We are convening a day-long in-person Rural Pride Summit in Gainesville, FL on December 6, 2024. The summit aims to bring many local community members and leaders together with national and state groups to build and strengthen relationships, raise the profile of the issues that matter to rural communities, and learn from and support each other. We invite all those interested in participating in the summit to register. Registration is free.  

The National Center for Lesbian Rights launched our Rural Pride project in 2014 to elevate and address the needs of LGBTQ people living in rural communities across the country, challenge the stereotype that LGBTQ people live only in metropolitan areas, and raise awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBTQ rural communities, including increased rates of economic insecurity, discrimination and lack of LGBTQ culturally competent services, and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBTQ youth and people of color. 

Florida’s LGBTQ and Rural communities have shown tremendous resourcefulness, creativity and resilience in the face of many challenges.  

The 1.6 million rural residents of Florida face higher rates of poverty and worse health outcomes than those living in urban areas. Rural Floridians also face danger and economic disruption from the effects of escalating climate crisis. LGBTQ Floridians and their families and allies are subject to a hostile legal landscape that creates barriers to healthcare and education.