OUR STORY

In June of 2018, Johnny Miller, Fernandina Beach Commissioner and Mayor, arranged to fly the gay pride flag over city hall for one week in acknowledgement and celebration of the Fernandina Beach LGBTQ+ community.  The flag flew for a week and then came down. We still have that flag with signatures from everyone who attended the impromptu flag lowering celebration.

In September 2018 the city commission passed a resolution that only allows for the federal, state and city flags to be flown over city hall.  During discussion at this meeting, several of us spoke about the importance of recognizing the LGBTQ+ community in Fernandina Beach. Each and every commissioner asked that instead of flying a flag we hold a Gay Pride Parade instead.  So, here we are.

Fernandina Beach Pride, Inc. was formed in January 2019 by a group of dedicated activists that believe the LGBTQ+ community in Fernandina Beach deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.  On June 8th and 9th 2019, we held the first Fernandina Beach Gay Pride Weekend that included a Saturday parade, daylong festival and Sunday faith services across the community.  It was the first of many future celebrations, activities, events, and outreach honoring our LGBTQ+ community.

Our vision is to create an inspiring and dedicated culture of support across our diverse community. We encourage fellowship and support among participating businesses, professionals, individuals and charitable pursuits in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities.

We foster communication, appreciation, celebration, education and mutual support among LGBTQ+ persons and the allied communities of Nassau County. Our aim is to provide positive role models in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities through mutual support and respect. We seek to unite the people of Nassau County in promoting the history, diversity, and future prosperity of the LGBTQ+ Community.

We have had nothing but positive feedback since holding our first event in 2019. As we asked for city approval for our 2023 event, everyone at the city’s special events committee commended us on the success of our event. We have had people come up to us and thank us for hosting such a fun, safe, family friendly, love filled event. We have had young teens tell us that it was the first time they have felt really open and safe and again, thanked us for making that happen.

We continue to have big plans for our community. As members of the Nassau Chamber of Commerce, we worked to create the first volunteer fair where over 40 local non-profits came and provided information about volunteering. We have awarded $5000 in scholarship funds for deserving LGBTQ Nassau County graduating Senior in 2021 and 2022 and will again provide scholarships in 2023. And, we are starting the first LGBTQ Youth Program where local LGBTQ teens can have a safe space to meet and enjoy time together.

Once again, to make this event possible, the Fernandina Beach Pride Committee, composed entirely of dedicated volunteers, is turning to the local community for support. We are pleased to provide opportunities for local businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals to support the LGBTQ community and strengthen our entire community through sponsorship and participation.