Rainbow Connections: 8 Ways To Get Involved With Pride in Grand Forks

Did you know? Grand Forks offers spaces, events, and community for LGBTQ+ folks of all ages. Check out 8 different ways to connect with welcoming affirming organizations and groups in Grand Forks.

Pride Outside in Grand Forks.

Pride in Grand Forks: Grand Forks Pride

Grand Forks Pride is an annual week of events celebrating LGBTQ+ identity and self-expression in our city. The steering committee consists of community leaders offering their time and gifts. Traditionally scheduled for the middle of August, the week includes a variety of events for the whole family, including Pride Bowling, Movie Night, Pride Trivia, Community BBQ, Pride in the Park, just to name a few.

Pride in Grand Forks: Grand Forks Out and Proud

This newly founded organization is motivated to provide safe spaces and programming for all members of the Queer and Trans community throughout the year. If you’re interested in getting into advocacy and policy around LGBTQ+ rights, Grand Forks Out and Proud is your crew! The group hosts events around National Coming Out Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and more!
Follow Grand Forks Out and Proud on Facebook and if interested in getting involved, email them at [email protected]. Be on the lookout for more resources and educational opportunities!

Drag show in Grand Forks.

Pride in Grand Forks: BJ Armani’s Cabaret

Looking for a fun night out?! Check out a drag show hosted by BJ Armani’s Cabaret at the American Legion, often hosted in East Grand Forks and surrounding areas! These 18+ shows feature local drag artists, dancing, music, adult bevs, inclusive community, and even the Midwest classic, taco-in-bag! BJ’s crew also offers All-Age Fairy Bingo and all the rainbow merch. If you show up, you’re in!

Follow BJ’s Armani’s Facebook page and Instagram for upcoming shows. Interested in volunteering at the shows? Send an email to  [email protected]

Pride in Grand Forks: GSAs

Both public Grand Forks high schools offer a Gender Sexuality Alliance (formerly known as Gay Straight Alliance) groups led by advisors in the school. GSAs provide an environment in the schools that welcome Queer and Questioning teens in a safe, affirming community. We love that!

Pride in Grand Forks: UND Pride Center

The Pride Center for Gender & Sexuality is located in the Memorial Union on UND’s campus. The center works to foster a supportive campus community for queer and trans students, faculty, and staff. Programs such as Allyship in Action, Trans Guide to UND, and individual consulting are ways that the Pride Center is working towards an inclusive environment at UND. The crew also hosts relationship-building programming, such as trivia nights, weekly study table, LGTBQ+ Alumni Socials, and LGBTQ+ History.

Pride Mixer in Grand forks.

Pride in Grand Forks: PFlag

PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them, many of which include parents and caregivers. Greater Grand Forks PFLAG is currently the only chapter in North Dakota – very cool Grand Forks!

PFlag offers a peer support meeting on the second Tuesday of every month, from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Meetings include conversation and support, along with occasional guest speakers and topical training. The group is currently working on collecting a library of useful books, materials, and a list of local resources.

Pride in Grand Forks: Forx Sugar Beaters

Grand Forks has a Roller Derby team – YES! You read that correctly. This bada** group of women lace up their skates and slap on their helmets for some good ol’ fashioned roller derby. Roller Derby has historically provided community and belonging for Queer people, while offering space for a variety of styles, gender expressions, and sexualities.  The games are held at the Blue Line Club Arena with local food trucks and vendors galore. I’ve only recently attended my first game and will definitely be returning! This inclusive environment provides great entertainment and a family-like feel. Follow Forx Sugar Beaters on Facebook to keep up with their schedule!

Pride at Archives in Grand Forks.

Pride in Grand Forks: Archives Coffee House

Archives Coffee House is an LGBTQ+ owned business located in the heart of the University of North Dakota campus. The coffee house operates as a social business and offers the space for events and support to groups in the community. Archives works at creating a safe, welcoming space on campus while celebrating and  hosting events for Pride alongside the Queer community. Check out Archives for delicious coffee, friendly environment, and a variety of events!

Grand Forks is full of groups, events, and spaces that offer community and belonging to LGBTQ+ folks and allies. Some may not think of North Dakota as a particularly queer-friendly state, yet I can say I’m proud of the effort of Grand Forks to encourage people to be fully themselves and feel safe in our city.

Tractor at Halloween fall pumpkin patch in Grand Forks.


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'What's Cooler Today?' Author Molly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Molly Haagenson (she/her) moved to Grand Forks in August 2019 from western ND.  Molly works as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at United Lutheran Church, as well as organizes events at Archives Coffee House. She strives to equip people to live out their faith, especially through service and advocacy in the community.  She is passionate about cultivating community across generations, while uplifting art and music! In her free time, you can find Molly walking on the Greenway, enjoying a brew at Half Bros, or pursuing her newfound hobby of watercolor painting. Molly looks forward to sharing the many things that make Grand Forks so great!

MORE FROM MOLLY

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