Greetings from Queertown: Orlando

The dichotomy of Orlando is defined by “BD” and “AD,” before and after Disney. And although “Gay Days” became a fixture of the scene at the happiest place on earth, for queer historians, the transitional juncture might be described as before or after “P House.” A project of the Watermark Publishing Group, this incredible historical document gathers together a who’s who of local representation. From activist/playwright/performer Michael Wanzie and Headdress Ball founder Sam Ewing, to first openly gay city commissioner Patty Sheehan and Watermark founder Tom Dyer, their testimony serves as an important document in chronicling the joy and sadness, the pain and the progress that has been made over the past 50 years in Central Florida.

It also lays out what work still needs to be done, including the protection of trans-persons and youth. Tracing the rich history of Central Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community from the mid-1970s to today, Greetings from Queertown: Orlando highlights the pioneers who fought for equality, battled the AIDS crisis, built pride, created The Center, founded the Metropolitan Business Alliance, and laid the foundation to make Orlando strong and the city beautiful.

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