What was your first story with Watermark?
My first column was for the 2016 Pride Guide, profiling the Taste of Pride event that, sadly, got rained out because of Hurricane Matthew.
What kind of writing do you do for Watermark?
My recurring column is Wedding Bells. I love telling the love stories of couples who’ve taken the plunge and have found it rewarding and fun to be married. I also am a food, lifestyle and travel features writer for Watermark.
What made you want to write for Watermark?
Billy Manes was a friend and former colleague at Orlando Weekly. When he became editor-in-chief of Watermark, he brought me on board and I was thrilled to work with him again, as well as to serve a community I feel passionate about. Since his death, I’ve been honored to continue working on the magazine and taking on projects I feel he’d be proud of.
What is your favorite thing about writing for Watermark?
The opportunity to dive deeper into subjects I’m passionate about and that benefit LGBTQ businesses and families in the community. The “We Are Family” feature I wrote last year about LGBTQ adoption and fostering was one of the proudest moments of my professional life. I am adopted and writing that story was deeply personal for me. I am infinitely grateful to my subjects for being open and honest about their experiences.
What is your favorite thing about the local LGBTQ community?
How incredibly diverse it is. That diversity makes our community strong, resilient and endlessly interesting.
When did you develop a passion for writing?
I couldn’t get away from it, honestly. I tried to do other things, and just came back over and over again to writing. It’s a compulsion, as many great writers have said. I finally just had to give myself over to the words.
What do you like writing about the most?
People. As a food and travel writer, palates and places are my main focus, but telling the stories of the people behind those places and foods is really where I find the most reward in writing.
What do you want Watermark readers to know about you?
You are so loved and admired by your straight allies, including myself. We want nothing more than for you to live fabulous lives and never shed a tear for who you are. There are many days when I wish I could live as out loud as some of my gay friends.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You’re not going to be the best at everything, and that’s totally OK. Slow down and stop beating yourself up.
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