About Us

Empowering our LGBTQ+ Community through supportive services and awareness since 1988.

The Pride That Has Gotten Us Here

Our Story.

1987
March on Washington

Returning from the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987, a small group from West Michigan set course to make a change.

This trip provided them the experience of being a part of something bigger. They had the opportunity to promote a sense of pride, of security, of belonging. At that time, this was something new for the LGBTQ community. The group returned with energy, passion, determination, and ambition to achieve equality. They started with a series of casual meetings originally hosted in homes and welcoming businesses, and then the group ultimately formed a new LGBTQ community center to bring West Michigan together.
1988
Grand Rapids’ first Pride Celebration
In 1988, they hosted Grand Rapids’ first Pride Celebration in the Monroe Amphitheater (the predecessor of the beloved Rosa Parks Circle). Then, as now, Pride put LGBTQ people right where we belong, at the heart of the Grand Rapids area. There was some controversy – the group asked the then Mayor Gerald Helmholt to issue a proclamation recognizing LGBTQ Grand Rapidians and the Pride Celebration, but the Mayor publicly refused to do so. Despite Helmholt’s objection, the event took place on Sunday, June 19th, 1988.
1990s
Grand Rapids Pride Center Moves to Atlas Ave

The Network grew organizationally, moving into its current space on Atlas Ave in the Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids in the 1990s. Public support of and commitment to the LGBTQ community has grown, with the Network being a community partner in major steps such as Grand Rapids’ historic civil rights ordinance protecting Grand Rapidians from discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
2014
Restructuring and Modernizing
In 2014, we launched a comprehensive, strategic restructuring to modernize the Network’s activities. Throughout 2015 we added new social and support groups, increased the size of each of our existing groups by more than 100% and conducted educational outreach initiatives to hundreds of students, teachers, caseworkers, and mental health professionals, culminating in a stronger organization with a true stake in improving the lives of the local LGBTQ community.
2016
The Lesbian Gay Community Network became Grand Rapids Pride Center!

On February 22nd, 2016 The Network took its boldest step yet: The Lesbian Gay Community Network became Grand Rapids Pride Center! Our new name better aligns with and represents our mission to “Empowering our LGBTQ community through supportive services and awareness.”

Our Mission

Empowering Our LGBTQ+ Community Through Supportive Services and Awareness.

Our Vision

Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ+ individuals.

Our Team

Staff

A non-binary person smiling in front of a rainbow structure

Jazz McKinney, MA, LLP, they/them

Executive Director
(616)458-3511 x101/ jazz.mckinney@grpride.org

GRPC Prism

Sarah Brant, she/they

Development Manager
(616)-458-3511 x103 / sarah.brant@grpride.org

Cheyanne

Cheyanne Killin, she/her

Healthcare Coordinator
(616)-458-3511 x104 / cheyanne.killin@grpride.org

Aaminah (1) - crop

Aaminah Shakur, they/them

Accessibility Coordinator/ Healthcare Coordinator
(616)-458-3511 x104 / aaminah.shakur@grpride.org

Cassidy (2)

Cassidy Davis, she/they

Assistant Development Manager
(616)-458-3511 / cassidy.davis@grpride.org

Fern (2)

Fern, she/they

Therapy Dog
(616)-458-3511

Interns

Chamberlain (1)

Saraha Chamberlain, she/her

MSW Intern
(616)458-3511 / saraha.chamberlain@grpride.org

Lauren (1)

Lauren Burnell, they/them

MSW Intern
(616)458-3511 / lauren.burnell@grpride.org

Courtney (2)

Courtney DeLongchamp, she/her

MSW intern
(616)458-3511 / courtney.delongchamp@grpride.org

Jaimee (1)

Jaimee Ackley, they/them

BSW intern
(616)458-3511 / jaimee.ackley@grpride.org

Board of Directors

Anne-8496707

Anne Hertl, she/her

Board President
anne.hertl@grpride.org

pride-1508

Lucy Dyer Joswick, she/her

Board Treasurer

lucy.dyerjoswick@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Caleb Woodard, he/him

Board Secretary

caleb.woodard@grpride.org

Placeholder-201x300

Koleta Moore, she/her

Board of Directors
koleta.moore@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Chief Ewing, he/him/they/them

Board of Directors, TGNC Advisory Committee Chair
chief@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Dana Vogg, they/them

Board of Directors

dana.romerovogg@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Eleanor Moreno, she/they

Board of Directors

eleanor.moreno@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Kristen Wilson, she/her

Board of Directors

kristen.wilson@grpride.org

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Marshall Kilgore, he/him

Board of Directors

marshall.kilgore@grpride.org

Get Involved

The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

Become A Sponsor

Become A Facilitator

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Advisory & Planning Committee

Volunteer With Us!

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Mar 31

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Mar 28

Come join us for the festival!! Volunteer registration for Grand Rapids Pride Festival 2023 is officially OPEN! Sign up now. There are many shifts available! All volunteers get a free festival t-shirt! https://grpride.org/festival/grpfvolunteers

Image description: A white background with black text that states "Unapologetically Me 2023", in the middle of the graphic is text bracketed by 2 rainbow bars that reads "Volunteer Registration is now OPEN!!!" Underneath the rainbow bar is white text over a black background that says "Grand Rapids Pride Festival, June 17, 12pm - 10pm Calder Plaza".

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Mar 25

Trans Week of Visibility is a week of programming highlighting the diverse and vibrant experiences of individuals within the trans/GNC community. Brought to you by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, and the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

Please go check out a list of all of the events happening this week: https://fb.me/e/17pMLOogG

We hope to see you at some of these events as we celebrate Trans joy and the Trans/GNC community.

Image desciption: A white background with the text "Trans Week of Visibility" in varied shades of blue. Underneath the text is the logos for the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, Grand Rapids Pride Center, and the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation.

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Mar 24

Join our resident queer Muslim Accessibility Coordinator & Healthcare Coordinator, Aaminah Shakur, in a low-key drop-in Zoom hang-out for Eid on Sunday, April 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Offerings of poetry, nasheeds, or whatever else you desire are welcome. The purpose of this space is to provide a welcoming & affirming place for Queer Muslims to be authentically their whole selves, in whatever way that looks and sounds. If you need to destress/decompress from mainstream Eid gatherings, we hope you find this space a comfort. If you miss attending Eid gatherings or have never been able to participate in them because of your queerness, we hope you find this space comforting and safe.

Please email aaminah.shakur@grpride.org for the Zoom link. You may also direct questions to Aaminah.

Some accessibility & safety notes: Zoom captions will be enabled, but unfortunately, ASL will not be available. You are welcome to choose for yourself whether to have your camera on or off, to use blurring or other background obscuring choices on camera, and to mute and/or use the chat function to communicate (the primary host is non-verbal & will use the chat exclusively). Folks are welcome to eat, drink, etc., on camera. You are also welcome to drop in, out, & back into the session.

Image description: A geometric shape in ombre shades of blue with white patterning of different geometric designs inside it and a golden circular pattern outline in the center with a white center with text that says, "Eid Hang Out, Sunday, April 23, 6-8pm". Layered over the top half of the geometric shape are six hanging gold lanterns, and across the top of the image is a tiny confetti-like vertical rainbow pattern that goes about halfway down the image.

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Mar 20

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Mar 18

Children's Group at 10:30am is cancelled today 3/18/23!! Stay safe out there!

Image description: A light blue background with light snow falling with 4 large snowflakes. Text reads: Children's group is cancelled! Due to Snow.

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Mar 17

On Monday, March 20th, The Grand Rapids Pride Center will be hosting a plant event for young adults in the 2-SLGBTQ+ community to express their creativity and get some succulents!

The group meets from 7-9 pm every other Monday, although there is no commitment to join with this event. For more information about the event or the group please contact info@grpride.org or (616) 458-3511

Image description: A tan background with text that says, “Aloe there! Come join the young adult group (18-25) in painting plant pots and planting succulents! Monday, March 20th, from 7-9 pm” To the right of the text there is a photo of a succulent plant.

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Mar 16

Come to the Grand Rapids Pride Center on Thursday, March 23, for our monthly Health Equity in Motion event! Our partner agency guest is Alison Bieber from Modulation Institute to discuss their services. Cheyanne, our healthcare coordinator of many talents, will offer professional binder and bra fittings. Food, community, relaxing activities, and Fern the Support Pug will be available for everyone 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

As always, masks are required (and we have some at the door if you need one), guests will be asked to sign in for contact tracing, and we ask that you stay home if you have symptoms of illness or have been recently exposed. If you have any questions, please contact the Health Equity Program at health@grpride.org or (616) 458-3511.

Image description: Rainbow header text says, "Joy of Expression," & below that, it says, "Community Event, 5pm-8pm - March 23, 2023." In red, orange, yellow, green, & blue ovals are the text, "bra fittings, binder fittings, voice modulation, community building, free dinner from Maggie's," & in a purple strip at the bottom, it says, "Grand Rapids Pride Center - Health Equity Program."

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Mar 15

As LGBTQ+ organizations in West Michigan, we stand united in opposition to the nearly 400 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ and specifically anti-transgender legislation introduced across this nation.

We fight for a country that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These bills seek to use the beliefs of some to restrict the rights of others. These bills seek to systemically deny LGBTQ+ folks–especially transgender people–basic human rights, protections, healthcare, identity, and public representation and to criminalize allies for supporting their right to exist.

In addition to this systemic discrimination, the impact of persistent harassment, violence, exclusion, and hate has devastating impacts on our community. As legislation increases, so does suicide and murder rates for our transgender and gender non-conforming community members, and those numbers are disproportionately Black, Indigenous, and Latine people. All LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk of abuse, becoming unhoused, feelings of hopelessness, and self-harm under these conditions. These political attacks have no purpose other than to further stigmatize and harm an already vulnerable population. We refuse to stand by silently while our fellow community members are attacked and targeted.

We call on all communities who care for human rights to speak up against this life-threatening legislation. It is socially irresponsible ................

To read the entire statement, please go to: https://grpride.org/2023/03/united-against-anti-lgbtq-legislation/

Image description: A white square with a faded rainbow banner. At the top is the text "United Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation". In the middle of the white square going clockwise are the logos for DX: Q, Grand Rapids Trans Foundation, G.I.F.T., GR LGBTQ Healthcare Consortium, River City Psychological Services, and the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

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Mar 14

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Mar 13

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Mar 12

Support a local queer small business while supporting local trans folks! @the12thhouse.gr is a secondary drop-off for the Grand Rapids Pride Center's Binder Drive. They are offering 15% off your order when you bring your new or gently used chest binder to the shop now thru March 22nd.

The 12th House hours are Tuesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm (closed on Mondays!).

We accept binder donations at the GRPC offices at 343 Atlas Ave SE, 10am-4pm Monday-Friday, or if you'd like links to reputable retailers or our Amazon wish list to order from & have shipped directly to us, email us at health@grpride.org.

Stay tuned later this week for details about our Health Equity in Action event on Thursday, March 23rd, where you can get a professional binder fitting & binder, among other services.

Image description: Text in the center of a circle says, "Get 15% off your order at The 12th House if you bring in a new or gently used chest binder for the Grand Rapids Pride Center's Binder Drive - thru March 22". This is layered over the words "Binder Drive" repeated in pink, green, salmon, pink, yellow, and baby blue on a cream background.

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Mar 10

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Mar 8

Mark your calendars, folks! It's always important to know your status.

Appointments can be made by calling the GRPC at (616) 458-3511, by emailing health@grpride.org, or at this link: https://bit.l y/grpc-march-hiv-testing.

[Image Description: The flyer mimics a calendar reminder that reads "Don't forget to get tested for HIV and Hep. C this month at the Pride Center! March 14, 2023 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Walk-ins available, but appointments preferred." The text is white and centered, with a crimson background and a lighter red ribbon stretching toward and beyond the image's right side. The GRPC and the GR Red Project logos are present in the lower right corner of the calendar reminder.]

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Mar 7

***NEW GROUP ALERT***

Starting April 14th at 7pm we will be starting our new BIPOC Young Adult Support Group!!! This group will meet every 2nd and 4th Fridays at the Grand Rapids Pride Center. The ages will be 18 to 30 years old.

This space is designed for those in the community wishing to discuss issues relevant to life as a person of color, intersecting with their gender identity and sexual orientation in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. The group discusses ways to help increase the visibility of people of color, promote social justice, share ideas, and engage in networking opportunities.

While we appreciate our white allies, we want to create a safe space for queer young adults of color specifically.

Image Description: Text says, "BIPOC Young Adult Social Group - Ages 18-30, Meets 2nd & 4th Friday 7 - 9pm. All 2-SLGBTQ+ welcome, NO allies, please; More info, contact: info@grpride.org or (616) 458-3511" A dark purple fist grasps a "rainbow" of baby blue, pink, yellow, orange, and dark cornflower blue stripes on a navy background.

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Mar 6

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Mar 3

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Mar 2

Woo! We are happy to announce that our Vaccine Clinic date with Meijer has been rescheduled to next Friday, March 10 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm!

Come join us to build some antibodies!

Appointments can be made at the link/QR code below, by calling the GRPC at (616) 458-3511, or by emailing the Health Equity Program directly at health@grpride.org. Masking is required at this event.

[Image Description: "Vaccines are back on!" is written in all caps at the top of the image, in a purple font over a white background. Below it is a purple and yellow stylized square featuring all-caps yellow text that reads: "COVID and Flu vaccines will be available at the Pride Center from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday, March 10! Walk-ins available, but appointments preferred!" The square also has an illustration of a Black feminine person, with white wavy hair, a purple shirt, and a blue medical mask, making the Rosie the Riveter pose while holding her bicep, in addition to a QR code for appointments with the link: bit.ly/vaccines-march and the date 03.10.2023 in bold white text. The entire image has a purple border.]

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Feb 27

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Feb 23

Stay safe today!

Image Description: A blue background with snow and ice falling onto 2 white clouds. In the center of a Blue hexagon, the white text reads: GRPC is closed due to weather February 23. Underneath the hexagon the text reads: Email: info@grpride.org

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Feb 22

The Grand Rapids Pride Center office will be virtual Wednesday. We can be reached by phone at (616) 458-3511. You can also email general inquiries to info@grpride.org or reach the Health Equity Program at health@grpride.org.

Please note that whenever Grand Rapids Public Schools are closed due to dangerous weather conditions, GRPC will also close the physical offices and cancel in-person programming.

Image description: Text says, "Due to the Winter Storm Warning & GRPS closure, the Grand Rapids Pride Center is physically closed Wednesday, February 22. The Youth Social Group is also canceled. Please stay warm & safe!" The text is dark blue in a pale blue square layered over a background of multiple shades of blue designed to look like horizontal paint stripes with abstract white snowflakes across it.

Grand Rapids Pride Center | Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals.

Education & Training

Sensitivity Training
LGBTQ Glossary
Parent Resources
Request Training

Programs & Services

Support Groups
Victim Services
Calendar
View All >

EMAIL
info@grpride.org

REACH OUT
(616) 458-3511

LOCATION
343 Atlas Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

CENTER HOURS
MON – FRI 10A-4P
SAT & SUN CLOSED

EMAIL
info@grpride.org

REACH OUT
(616) 458-3511

LOCATION
343 Atlas Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

CENTER HOURS
MON – FRI 10A-4P

Education & Training

Sensitivity Training
LGBTQ Glossary
Parent Resources
Request Training

Programs & Services

Support Groups
Victim Services
Calendar
View All >