The Orlando-based nonprofit’s ‘Most Colorful Parade’ will honor the resilience of the LGTBQ+ community, which continues to stand proud and strong amid constant politically motivated attacks.
Come Out With Pride Orlando, the leading nonprofit dedicated to cultivating acceptance and visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year with an activity-packed celebration on October 19 at Lake Eola Park.
The festivities include a community fair and its signature Most Colorful Parade, as well as a fireworks display. With the vibrant theme Colors of Courage, this celebration is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and bravery of the LGTBQIA+ community.
The event is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the Southeast and the largest single-day event in Central Florida. It promises a day of joy, pride, and empowerment starting at 12 noon with the community fair. The parade kicks off at 4 p.m. with a new route designed to accommodate more people. A larger turnout than last year's 220,000 attendees is anticipated, with an estimated economic impact of more than $28 million on the region. This success is made possible thanks in part to the unwavering support of the 2024 presenting sponsor, Synchrony.
At Synchrony, they continue to make progress in advancing equity and inclusion for all, recognizing it is good for business, employees, customers, and communities.
A star-studded roster of grand marshals adds excitement and energy to the celebration. They include HDTV Star David Bromstad,Founder and Executive Director of the Gender Advancement Project Ashley Figueroa, and Juleigh Mayfield, a fierce advocate for intersex people who recently launched Interlusion, a non-profit organization serving intersex people like herself.
“We have chosen to focus this year on the strength, beauty, and resilience of LGTBQIA+ people,” said Come Out With Pride Executive Director Tatiana Quiroga. “This milestone celebration reminds us how far we have come, but also how much remains to be done. Central Florida has embraced our community, making us feel safe and accepted as active contributors to the vibrancy and prosperity of this region. Yet every day, we are reminded that elsewhere in the state and our country, there’s a different climate.”
The community festival and parade include:
A bustling Marketplace: A diverse selection of goods and services, ranging from handmade crafts, artisanal goods and unique experiences.
The SponsorWalk: A showcase of Pride Partners promoting their offerings and the opportunity to connect with the audience.
Family Spot: Fun family activities for young children and youth.
Second annual Trans Pride by Crew Health, which is designed to be welcoming and inclusive for the transgender and non-binary community.
The Sober Space by Pineapple Healthcare will have peer support and activities throughout the day for those living in sobriety.
Quiet Zone by Willscot: A quieter, sensory-friendly space for those who may need a respite.
Club Pride Stage and the Diva Stage, sponsored by Show Imaging, Inc. and featuring upbeat music and live entertainment.
The VIP Experience: Pride Platinum and Pride Deluxe VIP packages, offering a range of benefits such as guaranteed parking, a meet-and-greet, air-conditioned lounges, private viewing bleachers for the parade, access to private VIP bars, catered food and drinks, and air-conditioned bathrooms.
Most Colorful Parade, presented by AHF-AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is set to kick off at 4:00 PM. To accommodate an increasing number of attendees, its new route will take participants through downtown, starting at Washington Street and Orange Avenue and ending at Thornton Park by Lake Eola.
The festivities will conclude with a stunning pride-colored firework finale, lighting up the downtown Orlando skyline at 9:30 PM.
For a complete schedule of Come Out with Pride events click here.
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