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Diversity & Inclusion at NWPA Pride

2023 NWPA Pride Parade in Downtown Erie, PA (Photo: R. Frank Media)

Everyone Belongs Here

NWPA Pride is all about community. And our community? It's a beautiful mix of all kinds of wonderful people. We believe everyone, absolutely everyone, deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

We believe deeply in diversity and inclusion. These aren't just words to us; they're about how we build our community and work every day to make sure everyone feels at home right here with NWPA Pride.

What Do We Mean by Diversity and Inclusion?

Think about all the things that make us unique. Our race and where we come from. Our gender identity and who we love. Our age and our abilities. Our backgrounds and life stories. That's diversity. It's about seeing all these differences and saying, "Yes, this is fantastic," because these differences make our community so much richer and stronger.

But having differences isn't enough. Inclusion is what makes it feel like a real community. It's about creating spaces - real ones and online ones - where every single person feels truly welcome. Where you feel respected, and safe enough to just show up and be you. It's making sure everyone's voice gets a real chance to be part of the conversation.

What This Means for NWPA Pride

Remember, Pride began as a fight for our right to exist and be seen. That spirit is still right at the heart of what we do. We know we are at our best when all parts of the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies stand strong, together.

Our biggest goal is making sure every NWPA Pride event, every meeting, every online post is a safe space. We want you to feel you can let your guard down. A place where you can connect, celebrate, and just be, without worrying.

We want NWPA Pride to look like our community - all of it. That means we're focused on welcoming and supporting people of all colors, all identities, all backgrounds, and all abilities. We want everyone in Northwest PA to see themselves in Pride.

We know this work isn't something you just finish. We're not perfect. We promise to keep listening, keep learning, and keep trying to do better, to be the most welcoming space we can possibly be.

Join Us! We Need Your Voice

Seriously. We want you to be part of NWPA Pride! Come out to our events. Share what you think. Celebrate with us. Your presence makes us better. Our community gets stronger when lots of different people help lead. Your ideas matter. Your experience matters.

We are always looking for folks from every corner of our community to get involved. How can you help?

  • Volunteer with us! It's a great way to meet people and make a difference.
  • Bring your unique viewpoint to our board of directors. We need your input to build a Pride that truly includes everyone.

Stronger Together

NWPA Pride belongs to all of us. Let's keep building this community together - a place where our differences are cheered, and everyone knows, without a doubt, that they belong.

Brené Brown

Brené Brown

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do.