Mid-South Pride

Driven by Community | Powered by Pride

Our Story

Mid-South Pride is a 100% volunteer-based, community-driven organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and its partners through community events, activities, entertainment, and celebrations of diversity.

Mid-South Pride produces several events throughout the year and coordinates official Pride-related events in order to inspire, educate, commemorate and unify the diverse communities that make up the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to produce events and celebrations that unify our communities, preserve our history, advance our pursuit of equal rights, and promote a better quality of life for current and future generations.

We are inspired by those who led before us, and motivated by our vision of a future where all LGBTQ+ citizens can proudly express who they are without fear of discrimination, and where social, cultural, and legal equality is guaranteed to all humankind.

Associations

Mid-South Pride is a member of InterPride, (International Association of Pride Organizers) and IFEA, (International Festival and Events Association.)

Funding

We are a non-profit organization. Any surplus funds we raise are used to support the LGBTQ community and produce future events.

We are 100% self-sufficient and do not rely on public funding. Our operations and events are made possible by the support of individuals, businesses, and socially responsible organizations.

Our History

From a humble picnic in 1976, to the painful and triumphant journeys of those who paved the way for the rest of us, Mid-South Pride shares a common history with the Memphis LGBTQ+ community itself.

The success and freedoms we enjoy today were made possible by a series of hard-won battles fought by resourceful community members, many of whom aren't even here to enjoy it with us. We consider it a privilege to walk in their footsteps, and we hope that the work we do today will honor their legacy and inspire others to serve with passion.
Read Our History

Leadership

The achievements of Mid-South Pride would not be possible without the support of our community and the commitment of an all-volunteer board of directors. We are dedicated to creating spaces for people of all walks of life and all identities to participate. I you are interested in becoming a member of our board or one of our sub-committees, please contact us or attend one of our open meetings and introduce yourself!

Vanessa

Vanessa Rodley

President, Festival Director, Co Director Marketing and Media
Jennifer

Jennifer Murry-Rodley

Co Vice-President, Entertainment Director
Briana Siebert Board Member

Brianna Helms

Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator
Kelley Carpenter

Kelly Carpenter

Co-Directory of Media and Marketing
Board member Ronald Kent

Ronald Kent

Member at Large
Board Member Cristin Smith

Cristin Smith

Member at Large
board member max

Max Helms

Member at Large
board member stephanie wicker

Stephanie Wicker

Treasurer
Christa

Christa Gilliland

Co Vice President
Daniel

Daniel Thompson

Member at Large
Dabney2

Dabney Ring

Member at Large
Demarcus

DeMarcus Jones

Member at Large
Avatar

Jr Stone

Member at Large