WNY Pride 5K (2023)
Niagara Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and the surrounding WNY area. We offer community-based educational programming and engage in charitable work. Niagara Pride collaborates with other organizations to offer LGBTQ+ programming, social meet ups, Diversity and Inclusion training for organizations and businesses, health-based initiatives, and other visibility events, including numerous June Pride events. As part of our charitable outreach, we have multiple donation drives throughout the year, which benefit individuals, families, and children in need. Niagara Pride, Inc. also facilitates welcoming social events, creating safe spaces in the community for LGBTQ+ individuals.
As part of our mission, we envision an LGBTQ+ community in which all individuals and families feel safe, secure, and affirmed where they live, work, worship, and play, especially in the Niagara County and surrounding Western New York areas. To that end, Niagara Pride strives to bring awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, create safe and welcoming events for people of all ages, promote visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, and partner with other agencies to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with resources.
Niagara Pride, Inc. was able to provide the following programs and services in 2022:
LGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusivity Trainings for businesses and organizations – over 7,000 individuals, both locally and nationally, attended these trainings throughout the year.
Jean Hopkins Memorial Scholarship – a $500 scholarship was awarded to a graduating high school senior pursuing higher education.
Niagara County GSA Grants – seven $500 grants were given to local GSAs to help fund LGBTQ+ diversity programs at their high schools.
WNY Shopping with Pride – a campaigned designed to highlight and celebrate locally owned and operated LGBTQ+ and ally businesses and merchants in WNY and beyond
Know Your Status – a campaign designed to provide free sexual health information and resources to residents of WNY as well as create an online tool that allows individuals to easily locate HIV/AIDS and STI testing sites throughout the 8 counties of Western New York.
WNY LGBTQ+ Youth Vocational Training Conference – a one day event aimed at providing LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 15-21 with lifelong skills and tools to seek employment, create resumes, interview for jobs, and effectively seek out training programs.
WNY LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Fair – an opportunity for community members to learn about LGBTQ+ specific and/or affirming programs, services, and resources offered by local community service providers.
WNY Pride 5K – a virtual 5K race/walk in WNY with a focus of bringing awareness to, while also celebrating the local WNY LGBTQ+ Community
Community-based Pride Celebrations – Niagara Falls Pride, Newfane Pride, North Tonawanda Pride (in partnership with the Oliver Street Merchants Association)…and coming in 2023, Lockport Pride!
And in partnership with other agencies, Niagara Pride has been able to offer groups/services for addictions and housing discrimination assistance.
This year, Niagara Pride is excited to announce that WNY Pride 5K is an in-person event, being held on a 5k sanctioned course. Niagara County Community College is the host site for this year’s event.
The proceeds from the WNY Pride 5K will benefit Niagara Pride, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to help fund the expansion of LGBTQ+ community-based programs and services the agency offers in Niagara County as well as throughout WNY, including additional community outreach, groups and programs for youth and senior LGBTQ+ individuals, and increasing our health awareness initiatives.
