Bainbridge Pride

Mission

Bainbridge Pride is the island's queer organization that strives to keep Bainbridge Island a safe place for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) members and allies by promoting diversity, equality, love and acceptance.

Description

Bainbridge Pride's Origin Story.

While there have long been LGBTQ+ residents of Bainbridge Island, the formal Bainbridge Pride organization was started in 2015. The story of the formation of this fellowship is the story of a small group of passionate and driven residents who transformed home-based social gatherings into a growing LGBTQ+ organization on Bainbridge Island.

On Sunday, June 28th, 2015, around two dozen jubilant Islanders - members of the community and allies - gathered at Bainbridge Island's Waterfront Park, with rainbow flags and picnic baskets in hand to celebrate the defeat of DOMA. New friendships were formed that day as residents shared their own personal stories with each other. Some even admitted that before this day, they had gone years and even a decade (for some) without meeting other LGBTQ+ islanders like them. And these candid admissions were enough to inspire the group to become an organization dedicated in not only bringing people together but making sure the island continues being a safe, accepting and loving place for LGBTQIA individuals, families and allies.

Bainbridge Pride is now recognized as a qualifying 501c3 charitable organization serving its members of all ages.

Proud Events & Programs:

Bainbridge Pride Festival is an annual outdoor free event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies by transforming the Waterfront Park into a vibrant, safe space, where different groups (LGBTQ+ and allies) can all be equally appreciated and respected. The festival is a family-friendly event that focuses on empowering, fostering inclusion, establishing a healthy sense of self, promoting diversity and creating stronger community bonds. The festival serves as Bainbridge Pride's main event that you don't want to miss.

Quarterly Pride Mixers. Our organization hosts quarterly mixers (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) to connect our members of the community with each other. These are fun, social gatherings where we feature live musical bands, soloists and DJs. And sometimes we highlight special artists (painters, sculptors) with our events.

Q Prom. This event is open to all LGBTQ+ identifying students and allies between the ages of 14 and 21 living on Bainbridge Island and surrounding areas. Our organization hopes to create a safe, inclusive space for queer teens looking to have a memorable, fun evening with their peers.

Transgender Day of Remembrance. Every year, Bainbridge Pride hosts a ceremonial event to mourn and celebrate the lives lost in that year. The November event is paired with an educational panel discussion on trans issues and politics.

Stonewall 2 Bainbridge. This is the organization's panel discussion where we invite thought-provoking LGBTQ+ speakers to important topics from the many decades since the Stonewall Riots.

Recognition

Board Members:

Derek Villanueva - President, Co-Founder
Eve Palay - Vice President
Thom Blackmore - Secretary
Ingrid Ougland