Stories

SHARE Greater Lynchburg sat down with Kelli Coleman, Board President for Hill City Pride, to learn more about the organization. Kelli said, “I moved from Dallas where I worked with Dallas Pride but on the entertainment side and now love being a part of the full scope of managing a Pride organization and festival. Working with Hill City Pride for three years has helped me develop my role in the community and family, spark wonderful friendships and create a real and truly unique experience for LGBTQIA+ folks who grew up without people or organizations that wanted to show love and support. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished so far and can’t wait to see how we will grow in years to come!”

Q: What is the history and mission of Hill City Pride?

A: The mission of Hill City Pride is to unify and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community by creating safe and inclusive spaces of self-expression, celebration, and diversity/equity/inclusion for those in the Greater Lynchburg area.

Q: Tell me about some of the past programming and events that Hill City Pride has been responsible for?

A: Each year, our group puts together the annual PrideFest as our main capstone event. This year, it will be held on October 21 from 1-5pm at City Stadium. We have been so grateful to have been invited to partner with organizations throughout the city to hold LGBTQIA+ themed events that have also helped us fundraise and raise awareness for Pride. This year has been tremendous because we have expanded our board and have been able to plan and host more events than ever before including a Board Meet and Greet at Loving Co, an Open Mic Night at Commerce Street Theatre on June 17 and a Drag and Brews show at Starr Hill on Main on June 24.

Q: What are some new plans or events coming up for Pride Month and for the remainder of 2023?

A: During June, you can check out the Drag Show at Starr Hill which will feature four fabulous local queens and the Open Mic Night at Commerce Theatre will feature songs, spoken word, as well as visual art from local artists on display. Hill City Lit will meet on June 27 to discuss their Pride Month Selection.

Q: What's something that you want Hill City Pride to be known for in our region?

We are living through turbulent times and communities throughout Virginia host a variety of climates for our community ranging from openly affirming to downright hostile and everything in between. Our organization makes sure that a PrideFest can happen to highlight that Lynchburg is a place where Love will win. 

By featuring vendors, we highlight local resources and businesses that are inclusive and affirming as well as safe spaces. By providing entertainment from queer artists we highlight the talent that exists within our community. By making the festival fun and family friendly we create a space where a family with queer members can come and celebrate their diversity, meet friends and find community. 

Q: Anything else you'd like to share?

While a Pride festival is a one day event, our presence opens the door for LGBTQIA+ individuals to know they are not alone. As our organization grows, our reach grows and more people from all over Virginia can know they are not alone and can have events and spaces to feel safe and included. 

To learn more about Hill City Pride events and volunteer opportunities, visit their page on SHARE Greater Lynchburg.