Two Cities, One Mission: Pride in Prattville and Montgomery
In a testament to unity and shared vision, Montgomery Pride United and Prattville Pride come together to serve the LGBTQ+ community within the neighboring cities of Montgomery and Prattville, Alabama. While Montgomery has been a beacon of support for over a decade, Prattville Pride marks its second year, forging a path through associated challenges to foster inclusion and visibility.
Collaboration Without Competition
The relationship between these Pride organizations has been characterized by collaboration, not competition. Prattville Pride held its festival on June 1 at Montgomery’s Evans Park, leveraging Montgomery’s more established infrastructure while Montgomery Pride United prepares for its events in October. This scheduling avoids overlap and takes advantage of cooler fall weather, demonstrating strategic planning catered to extending community benefit.
“We complement each other, not compete,” commented Caryl Lawson, vice president and co-founder of Prattville Pride. “We’re all here to serve the community and do the same work.”
Community Challenges: Acceptance and Resistance
Despite their proximity, Montgomery and Prattville experience different levels of acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Montgomery is often seen as more tolerant, with residents largely keeping to themselves and showing indifference towards others’ lifestyles. Prattville, however, has faced more overt resistance. In 2023, Prattville Pride’s inaugural event was met with protests, and public safety issues nearly prevented its participation in the 2024 Christmas parade until legal intervention allowed their inclusion.
Meta Ellis, director of Montgomery Pride United, noted that “We face some similar problems in Montgomery, but when it comes to parades and event spaces and things like that, that is one issue we don’t have.”
Advocating for Change: Addressing Discrimination
Montgomery Pride United dedicates significant effort to tackling discrimination, advocating for non-discrimination ordinances, and addressing legislative impacts on LGBTQ+ youth and teachers. Their push for a non-discrimination ordinance was rejected by the city council four years ago, highlighting ongoing challenges even within more accepting environments.
“We face a lot of discrimination issues that people really aren’t aware of,” Ellis shared. “It’s the elephant in the room.”
Prattville Pride’s Steps for Growth
Prattville Pride is taking steps towards growth and sustainability by galvanizing community involvement. They are building a strong organizational framework and fostering connections with other Pride organizations. This has already borne fruit, with Prattville Pride gaining national visibility through an appearance on “Good Morning America,” made possible by Montgomery Pride United.
Lawson stated, “It was because of our connection to Montgomery Pride United that our first festival gained a spot on national television.”
A Rare Asset: Bayard Rustin Community Center
One of Montgomery Pride United’s significant advantages is the Bayard Rustin Community Center, providing a dedicated space for gathering, support, and organization—a rarity among Alabama’s Pride organizations.
Darian Aaron, a Montgomery native and GLAAD’s director of local news for the US South, acknowledged the center’s significance. “The fact that [the center] exists now, it’s huge. It could make a difference in so many lives of queer people in Montgomery.”
Ensuring Safety in Celebrations
Safety remains a pressing concern for Pride celebrations, amid rising attacks on LGBTQ+ communities. Both organizations are engaged in discussions around security measures and selecting accessible yet safe event venues.
“We don’t want controversy. We just want to create safe spaces for our community,” Lawson emphasized. “It’s other people that create the controversy.”
Transition and Future Planning
Looking ahead, Meta Ellis plans to transition her role by 2025, allowing new leadership to step forward while she focuses on personal endeavors. This careful planning ensures continuity and future adaptability even as staff changes occur.
As these organizations advance their missions, they highlight both the progress and obstacles in achieving equality and understanding. Their collaborative efforts serve as a model for cultivating community interest and demonstrating local impact through shared goals and unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ communities in Montgomery and Prattville.
