08/15/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LGBT+ Center Orlando Announces Closure of Kissimmee Office; Shifts Focus to Centralized Operations.
ORLANDO, FL – August 15, 2025 – The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. (The Center Orlando) today announced with deep regret the closure of its Kissimmee satellite office, effective August 31, 2025. The decision comes as a direct result of significant funding cuts that have impacted the organization's ability to maintain operations at both locations. The Kissimmee office, which opened in 2018, was established in the wake of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy to provide vital support and resources to the LGBT+ community in Osceola County. "The decision to close our Kissimmee office was incredibly difficult," said George Wallace, Chief Executive Officer. "For the past seven years, this office has been operating as a safe haven for thousands of Osceola County residents. We are immensely proud of the impact we've had and the lives we've touched."
Since its opening, the Kissimmee office has served as a critical hub, offering a wide range of services including mental health counseling, support groups, HIV/AIDS prevention and testing, and a safe space for community gatherings. The Center's commitment to Osceola County remains unwavering, despite the physical closure of the office. Partner organizations that share space are not affected by this closure.
The Center Orlando will now consolidate its operations at its main Orlando locations to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services to the greater Central Florida community. The Center is dedicated to continuing its support for Osceola County residents. "While our physical presence is changing, our dedication to the Osceola County community is not," added Wallace. "We will continue to be a resource for our neighbors through our mobile services, which will bring our testing and outreach programs directly to the community. We are also committed to partnering with local organizations to ensure that no one is left behind. We encourage all our Osceola County friends and family to stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for updates.”
The Center Orlando extends its sincere gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and supporters who have made the Kissimmee office a success. The Center remains committed to its mission of empowering and promoting the LGBT+ community and its allies through advocacy, education, information, and support.
In light of the Kissimmee closure, the funding cuts and the current political climate, the Center’s Journey Forward campaign was launched to help fund the organization. The Journey Forward Donor Wall inside The Center Orlando’ s Mills Avenue location displays the names of organizations and people who want to see the Center survive and thrive and continue the mission that has changed and saved lives for almost 50 years. Go to https://thecenterorlando.org/the-centers-journey-forward/
About The LGBT+ Center Orlando: The LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving the LGBT+ community and its allies since 1978. The Center provides a safe space, programming, and services that empower and celebrate the diverse identities of the community.
