Highlands Pride Alliance Inc.

11/20/2025

TDOR 2025: From Mourning to Movement.
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), November 20th, we are reminded that our mourning must fuel our movement. We acknowledge the devastating toll that hatred and ignorance take on the transgender community. Every life lost to anti-trans violence is a tragedy, and their deaths are a stark call to action for every one of us.

TDOR began in 1999 to honor Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman murdered in 1998, and it has since become a crucial date to recognize the violence and discrimination faced by the community year after year.

How to Honor TDOR with Action:

Educate Yourself: Research the names of the individuals lost this year. Understand the impact that intersecting identities (race, class, gender) have on vulnerability to violence.

Support Local Efforts: Find a local vigil or remembrance event in your area (if you know of one in your city, add details here!). If you cannot attend, consider donating to a local LGBTQ+ center or a mutual aid fund that specifically helps transgender individuals.

Vocal Advocacy: Commit to using your voice. Correct misinformation, challenge transphobia in your circles, and advocate for protective policies in your community and at the state level.

Our solidarity is a lifeline. Let's work together to make the next TDOR a day with fewer names to read.

10/11/2025

A Statement from the Highlands Pride Alliance on National Coming Out Day
Today, October 11th, we celebrate National Coming Out Day, a date that marks a pivotal moment in the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

This day was first observed in 1988, on the one-year anniversary of the National March on Washington for Le***an and Gay Rights. The founders chose this date with the conviction that coming out—even in small, everyday ways—is one of the most powerful and fundamentally non-violent tools we have for breaking down prejudice and fear. It is a day of visibility, a celebration of authenticity, and a call for recognition of our shared humanity.

The Fight for Equality Continues

While we celebrate the progress made since 1988, we know that the fight for full equality and acceptance is far from over. Across the country, the rights, safety, and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face challenges. This is a moment that demands heightened vigilance and unified advocacy.

The Highlands Pride Alliance stands firmly committed to ensuring that every individual in our community is protected by law, respected in their daily lives, and affirmed in their identity. We call on all our allies and community members to actively participate in the democratic process, to support organizations fighting for justice, and to speak up against discrimination and harmful legislation. Protecting our rights, our families, and our future requires collective action.

Prioritizing Personal Safety and Well-being

In the spirit of celebrating authenticity, we also want to acknowledge a deeply important truth: The decision to come out is yours alone, and your safety must always come first.

National Coming Out Day is a celebration, but it is not a mandate. If you are in a living situation where coming out might put your physical safety, your housing, your education, or your financial stability at risk, we urge you to prioritize your well-being.

Your identity is valid and whole, regardless of whether you are out to one person, a few people, or the entire world. The Alliance encourages everyone to take their time, plan carefully, and wait until they are in a safe and supportive environment where they can be their authentic self without fear of harm. We are here to support you in building that safety net—whether through local resources, community connections, or future advocacy.

To all members of the Highlands community, we honor your journey, celebrate your courage, and stand with you in the ongoing pursuit of a world where everyone is safe, respected, and free to live authentically.

06/29/2025

Happy PrideFest from Miss Shug White!!!!

06/28/2025

Two perfect strangers dancing their hearts out at the PrideFest 2025 family fun day
--music courtesy of Stephen "Saxee" Smith

06/27/2025

Look at these super cute Earrings by Carolyn's Craft corner ! Come see them and all of our wonderful vendors tomorrow for Family Fun Day!!!

What do you do the night before a show..make new earrings of course

06/27/2025

A HUGE thank you to all those who came together as our sponsorship team to make PrideFest 2025 a reality!! We sincerely appreciate all of you. Our event depends on the generosity of organizations and individuals. Please be sure when you're out in the community support those businesses and individuals who supported us. Can't wait to see you all this weekend at PrideFest 2025!!

06/27/2025

Preparations are well underway!
Tomorrow we kick off PrideFest 2025 with Family Fun Day!

06/24/2025

06/01/2025

🌈🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month from Highlands Pride Alliance Inc.! 🏳️‍🌈🌈

June is here, and with it comes the vibrant, courageous, and joyful spirit of Pride! As we kick off Pride Month 2025, we honor the LGBTQIA+ individuals and families who make Highlands County a more loving, inclusive, and colorful place to live.

Pride is more than just a celebration—it's a declaration of resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to justice, and a deep affirmation that every person deserves to live authentically and be embraced for exactly who they are.

Here in the heart of Central Florida, we know the power of community. Highlands Pride Alliance stands proudly with all our LGBTQIA+ neighbors—whether you're out and loud, quietly coming into yourself, or still finding your voice. You are not alone. You are seen. You are loved. And you are needed.

Throughout the month of June, join us for events, conversations, and opportunities to connect, uplift, and celebrate who we are—together. Let’s continue to build a Highlands County where diversity is honored, equality is pursued, and love always wins.

🌟 Be proud. Be bold. Be you. 🌟

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