The Sunshine State is home to many year-round events and LGBT Pride celebrations—and Orlando is no exception. In fact, nowhere in the United States is the LGBT community stronger and more energetic than in Orlando. Even the mouse embraces the LGBT community. Gay Days, May 31—June 4, 2017, attracts more than 150,000 folks—families, couples and singles of all genders and ages—to take part in events held at area clubs and theme parks, including Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday of June.
Orlando is home to a number of LGBT clubs and bars. Savoy in the antique district caters to the gay crowd, while Southern Nights, located on the outskirts of town, welcomes the entire LGBT community, as does the Stonewall in downtown Orlando. It is named after the famous Stonewall in New York City, the bar recognized as launching the gay rights movement in 1969.
The granddaddy of them all is the Parliament House on Orange Blossom Trail, billed as Orlando’s premiere gay travel and entertainment destination. A resort of sorts, you’ll find multiple bars, an outdoor stage, a swimming pool and the Rainbow Café. You can even stay the night. The club, known for its lively female impersonator shows, opened in 1975.
Need a break from the bar scene? Try Hamburger Mary’s on Church Street in downtown Orlando, known for its excellent burgers and outlandish Saturday night burlesque shows. East of downtown, Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria is a cozy, artsy eatery serving up wine along with its namesakes.
White Wolf Cafe & Bar, located down the street from Savoy on Orange Avenue, is an Orlando staple with fantastic sandwiches and Sunday brunch featuring the tastiest cinnamon rolls in town.
