Ocala Pride full speed ahead

Ocala Pride full speed ahead

The LGBT community of Ocala is celebrating its 4th annual Pride celebration, with thousands expected to adorn the streets and halls of The College of Central Florida on Oct. 2.  It was rumored that Ocala Pride may not happen this year after backlash from the area’s more conservative residents, but that’s just a rumor.

“Absolutely not true,” said Louise Stunkard, who is on the Ocala Pride, Inc. Board of Directors.

Thomas V. Leonbruno, President of Ocala Pride, said even though some area sponsors and supporters are not willing to have their name associated with a gay event, they have come a long way since the first Pride Festival.

“In spite of being nestled within the conservative heartland of Florida, some wonderful and exciting things are being planned for this year’s festivities,” Stunkard said.

Among them are many events leading up to Pride. On Aug. 20, there’s an “Over the Rainbow” event at The Copa. Then, a “Super Heroes and Villains” fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 10.

“We’re having a few things that even the larger Florida Pride events haven’t had,” Stunkard said.

Among them are two traveling exhibits from the Stonewall Library and Archives in Fort Lauderdale. “Stonewall: The End of the beginning of Gay Liberation,” is a 21-panel exhibit exploring the story of the Stonewall riots and, “For Women Only: Spaces, Organizations, Events and Publications Created By and For Women,” is an 11-panel exhibit which explores and celebrates the unique history of women. Also scheduled are seminars running throughout the day including: LGBT- History, Transgender Seminar, Living with HIV and a seminar on how to live happily ever after. The seminars will end with a huge commitment ceremony including photos and wedding cake.

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