We’re almost halfway through Pride Month 2022! There’s so much we’ve already done and are still looking forward to, we’re not sure we can fit it all in one blog – but we’re going to do our best.
Happy Pride!
Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the Stonewall Riots that started on June 28, 1969. On this day, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay club in Greenwich Village in New York City. This raid sparked a riot among neighborhood residents and bar customers as police forcefully removed employees and patrons from the club. The following six days of violent clashes and protests sparked the gay rights movement in the United States.
Today, Pride Month is a celebration! It’s an opportunity to recognize the impact that the LGBTQ community has had locally, nationally, and internationally throughout history. And keep an eye out for celebrations in October for LGBTQ History Month!
Where Has Harmony Healthcare Orlando Been So Far?
We’re all over the place for Pride Month and we couldn’t be more excited.
GayDayS Orlando Expo
We’ve already had a great time at the GayDayS Orlando Expo, where we had a table in the vendor hall for the entire event. This was the perfect way to kick off Pride 2022.
Pulse CommUNITY Run
It was an honor to participate in the 6th annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run this year, which benefited the onePULSE Foundation and the National Pulse Memorial and Museum. This day was full of love, happiness, and Pride! We were the volunteer sponsor for the onePULSE Foundation, and we can’t wait to do the Rainbow Run again next year.
Slide into Pride
We spent this past Saturday night at the Slide into Pride event at SeaWorld Orlando’s waterpark, Aquatica! We had onsite, no-cost HIV testing out of our mobile testing unit, and we also had a booth inside the waterpark.
Bikes, Boots, and Soul
Our weekend has been packed, since we spent Sunday, June 12, at the annual Bikes, Boots, and Soul event. We had a tent set up and gave away some awesome prizes. We got to share more about what Harmony Healthcare Orlando offers to our community and partnered with The Center Orlando to provide no-cost HIV testing out of their mobile testing unit.
Where Can You Find Us the Rest of Pride Month?
Picnic With A Purpose: June 18, 2022
We’ll be joining the Central Florida HIV Planning Council at Carl T. Langford Park on Saturday, June 18th. There will be free food, games, live music, and more! This is a community event, so all are welcome to attend. This picnic helps to raise awareness for HIV and introduce the HIV services available in our communities.
National HIV Testing Day: June 27, 2022
Our Harmony Healthcare Orlando team will be spending National HIV Testing Day at the Community Walgreens! It’s located at 2100 N Orange Ave Suite B, Orlando, FL 32804. We’ll be there between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. We will have no-cost HIV testing outside in our mobile testing unit, and can’t wait to see you there!
PowerHouse Church: June 29, 2022
We’re at the PowerHouse Church on the last Wednesday of every month, and this month is no different! You can find us there from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., where we partner with The Center Orlando to provide no-cost rapid testing for HIV and Hepatitis C.
Local Pride Events This Month to Keep Your Eye On!
While we’re not at every event this month (but we wish we could be!), we are watching out for these.
Orlando Juneteenth Celebration: June 18, 2022
The City of Orlando will be holding its first annual Juneteenth Celebration at Lake Lorna Doone Park. This event will feature live music and entertainment, a kids’ zone, a vendor village, and food trucks!
Let’s Keep Healing Orlando: June 18th, 2022
This event is hosted by QLatinX and Impulse Group Orlando, and they’re treating everyone to a professional massage! Enjoy an evening of relaxation and de-stressing at Ace Cafe Orlando. The event is from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., and it’s sure to lift some weight off your shoulders!
Pride Paddle Parade: June 26, 2022
The Pride Paddle Parade on Lake Ivanhoe is happening on Saturday, June 26th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. This event is beginner-friendly, dog-friendly, and kid-friendly too! The event fee covers your paddleboard, kayak, paddle, and safety equipment rental so there’s no need to bring your own equipment. This is a great way to celebrate Pride while paddling on this beautiful spring-fed lake!
The Pendulum of Pride: June 29, 2022
The Pendulum of Pride is a part of the Maitland Art & History Museum’s continuing lecture series on the history of Florida. This lecture will survey the history of the LGBTQ community in the Central Florida region by focusing on moments of progress, resistance, and resilience. Space for this event is limited, so you will want to preregister.
Pride Month and Every Month, We’re Here For You!
Harmony Healthcare Orlando is your home for welcoming and inclusive healthcare. Contact us today to learn more about our testing and medical care services. We can’t wait to meet you!
