ORLANDO — With Florida’s Trans community still facing hostile legislation from the Florida Legislature, Come Out With Pride is offering the Trans and Non-Binary community, their family members and friends a safe space to enjoy a relaxing afternoon together next month.
Come Out With Pride is hosting a free Family Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
“This inclusive event welcomes all from the trans and non-binary community,” Come Out With Pride noted, while adding that this event would feature a host of fun activities throughout the day.
“Come along alone or with family and enjoy the comfortable outdoor pavilion, DJ with dance music and karaoke, community partners, and more! Bring your favorite outdoor games for added fun,” the gay rights organization noted.
What is Come Out With Pride?
Come Out With Pride, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit that hosts Orlando’s annual LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration every October for National Coming Out Day. The Orlando event attracted 220,000+ guests in 2023 and has become the largest single-day event in Central Florida.
The Family Picnic has also received support from the Contigo Fund, which grew out of the devastating Pulse Nightclub shooting, and now provides financial support to institutions that works to promote healing and empowerment to the gay community.
The Pulse Nightclub shooting happened on June 12, 2016, when Omar Mateen, 29, entered the club and shot and killed 49 people and wounded 53 more in a horrific mass shooting. Orlando Police officers fatally shot Mateen after a three-hour standoff.
Pulse had been hosting Latin Night and most of the victims were gay and Latino. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the Sept. 11 attacks.
When Is the Free Family Picnic?
The Free Family Picnic hosted by Come Out With Pride will be held on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, near downtown Orlando.
The Fairgrounds is a privately owned property with security and is completely fenced in, and has plenty of free parking available.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
