Orlando

ORLANDO | Orlando City Council approved a temporary memorial outside of and around the Pulse nightclub Oct. 9. The onePULSE Foundation submitted the plans to the city which includes removing the existing fence put around Pulse by the FBI and replacing it with a “more durable and artistic” fence that will incorporate murals as a tribute to the victims and survivors of the tragedy. Other changes include new landscaping, park benches, an improved parking area and a perforated wall structure that would allow small offerings to be left. The plans also indicate that the now iconic Pulse sign will be secured and featured into the redesign. The temporary memorial is expected to remain for two years, with a possible extension to three years, while a permanent memorial is completed. … [Read more...] about Orlando approves temporary memorial at Pulse

Strength, Love and Unity. Three words that can describe the Orlando atmosphere as the community came together after the worst mass shooting of US history, which killed 49 members of the LGBTQ and Latin community. Three words that will be the fitting theme of the five day festival dedicated to all those affected by the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. FUERZAfest comes to Orlando to bringing together members of Central Florida’s diverse LGBTQ communities, allies, and artists in a celebration of Latino LGBTQ culture with aims to provide a space for dialogue and awareness of social issues, including the prejudices stemming from ignorance and homophobia, which threaten the LGBTQ community, according to the FUERZA website. FUERZAfest began in New York City in May of this year and is the first Latino LGBTQ Festival, which is sponsored by the Hispanic Federation, a nonprofit organization. The event will feature a competition of one-act plays by independent theater groups who will vie for … [Read more...] about Latino LGBTQ Festival comes to Orlando: FUERZAfest!

Lake Eola Park, and it’s surrounding streets, were packed Oct. 14 for Orlando’s annual Come Out With Pride parade and festival. The big, colorful floats and LGBTQIA+ marchers took their turns proudly around the lake as thousands of community members and supporters cheered. Check out all the photos from the parade and make sure you have saved the date for next year’s Come Out With Pride event scheduled for Oct. 13, 2018. Photos by Brian Becnel. … [Read more...] about Orlando gathers downtown to celebrate Come Out With Pride

ORLANDO | Come Out With Pride took Friday night to Stonewall Bar, and its surrounding streets, this year for the COWP Block Party Oct. 12. The streets were blocked off for people to enjoy big video screens, vendor tents and an outdoor street bar. COWP definitely got the weekend started with the music pumping and the party in full swing, inside and outside, all night. Photos by Jeremy Williams. … [Read more...] about PHOTOS: Come Out With Pride’s Block Party took over the streets at Stonewall Orlando

ORLANDO | The Orlando Immunology Center and Orlando Weekly carried on the tradition of having the Big Gay Brunch at The Abbey Oct. 13 for Come Out With Pride, and it was a huge success. The event was packed with people looking to get their brunch and drink on before the festivities at Lake Eola began. While brunchers enjoyed the spread courtesy of Seasons 52, they also got to hear from Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy who was in attendance and reminded attendees that while Pride is a party it is also a time to be active. Photos by Jeremy Williams. … [Read more...] about PHOTOS: OIC and Orlando Weekly’s Big Gay Brunch was a huge Pride hit