Reno Gay Pride - History

The state of Nevada made history when Governor Bob Miller became the first Governor in the United States to sign a statewide Gay Pride proclamation for Nevada in 1996. Kaye Crawford had the vision and dream of equality for all people and founded Reno Gay Pride in 1997.

Reno Gay Pride is the largest annual gathering of LGBT people in Northern Nevada - giving visibility to the community. Thousands of dollars are raised each year by local organizations and used for each of their individual causes - thanks to the continued efforts of Reno Gay Pride. The economic impact that Reno Gay Pride has on Northern Nevada directly benefits local business as they fill & swell with pride.

The LGBT Community has enjoyed this event for many years due to the hard work of so many dedicated people and the support of our marketing partners. Pride evolves each year and has received numerous requests to return to the cool breezes along the Truckee River at Wingfield Park.

Each year, we invite our parents, our friends, our kids and indeed everyone in our community to share our pride at this event.

Reno Gay Pride invites the community’s participation to help offset rising costs of street closures for the annual parade, insurance, park fees, Police and emergency services, by becoming a marketing partner, vendor, entertainer or just by coming down for a day of fun.
 

Reno Gay Pride 
Celebration Themes

1997 "One Community, Many faces" 

We came out of that closet in Reno for the first time in our lives and made the statement that, along with everyone else, we too belong in our community.

1998 "Pride in the Park"

We are here and proud of who we are.

1999 "Step off the Curb & March for Freedom."

During our first memorable parade, everyone was scared stiff in our march for freedom and equality that showed the community that we have the strength and intensity to stand up and be ourselves.

2000 "We Are Family"

We are aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers; we are family, and we belong!

2001 "Celebrate Diversity" 

We celebrate our diversity and yours.

2002 "A Wave Of Freedom"

We want the same freedom and equal rights as everyone else under our great Constitution of the United States of America.

2003 "Pride With Joy"

Shows our feelings through our sufferings in how we feel about our experiences in how far we have come.

2004 "Vote With Pride"

Is what we did in greater numbers than ever before. We are being noticed.

2005 "Power Of Pride"

Lets everyone know that we stand up for our rights, stand tall, and march proudly with the power of being able to do so.

2006 "Ten Years of Pride" 

Celebrating a milestone in recognition of a decade of accomplishment.

2007 "United With Pride"

Uniting the colors of pride.

2008 "Live, Love & Laugh with Pride."

 The Gay Pride Rainbow Flag

This symbol was the creation of Gilbert Baker in response to local activists stating that the community needed a symbol of unity, and was unveiled during the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Festival in 1978.

Its design was actually inspired by the earlier black civil rights and "hippie" movements. And today, even the International Association of Flag Manufacturers has acknowledged the flag.

The rainbow flag has become the most visible icon of the GLBT community, and is a symbol that is recognized worldwide. The community has united with pride, determination and diversity under its colors.

Each color of the flag was designed to have a different meaning:

Red:             Life

Orange:        Healing

Yellow:         Sun

Green:          Nature

Blue:            Harmony

Violet:          Spirit