ORLANDO | Through laughter, smiles and unity, Orlando gay comic Gregory Metts will help shine a light on a local LGBTQ food pantry this Pride Month.
The LGBT+ Center Orlando’s Pride Pantry got its start in August 2021 and has been dedicated to helping members and allies of the city’s LGBTQ community. Because the organization is still fairly new, Metts says he hopes to bring them awareness through his upcoming stand-up show “Comedy for a Cause.”
“Comedy for a Cause” will feature five LGBTQ comics — Metts, Alina Siddiqui, Deb Rose, Joanie Werner and Dr. Anna Lepeley — and will be held in The Starlite Room at Savoy Orlando June 28. Anyone who brings a donation for the Pride Pantry will receive a free drink at the event.
“Hopefully, we will raise a lot of awareness for the Pride Pantry at The Center,” Metts says.
Pride Pantry accepts donations of nonperishable items like canned goods and unopened and unexpired packaged foods, as well as hygienic items, cleaning supplies and even pet food.
Metts says the pantry is the outlet the LGBTQ needs because they may not always feel welcomed or safe in other spaces. He hopes the event brings in lots of donations to help the members of his community.
“We’re here to help each other,” he says.
Guests aged 21 years or older who bring at least one item to donate to the pantry will receive a free drink courtesy of the Savoy owner, Brandon Llewellyn.
Metts has been in the comedy game for four years now and has been hosting bi-monthly comedy nights at Savoy since April of this year.
“I’ve become a comic hosting these shows because it brings me joy,” Metts says. “It’s just a good time. It’s always nice to bring joy to people.”
With stand-up having always been something Metts admired and aspired to do, he found himself wanting to create a space where LGBTQ people can come together. However, for most of his life, he lacked the strength to comfortably do so.
“I used to battle stage fright,” Metts says. “It took me 20 years to pursue comedy. I always wanted to do it, but I was scared to get in front of people.”
Metts, now 43, was 40 when he first decided to get his foot in the door into the world of comedy.
“It’s made me stronger as a person,” Metts says. “I can talk to people much easier. I have more confidence speaking to people on the street.”
Metts says performing at Savoy was something he’s always thought about doing and that being able to do these shows has helped him just as much as he seeks to help others.
“It’s a safe space for the LGBTQ,” he says.
Dr. George A. Wallace, executive director of the Center Orlando, will be in attendance for “Comedy for a Cause” and will bring the Pride Pantry van with him, Metts says.
Metts says he’s thankful to both Llewellyn and Wallace for granting him the opportunity to do the two things he loves doing most.
“I’m just very thankful that these gentlemen allow me to perform stand-up comedy and help people,” he says.
“Comedy for a Cause” will be at The Starlite Room at Savoy Orlando June 28, starting at 8 p.m. Entry is free. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
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