September 19, 2025

LGBTQ+ Community Faces Challenges in Central Florida

News Summary

Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ community confronts a politically charged environment while striving to preserve safe spaces. Historic venues like Orlando’s Parliament House and Hamburger Mary’s have been vital for community connection. Despite closures, new establishments are emerging, such as Anthem Orlando, which aims to promote inclusivity. Amid ongoing legislative battles and backlash against representations of pride, local venues continue to adapt and create welcoming environments to support LGBTQ+ Floridians.

Central Florida is facing ongoing challenges as the LGBTQ+ community navigates a politically charged environment while seeking to maintain safe and welcoming spaces. Historically, venues across Central Florida and Tampa Bay have served as crucial sanctuaries for LGBTQ+ Floridians, including restaurants, bars, and hotels that have fostered a sense of belonging.

Notable among these venues is Orlando’s Parliament House, an esteemed LGBTQ+ club that closed its doors in 2020 after 45 years of operation, with discussions of a potential return circulating among the community. St. Petersburg’s Suncoast and Flamingo Resorts, which were operational from 1998 until 2019, were also significant pillars within the local LGBTQ+ scene. Additionally, several Hamburger Mary’s restaurants have been a staple of the area, known for their vibrant dining experiences and drag performances.

Hamburger Mary’s Orlando, which operated for 16 years, closed in 2024, but plans are in place for its reopening elsewhere in Central Florida. The owners successfully challenged Florida’s “anti-drag” law in 2023, and the legal battle continues, demonstrating the community’s resilience in the face of restrictive legislation.

Further complicating the landscape, the Florida Department of Transportation faced backlash after removing a rainbow crosswalk at the site of the Pulse shooting, which paid homage to the 49 victims of the tragic mass shooting in a former LGBTQ+ bar. In response to such political and social challenges, various venues, including Se7en Bites and SAVOY Orlando, have taken proactive measures. These venues hosted inclusive events and created visible displays of support for their community.

Se7en Bites transformed nearby parking spaces into public art installations to celebrate pride, while SAVOY Orlando enhanced its visibility with supportive displays. Similarly, Cocktail in St. Petersburg condemned the removal of the rainbow crosswalk by updating their storefront to reflect pride and solidarity.

The historical significance of LGBTQ+ venues continues in the region, with establishments like the Pro Shop Pub in Clearwater, one of the oldest businesses since 1976, and clubs like Southern Nights in Orlando and Bradley’s on 7th in Tampa, which are hailed as some of the oldest LGBTQ+ venues in the area. Thriving venues such as BarCodes, Hank’s Bar, and Blur also contribute to the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. New safe spaces are emerging, including Anthem Orlando, Kurt’s Place, and The Ball, reflecting the community’s resilience and adaptability.

Anthem Orlando, which is currently under construction, is slated to open soon and aims to be a venue dedicated to inclusivity and safety. Kurt’s Place is transitioning from the former City Side Lounge, focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages community connection. The Ball offers a lively pop art-themed environment with signature cocktails named after iconic LGBTQ+ figures and events.

Newer establishments like Outpost Neighborhood Tavern in Thornton Park, which opened in July, are also catering to a broad audience while maintaining an inclusive ethos. The LGBTQ+ community in Tampa Bay continues to emphasize the importance of safe spaces amidst rising political tensions and various societal challenges. Venues across the region remain committed to building on their legacy while responding to contemporary concerns that affect their community.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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