Pride in Rural Communities

All rural communities have queer residents. This is not a new phenomenon. I have met folks from all demographics — including people returning to the region after attending college and farmers who have been here 40 years.

Two years ago, Twin Cities Pride offered free participation in a developmental conference for organizers. Along with other rural colleagues, we have since been able to develop from the mentorship of Prides around the country. We now have a Pride nonprofit that seeks resources, sponsorships, and other empowering ways to support rural Pride celebrations. No two Pride celebrations are the same, just as no two rural communities are the same. However, we can share resources to streamline the planning of these events so we can focus on the nuances in our communities.

In January, Twin Cities Pride organized the Midwest Pride Summit, which included 70 people from at least 25 communities around Minnesota and neighboring states.

Our efforts in Marshall have benefited tremendously from the mentoring, including around improvements to our processes and safety measures. Willmar hosted its first Pride celebration at Intuition Brewery, with more planned this summer as well as monthly events. For three years, Jade Moorse has been developing vendor relationships, with forms and processes to vet alignment with our values.

The YES! House is in the beginning stages of planning its first Pride celebration event in the Granite Falls community.

Queer folks have always been in Southwest Minnesota. We are excited to celebrate the entirety of their identities in community together.

Unfortunately, security must be a part of any Pride celebration. The politics of today can be scary in isolation, which is intended to oppress and exert control. Yet, working together, we are a force for positive change that reflects our community values. I am proud of the work my colleagues around the state are doing and their ability to bounce ideas off each other and share contacts.

In Marshall, for example, we have like-minded folks who raise their voices as allies in support of queer folks. We talk openly together about negative comments or potential threats to events we’re hosting, which means we as a community are mutually supporting the plans. Some have faced backlash and accusations for the support, but we have family and friends saying, “How can I help?”

Massive Pride celebrations in major urban areas are beautiful and powerful — it is almost a religious experience to feel the collective safety and pride of that many like-minded people. Our rural Prides look and feel different. Especially with the attacks on equity, people want to do something to make the world better. For many, planning Pride celebrations is a great way to do that.