History
The Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) is the LGBT chamber of commerce, serving the Greater Orlando Metropolitan area, a region that ranks 9th in the nation in number of LGBT-identified residents.
The organization was first formed in 1992 as a way for LGBT business professionals to network and support each other in their business and professional pursuits.
Today, the organization boasts over 200 business organizations and business professionals, working together to achieve community solidarity, professional and business success, and advocacy through economics. We accomplish these achievements through monthly networking/social events, community forums, financial and logistical support of local non-profit organizations that serve the LGBT community, and the Come Out With Pride event.
Come Out With Pride is Central Florida's signature LGBT Pride event, organized and operated by the MBA with additional assistance from the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) at the University fo Central Florida.
Orlando's Pride Parade history began with a small rally in 1992 organized by a hesitant group who march to City Hall in the name of equality for the LGBT community. In 2005, an insired group of community LGBT leaders in Orlando decided to move the PRide parade and rally to October to align with the National Coming Out Day event on October 11 and to take advantage of the cooler fall days. Thus, Come Out With Pride was born.