This year, at least 27 small towns across the U.S. hosted their first-ever Pride events, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in America.
Growing Visibility
In 2024, 27 small towns across the U.S. held their first Pride events, showcasing the growth of LGBTQ+ acceptance beyond major cities and slowing spreading across the American countryside.
Increasing Support
Each year, more and more small towns across the country host such events, indicating an increase in support and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in rural and less populous areas.
Local Organizers’ Challenges
In Canyon County, Idaho, organizer Tom Wheeler faced threats of violence, but despite these threats, the event was a huge success, with more attendees than the venue could accommodate.
Too Many Attendees
“I was told to wear a bulletproof vest leading up to our community’s event. However, the celebration was extremely successful, with the only safety concern being too many attendees to fit in the celebration area,” said Tom Wheeler, as reported by The Washington Post.
Overwhelming Attendance
Van Knapp, another organizer from Canyon County, highlighted a similar experience where he faced an unexpectedly large turnout thanks to strong community support.
10 Times the Expected
Expressing their astonishment at the event’s success, Knap said, “We expected a couple hundred people to attend the festival and had over 3,000.”
Community Response
The positive response from local communities celebrating their first Pride events suggests that the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric heard across the country may be shifting towards greater acceptance.
Ready for Inclusivity
After hosting his wildly successful Pride event, Knapp thinks that Idaho is ready to become more inclusive, as evidenced by the community’s overwhelming participation in the event.
How the Community Truly Feels
“The community showed how they truly feel about the LGBTQIA+ population, and it was much different than the loud voices that we were used to hearing. Idaho is ready to become more accepting, and our event really proved that,” Knapp stated.
Special Recognition
Prattville Pride in Alabama, a state notorious for homophobic rhetoric, even received the GLAAD Special Recognition award for its efforts in organizing its first Pride event.
A Collaboratives Effort
The Prattville Pride celebration in Alabama was a collaboration with Good Morning America, and a segment was even aired highlighting the significance of their achievement.
A Sense of Belonging
one of the organizers, Caryl Lawson, said, “Pride is about a sense of community and belonging and allowing people to take up space and be themselves. It’s so important, especially in today’s climate where our community is under attack.”
Safety Concerns and Protests
However, Pride 2024 had some complications thanks to security threats and protests, with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issuing warnings about potential threats at some events.
FBI and DHS Warnings
The FBI and DHS warned of “possible threats against Pride celebrations by foreign terrorist organizations,” adding that these threats are “compounded by the current heightened threat environment in the United States and other western countries.”
Proceeding Safely
Despite these challenges, no terrorist threats were ever followed through with at this year’s pride parade, and all the small town’s first attempt at Pride events proceeded safely.
Inclusion and Acceptance
Instead of the violent threats being enacted, the success of these first-time Pride celebrations in small towns underscores a broader cultural shift towards inclusion and acceptance across the nation.
East Coast
Towns on the East Coast hosting their first Pride events include Wilmington, Delaware; New Haven, Connecticut; Provincetown, Massachusetts; and Asbury Park, New Jersey.
West Coast
On the West Coast, small towns such as Bend, Oregon; Santa Cruz, California; Eureka, California; and Juneau, Alaska, held their inaugural Pride celebrations.
American South
In the American South, Prattville, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; Galveston, Texas; and Fayetteville, Arkansas, were among the towns celebrating Pride for the first time.
Midwest
Midwestern towns like Bloomington, Indiana; Madison, Wisconsin; Dayton, Ohio; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, also hosted their first-ever Pride events.
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / eyeforanai.
