The social organization caters to Black gay men of size and hosts an annual event at Orlando’s LGBT Parliament House Resort. Tony Brown of New Jersey is the cofounder of Big Boy Pride. The organization is also planning to donate. Just a week before the mass shooting at Pulse, OBP held its annual event that took place over six days that brings out Orlando’s Black LGBT residents, as well as those from other areas.ĭuncan said OBP is helping out by spreading the word about happenings in Orlando and helping people find loved ones. Gay clubs in Orlando, including Pulse, often have hip-hop nights that bring out Black gay people, mostly between the ages of 18 to 24. There are few places where we can feel comfortable and be ourselves.” We only have three to five clubs and bars. Even though Orlando is a midsized major city, our community is very tiny. “I’m still kind of in a daze that we are even discussing this as a terrorist attack.
“The first word that comes to mind is speechless,” she said. She said she’s still in shock over what happened. Trichia Duncan, president of Orlando Black Pride, said that Pulse is one of the few gay nightclubs in Orlando and even has a Black night where hip-hop music is played. Now is the time to stand up as opposed to hiding.” Now is not the time to hide and let people know we are not going anywhere. “It’s just been a real sad experience and kind of surreal. “People are just shocked and horrified,” he said. He lost a friend on the night of the shooting at Pulse. New York-based gay actor and comedian Chris Reed lived in Orlando for 25 years and said that although Florida has a large gay scene, the Black gay community is small in Orlando. The shooting took place at the gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando.Ī majority of those killed were Latino because of the theme night at the club Sunday that featured salsa and bachata music catering to Orlando’s Dominican and Puerto Rican gay community. Sunday, Omar Mateen fatally shot 49 people and injured 53 in what is being called the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. Black members of the gay community are also showing support and speaking out. The recent mass shooting at an Orlando gay nightclub continues to ignite outrage throughout the LGBTQ community. However, their small size isn’t stopping them from being part of the movement to keep their community safe. is a small segment of the gay community in that city, relegated to themed club nights, pride events and social gatherings. Don't miss Scott Laurent Galleries (in the Hidden Gardens shops at the north end) for an impressive mix of art jewelry & glass, home decor, and fine art.The Black LGBTQ community in Orlando, Fla. Need a new 'do'? Gary Lambert Salon (40) rivals any big city upper crust cutlery with the addition of high-camp stylists. Lots of small restaurants, Central Florida's toniest shopping, and the beautiful Morse Museum of American Art featuring fabulous Tiffany! With it's European street-scape, mini-Central Park, and nearby Rollins campus, this is a terrific place to walk, window shop, and check out the locals. Not necessarily gay, but as friendly as you can get. 408, you'll find "Southern Nights," where Wild Wednesday constitutes one of Orlando's longest running weekly gay party dates. Most downtown clubs are not exclusively les-bi-gay, but have historically welcomed a very mixed crowd. Great restaurants, the world famous Club at Firestone (Saturday night is gay night), and an eclectic mix of smaller, alternative clubs, bars, and coffeehouses. Eat, drink, and be Mary - er, merry, whatever! There's plenty to do downtown and it's all contained in a compact, walkable area. Location: Church Street, Orlando, Florida. With multiple themed nights playing out across the various bars within it, this bar is also known for its excellent music, the tropical styled patio and some great bar food too. (Michael Jackson purchased two of them as a wedding gift for Liz & Larry). Operating on multiple levels, the Stonewall Bar is a fantastic gay bar in Orlando with a strong fanbase. Swan (peddle) Boats are available to rent by day. Stroll around beautiful Lake Eola with it's landmark fountain, or take a horse and buggy ride by moonlight.