Ways to celebrate LGBTQ culture in Central Florida
June marks the start of summer across the U.S. and the celebration of Pride Month, highlighting the LGBTQ community.
The commemoration coincides with the first Pride March in New York City in June of 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the protests against police outside Stonewall Inn, one of the city’s most popular gay bars.
While Orlando’s giant “Come Out With Pride” celebration isn’t until October, many events across Central Florida celebrate LGBTQ rights and culture this month, including remembrances of the June 12, 2016, Pulse nightclub tragedy.
GayDays Orlando is celebrated each year in venues around Orlando’s tourism district, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld and Walt Disney World parks. Visitors can also enjoy pool parties, drag queen Bingo, pageants and more. The celebration began in 1991 when members of the LGBTQ+ community wore red and congregated at theme parks. Festivities go on daily through June 5. More information: gaydays.com One Magical Weekend is billed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride and music festivals in the world. Taking place at Walt Disney World Resorts, the event features DJs, pool parties and festive celebrations June 1-5. More information: onemagicalweekend.com Girls in Wonderland kicks off Pride Month with DJs, celebrities, comedians, live music and pool parties over the course of four days. Most events take place at the new host hotel, Wyndham Orlando Resort, while some take revelers to Cuba Libre and Pirates Dinner Adventure. Dive in June 1-5 at 8001 International Drive in Orlando. More information: girlsinwonderland.com
7th Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run gathers Central Floridians for a 4.9K run starting at Wadeview Park in honor of those affected by the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Money raised benefits the onePULSE Foundation and the National Pulse Memorial and Museum. The run begins at 8 a.m. June 3 at 2177 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. More information: communityrainbowrun.com The Pride Cup presented by the KindRED Pride Foundation gathers all levels of LGBTQ athletes for beach volleyball, golf, pickleball, esports and kickball. Anybody can register for the competitive events June 2-4. More information: kindredpride.org
Zebra Youth Pride Prom invites LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-20 to join in a celebration at Orlando Museum of Art with a suggested donation of $15. The theme is “Old Hollywood, The Golden Age” with a semi-formal to formal dress code and all forms of gender expression is welcomed. The event is 6-10 p.m. June 10 at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: zebrayouth.org
onePULSE Foundation presents the Seven-Year Pulse Remembrance Ceremony in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The observance brings together families of the loved ones who lost their lives on June 12, 2016. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Tickets can be reserved for free online. Anyone is welcome to attend the event starting at 7 p.m. June 12 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Inspiration Orlando United: In Remembrance of Pulse unveils a mural created by Michael Pilato, Yuriy Karabash and Chimene Hurst to honor the lives lost in the 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy. The mural will be on display in the Orlando Museum of Art rotunda June 13-16. See the artwork unveiled during a remembrance event at 5 p.m. June 12 at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: omart.org
“Noche De Orgullo — Celebrating Queer Latinx Artists” presents a show at Timucua Arts Foundation from queer Latin artist JChris. The singer-songwriter and pianist will perform Ricky Martin, Anitta, Juan Gabriel and some original tunes. Tickets are $25 with discounts for students, seniors and frontline workers. The show is 7:30 p.m. June 17 at 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. More information: timucua.com
Rio Romeo, a self-described non-binary “butch lesbian interdisciplinary” artist performs at Will’s Pub on their 2023 tour, encouraging everyone to have a great day and be gay. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 on the day of show, which starts at 8 p.m. June 20 at 1042 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: willspub.org
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq
brings fan-favorite queens and select finalists from season 15 of the show to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. All guests must be ages 18 and older. Tickets start at $39.50 for the show at 8 p.m. June 24 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Central Florida Sounds of Freedom: To Soar presents a performance of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community band and colorguard in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater. The conclusion of the group’s 12th season takes the audience on a journey through air, space, the heavens and beyond.
Tickets are $20 each for the performance at 3 p.m. June 25 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
Speak With Pride is an LGBTQ+ open mic night at Swirlery Wine Bar with a story from Chef Joemar Torres followed by open mic. The event also features food, drinks and mingling. Tickets start at $25 per person up to $250 for a VIP table for four. The evening gathering is 5-8 p.m. June 25 at 1508 E. Michigan St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com