About Us

Since our beginning in 2021, Bemidji Pride has been a volunteer-led organization committed to creating a safe and fun environment for the Bemidji community to come together and celebrate diversity.

MISSION & VISION:

Mission Statement: Bemidji Pride is dedicated to sponsoring, supporting, and producing events that cultivate hope and provide support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Our commitment extends to educating the community about 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and collaborating with allied individuals and organizations to foster growth. Together, we strive to propel equity and justice, particularly among marginalized groups in Bemidji, Beltrami County, and the Tri Reservation areas of Red Lake, Leech Lake, and White Earth Reservations.

Vision Statement: Bemidji Pride envisions a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are not just tolerated but are genuinely respected, defended, valued, celebrated, and LIBERATED! We aspire to create a space where the voices of all people, especially those too often excluded from the Pride movement, are not only acknowledged but elevated—this includes a steadfast commitment to the BIPOC Trans community, and all other voices usually ignored. Our vision extends beyond acceptance and strives for a global community that actively embraces and cherishes diversity, fostering an environment where every voice is heard, and every identity is celebrated.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

In celebrating Bemidji Pride, we acknowledge that we gather on the ancestral lands of the Ojibwe people. For countless generations, the Ojibwe, also known as the Anishinaabe, have lived, loved, and thrived upon these lands, fostering deep connections with the natural world and sustaining rich cultural traditions. We honor their enduring stewardship of this territory, recognizing their profound spiritual and historical ties to the land, water, and all living beings that inhabit it.

As we come together to celebrate diversity and advocate for equality during Bemidji Pride, it's essential to acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities, including the Ojibwe, in their pursuit of justice, sovereignty, and self-determination. We recognize the resilience and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical injustices and ongoing challenges. Let us commit ourselves to amplifying Indigenous voices, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and working in solidarity towards a more just and equitable future for all. May our celebration of Pride be imbued with a deep respect for the land and its original caretakers, as we strive to create spaces of inclusion and belonging for everyone in our community.