Apopka’s first-ever Pride event was historic, memorable, and passionate. It surpassed our expectations!

The beautiful grounds of Hope CommUnity Center’s South Apopka campus was the setting for  this fantastic event as part of our year-long 50 Years y Más! Celebration. LGBTQ+ families and partners gathered in hopes of recognizing the challenges Immigrants, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals face. This event demonstrated how we have progressed towards identifying and addressing their needs as a community and an organization.

We were honored to have Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provide opening remarks and Former Congressman and Immigrant Rights Activist Luis Gutiérrez as a guest speaker. 

The day was full of surprises! Immigrants and LGBTQ communities made history as they united to celebrate the very first “Immigrant flag.” The flag portrays  butterflies in different shapes, sizes, and colors on an all-white background. The butterfly has become a symbol of the immigrant rights movement and a symbol for all immigrants, regardless of their country of origin. The monarch butterfly migrates from the United States to Mexico and represents the dignity and resilience of migrants and the right that all living beings have to move freely on this earth. The white background symbolizes the peace and prosperity that immigrants seek when they leave their homes. 

We want to thank all of our sponsors, partners, vendors, organizations, musicians, and the 300+ people who came out and made this event possible! 

Every step we take moves the needle forward in becoming the voice for all immigrants, LatinX, Black, LGBTQ+, and Women and giving them a place in our organization where they are loved, respected, welcomed, and seen! We are uniquely positioned to create change and empower immigrants from all walks of life to live authentically. This event was a testament to this!   

We rely on your contributions now more than ever. Please consider making a substantial donation so that we can continue to commemorate you and the legacy of Hope CommUnity Center.

Your contributions will aid in the continuation of Hope’s College and Career Access, Youth and Family, and Academic Support programs. In addition, your donation will enable Hope to offer $25,000 in scholarships to qualifying students entering college or technical school and supporting activities. 

None of this would be possible without your contributions.