The Watermark was published on June 2, 2005 and covered a wide range of topics and stories of interest to the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community. The headline story surrounded the ongoing investigtion of the deaths of two Tampa men, Jason Galehouse (1977-2003) and Michael Wachholtz (1977-2003). Steve Lorenzo and Scott Schweickert, who were arrested in 2005 for the murders, would not be convicted until over a decade later. Also included in this issue was the proposal of a new federal bill that included transgendered people as a protected class, the postponement of WorldPride, and the closing of a local Tampa business. In the Water Colors section, former Christian singers Jason and DeMarco gave an interview. This issue of The Watermark featured spotlights of many famous women who would be entertaining the masses at Gay Days Weekend 2005, the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ people in Orlando, as well as a schedule of events. Overall, this issue provided readers with answers, information, and entertainment.

Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.]]>
The Watermark, Vol. 12, No. 11, June 2-15, 2005: Watermark Publishing Group, Orlando, Florida.]]> Watermark Media]]> The Watermark, Vol. 12, No. 11, June 2-15, 2005.]]> The Watermark Collection, LGBTQ+ Collection, RICHES.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Watermark Media.]]> Watermark Publishing Group and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only.]]>
The Watermark was published on October 24, 2002, and was the culminating issue of the 2002 midterm elections, providing readers with brief vignettes on where each candidate stood in relation to issues affecting the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community. It also spotlights the demonstration that took place on the steps of Orlando City Hall to encourage Mayor Glenda Hood to make a decision regarding adding "sexual orientation" to the list of non-discrimination policies. This issue also has a pullout section for the second annual WAVE (Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence) Awards, chosen online by the readers. This section includes articles covering some of the top winners, such as the Lava Lounge and the Urban Body Clothing stores in both Tampa and Orlando.

Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.]]>
The Watermark, Vol. 9, No. 22, October 24-November 6, 2002: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.]]> Watermark Media]]> The Watermark, Vol. 9, No. 22, October 24-November 5, 2002.]]> The Watermark Collection, RICHES.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Watermark Media.]]> Watermark Publishing Group and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only.]]>
The Watermark was published on October 10, 2002 and continued to provide coverage of politicians running for state government positions, as the mid-term elections would be held in November. In this issue, the Florida Attorney General race between Charlie Crist (R) (b. 1956) and Buddy Dyer (D) (b. 1958) is examined. The issue also highlights fall events occurring within the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community, including the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and "Bear Bust." Additionally, this issue covered an LGBTQ+ organization at a Sarasota college, Equality Florida's 2nd Annual Central Florida Reception, Pridefest, and less encouraging incidences of queerphobia. Director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center (aka The Center), Lana Brito, was interviewed, as was an openly gay "Big Brother" of the Big Brother Big Sisters of America chapter in Tampa. A clothing line called Butchwear, pioneered by Alex Brendell, was featured in the Water Colors pullout section.

Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.]]>
The Watermark, Vol. 9, No. 21, October 10-23, 2002: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.]]> Watermark Media]]> The Watermark, Vol. 9, No. 21, October 10-23, 2002.]]> The Watermark Collection, RICHES.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Watermark Media.]]> Watermark Publishing Group and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only.]]>