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Girls in Wonderland Celebrates 25 Years of LGBTQ+ Community

Women enjoying the festivities at the Girls in Wonderland festival.

News Summary

Girls in Wonderland, one of the largest events for queer women in the U.S., celebrates its 25th anniversary in Orlando, Florida. Originally launched in 2000, the festival has grown from 800 to over 10,000 attendees. This year’s celebration includes various engaging events, parties, and entertainment, with a focus on community and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Founders Yesi Leon and Amy Alonso aim to foster a vibrant space for women-loving women, while supporting local nonprofits like Our Rainbow Nest.

Orlando, Florida – Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Girls in Wonderland is poised to be one of the largest events for queer women in the United States. Scheduled for June 5-9, this annual celebration organized by Pandora Events is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for Sapphic individuals and Women Loving Women (WLW) across the globe.

Since its inception in 2000, Girls in Wonderland has grown from an inaugural gathering of approximately 800 attendees to a record-breaking attendance of over 10,000 last year. This growth reflects the festival’s crucial role in providing a safe, empowering space for queer women, particularly during a time when LGBTQ+ Pride events historically centered around the experiences of queer men.

Founders Yesi Leon and Amy Alonso recognized the need for events specifically tailored to queer women and launched the festival in response to a lack of female-centered options in the LGBTQ+ landscape. Prior to Girls in Wonderland, women-oriented gatherings were largely limited to events like Gay Days and Dinah Shore. Over the years, the festival has expanded to include various gatherings in cities like Las Vegas and Miami, solidifying its status as a premier event for the queer community.

This year’s milestone celebration will kick off with a traditional Welcome Happy Hour at the host hotel on June 5, setting the stage for a packed schedule of engaging events. Among the highlights are a “Traffic Jam” party at Cuba Libre, a lively pool party featuring the duo 76th Street on June 6, and Mardi Gras-themed festivities including an Out For Laughs Comedy Show headlined by comedian Erin Foley. A Queer Wild West party is scheduled for June 7, and the festival will conclude with the Last Chance party on June 8, bringing together attendees for one final celebration.

Throughout the weekend, a series of entertainment options will be available, including performances by Les Vixens and various live DJs. The festival will also welcome celebrity guests and LGBTQ+ influencers, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and connection that the event fosters among attendees.

Beyond entertainment, Girls in Wonderland emphasizes giving back to the community. The festival supports Our Rainbow Nest, a nonprofit organization that aims to assist LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in their family-building journeys. This commitment to community service reflects the festival’s broader goal of creating an inclusive environment that uplifts and empowers the queer community.

Despite the political challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Florida, the festival’s founders remain committed to hosting events in the state. They established the Aqua Foundation, the first LGBTQ+ women’s nonprofit in Florida, dedicated to providing grants and scholarships to support queer women’s needs. The recent legislative session saw significant progress, with community support leading to the defeat of numerous anti-LGBTQ+ proposals.

The importance of gathering queer women and fostering friendships cannot be overstated. Many attendees have expressed that Girls in Wonderland provides a unique opportunity to create lasting relationships, whether through deep friendships or romantic connections. With its party culture and light-hearted atmosphere, the festival serves as a vital social space, allowing individuals to come together in a supportive setting amidst political heaviness.

Comedian Erin Foley’s involvement in the festival aligns with the overall goal of promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and community spirit. Her podcast, “Herlights,” showcases women’s sports and advocates for greater investment in female athletes, adding another layer of significance to the gathering.

The events planned for Girls in Wonderland will cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable and conducive to relaxation and socialization. For those interested in attending, more information and ticket purchasing options can be found at GirlsInWonderland.com.