BY BILLY MANES OF COURSE THERE’S HEDONISM, GLUTTONY, SPLASHES OF WATER OVER THE TANNING BUTTER, but Orlando’s big gay weekend has far more to off er than that (or far less, should you like). Every year, we don our red shirts in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, cisgender, transgender and allies alike to make a statement to this town: We’ve got a bullhorn, and we’re going to use it. What started as a mere bud of inclusion – even Cinderella-like subterfuge – has grown with the times into something that most of the region holds dear. It’s a day – or, rather, a week – for the LGBTQ community to grab the spotlight, grab a drink and believe in the fantasies that have kept many of us afl oat. Just after the weekend celebration in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court voted in favor of LGBTQ individuals going to the courthouse, signing some papers, grabbing a dress or a suit and getting hitched. This year, with the shift from the Obama administration to the Trump administration – one which seems fi xated on knocking down the victories won by a fearless community that used to try to “recruit you” – the pertinence of Orlando’s annual gay celebration couldn’t be clearer. We need to remain visible, we need to remain vigilant and we need to keep those smiles on our faces, because if we don’t, we’ll lose our drive. That’s what our big gay weekend is all about: sustaining the glory and the fellowship of a hard-won battle while fending off the cynicism of political turmoil. You know what helps? A pool party followed by “It’s a Small World.” No, really, it does. Within these pages you will fi nd an unparalleled resource guide to managing your weekend experience in our magical city. You’ll fi nd events that range from foam parties to wine tastings and everything in between. You’ll fi nd yourself, we hope, or at least something to do with yourself when you may be feeling a little out of loop, off the rails, out of the zeitgeist. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re all here. But, if there were any year to show your true colors – preferably red in T-shirt fashion – this is the one. Let’s let the haters know who we are. Let’s let the lovers know we are. Let’s take a dive in the deep end and come up laughing. This is what this weekend is all about. And yes, it still matters. FOR ALL OF US Your one-stop shop for your magical gay weekend in Central Florida GD2017 WATERMARK’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO ORLANDO’S BIG GAY WEEKEND 7
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