About us.
”We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.” – Bayard Rustin
Greater Napanee Pride began as a humble social media post in 2021. Sparked by a conversation about rainbow crosswalks, it was driven by the need for representation for members of the 2SLGBTQSIA+ community. A group of like-minded individuals came together to see what could be done to start showing Pride in Napanee, and thus, the Rainbow Picnic Table Project was born. Through the power of community and the dedication of volunteers, within a year, that project blossomed into Greater Napanee’s official Pride celebrations.
What came next, we could not have foreseen.
In a heartening display of unity and acceptance, Greater Napanee embraced its vibrant 2SLGBTQSIA+ community in ways far exceeding our original aspirations. Our Pride Parade has since become an annual tradition, exploding with colour. Over the past two years, this parade has grown, and this year we saw more than 350 participants!
Our dream of a rainbow crosswalk has also become a reality. This colourful tribute serves as a daily reminder of the strides our community has made in advancing equality and understanding.
Yet, Greater Napanee Pride's efforts extend far beyond annual parades and rainbow installations. We've established a year-round calendar of events, programs, and initiatives to ensure that Pride in Napanee is not just an event but an ongoing movement.
Greater Napanee has demonstrated that small-town pride is not only possible but can also flourish, creating a thriving and inclusive community for the 2SLGBTQIA+ population. Greater Napanee Pride has been instrumental in this transformation, proving that everyone can enjoy rural life, regardless of their background or identity. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 2nd annual pride festival, it continues to strengthen the bonds of the community and showcase that small towns like Napanee can lead the way in championing inclusivity and embracing diversity.