Niagara Pride, Inc. envisions an LGBTQ+ community in which 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. Our WNY Shopping with Pride event serves as way to promote locally owned LGBTQ+ and ally businesses. Since its inception in January 2021, Niagara Pride’s Diversity and Inclusivity for Businesses and Agencies training has successfully trained over 200 people on not only the importance of LGBTQ+ diversity in the workforce, but also how to make changes to be more affirming and accepting for employees and consumers. Through collaborations with other agencies, Niagara Pride has been able to provide referrals to specific LGBTQ+ services for addictions/recovery, Veteran support and benefits, sexual health and wellness, youth programs, and other medical based care. To promote visibility in the community, Niagara Pride created the first ever Pride Garden in Niagara Falls, NY, worked with local leaders to host five Pride flag raising ceremonies throughout the county, and partnered with local businesses to create the first Pride Celebration for one of the major cities in Niagara County, NY. Additionally, Niagara Pride’s dedication to community service and charity is reflected in their donation drives, having collected over 2,000 pairs of socks for local homeless individuals and over 150 backpacks filled with supplies for local LGBTQ+ youth in 2021 alone.

The WNY Pride 5K is a virtual race and walk, allowing individuals wishing to participate the opportunity to complete the event anywhere they choose…be it their treadmill, a gym, outside in a park, or their favorite running/walking location. Participants can complete the WNY Pride 5K anytime between June 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022.

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.