The Watermark was published on May 5, 2005, and was the paper's Business and Finance issue. This section of the paper analyzes the incomes and spending patterns of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) readers, spotlighting several Central Florida businesses, and providing information on bankruptcy laws. The issue also covers the openly lesbian, newly appointed head of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), same-sex legislative rulings in various states such as Texas, and Microsoft's reversal of support for a law that would have protected LGBTQ+ individuals. Other topics include an ongoing investigation of a man charged with the kidnapping, assault, and murders of numerous gay men, as well as the prohibition of students from wearing pro-gay apparel in a number of schools.

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. 9, May 5-18, 2005: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.]]> Watermark Media]]> The Watermark, Vol. 12, No. 9, May 5-18, 2005.]]> The Watermark Collection, RICHES.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Watermark Media.]]> Watermark Publishing Group and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only.]]>