Come Out With Pride 2011 Blog

Pride of the Seas - October 14-17, 2011

2011-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

A Cruise Fundraising Event benefiting Come Out With Pride and The Center - October 14-17, 2011

Location: Bahamas/Coco Cay

SPACE VERY LIMITED

Hosted by Carol Lee & Sue-Bee
DJ Scott spinning on the beach!

Prices starting as lows as $293/pers. including taxes

Information, inquiries and reservations at www.prideoftheseas.com

PRIDE for Tots Success!

2010-12-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

I would like to personally thank all of you who donated toys to our Toy Drive "PRIDE FOR TOTS". I'll be handing those over with the help of our good friend Commissioner Linda Stewart. Thanks to you, no kid will be left behind! Special thanks to my dear friends Paul Anderson, BC at MyFlexRadio and Randy Stephens for their assistance.

- Mikael Frank Audebert

Job Summit with Mayor-Elect Teresa Jacobs

2010-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Come Out With Pride Board President Gina Leigh Duncan and Executive Director/Senior Exec. Producer Mikael Frank Audebert invited by Orange County Mayor-Elect Teresa Jacobs attended a Job Summit to discuss job opportunities for our community at large this past Thursday. Both Duncan and Audebert provided the LGBT prospective on the matter.

HIV Awareness Month: Volunteer for an HIV Vaccine Study

2010-12-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Stand Up for Love
Learn about HIV vaccines and
help end HIV.

Macy's Joins Pride 2011

2010-12-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU MACY'S - Macy's joins Pride 2011 and becomes a larger sponsor + gives away one $100 gift card for our mega raffle. Thank you Katrina Erdman Burgard and her amazing team. Support those who support Pride, support MACY'S this holiday season!

PRIDE for Tots

2010-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Pride For Tots is the newest program of Come Out With Pride. As we approach the holidays, COWP and the LGBT community of Central Florida wants to make sure no kid is left behind.
Take an unwrapped toy at one of the following partner businesses and help us create a magic Christmas for hundreds of kids in our community.

All toys will be handed over to local charitable organizations on behalf of the LGBT community of Greater Orlando after December 17, 2010.
The Center 946 N. Mills Avenue
Bananas Cafe 924 N. Mills Avenue
Fields BMW 963 N. Wymore Rd, Winter Park
Lucky at Rain 4732 S. Kirkman (Tuesdays Dec 7 and 14 ONLY)
Watermark 414 N. Ferncreek Avenue
Royal Plaza Disney 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd – Disney
Bella Vita Medi Spa 3200 S. Hiawassee Rd. (Get a $10 Gift Card when dropping toys)
Re/Max Town Center 330 E. Central Blvd

Funky Monkey & Danielle Hunter in the NY Times

2010-12-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Danielle Hunter & Funky Monkey Wine Company in a NY Times article about Orlando's tourist area. Click on this link to read:http://www.comeoutwithpride.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/daniellehunterNYtimes.pdf

CONGRATULATIONS Danielle & Eddie Nickell!

A Message from the President: Human Rights Ordinance

2010-11-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

On behalf of MBA Orlando & Come Out With Pride, I would like to congratulate The Orange County Board of County Commissioners for passing Orange County's fully inclusive Human Rights Ordinance granting equality to all segments of the LGBT Community. This historic vote will have immediate and positive repercussions across Central Florida and sends a clear signal that Orlando truly believes in equal rights for all its citizens. This fully inclusive ordinance also embraces the transgender community and provides long overdue protections and rights for that segment of our diverse community. I am sure that businesses which look to Orange County as their choice of locations will favor our area due to our rich culture and commitment to our talented and diverse population.

We also recognize the tremendous efforts of Commissioners Linda Stewart, Bill Segal and Mayor-elect Teresa Jacobs for their support in the passage of this vital ordinance. We look forward to working with the City of Orlando to pass a similar measure in the near future.

Gina Duncan
MBA President

Watermark Online - Your LGBT Life. Daily. - 2010 Orlando WAVE Award winners

2010-11-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

2010 Orlando WAVE Award winners! Thank you Orlando!

Disney Cast Members Show PRIDE in Downtown Orlando

2010-11-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Disney Cast Members Show PRIDE in Downtown Orlando

“It was wonderful to see so many positive and supportive people in our community come out and join us for such a memorable celebration,” said Andrea Hays, president of the PRIDE Diversity Resource Group at Walt Disney World Resort. “Each year we try to step up our involvement in the Come Out with Pride celebration and show our support. This year about 85 Cast Members and VoluntEARS represented Walt Disney World Resort in the parade and at events throughout the day, demonstrating just how much we value diversity and inclusion.”

Ab Fab Costume Celebration

2010-07-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

REHEARSE YOUR BEST AB FAB LINES...because come Out With Pride is bringing PATSY and EDDY for a little celebration at the fancy white room of Circa 1926 Sweetie Darling!

Happy Hour from 7 to 8pm with complimentary appetizers courtesy of CIRCA 1926. Drink specials all evening.

Get your picture taken with Pasty and Eddy on the red carpet.
...Come dressed as your favorite AB FAB character for a chance to win $150 and 2 VIP Passes for Come Out With Pride / Raffle with amazing prizes.

ALL proceeds benefit COME OUT WITH PRIDE and will be put towards the making of a FABULOUS event on October 10, 2010

$15 donation at the door (includes 1 raffle ticket)

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

CIRCA 1926
BOWLED OVER PROMOTIONS
BALANCE MASSAGE & STRUCTURAL WORK
PRACTICALLY PERFECT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Come Out With Pride Loves Our Sponsors!

2010-07-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Come Out With Pride Loves our Sponsors! [PDF]
Come Out With Pride 2010 wants to thank all of our wonderful sponsors for their support! Together, we can work toward creating more awareness and visibility for the LGBT community. Again, thanks to our Sponsors and support businesses that support us!

Come Out With Pride 2009 (The Importance of Pride) featuring Stuart Milk

2010-07-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Question: Why do we have Pride at all when there's so much acceptance out there? How do you counter that argument and how do you counter the argument that Pride Parades don't really advance the GLBT cause?

Stuart Milk: You know 30 years after Harvey was killed, we have no more federal equality than we did then. So the laws do not say that we have acceptance, the laws do not say we have equality. So when you're young, in particular, and the law says you can't serve in the military - you're less, and the law says you can't get married - you're less and the law says you can get fired from your job just because you're LGBT then what that says to that young person is, don't accept yourself. Pride is the one amazing thing that can counter that.

via YouTube - Come Out With Pride 2009 (The Importance of Pride) featuring Stuart Milk.

Thousands cheer as Gay Pride March colors New York City's streets

2010-07-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

Melissa Rodriguez, 30, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, said the mood was intoxicating: "It's like a celebration of being who you are, of being yourself - no judging."

via Thousands cheer as Gay Pride March colors New York City's streets.

The first letters of endorsement are here..

2010-06-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Information always updated at www.comeoutwithpride.com

Gina Duncan, Rally Director for Come Out With Pride 2010 received today the first letters of endorsement from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. The letters were accompanied by an official proclamation making October 10 COME OUT WITH PRIDE day.

Executive Producer for Development Mikael Frank Audebert announced an extensive plan to have a 4 day celebration and is currently working with its team on official event line up for the October 7-10, 2010 celebration. "Government endorsements are important to provide the event the credibility it deserves as the second largest pride event in the State and among the top 10 in the nation" said Audebert. "When the head of downtown PUBLIX shares with you that Pride is the largest revenue producing day of the year for them, you go home proud of what you accomplish on a daily basis by knowing all the businesses around the lake will benefit from the months of hard work" Audebert added.

Come Out With Pride 2010 will be held on 10-10-10, a symbolic date for the city. It will feature legendary and Olympic Gold medalists Greg Louganis and Mary Ellen Clark. Entertainment will be provided by the always amazing Martha Wash and Gay recording artist Brian Kent.

ENDORSEMENTS RECEIVED TO DATE:

Come Out With Pride and Babes in Bonnets

2010-04-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

Come Out With Pride proudly represented at the annual fundraiser "Babes in Bonnets" to benefit the Orlando Youth Alliance.

Dr. David Baker Hargorve, President of MBA and Senior Executive Producer of Come Out With Pride wore a "Ares" (Greek God) inspired hat designed by Dan Williams. The item was actioned off for a record $500.

Extract from Watermark Article:

For the second year in a row, Babes in Bonnets benefitted the Orlando Youth Alliance. In spite of a format change this year, Dr. David Baker-Hargrove, president of Come Out With Pride, performed alongside local performers.

Baker-Hargrove’s Mask and Hat combination featuring Ares, the Greek God of War, helped celebrate this year’s Pride theme: 10-10-10: A Pride of Olympian Proportions.

The “bonnet” received the highest bid at $500, which went to the Orlando Youth Alliance.

“Come Out With Pride and MBA were very pleased to participate and raise much needed funds,” Baker-Hargrove said.

Come Out With Pride Orlando & Miami Beach Gay Pride

2010-03-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Come Out With Pride, Orlando's official Pride celebration event has teamed up with Miami Beach Gay Pride to cross promote their respective event. In a deal negotiated by Executive Producer of Event Development Mikael Audebert, Come Out With Pride will be attending Miami Beach Gay Pride and provide full promotional support in the Central Florida market.
Come Out With Pride has chosen MBGP to unveil its official theme and entertainment line-up. "..Until then, the Board of Directors has decided to keep a tight control on that piece of information but we have one of a kind line-up for 2010." said Mikael Audebert in a statement to local media.

Miami Beach Gay Pride will take place on April 17, 2010 with a series of events happening before and after the 17th. On the 19th, Source Events has organized a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. Other events have been scheduled to complete the first Pride celebration of the year.

For more information on Miami Beach Gay Pride and its official schedule, visit their website at www.miamibeachgaypride.com

For more information on Come Out With Pride, visit www.comeoutwithpride.com and stay tuned for the unveiling of its new website May 1.

The unveiling of Come Out With Pride official theme and line up will be filmed and transmitted live on its website April 17, 2010. Stay tune for times.

And it's GO TIME!

2010-02-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

by Mikael Frank Audebert - Executive Producer for Event Development | COWP 2010

I was asked again this year to be part of this amazing production Come Out With Pride has become. With one change: I was promoted to Executive Producer for Development. Needless to say that I am extremely honored and excited at the same time to be donating my time to such a great cause, hoping to contribute in making this year's edition one to be remembered for years to come. In 2009, working on Come Out With Pride has helped all of us on the production team, including myself, go through a very difficult year. Its excitement, challenges and the ability to grow one's network and knowledge though the organization has been extremely helpful to a lot of us. All leading to the amazing satisfaction of delivering the best event in Orlando's gay history..at least until this year!

Once again, on 2010 an amazing team of 20 unpaid volunteers (it is important to point it out as some believe we financially benefit from this) is about to kick start the production of a new edition of Come Out With Pride. Set to become the largest event of the region with a budget this year exceeding $150,000, this year's pride will be celebrating great Gay athletes. 10-10-10: A Pride Of Olympian Proportions will take place October 7 through the 10th. We expect over 60,000 from all over the country celebrating during a 4-day period.

We are currently working on a great line up of legendary headliners, from comedians to singers as well as creating over 7 different events of various sizes. The production team welcomes a few new faces this year: John Wiltsey (Allied Events Director), Mark Cady (Marketing Director), Diana Stefanyszyn (Fundraiser Director), Jake Green (Public Communication Director), Charles Orden (Sponsorship Associate) and Rick Claggett as Executive Producer for Operations.

The profits generated by Come Out With Pride go directly into programs such as grants for worthy LGBT or LGBT related causes, MBA Cares (a new program for Senior Citizens in nursing homes) and the development of programs that promote diversity in the workplace and the growth of gay owned businesses.

Stay tuned for more information. We will keep you updated as often as possible. In the meantime, visit http://www.comeoutwithpride.org and find links to be added to our Facebook fan page or follow us on Twitter.
You may also visit the MBA website (parent company of Come Out With Pride) to learn more on how to become a member and join a great cause: http://www.mbaorlando.org

Thank you to all of our sponsors, city and county officials and State representatives for their continuing support in bringing Orlando the largest LGBT celebration.

See you in numbers on 10-10-10!

Mikael Frank Audebert
Executive Producer for Development & Board Member | Come Out With Pride, Inc.
Technology Director & Board Member | Metropolitan Business Association

Joseph Rocha to attend Orlando Pride Festivities

2009-10-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Come Out With Pride 2009 marketing director Mikael Frank Audebert extended an invitation to Joseph Rocha, a Navy veteran who was recently featured in the news for his 2-year long hazing and abuse by fellow officers. He will be in attendance on Friday October 9, 2009 at the official pride event Armed & Ready being held at TASTINGS downtown Orlando. Armed & Ready pays tribute to heroes, especially Gay veterans, in the Military. The event will be entertaining all while bringing awareness to the outdated and unjust "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policies of the U.S. government.

Joseph will then fly to Washington DC for the National Equality March and to promote the repeal of " Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policies.

Joseph's attendance is made possible thanks to the generosity of RE/MAX Town Center and Charlie Orden.

More information on Pride weekend official events: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org

Excerpt from an AP bulletin:

Joseph Rocha, now 23, decided to leave the Navy in 2007 by telling his commander he was gay, in violation of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the constant hazing while he served with military dog handlers based in Bahrain to support the Iraq war.

An internal Navy investigation into his unit found dozens of examples of hazing and sexual harassment against multiple sailors between 2005 and 2006. The result of the investigation was not clear; a copy of the report released under the Freedom of Information Act has all recommendations blacked out.
Joseph Rocha, now 23, decided to leave the Navy in 2007 by telling his commander he was gay, in violation of the military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from the constant hazing while he served with military dog handlers based in Bahrain to support the Iraq war.

An internal Navy investigation into his unit found dozens of examples of hazing and sexual harassment against multiple sailors between 2005 and 2006. The result of the investigation was not clear; a copy of the report released under the Freedom of Information Act has all recommendations blacked out...

...Rocha said he enlisted in the Navy in 2004 to demonstrate his commitment to earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy after he wasn’t admitted to the school.

In June 2007, he was accepted at the academy prep school in Newport, R.I., where candidates can build the academic skills they need to be accepted to the four-year academy. While there, Rocha said depression resulting from his experience in Bahrain made him decide to tell school officials he was gay. He was isolated from other students for two months, then honorably discharged in October 2007.

"I was faced with the idea of being in a navy that condoned this for another decade," Rocha said. "I wouldn’t have allowed myself to live like that anymore."

A letter from Rocha’s doctor at the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Francisco confirms that he has been diagnosed with PTSD.

Rocha, now a student at the University of San Diego, hopes he can one day return to serve openly in the military as a Marine Corps officer.

"I’m just waiting for the policy to be repealed," Rocha said.

Letter from Congressman Alan Grayson to Come Out With Pride

2009-09-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Orlando's Come Out With Pride & our local LGBT community are extremely honored to have the full support of their U.S. Congressman. See letter below.

XL106.7 to broadcast Come Out With Pride LIVE!

2009-09-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Mikael Audebert, Marketing co-director of Come Out With Pride 2009, announced today that he had sealed a deal with local Clear Channel radio XL 106.7 to broadcast LIVE the main event of the annual Orlando Gay Pride taking place on Sunday October 11, 2009.

In an agreement with XL 106.7 Program Director Michael Bryan, Come Out With pride is to name XL106.7 official Media Sponsor in return for a 3 to 6pm live broadcast of the parade on Sunday October 11. XL 106.7 will also make a series of Public Service Announcement over the next weeks leading to the Big Day!
Come Out With Pride will also make the broadcast available LIVE on its website at www.comeoutwithpride.org.

XL106.7 has been working at including more programs aimed at the LGBT community over the past few years and Clear Channel, through its affiliate Real Radio 104.1 has always been supportive of the cause. XL 106.7 has recently launched its CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am, a program widely listened by the LGBT community of Central Florida.

The 2009 Come Out With Pride committee wishes to thank the participation of Clear Channel Radio in its annual pride event. This will be the very first LIVE broadcast for the event and we hope to be able to reach an audience unable to attend the main parade and entertainment that day.

Listen to XL 106.7 on Sunday October 11, 2009 from 3 to 6pm and don't miss the chance to win a SUPER NOVA PASS (access to all official Come Out With Pride events) by listening to CLUB XL every saturdays from 7pm to 3am between now and October 10.

Harvey Milk to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

2009-08-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

From the White House:
President Obama Names Medal of Freedom Recipients
16 Agents of Change to Receive Top Civilian Honor, including HARVEY MILK.

WASHINGTON – President Obama today named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.

President Obama said, "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.

"Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom."

President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.

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Come Out With Pride Orlando (www.comeoutwithpride.org) is proud to be featuring Harvey's nephew & activist STUART MILK as Parade Grand Marshall during its event to take place October 11, 2009.

We will post a video of Stuart receiving the medal on behalf of Harvey when available.

Stay Tuned....

Mikael F. Audebert
Marketing Director for COWP

2009-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't technology beautiful or what? But I have to say, as the "web" guy behind MBA and Come Out With Pride websites, I am getting a little lost with all those updates and social networking websites.

As other cities are already celebrating their pride events, at Come Out With Pride Orlando, we are tweaking ours. With a head start this year I must say as we are pretty much 60 days ahead of schedule compared to last year. Led by the wonderful Dr. Dave, our committee is doing a fantastic job in a very difficult year at securing sponsors and amazing entertainment for your enjoyment. Remember that all of our commitee and board members are volunteers and are doing a tremendous job at making time for this extraordinary annual celebration. We all enjoy what we are doing and you presence and support make it even more rewarding. Gay or straight, come and support Come Out With Pride Orlando October 8 to 11, 2009.

Great sponsors have already signed up: BANK OF AMERICA, ESURANCE, WATERMARK MAGAZINE, GECKO CPA, SHELBIE PRESS, GAYDAYS.COM, JOHN MICHAEL EVENTS, CITY COMMISSIONER PATTY SHEEHAN and many more about to do the same thanks to sponsorship directors Sue-Bee Laginess and Dave Evans.

So, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, you can now follow us on both Twitter (http://twitter.com/orlandopride09) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlando-Pride/19186919758). Make sure to either become a fan or a follower so we may keep you updated as often as possible on events, entertainment line up, travel packages and all parties happening during our pride weekend.

Also visit our website on a regular basis: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org

Happy Pride

2009-06-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Co-Marketing Director for Come Out With Pride Orlando, Mikael Audebert announced today the website was up and running for ticket sales: http://www.comeoutwithpride.org

This year's pride will include Stuart Milk as Grand Marshall and Ari Gold as Entertainment Headliner.

Tickets available online include the Rock Star Passes (Kick-Off event + VIP Experience) and the kick-off party. More tickets will be made by June 30 to include peripheral and officially sanctionned parties as well as travel packages to Orlando.

Mr. Audebert reminded everyone the importance to come in numbers to support the event which hit a record 45,000 attendees in 2008. Come Out With Pride is the largest fundraiser event for MBA (the Orlando Gay Chamber of Commerce) which is solely ran by volunteers and gives back to the community through the form of monthly grants (http://mbaorlando.org/pages/come-out-with-pride/outreach.php).
Mr. Audebert added "This year, Come Out With Pride is adding parties and events to create a long 3 day weekend and is focusing its marketing efforts on bringing residents from other parts of the Florida and other States so they may experience a different pride celebration all while enjoying our wonderful October weather".

Come Out With Pride 2009 will take place in Orlando, Florida October 8-11, 2009. Visit www.comeoutwithpride.org for more information and stay updated by joining the mailing list. COWP 2009 may also be found on Twitter and Facebook. Simply follow the links on the top right corner of the website.

See you in numbers..

Come Out With Pride
NEWS & MEDIA information desk

Orlando Pride 2009 announced!

2009-05-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Scott Pruitt
Come Out With Pride
Marketing Co- Director
marketing@mbaorlando.org

Orlando Pride 2009 to celebrate Heroes

Orlando, May 10, 2009 - In line with the 2009 theme for Come Out With Pride, organizers are pleased to announce Stuart Milk, nephew of legendary Harvey Milk, will be leading the annual parade as Grand Marshall. “The theme for this year's event is Heroes. The event will honor the LGBT community's unflinching, steadfast determination to achieve full equality for all citizens through celebration of our heroes, our victories, and ourselves,” MBA president Dr. David Baker-Hargrove said in a statement. Strong in its commitment to diversity and unity, the Metropolitan Business Association of Orlando (the area’s LGBT non-profit chamber of commerce) also announced its entertainment line-up will feature national recording artist and out musician Ari Gold, whose songs, "Where the Music Takes You" and "Human" have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Dance Charts.

“Since its inception in 2005, Come Out With Pride, Central Florida's signature Pride event, gets bigger and better with each passing year, continually shattering attendance records and offering exceptional entertainment, food, music, and fun!” added Dr. Dave. With a record attendance of 45,000+ in 2008, for the third year in a row, Come Out With Pride festivities will be held at Lake Eola, in the heart of the city beautiful, on October 11, 2009.

In spite of a difficult recession, the organizers have promised to maintain its core celebrations to include a kick-off party on October 8 (with details to be announced in the coming weeks) and an attendance to beat all records, showing the LGBT community’s determination to convey a positive outlook on the future.

In addition to serving as Central Florida’s largest LGBT Pride parade and festival, Come Out With Pride also celebrates National Coming Out Day (October 11) and the month of October as Gay & Lesbian History Month. One of the unique features of the event is a month-long history exhibit tracing the beginnings and milestones of the Central Florida LGBT community. A smaller version of the exhibit will also be shown at the main event on Sunday, October 11, 2009.

Entry forms, information, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship packages and passes for all premium functions are available on the website now and in the coming weeks at www.comeoutwithpride.com. Come Out With Pride is one of the many benefits to Central Florida provided by the Metropolitan Business Association in cooperation with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Student Union of the University of Central Florida.

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