Mission Statement

Sioux Falls Pride serves the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas by fostering growth, inclusivity and equality to our proud members and allies. We have a passion for creating a community which empowers youth, provide support for all and welcome diversity. Through ongoing efforts, Sioux Falls Pride continues to be a thriving organization proudly providing support to our beloved LGBTQ2s+ community.

History

Sioux Falls Pride first took place in mid-2000 and was then hosted by the Center for Equality in Sioux Falls. The Center for Equality, now known as Sioux Falls Pride, was the leading LGBTQ focused non-profit organization that provided services, support and advocated for the LGBTQ community of Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. In addition to community services, the Center for Equality also worked alongside organizations like the ACLU of South Dakota to defeat anti-LGBT legislation like HB 1008 which targeted transgender youth in South Dakota.

Today

A passion for kindness, inclusion and dedication. Sioux Falls Pride had humble beginnings with the first festival welcoming around 1,000 patrons. Over the last several years the festival has grown to welcome nearly 10,000 visitors from all over the region. In addition to growth in attendance, Sioux Falls Pride has expanded festival offerings by growing family-friendly events, adding in Pride Week and diversifying marketing and community engagement efforts. In the last few years, multiple local businesses have even started their own Pride events. Most recently, Sioux Falls Pride has grown to include a Pride Parade through Downtown Sioux Falls. The inaugural parade was held in June 2019. 

On June 20th, 2020, Sioux Falls Pride celebrated 20 Years of Pride!

In light of the pandemic, a smaller gathering was held at Sioux Falls City Hall where our attendees proudly flew their pride flags over City Hall. 

The gathering lasted approx. 1 hour starting at 9AM and ending at 10AM.

At the 2020 Visibility Gathering, Councilperson Pat Starr read the proclamation of Pride Month in Sioux Falls signed by Mayor Paul TenHaken.

Sioux Falls Pride Committee and Board Members stood proud flying pride flags outside City Hall in recognition of the visibility of the LGBTQA+ community.