Ten years ago, GP Pride was founded in response to a simple but urgent reality: LGBTQ young people experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than their peers. No young person should ever feel alone or without hope because of who they are. Research consistently shows that when LGBTQ youth feel supported by their families and communities, those risks decline dramatically. Our purpose has always been to help ensure that every young person in Grosse Pointe knows they belong, that they are valued, and that they are loved.

That mission has shaped every GP Pride celebration.

Each year, our own community comes together to create a joyful, welcoming event. Families walk the route pushing strollers. Pride puppies proudly join the parade. Children laugh while getting their faces painted, coloring, and making crafts in the children’s activity area generously sponsored and led by Grosse Pointe Congregational Church. Local businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, educators, and volunteers spend the morning celebrating together. Our march is led by young people, and many of our speakers have been GPPSS alumni returning to share stories of hope, resilience, and belonging. This year was no different, as two North graduates inspired the crowd with heartfelt messages about finding acceptance and community.

Year after year, attendees tell us that GP Pride feels joyful, welcoming, and safe, a place where they can simply be themselves. That atmosphere is created by the families, volunteers, community organizations, faith communities, local businesses, and local law enforcement who come together each year to support the event. Those experiences reflect what GP Pride has meant to our community for the past decade.

Family-friendly drag performances have also been are one part of GP Pride that was started in 2019 by a proud and talented Grosse Pointe South graduate. Drag is not an unusual feature of Pride celebrations across the country. It has long been part of LGBTQ history and culture and has always been presented at GP Pride in a family-friendly way alongside music, children’s activities, community organizations, and speakers.

GP Pride has always been deeply rooted in Grosse Pointe. It has been built by local volunteers, supported by local businesses, strengthened by local faith communities, inspired by local students and alumni, and embraced by families who want every child to know they belong.

That vision has not changed.

We remain committed to creating a community where every child is safe, every family is welcome, and every young person knows there is hope, there is love, and there is a place for them here in Grosse Pointe.