Come Out With Pride Orlando,

About the event

Throughout the years, the www.mbaorlando.org/ - Metropolitan Business Association (MBA – The Central Florida LGBT chamber of commerce) saw the need for a Pride festival that focused on  building unity and cohesiveness within the local community and also encouraging the rest of the country to rally to our side while we work to change the laws in Florida. In 2005, Come Out With Pride, Inc was formed as its own corporation under the MBA umbrella.  This allowed for Come Out With Pride to have their own board of directors and mission for the community utilizing the 501c3 tax status.

The first weekend of October was chosen for many reasons. It aligned with National Coming Out Day (October 11th) and National Gay and Lesbian History Month, it could take advantage of the cooler fall days, and central Florida already had a major LGBT event in June (Gay Days).

Since that day in 2005, Come Out With Pride (COWP) has grown into a major Pride event, becoming the largest Pride festival in all of Florida with attendance at upwards of 100,000. Between the vendors, entertainment offerings, Disney Kids Zone, parade, fireworks, variety of food and beverage choices, and as of 2012, a week long of events catering to the diverse audience that make up our wonderful community.

An important mission of the COWP event is to give back to our community through charitable initiatives, including cash grants, promotional and logistical assistance to other organizations/causes, which accounted for over $10,000 in 2014 (cash and in kind).

COWP is already implementing ways to continue to improve and build upon this incredible event in the future, without losing sight of where everything started. It will continue to spread a message of acceptance and diversity while engaging with community activities and educational forums. Though created to commemorate National Coming Out Day, it is a fun event for everyone to enjoy, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, or race. To learn why celebrating Pride is still important and relevant.

We are proud to share our mission with you. It evolves every year as we adapt to new challenges and accomplished achievements.

• To produce an annual pride event that fosters a sense of community, encourages LGBTQ+ citizens to live openly and with pride, and educates the general public of our shared cultural heritage.
• To encourage fellowship and support among participating businesses, professionals, individuals, and charitable pursuits in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
•  To oppose prejudice in society at large and within the LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
•  To foster communication, tolerance, and mutual support among LGBTQ+ persons and the allied communities.
•  To provide positive role models in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.
•  To provide financial support to other LGBTQ+ oriented non-profit organizations in the local area through the making of grants made possible by the proceeds from each year’s event.

In 2014, COWP celebrated 10 years with 150,000 in attendance to what is now the largest LGBT Pride celebration in Florida.

 COWP is a 501c3 non profit organization run by a board of 7 directors elected every 2 years and a production team made of volunteers.

Why should you sponsor?

Brian Riha

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