Overheard in Orlando: PH turns forty!

Overheard in Orlando: PH turns forty!

PHenomenalat PHorty
On the eve of its 40th Anniversary, the Parliament House Resort was recently named one of OUT Travel’s 200 Best Gay Bars in the World! That’s a lot of PHreakin’ Gay Bars out there! The Parliament House in Orlando was described as “less of a bar and more of an entertainment complex. With Seven bars on ten acres provide visitors to, the Parliament House has almost any experience they want, be it sporty, campy, grimy or glam”.

To prove why they made the list, PH will be starting their week long 40th Anniversary Bash with events like an employee turnabout, a reunion show featuring over thirty previous PH entertainers, a special presentation by the LGBT History Center and capping off the week with a special Saturday performance of Little Miss Parliament House & later that night, Deborah Cox in concert!

With 40 years of experience comes additional changes to PH, as they will soon be a non-smoking establishment in their main bar and disco; the Bear Den and outdoor areas will still remain OK for the smokers, so smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!

Paradise comes to Orange
As the Ivanhoe neighborhood prepares for some major changes, so will some of the already established watering holes. A newly themed patio is coming to Savoy! Do we predict palm trees and sand? Who knows, but we’ve got our sunblock ready just to be safe. Anyone up for frozen margaritas?

Center of attention
After months of anticipation, the 30 years of paint is finally being sandblasted off of the Center. With the final blessing from the city, the work has officially started, and as you drive by you will plainly see it! Executive Director Terry DeCarlosays their goal is to be open by September (fingers crossed), and the crew on board will be working day and night, inside and out! As far as the Center’s temporary home next door at the old Funky Monkey Vault? We’re told, the goal will be to still utilize the space for LGBT related businesses. Keeping it in the “family,” then.

An officiant Buddy
On January 6th, Mayor Buddy Dyer proudly participated in a monumental ceremony called “Vowed and Proud” where 50 Central Florida couples on the steps were legally issued marriage licenses on the steps of City Hall. Other notable guests included Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell and LGBT activist and Orlando attorney Mary Meeks.
Sadly, due to scheduling issues, local couple Eric Wilson and John Roselle were not able to participate in the mass wedding.

On July 9th, the longtime Orlando resident s were married by none other than Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer himself at City Hall legalizing their twelve year union!

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