OUT LOUD
McElroy’s ant poison Community Curator: Liss Castillo
have a lot to take pride in. where all residents are welcome hateful rhetoric and legislation at the state and national compassion must 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 you to Orange County in celebration of Pride Month!
make bold investments to benefit our more than 1.4 million residents addition to being known as a top tourist destination in the nation, home parks and an award -winning convention center, we are focused on transportation, public safety, and arts & culture. and nonprofit organizations have played an integral role in the investing in resources and people to help grow the next generation of individuals from around the world begin to celebrat e LGBTQ+ 07 15 09 16 18 22
Cover photo by Dylan Todd
Happy Pride Month, Orlando! As Mayor and resident of this community, I believe that we have so much to take pride in, including our dedication to ensuring that Orlando remains welcoming for every person who lives in and visits our city.
Each June, Pride Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate our collective work. Together, we are making sure that Orlando is supportive of LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.
This year marks a milestone for the City of Orlando: the 150th anniversary since the formation of our city. As we look back, I am incredibly proud that Orlando has become more welcoming and vibrant with each passing year thanks to our LGBTQ+ community and the many allies who have shown their support for equality. At the same time, we recognize that we must continue to make it known that Orlando is a place that encourages all people to be their authentic selves. In our community, who you are and who you love will never hinder your ability to thrive.
That sentiment is especially timely in June as this month marks nine years since the Pulse tragedy, which disproportionally impacted the LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black and other communities of color. As we continue to send love and offer hope to the families of the 49 victims and the survivors, Orlando will keep showing the power of kindness, compassion and understanding.
Thank you for playing a role in our efforts. I hope that you have a wonderful time celebrating Pride Month in our community.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer Mayor
May 7, 2025
Greetings:
I am pleased to welcome you to Orange County to celebrate Pride Month!
Orange County is proud to be one of the nation's premier destinations. We are known for our iconic theme parks, award-winning convention center, and vibrant blend of MICHELINrecognized restaurants, art, culture, and entertainment. Yet beyond these renowne d attractions, what truly defines Orange County is the strength of our public, private, and philanthropic partnerships, which form the foundation of our community and drive our shared growth and progress.
Orange County Government is committed to serving everyone with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every person and business is treated with dignity and respect. Hate is never welcome here.
On behalf of the more than 1.5 million residents who call Orange County home, we value the time you spend here. We are grateful you've chosen to visit and be part of what makes our community so special. Whether you're a lifelong resident or exploring Orange County for the first time, I hope you enjoy all our community offers.
Once again, welcome, and we look forward to celebrating Pride Month in Orange County.
Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings Orange County Mayor
Dining With Pride
Ask the locals: Steph Alford, aka
The Amnesia Effect, and Jared Booth
CAYSEA STONE
Steph Alford, a.k.a. The Amnesia Effect, and Jared Booth dated for just a few months before calling it "offish." Two and a half years later, the two describe their relationship as one between best friends.
They found that the same things inspire them and have one primary shared interest: art. Alford expresses her creative side through her drag performances. Booth, on the other hand, found his footing in fashion and pop culture. Between their vintage shopping sprees and video games, Alford and Booth have accumulated a list of restaurants they refer to when the other craves something specific. They were kind enough to share a few of their favorites with us.
FAVORITE LGBTQ+OWNED:
Ferocity Coffee Central Florida pop-up/ delivery | FerocityCoffee. com
"[Violet] was in the drag scene with us. [She] dealt with her own problems being a queer, brown person in the scene here, then made her own space instead with the success of Ferocity," Alford says.
FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOT:
Eola General
522 E Amelia St., Orlando | 407-723-8496 | EolaGeneral.com
"They have sandwiches, muffins, vegan and non-vegan stuff," Alford says. "You can get little drinks there, too; they have wine and stuff," Booth says.
FAVORITE COFFEE: Boston Coffeehouse 851 S State Rd 434 #1190, Altamonte Springs | 689-266-8262 | BostonCoffeehouse.com
"They know how to pull espresso shots. It's actually yummy and strong, I don't like my coffee tasting watery," Alford says.
FAVORITE DESSERT: Dochi Company
1222 E Colonial Dr., Orlando | 407-674-6115 | DochiCompany.com
"The mochi donuts, I love them," Booth says.
FAVORITE RAMEN: Jinya Ramen Bar 8 N. Summerlin Ave., Orlando | 407-704-1825 | JinyaRamenBar.com
"Jinya ramen has the best flavors," Alford says.
FAVORITE DATE
NIGHT SPOT:
Sushi Saint 400 Pittman St. Suite A, Orlando | 407-412-6000 | SushiSaint.com
"We did the omakase experience, it's like 12 courses," Alford says. "Probably the best fish I've ever had in my entire life."
FAVORITE TAPAS:
Veggie Garden 1216 E. Colonial Dr. #11, Orlando | 407-228-1740 | Facebook.com/ VeggieGardenVegan
"You can get so many different small dishes there," Alford says. "Because the stuff's pretty small, you can order three or four things and split it," Booth adds.
FAVORITE PIZZA: Lazy Moon
Various locations | 407-412-6222 | LazyMoonPizza.com
"I like Lazy Moon because you can get vegan pizza. I don't eat dairy, red meat or chicken. I guess I would say I'm pescetarian, but overall I say I eat intuitively," Alford says. "I will eat whatever, but I do enjoy eating vegan food," Booth says.
DONT MISS...
Don't miss checking out these other Central Florida eateries.
BITES & BUBBLES 1618 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, BitesBubbles.com
DRUNKEN MONKEY
444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994, DrunkenMonkeyCoffee.wordpress. com
THE GLASS KNIFE
FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Greenery Creamery
420 E. Church St. Unit 112, Orlando | TheGreenryCreamery.com
"It's the best one and I don't feel like dying right after," Alford says. "It's another one that has vegan and non-vegan options," Booth says.
FAVORITE SOUTHERN COOKING: Winter Park Biscuit Company 3201 Corrine Dr., Orlando | 407-431-0851 | WinterParkBiscuitCo.com
"We eat it a lot," Booth says. "I feel like you could get away without someone knowing it's vegan, honestly."
FAVORITE PLACE TO TREAT YOURSELF: Kabooki Sushi 3122 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando | 407-228-3839 | KabookiSushi.com
"We looooooove Kabooki," Alford says. "It's so good, I want to go back," Booth says. "Last time we got the maguro truffle; it's like tuna with crispy rice balls and truffle ailoi," Alford says.
276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-500-2253, TheGlassKnife.com
KRES CHOPHOUSE 17 W. Church St., Orlando, 407-447-7950, KresRestaurant.com
MAXINE’S ON SHINE 337 Shine Ave., Orlando, 407-674-6841, MaxineOnShine.com
POM POM'S SANDWICHES
212 W. 1st St., Sanford, 407-548-6931, PomPomSandwich.com
SANTIAGO’S BODEGA 802 Virginia Dr., Orlando, 407-412-6979, SantiagosBodega.com
SE7EN BITES 617 Primrose Dr., Orlando, 407-203-0727, Se7enBites.com
WHITE WOLF CAFÉ 1829 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-895-9911, WhiteWolfCafe.com
Photo by Caysea Stone
la BOHÈME [ 波希米亞生涯 ] opera on the mainstage
October 3 & 5, 2025
ALL is CALM opera in the trenches
December 12 & 13, 2025
the MOZART DINNER
January 31, 2026
SILENT NIGHT opera on the mainstage
February 6 & 8, 2026
the SECRET RIVER opera on site
March 6 & 7, 2026
the MERRY WIDOW opera on the mainstage
April 24 & 26, 2026
a DECADE of DIVAS opera in concert
May 16, 2026
Cendrillon
Pride of Nightlife
Ask the locals: Heather Abood
FABIANA UNGARO
Heather Abood is a passionate LGBTQ+ ally and local celebrity. A longtime Orlandoan with a powerhouse voice, she has performed at hotspots throughout the city. When she’s not singing the house down, she can be found enjoying the vibrant culture Orlando has to offer. Abood took a moment to share some of her favorite spots with us.
FAVORITE LGBTQ+ CLUB:
Savoy Orlando
1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-270-4685 | SavoyOrlando.com
When I do go out, I love Savoy! So many of my friends work and perform there. It's like coming home to your neighborhood bar.
FAVORITE ALLY BAR:
The Dust
431 E. Central Blvd., Orlando | 407-839-0080 | StardustOrlando. com
It’s a safe performing space that brings in queer burlesque performances and host drag shows.
FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR:
Gnarly Barley
1407 N. Orange Ave., Orlando | 407-730-9566 | TheGnarlyBarley. com
They have great drinks and food; I’m all about the laid back happy hour. It's close to a lot of different things so you could pop in there and then walk somewhere else.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE A DRAG SHOW:
Manikin’s Lounge
407 Sanford Ave., Sanford | 321-287-3618 | ManikinsLounge. com
Mystree Hugga is a local drag queen who runs the show Tree House at Manikin’s Lounge. She brings in performers with all sorts of diverse backgrounds, it’s different. She works to cultivate a unique group of talent and she’s not casting the same people over and over again.
FAVORITE DRAG BINGO:
Hourglass Brewing
2500 Curry Ford Rd. Suite #4, Orlando | 407-730-5249 | District. HourglassBrewing.com
I love going over to Hourglass Brewing. Daisy Dior does Bottoms Up Bingo and it is so much fun. I love it because it starts at 7 p.m., I love an early evening start.
FAVORITE HOTSPOT TO IMPRESS A DATE:
The Wine Room
270 S. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407-696-9463 | TheWineRoomOnline.com
It’s somewhere I take people from out of town who don’t want to do the touristy things. Because who doesn’t love wine?
FAVORITE PLACE TO CATCH THE LOCALS:
Sloppy Taco Palace
4892 S. Kirkman Rd., Orlando | 407-574-6474 | SloppyTacoOrlando.com
It’s really close to a lot of businesses so you’ve got some theme park action
on that side of town. Any time you go there you’re gonna run into somebody. They have tacos, small bites, stuff like that.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR KARAOKE: Tin Roof 8371 International Dr., Orlando | 689-220-0014 | TinRoofOrlando. com
Wednesday Nights at Tin Roof with Lindsey. I’m biased because she’s my bestie. She creates such a fun environment, even if you’re a terrible singer she makes you feel like a star. Also, Tin Roof is great for tourist watching!
FAVORITE PLACE FOR CRAFT COCKTAILS: The Guesthouse 1321 N. Mills Ave., Orlando | 407-630-6574 | SunroomCocktails. com/TheGuesthouse Every time I go, the bar staff is so kind! Even if you come in and it’s 90 degrees sunny outside, it’s such a cool atmosphere. They’ve got a great vibe. When I go I feel very chill, stress melts away and they’ve got incredible craft cocktails.
FAVORITE HIDDEN GEM: Permanent Vacation 106 Lake Ave., Maitland | 407-8535036 | PermanentVacationFL.com
It’s a little tiki bar hidden within [The Copper Rocket] restaurant. They have interactive features on the wall and the drinks are super strong. You really wouldn’t know about it unless someone told you since they don’t advertise it. They only open up their reservations once a week and they fill up really fast.
Don't miss checking out these other Central Florida nightlife hotspots.
1UP ORLANDO
25 W. Church St., Orlando, 407-904-0124, BarNoneCreationsFL.com
ABBEY BAR
117 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand ,386-734-4545, AbbeyBarDeLand.com
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
DISTRICT DIVE
2401 E. South St., Orlando, 407-601-2813, Facebook.com/DistrictDive
GRUMPY'S UNDERGROUND
1018 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407-678-1122, Facebook.com/ GrumpysUnderground
IVANHOE 1915
1915 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 407-474-0723, TheIvanhoeOrlando.com
SOUTHERN NIGHTS
375 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando, 407-412-5039, Facebook.com/ SouthernNightsOrlando
STIFFY'S ORLANDO
2405 E. South St., Orlando, 407-412-5039, Facebook.com/Stiffys-Orlando
Photo courtesy Heather Abood
2349 Sunset Point Road #405
Clearwater, FL 33765 (727) 216-6193
408 7th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221 (941) 803-7939
Behavioral Health
4758 Rowan Road New Port Richey, FL 34653 (727) 312-2040 ST. PETERSBURG
3251 3rd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713 (727) 498-4969
2105 N Nebraska Avenue Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 769-7207
Pride in Arts & Entertainment
Ask the locals: Alexis Jackson
LOLA FONTANEZ
Central Florida’s arts and entertainment scene continues to prove itself a force to be reckoned with. A major player in the arts scene, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is at the forefront of bringing all types of performances to Central Florida. That’s why we decided to speak with Alexis Jackson, vice president of development at the Dr. Phillips Center, and get some ideas of where you can go in Central Florida to experience the arts.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR COMMUNITY THEATRE:
Renaissance Theatre Company
415 E. Princeton St., Orlando | RenTheatre.com
The Ren is always a great experience no matter the show. The after-hours shows are so much fun with incredibly talented performers and creative ways of telling stories.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE:
Enzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland | 407-629-0054 | Enzian.org
It’s a cozy atmosphere to watch a cult classic or to have a cocktail among the beautiful Florida greenery.
FAVORITE FESTIVAL:
Sanford Porchfest
711 S. Park Ave., Sanford | SanfordPorchfest.org
What started with just a handful of porches and a few bands has blossomed into a vibrant event featuring 18 porches and 72 bands. It's truly amazing to see how much it's expanded.
FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC:
Steinmetz Hall
445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando | 407-358-6603 | DrPhillipsCenter. org
Considered one of the premiere music halls in the world. Our local arts groups (Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet and Opera Orlando) along with the Royal Philharmonic, international and national orchestras and some of the biggest touring artists are featured on its stage.
FAVORITE PLACE TO WATCH A CONCERT:
Walt Disney Theater
445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando | 407-358-6603 | DrPhillipsCenter.
org
This theater has featured a tremendous variety of genres and acts and welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests. Since opening in 2014, Broadway productions, comedy acts and artists from around the world have been presented.
FAVORITE MUSEUM: Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando | 407-514-2000 | OSC.org
Wonderful and educational for children and families. The exhibits are fun and well-designed and the adults only nights provide a great surprise and delightful experience.
FAVORITE OUTDOOR VENUE: The Acre 4421 Edgewater Dr., Orlando | TheAcreOrlando.com
Honestly, they have everything you need for a good time. This is such a great gathering space and I love all the little attention to detail throughout, from fireplaces to food and drink vendors to board games and more.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW: Judson’s Live 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando | 407-358-6603 | DrPhillipsCenter. org
This space has delivered on its promise of providing great regional, national and international acts paired with a delectable array of food and beverage offerings. The goal has been to provide access to a wide range of entertainment genres as you would find in any great city.
DONT MISS...
Don't miss these other venues.
ART & HISTORY MUSEUM
231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407-539-2181, ArtAndHistory.org
ATHENS THEATRE
124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, 386-736-1500, AthensDeLand.com
KING CENTER
3865 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, 321-242-2219, KingCenter.com
OPERA ORLANDO 406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, 407-512-1900, OperaOrlando.org
ORLANDO BALLET 600 N. Lake Formosa Dr., Orlando, 407-426-1733, OrlandoBallet.org
ORLANDO GAY CHORUS 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, 407-377-6638, OrlandoGayChorus.org
ORLANDO SHAKES
812 E. Rollins St., Orlando, 407-447-1700, OrlandoShakes.org
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, 407-836-8500, TheHistoryCenter.org
RENAISSANCE THEATRE
415 E. Princeton St., Orlando , RenTheatre.com
THE PLAZA LIVE
425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, 407-228-1220, PlazaLiveOrlando.org
THE RITZ THEATER
201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford, 407-321-8111, WDPAC.com
THEATER WEST END 115 W. 1st St., Sanford, 407-548-6285, TheaterWestEnd.com
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-0145, WinterParkPlayhouse.org
Photo courtesy Dr. Phillips Center
ORLANDO
Pride 365
Central Florida celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride year-round
JEREMY WILLIAMS
It wasn’t too long ago that if you wanted to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride, you would have to venture into a major city to be able to watch a parade or walk around a festival that was covered in Pride flags and rainbow colors filled with member of our community. Luckily, those times are changing and more and more we see a celebration of Pride in all the smaller towns and cities in between those metropolises.
In Central Florida, we are in no short supply of those Pride celebrations. Not surprising, Orlando has one of the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in the state thanks to the city’s large LGBTQ+ population and the city’s inclusive and accepting nature. What might surprise you is the smaller cities like Kissimmee, St. Cloud, DeLand and more that are just as inclusive, accepting and showing their LGBTQ+ Pride. What makes the area even more exciting is seeing the town pride blended into each event’s LGBTQ+ Pride.
This list is far from complete. Be sure to read Watermark’s Tampa Bay and Sarasota Living Out Loud guides to see how even more of Central Florida’s cities share their LGBTQ+ Pride, and check out future issues of Watermark Out News and visit WatermarkOutNews.com for the latest details about each outing.
COME OUT WITH PRIDE
Orlando, Florida | ComeOutWithPride.org
Come Out With Pride is an allvolunteer, nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community. Celebrated in October to align with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and National Gay and Lesbian History Month, COWP got its start in 2005 when it incorporated under Central Florida's LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, The Pride Chamber. Since that first year, COWP has grown into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the state with a parade festival that takes over downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park each October. This past October,
Orlando saw more than 200,000 people converge on Lake Eola Park to celebrate.
The importance of COWP was magnified after the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016 when gun violence took the lives of 49 members of our LGBTQ community. In that tragedy's aftermath, Central Florida bound together and said in one collective voice "We Will Not Let Hate Win."
In 2018, COWP realized that Orlando's Pride couldn't be contained to just one Saturday and expanded to a week full of Pride events that now included a 5K race, dance parties, movie screenings, concerts and more.
In 2021, Orlando was the location for the third annual National Trans Visibility March, the first time it was held outside of Washington, D.C., and it took place in conjunction with COWP. The following year, the Central Florida Trans March was born and again happened in conjunction with Pride in Orlando. COWP and the CFTM return with the march, parade and festival Oct. 18.
KINDRED PRIDE FOUNDATION / GAYDAYS / ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND / GIRLS IN WONDERLAND
Orlando, Florida | KindREDPride. org/GayDayS.com/ OneMagicalWeekend.com/ GirlsInWonderland.com
Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom has gone through many changes since that first Gay Day on June 1, 1991, but the original premise remains the same — the LGBTQ+ community, wearing red shirts, gather in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom just before the 3 p.m. parade to be visible and to be seen. Organizers of the first event would have claimed it a success if a hundred people showed up, so they were not prepared when 1,500 people in red shirts gathered in front of the castle.
What began as one day at the park ballooned into multiple days of events from many groups including One Magical Weekend, with its newly formed Bear Jamboree!, GayDayS and Girls in Wonderland, who bring circuit parties, concerts, expos and pool parties that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year that encircle the original event and carry the same message of visibility that Gay Day at Magic Kingdom was founded on.
In 2019, the nonprofit KindRED Pride Foundation established Red Shirt Pride Days, a series of events occurring on the first weekend of
June every year with a mission to get one million people around the world to wear red on the first Saturday of June whether they are at the Magic Kingdom or not.
As part of the KindRED Pride Foundation, The Pride Cup, an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition held during the first weekend in June in Orlando, was developed. With events welcoming all levels of athletes, the spirit of the competition is “Be Kind Champion” to coincide with the RED Shirt Pride Days. The Pride Cup will take place May 31-June 1.
You can show your Red Shirt Pride on the first Saturday of June each year. This year it happens June 7 with GayDayS and Girls in Wonderland events happening June 5-8. Due to World Pride happening in D.C., One Magical Weekend will hold its events a week earlier May 29-June 1.
SPACE COAST PRIDE
Melbourne, Florida | SpaceCoastPride.org
Space Coast Pride is an allvolunteer-managed, not-for-profit LGBTQ+ organization intent on fostering a sense of community and pride within Brevard County's LGBTQ+ residents. Space Coast Pride got its start in 2007 as a small picnic in Melbourne and has grown into one of the biggest Pride events in Central Florida, attracting more than 12,000 attendees each fall.
The one-day event, which is held at
Photo by Dylan Todd
the end of September, was expanded to three days in 2015 and then to a full week of events in 2018. In that time, Space Coast Pride's list of events have included everything from kick-off parties, drag shows and brunches to 5K runs, beach days and, starting in 2015, a Pride parade through Melbourne's historic Eau Gallie Arts district.
This year's Space Coast Pride festival and parade will be in Historic Downtown Melbourne on Sept. 27.
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.
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.
Earlier this year, Lake County Pride held a Community Unity Protest in Mount Dora and a Spring Fling at the Magnolia Wine Garden in Eustis. To get the latest information on upcoming events from Lake County Pride, be sure to follow them on social media and visit
LakeCountyPride.org.
PRIDEFEST KISSIMEE
Kissimmee, Florida | Kissimmee.org
PrideFest Kissimmee is an annual event held in late May or early June at the Kissimmee Civic Center hosted by the City of Kissimmee government. The celebration is grounded in welcoming, fostering awareness of and acknowledging the impactful contributions from members of the local LGBTQ+ community.
First held in 2017, PrideFest is a free event opened to the public and provides food vendors, live entertainment and community resources for its attendees. In 2018, the LGBT+ Center Orlando opened a second location in Kissimmee helping to grow the community’s presence in the city.
This year’s Pridefest Kissimmee is happening May 31.
PROUD IN THE CLOUD
St. Cloud, Florida |
ProudInTheCloud.com
Proud In the Cloud is an LGBTQ+ social movement, brought to you by the St. Cloud Pride Alliance, that aims to create safe and empowering spaces for everyone to express their true selves, build meaningful connections and promote understanding and respect. They organize special events that bring people together and celebrate diversity.
One of those events is Proud in the Cloud, a Pride celebration showcasing the love and diversity of St. Cloud. The event features drag performances, music, food trucks, a kids zone and more.
You can join in all the fun this year when Proud in the Cloud takes place at The Ranch in St. Cloud on June 21.
VOLUSIA PRIDE
DeLand, Florida | VolusiaPride.org
Volusia Pride has made it their mission to nurture professional and personal relationships amongst LGBTQ+ members and allies. In 2016, after the tragic events at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, DeLand Pride was created. After several years of successful Pride events and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ people of DeLand, the organization decided to join forces with other area Pride groups.
In 2024, DeLand Pride joined with its two sister prides in Volusia County, Lake Helen Pride and Daytona Pride,
extending their impact past one city alone. The nonprofit called the new collaboration Volusia Pride. With this approach, encompassing all three groups together, leaders of the nonprofits say the community in Volusia County is now able to find everything in one spot.
Volusia Pride now has a community space in which the organization offers classes and workshops tailored to the LGBTQ+ folks of Volusia County.
Carrying on the traditions of DeLand Pride, Volusia Pride hosts the annual "Love is Love Pride Fest" in the first half of the year, usually in
February or March. The all-day event features drag shows, musicians, youth activities, a Pride Marketplace and more. This year’s celebration took place on Feb. 15 but you can also find many Volusia Pride events throughout the year — including Pride Nights, youth socials, Bingo Drag Shows — to keep the Pride level up 365.
Photo by Dylan Todd
Local Love
Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community is filled with caring and supportive organizations
JEREMY WILLIAMS
Central Florida is home to a large number of LGBTQ+ nonprofits and organizations whose mission it is to make this area one of the most open, accepting and inclusive in the world. They vary in scope and style but the one thing they all have in common is they care about Central Florida's LGBTQ+ community.
BLISS HEALTH
A medical center that offers HIV testing and full sexual health medicine.
3901 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-203-5984 | BlissHealth. com
BROS IN CONVO
Black, queer-led group building community, educating and empowering gay and queer individuals of color.
711 Seminole Ave., Orlando, Florida 32804 | 407-868-3257| 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 1646, Orlando, Florida 32802 | 407-434-9889 | GayOfficersActionLeagueCFL.org
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
Harmony Healthcare Orlando is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide all-inclusive treatment and preventive care to members of the community for PrEP, Hepatitis C and HIV. Harmony is committed to providing patients with all the resources they need to take charge of their health.
189 S. Orange Ave., STE 1830, Orlando, Florida 32801 & 901 E. Oak St., Suite A, Kissimmee, Florida 34744 | 866-553-6755 | MyHHO.org
HOPE & HELP
Began as a small support group of a few friends who cared for a close friend who was dying of AIDS, Hope & Help has grown into one of the most comprehensive HIV/STI service organizations in Florida, with a full medical clinic, in addition to testing, education, prevention, case management and support group services.
4122 Metric Drive, #800, Winter Park, Florida 32792 | 407-645-2577 | HopeAndHelp.org
HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
Fosters diverse, empowered, learning communities engaged in personal and societal transformation.
1016 N. Park Ave., Apopka, Florida 32712 & 800 S. Hawthorne Ave., Apopka, Florida 32703 | 407-8804673 | HCC-OFFM.org
IMPULSE GROUP ORLANDO
The Orlando chapter of an international organization, Impulse Group is dedicated to the advancement of safe sex awareness, prevention and practice among young, sexually active gay men between the ages of 18-35. 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 & 1200 Hillcrest St. #102, Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-228-8272 | TheCenterOrlando. org
Kissimmee: 17 W. Monument Ave., Kissimmee, Florida 34741 | 407201-2544 | 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
ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE
Provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in Central Florida. P.O. Box 536944, Orlando, Florida 32853 | 407-244-1222 | OrlandoYouthAlliance.org
PEER SUPPORT SPACE
A hub for diverse, peer-led recovery communities in Central Florida. They manage a first-of-its-kind respite focused on the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
1320 E. Esther St., Orlando, Florida 32806 | PeerSupportSpace.org
PFLAG (ORLANDO, NEW SMYRNA BEACH/VOLUSIA, MELBOURNE)
The nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Multiple Chapters | PFLAG.org
PINEAPPLE HEALTHCARE
Pineapple Healthcare provides Primary Care, PrEP/PEP, HIV Care, Psychological medication management and birth control options. They offer same-day, next-day and weekend availability. Pineapple Healthcare also offers free rapid HIV testing.
1724 33rd St., Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32839 & 1080 Kevstin Dr., Kissimmee, Florida 34744 | 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 | 407-4204895 | ThePrideChamber.org
QLATINX
A racial, social and gender justice organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Central Florida's LGBTQ+ Latinx community.
946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803 | 407-476-5327 | QLatinx.org
SPEKTRUM HEALTH
Comprehensive primary health care options for LGBTQA+ individuals. 5205 S. Orange Ave., Ste 110, Orlando, Florida 32809 | 888-5428721 | Spektrum.health
ZEBRA YOUTH
A nonprofit organization that 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:
AEG PRESENTS
AEGPresents.com
OPERA ORLANDO
407-512-1900
OperaOrlando.org
ORLANDO SHAKES
407-447-1700
OrlandoShakes.org
THE HISTORIC COCOA VILLAGE PLAYHOUSE
321-636-5050
CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
407-645-0145
WinterParkPlayHouse.org
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:
COCONUT BREEZE MEDIA LLC
689-346-7660
CoconutBreezeMedia.com
ELECTRICIAN - RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL:
CDW ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC.
407-565-2225
CDWElectrical.com
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS: WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN – FOOD & WINE CLASSIC
888-828-8850
SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH
844-922-2777
CANCommunityHealth.org
DAVENPORT PELVIC THERAPY
863-486-3708
DavenportPelvic.com
PINEAPPLE HEALTHCARE
407-553-6336
PineappleHealthcare.com
MEDIA: WATERMARK OUT NEWS
407-481-2243 / 813-655-9890
WatermarkOutNews.com
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES: ART AND HISTORY MUSEUMSMAITLAND 407-539-2181
ArtAndHistory.org
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
407-836-8500
TheHistoryCenter.org
PHOTOGRAPHY: DYLAN TODD PHOTOGRAPHY 727-310-1212
DylanToddPhotography.com
PODCAST:
WINE, WINE NOT: A QUEER PODCAST TheCultureRadio.com/Podcast/WineWineNot/
REAL ESTATE: MIKE WOODS (MAGIC KEY GROUP) GALLERY PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL 301-452-9328
MagicKeyOrlando.com
RETAIL AND COLLECTIBLES: FAIRVILLA 407-425-6005
Fairvilla.com
TRAVEL AND TOURISM: ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ MCO 407-825-2001
OrlandoAirports.com
I-DRIVE DISCTRICT, INTERNATIONAL DRIVE IDriveDistrict.com
