Mission, Vision, and Core Values
YAKIMA PRIDE
Our Mission
Driving positive change for the LGBTQ+ community in the Yakima Valley and Central Washington by educating, elevating, honoring, and celebrating through transformative cultural experiences, powerful advocacy, and a commitment to a brighter future.
Our Vision
Through unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and cultural celebration, Yakima Pride will be a driving force in realizing this vision. Together, we will create a world where diversity is not just tolerated, but cherished.
Equality reigns: No individual faces discrimination or prejudice based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.
Barriers are shattered: Systemic and societal hurdles that obstruct LGBTQ+ progress are dismantled, paving the way for full inclusion and acceptance.
Voices soar: The vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences is woven into the fabric of our community, celebrated and amplified through powerful advocacy and transformative cultural expression.
Art ignites change: Arts and culture become catalysts for understanding, empathy, and social progress, fostering a society where everyone can live authentically and proudly.
Diversity thrives: The rich mosaic of LGBTQ+ identities is embraced as a source of strength, resilience, and inspiration, enriching our community and propelling us towards a brighter future.
Our Core Values
Self Expression:
Embracing and celebrating the diverse spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions within the LGBTQ+ community. This translates to creating spaces where individuals feel comfortable exploring and living authentically, without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Liberation and Empowerment:
Working towards a future where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive in all aspects of life. This involves advocating for equal rights and opportunities in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and housing. It also means supporting personal growth and empowerment through resources, mentorship, and community building.
Holistic Wellbeing:
Recognizing the unique challenges and experiences faced by the LGBTQ+ community and providing support for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This includes access to culturally competent healthcare, trauma-informed services, and safe spaces for healing and support.
Openness and Understanding:
Fostering a culture of openness and understanding within the broader community, through education, dialogue, and cultural exchange. This aims to break down barriers and misconceptions, creating a society where acceptance and respect reign.
Connection with Nature:
Recognizing the power of nature as a source of healing, inspiration, and connection for LGBTQ+ individuals. This value encourages activities and programs that facilitate connection with the natural world, fostering individual well-being and a sense of belonging.
Joy and Celebration:
Cultivating joy, celebration, and a sense of community through transformative cultural experiences and events. This value emphasizes the importance of shared experiences, creativity, and finding moments of joy in the fight for equality.
Community and Belonging:
Fostering a strong sense of community, belonging, and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. This value prioritizes creating safe spaces, fostering connections, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported within the organization and the broader community.
Authenticity:
Championing the freedom to live authentically as one's true self, regardless of societal norms or expectations. This value emphasizes self-acceptance, personal growth, and celebrating the unique spirit of each individual in the LGBTQ+ community.
Our Inspiration
Creator of the LBTG Rainbow Flag
ABOUT GILBERT BAKER
1978. 8 Color Flag
COLOR MEANINGS
Born with eight colors, the original rainbow flag carried specific meanings for each, as designed by Gilbert Baker. However, the iconic six-stripe version we know today arose not from symbolism, but practicality.
Following the assassination of Harvey Milk in 1978, demand for the flag surged. Finding hot-pink fabric proved difficult, so Baker's employer, Paramount Flag Company, offered a seven-stripe version using readily available rainbow fabric.
1979. 6 Color Flag
COLOR MEANINGS
In 1979, another adaptation was needed. When hung vertically on San Francisco's lampposts, the central stripe vanished behind the post. To solve this, the flag was redesigned with an even number of stripes, resulting in the six-color version celebrated today: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.