u/Coristons

With Pride Month only a few short weeks away, local Pride organizers are facing an uphill battle. As legislation and hostility targeting the LGBTQ+ community continue to increase, corporate donations have dropped even further this year, leaving many Pride organizations in urgent need of community support.

To help ease that burden, last‑minute fundraising events are being organized to ensure these vital celebrations and services can continue. Pride organizations provide life‑saving support by countering social stigma, celebrating diversity, and serving as powerful platforms to advocate for equal rights, visibility, and safety in the face of ongoing discrimination.

By attending one of these fundraisers, supporters can make a direct impact. All proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

🌈 UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS 🌈

WHOSE DRAG IS IT ANYWAY?

Benefiting New Castle’s Pride In the Park

🗓 Sunday, May 17 | ⏰ 6 PM

📍 1315 E Washington St, New Castle, PA

COMEDY DRAG SHOW BENEFIT

For Pride Youngstown

🗓 Sunday, May 31 | ⏰ 8 PM

📍 West Side Bowl, Youngstown, OH

DRAG BRUNCH

For Full Spectrum Pride in the Valley

🗓 Sunday, June 7

📍 Modern Methods Brewing, Warren, OH

(Details coming soon!)

Showing up matters. Please share, attend, and support if you can, our local Pride organizations truly need it. 🌈

🌈 Stand With Pride, A NAMI Family Support Group

As a parent of an LGBTQ+ child (and someone who advocated with another nonprofit to successfully open Ohio’s only adult LGBTQ+ shelter!) I know how important it is for families to have trusted support and real answers.

If you love someone who is LGBTQ+ and navigating mental health challenges, Stand With Pride offers a safe, confidential, peer‑led space to connect with others who understand.

💬 Bring your questions, you’ll get answers

📘 Receive a free information booklet, created by me, with resources and guidance

🤝 Free • Respectful • Non‑judgmental (18+)

📅 First Monday monthly | 6–7:30 PM

📍 Church Hill United Methodist Church

Hosted by NAMI Mahoning Valley

💜 You don’t have to do this alone.

👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-with-pride-a-nami-mahoning-valley-support-group-tickets-1986084335712

Queens for Connolly at Westside Bowl is going to be a loud, joyful, high energy night centered on community and showing up for one another.

This event is free, but we strongly encourage you to bring a non perishable food item to donate. All donations will go to Rae’s Safe Haven and Full Spectrum Community Outreach, because this night is not just about celebration, it is about putting community into action.

Robert Dennick Joki, aka Starrlet O’Hara, and the Rust Belt Theater Company will debut a new original song “Glitter In The Gutter” from their upcoming musical “AN(THEM)” which highlights the LGBTQ+ experience in the greater Youngstown area.

I have never believed in shying away from the communities that need to be stood up for. And I never will.

It was never the drag queens. It was never the immigrants. It was never trans kids. It was never the LGBTQ community. It has always been the billionaires and the political system built to protect them while the rest of us are told to blame our neighbors.

Until that changes, we have a responsibility to show what real community looks like. To show that we take care of each other. That we stand up for each other. That when people are targeted, scapegoated, or pushed aside, we do not back down, we show up louder.

That is what this night is about. Community, solidarity, and making it clear that in our movement, nobody gets left behind.

We have 2 awesome game nights coming up - Wednesday/tonight from 5-7pm at the outreach center and Thursday/tomorrow from 6-9pm at Penguin City!

Bring some friends and come join us for tons of fun in a safe & affirming place with awesome people!

Games available or bring your own!

We can’t wait to see you!!

🎯🎲🃏🎮👾🧩

“Unmask the Night” is an immersive, formal prom experience designed to celebrate identity, freedom, and community. Step into a world of mystery and elegance, where masks symbolize both protection and liberation, creating a space where everyone can feel safe to be seen.

This event centers LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, particularly those who may not have had access to a safe or inclusive prom experience.

💜 Dance the night away with live performers & music

💚 Capture memories at our Photo Booth

❤️ Indulge in a delicious appetizer & dessert bar

🎭 Optional masquerade masks provided

Celebrate identity, community, and inclusivity in a safe, magical space. Formal attire encouraged.

Tickets:

General Admission

* Single: $30

* Couple: $55

* Trio: $75

* Table of 8: $200

VIP Admission (reserved seating, exclusive desserts, special photograph, VIP lanyard, early entry at 5 PM & more!)

* Single: $65

* Couple: $120

* Trio: $180

* Table of 8: $400

🎟 Grab your tickets early, tables and VIP seats are limited!

Why You’ll Love It

* A safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals & allies

* A night full of elegance, mystery, and fun

* Memories captured in style at our photo booth & décor

Hosted by: Devin and Team from Full Spectrum Community Outreach • Rainbow House of the Mahoning Valley • Penguin City Brewing • The Rust Belt Theater Company

Get your tickets here ———>

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unmask-the-night-a-masquerade-unity-prom-tickets-1985696395372