74- BARBARA POMA – Owner of Pulse Nightclub Orlando and Wildside BBQ/HIV-AIDS philanthropist
Barbara Poma was introduced to the gay bar and club scene in Fort Lauderdale at the tender age of 14, thanks to her older brother John. On February 13, 1991, her brother passed after battling with HIV for several years. In honor of her brother, Barbara opened Pulse nightclub in Orlando with business partner Ron Legler. They coined the name Pulse for John’s heartbeat. Pulse has worked with a wide range of organizations and hosted many community events such as: Equal at UCF, Make A Wish, Equality Florida, Miracle of Love, Hope and Help (benefiting the AIDS walk), The Gathering Center, Come Out With Pride, Gay Games Orlando 2018.
