Community

Floyd Pride celebrates fifth year; Leadership is searching for next community members to 'carry the torch'

Rainbow Ridge has a history of hosting social gatherings for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together. Cook said that the heart of the nonprofit's work, however, "has always been Floyd Pride and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and included."

Free Dad Hugs and Free Mom Hugs are a staple of Pride events across the country and in Floyd. Photo by Tanja Harmon

After organizing Floyd Pride for the past five years A.J. Cook is stepping down and looking for a dedicated person to take over the event and organizing nonprofit, Rainbow Ridge Initiative. Cook explained that Rainbow Ridge is dedicated to "supporting and building a lasting future for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in Floyd."

Rainbow Ridge has hosted monthly community dinners at Dogtown Roadhouse, game nights, social gatherings, and other opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends, and allies to come together. Cook explained that the heart of the nonprofit's work, however, "has always been Floyd Pride and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and included."

According to Rainbow Ridge's website, members and "guided by principles of equity, compassion, and collaboration" to "bridge communities, celebrate diversity, and support initiatives" that improve the wellbeing and visibility of the local LGBTQ+ community.

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With Cook stepping down and moving out of the area, Rainbow Ridge is looking for new board members and volunteers to help carry this work forward.

"The future of Floyd Pride depends on people who are willing to step forward and help carry the torch," Cook explained. "I truly hope that the work we have started together will continue to grow and that Rainbow Ridge Initiative and Floyd Pride will remain a meaningful part of our community for years to come."

Cook said that the commitment to run Floyd Pride is "relatively small throughout most of the year, generally requiring only a couple of hours each month, with additional time needed as we get closer to (the annual Pride event)."

"This community has given me so much over the years, and it has been an incredible privilege and honor to serve Floyd and be part of building something that I hope will continue for many years to come," Cook said.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the annual Pride event or getting involved with the Rainbow Ridge Initiative should visit www.floydvapride.com or email floydvapride@gmail.com.

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