Hampton Roads Pride

08/22/2026

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS UPDATE 📣

Due to flood-related damage at the Wells Theatre, our upcoming Community Connections event will no longer be able to take place at the theatre as planned.

Our team is actively working to secure an alternate location.

We’ll share an update as soon as we have more information. Please stay tuned to our social channels for the latest details!

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

NorfolkVA

08/16/2026

🎭 MEET THE PANEL | JASON McDONALD

Meet Jason McDonald, one of the voices joining us for Beyond the Mask: Men, Identity & Pride.

A Norfolk-based technologist, entrepreneur, and longtime community volunteer, Jason has built a career around a simple philosophy: show up, learn the whole thing, and make it work better for the people using it.

His career has taken him from banking to enterprise technology and now entrepreneurship as the founder of software platform Turtini. He holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity and is a proud James Madison University alum.

That same commitment to people and problem-solving extends into Jason’s community work. He is completing his term on the Hampton Roads Pride Board of Directors, serves as President of the Downtown Norfolk Civic League, and volunteers with several other neighborhood and community organizations.

Join Jason and our panel for an honest conversation about identity, mental health, relationships, masculinity, leadership, and what it means to show up authentically.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 25
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Wells Theatre | Norfolk, VA
🌈 Everyone is welcome!

08/16/2026

🎭 MEET THE PANEL | DELONTE JONES

Meet Delonte Jones, BCBA, LBA-VA, one of the voices joining us for Beyond the Mask: Men, Identity & Pride.

Delonte is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed practitioner, entrepreneur, mentor, and behavioral health leader based in Hampton, Virginia.

His path began as an Emergency Medical Provider with Sentara before he transitioned into Applied Behavior Analysis, progressing from a Registered Behavior Technician to founding and leading his own organizations. Today, Delonte serves as CEO of ABAzing, Founder of IntakeOff, and CEU Chair for the Black Association of Behavioral Analysts.

With degrees in psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis, Delonte’s work extends beyond clinical practice. He has mentored dozens of aspiring behavioral health professionals and is passionate about strengthening leadership, professional development, representation, and equity within the field.

At Beyond the Mask, Delonte brings a perspective shaped by behavioral health, mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service to others.

Join us for an evening of vulnerability, connection, and conversation about what it means for men to navigate identity and show up authentically.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 25
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Wells Theatre | Norfolk, VA
🌈 Everyone is welcome!

08/16/2026

🎭 MEET THE PANEL | JAY JAY MAYO

Meet Jay Jay Mayo, one of the voices joining us for Beyond the Mask: Men, Identity & Pride.

For more than a decade, Jay Jay has been a familiar and vibrant presence throughout Hampton Roads, using his talents in media, entertainment, and community engagement to connect with audiences across the region.

From dancing alongside local stars and energizing crowds at community events to entertaining listeners on the radio, Jay Jay brings authenticity, personality, and positive energy wherever he goes.

His commitment to community extends beyond entertainment through his work as a McDonald’s spokesmodel and his continued involvement in LGBTQ+ events throughout Hampton Roads.

After bringing his energy to the Hampton Roads Pride Main Stage in 2025, Jay Jay returned as a PrideFest co-host in 2026—and now he’s joining us for a different kind of conversation.

His passion for connection and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated makes Jay Jay a meaningful voice on our panel.

Join us for an evening of honest conversation about identity, mental health, relationships, masculinity, leadership, and showing up authentically.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 25
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Wells Theatre | Norfolk, VA
🌈 Everyone is welcome!

08/15/2026

08/10/2026

Join Hampton Roads Pride for Beyond the Mask: Men, Identity & Pride, an evening of powerful conversation, vulnerability, and community.

This all-men’s panel will explore topics surrounding identity, mental health, relationships, masculinity, leadership, and what it means to show up authentically in today’s world. Together, we’ll create space for honest dialogue, healing, and connection.

🗓️Tuesday, August 25, 2026
🕢6:30 PM
📍Wells Theatre | Norfolk, VA

Come listen, learn, ask questions, and be part of a conversation that matters. Everyone is welcome!

08/09/2026

Yesterday, we got back to our roots. 🌈🧺

Hampton Roads Pride began with community coming together for a picnic, so it felt only right to return to that tradition as we celebrated the people who continue to make our work possible today.

As an all-volunteer organization, every event, program and moment of Pride Festival is powered by people who show up for our community.

To our incredible volunteers we thank you for your time, your heart, and your commitment. ❤️💛💙💜💚🧡🤍🤎🩵

Pride has always been about community, and that is still at the heart of everything we do.

Join us! 🏳️‍🌈 Visit our website to learn how you can get involved and support the mission of Hampton Roads Pride. ➡️ Board Applications extended until Wednesday!

08/04/2026

PRIDE UNMASKED: A Cactus-Con & Cosplay Night of Heroic Fun

Suit up, show out, and bring your best alter ego to Rainbow Cactus Virginia Beach on Saturday, August 15. Doors open at 7 PM for a night celebrating heroes, villains, icons, and everything in between.

The evening features the "Wet & Wild Show*", a late-night spectacle packed with drag performances and superpowered glamour. DJ Airrick will keep the soundtrack going all night, with costume prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of Pride energy throughout the venue.

Come dressed to impress, ready to dance, or simply prepared to cheer on the characters taking over the stage. Presented with Hampton Roads Pride and Hampton Roads Pride 365.

Rainbow Cactus Virginia Beach
therainbowcactus.gay

07/27/2026

🌭Volunteer Appreciation BBQ is Almost Here! 🌈

You showed up for our community all Pride season now let us celebrate you. 💙

Join us for the Hampton Roads Pride Volunteer Appreciation BBQ on Saturday, August 8 as we come together for an afternoon of food, fun, and gratitude for the incredible who make Pride possible year after year.

Whether you volunteered for one event this past June or all Pride weekend, this celebration is for you. We can’t wait to thank you in person!
🎟️ RSVP today!

Visit the link in our bio or register here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/

hamptonroadspridevolunteerappreciationbbq2026-32827/