Dear GVSU community,

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

At Grand Valley, Pride is an opportunity to celebrate the many identities, experiences, and voices within the LGBTQIA community that strengthen our campus every day. Pride reminds us that belonging is not passive, yet something we create together through allyship, advocacy, care, connection, and learning. From its origins as a yearly protest for equity, access, and freedom, Pride invites us all to work towards a world wherein all members of society can flourish, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or expression.

Together, we continue building a university community where authenticity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Throughout the month, GVSU is proud to sponsor and partner for several Pride events across West Michigan, in addition to our on-campus celebration. We hope you'll join us at the following events:

Join us for performances and bingo trivia by Drag Queens Xella and Alex Suarez, enjoy snacks from Kona Ice and Neko Taiyaki, and learn about community resources as we celebrate Pride Month and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. RSVP for Pride by the Pond (RSVP not required to attend!).

Hosted in partnership with the LGBTQ+ FSA and the Rainbow Resource Center.

The Grand Rapids Pride Festival (GRPF) returns for its 38th year! Join to celebrate the West Michigan 2-SLGBTQ+ community and support local businesses, organizations, and artists. This annual event takes place to gather 2-SLGBTQ+ folks and allies in a safe, open, and inclusive environment, loud and proud. 

Sign up to volunteer at Grand Rapids Pride on Saturday, June 20, noon-8pm.

Out On The Lakeshore is proud to present the 2026 Holland Pride Festival! Join us for an afternoon of fabulous entertainment, food trucks, merchandise vendors, resource booths, and activities for all ages.

Sign up to volunteer at Holland Pride on Saturday, June 27, 1-6pm.

Mark your calendars for Hudsonville Area Pride, returning for their second annual celebration! Join us to experience local vendors, community resource tables, a kids activity corner with a small bounce house, food trucks, and drag shows throughout the day. 

Sign up to volunteer at Hudsonville Area Pride on Saturday, July 11, noon-6pm.

As we celebrate this month together, I’ll leave you with words from Audre Lorde, acclaimed Black lesbian poet:

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”

Thank you for helping make Grand Valley a place where all members of our community can show up fully as themselves.

With pride,

Robert Shorty, PhD
Vice President for People, Equity, and Culture
Chief People and Inclusion & Equity Officer