More Than Just A Day: Why We Are Planning Miami County’s First Pride
When people hear that we’re planning the first Pride event in Miami County, they often think it’s about one afternoon, one celebration, or one gathering. But for us, it has always been about something much bigger.
It’s about creating a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and welcome—not just during Pride Month or at one event, but every single day of the year.
That’s exactly why we started Belong Miami County.
Belong was created because we recognized that while events are important, lasting change comes from building connections. It comes from having a place where people can find support, make friends, share experiences, and know they are not alone. We wanted to create a space where people could simply exist as themselves without fear or isolation.
The truth is, LGBTQ+ people have always been part of Miami County. We grew up here. We work here. We volunteer here. We raise our families here. We shop at local businesses, attend local schools, and care deeply about our neighbors.
This is our home.
We are not outsiders asking for a place in the community—we have always been part of the community. And because this is our home, we belong here.
Planning the first Pride event has been both exciting and emotional. It has reminded us how many people are ready to stand together and create something positive. We’ve seen businesses offer support, organizations step forward to participate, volunteers donate their time, and community members share words of encouragement.
That support gives us hope.
Our goal isn’t simply to host a successful Pride event on one summer day. Our goal is to build something that lasts—a network of acceptance, friendship, and belonging that exists throughout the entire year.
Because everyone deserves to know they have a place where they are seen, respected, and celebrated.
Pride is the beginning, not the finish line.
Together, we are building a Miami County where everyone can proudly say:
This is my home. I belong here.
