I don’t recall exactly how the meeting came to be, especially since I hated middle school and spent as little time there as possible, but I remember staying late after school in the eighth grade to learn about our high school’s journalism class.
My freshman year was quickly approaching and student journalists had ventured over to discuss our soon-to-be high school’s news source with potential recruits. While my fellow middle schoolers and I were too busy killing Tamagotchis to draft a news source of our own, our high school had unsuccessfully dabbled in the act and would try again my freshman year.
I’d always loved writing but didn’t know much about the who, what, when, where or why of it all. I wasn’t even sure I cared to, but before I knew it I’d signed up. The prospect of using the written word to share the truth spoke to something within me, and since my socially awkward self was more comfortable writing than speaking—still true, by the way—I agreed to help found my high school newspaper The Torch.
I loved it. Not only did we found the paper, we sustained it my entire high school career. We went from stapled sheets of printer paper to legitimate newsprint. As a senior I even became editor-in-chief.
I’m not one to pine for the days of high school, the highlights in my hair notwithstanding, but in my time there journalism is what I remember most fondly. It grew into a lifelong passion, one I took with me through college and into my career, thankfully landing here at Watermark.
That’s why representing our newspaper on a panel for this year’s Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) conference was particularly thrilling for me. FSPA, which trains student journalists and their advisers, believes that the responsible exercise of freedom of expression involves adherence to the highest standards of journalism.
Watermark was asked to join Orlando News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsen, Tampa Bay Times writer Monique Welch and Palm Beach Post writer Mike Readling for “Diversity: More Than Race & Gender,” a panel led by Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernest Hooper, to discuss the importance of diversity in our field. As I said, I’m still a much more comfortable writer than speaker, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
We discussed diversity, detailing that it involves many factors—race, socioeconomic status, age, religion and—you guessed it, sexual orientation and gender identity. The interactive Q&A, which welcomed dozens of students, touched on why diversity must be intentional and how to showcase it in our coverage.
What struck me the most was how eager the students were to learn. They listened intently, so much so that the panel ran long, and asked serious (often difficult) questions.
A particular highlight came afterwards, when two LGBTQ students approached me to ask for my card. They were true journalists, eager to share stories with the world and in a way that reflected the world they served. In a dangerous time when the American president declares the press the enemy of the people and the LGBTQ community unfit to serve in the military and beyond, it gave me tremendous hope.
I could go on, but sometimes saying less is more. That’s why Watermark brings you this issue’s in-depth coverage focusing on body positivity in the LGBTQ community. As summer approaches and pride and beach seasons converge, our Artistic Director Jake Stevens and Creative Assistant Dylan Todd—both amazing photographers—have captured members of the LGBTQ community of all genders, races, sizes and shapes to celebrate The Body Beautiful.
In Tampa Bay news, we hit the field as openly gay entertainer Lorenzo Gilbert becomes the first male cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Bucs. We also check out the LGBTQ Resource Center, now an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In Central Florida, Hope & Help steps out for their annual AIDS Walk and Equality Florida’s Gina Duncan has been nominated for the Orlando Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
In arts and entertainment, the third annual Tampa International Fringe Festival will navigate the uncharted May 2-11. We highlight seven of this year’s productions that feature LGBTQ themes. We also cozy up with entertainer Bearonce Bear as she aims to become National Bearded Queen 2019.
Watermark strives to bring you a variety of stories, you stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
