Lancaster Pride

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and LGBTQ+ community members disproportionately face unique mental health challenges and barriers to care. 💚

During Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), Lancaster Pride stands with our community to break down stigma, normalize conversations, and foster support. Remember: you are not alone, your feelings are valid, and resources are always available.

If you or someone you know is struggling:
📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7)
📞 The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
📞 Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860

Honoring our past, shaping our future. 🏳️‍🌈✨

October is LGBTQIA+ History Month! A time to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the trailblazers, activists, and icons who fought for our rights and paved the way for our community today. From historic movements to local history right here in PA, every story matters. Who is an LGBTQIA+ figure from history that inspires you? Let us know in the comments below!

***rHistory

Today is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD)

A day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting testing, and breaking down HIV-related stigma.

Gay and bisexual men continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, accounting for nearly 80% of new diagnoses in the U.S. Persistent health disparities, stigma, and systemic barriers particularly affect Black, Hispanic/Latino, and young gay and bisexual men.

Awareness is the first step toward action. Knowing your status, accessing prevention tools like PrEP, and supporting equal access to healthcare save lives.

📍 Take Action: Get tested, share accurate info, and help us end HIV stigma in our community.

Happy Bi-Visibility Day! 💖💜💙

Today and every day, we celebrate, honor, and uplift the bisexual+ community. Your identity is valid, your presence is powerful, and you are an essential part of our LGBTQ+ family here in Lancaster.

Tag someone who makes you feel seen! ✨

🗣️ We want to hear from you! Help us better understand and support our community by taking our quick Pride & Community Survey.

100% Anonymous & Optional
Takes only a few minutes
Deadline: End of October
🔗 Tap the link below to share your voice: https://tinyurl.com/4cac25nm

LGBTQ+ Community Members & Allies Potluck

Looking to connect, relax, and share a good meal? Join us for an easygoing evening of food, conversation, and community!

Whether you want to meet new friends, reconnect, or just enjoy a hot plate, there’s a seat at the table for you.

🥪 What to bring: Your favorite dish to share
🍽️ What we’re providing: Main protein, drinks, coffee, and water
❤️ What to expect: No pressure to network, no need to know anyone ahead of time—just come as you are. You are loved, wanted, and welcome here.

📍 Saint Paul Episcopal Church
340 Locust St, Columbia, PA
🌐 www.saintpaulcolumbia.org
📞 717-684-8496

We can’t wait to welcome you!

***rCommunity

Please join us in celebrating our new Lancaster Pride Royale, Solar Cisystem! 👑✨

After an incredible night of talent, artistry, and community, Solar Cisystem was officially crowned our 2026 Lancaster Pride Royale, and we couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead.

Over the next year, they will represent Lancaster Pride throughout our community, joining us for events and opportunities to connect, celebrate, and advocate. You’ll see Solar Cisystem at our ExtraGive celebration this fall, out and about in the community, and, of course, headlining the 2027 Lancaster Pride Festival! 🏳️‍🌈

We also want to celebrate every contestant who stepped onto the stage and shared their talent, creativity, and heart with us. Thank you to our incredible entertainers, judges, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this year’s Royale Pageant such a special night, plus West Art for hosting us!

And a very special thank you to Nes, our outgoing Lancaster Pride Royale. 👑 Thank you for representing Lancaster Pride over the past year and for everything you’ve brought to our organization and our community during your reign. We’re so grateful to have had you wear the crown.

Now a new reign begins. 💫 Congratulations, Solar Cisystem! We can’t wait to see where your year as Lancaster Pride Royale takes you, and we’re so proud to have you representing Lancaster Pride.

We are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Vincent "Vinny" Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara to a hate crime outside of LGBTQ+ bar Venture-N in Tucson, Arizona. Charlotte Pride keeps the Tucson LGBTQ+ community, and the loved ones of Vinny and Cameron, close to our hearts during this time.

We honor their memory with action.

Leaning on each other, checking in on loved ones, and continuing to support LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations during times like these are essential. Hate will not hold us back. Love, support, and community will propel us forward to a future where hate crimes like these do not happen. If you are in need of references to health and social support services in the Charlotte region, visit our Community Resources page,
charlottepride.org/resources.

Tomorrow night, the crown is up for grabs! 👑

Join our host, Amethyst Diamond, as we celebrate reigning Lancaster Pride Royale Nes with their give-up ceremony and welcome RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 queen Mandy Mango as a special judge and performer!

Four-person tables are officially SOLD OUT, and general admission tickets are selling fast. This is your last chance to grab yours for $15 in advance - tickets will be for $20 at the door, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Lancaster Pride Royale Pageant is an accessible event with ADA seating and access - just be sure to select the ADA ticket option at checkout. An ASL interpreter will also be available throughout the show.

Doors open at 5:00 PM and the pageant begins at 5:30 PM. We recommend arriving early to park, get in line, and grab a drink before the show begins!

Get your tickets now and join us tomorrow at West Art for an unforgettable night of talent, artistry, and community. ✨ https://buff.ly/l0yjoWg

As the seasons begin to change, take a little time to slow down, get creative, and connect with community. 🍂✨ Our monthly Sober Craft & Sip offers a relaxed, judgment-free space where you can create at your own pace and connect with others who value community.

📆 Sunday, September 13th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 The Midnight Oil, 44 N Christian St, Lancaster, PA 17602
🧑‍🦼 Accessible, 1st floor location with a ramp
🚘 Free street parking on Sundays

Whether you're feeling crafty, hoping to meet new people, or simply looking for a comfortable place to spend your Sunday afternoon, you'll find a warm welcome here. Bring a friend or come solo - everyone is welcome, including allies. All supplies are provided (paint, collage, felting, beading, mixed media & more), and participation is entirely at your own pace.

✨ $16 per person (profits support Lancaster Pride)
✨ No RSVP needed

Q***r community gatherings don't end with Pride Month. Join us this September for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and connection - we'd love to craft with you! 🌈🎨