Women’s History Month Profile | Tatiana Quiroga, Come Out With Pride Orlando

Tatiana Quiroga knows what it is like to come out with pride. Born in La Paz, Bolivia (elevation 11,975 ft.), she quickly became accustomed to living with low oxygen levels, political unrest and traditional values. And eventually, as a Latina immigrant to the United States, she had to adjust to a new life, new culture … and new Tatiana.

“My parents immigrated to Boston in the early 1980s, so we tried to assimilate as quickly as possible,” said Quiroga. “It wasn’t home for my parents, and it wasn’t their language, so it was difficult. I was also coming out at the time, which adds a whole other level to the entire thing.”

Traditionally speaking, Latino culture is very Catholic, so for Quiroga, coming out was a shock to her parents. This in itself has been an arduous journey for her because for many immigrant parents, their children are supposed to be grateful for giving them these opportunities, and bringing shame to the family does not constitute as being grateful.

“There are many layers that constitute my journey,” she affirmed, “and these layers led to me advocating for myself and others, which helped me become a strong voice and a leader.”

Quiroga and her family eventually moved to Orlando, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1996. She went back to school to get her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. After years of non-profit work, she joined the board of the Zebra Coalition in 2016.

In early 2020, she was invited to join the board of directors at Come Out with Pride Orlando, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in the region’s LGBTQ+ community. Celebrated in October, the Come Out with Pride festival has become the largest single-day event in Orlando, bringing people together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“Once my wife and I had our two boys, the festival became a family tradition and part of our family fiber,” she said. “It’s a critical point of folks coming together in the community and being their authentic selves.”

In 2021, the board started the search for an executive director as an independent entity. For Quiroga, it seemed a good fit because of her extensive non-profit background, so she threw her name in the hat … and got the position. As executive director, she is literally a jack of all trades as the only paid staffer.

“My work spans from being an ambassador to relationship conversations with sponsors and partners,” she explained. “I love relationship building, and looking for partnerships, and Orange County is one of those long-term partnerships that has been incredibly beneficial.”

Recently, she worked with Mayor Jerry L. Demings to bring WorldPride to Orlando in 2026, an event that could have had a huge economic and social impact on the region. The region did not win the bid, but as an organization, a movement and a community, she believes we now have a stronger voice.

“My wife and I had to go to Massachusetts to get married, and our oldest son was born before marriage equality, so we had to adopt him as if he was a complete stranger,” said Quiroga. “My pie in the sky goal is to create a space where everyone in the LBGTQ+ community feels at home, seen and represented. I’ll always strive to achieve this.”

For more, go to Come Out with Pride Orlando.