Diamond Head

Diamond Head

Owned by Mike Hodge and Bill Miller before they purchased the Parliament House in 1975, the Diamond Head was considered the first "real" gay bar in Orlando because it featured a bar, food service, and show bar on the entire second floor of a building at 134 S. Magnolia Avenue. The actual opening and closing dates are unknown, an unfortunate, though common, occurrence with gay history. The establishment's first room held a pool table and a bar. Then, past the pool table, through another door, was a large room whose decor has been described as "pretty tacky." With a small dance floor and a stage for shows, the Diamond Head provided a nice space for entertainment. Further, bars and clubs catering to the LGBTQ+ community were essential as places where individuals could safely be themselves.
In 1972, the club held a Miss Diamond Head Pageant, with Lorrie Del Mar selected as the winner. The site at 134 S. Magnolia later became the Orlando Blood Bank.

1972