Mercer PRIDE

05/18/2026

PSA incoming ✨️

Our page and events are completely volunteer-run and supported through donations from the community.

Recently, due to political challenges and a lack of support, we have not been invited to participate in many local activities or events. With that has came a lack of participation from volunteers and it is understandable with the climate we are currently in. Despite this, we remain committed to creating an inclusive space by continuing to share resources, support, and information about affirming events and opportunities happening throughout the state and surrounding areas.
We appreciate everyone who continues to stand with and support our community. 💜

Even in difficult seasons, community still matters, visibility still matters, and we will continue doing our best to make sure people feel seen, welcomed, and connected.

If you would like to get involved with Mercer Pride and initiate activities in our community please join our private group where we share ideas and conversation around support and acceptance!

I hope everyone is looking forward to Pride Month, cannot wait to feel the love 🌈

05/18/2026

Hello Everyone,

My name is Frank House. I wanted to extend an invitation to those of you in this group.. who are members of the area's LGBTQ+ adult community ..to join our newly created "Equal Voices”..a peer-led, confidential, chat and social group.

“Equal Voices” is a private-hidden FB group which is planning on expanding to an in-person group at the HQ space(316 Thorn St, Princeton wv). Establishing this FB group is considered a prerequisite for our in-person group. Should enough interest be evident, an initial event at the HQ will be scheduled with subsequent monthly or other periodic meetings thereafter.

An excerpt from Equal Voices description...

We share "Mercer Equality’s" core values: respect, equality, cooperation, civil dialogue, and building real friendships and stronger communities. The focus of Equal Voices is to provide a safe, informal focal point where LGBTQ+ adults can:

* Share ideas, concerns, hopes, and information.
* Listen to and learn from one another.
* Meet other LGBTQ+ people who live in and around Mercer County.
* Enjoy some low key social time together.

Over time, Equal Voices may grow to include guest speakers, film or game nights, potlucks, and other community-building events. Members will help shape how the group evolves.

We hope you consider joining this new peer-led, chat and social group. If wish an invite or more info please message, or email Frank House ([email protected]), or David Garland ([email protected]) or John Baldwin ([email protected])

05/11/2026

Join West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Greenbrier Watershed, and Greenbrier Valley Pride for Paddle with Pride on the Greenbrier River on Sunday, June 7, 2026 for a relaxed, community-centered float from the public access point at Caldwell, WV to Ronceverte Island Park, followed by an after party at The Sportsman Tavern in Ronceverte, WV.

Our goal for this float is to create space for everyone to feel welcome, visible, and at home on the water with us. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting started, this is a space to connect, celebrate, and enjoy one of West Virginia's most beloved rivers together.

Getting people on the river is one of the best ways we can protect our water resources. People who spend time outside — building real connections to beloved places like the Greenbrier River — are often the ones most willing to stand up and protect them.

Event Details
📍 Greenbrier River (Caldwell to Ronceverte Island Park)
📅 Sunday, June 7
🕒 10:00 am Float from Caldwell Boat Launch + After Party beginning at 2:30 pm with karaoke at The Sportsman Tavern in Ronceverte.

Registration is required and boat rentals are limited, so get your ticket today: https://act.wvrivers.org/a/pride

Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out to Maggie Stange at [email protected].

04/29/2026

LET’S GET FREE!

We’re mobilizing 74 MILLION Equality Voters nationwide this fall to:

🗳️Flip the U.S. House
🗳️Gain ground in the U.S. Senate
🗳️Expand the number of openly LGBTQ+ elected officials nationwide
🗳️Combat anti-LGBTQ+ ballot measures and support pro-equality measures nationwide

A whopping 92% of LGBTQ+ adults plan to vote this fall — make sure you join them! Learn more and get involved now: hrc.im/letsgetfree

04/29/2026

03/27/2026

The Senate voted unanimously early this morning to fund the Department of Homeland Security but without funding for ICE or Border Patrol deportation and enforcement operations.

ICE has been carved out of DHS future funding and made a standalone issue.
That matters, because when something stands alone, it gets debated, challenged, and potentially changed, for good or bad. Keep advocating!

01/15/2026

On sorrowful days, many parents and caregivers are searching for ways to support their children as they hear about violence and traumatic events in the news. We’ve gathered trusted guidance and reputable resources to help you have age-appropriate, supportive conversations that can reduce fear and build a sense of safety. Visit our website to read Talking With Children About Violence in the News: Guidance for Parents and Caregivers and find tools to support your family during difficult times: https://namimn.org/talking-with-children-about-violence-in-the-news-guidance-for-parents-and-caregivers/

Via Early Risers Podcast

01/14/2026

SAMHSA canceled up to $1.9 billion in grants without staff consultation, accelerating the mental health agency's deterioration under President Trump.

01/14/2026

Confirmed ICE updates in Southern WV as of 8:20pm 1/13/26

1. During traffic stops today on the turnpike near Pax, arrested all four people in a car and handcuffed a boy of about 8 years old, according to eyewitnesses

2. ICE is at Appalachian Regional Hospital (Beckley) after following an ambulance there from the Southern Regional Jail. The jail is serving as an intake site and temporary holding for ICE detainees from nearby counties.

The ICE activity in West Virginia this week is apparently called Operation Country Roads with plans to send agents to Mexican restaurants, Chinese Restaurants, V**e Shops, and homes of immigrants. This following days of racial profiling at toll booths and indiscriminately arresting people with no regard to their legal status to be in the country. 

Only 2% of WV are immigrants and less than 1% are undocumented. Begs the question of why Southern West Virginia is being hit hard by ICE.

> Copy and paste if you would like to share in case my post is deleted.

01/09/2026

If you or someone you know has been affected by recent ICE activity, please know this: you have rights, regardless of immigration status. You are not alone, and help is available.
Know Your Rights:
• You do not have to open the door unless ICE has a judicial warrant signed by a judge
• You have the right to remain silent
• You do not have to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer
• You can record and report encounters when safe to do so
Trusted resources in WV:
• ACLU of West Virginia – Know Your Rights information
• Catholic Charities West Virginia – Immigration legal assistance: 304-343-1036
• United We Dream Hotline – Report ICE activity or get immediate support: 1-844-363-1423
Let’s continue to look out for one another. Community care matters.
🏔️❤️