We are more than an annual pride festival.
Sylva Pride works year round to increase access and visibility in our local queer community.
Our Mission
Sylva Pride is dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the experiences of our LGBTQ+ community throughout western North Carolina.
Our Vision
Sylva Pride is an inclusive organization that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities across Western North Carolina. Our aim is to encourage LGBTQ+ pride and visibility while recognizing the rich queer history that Western North Carolina has always had in this region by empowering local organizing. While our annual Pride event will be the focus of our work, we strive to provide several events through the year to maintain visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages.
The first Sylva Pride started just three years ago in 2021. Founded by a small team including Travis Rountree, Sarah Steiner, Burgin Mackey, Sarah Hirsch, Worth LaRose, and Sarah LaRose.
Sylva Pride- as an organization- was founded just months before we threw the first ever Sylva Pride festival on September 4th 2021. The first festival included a parade on Main Street, live music, family-friendly drag shows, local vendors, on-site T-shirt printing, and more! It has only grown in the years since.