ABOUT US | Pride in the Valley

WELCOME TO PRIDE IN THE VALLEY

OUR MISSION

Pride in the Valley was created to celebrate the promise of the future while resonating with the message of the past. The festival’s purpose is not only to bring together diverse members of the community but also to honor individuals who have fought for our ability to celebrate in a public way. The festival is a way to fuse together a fun atmosphere for everyone to feel comfortable in and the message that all people; no matter their sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, HIV status, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or other determining factors; have the right to live life to the fullest. The event is not only a day of festivities, but a way for Full Spectrum Community Outreach to continue to support the community by raising funds for multiple aspects of the Center that are available year-round and open to all members of the community.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pride in the Valley and Full Spectrum Community Outreach do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, HIV status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

ABOUT PRIDE IN THE VALLEY

Pride in the Valley is an annual festival that premiered in 2019. It is packed full of vendors, speakers, entertainment, networking, and social opportunities not only for those who identify as LGBTQIA+, but also their friends, allies and community supporters. The festival is FREE to attend.

Pride in the Valley is brought to you by BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach. BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach is the 501(c)(3) LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, and our Allies) center located in Youngstown, Ohio with the mission of helping to build a Mahoning Valley where LGBTQIA+ people thrive as healthy, equal and complete members of society.

ABOUT FULL SPECTRUM

Full Spectrum Community Outreach is the LGBTQIA+ Community Resource Center, and registered 501(c)(3) charity, located in the Subway plaza in Struthers, OH. We directly serve Mahoning, Columbiana, and Trumbull counties. We provide free support groups for LGBTQIA+ teens, adults, and their parents and partners monthly. We also offer free community events, social gatherings at local entertainment facilities and attractions, as well as educational and awareness training and forums. We provide training to area organizations and businesses on being LGBTQIA+ affirmative as well.

We also offer a drop-in center for homeless and underprivileged LGBTQIA+ individuals to provide them toiletries, snacks, clothing, and case management resources. We also began our Closet of Change program, which provides free clothing, makeup, binders, wigs, and other accessories to assist clients with gender exploration and gender expression.

Since opening in 2016, we have received numerous calls from LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking safe housing options in our area. This has led Full Spectrum to raise funds and write grants to obtain a facility in hopes of opening an adult and family LGBTQIA+ transitional homeless shelter in the Valley. When the shelter is established, it will be the first one of its kind in over 300 miles of the area and one of only a small handful nationwide.