East Central Minnesota Pride

The First Rural Pride.

Pioneering Rural Pride Across Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec and Mille Lacs Counties: Embracing the Full Spectrum.

A passion for pioneering change and inclusivity in the region

Driven by a commitment to equality, understanding, and creative a supportive space for all.

Pioneering Spirit

East Central Minnesota Pride is characterized by its pioneering spirit, breaking ground as the first rural Pride in the world.

Inclusive Regional Focus

The organization proudly encompasses Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec and Mille Lacs Counties, fostering a sense of Pride and inclusivity across the region.

Community Connection

East Central Minnesota Pride actively engages with local communities, building bridges and promoting understanding to create a supportive environment for everyone.

Celebrating Diversity

At its core, the organization celebrates the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, embracing a spectrum of identities and experiences.

Empowering Rural Resilience

East Central Minnesota Pride plays a vital role in empowering and strengthening the resilience of the rural LGBTQ+ community, creating a platform for visibility, support, and progress.

Pride in Pine City

At the crossroads of East Central Minnesota, Pine City is very accessible to residents of the region. The community has demonstrated a supportive and welcoming attitude and offers suitable infrastructure and facilities for Pride.

Visibility and Advocacy

By hosting Pride in Pine City, East Central Minnesota Pride aims to increase visibility and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in a rural setting, advocating for acceptance and understanding.

How was Pine City chosen for Pride?

  • Central Accessibility for 5-County Region
  • Community Support and Welcoming Atmosphere
  • Isanti, Chisago and Mille Lacs counties are part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MSA, therefore not rural like Pine County.

Why celebrate Pride in a rural area?

  • Visibility and Inclusivity.
  • Community Building.
  • Advocacy and Awareness

“Small-town pride events are the ones that create the change. It’s easy to blend in with 500,000 of your friends at the Twin Cities pride festival and another to be one of 500 in Pine City. That takes a good deal of courage.”

-Don Quaintance, Veteran, Pride Board Member since 2005.