JAX LGBT Chamber of Commerce

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

08/01/2026

Jax Gay Magazine August 2026 Issue www.JaxGayMag.com

08/01/2026

Donate if you can! Please repost & share!

ANNOUNCEMENT: The initial 5 Points LGBTQ+ Mural is here.

We would like to say there will be some tweaking to the final project. So don't worry. LOL

Our cost has been $25,000.

So we are launching our FINAL Fundraiser on this project and will within the next 6 months launch an annual fundraiser for 20% to cover on going maintence.

The maintence is typically 20%, as required by many organizations on such a project.

The JAX LGBT Chamber of Commerce, RAP, 5 Points Merchants, AMP (AIDS Memorial Project), The Alliance - Jacksonville and generous anonymours donors have made this project ONE OF LOVE.

The mural is slated to be completed before Jax River Pride 2026.

Thank you to everyone that has donated, helped and that will be donating to help us meet the final budget of $25,000.

Our artist Shawn Thurston is very excited about this project, but we believe our LGBTQ Community will be even more excited about Shawn's artwork representing our community.

ONE COMMUNITY ONE LOVE

ALL donations are tax deductible. We gladly accept anonymous donors and/or businesses.

DONATE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/final-fundraiser-for-pride-5-points-mural

07/31/2026

4TH ANNUAL BIG GAY PICNIC

Willowbranch Park – Riverside
Sunday, September 6, 2026 * 12 PM - 4PM
Hosted By The Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce & Northeast Florida AIDS Memorial Project

Partner with Jacksonville's Most Inclusive Community Picnic
Support an afternoon of food, music, family-friendly fun, community engagement, and LGBTQ+ pride. Sponsorship helps provide free food, entertainment, and activities while showcasing your organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PRESENTING Sponsor $1000
Exclusive 'Presented By' recognition on promotional materials and event webpage
Opportunity to give welcome remarks (optional)
Logo featured on event signage, program, and sponsor recognition
Company mentioned in press releases and during the event
Premium logo placement in email and social media promotions

DIAMOND Sponsor $750
Large 30" × 36" ad on sponsor wall
Logo on event webpage and email promotions
Recognition in press releases
Verbal recognition during program

PLATINUM Sponsor $500
Logo on event webpage and email promotions
Logo on event webpage and email promotions
Recognition during program
Recognition in press releases

GOLD Sponsor $250
Logo on event webpage
Verbal recognition
Logo on event webpage and email promotions
Recognition during program

SILVER Sponsor $100
Company Verbal Recognition During the Program
Logo Placement on Event Page on JaxLGBTChamber.org Website
Logo on event webpage and email promotions

FRIENDS Sponsor $50
Name Verbal Recognition During the Program
Name Mention on Event Page on JaxLGBTChamber.org website

Jax LGBT Chamber CEO
[email protected]
www.JaxLGBTChamber.org

07/29/2026

The Netherlands has taken a major step toward protecting LGBTQ+ people.

This week, the Dutch Senate voted 57-15 in favor of legislation that would criminalize conversion therapy nationwide. Once signed by King Willem-Alexander, the law will make attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to €27,500.

For many LGBTQ+ advocates, the vote represents the culmination of years of work.

Among those following the decision closely is Jacques Zonne, who spent two years subjected to efforts aimed at "curing" him. Reflecting on that experience, he said: "Your entire identity is broken down. That trauma never goes away."

Stories like his are one reason conversion therapy remains such a controversial practice. Critics argue that it can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, particularly when directed at young people.

The legislation follows nearly 15 years of advocacy by LGBTQ+ organizations, including COC Nederland, which has campaigned extensively for stronger protections.

The Netherlands now joins countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium in moving toward stronger restrictions on conversion therapy. The broader conversation continues across Europe, with growing support for similar protections at the European level.

For many LGBTQ+ people, the vote is being viewed as more than a legal change.

It's a statement that their identities do not need fixing, changing, or curing.

And that's a message many believe is long overdue. 🌈