Lakes Area Pride

08/30/2026

Hello LAP Friends,
As many of you have already heard, our good friend and LAP Board Member, Cameron Koester, passed away. During this difficult time, we want to support his parents, Kathy and Lynn, with meals for the next two weeks. If you are able, please consider making a meal for the Koesters.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CA8A62FABF5C25-65465512-kathy/191494985

08/28/2026

In case you didn’t know, we have our own merch! If you’ve been looking for a way to rep your local pride community (and help support us as we get more involved in the community), look no further! We offer a handful of different designs, available as hats, shirts, mugs, and even tote bags. We may also add more designs in the future, so keep an eye out for those!

https://www.bonfire.com/store/lakes-area-pride-apparel/

08/21/2026

If you’ve ever wondered how you can help Lakes Area Pride continue to serve and create safe spaces for our community, one way is through direct donations! These help in many ways, including allowing us to continue to put on events, from our monthly hangouts to Pride in the Park each summer, as well as restock our tables between the many events we attend as guests. Every little bit helps, and we truly appreciate each and every donation we receive!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/fuel-the-future-of-lakes-area-pride

08/19/2026

To The Lakes Area Pride Community,

It is with profound sadness and incredibly heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved board member and friend, Cameron Koester, passed away this morning. This is a deeply heartbreaking loss for all of us.

Cameron was a staple of Lakes Area Pride from the very beginning. As a founding member, he helped build this organization and shaped it into the welcoming chosen family it is today. To so many of us, he was the warm, familiar presence faithfully hosting our monthly community gatherings, always ensuring there was a space where people felt seen and valued.

Cameron was truly a bright light to everyone they interacted with. His compassion, energy, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on our community. He didn't just help start Lakes Area Pride; he lived its mission every day through the kindness they showed to everyone who crossed their path.

We know this news is incredibly difficult to process and that this grief is heavy. Losing someone so vital to our community leaves a void that will be felt deeply. We want to remind you to please lean on one another during this time. Check in on your friends, hold your loved ones close, and know that we are here to support each other. We will grieve, remember Cameron, and heal together.

We are currently in touch with Cameron’s family and are respecting their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We will share information regarding memorial services or ways to honor Cameron’s beautiful life as soon as those details become available and the family is ready.

Please hold Cameron, his family, and all who loved him in your thoughts and hearts today.

With deepest sympathy and in solidarity,
Ian Heseltine
Board President

08/07/2026

If you’ve ever wondered how you can help Lakes Area Pride continue to serve and create safe spaces for our community, one way is through direct donations! These help in many ways, including allowing us to continue to put on events, from our monthly hangouts to Pride in the Park each summer, as well as restock our tables between the many events we attend as guests. Every little bit helps, and we truly appreciate each and every donation we receive!

At Lakes Area Pride, we believe in building a world where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and allies can thrive in an inclusive, safe, and sustainable community.…