Interestingly enough, it stirred controversy even within the LGBTQ community during the prime day of gay activism in the 1960’s and 70’s. In several ways it has been, as Michael Wanzie would suggest, a haven where you could truly be yourself. Spaces within Central Florida like Southern Nights, Parliament House, Sadie’s, Faces, Bradley’s and countless others that have come and gone have permitted everyone from all walks of life to escape reality for a just moment and enjoy a few drinks, music and drag shows.īefore RuPaul’s Drag Race and the burst of contemporary drag performers, such performances were considered a social taboo. Most of our history has remained predominately within the scope of the club and bar scene. What’s more rebellious than a man in “women’s clothing”? Regardless of the attempts made against the community, our culture continues to dance and celebrate life, especially with its drag performances. From the Stonewall riots and the Pulse nightclub massacre to the recent lawsuit against the Trump administration by a coalition of LGBTQ groups towards the stripping of medical protection for the trans community it would seem that our reality is a political war zone. The month of pride has played an important part in both demonstrating the presence of LGBTQ communities in the United States, and the power in collective resistance through innumerable parades that engulf the streets.

The colorful crowd, loud music, the open declaration of love and drag performers yes, it’s Pride.

Footlight theater orlando