CELEBRATING

32 Years of Pride

Empowering Our Community

SINCE 1988.

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. On May 9, 1988 the Lesbian & Gay Community Network of Western Michigan (what is now the Grand Rapids Pride Center) was officially recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit. With the mission of creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ folk in West Michigan, “The Network” and those who worked so hard to create it set in motion what is now 32 years of empowering our LGBTQ+ community.

Today, the Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC) serves approximately 2,500 persons per year, including approx. 50 young people each week, through its 11 social & support groups, health access programs, community education & trainings, community partnerships, and advocacy initiatives.

As our community was forced to change in response to COVID-19, GRPC evolved its programming to offer virtual social & support groups, remote health access services, a community check-in line and educational opportunities.

Social & Support Groups

Offering 11 Social & Support groups, GRPC works to create spaces for all members of the West Michigan LGBTQ+ Community. Our oldest group, Youth Group, has been offering a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth since 1989 and hosts approximately 50 young people per week. Additional social & support groups include Young Adult, Trans Youth Group, Mens Group, Womyns Group and others! Click here to learn about our Social & Support groups.

Proud To Be Healthy

In 2018, the Grand Rapids Pride Center launched its Proud To Be Healthy health services program aimed at decreasing the disparities associated with LGBTQ individuals accessing quality services needed in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes helping LGBTQ+ folk in finding safe & affirming health services, mental health services, housing, healthy foods, and wellness programs. Click here to learn more about Proud To Be Healthy.

Educating Our Community

Our vision at GRPC is to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ+ individuals. One way we do this is through training and educational opportunities for West Michigan individuals, businesses, and organizations. By creating inclusive and educated work and social spaces, we are creating healthy places for LGTBQ+ individuals to live, work, socialize and love. Click here to learn more about our training process and how to request/attend a training.

Our goal is $3200. 100% of your donation will support the work and mission of the Grand Rapids Pride Center.

$3200 for 32 Years. Help Us Empower Your LGBTQ+ Community. **TOTAL FUNDS RAISED:$3,802.00**

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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.”
2018
GRPC Turns 30!