that reminds us that our greatest victories arise from being ourselves.watermarkoutnews.comA legal battle continues in federal court as former FBI employee David Maltinsky challenges a DOJ motion to dismiss key claims in his bias suit. Maltinsky was fired while in the final weeks of special agent training after officials labeled his desk Pride flag an inappropriate political display.
DOJ seeks to dismiss some claims in gay FBI employee’s bias lawsuit - Watermark Out NewsAttorneys for gay former FBI employee David Maltinsky filed court papers on July 15 opposing a motion by government attorneys to dismiss some but not all of the provisions in his unlawful discriminati...watermarkoutnews.comIndia’s Supreme Court is weighing a decision on the "constitutional morality" doctrine, a principle central to decriminalizing same-sex relationships in 2018. Legal experts warn that weakening this doctrine could impact future litigation for LGBTQ+ civil rights and protections.
Expected India Supreme Court ruling could shape future LGBTQ+ rights cases - Watermark Out NewsIndia’s Supreme Court is expected to issue a closely watched constitutional ruling that could shape the future of LGBTQ rights litigation.watermarkoutnews.comLGBTQ+ advocacy groups backed Luis Salazar for Florida House District 64, pointing to his track record of community involvement and labor support. The endorsements bolster Salazar's campaign ahead of the August primary election.
LGBTQ+ organizations endorse Luis Salazar for Florida House - Watermark Out NewsThe Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and Equality Florida Action PAC have endorsed Luis Salazar in the race for Florida House 64.watermarkoutnews.comAfter four decades of philanthropic funding, the Ben & Jerry's Foundation will cease operations amid a federal lawsuit against its parent company. Foundation leadership joined an ongoing suit alleging corporate overreach after funding was withheld late last year.
Ben & Jerry’s Foundation says it will shut down amid legal dispute with parent company - Watermark Out NewsThe Ben & Jerry’s Foundation says it will shut down at the end of the year after its corporate parent cut off funding and evicted staffers.watermarkoutnews.comGirls Rock Camp St. Pete held their annual concert July 18 at Jannus Live, the nonprofit’s signature celebration that puts girls and gender expansive youth center stage. Read more and view our photos here.
PHOTOS: Girls Rock St. Pete holds 2026 concert at Jannus Live - Watermark Out NewsGirls Rock St. Pete held its annual concert at Jannus Live, the nonprofit's signature celebration centering girls and gender expansive youth.tinyurl.comScience fiction has provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ storytelling for decades, using futuristic and alien worlds to explore gender and identity long before mainstream media followed.
Sci-fi has long been at vanguard of LGBTQ+ representation - Watermark Out NewsSome of its fans have simply become less comfortable with the same progressive values these franchises have promoted for decades.watermarkoutnews.comLoudoun County celebrated a major milestone as Equality Loudoun officially opened its new community center in Leesburg, Virginia. The space in the Village at Leesburg gives Northern Virginia's LGBTQ+ community a permanent home for youth support groups, peer networks and social events.
LGBTQ+ community center opens in Leesburg, Va. - Watermark Out NewsA group of supporters crowded inside of the new Equality Loudoun Community Center in Leesburg, Va. on July 18 for an open house.watermarkoutnews.comSpeaking at the Florida Democratic Party's annual Leadership Blue gala in Orlando, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged party members to focus on working-class economic issues and personal freedoms.
At Leadership Blue, Pete Buttigieg says Florida Democrats can win in November - Watermark Out NewsA series of special and local election victories over the past year have boosted Florida Democrats’ confidence.watermarkoutnews.comAs St. Petersburg prepares to navigate statewide restrictions on diversity and inclusion, mayoral candidate Brandi Gabbard promises to keep City Hall's doors open to the LGBTQ+ community in our new issue. Find a copy near you at shorturl.at/PJKgK and read the digital version at shorturl.at/JdA6h.
An officer-involved shooting outside Shakey’s, a gay dive bar in Asheville, North Carolina, left one man dead July 15. Bar staff locked down the venue after spotting the armed man, keeping all patrons and employees inside safe.
Authorities investigate officer-involved shooting outside Asheville gay bar - Watermark Out NewsAn officer-involved shooting outside of a gay dive bar, Shakey’s, in downtown Asheville, N.C., left one man dead July 15.watermarkoutnews.com