Watermark's Central Florida Living With Pride Guide 2021

C E N T R A L F LO R I DA

WITH PRIDE

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WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021

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Pa ge 3 0 phot o b y A t hena Ilu z, fr om Wikimed ia C ommons

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Preview

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Letter from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Letter from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Living out Loud

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Ask the Locals: Central Florida's Dining Ask the Locals: Central Florida’s Nightlife Ask the Locals: Central Florida's Arts & Entertainment

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Pride 365: Central Florida’s celebrations Community Care: Central Florida's support organizations Business Directory

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WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021

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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

! !

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WATERMARK’S CENTRAL FLORIDA LIVING WITH PRIDE GUIDE - 2021

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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