LGBTQ+ Community Organizations & Support in Orlando
Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community is supported by a network of dedicated organizations working to advance equality, provide services, build community, and celebrate our identities. Whether you’re looking for social connections, support services, advocacy opportunities, or community involvement, Orlando has organizations ready to welcome you. This guide introduces you to some of the most important community resources.
The Center Orlando
The Center Orlando is the flagship LGBTQ+ community center serving Central Florida. It serves as a gathering space, resource center, and hub for programming, education, and community building. The Center Orlando offers health services, social events, support groups, youth programs, and advocacy opportunities.
Contact: 407-228-8272. The Center provides rapid HIV testing, connects people with healthcare providers, hosts community events, and offers educational programming on topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re newly out, navigating your identity, or looking for community connection, The Center Orlando welcomes you.
Zebra Coalition
Zebra Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in Central Florida. The organization provides safe spaces, support services, housing assistance, mental health resources, and programming specifically designed for young people.
If you’re a young person navigating your identity or facing challenges at home or school, Zebra Coalition offers mentorship, peer support, and connections to resources. The organization also serves as an important voice advocating for youth rights and equality.
GLBT Center of Central Florida
The GLBT Center of Central Florida serves the broader Central Florida region with programming, events, educational opportunities, and community building. The organization works to create a more inclusive and affirming community for LGBTQ+ people.
QLatinx Orlando
QLatinx Orlando serves queer and transgender Latinx people in the Orlando area. The organization provides culturally specific community, support, and advocacy. Many LGBTQ+ people benefit from connecting with communities that honor both their sexual/gender identity and cultural identity.
QLatinx offers social events, educational programming, support groups, and advocacy opportunities. If you’re Latinx and LGBTQ+, this organization provides space to celebrate all aspects of your identity.
Equality Florida
Equality Florida is the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, with a strong Central Florida presence. The organization advocates for LGBTQ+ equality through legislation, policy advocacy, and community organizing. Equality Florida works on issues from workplace discrimination to healthcare access to family law.
If you want to get involved in advocacy and working for systemic change, Equality Florida offers volunteering and membership opportunities. The organization provides information about LGBTQ+ rights, legal issues, and how to advocate for equality.
PFLAG Orlando
PFLAG is a national organization with local chapters, including in Orlando. PFLAG’s mission includes supporting LGBTQ+ people and providing resources and support to families, friends, and allies. PFLAG Orlando offers support groups, social events, and educational programming.
If you’re coming out to your family or navigating family relationships as an LGBTQ+ person, PFLAG provides peer support and resources. PFLAG also welcomes allies and family members wanting to learn how to be better supporters.
Pridelines
Pridelines is a peer support organization providing phone and online support for LGBTQ+ people. The organization offers confidential support, connections to resources, and peer counseling. If you’re facing challenges and need someone to talk to, Pridelines connects you with trained peer supporters.
Orlando Youth Alliance
The Orlando Youth Alliance serves LGBTQ+ and allied youth in Central Florida. The organization provides youth-led programming, mentorship, leadership development, and safe spaces for young people to express themselves and build community.
Volunteer & Get Involved
All of these organizations rely on community volunteers to expand their impact. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back, build connections, develop new skills, and support the community. Whether you have a few hours a month or want to make a deeper commitment, these organizations welcome volunteers.
Opportunities include event support, mentorship, administration, program facilitation, advocacy, and fundraising. Contact any of these organizations to learn about current volunteer opportunities that match your skills and interests.
Finding Your Community
The Orlando LGBTQ+ community is diverse, with organizations and groups reflecting different identities, interests, and backgrounds. You might connect with organizations focused on your specific identity (trans, youth, Latinx, etc.), find groups based on interests (sports, arts, spirituality), or simply look for social connection and friendship.
Don’t hesitate to try different organizations and groups until you find your people. Community is essential, and you deserve to be part of spaces where you feel safe, valued, and celebrated.
Beyond These Organizations
Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond these formal organizations. Community is built in neighborhoods, workplaces, faith communities, sports leagues, arts spaces, and informal networks of friends and chosen family. Keep your eyes and heart open to connection wherever you find yourself.
Connect at Anthem Orlando
Anthem Orlando serves as another vital community gathering space. We partner with and support the organizations mentioned in this guide, host community events, and provide a welcoming environment for all LGBTQ+ people. Visit Anthem Orlando to connect with the community, find out about events and programming, and experience the warmth and vitality of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community.
Our community is strong because we show up for one another. Whether you’re seeking support, wanting to give back, or simply looking to be part of something larger than yourself, there’s a place for you in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community.