WITH PRIDE
LGBTQ Couples Face Challenges:
· Are you and your partner having the same argument again and again?
· Do you feel like you don’t really know or understand your partner anymore?
· Are you ready to learn how to communicate with your partner in ways that bring you together?
· Are you ready for effective and compassionate support from a couples’ therapist who understands the unique strengths and challenges of your relationship?
It is my role as a couple’s therapist to help you answer these questions. I will help you navigate the roadblocks that are keeping you stuck in unhealthy cycles and move you into a meaningful connection.
CONTENTS
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 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
Happy Pride Month, Orlando! In our community, we have so much to take pride in. This includes our collective commitment to ensuring that Orlando is a welcoming city for all who live here and visit The City Beautiful.
I hope that during Pride Month, we can all recognize and celebrate our efforts to make sure that Orlando is an inclusive, equitable community for every LGBTQ+ resident and each person who calls Orlando home or travels to our city. In Orlando, we value our differences and know that our diversity makes our community more vibrant.
Now more than ever, it’s important that we make it known that Orlando will always be a place that encourages all residents to be their authentic selves. What our community values can never be taken away. I want you to know that in our city you are loved, you are respected and you are also seen and heard.
In addition to Pride Month, this June marks seven years since the Pulse tragedy. As we’ve continued to stand together with and offer hope to the survivors and families of the victims, Orlando has showcased that love and unity are stronger than hate.
We will also continue to honor the 49 angels and all those impacted by the tragedy by leading with compassion and kindness in all that we do.
Thank you for playing a part in our efforts. I hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating Pride Month in our community.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer MayorMay 9, 2023
Greetings:
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Orange County ahead of Pride Month!
Orange County is recognized as a top tourist destination in the United States. We are home to the world’s largest theme parks, an award-winning convention center, as well as a burgeoning scene for world-class cuisine, art, culture, entertainment and nightlife. Most importantly, we are a community that values diversity.
Our region continues to build upon its achievements to ensure we remain an inclusive, welcoming, and wonderful place to live, visit and conduct business. We continue collaborating on solutions to protect our natural lands, improve transportation, invest in affordable housing, increase public safety, and invest in arts & culture. Our bold investments enhance the quality of life for our residents and provide an unbelievably real experience for our visitors. Additionally, LGBTQ+ businesses and nonprofit organizations have played an integral role in Orange County’s success by investing in the community to help grow the next generation of community and civic leaders.
Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, I hope you enjoy your time in Orange County and have the chance to experience all our region has to offer. Once again, welcome, and we look forward to celebrating Pride Month in Orange County!
Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings Orange County MayorDining With Pride
Ask the locals: Brendan O’Connor
JEREMY WILLIAMSBrendan O’Connor is as synonymous with Orlando as Mickey Mouse and Buddy Dyer. A jack of many trades, he is probably best known as the editor of Bungalower.com, a “social enterprise focused on building stronger cities by informing and engaging people.”
O’Connor is also an entertainer and drag performer who goes by the name Brenda from Bithlo and hosts various events including drag bingo and trivia nights at several locations.
More recently, O’Connor launched a food series called “Restaurants on the Radar,” which takes a behind-the-scenes look at some Central Florida eateries, on the streaming service Very Local. It is this latest endeavor that led us to sit down with O’Connor and ask him for a few recommendations for some LGBTQ+ owned, operated and friendly destinations here in Central Florida.
FAVORITE LGBTQ-OWNED
RESTAURANT: “Garp & Fuss comes to mind because it’s kind of like a Harry Potter location. It’s off Park Ave., you have to go through an alley way to find it. It’s this big sunroom in an alley way, it’s very Diagon Alley and the food is delicious.”
Garp & Fuss
348 N. Park Ave. #5, Winter Park | 407-960-5560| GarpAndFuss.com
FAVORITE BRUNCH DINER:
“I’m not a huge brunch person but I love a greasy spoon though. I’m more a diner guy. Christo’s, I love; College Park Diner, that’s gay-owned and I love it; Mason Jar, it’s over in the sticks but it’s fun. I like roadside, breakfast potatoes; I want to smell the grease on my shirt when I leave.”
College Park Diner
2304 Edgewater Dr., Orlando | 407-420-9892 | CollegeParkCafe. com
Christo’s Café 1815 Edgewater Dr., Orlando | 407-425-8136 | Facebook.com/ ChristosCafeOrlando
Mason Jar
37534 FL-19, Dona Vista | 352-589-2535 | Facebook.com/ EatLikeNoOneIsWatching
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DRINKS: Right now I’m loving Otto’s High Dive in The Milk District. I’ve been known to end up
at Burton’s Tactical Brewing because I do bingo here. Hideaway bar in Ivanhoe Village and Thirsty Topher.”
Otto’s High Dive 2304 E. Robinson St., Orlando | 321-231-7902 | OttosHD.com
Burton's Bar 801 E. Washington St. | 407-412-5140 | Facebook.com/ Burtons-Bar
Tactical Brewing Co. 4882 New Broad St., Orlando | 407-203-2003 | TacticalBeer.com
The Hideaway 516 Virginia Dr., Orlando | 407-898-5892 | TheHideawayBar.net
The Thirsty Topher 601 Virginia Dr., Orlando | 407-491-4342 | ThirstyTopher.fun
FAVORITE DESERT SPOT: Gideon’s Bakehouse, Steve is doing amazing things. The cookies are almost too much but also don’t sleep on the cakes. Charlie’s is great, they just added the ice cream on Curry Ford.
Gideon’s Bakehouse 3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando | GideonsBakehouse.com
Charlie's Bakery & Creamery
3213 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando | 407-898-9561
FAVORITE PLACES THAT SCREAMS CENTRAL FLORIDA: Osteen Diner is like an ACTUAL Cracker Barrel over in
Osteen. The Cross Creek spot named after Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling), it’s a restaurant that actually serves cooter — not vagina, it’s a softshell turtle, that screams Central Florida to me. Swampy’s in
Blue Springs is super fun, they do some delicious gator. The Pinery in Ivanhoe Village, it’s upscale Floridian stuff like fancy boiled peanuts.
Dining Continued
FROM PG.11
Osteen Diner
195 State Rte 415, Osteen | 407-323-6469 | OsteenDiner.com
The Yearling Restaurant
14531 East County Rd. 325, Hawthorne | 352-466-3999 | YearlingRestaurant.net
Swampy's Bar & Grille
19773 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon | 352-547-4777 | Swampys.restaurant
The Pinery
295 N.E. Ivanhoe Blvd. Suite A, Orlando | 407-377-7576 | ThePineryOrlando.com
FAVORITE TAPAS: Café Tu Tu Tango but it’s expensive to me but I love that it’s there. Sticky Rice, I know it’s not Spanish but it’s small plates, is Laotian street food and it’s pretty inexpensive, so you can get a bunch of little dishes and share with your friends.
Café Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Dr., Orlando | 407-248-2222 | CafeTuTuTango.com
Sticky Rice
1915 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando | 321-800-6532 | StickyWithIt.com
FAVORITE SOUTHERN
COOKING: Soco has the best biscuits. Nikki’s Place is amazing, they are starting to do some innovative stuff like this new waffle breakfast sandwich.
Nikki’s Place
742 Carter St., Orlando | 407-4255301 | NikkisPlace.net
Soco
629 E. Central Blvd., Orlando | 407-849-1800 | SocoThorntonPark. com
FAVORITE PIZZA: SoDough Square is great, it’s Detroit style and it’s got the crispy edges. Ziggie’s is amazing, that is a staple for me and [my husband] Scottie.
SoDough Square
419 E. Michigan St., Orlando | 407-237-0699 | SodoughSquare. com
Ziggie's Pizza
603 Virginia Dr., Orlando | 407-745-4483 | ZiggiesPizza.com
FAVORITE VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN: I love vegetarian food. The falafel at Korgette kills it. Bombay Street Kitchen on OBT is an Indian restaurant with a lot of vegetarian options and that kitchen is like a spaceship, it is so clean. It’s impressive.
Korgette 609 Irvington Ave., Orlando | 321-588-6200 | Korgette.com
Bombay Street Kitchen
6215 S. Orange Blossom Trl., Orlando | 407-240-5151 | BombayKitchenOrlando.com
FAVORITE FOOD TRUCK: Schnitz and Giggles is great and they’re gay owned. It’s German food. Red Panda Noodle, I love them. SwedeDish, she is still puttering around, and Chill in Tacos, they are dessert tacos.
Schnitz and Giggles 407-205-2456 | Facebook.com/ SchnitzAndGigglesFoodTruck
Red Panda Noodle 407-490-2634 | RedPandaNoodle.com
SwedeDish
1300 Alden Rd., Orlando | 407-619-9713 | SwedeDishTruck.com
Chill in Tacos Ice Cream Taqueria 904-990-3006 | ChillInTacosIceCream.com
FAVORITE COFFEE HOUSE: Deeply coffee is totally a vibe. Lobos in Audubon Park is cool, and of course Stardust is lovely too.
Deeply Cafe and Bottle Shop 111 N. Magnolia Ave. #50, Orlando | DeeplyCafeAndBottleShop.com
Lobos Coffee Roasters 3000 Corrine Dr., Orlando | 689-220-3567 |
LobosCoffeeRoasters.com
Stardust Video & Coffee 1842 Winter Park Rd., Orlando | 407-623-3393
FAVORITE TACOS: There’s a million taco places. I think Gringos Locos, there Double D has saved my life a number of times. Black Rooster, and they do brunch now so I like that. Hungry Pants, they do the machete birria taco. And OBT Flea Market. It’s very roadside, pop-up style. They have these quesadillas that are huge, like two feet wide.
Gringos Locos
Multiple locations, Orlando | 866-407-8226 | GringosLocos.com
Black Rooster Taqueria
1323 N. Mills Ave. & 3097 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando | 407-601-0994/407-286-0508 | BlackRoosterTaqueria.com
Hungry Pants 3421 S. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-412-6300 | EatHungryPants. com
Food vendors @ OBT Flea Market
5022 S. Orange Blossom Trl., Orlando | 407-692-7271 | OBTFleaMarket. com
FAVORITE LATE-NIGHT
DINING:
Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria
67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando | 407-894-0865 | PomPomsTeahouse.com
FAVORITE DINNER THEATER:
Dinner theater really isn’t my scene but I used to go see Doug [Ba’aser] when he was at Sleuths. I’d be interested to see if they still have his parking spot.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows 8267 International Dr., Orlando | 407-363-1985 | Sleuths.com
FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT: Wave Hotel in Lake Nona is amazing. Tori Tori in Mills50. Disney Springs in general is a lot of fun because it has a lot of options. The Foreigner, which is that chef’s table in Audubon Park, it’s a lot of courses and Chef Bruno is very handsome.
Lake Nona Wave Hotel
6100 Wave Hotel Dr., Orlando | 407-675-2000 | LakeNonaWaveHotel.com
Tori Tori 720 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | ToriToriPub.com
Disney Springs
1486 Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista | 407-939-5277 | DisneySprings.com
Foreigner Restaurant
2816 Corrine Dr., Orlando | 321-517-6985 | ForeignerRestaurant.com
FAVORITE PLACE TO TREAT YOURSELF:
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Multiple locations | 407-644-8609 | BosphorousRestaurant.com
Luke's Kitchen and Bar 640 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland | 407-674-2400 | EatAtLukes.com
The H
7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Suite 80, Orlando | 407-930-3020
DINING HIDDEN GEM: I got a bunch of hidden gems. I recently went to an event at Doshi, which is amazing. EDOBOY is the stand-up sushi bar in the parking lot of Lazy Moon. That place is really cool, and it has a fancy toilet. Susuru near Disney Springs is delicious too. Smoke & Donuts and I would also say Linda’s La Cantina is a hidden gem. There’s a lot of new people in town who don’t know about it.
Doshi 1040 N. Orlando Ave. Ste 104, Winter Park | 407-571-9264 | DoshiOrlando.com
EDOBOY 728 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando | EdoboySushi.com
SUSURU 8548 Palm Pkwy., Orlando | 407-778-4813 | SusuruOrl.com
Cindy's Cafe 2512 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-898-6878
Smoke & Donuts BBQ 601 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando | 321-352-7070 | SmokeAndDonuts.com
Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse 4721 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando | 407-894-4491 | LindasLaCantina.com
DONT MISS...
Don't miss checking out these other Central Florida eateries. BITES & BUBBLES
1618 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, BitesBubbles.com
THE COOP
610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-843-2667, ASouthernAffair.com
DRUNKEN MONKEY 444 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, 407-893-4994, DrunkenMonkeyCoffee.wordpress. com
THE GLASS KNIFE 276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-500-2253, TheGlassKnife.com
HAMBURGER MARY’S 110 W. Church St., Orlando, 321-3190600, HamburgerMarys.com/ Orlando
THE HAMMERED LAMB 1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-704-3200, |TheHammeredLamb.com
MANGO'S TROPICAL CAFE 8126 International Dr., Orlando |407-673-4422, Mangos.com
MAXINE’S ON SHINE 337 Shine Ave., Orlando, 407-6746841, MaxineOnShine.com
PIGZZA
1050 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407704-8223, Pigzza.com
PROPER ORLANDO 112 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-649-0000, ProperOrlando.com
THE SALTY DONUT 3025 Corrine Dr., Orlando, 407-9606378, SaltyDonut.com
SE7EN BITES 617 Primrose Dr., Orlando, 407-2030727, Se7enBites.com
STASIO'S ITALIAN DELI & MARKET 2320 E. Robinson St., Orlando, 407-227-7755, Facebook.com/ Stasios-Italian-Deli
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Providing premier medical care in your community through outreach, advocacy, education, and research.
SERVICES
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Gender A rming Care
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CLEARWATER
2349 Sunset Point Road #405 Clearwater, FL 33765
O ce: (727) 216-6193
eFax: (877) 868-0981
PALMETTO 408 7th Street West Palmetto, FL 34221
O ce: (941) 803-7939
Fax: (941) 417-2328
eFax: (866) 622-3009
TAMPA
2105 N Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33602
O ce: (813) 769-7207
Lab Draws
Linkage to Care Services
Medical Peer Navigators
On-Site Pharmacy
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PrEP & nPEP Services
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Spanish Speaking Sta Support Groups
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Transportation Services
NEW PORT RICHEY 4758 Rowan Road New Port Richey, FL 34653
O ce: (727) 312-2040
eFax: (888) 806-9655
ST. PETERSBURG 3251 3rd Ave N #125 St. Petersburg, FL 33713
O ce: (727) 498-4969
ORLANDO 1301 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32804
O: (407) 246-1946
F: (855) 895-5749
SARASOTA 1231 N. Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237
O ce: (941) 366-0134
eFax: (866) 622-3009
WALK-INS WELCOME AT ALL LOCATIONS
* services vary by location
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
BARCODES
4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, 407-412-6917, Facebook.com/ BarcodesOrlando
CAFE DA VINCI
112 W. Georgia Ave., DeLand, 386-736-0008, CafeDaVinciDeLand.com
COCKTAILS & SCREAMS
39 W. Pine St., Orlando, 407-904-0124, BarnOneCreationsFL.com
EMBER
42 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, 407-849-5200, EmberOrlando.com
IVANHOE 1915
1915 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-474-0723, TheIvanhoeOrlando. com
PERSIMMON HOLLOW
BREWING COMPANY
227 N. Eola Dr., Orlando, 407-337-6011, PersimmonHollowBrewing.com
SAVOY
1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-898-6766, SavoyOrlando.com
ST. MATTHEW'S TAVERN AT THE ORLANDO BEER
GARDEN
1300 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407377-0415, StMatthewsTavern.com
TWISTED ROOSTER BAR
1220 W. New Haven Ave. #150, West Melbourne, 321-345-5924, TwistedRoosterBar.com
Pride of Nightlife
Ask the locals: Kirk DaVinci
JEREMY WILLIAMS
When you think about the nightlife of Central Florida, you might just focus on places to go in Orlando. But if you do that to yourself then you are missing out on some amazing venues outside of the city limits.
“Central Florida, as a whole, has such a variety in its nightlife,” says Kirk DaVinci. “You can find something for everyone at different places, at different times.”
And DaVinci would know. He is not only a man about town but a man about several towns in Central Florida. You can find him at a variety of places in towns like DeLand, Lakeland and Sanford.
“I’m always out and about, supporting other local venues and entertainers,” he says.
DaVinci describes himself as a “free agent comedic host and emcee” as well as a “drag male entertainer.” He has 16 pageant titles, including Mr. Polk Pride and Mr. Tampa Pride. He is also currently on the DeLand Pride executive committee as the special events coordinator chair. When he is not wowing crowds at various Pride celebrations, DaVinci can be found at the Abbey Bar in DeLand on the second Saturday of every month hosting and performing drag bingo as well as hosting karaoke every Wednesday at the Sanford Avenue Tavern.
DaVinci was gracious enough to chat with us about some of his favorite nightlife hotspots in Central Florida.
FAVORITE LGBTQ CLUB: The Parrot 1030 E. Main St., Lakeland | 863-370-9146 | Facebook.com/ TheParrotLakeland
FAVORITE ALLY BAR: Irish Shannon's 41 W. Church St., Orlando | 407-866-1191 | IrishShannons.com
FAVORITE DRAG SHOW: Abbey Bar 117 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand | 386-734-4545 | AbbeyBarDeLand. com
FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR: District Dive 2401 E. South St., Orlando | 407-601-2813 | Facebook.com/DistrictDive
FAVORITE TO WATCH GO-GO
DANCERS: Dreams 8385 S. U.S. Hwy 17 92, Fern Park | 407-474-0723 | TheDreamsLounge.com
FAVORITE HOTSPOT TO IMPRESS A DATE: High Tide 33 W. Church St. 3rd floor, Orlando | 407-649-4270 | HighTideOrl.com
FAVORITE PLACE TO CATCH THE LOCALS: Southern Nights Orlando
375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando | 407-412-5039 | Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando
FAVORITE PLACE FOR KARAOKE: Sanford Avenue Tavern 119 S. French Ave., Sanford | 321-363-1055 | Facebook.com/ SanfordAveTavern
FAVORITE CRAFT
COCKTAILS: Southern Craft 2405 E. South St., Orlando | 407-412-5039
FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS: The Hammered Lamb 1235 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-704-3200 | TheHammeredLamb.com
Grumpy's Underground 1018 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-678-1122 | Facebook.com/ GrumpysUnderground
Pride in Arts & Entertainment
Ask the locals: Terrance Hunter
JEREMY WILLIAMS
We might be biased, but Central Florida has one of the most vibrant, eclectic and unique arts scenes of any area anywhere.
“What makes Orlando’s cultural community unique is the level and depth of our collaboration,” says Terrance Hunter, CEO of Central Florida community Arts. “We collaborate with organizations — big and small; culturally, specific and broad — we not only see that here, we see a lot of it here. We’ve also grown a lot in the last decade, we have more offerings and the offerings are of a higher quality.”
Hunter is uniquely qualified to speak on and about the arts and entertainment community here in Central Florida mainly because he has been a part of it for so long. He is an Orlando native who has been involved in the arts since elementary school. He received his degree in education and brings his passion for the arts and his commitment to education to CFCArts.
Hunter has also worked with a variety of nonprofits, from the Orange County Regional History Center to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville to the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida.
He serves on multiple boards including Hope CommUnity Center, Central Florida Vocal Arts, Central Florida Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Alliance for Music in Vulnerable Communities and the Florida Association of Museums. On top of that, he also finds the time to write about his opinions on Central Florida’s arts scene in his Watermark Viewpoint column, “Terrance Talks.”
We chatted with Hunter to get some recommendations on just a few of his favorites in Central Florida’s arts and entertainment offerings.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE: “The Ren. Love The Ren, Shakes, The Rep; you can’t go wrong with any of those three.”
Renaissance Theatre Company
415 E. Princeton St., Orlando | RenTheatre.com
Orlando Shakes
812 E. Rollins St., Orlando | 407-447-1700 | OrlandoShakes.org
Orlando Repertory Theatre
1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando | 407-896-7365 | OrlandoRep.com
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH
A MOVIE: “Anywhere outdoors; Cranes Roost and Leu Gardens are both great.”
Cranes Roost Park
274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs | 407-571-8180 | Altamonte.org
Harry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando | 407-246-2620 | LeuGardens.org
FAVORITE CENTRAL FLORIDA
FESTIVAL:
Immerse by Creative City Project Various locations in Orlando | CreativeCityProject.com
Apopka International Jazz Festival Apopka Amphitheatre, Apopka | ApopkaInternationalJazzFest.com
FusionFest 450 E. South St., Orlando | 407-836-5540 | FusionFest.org
FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC: “In Steinmetz Hall with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and if not there then at The Plaza Live with OPO. Anywhere OPO is. Timucua does amazing work too.”
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando | 407-896-6700 | OrlandoPhil.org
Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S. Summerlin Ave., Orlando | 321-234-3985 | Timucua.com
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH
A CONCERT: “House of Blues, I have been there like eight times this year already.”
House of Blues
1490 E. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando | 407-934-2623 | HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando
FAVORITE PLACE FOR LIVE
DANCE: “If I am going dancing, then Irish Shannon’s. To watch dancing, the Orlando Ballet is great, the Russian Ballet is great. The Orlando School of Cultural Dance is also really great.”
Irish Shannon's 41 W. Church St., Orlando | 407-866-1191 | IrishShannons.com
FROM PG.21
Orlando Ballet
600 N. Lake Formosa Dr., Orlando, 407-426-1733, OrlandoBallet.org
Russian Ballet Orlando
618 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-896-0309 | RussianBalletOrlando.org
Orlando School of Cultural Dance
412 N. Pine Hills Rd., Orlando | 407-578-1687 | Facebook.com/ OrlandoSchoolOfCulturalDanceInc
FAVORITE MUSEUM: “The Polasek Museum and Gardens because of the gardens. I love the
Wells’Built Museum, they do really amazing work.”
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park | 407-647-6294 | Polasek.org
Wells'Built Museum of African American History & Culture 511 W. South St., Orlando | 407-245-7535 | WellsBuilt.org
FAVORITE PLACE TO PURCHASE ART: “Any art festival in Central Florida. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and the Mount Dora Art Festival are a few good ones.”
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival 328 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407-644-7207 | WPSAF.org
Mount Dora Arts Festival
138 E. 5th Ave. B, Mt Dora, 352-383-0880, MountDoraArt.com
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: Jazz Tastings
164 Lake Ave., Maitland | 407-755-3373 | JazzTastings.com
A&E HIDDEN GEM: Snap! Orlando 420 E. Church St., Orlando | SnapOrlando.com
DONT MISS...
Don't miss these Central Florida Arts & Entertainment venues.
THE ABBEY
100 S. Eola Dr. Unit 100, Orlando, 407-704-6103, AbbeyOrlando.com
ART & HISTORY MUSEUM OF MAITLAND
231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407-539-2181, ArtAndHistory.org
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando 407-839-0119, DrPhillipsCenter.org
ENZIAN THEATER
1300 Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-629-0054, Enzian.org
GARDEN THEATRE
160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-877-4736, GardenTheatre.org
MAXWELL C. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, 321-242-2219, KingCenter.com
OPERA ORLANDO
406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, 407-512-1900, OperaOrlando.org
ORLANDO FRINGE
812 E. Rollins St., Orlando, 407-648-0077, OrlandoFringe.org
ORLANDO GAY CHORUS
946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407-377-6638, OrlandoGayChorus.org
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART 2416 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-4231, OMArt.org
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, 407-836-8500, TheHistoryCenter.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
THE RITZ THEATER
201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford, 407-321-8111, WDPAC.com
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-0145, WinterParkPlayhouse.org
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.
You can show your Red Shirt Pride on the first Saturday of June each year. This year it happens June 3 with GayDayS, One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland events happening June 1-5.
SPACE COAST PRIDE
Melbourne, Florida | SpaceCoastPride.org
Space Coast Pride is an all volunteer-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, for 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. 23.
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 returns Nov. 11 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 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. 4 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. This year, Lake County Pride happens June 17 in Wooton Park in Tavares.
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 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 opened a second location in Kissimmee to grow the community’s presence in the city. This year’s Pridefest Kissimmee is happening June 3.
There For You
Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community has lots of support
JEREMY WILLIAMSCentral Florida is home to a large number of LGBTQ+ nonprofits and organizations whose mission it is to make this area one of the most open, accepting and inclusive in the world. The organizations range from large coalitions with wide-ranging missions to smaller groups with more focused goals; however, they all have one thing in common — they were all formed because they care about the health, safety and well being of Central Florida's LGBTQ community.
26 HEALTH
Comprehensive physical and mental health services to Orlando's LGBTQ+ community and allies.
801 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 402, Orlando, Florida 32803 | 321-800-2922 | 26Health.org
BLISS HEALTH
A medical center that offers 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
THE BROS IN CONVO INITIATIVE
Black, queer-led group building community, educating and empowering gay and queer individuals of color in Central Florida.
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
GAY OFFICERS ACTION
LEAGUE CENTRAL FLORIDA
Promotes positive relationships between LGBTQ+ law enforcement and the community.
P.O. Box 691262, Orlando, Florida 32869 | 407-434-9889 | GOALcfl.com
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
HARMONY HEALTHCARE
Healthcare organization that provides all-inclusive treatment and preventive care to members of the community for PrEP, Hepatitis C and HIV.
189 S. Orange Ave. STE 1830, Orlando, Florida 32801 | 407-777-2022 | HarmonyHealthcareOrlando.org
HOPE & HELP
Health organization and medical clinic offering HIV and STI testing, prevention and treatment services. 4122 Metric Drive, #800, Winter Park, Florida 32792 | 407-645-2577 | HopeAndHelp.org
IMPULSE GROUP ORLANDO
Organization dedicated to building a stronger and healthier community for gay men. ImpulseGrp.org
THE LGBT+ CENTER ORLANDO AND KISSIMMEE
Community Centers for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida. Orlando: 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-228-8272 | TheCenterOrlando.org
Kissimmee: 17 W. Monument Ave., Kissimmee, Florida 34741 | 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
ONEPULSE FOUNDATION
Organization established in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy to create a sanctuary of hope and honor and preserve the legacy of the 49 people killed, 68 injured and countless others who were affected. P.O. Box 2126, Orlando, Florida 32802 | 407-775-4611 | onePULSEFoundation.org
ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE
PFLAG
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
Primary care practice in Orlando specializing in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases. 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.
/ 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. 1320 E. Esther St., Orlando, Florida 32806 | PeerSupportSpace.org
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 & 1920 S. Babcock St., Melbourne, Florida 32901 | 888-542-8721 | Spektrum.health
ZEBRA COALITION
Provides services to LGBTQ+ folks ages 13–24.
911 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-228-1446 | ZebraYouth.org
Business Directory
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT:
CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS
407-937-1800
CFCArts.com
OPERA ORLANDO
407-512-1900
OperaOrlando.org
ORLANDO BALLET
407-426-1733
OrlandoBallet.org
THE RITZ THEATRE/WDPAC
407-321-8111
RitzTheaterSanford.com
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
407-645-0145
WinterParkPlayhouse.org
BAR AND RESTAURANTS: PILAR’S MARTINI BAR
407-342-7605 PilarsMartini.com
SAVOY ORLANDO
407-270-4685
SavoyOrlando.com
COUNSELORS & THERAPISTS: A ZUPKA COUNSELING
407-986-2888
AZupkaCounseling.com
DERMATOLOGY: ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY
DR. PATRICK DOMINGUS
407-770-0139 AdvancedDerm.com
FAMILY PLANNING: WECARE FAMILY CONNECTIONS
813-898-7273
WeCareFC.org
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CANCommunityHealth.org
FLOURISH IN PLACE
407-845-9797
FlourishInPlace.com
HARMONY HEALTHCARE ORLANDO
407-777-2022
HarmonyHealthcareOrlando.org
NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Nemours.org
ORANGE BLOSSOM FAMILY HEALTH
407-428-5751
OBFH.org
HOTEL AND RESORTS: DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ORLANDO AT SEA WORLD
407-352-1100
Hilton.com/en/Hotels/mcosrdt-DoubletreeOrlando-at-Seaworld
MUSEUMS: ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
407-836-8500
TheHistoryCenter.org
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART
407-896-4231
OMArt.org
RELIGIOUS: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 407-849-6080
FirstChurchOrlando.org
SPORTS AND LEISURE: SWIMOUT
321-209-1301 SwimOut.org
RETAIL: FAIRVILLA Fairvilla.com
MOJOMAN SWIMWEAR & CLOTHING
407-558-0725
MojomManStyle.com
TRAVEL AND TOURISM: CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY CFXWAY.com/Uni
DREAM VACATIONS-MICHAEL SULLIVAN 407- 637-2787
MASullivan.DreamVacations.com/Travel/
GREATER ORLANDO AVIATION AUTHORITY/ MCO 407-825-2001 OrlandoAirports.com
I-DRIVE DISCTRICT IDriveDistrict.com