ORLANDO, Fla. — Nowadays, rainbow pride flags and same-sex couples can be seen walking together in Orlando, symbolizing a significant shift in acceptance. However, this progress is the result of years of hard work by community activists and LGBTQ+ individuals who fought for equality.

According to local LGBTQ+ members, the journey began in Orlando, where they found safe spaces to be themselves in a society that considered it unconventional.

What You Need To Know

  • The Parliament House Motor Inn re-opened as the Parliament House Resort in 1975, a first of its kind gay resort in Orlando 

  • Members of the LGBTQ community gravitated to places like Parliament House because it was a safe space that allowed them to be who they were without resource 

  • Watermark, a newspaper catering to the LGBTQ community because a resource for many in the community looking for information. Recently Watermark collaborated to produce a documentary on LGBTQ history in Central Florida

An empty lot on Orange Blossom Trail holds memories of these significant places. For the LGBTQ+ community, this location represented freedom and safety. Darcel Stevens, an advocate and performer, recalls, "That was the time to let your hair down and be in a safe environment."

In the early 1970s, Orlando's gay community largely kept their identity hidden. However, these years laid the foundation for activism, acceptance, and self-love. Rick Todd, a community member, emphasizes the power of gathering in a place where individuals can truly be themselves: "When you can gather and be authentic, you gain the confidence to show that to the world."

In 1975, The Parliament House Motor Inn became one of the country's first gay resorts. Bill Miller and Mike Hodge purchased the struggling motor inn, which faced financial difficulties after Disney World opened nearby. Rachel Williams, a historian at the Orange County Regional History Center, explains, "Disney opened in 1971, and it fell into disarray as families and tourism shifted. But in 1975, Miller and Hodge's acquisition brought a resurgence thanks to the gay community."

The Parliament House offered various entertainment options, rivaling those in larger Florida cities like Miami. It had multiple bars, a theater, a piano room, and motel accommodations, providing a comprehensive and welcoming space for the gay community.

However, the journey towards acceptance was challenging. In 1977, Florida passed laws banning same-sex marriage and adoption. Darcel Stevens, who arrived in Orlando in the late '80s and early '90s, reflects on those difficult times: "We didn't have the rights we have now. If you were LGBTQ, you were considered second-class citizens."

Darcel, a U.S. military veteran and activist, experienced the spotlight while performing at the Parliament House. Describing the significance, Darcel explains, "When you were on that stage, you knew you had reached a certain level of entertainment and hierarchy within the drag world."

Conversations at the Parliament House led to the creation of groups like The Center, and more LGBTQ+ clubs and businesses emerged, including Watermark, a publication serving the LGBTQ+ community. Rick Todd, the current owner, remembers a time when information was shared through printed flyers. Watermark provided a centralized platform for events and vital information, fostering a sense of community.

Over the years Watermark documenting milestones in the LGBTQ community like the legalization of same sex marriage in 2015- and paying homage to special events within the LGBTQ community. When it comes to history Rick says preserving it is a must- that’s why he and other partners came together creating a documentary showcasing the history of Orlando’s LGBTQ community.

“I thought we need to document our history we need to honor those pioneers and we need to tell our story, Todd said.

That story is on full display in the documentary film “Greetings from Queertown Orlando”

Rick says currently the film is making the rounds at film festivals he is hoping for wide districution and possibly even a series. 

"I would love to see if there was like a seven part mini-series where we really dive deep int oall of the aspects of the history," Todd said. 

This history laying the foundation for the present and future. While the original Parliament House resort may be gone, Darcel is still doing performances like a recent drag brunch show in Orlando a fundraiser in honor of Drew Leinonen, one of 49 people killed seven years ago during the Pulse night club tragedy.

“Pulse will always have a special place in my heart,” Darcel said.

A heart dedicated to Orlando’s LGBTQ community history. Stories are still being written to this day as the music from the old Parliament House whispers through a now vacant lot once filled with pride.