After consulting with health officials, community leaders, and fellow event organizers, it is clear that large gatherings will not be safe for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we have made the tough decision to cancel all in-person 2020 UNP Pride Week events. With such a diverse range of attendees at our events - including many vulnerable populations - we feel it’s of utmost importance to do what’s best for the safety and health of our community.
It’s important to note that the celebration of Pride itself is not cancelled; only in-person events are cancelled. Our community and our movement are still as vital and vibrant as ever, and we are committed to celebrating this year's Pride in ways that keep us healthy and safe, so that we remain visible, supported, and affirmed. We’re determined to continue providing opportunities for connection and solidarity, which we know are essential to our LGBTQ+ family. And we are resolute about the need to create and experience joy in 2020.
We’ll be sharing more in the weeks ahead about virtual programming we plan to offer during Pride Week to help celebrate and connect our community. We’re working on opportunities to highlight our partners, small businesses, venues, and performers who would have been part of Pride Week events, as well as thinking ahead for the time where it’s safe to hold in-person gatherings again. We thank each of you for your love and support, and want to reassure you again that Up North Pride is not going anywhere. We’re in this together - as we always have been - and we’re looking forward to connecting and celebrating with every one of you this year.
Love and gratitude,
The Up North Pride Board of Directors
RESOURCES FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Thomas Judd Care Center
Medical care, support services & prevention services for residents living with HIV/AIDS
231-935-7548 or 844-820-2995
https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/thomasjuddcarecenter
Polestar LGBT+ Community Center
Serving Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, and Antrim Counties (and beyond)
https://www.tcpolestar.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Free, 24/7 and confidential support for individuals in distress
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans: Press 1
The Validation Station
Sign up to receive free validating text messages daily
https://www.validationstation.net
Crisis Text Line
Text with a trained counselor for free 24/7
Text TALK to 741741
Trevor Lifeline
Phone support for LGBTQ youth available 24/7
1-866-488-7386
thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now
Trevor Text
Chat & text support for LGBTQ youth available M-F 3-10pm EST/ 12-7pm PST
Text START to 678-678
Trans Lifeline
Support for transgender people, by transgender people
1-877-565-8860
SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
Peer-support and local resources for older adults
1-888-234-SAGE (7243)