Watermark Out News

01/12/2026

It was a big night for LGBTQ+ visibility at the Golden Globes! From first-time wins for Teyana Taylor, Erin Doherty and Rhea Seehorn to Wanda Sykes’ unforgettable hosting moments, the community took center stage.

Honoring Tinseltown’s finest actors and actresses in film and television, the 83rd annual Golden Globes awards had memorable LGBTQ+ moments.

01/12/2026

In this week's top 5 headlines we’re taking you inside the "Drag Race" premiere with Discord Addams at Cocktail St Pete and sitting down with Stratton Pollitzer as he takes the reins at Equality Florida. We also have the latest on the UNITED Mural Project coming to Tampa Bay, a new Florida bill targeting undocumented students, and the community's response to the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good.

Read these headlines and more at WatermarkOutNews.com.

01/12/2026

Landmark cases on transgender rights hit the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow. These hearings on sports participation bans in Idaho and West Virginia could set a massive precedent for the future of LGBTQ+ equity nationwide.

The court will hear challenges to laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

01/12/2026

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo is seeking to amend the state constitution to restrict transgender student-athletes. Advocates argue the initiative targets a vulnerable group of students and undermines LGBTQ+ equity.

Gov. Joe Lombardo announced he’s leading a petition to keep transgender athletes out of girls’ and women’s sports.

01/12/2026

The House has voted 397-28 to fund the government while rejecting dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ policy attacks. By removing riders that aimed to weaken nondiscrimination protections, this bipartisan package prioritizes community safety and equity.

The House passed a bipartisan package of three spending bills on Jan. 8 that would fund parts of the federal government through September.

01/12/2026

Hundreds gathered at City Hall Jan. 11 for the "ICE Out For Good" rally in downtown Orlando. Local advocates Ericka Gomez-Tejeda and Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet for FL House District 42 led the call for policy changes in Orange County.

See our full photo highlights at https://shorturl.at/CoNDI.

01/12/2026

Central Florida, it is down to the wire! You have until 5 p.m. this Wednesday, Jan. 14, to nominate for the Watermark Out News 2026 WONDER Awards. It only takes a moment to support the people who make a difference in our region—submit your nominations now at WatermarkOutNews.com.

Watermark Out News has been Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s leading LGBTQ+ news source for over 30 years. For most of that time, readers have recognized their favorite locals through our annual “best of” awards. The Watermark Out News: Diversity, Excellence and Resilience Awards — or WONDER ...

01/12/2026

There are only two days left to show some love to your favorite Tampa Bay activists, entertainers and businesses. 2026 WONDER Awards nominations are open not until Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. Make sure your local favorites get a spot on the ballot!

The Watermark Out News WONDER Awards recognize the best in Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community in over 60 categories.

01/11/2026

“Keep ICE out of Orlando for good” protest in downtown Orlando outside City Hall.

01/11/2026

Make your voices heard, Tampa Bay! It's the final weekend to nominate your favorites and determine the Top 5 in over 60 categories.

The Watermark Out News WONDER Awards recognize the best in Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ+ community in over 60 categories.

01/11/2026

It's the final weekend to nominate your favorites in Central Florida! Don't miss out, this round determines the Top 5 in over 60 categories.

Watermark Out News has been Central Florida and Tampa Bay’s leading LGBTQ+ news source for over 30 years. For most of that time, readers have recognized their favorite locals through our annual “best of” awards. The Watermark Out News: Diversity, Excellence and Resilience Awards — or WONDER ...