This month, we will celebrate activists that pioneered queer rights today, but many of their predecessors will go unnoticed. Efforts to erase LGBTQIA+ history are growing across the nation, especially in our state of Florida. To ensure that LGBTQIA+ history is not forgotten, let’s celebrate those who have fought for equality and paved the way for future generations!
When thinking of LGBTQIA+ activism, there are many different queer trailblazers to look up to who worked to break down barriers and succeed off the success of those who’ve worked before them. For example, Patty Sheehan made history as the first openly gay official elected in Florida, having served on the Orlando city council for nearly a quarter century, working to give voice to LGBTQIA+ rights and other marginalized groups in Florida. Through the work of advocates Karka Arguello & Cathy Pareto became the first gay couple to be married in Florida and run an elite and private psychology practice in Miami.
Another notable figure was Addison Mizner, an openly gay man who 100 years ago became the best-known architect in America by changing the character of Florida. Troy Perry, born in 1940, went on to start the LGBT Metropolitan Community Church, which became a vital resource to the LGBTQIA+ community and still is. These pioneers set the stage for future generations to keep fighting onward.
Today, across Central Florida, activists continue the legacy of fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights with the same passion as their predecessors. Whether it be through moving literature like writer Anne Hull and poet Samira Obeidl, or Florida House Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, who is Florida’s first openly-LGBTQIA+ Latino lawmaker. There are so many different LGBTQIA+ role models to celebrate. We can’t forget Equality Florida co-founder Nadine Smith, who was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2022 and is fighting alongside the community for change. Even with all the progress made, the battle for LGBTQIA+ rights across Florida is far from over.
As we celebrate these trailblazers it is clear that the fight is far from over. Florida Republicans continue their efforts to destroy LGBTQIA+ queer history, but not without pushback. We must ensure that the voices of those before us are not silenced and to empower the next generations by giving them the structure needed to keep fighting.
See below for pride events in the Central Florida area where we can celebrate love and the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community!
Title: Out and Equal Workplace Summit – The largest LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion event in the world, Workplace Summit brings together a global community of thought leaders and changemakers to share knowledge, exchange promising practices for making measurable and lasting change, and to network in ways that build important relationships!
Date: Monday, October 7th to Thursday, October 10th – times available on website!
Location: Address upon RSVP and registration!
Title: Music in the Library: Central Florida Sounds of Freedom– CFSOF’s mission is to promote LGBTQ+ awareness, acceptance, and equality positively through quality entertainment and fellowship.
Date: Sunday, October 13th from 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: 101 E. Central Blvd, Orlando- First Floor
Title: Gay Old Time!– The Center Orlando’s mission is to promote and empower the LGBT community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.
Date: Sunday, October 13th from 6:30pm – 8pm. Doors at 6pm
Location: 2351 South Ferncreek Ave, Orlando
Title: Strike for Stripes – Zebra Youth advances its mission by providing high quality, culturally appropriate programs designed to meet the unique needs of homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, as we have also strived to meet the community’s needs for affordable youth housing, mental health services, proactive youth support and community education.
Date: Sunday, October 13th; check-in opens at 5pm and bowling begins at 6pm
Location: Aloma Bowl, 2530 Aloma Ave, Winter Park
Title: Eden Orlando Pride: The Premier Queer Womxn’s Party of Orlando Pride– Eden Entertainment Group is hosting a party for queer women and friends to come celebrate queer women through dancing and music. This is a 21+ event.
Date: Friday, October 18th from 9pm – 2am
Location: The Wildflower Orlando, 4947 New Broad St. Orlando
Title: 2024 Come Out with Pride Parade– The Pride Parade is an annual LGBTQ celebration that welcomes anyone from any age to enjoy the festivities. Come show up to the march with Team Anna as we celebrate LGBTQ History.
Date: Saturday, October 19th from 3pm – 6pm
Location: Lake Eola Park, Orlando
Title: 2024 Come Out With Pride– The Come Out With Pride, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit that hosts Orlando’s annual LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration every October on National Coming Out Day. It is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the Southeast and the largest single-day event in Central Florida.
Date: Friday, October 19th from 12pm – 10pm
Location: Lake Eola Park, Orlando
Title: Monsters Out of the Closet– Celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists in our mutual love for all things horror and Halloween!!!
Date: Friday, October 26th from 8pm – 11:59pm
Location: Imagine Performing Arts Center, Oviedo Mall Boulevard, Oviedo
Title: OUTCON Orlando – Celebrated in November, OUTCON is an exciting and inclusive celebration of all things pop culture! This vibrant convention highlights the creativity and diversity of the LGBT+ community, offering a welcoming space for fans of Anime, comics, movies, TV shows, gaming, and more.
Date: Saturday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 3rd – see event page for times!
Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Drive, Orlando