Watermark's Central Florida Living with Pride Guide 2024

CENTRAL FLORIDA

have a lot to take pride in. where all residents are welcome

to welcome you to Orange County in celebration of Pride Month!

hateful rhetoric and legislation at the state and national compassion must

continues to make bold investments to benefit our 1.4 million residents worldwide. In addition to being known as a top tourist destination in the nation, home largest theme parks and an award -winning convention center, we are focused on affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and arts & culture.

LGBTQ+ community, including the young residents who that in our city you are loved, you are valued and you are continue to celebrate our diversity while Orlando will still be a place horrific impact caused by hatred

LGBTQ+ businesses and nonprofit organizations have played an integral role in the County by investing in resources and people to help grow the next generation of civic leaders. As individuals from around the world begin to celebrat e LGBTQ+ June, it is also a time to reflect on the Pulse Remembrance and the responsibility creating an inclusive and equitable community.

life-long resident or a first-time visitor, I hope you enjoy your time i n our thriving community. Once again, welcome, and we look forward to celebrating Pride Month in

09 17 11 18 21 22

THE PENDULUM OF PRIDE: A HISTORY OF LGBTQ RESILIENCE IN CENTRAL

FLORIDA

Sunday, June 9, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m.

David Matteson, past Board president of the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida, surveys the history of the LGBTQ community in the region by focusing on moments of progress, resistance, and resilience. This program is free with registration.

Happy Pride Month, Orlando! I truly believe that as a community, we have so much to take pride in, including our collective commitment to ensuring that Orlando remains a welcoming city for every person.

Pride Month provides us all with the opportunity to celebrate our efforts. Together we are working to make sure that Orlando is inclusive and equitable for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, as well as each person who calls The City Beautiful home or travels to our city.

As Mayor, I am incredibly proud that Orlando has become more inclusive and vibrant with each passing year thanks to our LGBTQ+ community and allies who have shown their support for equality. At the same time, I also recognize that now more than ever, we must continue to make it known that Orlando will always be a place that encourages all people to be their authentic selves. In our community, all people are respected, seen and heard. Those values can never be taken away.

That sentiment is especially important in June because this month marks eight years since the Pulse tragedy, which disproportionally impacted the LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black and other communities of color. I hope that as we’ve continued to offer hope to the families of the 49 victims and the survivors, Orlando has shown the power of love, compas sion and understanding.

Thank you for playing a role in our efforts. I hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating Pride Month in our community.

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer Mayor

Greetings:

I am pleased to welcome you to Orange County as we approach Pride Month!

Orange County is proud to be one of the top destinations in the world for visitors We are known for our exciting theme parks, an award-winning convention center, and a landscape of cuisine, art, culture, sports, business, eco-tourism, and nightlife. But beyond our attractions, we are a place built on a foundation of diversity.

Orange County Government is committed to serving all residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Our community proudly reflects a broad diaspora of cultures, contributing to our collective strength. We take immense pride in building a community where every individual and organization is treated with dignity and respect.

Please be assured that our community values diversity and embraces inclusion. Hate is never welcome here. Orange County is a caring, compassionate, and welcoming place open to learning and connecting with others. On behalf of the more than 1.5 million residents who call Orange County home, we value the time you spend in our community.

Whether you're a long-standing resident or discovering Orange County for the first time, I hope your time here is Unbelievably Real. Once again, welcome, and we look forward to celebrating Pride Month in Orange County

Sincerely,

Jerry L. Demings Orange County Mayor

Dining With Pride

Ask the locals: Pom Moongauklang

JEREMY WILLIAMS

Pom Moongauklang, owner of Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria in Orlando’s Milk District, knows good food.

After coming to Orlando from New York, where she worked at the world-famous eatery NoBu, she opened the popular Pom Pom’s in 2005. She followed that up by opening and creating the menu for Tako Cheena, a fantastic Mills50 spot offering tacos and burritos filled with Pan-Asian cuisine. Moongauklang also does menu consulting for local bars looking to add food to their business.

Moongauklang was gracious enough to sit down with us and talk about some of her go-to places to eat in Central Florida.

LGBTQ+-OWNED RESTAURANT/ RESTAURANT THAT SCREAMS CENTRAL FLORIDA:

The Hammered Lamb 1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-704-3200 | TheHammeredLamb.com

“[Owner] Jason Lambert is one of my favorites and The Hammered Lamb is such a great spot. You can go get a cocktail, sit by the lake and watch I-4 traffic; that just screams Central Florida to me."

DESSERT SPOT:

Jack & Honey’s 808 E. Washington St., Orlando | 407-440-4079 | JackAndHoneys.com

“I'm loving what desserts are being offered right now at Jack & Honey's. They also have really good frozen drinks, frozen mocktails that would make a great dessert.”

PIZZA JOINT:

John & John’s Pizza 435 E. Michigan St., Orlando | 407-422-2583 | JohnAndJohnsPizza.com

“John & John’s is the quintessential New York style pizza.”

BRUNCH SPOT:

The Graden Bistro 712 E. Washington St., Orlando | 407-930-2640 | TheGardenBistro 407.com

Savoy Orlando 1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-270-4685 | SavoyOrlando.com

“There are so many amazing places doing drag brunches. The Garden (formerly Island Time) and Jack & Honey’s do great drag brunches, Savoy also has a wonderful drag brunch.”

TAPAS PLACE:

Peter’s Kitchen

3922 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando | 407-895-8174 | PetersKitchenOrlando. kwickmenu.com

“For tapas, I do like my Dim Sum, and one place that I have enjoyed my Dim Sum is at Peter's Kitchen.”

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN

SPOT:

Market on South 2603 E. South St., Orlando | 407-919-5402 | MarketOnSouth.com

“I really enjoy the product that they have. They have premium quality ‘meat.’"

FOOD TRUCKS:

Tasty Takeover

2424 E. Robinson St., Orlando | TastyTakeover. com

À La Cart Orlando 609 Irvington Ave., Orlando | 407-776-4693 | ALaCartOrlandoo.com

"The idea is to go to as many food trucks as you can and they are all amazing at Tasty Takeover. À La Cart also has some great food trucks. They have one where you can get a great Brazilian-style ribeye steak for like $10."

TACOS SPOT:

Tako Cheena 948 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-930-8608 | TakoCheena407.com

“I have to go with the one I started.”

GOOD PLACE FOR A DATE NIGHT:

Bites & Bubbles

1618 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-270-5085 | BitesBubbles.com

“I'm impressed with what Eddie Nickell is doing over there at Bites & Bubbles. It's romantic and it is in the middle of a little bit of everything.”

DONT MISS...

Don't miss checking out these other Central Florida eateries.

CRISPY CONES

2415 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando 407-724-4335

TheCrispyCones.com/Orlando-FL

THE GLASS KNIFE

276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-500-2253

TheGlassKnife.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S

110 W. Church St. 321-319-0600

COFFEE HOUSE:

Qreate Coffee + Studio 1212 Woodward St., #1, Orlando | 407-601-1796 | QreateCoffee.com

"I'm fond of Qreate Coffee; it's not bitter, it's strong, it's delicious."

DINING HIDDEN GEM:

Thirsty Gator

3040 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park | 407-6780148 | Facebook.com/ ThirstyGatorBar

“Hidden Gems for me are going outside of my comfort zone. Thirsty Gators on Goldenrod is fun, they specialize in oysters.”

HamburgerMarys.com/Orlando

MAXINE’S ON SHINE

337 Shine Ave. 407-674-6841

MaxineOnShine.com

POM POM’S TEAHOUSE & SANDWICHERIA

67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865

PomPomsTeahouse.com

SANTIAGO’S BODEGA

802 Virginia Dr., Orlando 407-412-6979

SantiagosBodega.com

SE7EN BITES

617 Primrose Dr., Orlando 407-203-0727

Se7enBites.com

WHITE WOLF CAFÉ

1829 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-895-9911

WhiteWolfCfe.com

THE WINE ROOM

270 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407-696-9463

TheWineRoomOnline.com

Photo Provided by Pom Moongauklang

Pride of Nightlife

Ask the locals: Twila Holiday

JEREMY WILLIAMS

AHalloween night 15 years ago turned into the birth of one of Central Florida's most beloved drag queens — Twila Holiday. Twila has won multiple titles throughout her career, including National Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and Miss GayDayS 2019.

Twila performs at more than a dozen bars, clubs and restaurants across the state, including at Hamburger Mary's in Orlando, Secrets Hideaway Resort in Kissimmee and The Black Sheep on Broadway in Ocala, just to name a few. Twila was wonderful enough to chat with us about some of the best nightlife spaces in Central Florida.

FAVORITE LGBTQ+ CLUB:

Southern Nights

375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando | 407-412-5039 | Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando

"There are so many great spots to pick but here in Central Florida, the biggest club that everyone goes to is Southern Nights."

FAVORITE ALLY BAR:

Secrets Hideaway Resort

2145 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee | 844-563-6969 | SecretsFL.com

"It's not a gay bar but we have a Pride Night every Tuesday. They are so openminded and so welcoming there."

FAVORITE DRAG SHOW:

The Black Sheep on Broadway 128 SW Broadway St., Ocala | 352-622-1207 | TheBlackSheepOnBroadwayOcala. com

"If you want to see some amazing drag you need to come up to Ocala. It's a little bit of the beaten path but it is 100% worth it."

FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR:

The Hammered Lamb

1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-704-3200 | TheHammeredLamb.com

"The Hammered Lamb has a great happy hour and has great entertainment options. You can get a little bit of everything there."

FAVORITE TO WATCH GO-GO DANCERS:

Stiffy's Orlando

2405 E. South St., Orlando | 407-412-5039 | Facebook.com/ Stiffys-Orlando

"The newly opened Stiffy's. We were there a couple weeks ago and I was impressed. If you are looking for more beefier or muscular go-go dancers, I would suggest Stiffy's."

FAVORITE HOTSPOT TO IMPRESS A DATE:

Better Than Sex

1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-761-8949 | BetterThanSexDesserts.com

"Granted I haven't been on a date in 15 years, but I hear everyone raving about Better Than Sex dessert bar as an amazing date spot."

FAVORITE PLACE TO CATCH THE LOCALS:

Club Orlando 450 Compton St., Orlando | 407-425-5005 | Club-Orlando.com

[Laughs] "If you are looking for all the locals then head to Club Orlando."

FAVORITE PLACE FOR KARAOKE:

Savoy Orlando 1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-898-6766 | SavoyOrlando.com

"Savoy has great karaoke, and it's one of the only specifically LGBTQ+ spots that does karaoke."

FAVORITE CRAFT COCKTAILS:

McQueens Social Lounge 33 E. Pine St., Orlando | 407-738-6866 | Facebook.com/ McQueensLounge

"McQueens has a really cool aesthetic and the prices are very reasonable on their craft cocktails."

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS:

Sawmill Campground 21710 US-98, Dade City | 352-583-0664 | FloridaGayCamping.com

"I encourage people to go check out Sawmill. It's just a short drive to Dade City. I don't know why so many in the community don't want to go camping but they have cabins with air conditioning and indoor plumbing, it's not primitive. Why not give it a shot, it's in your backyard. "

DONT MISS...

Don't miss checking out these other Central Florida nightlife hotspots.

1UP ORLANDO

25 W. Church St., Orlando, 407-904-0124, 1UpOrlando.com

ABBEY BAR

117 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand | 386-734-4545 | AbbeyBarDeLand. com

BARCODES ORLANDO

4453 Edgewater Dr., Orlando 407-412-6917

Facebook.com/BarcodesOrlando

CAFE DA VINCI

112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand, 386-736-0008, CafeDaVinciDeLand.com

DISTRICT DIVE

2401 E. South St., Orlando | 407601-2813 | Facebook.com/ DistrictDive

GRUMPY'S UNDERGROUND

1018 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-678-1122 | Facebook.com/ GrumpysUnderground

IVANHOE 1915

1915 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-474-0723, TheIvanhoeOrlando. com

Photo provided by Twila Holiday

Pride in Arts & Entertainment

Ask the locals: Desiree Montes

JEREMY WILLIAMS

Desiree Montes is an entertainment industry multi-hyphenate who currently serves as Artistic and Marketing Director for Orlando Fringe.

She has been a part of the professional Central Florida theatre, film, industrial and theme park entertainment industry for over 20 years. Some of her notable theatrical credits include "Hands on a HardBody," "Aida: The Musical," "Ragtime: the Musical," “In the Heights," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," the latter she will star in an upcoming production in September 2024.

Montes was kind enough to offer up some of her favorite arts and entertainment places in Central Florida.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE:

Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts)

250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando | 407-937-1800 | CFCArts.com

FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE:

AMC Dine-In Disney Springs 24 1500 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista | 407-827-1308 | AMCTheatres.com

“Other than my theatre room at home, of course.”

FAVORITE CENTRAL FLORIDA FESTIVAL:

The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando | 407648-0077 | OrlandoFringe.org

FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC:

Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando | 407-279-0902 | Timucua.com

Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center

445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando | 407-358-6603 | DrPhillipsCenter.org

FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A CONCERT:

The Vanguard 578 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | TheVanguard.live

The Kia Center

400 W. Church St., Orlando | 407-440-7900 | KiaCenter.com

The Beacham

46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-839-1847 | BeachamOrlando. com

FAVORITE PLACE FOR LIVE DANCE:

Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge 60 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-274-8452 | Facebook.com/ AeroOrl

Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando 8126 International Dr., Orlando | 407-673-4422 | Mangos.com

FAVORITE MUSEUM:

Wells' Built Museum of African American History & Culture 511 W. South St., Orlando | 407-245-7535 | WellsBuilt.org

FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW:

The Edison at Disney Springs 1570 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista | 407-560-9288 | TheEdisonFla.com

FAVORITE OUTDOOR VENUE:

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 19239 US Hwy 27, Clermont | 352-394-8627 | LakeridgeWinery.com

“They also often have live food vendors and live entertainment on the outdoor stage.”

A&E HIDDEN GEM: Mathers Social Gathering 30 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando | 407-745-1185 | MathersOrlando.com

Jewel Orlando 6400 Carrier Dr., Orlando | 407206-5102 | JewelOrlando.com

Vault 5421 at Gods & Monsters 5421 International Dr., Orlando | 407-270-6273 | GodMonsters.com

DONT MISS...

Don't miss these other venues. THE ABBEY

100 S. Eola Dr. Unit 100, Orlando, 407-704-6103, AbbeyOrlando.com

ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407-539-2181, ArtAndHistory.org

ATHENS THEATRE

124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, 386-736-1500, AthensDeLand.com

GARDEN THEATRE

160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-877-4736, GardenTheatre.org

KING CENTER

3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, 321-242-2219, KingCenter.com

OPERA ORLANDO

406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, 407-512-1900, OperaOrlando.org

ORLANDO BALLET

600 N. Lake Formosa Dr., Orlando, 407-426-1733, OrlandoBallet.org

ORLANDO GAY CHORUS

946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407-377-6638, OrlandoGayChorus.org

ORLANDO SHAKES

812 E. Rollins St., Orlando, 407-447-1700, OrlandoShakes.org

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER

65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, 407-836-8500, TheHistoryCenter.org

RENAISSANCE THEATRE

415 E. Princeton St., Orlando , RenTheatre.com

THE PLAZA LIVE

425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, 407-228-1220, PlazaLiveOrlando.org

THE RITZ THEATER

201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford, 407-321-8111, WDPAC.com

THEATER WEST END 115 W. 1st St., Sanford, 407-548-6285, TheaterWestEnd.com

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE

711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-0145, WinterParkPlayhouse.org

Photo provided by Desiree Montes

Pride 365

Central Florida celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride year-round

JEREMY

WILLIAMS

It wasn’t too long ago that if you wanted to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride, you would have to venture into a major city to be able to watch a parade or walk around a festival that was covered in Pride flags and rainbow colors filled with member of our community. Luckily, those times are changing and more and more we see a celebration of Pride in all the smaller towns and cities in between those metropolises.

In Central Florida, we are in no short supply of those Pride celebrations. Not surprising, Orlando has one of the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in the state thanks to the city’s large LGBTQ+ population and the city’s inclusive and accepting nature. What might surprise you is the smaller cities like Kissimmee, St. Cloud, DeLand and more that are just as inclusive, accepting and showing their LGBTQ+ Pride. What makes the area even more exciting is seeing the town pride blended into each event’s LGBTQ+ Pride. 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

Orlando, Florida | ComeOutWithPride.org

Come Out With Pride is an allvolunteer, nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community. Celebrated in October to align with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and National Gay and Lesbian History Month, COWP got its start in 2005 when it incorporated under Central Florida's LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, The Pride Chamber.

Since that first year, COWP has grown into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the state with a parade festival that takes over downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park each October. This past October, Orlando saw more than 200,000

people converge on Lake Eola Park to celebrate.

The importance of COWP was magnified after the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016 when gun violence took the lives of 49 members of our LGBTQ community. In that tragedy's aftermath, Central Florida bound together and said in one collective voice "We Will Not Let Hate Win."

In 2018, COWP realized that Orlando's Pride couldn't be contained to just one Saturday and expanded to a week full of Pride events that now included a 5K race, dance parties, movie screenings, concerts and more.

In 2021, Orlando was the location for the third annual National Trans Visibility March, the first time it was held outside of Washington, D.C., and

it took place in conjunction with COWP. The following year, the Central Florida Trans March was born and again happened in conjunction with Pride in Orlando.

COWP and the CFTM return with the march, parade and festival Oct. 19.

KINDRED PRIDE FOUNDATION / GAYDAYS / ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND / GIRLS IN WONDERLAND

Orlando, Florida | KindREDPride.org/ GayDayS.com/OneMagicalWeekend. com/GirlsInWonderland.com

Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom has gone through many changes since that first Gay Day on June 1, 1991, but the original premise remains the same — the LGBTQ+

community, wearing red shirts, gather in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom just before the 3 p.m. parade to be visible and to be seen. Organizers of the first event would have claimed it a success if a hundred people showed up, so they were not prepared when 1,500 people in red shirts gathered in front of the castle.

What began as one day at the park ballooned into multiple days of events from many groups including One Magical Weekend, with its newly formed Bear Jamboree!, GayDayS and Girls in Wonderland, who bring circuit parties, concerts, expos and pool parties that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year that encircle the original event and carry the same message of visibility that

by

Photo

Dylan Todd

Gay Day at Magic Kingdom was founded on.

In 2019, the nonprofit KindRED Pride Foundation established Red Shirt Pride Days, a series of events occurring on the first weekend of June every year with a mission to get one million people around the world to wear red on the first Saturday of June whether they are at the Magic Kingdom or not.

As part of the KindRED Pride Foundation, The Pride Cup, an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition held during the first weekend in June in Orlando, was developed. With events welcoming all levels of athletes, the spirit of the competition is “Be Kind Champion” to coincide with the RED Shirt Pride Days.

You can show your Red Shirt Pride on the first Saturday of June each year. This year it happens June 1 with GayDayS, One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland events happening May 30-June 2.

SPACE COAST PRIDE

Melbourne, Florida | SpaceCoastPride.org

Space Coast Pride is an allvolunteer-managed, not-for-profit LGBTQ+ organization intent on fostering a sense of community and pride within Brevard County's LGBTQ+ residents. Space Coast Pride got its start in 2007 as a small picnic in Melbourne and has grown into one of the biggest Pride events in Central Florida, attracting more than 12,000 attendees each fall.

The one-day event, which is held at the end of September, was expanded to three days in 2015 and then to a full week of events in 2018. In that time, Space Coast Pride's list of events have included everything from kick-off parties, drag shows and brunches to 5K runs, beach days and, starting in 2015, a Pride parade through Melbourne's historic Eau Gallie Arts district.

This year's Space Coast Pride festival and parade will be in Historic Downtown Melbourne on Sept. 28.

SANFORD PRIDE

Sanford, Florida | Facebook.com/ SanfordPride.FL

Sanford Pride first celebrated the LGBTQ+ community with its Gay Pride Festival on Nov. 13, 2016. The event started with a Legs & Eggs Pride Brunch at the Rabbitfoot Record Store Cafe and featured a parade/sashay, a vendor festival,

drag performances and an after party hosted by Celery City Craft Beer Garden.

Sanford Pride grew from there to become one of the most attended and talked about LGBTQ+ events in Seminole County. Each November, Sanford Pride promotes the diversity of its city, celebrates the uniqueness of its community and shows that Seminole County is an open and accepting place.

Sanford Pride happens in downtown Sanford in November.

OCALA PRIDE

Ocala, Florida | Facebook.com/ OcalaPrideInc

Ocala Pride got its start in June 2005 as a small, informal picnic in Ocala's Jervey Gantt Park. Originally organized by Lisa Young, the next year's picnic was overseen by community members who became known as the Core Group which would become Ocala Pride in 2007.

Ocala Pride's first official PrideFest at Citizen's Circle occurred Oct. 18, 2014 and PrideFest has been happening every autumn since. In 2019, PrideFest moved to Tuscawilla Park with the following year's events being cancelled due to the pandemic. It made it triumphant return in 2022 with a festival at Ocala Downtown History Square.

Ocala Pride is a nonprofit, community-based organization that enhances and sustains the cultural awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ and HIV communities of Marion County. Ocala Pride's PrideFest takes place in November at Citizens Circle in downtown Ocala with drag performances, live music from local bands and artists, food trucks, face painting, vendors and more.

DELAND PRIDE

DeLand, Florida | DeLandPride.org

DeLand Pride was born out of tragedy when resident Dagny Robertson watched the horror of the Pulse shooting unfold in Orlando in 2016. Robertson, who's youngest son came out as gay as a teenager, lost several friends in the massacre. When Robertson saw how the world responded with love and support for the LGBTQ+ community, she knew she had to bring that to DeLand's LGBTQ+ community.

DeLand Pride hosts its annual "Love is Love Pride Fest" at Artison Alley and Cafe Davinci in the first half of the year, usually in February or

March. The all-day event features drag shows, musicians, youth activities, a Pride Marketplace and more. This year’s celebration took place on Feb. 17 but you can also find many DeLand Pride events throughout the year — including Pride Nights, youth socials, Bingo Drag Shows — to keep the Pride level up 365.

LAKE COUNTY PRIDE

Mount Dora, Florida | LakeCountyPride.org

Lake County Pride was founded with the tagline "A CELEBRATION of PRIDE with a PURPOSE" in 2020 by activist Danielle M. Olivani to promote awareness of and education about issues affecting the LGBTQ community in the Lake County area. Olivani worked with members of The Triangle Connection, a nonprofit social and service organization for LGBTQ+ individuals who live, love, work or play in Lake County's Golden Triangle community of Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares, to bring Lake County Pride's first event — a virtual celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic — to the area. To get the latest information on upcoming events from Lake County Pride, be sure to follow them on social media.

PRIDEFEST

KISSIMEE

Kissimmee, Florida | Kissimmee.org PrideFest

Kissimmee is an annual event held during May or June at the Kissimmee Civic Center hosted by the City of Kissimmee government. The celebration is grounded in welcoming, fostering awareness of and acknowledging the impactful contributions from members of the local LGBTQ+ community.

First held in 2017, PrideFest is a free event

opened to the public and provides food vendors, live entertainment and community resources for its attendees. In 2018, the LGBT+ Center Orlando opened a second location in Kissimmee, located at 21 W. Monument Ave., helping to grow the community’s presence in the city. This year’s Pridefest Kissimmee is happening June 1.

PROUD

IN THE CLOUD

St. Cloud, Florida | ProudInTheCloud. com

Proud In The Cloud is an LGBTQ+ social movement, brought to you by the St. Cloud Pride Alliance, that aims to create safe and empowering spaces for everyone to express their true selves, build meaningful connections and promote understanding and respect. They organize special events that bring people together and celebrate diversity.

One of those events is Proud in the Cloud, a Pride celebration showcasing the love and diversity of St. Cloud. The event features drag performances, music, food trucks, a kids zone and more.

You can join in all the fun this year when Proud in the Cloud takes place on June 8.

Photo by Caitlin Sause

Local Love

Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community is filled with caring and supportive organizations

JEREMY WILLIAMS

Central Florida is home to a large number of LGBTQ+ nonprofits and organizations whose mission it is to make this area as open, accepting and inclusive as it can be. Some have been in the area for decades and some were formed in the last few years, but the one thing they all have in common is they were all formed because they care about Central Florida's LGBTQ+ community.

BLISS HEALTH

Medical center offering HIV testing and full sexual health medicine, for both mental and physical needs.

2901 Curry Ford Rd., #106, Orlando, Florida 32806 | 407-203-5984 | BlissHealth.com

BROS IN CONVO

Black, queer-led group building community, educating and empowering gay and queer individuals of color.

711 Seminole Ave., Orlando, Florida 32804 | 407-758-2139| BrosInConvo.org

CONTIGO FUND

Offers financial support to organizations working to heal, educate and empower the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. 407-797-0674 | ContigoFund.org

DIVAS IN DIALOGUE

A sisterhood of trans women of color empowering, building and strengthening each other. 711 Seminole Ave., Orlando, Florida 32804 | 407-532-0070 | MiracleOfLoveInc.org/DiD

GENDER ADVANCEMENT PROJECT

Trans-led movement dedicated to the progression and inclusion of transgender and gender nonbinary individuals in all facets of society. GenderAdvancementProject.org

GOAL CFL

Promotes positive relationships between LGBTQ+ law enforcement and the community. P.O. Box 691262, Orlando, Florida 32869 | 407-434-9889 | GOALcfl. com

HARMONY HEALTHCARE

All-inclusive health clinic offering treatment and preventive care for PrEP, Hepatitis C and HIV. 189 S. Orange Ave., STE 1830, Orlando, Florida 32801 | 866-553-6755 | MyHHO.org

HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER

Fosters diverse, empowered, learning communities engaged in personal and societal transformation.

1016 N. Park Ave., Apopka, Florida 32712 & 800 S. Hawthorne Ave., Apopka, Florida 32703 | 407-880-4673 | HCC-OFFM.org

IMPULSE GROUP ORLANDO

The Orlando chapter of an international organization dedicated to the advancement of safe sex awareness, prevention and practice among young, sexually active gay men between the ages of 18-35. Their goal is to bring Orlando provocative, thought provoking and impactful messaging, marketing and events promoting awareness and education on safe sex to the gay community.

ImpulseGrp.org

THE LGBT+ CENTER

ORLANDO AND KISSIMMEE

Community Centers for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida. 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-228-8272 | TheCenterOrlando.org

Kissimmee: 901 E. Oak St., Suite A, Kissimmee, FL 34744 | 407-201-2544 | TheCenterOrlando. org/homepage-Kissimmee

MIRACLE OF LOVE

Provides comprehensive, multicultural HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention services that are effective and responsive to the Central Florida communities.

741 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, Florida 32804 | 407-843-1760 | MiracleOfLoveInc.org

ONE ORLANDO ALLIANCE

A coalition of LGBTQ+ serving organizations transforming Central Florida into a community where all LGBTQ+ people can belong and thrive.

OneOrlandoAlliance.org

ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE

SEMINOLE YOUTH ALLIANCE

Provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in Central Florida. P.O. Box 536944, Orlando, Florida 32853 | 407-244-1222 | OrlandoYouthAlliance.org

PEER SUPPORT SPACE

A hub for diverse, peer-led recovery communities in Central Florida. They manage a first-of-its-kind respite focused on the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

1320 E. Esther St., Orlando, Florida 32806 | PeerSupportSpace.org

PFLAG (ORLANDO, NEW SMYRNA BEACH/VOLUSIA, MELBOURNE)

The nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Multiple Chapters | PFLAG.org

PINEAPPLE HEALTHCARE

Health clinic providing Primary Care, PrEP/PEP, HIV Care, Psychological medication management and birth control options. They offer sameday, next-day and weekend availability. Pineapple Healthcare also offers free rapid HIV testing. 1724 33rd St., Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32839 | 407-553-6336 | PineappleHealthcare.com

THE PRIDE CHAMBER

The LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce dedicated to the business equality movement in the Greater Orlando area and beyond.

3201 E. Colonial Dr., Suite A20, Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-420-4895 | ThePrideChamber.org

QLATINX

A racial, social and gender justice organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Central Florida's LGBTQ+ Latinx community.

946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-476-5327 | QLatinx.org

SPEKTRUM HEALTH

Comprehensive primary health care options for LGBTQA+ individuals. 5205 S. Orange Ave., Ste 110, Orlando, Florida 32809 | 888-542-8721 | Spektrum.health

ZEBRA COALITION

A network of organizations that provide services to LGBTQ+ folks ages 13–24.

911 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-228-1446 | ZebraYouth. org

Business Directory

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT:

AEG PRESENTS

AEGPresents.com

ATHENS THEATRE

386-736-1500

AthensDeland.com

OPERA ORLANDO

407-512-1900

OperaOrlando.org

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE

407-645-0145

WinterParkPlayHouse.org

ATTORNEYS:

ORANGE BLOSSOM LAW

407-748-4887

OrangeBlossomLaw.com

ATTRACTIONS: GATORLAND

407-855-5496

Gatorland.com

SCENIC BOAT TOURS

407-644-4056

ScenicBoatTours.com

CHAMBER:

THE PRIDE CHAMBER

407-420-4895

ThePrideChamber.org

DENTAL HEALTH: COAST DENTAL CoastDental.com

FAMILY PLANNING: WECARE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

813-898-7273

WeCareFC.org

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CANCommunityHealth.org

DAVENPORT PELVIC THERAPY

863-486-3708

DavenportPelvic.com

PINEAPPLE HEALTHCARE

407-553-6336

PineappleHealthcare.com

MEDIA:

WATERMARK PUBLISHING GROUP

407-481-2243 / 813-655-9890

WatermarkOnline.com

WESH 2 –

ORLANDO NEWS, WEATHER & SPORTS WESH.com

MENTAL HEALTH:

HOPE & SERENITY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC

407-308-0345 HopeSerenityHealth.com

MOVING AND STORAGE: 1776 MOVING AND STORAGE, INC 407-251-4770 1776Moving.com

MUSEUM AND GALLERIES:

ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER 407-836-8500 TheHistoryCenter.org

REAL ESTATE: MIKE WOODS (MAGIC KEY GROUP) REALTY EXECUTIVES GALLERY PROPERTIES

301-452-9328 MagicKeyOrlando.com

TRAVEL AND TOURISM: I-DRIVE DISTRICT IDriveDistrict.com

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ MCO

407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.com

Photo by Dylan Todd

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