Conway Pride Community

06/05/2026

Our scholarship’s namesake. 🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏳️‍🌈

Photo Friday!

Pictured here is Robert Loyd (in uniform), protesting discrimination bill HB 1228 on the steps of the state capitol; 2015.

Loyd—along with his husband, John Schenck—was an activist for LGBTQ+ rights in Arkansas. He was also a business owner and a veteran of the Vietnam War. Loyd and Schenck co-founded Conway’s Pride Parade and were plaintiffs in Wright v. Arkansas, a challenge to the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

On June 26, 2015, with a 5–4 ruling in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that states cannot ban gay marriage, legalizing it nationwide (and thereby closing the Wright case). Loyd and Schenck received their marriage license at the Faulkner County clerk’s office that same day, the first same-sex couple in the county to do so. The couple married in Conway on August 22, 2015.

Loyd died suddenly of a heart attack on December 30, 2015. The 2016 Conway Pride parade was dedicated to his memory.

Read more here: https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/robert-loyd-9405/

06/05/2026

🚨GIVEAWAY ALERT!🚨

Donate to our scholarship fund and be entered to win either a $250 or $150 gift certificate to Pink Flamingo Tattoo! $5 donations = 1 entry, $10 donations = 3 entries. Winners announced on social media at the end of the month.

🏳️‍⚧️HOW TO DONATE🏳️‍🌈:
Venmo:
CashApp: $ConwayPrideCommunity
PayPal: [email protected]

You can also donate in cash at any of our events throughout the month of June! Visit our website to see the full calendar. 🌈

06/03/2026

We 🫶 Stone Sorcery!

06/03/2026

We had the CHILLEST time with making junk journals, chatting about community initiatives, and just hanging out in a quiet, cool, sensory friendly environment. If you’re in need of therapy services, make sure to reach out and give them a call!

If you missed us yesterday don’t worry - you can catch us at the next event in June! We will be at Sunday June 7 from 12p-6p for a community paint party! If you paint a $15 circular magnet, $5 of each magnet goes straight to our scholarship fund! They’re doing the fundraiser all month long in case you can’t make it on Sunday - just ask for the “fundraiser magnet”. 🏳️‍⚧️🫶🏳️‍🌈

06/01/2026

Pride is HERE! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 We are painting Conway 🌈 all month long in celebration, but we want to take today to remind everyone: Pride began as a RIOT, and honoring those who came before means not only showing up for community when it’s easy and fun, but also staying active during legislative sessions, pushing back against discriminatory workplace practices, and protecting your neighbors when they are being targeted by both the state AND other members in your community.

Other organizations to get involved with for following legislative and community action:ar

05/25/2026

🌈 Volunteers Needed! 🌈

We're looking for a few community members willing to lend a hand at two upcoming events benefiting and celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community.

🎨 Good Day Pottery: June 7
🕛 Volunteer shifts available between 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (help for an hour or longer!)

🎵 QUEERFEST at Full Moon Records: June 20: 7pm-10pm
🕕 Volunteers needed approximately one hour before the event and throughout the evening for check-in, wristband verification, vendor assistance, and general event support.

Whether you can help for a short shift or stay longer, we'd love to have you involved.

🔗 Volunteer Sign-Up Form:

https://forms.gle/LmpjkhU3Z9UaZV2e6

Thank you for helping us create welcoming spaces, support LGBTQIA+ programs and scholarships, and strengthen our community. 💜

05/17/2026

Today, we celebrated one of our scholarship recipients, Alex Cannon! She is a current student at pursuing a degree in addiction studies with the goal of working as a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor.

“It is imperative to have people in the field who are either a member of the LGBTQ+ community themselves, or affirming allies. I wish to offer everyone a space of compassionate understanding in order to empower them to live their best lives and support their recovery journey.” -Alex

Congrats, Alex! 🐻🏳️‍🌈

05/16/2026

Does your favorite dress have a ripped seam but you won’t throw it out because it’s your favorite and SOMEDAY you’re going to fix it? Have you just stepped into your true self and want to learn how to adjust the clothes you already have to more accurately reflect your identity? This is the workshop for you! June 17th at , you can learn how to patch holes, repair seams, and perform minor adjustments to old clothing and make it feel NEW again! Spots are LIMITED so get your tickets at the link in our bio now! $15 before June 1st - price goes up to $20 after June 1st!

Ticket will include access to workshop, a take home personal sewing kit, and light refreshments. All ages event, persons under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18+.

05/14/2026

🗣️ CALLING ALL BOOKWORMS! Join us at on June 13th from 6p-8p for a bookmark making party! All supplies provided, as well as light refreshments. Space is LIMITED, and will be first come first served. This is a great chance to get to meet a brand new local business! 🏳️‍🌈🫶🏳️‍⚧️