C E N T R A L F LO R I DA
WITH PRIDE
2
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
MARQUEZ SECTIONAL AVAILABLE IN BLACK, WHITE, OR TAUPE (SHOWN)
899
$
Trends you want. Prices you’ll love. cityfurniture.com
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
avitapharmacy.com
Avita is a national pharmacy services organization that unlocks the full potential of health for patients with unique health needs. In addition to being a full-service pharmacy, our team has deep expertise in HIV, PrEP, STI, and LGBTQ+ care.
3
4
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
Orlando's Largest Gay Men's Clothing Store
COME GET YOUR
SEXY ON!
™
Colonial Plaza Shopping Center 601 N. Bumby Ave, Suite C Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 558-0725
Area’s Premier Entertainment District Old Town has something for everyone. Relax as you stroll through 18 acres of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Bring the family for free weekly events, car shows, live music, and entertainment. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of classic American fun.
Shopping • Restaurants & Bars • Rides • Car Shows • Live Music
5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (US 192), Kissimmee, FL 34746 • 407-396-4888 • Family owned and operated since 1986
myoldtownusa.com
5
C E N T R A L F LO R I DA L I V I N G W I T H P R I D E
Pa ge 3 0 phot o b y A t hena Ilu z, fr om Wikimed ia C ommons
Pa ge 2 0 pho to fr om AbbeyOr land o.com
Preview
7 9 11
7
9
11
13
17
20
25
28
30
Letter from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Letter from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Living out Loud
13 17 20
Ask the Locals: Central Florida's Dining Ask the Locals: Central Florida’s Nightlife Ask the Locals: Central Florida's Arts & Entertainment
25
28 30
Pride 365: Central Florida’s celebrations Community Care: Central Florida's support organizations Business Directory
6
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
7
May 5, 2021 I believe that pride lives in the spirit of each LGBTQ+ person who courageously chooses to live their truth. That’s why pride is celebrated in Orlando not only in June, but every month. The contributions of LGBTQ+ residents are felt in every aspect of our city, from our small businesses to our vibrant arts scene to government to education and everything in between. The LGBTQ+ community is a very important thread in Orlando’s tapestry. I am so incredibly proud of our community and proud that we are continuing to work to make inclusion and equity a key part of everything that we do as a city. LGBTQ+ inclusion is not only the right thing to do for the City of Orlando, but it is also an important economic development strategy to bring investment to our region. Many of the largest companies in our country have strong policies against discrimination and it is our duty as a local government to do the same for our residents. We also must work hard to build an environment where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can thrive and create a culture that is welcoming to all. Over the past year, the pandemic has created a set of challenges that we had never encountered before. As a community, we’ve relied on our neighbors and our ability to provide support to one another. I am grateful for nonprofits, including the LGBT+ Center of Orlando, QLatinx, Contigo Fund, Bros in Convo, One Orlando Alliance, Zebra Coalition and the Gender Advancement Project. These groups and others are empowering and supporting some of the most vulnerable communities in our city. They have been critical in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last summer, Americans from all walks of life came together following the horrific killing of George Floyd to call for justice and put an end to systemic racism in our country. In our city, residents, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, asked for change both here in Orlando and nationally. The City of Orlando is working to ensure that all residents are treated equally, are equally protected and have equitable access to opportunity. That’s why we are reviewing Orlando Police Department policies and procedures and are expanding our youth programs to provide more academic support and mentorship to young residents, but our work is far from done. I am committed and the City of Orlando is committed to making sure that every Orlando resident not only gets by, but thrives. This process will include every person in our city and will not be achieved without the advocacy of our LGBTQ+ community. By recognizing our collective pride this month and year-round, we celebrate love and unity and also acknowledge the work that lies ahead. That work will include the continued leadership and courage of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community. I want you to know that I hear your voices, see your actions and have your back every day of the year, not just in June. Buddy Dyer Mayor, City of Orlando
! !
8
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
In The Heart Of Walt Disney World®
Opening Summer 2021
In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. Discover our 22 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms, the luxurious Mandara Spa, and special Disney benefits. Take advantage of being within walking distance to Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®! • 2,619 renovated luxurious guest rooms
• Daily fitness classes and themed activities
• 22 award-winning restaurants and lounges on-site
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf
• Balinese-inspired Mandara Spa
• In-room mobile dining
• 3 fully-equipped fitness centers
• Marriott Bonvoy®
• 6 Sparkling Pools, 4 whirlpools and a waterslide
• Exclusive Walt Disney World® Resort Benefits
Reservations: 1.800.227.1500 | SwanDolphin.com Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830
9
May 10, 2021
Greetings! It is my pleasure to welcome you to Orange County, Florida! Whether you are a life-long resident or first-time visitor, Orange County is known around the world as a top tourist destination, home to the world’s largest theme parks, home to an awardwinning convention center, and a center for arts, sports, and cultural attractions. With more than 1.4 million residents who call Orange County home, we are proud of our thriving and diverse community. The strength of our community has never been more evident than by the growth of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community and its strong participation and leadership within all industry sectors, businesses, and nonprofits. As June quickly approaches, individuals from around the world will be celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month. It is also a time to honor the five-year remembrance of the Pulse tragedy, the families, victims and survivors, and other deeply impacted communities. Through this tragedy, we have demonstrated to the world our region’s strong response of love and kindness. My goal for Orange County is to create a community culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion, where we embrace our diversity and no one is left behind. To achieve this goal, it will take each of us working together to build a community that works for everyone. Once again, welcome, and we look forward to celebrating Pride month in Orange County! Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings Orange County Mayor
OCTOBER 2021
APRIL 2022
operaorlando.org
11
Cover photo by Dylan Todd
CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING
Living Out Loud Central Florida’s LGBTQ community wants to show you how we live with pride
WITH PRIDE IS PUBLISHED BY WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP OWNER & PUBLISHER
Rick Todd BUSINESS MANAGER
Kathleen Sadler EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jeremy Williams TAMPA BAY BUREAU CHIEF
Ryan Williams-Jent CREATIVE DESIGNERS
Dylan Todd Ezri Ruiz SALES DIRECTOR
Danny Garcia ADVERTISING SALES
Sam Callahan Michael Wier FOUNDER & GUIDING LIGHT
Tom Dyer Contents of this Central Florida Living with Pride 2021 are protected
I first moved to Orlando as an adult in
an openly gay man, of enjoy knowing that a
2008. I had lived throughout Central Florida
publication like this existed. When I decided
for many years as a child; in Orlando, Daytona,
to go back to school a year later, I chose to
St. Petersburg, Winter Park, I attended high
go into journalism, in part, because I wanted
school in Plant City. This was in the '80s and
to be a part of Watermark. Even in my most
'90s and the only information I had about the
wild if dreams, I never thought that about
LGBTQ community of this area was the annual
a decade later I would not only be writing
news coverage of Disney's Gay Day at the
for this publication but leading it as it's
Magic Kingdom and back then those stories
Editor-in-Chief.
usually spoke about the protests and the angry
Now, a year into my new role, we are
conservative Christians who didn't want the
creating an entire guide devoted to letting
"homosexual lifestyle" paraded in front of the
queer folks everywhere know how open,
children, THE CHILDREN!
accepting and amazing Central Florida's
When I came back in 2008, I started to learn just how much more than Gay Days the LGBTQ community was in Central Florida. I met a guy on MySpace (oh how old that
LGBTQ community is with our inaugural Central Florida Living With Pride. In this new destination guide, we present to you recommendations from some
sentence sounds now) and we went on a date
prominent members of Central Florida's
my first week in town. After dinner and a walk
LGBTQ community in terms of dining,
around Baldwin Park, he invited me to meet
nightlife, arts and entertainment for those
his friends at Savoy the following weekend.
visiting this wonderful part of the state.
I will never forget that night. Not because
We also gathered information on local
by federal copyright law and may
of the guy, although he was very nice, and
organizations, Pride events and friendly
not be reproduced in whole or
not because it was my first time at Savoy,
neighborhoods that will keep you engaged and
in part without the permission
although I did enjoy myself. No, that night will
celebrating all year round should you make
always be memorable because it was the first
the choice to move to Central Florida.
of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be
time I ever picked up a copy of Watermark. I can't remember anymore who was on the
Whether you picked up this guide because you are planning to visit Central Florida for
construed as any indication of the
cover of that particular issue but I remember
business, for play or to stay, know that you are
sexual orientation of such persons
a few details from the coverage inside. There
entering one of the most open, accepting and
or members or organizations.
was a story about the Parliament House and
LGBTQ loving places anywhere in the world.
Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. © Watermark Publishing Group Phone:
ORL: 407-481-2243 TB: 813-655-9890
Fax:
ORL: 407-481-224 TB: 813-849-2986
Publisher@WatermarkOnline.com WatermarkOnline.com
it's upcoming holiday events. I remember
We hope you enjoy your time here, no
reading the pop culture page, "Talking
matter how long or short, and we hope you
Points," and loving it because it reminded
enjoy Living With Pride.
me of a small gay version of Entertainment Weekly, which I had a subscription to. I also remember reading the Event Planner and discovering all these amazing LGBTQ organizations and seeing how many events they were having. While I many not remember every story in that issue, I do remember the feeling, as
JEREMY WILLIAMS
WATERMARK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
12
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
EQUALITY IS NOT AN ILLUSION LOVE #LGBTQ
OVER 50 EXHIBITS
MOI GIFT SHOP PROMO CODE: CFLWPG OO Your Merchandise Purchase of $25 or More
20%
Not Valid for Magic Memories additional photo purchases. Cannot be combined with other ooers. Limited to one use.
386-256-1001
ORLANDO.MUSEUMOFILLUSIONS.US LOCATED AT ICON PARK ®
#museumofillusionsorlando
Feeling Proud SHARING LOVE Orlando’s Sexual Health and Wellness Resource Orlando • Cape Canaveral Key West • Kissimmee We love Gumball Poodle Socks!
www.Fairvilla.com
13 "She did, that's the truth," Gidget says. "There is just so much to do here; Leu Gardens and Weeki Wachee and Dinosaur World. It is all here." Another reason that Ginger and Gidget think that Central Florida is just the bee's knees, the countless dining options. "Orlando is the perfect inbetween city," Ginger says. "It's small enough that you can get to know everybody and big enough that you have plenty of places to eat." "My brother lives up north still and the closest restaurant is 45 minutes away and it's a Denny's, so when they come here it's just like wow," Gidget says. "So many options and so much good food." We asked Ginger and Gidget, who can be seen entertaining crowds
MARY'S GALS Ginger Minj (L) and Gidget Galore welcome you to Hamburger Mary's Orlando. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
every week at the popular burger joint Hamburger Mary's in Downtown Orlando, to share some of their favorite dining hotspots in Central Florida.
Dining with Pride Ask the Locals: Ginger Minj & Gidget Galore
R
JEREMY WILLIAMS
FAVORITE LGBTQ-OWNED RESTAURANT: "Where else but Hamburger Mary's," Ginger says. "It's a staple in the community. Really good food, really great entertainment."
odgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, George and Ira
Hamburger Mary's
Gershwin; the dynamic duo of Ginger Minj and Gidget Galore
HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando
deserve to be named among those talented pairs, and in Central
110 W. Church St., 321-319-0600,
FAVORITE BRUNCH: "For me,
Florida these two larger than life drag sensations are just as beloved and
the most fun you can have during
popular.
Brunch," Gidget says.
On their own, Ginger and Gidget are forces to be reckoned with, but together they are unstoppable. They
moved here 15 years ago and Gidget came here in 1995 from Beaver Falls, N.Y.
brunch is at April Fresh's Comedy "I love brunch at The Grand Bohemian," Ginger says. " Just for sit down and have some delicious
are the responsible party for the award-winning, hugely
"We love Orlando, it will be my home forever,"
food, that is the best bang for your
successful "Golden Gals Live" show, a parody of the hit
Ginger says. "And one of the things that will keep me
buck. And it is right in downtown,
'80s sitcom "The Golden Girls." That turned into the series
here forever are the theme parks and attractions. And
so you can go, have a good time
of sitcom parodies known as "TV Land Live."
it's not just Disney and Universal, although we think
and stumble where else to keep the
they're great. It's the things off the beaten path. We love
party going."
The pair have been friends for years and have pretty much become experts on all things Central Florida since
Gatorland so much. In fact, I picked my house because of
moving to Orlando — Ginger, born in Leesburg, Fla.,
how close it is to Gatorland."
April Fresh's Comedy Brunch at Southern Nights 375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-412-5039 CONTINUED ON PG. 14 | |
14 CONTINUED FROM PG. 13 | |
The Grand Bohemian 325 S. Orange Ave., 407-313-9000, Marriott.com/Orlando
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DRINKS: "Cocktails and Screams is fantastic," Gidget says. "Back in their witch bar they have a mixologist, and the drinks come in different
COLORFUL DRINK:
SOUTHERN COMFORTS:
everything. It's like a show."
Café Tu Tu Tango’s “Love is Love” rainbow cocktail.
A selection of southern dishes from The COOP.
Cocktails & Screams
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKAWAY PR
PHOTO FROM THE COOP'S FACEBOOK
containers with dry ice and
39 W. Pine St., 407-885-3558, CocktailsAndScreams.com "The food there is always great
Kres Chophouse
The COOP by 4 Rivers
"We haven't gone in yet but we
and you can take anybody there
17 W. Church St., 407-447-7950,
610 W. Morse Blvd., 407-843-2667,
did order dessert from Better
who is coming into town to visit
KresRestaurant.com
ASouthernAffair.com
Than Sex during quarantine,"
and they are blown away," Gidget
California Grill at Disney's
Ginger says. "I had the popcorn
says. "A close second would be
Contemporary Resort
FAVORITE TACOS: "I just love
pimp cheesecake and it was
The Boathouse at Disney Springs.
4660 World Dr., 407-939-5277,
TaKo Cheena," Gidget says. "They
really good."
They have the best seafood and
DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com/
have a different kind of taco than
"We actually go to Friendly's
the staff is so friendly and they
CalifoniaGrill
most people are use to."
a lot," Gidget says. "I just love
remember you every time you
the clown sundae with the cone
come in."
FAVORITE TAPAS: "Café Tu Tu
Café Tu Tu Tango
Tango, of course," Gidget says.
"There tacos are great."
8625 International Dr., 407-248-2222,
"Santiago's Bodega is really good
TaKo Cheena
CafeTuTuTango.com
too."
948 N. Mills Ave., 407-930-8608
The Boathouse at Disney Springs
"I hear they have an amazing
Pepe's Cantina Church Street
1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., 407-939-2628,
brunch also," Ginger adds. "I
120 W. Church St., 407-730-2341,
TheBoathouseOrlando.com
haven't been for brunch yet but I
PepesCantina.com/Downtown
FAVORITE DESERT SPOT:
hat." "We do go a lot," Ginger adds, "and they treat us like gold whenever we walk in there." Better Than Sex 1905 N. Orange Avce., 407-761-8949, BetterThanSexDesserts.com Friendly's 8718 International Dr., 407-345-1655,
FAVORITE FINE DINING RESTAURANT: "We go to The
plan to. I hear nothing but good things." Santiago's Bodega
"Pepe's Cantina, right next to Hamburger Mary's," Ginger says.
FAVORITE LATE NIGHT DINING: "We always go to the
FriendlysRestaurants.com
Melting Pot," Ginger says. "But
802 Virginia Dr., 407-412-6979,
gay IHOP [on Colonial]," Gidget
we don't dress up, we wear our
SantiagoBodega.com
says.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT THAT SCREAMS CENTRAL FLORIDA: "Café Tu Tu
stretch pants."
Café Tu Tu Tango
"We love the GayHOP," Ginger
"They always ask us 'What are
8625 International Dr., 407-248-2222,
adds. "We also love Pom Pom's."
you celebrating tonight?'" Gidget
CafeTuTuTango.com
"Yes, I love Pom's," Gidget says. "I get the Danny G with no red
Tango because, just like
says. "We say 'dinner.' I like Kres
Central Florida, it is a mix
a lot too."
of everything," Ginger says.
"Kres is good," Ginger syas. "I
FAVORITE SOUTHERN COOKING: "College Park Cafe,"
"Where else can you get
also really love California Grill.
Ginger says. "There is no better
IHOP (Lovingly referred to as the
southern spare ribs alongside
We wear non-stretch pants when
biscuits 'n gravy in this town."
GayHOP)
bao buns alongside cauliflower
we go there. That's our fancy
"I'd have to go with The COOP,"
647 E. Colonial Dr., 407-896-8313, IHOP.
tacos then end it with a cake
fancy place."
Gidget says. "I love The COOP."
com
The Melting Pot
College Park Diner
Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria
2304 Edgewater Dr., 407-420-9892,
67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865,
CollegeParkCafe.com
PomPomsTeahouse.com
pop. It's the most eclectic menu I've ever seen."
7549 W. Sand Lake Rd., 407-903-1100, MeltingPot.com/Orlando-FL
onions but I add turkey to it because I need it with meat."
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
FAVORITE DINNER THEATER:
FAVORITE FROZEN TREAT:
FAVORITE PLACE TO PAMPER YOURSELF: "There is nothing
"Sleuths has reigned supreme for
"Craft popsicles at La Palette in
like Afternoon Tea at the Grand
garden."
decades and there's a reason,"
Hunter's Creek," Ginger says.
Floridian," Gidget says.
Afternoon Tea at Disney's Grand
Ginger says.
"They are insanely good. They
"That is our favorite thing to
Floridian's Garden View Tea Room
"And everyone we know has
have any kind of popsicle you
do, period," Ginger exclaims.
4401 Floridian Way, 407-939-5277,
worked there at some point,"
can think of and some that you
"Above going to Gatorland, above
DisneyWorld.Disney.go.com/Dining/
Gidget says. "I also think Medieval
would probably never think of.
everything."
Grand-Floridian-Resort-and-Spa/
Times is just classic."
They have an avocado and citrus
"It was the last thing we did before
Afternoon-Tea
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
one and it was probably the most
the pandemic shutdown," Gidget
8267 International Dr., 407-363-1985,
refreshing thing I have ever put in
says. "We use to do it all the time
Sleuths.com
my mouth."
and we cannot wait until it has
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
La Palette Artisan Pop Bar
BELOW:
opened back up so we can start
4510 W. Vine St., 866-543-9637,
12720 S. Orange Blossom Trail Suite #24,
going again."
MedievalTimes.com/Plan-Your-Trip/
407-251-0735, LaPalettePop.com
"Everyone wants to feel fancy and
REFRESHING TREAT: Craft popsicles from La Palette in Orlando.
pampered now and again," Ginger
PHOTO FROM LA PALETTE'S FACEBOOK
Orlando-FL
15
says. "Everything there is gorgeous and set up like a beautiful Victorian
16
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
17
JUMPING INTO DOWNTOWN:
Bobby Lynch is dancing it up in Downtown orlando. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
Nightlife of Pride
Ask the Locals: Bobby Lynch
“I
JEREMY WILLIAMS
love how everyone is family here," says Bobby Lynch, a male entertainer who also goes by the name of Bobby Iman.
Bobby moved to Central Florida from Atlanta in 2014 and has since become a well-known entertainer and man about town. Bobby was named among Central Florida's Top 3 non-drag stage performers in Watermark's WAVE Awards and was a regular entertainer at the world-famous Parliament House before its untimely closing in the fall of 2020. As the world has started to open up, Bobby has entertained at DeLand Pride's "Love is Love Pride Fest" and can be seen owning the dance floors everywhere from Stonewall to Southern Nights.
"I love how friendly it is for LGBTQ people, especially since Pulse," Bobby says. "It seems like the community became so close after that. Central Florida became THE LGBTQ-friendly place. I'm downtown a lot, and wherever we go; they're all friendly places." Bobby shares with us some of his favorite places to go when he is ready to have a few drinks, hang out with friends and, most importantly, where he goes to dance the night away.
CONTINUED ON PG. 18 | |
18
I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY:
Patrons packed the dance floor at Southern Nights Orlando in 2019. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS
FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB: "Shout
FAVORITE DRAG SHOW:
out to the Parliament House,
"You can't go wrong with any
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CHEAP DRINK: If you are drinking on a
which was my favorite LGBTQ
drag in Orlando," Bobby says.
budget, Bobby says you can head
club to go to," Bobby says. "It
"Hamburger Mary's, Stonewall,
on down to Stonewall or chill at
was a legendary place that will
Savoy, Southern; just to name a
Savoy.
be missed but you can't go wrong
few."
Stonewall Bar Orlando
with Stonewall. I love it there.
Hamburger Mary's Orlando
741 W. Church St., 407-373-0888,
You also can never go wrong with
110 Church St., 321-319-0600,
StonewallOrlando.com
FAVORITE CRAFT COCKTAILS:
Savoy."
HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando
Savoy Orlando
Dapper Duck's engaging craft
Stonewall Bar Orlando
Stonewall Bar Orlando
1913 N. Orange Ave., 407-474-0723,
cocktails, craft beer and wine
741 W. Church St., 407-373-0888,
741 W. Church St., 407-373-0888,
SavoyOrlando.com
menus offer an array of choices
StonewallOrlando.com
StonewallOrlando.com
Savoy Orlando
Savoy Orlando
1913 N. Orange Ave., 407-474-0723,
1913 N. Orange Ave., 407-474-0723,
FAVORITE PLACE TO IMPRESS A DATE: One of Church Street's
SavoyOrlando.com
SavoyOrlando.com
newest hot spots, HÄOS on
that one-of-a-kind cocktail.
Southern Nights Orlando
Church is the place to take a date
Dapper Duck Bar
375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-
if you really want to show them
28 S. Orange Ave., 407-286-0256,
412-5039, Facebook.com/
you have style, says Bobby.
Facebook.com/DapperDuckOrlando
SouthernNightsOrlando
HÄOS on Church
FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRIENDLY CLUB: "Finnhenry's is an open and accepting place," Bobby says. "Me and my friends, we go there
123 W. Church St., 407-203-4099,
is the best karaoke in town. Doug is great." Doug Ba'aser's Karaoke every Sunday at Stonewall Bar Orlando 741 W. Church St., 407-373-0888, StonewallOrlando.com
to tickle any palate. Bobby says this is the place to go when you are feeling dapper and looking for
FAVORITE PLACE YOU TAKE YOUR FRIENDS: I bring my
place to people watch, according
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH THE DANCERS: Irish Shannon's,
to Bobby.
a Church Street Irish pub, may not
Finnhenry's
seem like the obvious choice, but
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A STRONG POUR: It's called
39 N. Orange Ave., 407-648-0100,
with its LGBTQ-themed Platinum
the neighborhood dive bar for a
feel comfortable there."
Finnhenrys.com
Fridays and Saturday AMOR
reason. District Dive's atmosphere
Graffiti Junktion
nights, Bobby says this is the
is fun and light but the pours are
4544 Curry Ford Rd., 407-277-2883,
place to be if you want to see some
heavy and the drinks are strong.
GraffitiJunktionCurryFord.com
Dive is great," Bobby says. "Dive
amazing dancers.
District Dive
is in its name, plus my boyfriend
Irish Shannon's
2401 E. South St., 407-601-2813,
works there."
41 W. Church St., 407-866-1191,
Facebook.com/DistrictDive
District Dive
IrishShannons.com
all the time." It is also the best
FAVORITE DIVE BAR: "District
2401 E. South St., 407-601-2813, Facebook.com/DistrictDive
FAVORITE PLACE TO DANCE ALL NIGHT: Bobby says no
FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR:
matter where you go in Downtown
"Neema's happy hour at St.
Orlando, if they are playing music
Matt's," Bobby says.
then that's where you dance.
St. Matthew's Tavern at the
"Anywhere and everywhere
Orlando Beer Garden
downtown is a perfect place to
1300 N. Mills Ave., 407-377-0415,
dance the night away," he says.
StMatthewsTavern.com
Downtown Orlando 407-246-2555, DowntownOrlando.com
HAOSonChurch.com
FAVORITE CLUB/BAR TO CATCH ALL THE LOCALS:
friends in drag to Graffiti Junktion all the time now," Bobby says. "It's a real open place and we all
FAVORITE PLACE YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT: Cafe DaVinci was founded in 1993 primarily as a jazz club where artists, musicians and friends
"Everyone goes to Southern,"
could come together. While the
Bobby says.
music has expanded well beyond
Southern Nights Orlando
jazz, the vibe remains the same.
375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-
"I was just in DeLand for the 'Love
412-5039, Facebook.com/
is Love Pride Fest' and DaVinci's
SouthernNightsOrlando
is just amazing, I perform there a
FAVORITE PLACE FOR KARAOKE: "We were just at Stonewall for Doug Ba'aser's Sunday Karaoke," Bobby says. "It
lot," Bobby says. Cafe Da Vinci 112 W. Georgia Ave., 386-736-0008, CafeDaVinciDeLand.com
CREATE.
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
IMAGINE.
19
20
HÄOS OF LOVE: HÄOS on Church owner Blue Star (L) knows the arts. PHOTOS BY DYLAN TODD
Pride in Arts & Entertainment Ask the Locals: Blue Star JEREMY WILLIAMS
y
ou can't go very far in Central Florida's art and entertainment community without hearing the name Blue.
. While she is known by several names — Blue Star, Baby Blue, she's even called Mama by many of the
city, in locations that you normally wouldn't think to find art. "There were no murals when I
performers she has taken under her
moved here and now we have murals
wing — she, like Cher or Madonna, is
everywhere; inside parking garages, on
that rare entertainer who can command
the sides of buildings, I think the city
all the respect she deserves with a
really took the lead in that," Blue says.
single name, Blue.
"One of my favorite art moments was
Blue came to Orlando in 2000 to
when they city let artists paint those
attend Full Sail University. In 2012, she
electrical boxes on the sides of roads.
opened The Venue, a community theatre
One of my biggest moments was when
with an emphasis on "community" in
Miss P was featured on the side of one of
Orlando's Ivanhoe Village. After it closed
those boxes in Ivanhoe Village. I thought
in 2019, Blue went to work and opened
that was amazing. I know it doesn't
downtown Orlando's newest dining, arts
seem like a lot to a lot of people but the
and entertainment hot spot, HAOS on
more color we add in these unexpected
Church, in 2020.
places creates energy where we need
In her 20+ years here, Blue has helped to define what art, theater, dance and performing mean in Central Florida.
it the most." We have gathered a list of some great community theaters, venues, art
"I love the sunsets here," Blue says.
galleries and more to get you started on
"The skies here are so beautiful and so
your own list of favorites. We also asked
intense. And I love the arts in Central
Blue to weigh in on a few categories and
Florida. The expansion of art in this city
share some things she enjoys in Central
has been really cool to watch."
Florida's arts and entertainment.
Blue calls it unassuming art. Beautiful images and pieces in and around the
FAVORITE PLACE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE: "It would have been The Venue. Rest in Peace. That was such a cool place. Even removing myself from that situation,
Amway Center 400 W. Church St., 407-440-7900, AmwayCenter.com
FAVORITE MUSEUM: Orlando Museum of Art
that would have been my number one. It
2416 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-4231, OMArt.org
was just a cool movement taken on by the
FAVORITE PLACE TO HAVE DINNER AND WATCH A SHOW: "HÄOS on Church,
community," Blue says. "More than where I see a show, I think it's about when a director or producer chooses an unexpected place to put on a show. Somebody like Cole taking downtown Orlando and creating a space that is out of the box. It's not a destination but what artist's make out of a destination and to create art."
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE: "I don't really get a chance to watch movies myself, but the Enzian Theater is a really cool spot," Blue says. "They host the Florida Film Festival and do a great job with it." Enzian Theater 1300 Orlando Ave., 407-629-0054, Enzian.org
FAVORITE CENTRAL FLORIDA FESTIVAL: "There are so many great festivals here, but two that are amazing are the Orlando International Fringe Festival and Come Out With Pride," Blue says. Orlando Fringe at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center 812 E. Rollins St., 407-648-0077, OrlandoFringe.org Come Out With Pride festival at Lake Eola Park Downtown Orlando, 407-246-4484, ComeOutWithPride.org
FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC: "The Dr. Phillips Center because that's what it was designed for," Blue says. "It is technically driven to make sound sound amazing." Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-839-0119, DrPhillipsCenter.org
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A CONCERT: "Amway Center because,
of course," Blue says. "That's what we do here." HÄOS on Church 123 W. Church St., 407-203-4099, HAOSonChurch.com
Check out these other Central Florida Arts & Entertainment venues, and keep an eye out for Watermark's Fall Arts and Spring Arts guides, published in August and February, respectively, for show listings to these and more entertainment venues in Central Florida and Tampa Bay.
THE GARDEN THEATRE 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-877-4736, GardenTheatre.org
HARD ROCK LIVE
6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando, 407-351-7625, HardRock.com/
FAVORITE ARTS VENUE THAT SCREAMS CENTRAL FLORIDA: CityArts
39 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-648-7060, DowntownArtsDistrict.com
FAVORITE ARTSY THING TO DO ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: "Winter Park on a Saturday at their Farmer's Market," Blue
Live/Locations/Orlando
MAD COW THEATRE
54 W. Church St., Orlando, 407-297-8788, MadCowTheatre.com
MAXWELL C. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, 321-242-2219, KingCenter.com
HARRIETT'S ORLANDO BALLET CENTRE
says. "I love a good farmer's market."
600 N Lake Formosa Dr, Orlando,
Winter Park Farmers' Market
407-426-1733, OrlandoBallet.org
200 W. New England Ave., 407-599-3397, CityofWinterPark.org
HOUSE OF BLUES
1490 E. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, 407-934-2623,
ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES IN CENTRAL FLORIDA: The Abbey. "It's a second home to me," Blue says. The Abbey 100 S. Eola Dr. Unit 100, 407-704-6103, AbbeyOrlando.com
FAVORITE PLACE FOR UNASSUMING ART GALLERY: "Pom Pom's, The Hammered Lamb; they feature artists from the area and change it up every month or so. I love unassuming art spots like that," Blue says. "Create don't hate, keep making unassuming art." Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865, PomPomsTeahouse.com The Hammered Lamb
like with the Dr. Phillips Center, it was
1235 N. Orange Ave., 407-704-3200,
technically designed to make concerts
TheHammeredLamb.com
amazing," Blue says.
DON'T MISS...
21
HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, 407-836-8500, TheHistoryCenter.org
ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATER
1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando, 407-896-7365, OrlandoRep.com
THE OSCEOLA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
3141 N. Orange Blossom Trail #1137, Kissimmee, 407-931-1496, OsceolaArts.org
THE PLAZA LIVE
425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, 407-228-1220, PlazaLiveOrlando.org
THEATER WEST END
115 W. 1st St., Sanford, 407-548-6285, TheaterWestEnd.com
22
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
s
Bevel and Flat Mirrors Cut to your specifications!
s
TyroneFrame.com 2060 Tyrone Blvd N • St. Pete
(727) 344-1000
Specialty Frames Available in Oval, Circle, and Shadowbox. All Custom Framework is Professional Crafted on-premises!!!
23
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD: The Fountain in Orlando's Thornton Park.
It's all a Gayborhood
PHOTO BY JOSH HALLETT, FROM FLICKR
"What do you want to do where you live?" DAVID DORMAN
“W
hen people think of Central Florida, they tend to think of Orlando proper or Disney World. As a realtor, I frequently get the question "Where are the gay areas of Orlando?" - aka the gayborhoods.
Unlike Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors in South Florida or The Castro in San Francisco, Central Florida doesn't really have a gayborhood, rather it is very much a melting pot of diversity. I attribute this to our many theme parks and gay-friendly businesses. When a buyer asks me this question, I counter them with a question of my own: “What do want to do where you live?” and then follow their lead. Some folks may want walkability, in which case I would say let’s look in Downtown Orlando. Others may want hometown community, in which case we are heading to College Park. And still others — like me — may prefer to be closer to the suburbs and theme parks. Ultimately for most folks it boils down to location and price. Downtown Orlando can be much more expensive than the outer areas of Central Florida but if you want the high-rise condo, then Downtown Orlando it is! The good news is there are plenty of places to consider. I always recommend a client do some driving on their own whenever possible. Knowing the lay of the land can be helpful when deciding which area you want to live and can also identify areas you might want to avoid. If you are seeing things that ring anti-LGBTQ, you may decide that area is not right for you. It’s important to note that real estate agents CANNOT steer you one way or another, by law. That is why I always recommend clients check things out for themselves. Overall, I think it’s fair to say, and having lived here since 1985, most of Central Florida is LGBTQ friendly and should you decide to commit yourself to a very specific area, you might just miss out on some great places to live.
I love the fact that on my street we have five same-sex couples. I don’t live downtown but on the outskirts. The great thing is that overall, most folks can get to Downtown Orlando within 20 minutes or so. My husband and I will often take an Uber so we can relax and enjoy ourselves. Outside of Orlando are some great unknown cities such as Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere and Clermont. All offer larger homes for less than you would pay downtown, and often are newer and more energy efficient. My days of going out bar hopping have slowed a lot, so for my husband and I, the house and its features matter more than location. I love that I can get to Disney World in about 15 minutes and also downtown to see a show at the Dr. Phillips Center. It’s all about living the life you want to live, so if you are considering Central Florida, I’ll ask again — “What do you want to do where you live?” __________________________________________ David Dorman is an award-winning realtor in Central Florida. Dorman has been a licensed realtor since 1999 and with CENTURY 21 since 2003. He has worked diligently to become one of the top 100 agents in the U.S. for the brand. He became an owner for the company in 2012 and still continues to help buyers and sellers from around the world with their real estate needs. Locally, he works with various charities and has been recognized both locally and nationally for his sales and customer service. He was recognized in Orlando Magazines Real Estates Hot 100 and named one of the top 100 realtors in Orlando.
24
WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021
Fine Art | Portrait | Wedding | Commercial www.DylanToddPhotography.com 727-310-1212
Pride 365
25
Central Florida celebrates LGBTQ Pride year-round
c
JEREMY WILLIAMS
entral Florida is in no short supply of LGBTQ Pride. From all the queer representation at Orlando's world famous theme parks to Pride parade and festivals in cities big and small, Central Florida's LGBTQ community is loud, proud
and filled with rainbow love.
Central Florida's two largest LGBTQ events occur during two important months for the LGBTQ community — June, which is LGBTQ Pride Month and home to Central Florida's Red Shirt Pride Days, and October, which is LGBTQ History Month and home to Orlando's Come Out With Pride — but you will find as you read further that Central Florida shows its LGBTQ Pride all year long. with so many advocates and
allies proudly showing their support, this list is far from complete. Be sure to read Watermark’s Tampa Bay and Sarasota Living with Pride guides to see how even more of Central Florida’s cities share their LGBTQ Pride – and watch future issues of Watermark and visit WatermarkOnline.com for the latest details about each outing.
COME OUT WITH PRIDE
with a parade and festival that
party and more.
hits, nothing can replace the
Orlando, Florida | ComeOutWith-
takes over downtown Orlando
The following year, COWP took
in-person Pride Festival and
Pride.org
and Lake Eola Park.
the celebration to the next level
Most Colorful Parade that wants
Come Out With Pride (COWP)
The importance of COWP was
and announced that Orlando
you to #KeepDancingOrlando.
is an all-volunteer, nonprofit
magnified after the Pulse
would be bidding to host World-
COWP returns with its parade
organization inspired to make
tragedy on June 12, 2016 when
Pride in 2026 on the 10-year
and festival Oct. 9.
an impact in Orlando’s LGBTQ
gun violence took the lives of 49
mark of the Pulse tragedy.
community. Celebrated in
members of our community.
While COVID-19 forced many
October to align with National
That October, COWP put on a
Pride organizations to cancel for
Orlando, Florida | KindREDPride.org
Coming Out Day on October 11
parade and festival that showed
the year, COWP wanted to do
Outside of Pride parades and
and National Gay and Lesbian
Orlando's LGBTQ community
something that would be safe
festivals, one could argue that
History Month, COWP got its
that they are loved, honored
and celebrate Orlando's Pride.
no other LGBTQ event in the
start in 2005 when it incorpo-
the 49 angels lost at Pulse and
In October 2020, Orlando's
world is as recognizable as the
rated under Central Florida's
showed the world that Orlando
LGBTQ community were given
one that occurs on the first Sat-
LGBTQ chamber of commerce,
would keep dancing .
"Pride in the Streets/Pride in
urday in June every year at the
The Pride Chamber (known at
In 2018, COWP realized that
the House," a vehicle proces-
happiest place on Earth.
that time as the Metropolitan
Orlando's Pride couldn't be con-
sion throughout the streets of
Gay Day at Disney’s Magic
Business Association, or MBA).
tained to just one Saturday and
Orlando and a virtual show-
Kingdom has gone through
Since that first year, COWP has
expanded to a week full of Pride
case of Pride streaming online,
many changes since that first
grown into one of the largest
events that included the Drag
respectively.
Gay Day on June 1, 1991 but the
Pride celebrations in the state
Race 5K, a Church Street block
While both events were big
original premise remains the
RED SHIRT PRIDE DAYS
SHOW YOUR PRIDE: Fans line the streets in Downtown Orlando in October for Come Out With Pride's Most Colorful Parade. PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
26 same — the LGBTQ community,
eight weeks by Pastor Sarah Lund
starting in 2015, a Pride parade
ance of the LGBTQ and HIV
wearing red shirts, gather in
of United Church of Christ in New
through Melbourne's historic Eau
communities of Marion County.
front of Cinderella's Castle at the
Smyrna Beach and Kathy Seibert,
Gallie Arts district.
Ocala Pride's PrideFest returns to
Magic Kingdom just before the 3
president of PFLAG New Smyrna
This year's Space Coast Pride
Tuscawilla Park Oct. 23.
p.m. parade to be visible and to
Beach/Volusia, in 2012 when a
festival and parade will be on
DELAND PRIDE
be seen.
lack of funds made in appear
Sept. 25.
DeLand, Florida | DeLandPride.org
Organizers of the first event
the event would not be able to
would have claimed it a success
happen.
SANFORD PRIDE
if a hundred people showed up,
The first pride festival took place
Sanford, Florida | Facebook.com/
Robertson watched the horror of
so they were not prepared when
Nov. 10, 2012 on the grounds of
SanfordPride.FL
the Pulse shooting unfold in Or-
1,500 people in red shirts gath-
the United Church of Christ and
Sanford Pride first celebrated the
lando in 2016. Robertson, who's
ered in front of the castle.
was a huge success. The following
LGBTQ community with its Gay
youngest son came out as gay as
What began as one day at the
year, Volusia Pride moved to New
Pride Festival on Nov. 13, 2016.
a teenager, lost several friends in
park ballooned into multiple
Smyrna Beach's Riverside Park
The event started with a Legs &
the massacre. When Robertson
days of events from many groups
and has called Old Fort Park its
Eggs Pride Brunch at the Rab-
saw how the world responded
including GayDays, One Magical
home for the last several years.
bitfoot Record Store Cafe and fea-
with love and support for the
Weekend, Girls in Wonderland
Volusia Pride is still produced
tured a parade/sashay, a vendor
LGBTQ community, she knew
and Tidal Wave Party, who bring
each year by the Volusia County
festival, drag performances and
she had to bring that to DeLand's
circuit parties, concerts, expos
chapter of PFLAG with a mission
an after party hosted by Celery
LGBTQ community.
and pool parties that attract
to create an entertaining and
City Craft Beer Garden.
DeLand Pride was also the first
hundreds of thousands of visi-
educational environment for
Sanford Pride grew from there to
Pride organization in Central
tors every year that encircle the
Volusia's LGBTQ community and
become one of the most attended
Florida to host an in-person
original event and carry the same
its straight allies.
and talked about LGBTQ events in
event since the start of the COV-
message of visibility that Gay Day
Volusia Pride's eighth annual
Seminole County. Each Novem-
ID-19 pandemic with its socially
at Magic Kingdom was founded
festival, which was intended to be
ber, Sanford Pride promotes the
distanced "Love is Love Pride
on.
Oct. 19, 2020, was cancelled due
diversity of its city, celebrates the
Fest" Feb. 20 at Artison Alley and
In 2019, the nonprofit KindRED
to the COVID-19 pandemic but is
uniqueness of its community and
Cafe Davinci.
Pride Foundation established
expected to make its triumphant
shows that Seminole County is an
DeLand Pride returns in Feb.
Red Shirt Pride Days, a series
return in October 2021.
open and accepting place.
2022.
of events occurring on the first
Sanford Pride is expected to
DeLand Pride was born out of tragedy when resident Dagny
return to downtown Sanford in
LAKE COUNTY PRIDE
November 2021.
Mount Dora, Florida | LakeCoun-
weekend of June every year with a
SPACE COAST PRIDE
mission to get one million people
Melbourne, Florida | SpaceCoast-
around the world to wear red on
Pride.org
the first Saturday of June whether
Space Coast Pride is an all
they are at the Magic Kingdom
volunteer-managed, not-for-
Ocala, Florida | OcalaPride.org
with the tagline "A CELEBRA-
or not.
profit LGBTQ organization intent
Ocala Pride got its start in June
TION of PRIDE with a PURPOSE"
As Central Florida approached
on fostering a sense of com-
2005 as a small, informal picnic
last year by activist Danielle M.
the 30th anniversary of the first
munity and pride within Brevard
in Ocala's Jervey Gantt Park.
Olivani.
Gay Day at Disney's Magic King-
County's LGBTQ residents. Space
The following year's picnic was
Olivani worked with members
dom, the world shut down due
Coast Pride got its start in 2007 as
overseen by community members
of The Triangle Connection,
to the COVID-19 pandemic and
a small picnic in Melbourne and
who became known as the Core
a nonprofit social and service
all organizations — Walt Disney
has grown into one of the biggest
Group which would become Ocala
organization for LGBTQ individu-
World included — closed up shop
Pride events in Central Florida,
Pride in 2007.
als who live, love, work or play
in 2020. But the 30th anniversary
attracting more than 12,000 at-
Ocala Pride's first official PrideF-
in Lake County's Golden Triangle
celebration is still being planned
tendees each fall.
est at Citizen's Circle occurred
community of Mount Dora, Eustis
and will come to Central Florida
The one-day event, which is held
Oct. 18, 2014 and PrideFest has
and Tavares, to bring Lake County
June 4, 2022.
at the end of September, was
been happening every October
Pride's first event — a virtual
expanded to three days in 2015
since. In 2019, PrideFest moved
celebration during the COVID-19
and then to a full week of events
to Tuscawilla Park with the
pandemic — to the area, with
New Smyrna Beach, Florida | Volu-
in 2018. In that time, Space Coast
following year's events being
proceeds raised going to Equality
siaPride.com
Pride's list of events have in-
cancelled due to the pandemic.
Florida's transgender inclusion
Originally the brainchild of col-
cluded everything from kick-off
Ocala Pride is a nonprofit,
initiative, known as TransAction
lege students Lisa-Marie Mueller
parties, drag shows and brunches
community-based organization
Florida.
and Kristen Colesanti, Volusia
to 5K runs, beach days and, for
that enhances and sustains the
VOLUSIA PRIDE
Pride was brought to life in just
OCALA PRIDE
cultural awareness and accept-
tyPride2020.org Lake County Pride was founded
The Center Orlando exists to promote and empower the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through information, education, advocacy and support.
Locations The Center Orlando 946 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL. 32803 (407) 228-8272 Health & Human Services 1200 Hillcrest Street, Suite 102, Orlando, FL. 32803 (407) 412-6513 The Center Kissimmee Learn more by scanning the QR 17 W. Monument Ave, code with your smart device or visit Kissimmee, FL. 34741 https://linktr.ee/TheCenterOrlando (407) 201-2544
28
COMMUNITY TEAM WERK: Members of 26 Health attend Zebra Coalition's 5K Drag Race in Baldwin Park during Come Out With Pride. PHOTO BY JEREMY WILLIAMS
2 6 H E A LT H 801 N. Magno lia Ave ., Suite 402, Orlan d o, Flo rid a 32803 | 321-800-2922 | 26Healt h .o rg 26 Health pr ovid es compr ehensive phys ic a l and mental health ser vices, r eg ar dl e s s of ability to pay, to the C ity of Or l a n do ' s LGBT Q commu nity and allies. T hey pro v ide med ical car e; mental health car e; a do pt io n
Community Care Central Florida Organizations offer their support
cou nseling and home stu d ies; r apid HIV , Hepatitis C and ST I testing and care ; a n d a med ical spa.
T H E B RO S I N CO N V O I N I T I AT I V E 711 Se mino le Ave ., Orland o, Flo rid a 3280 4 | 407532-0070 | Bro sI nCo nvo.o rg T he Br os in C onvo Initiative is a commu nity-based and -led or g an iza t io n d ed icated to the ad vancement and empow er ment of C entr al Flor id a’s B l a c k and Br ow n you ng g ay, bisexu al, qu e e r a n d same g end er loving (GBQ/SGL) com m un it y. T he or g anization w as fou nd ed in 20 17 , and thr ou g h capacity bu ild ing tr ai n in g, commu nity ed u cation pr og r ams an d lo c a l ad vocacy w or k, T he Br os in C onvo I n it ia t iv e
C
JEREMY WILLIAMS
aims to bu ild commu nity, elevate B la c k and Br ow n voices and pr omote/pr o t e c t t he
entral Florida is home to a large,
w ellbeing of you ng men of color .
eclectic group of LGBTQ nonprofits and
HOPE & HELP
organizations whose mission it is to make
4122 Me t ric Drive , #800, Winte r Park, Flo rid a
this area one of the most open, accepting and inclusive in the world. Central Florida's LGBTQ organizations range
32792 | 407-645 -2577 | Ho pe And He lp.o rg Hope & Help beg an in 1988 as a sm a l l su ppor t g r ou p of a few fr iend s w ho c a re d for a close fr iend w ho w as exper ie n c in g of AIDS-r elated complications. Sin c e
from large coalitions with wide-ranging missions
then, Hope & Help has g r ow n into o n e o f
to smaller groups with more focused goals.
or g anizations in Flor id a, w ith a full
They provide health-related services, education
ed u cation, pr evention, case manage m e n t ,
assistance and youth programs. Some have been in the area for decades and some were formed in the wake of one of the worst gun violence tragedies in the country. But the one thing they all have in common is they were all formed because the care
the most compr ehensive HIV/ST I s e rv ic e med ical clinic, in ad d ition to testi n g, su ppor t g r ou p ser vices and a syr in ge ser vice pr og r am.
T H E LG BT+ C E N T E R O R L A N D O AND KISSIMMEE Orland o : 946 N. Mills Ave ., Orland o, Flo rid a 32803 | 407-228-8272 | The Ce nte rOrlan d o.o rg For over 40 year s, the LGBT + C ente r ha s
about Central Florida's LGBTQ community.
pr ovid ed pr og r ams and ser vices to Ce n t ra l
Read on and learn more about some of Central
offer s health-r elated ser vices includi n g
Florida's most influential and important LGBTQ organizations.
Flor id a's LGBT Q commu nity. T he Ce n t e r HIV, Hepatitis C and ST I testing , fre e online mental health cou nseling , HIV c a s e
29 m a n a ge m e n t a n d m o r e . Th e
O N E P U LS E FO U N D AT I O N
PFLAG
Pr id e C hamber i s on e o f
Center a l s o pr o v i d e s a n array
P.O. B ox 21 2 6, Or la ndo,
Mult iple Chapte rs | P FLAG .o rg
five LGBT Q chambe rs
of p ro gr a m s a n d s e r v i c es
Flor ida 32 802 | 407 -7 75-4611 |
Fou nd ed in 1973, PFLAG
of commer ce in Florida .
such as c a r e e r c o u n s e l i n g,
onePU LSE Fou ndation.org
is the fir st and lar g est
com p ute r a c c e s s , r e s o urce
The o nePUL S E Fo unda tion
or g anization for LGBT Q
n avigati o n , n o t a r y s e r v i ces,
i s a no np ro fi t created
people, their par ents
m e e tin g s f o r a d d i c t i o n and
b y the o wner o f Pulse
and families, and allies.
r e covery, L G B T Q s e n i o r s
ni gh tclub . The Fo undation
With over 400 chapter s
| QLat inx .o rg
a n d LG BT Q y o u t h, g r o u ps
was estab li shed to create a
and 200,000 member s
QLatinx is a g r assr oo t s
f or trans g e n d e r a n d g e n der
sanctuary o f ho p e fo llow ing
and su ppor ter s cr ossing
r acial, social and
n on con f o r m i n g i n d i v i d uals
the Pulse tragedy. This fu nd
mu ltiple g ener ations of
g end er ju stice
a n d m o r e . In 2 0 18 , a s e c o nd
i s i ntended to sup p o rt a
families in major ur ban
or g anization d ed ica t e d
LG B T+ C e n t e r l o c a t i o n
memo ri al th at o p ens hear ts,
center s, small cities and
to the ad vancement
w a s o p e n e d i n K i s s i m mee
a museum that o p ens mind s,
r ur al ar eas acr oss Amer ica,
and empow er ment of
of f e r ing s e l e c t s e r v i c e s.
educati o nal p ro grams
PFLAG is committed to
C entr al Flor id a's LG B TQ
that o p en eyes and legacy
cr eating a w or ld w her e
Latinx commu nity. Q La t in x
scho larshi p s th at o p en
d iver sity is celebr ated and
w as fou nd in r espon s e
do o rs. Co ntri b uti o ns fr om
all people ar e r espected ,
to the mass shootin g
i ndi vi duals, fo undati ons,
valu ed and affir med .
that occur r ed at Pu l s e in
M I R AC L E O F LO V E 741 W. Co lon i a l D r., O rla n d o, Flo r i d a 32 8 0 4 | 4 07- 8 43 -1760 | M i ra c leO fLove .org
Q L AT I N X 946 N. Mills Ave ., Orlan d o, Flo rid a 32803 | 407-476-5327
co rp o rati o ns and
C entr al Flor id a is home
2016 d ur ing the LGBTQ
Mirac l e o f L o v e ( M O L ) is
go vernm ent enti ti es d ir ectly
to thr ee P FLAG chapter s:
establishment’s Lat in x
a n or ga n i z a t i o n f o u n d e d
sup p o rt all o f the National
PFLAG Or land o at 407-236-
themed nig ht. QLat in x s e e ks
by Low e l l S t a f f o r d i n 1991
Pulse M em o ri al & M useu m
9177, PFLAGOr land o.or g ;
to center and empowe r
f or the d i s t i n c t pur po s e
desi gn, co nstructi o n,
PFLAG New Smyr na Beach/
the most mar g inaliz e d
of p ro vid i n g a c c e s s i b l e
land acq ui si ti o n co sts,
Volu sia at 386-957-4479,
member s of our com m un it y,
HI V /AIDS pr e v e n t i o n
o p erati o ns, co m muni t y
PFLAG.or g /New -Smyr na-
establish affir ming
p ro gr a m m i n g a n d s u ppo rti ve
educati o n p ro grams and 49
BeachVolu sia; and P FLAG
and su ppor tive heal in g
a ss is tan c e t o s e r v i c e
L egacy S cho larshi p s.
Melbour ne at 321-750-4141,
spaces, bu ild a str o n g a n d
PFLAGMelbour ne.or g .
u nited commu nity a n d wo rk
the m ul t i c u l t ur a l n e e d s
the o l de s t c o m m u n i t y-
O R L A N D O YO U T H ALLIANCE / SEMINOLE YO U T H A L L I A N C E
bas e d mi n o r i t y H IV / A IDS
P.O. B ox 536944, Or lando,
Orland o, Flo rid a
or ga n iza t i o n i n C e n t r a l
Flor ida 32 853 | 407 -244-1222 |
32807 | 321-800-3946 |
Fl or id a . M O L c o n t i n u e s
Or la ndoYou thA l l iance.org
The Prid e Chambe r.o rg
to be a r e po s i t o r y f o r
The O rlando Yo uth All iance
T he Pr id e C hamber is the
Ze braYo ut h.o rg
e duca tio n , s u ppo r t , c a r e,
( O YA) and th e S em i nole
LGBT Q chamber of commer ce
Zebr a C oalition is a n e t wo rk
com m un i t y a d v o c a c y a nd
Yo uth Alli ance ( S YA) a r e
d ed icated to the bu siness
of or g anizations w hic h
referral services.
no n- p ro fi t o rgani z ati ons
equ ality movement in the
pr ovid e ser vices to LG B TQ
whi ch p ro vi des a safe space
Gr eater Or land o ar ea and
you th ag es 13–24. T he
fo r L GBTQ yo uth to gather ,
beyond . For mer ly called MBA
C oalition assists youn g
of com m u n i t i e s i n C e n t ral Fl or id a . To d a y, M O L i s
ONE ORLANDO ALLIANCE O neOr la n d oA lli a n ce .org
tow ar d s a society fre e o f
THE PRIDE CHAMBER 5 003 Old Che ny Highway,
fear , violence and h a t e .
Z E B R A CO A L I T I O N 911 N. Mills Ave ., Orla n d o, Flo rid a 32803 | 407-228-1446 |
talk ab o ut i ssues and
Or land o, the or g anization
people facing home le s s n e s s ,
One Orl a n d o A l l i a n c e
co ncerns th at are i m por tant
chang ed its name to T he
bu llying , isolation f ro m
( OOA) is a c o a l i t i o n o f over
i n thei r li ves, as well as
Pr id e C hamber to "better
their families and phys ic a l,
4 0 LG B T Q s e r v i c e - b a s e d
meet o th er L GBTQ yo uth.
r eflect w ho w e ar e." Fou nd ed
sexu al and d r u g abus e wit h
or ga n iza t i o n s i n C e n t r a l
O YA and S YA are p eer-
on the valu es of integ r ity,
ind ivid u alized pr ogra m s
Fl or id a f o r m e d i n t he d ays
b ased yo uth gro up s with
inclu sion, commu nity and
to g u id e them to r ec o v e ry
f ol l ow in g t he P u l s e t r a gedy .
memb ers rangi ng fro m ag es
economic oppor tu nity,
and stability. Amon g i t s
OOA m e m b e r s a r e c o m mi tted
13 - 2 3 . I t was fi rst fo rmed in
T he Pr id e C hamber ser ves
pr og r ams and ser vic e s ,
to e n sur i n g C e n t r a l F l o ri da
1990 as a sup p o rt gro u p to
as a r esour ce for small
Zebr a C oalition offe rs
serve s a s a m o d e l f o r
assi st at- ri sk L GBTQ you th
bu sinesses and lar g e
mental health su pp o rt ,
n on p ro f i t s , b u s i n e s s e s ,
under th e m o ni ker “Delta
cor por ations, as w ell as
assistance in hou sin g,
f oundati o n s a n d i n s t i t uti o ns,
Yo uth Alli ance. ” O YA meets
LGBT Q-ow ned bu sinesses,
ed u cation and lead e rs hip
a l l w or k i n g t o g e t he r t o
Tuesday eveni ngs at 6 :15
commu nity member s
oppor tu nities and mo re .
cr e a te a w e l c o m i n g a n d
p . m . S YA m eets Thursd ay
and allies to br id g e the
incl us ive c o m m u n i t y f o r all.
eveni ng at 6 : 15 p . m .
g ap betw een them. T he
PHOTO BY DYLAN TODD
30
Business Directory ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Opera Orlando 407-512-1900
LGBT+ Center Kissimmee 407-201-2544 TheCenterOrlando.org/Homepage-
OperaOrlando.org
Kissimmee/
United Arts of Central Florida
FOOD AND DRINK
407-628-0333 UnitedArts.cc Winter Park Playhouse 407-645-0145
Hamburger Mary’s Orlando 321-319-0600 HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando/ Savoy Orlando
WinterParkPlayhouse.org
SavoyOrlando.com
ATTRACTIONS
HEALTH SERVICES
Gatorland 407-855-5496 Gatorland.com Museum of Illusions 833-541-0992 Orlando.MuseumOfIllusions.us
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS LGBT+ Center Orlando 407-228-8272 TheCenterOrlando.org
Avita Pharmacy AvitaPharmacy.com The Center Health & Human Services Center 407-500-HOPE TheCenterOrlando.org
HOTEL AND LODGING Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin 407-934-4000 SwanDolphin.com
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES Dylan Todd Photography 727-310-1212 DylanToddPhotography.com
RETAIL
Old Town Kissimmee 407-396-4888 MyOldTownUSA.com Orlando International Airport/MCO 407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.net
City Furniture CityFurniture.com
Rainbow Getaways, LLC 321-344-9001
Fairvilla Megastore
RainbowGetaways.net
407-425-6005 Fairvilla.com
The Milk District
MojoMan Swimwear & Clothing 407-558-0725
407-401-3003 TheMilkDistrict.org
MojomanStyle.com
SPORTS AND LEISURE Swim Out Orlando 321-209-1301 SwimOut.org
TRAVEL AND TOURISM I-Drive Business District 407-248-9590 InternationalDriveOrlando.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHENA ILUZ, FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
“LET’S FIND SOME BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO GET LOST!” Missing that feeling of freedom and exploration you can only access through air travel? As Your Florida Airport of Choice®, Orlando International Airport hears you loud and clear. Quite honestly, we are in the same boat as you. But we’d rather be on the same plane.
Inspiration
F O R Y O U R N E X T A D VE N T U RE HONOLULU
CHARLESTON
S T. T H O M A S
PORTLAND
MCO. We’re Better Together. For Travel Tips & Requirements visit orlandoairports.net/coronavirus
Scan for airfare deals
