Mission: Fort wayne pride, incorporated is a non-profit organization established with an objective to cultivate events that seek to educate and honor the rich historical and cultural legacy of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (lgbt) and celebrate the diversity of and create unity, in and between the lgbt community and their allies.
Programs: Fort wayne pride held 18 events for the lgbtq community in 2017. We had an educational event six months out of the year with a variety of topics and speakers including lgbt youth, retirement planning, safe sex education, supporting transgender people in our community, lgbt advocacy, & foster parenting. The average attendance of our monthly event was 30-35 people. We had an lgbtq prom with local organizations providing information on resources available to young people which was attended by 225 individuals. We had opportunities for lgbt people and their families to socialize and create a sense of connection at a tincaps minor league baseball game (attended by 275), bowling event (total attendance of 155), ballroom dancing classes (attended by 30), and skating party (attended by 190). Our festival, attended by thousands, had a vendor market with over 35 organizations represented offering information on their services provided. Local businesses and lgbt affirming churches were also present in the market providing information on their services. We hosted a day of silence rally and vigil to honor victims of lgbtq bullying and suicide and had local speakers talk about how to help youth who are at risk. In 2017, nearly 110 lgbtq people were connected with resources they or their family needed including referrals to pflag (parents, family, friends of lesbians and gays), center for nonviolence, local homeless and domestic violence shelters (including finding permanent housing for 3 individuals through the salvation army), positive resource center (formerly aids task force), mental health professionals, lawyers and physicians. We also worked with the center for nonviolence to continue their support group for lgbtq individuals over 21 and a youth group for lgbtq under 21. In 2017 the organization developed curriculum and delivered diversity training to all the new fort wayne police officers who entered the field. Talks are underway to train all officers in the next couple of years, but the academy training will continue annually. Fort wayne pride worked with members of multiple churches and organizations to "sponsor" lgbt families in need in the holiday season, providing gifts and household supplies to 13 families with 51 family members being helped. Each family was provided with information to help connect them with local resources to help their families with every day needs. Pride also continued their support of the positive resource connection's food bank which provides food and household necessities to individuals living with hiv in our area.
I love Fort Wayne Pride! I’ve been coming to the festival for about 15 years now! It has always felt like a fun, loving, inclusive, family environment. I’ve also attended other events put on by FW Pride. They are Inclusive, safe, and fun! It helps to have a resource like this for those of us that struggled to find inclusion and love in our families. Especially now when many are struggling with mental health concerns.
Community member for 15 years. Board member for 9 years.
Fort Wayne Pride works year-round to create LGBTQ events for the community including the July festival which brings together thousands of people each year. The group will soon open a Pride Center to create a central meeting place for the LGBTQ community. FW Pride also gives back to the community in various ways including supporting other LGBTQ nonprofits and local LGBTQ families in need.
