Grand Rapids Signs Pride Month Proclamation Ahead of Festival

Grand Rapids is officially kicking off Pride Month with a strong message of support and recognition for its LGBTQ+ community.

On Tuesday June 10th, the Grand Rapids City Commission signed a proclamation designating June 2025 as Pride Month. The move aligns with celebrations happening across West Michigan, as communities gather to uplift and honor LGBTQ+ voices, history, and contributions.

The proclamation highlighted the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on the city, reading in part:

“The contributions of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and all other related individuals are vital to the rich cultural, economic, and social fabric of Grand Rapids, and they deserve to feel safe, free from discrimination, and able to live without fear of harassment.”

Third Ward Commissioner Marshall A. Kilgore, who is the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ commissioner, was present for the announcement and spoke about how meaningful this moment is for him personally.

While he acknowledged how far the community has come from years past, Commissioner Kilgore also emphasized that the work isn’t over for the LGBTQ+ community. Visibility, safety, and equality remain at the forefront.

The announcement comes just ahead of Grand Rapids’ 37th annual Pride Festival, scheduled for June 21 and 22. The festival has long been a cornerstone event for the city and is expected to draw thousands of attendees downtown for music, celebration, and community.

Up Next: the 2025 West Michigan Pride Guide ⬇️

Whether you’ve been to every Pride in GR or are planning to attend your first, this year’s events carry a renewed sense of purpose (and a reminder that progress is worth celebrating.)