Main Spotlight: Beyond Pride — Creating an Inclusive Main Street Year-Round

Main Takeaways

1. Pride month is an important opportunity to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and examine the resources and programs you offer.
2. Providing year-round support for the LGBTQ+ community will make your district more welcoming and inclusive.
3. Main Streets have a key role to play in creating more inclusive communities.
4. By meeting people where they are, opening conversations, and boldly sticking to your values, you can make lasting change.

“We're your neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc,” says Chad Banks, director of Downtown Rock Springs. As an openly gay man, he knows a lot about the importance of building an inclusive community. “I think it shows those still struggling with living authentically that there is acceptance in our community and hopefully makes it just a little less scary,” said Chad Banks.

“To me, Main Street is more than just helping our stakeholders make money – it is about making our district a better place,” said Steve Frevert, executive director of Historic Valley Junction in Iowa. Pride month is a fantastic opportunity to show that support, but Main Streets should welcome and support the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

Loud and Proud in June

“In the face of hatred, violence and stereotypes - it’s important to gather LBGTQ+ people and allies to celebrate the contributions and humanity of LBGTQ+ people,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford in Maine. She sees her organization as a convener and facilitator during Pride. They amplify the regional Dine Out fundraiser, partnering with a local group to raise the Pride Flag in City Square, and providing Progress Pride decals for local businesses.

Being loud and proud doesn’t have to be literal, though. “Pride can look different and unique in your community, just like your community is unique,” said Chad Banks. “Your Pride doesn't have to be a big parade you might see on the news or in the big cities. Make your celebration and approach fit your own community. It can grow from there.” Meeting people where they are is the first step in creating incremental change.

Year-Round Support

“Belonging is a fundamental human need that transcends all socio-economic backgrounds,” said Kyle Reynolds, Coordinator of the Orlando Main Streets program. “It is important to us that Pride is not something we only celebrate in June, but something we celebrate all year long.” Mills 50, an Orlando Main Streets program and 2023 GAMSA semi-finalist, certainly exemplifies that attitude.

“An LGBTQ+ community found their home here in the 1990's, with gay bars, specialty shops, bookstores and Gay Community Services (now The Center Orlando) finding a space in the district,” said Mills 50 Executive Director Joanne Grant. The district is filled with public art celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, including murals honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Delilah Poupore places relationship-building at the heart of their year-round inclusion efforts. “We're in contact with many LBGTQ+ individuals who are elected or city officials, own businesses, run non-profits, or have LBGTQ+ kids,” she said. “They know that Heart of Biddeford will amplify events or projects that they sponsor -- not just during Pride month.”

“We will go out of our way to support LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses, and we are not alone,” said Steve Frevert. “We’re open about being allies; we have Pride flags in the office, a sign in the window, Inclusive photos on our social media.”

Downtown Rock Springs supports a variety of partner-led events to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, including a local bookstore that hosts a monthly social event, a local pastor who leads LGBTQ+ Community and Faith discussions, and series of Drag for a Cause events. On their website, they prominently feature a page explaining their stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and highlighting welcoming businesses.

Main Streets Making Change

Main Streets have a crucial role to play in building inclusive communities. Programs can be advocates and leaders, encouraging businesses, community groups, and local government to adopt more inclusive attitudes and policies. “Become involved with LGBTQ organizations! Ask LGBTQ leaders what is needed in their community!” said Joanna Grant.

“As we know in the Main Street movement, change often starts with small ripples and we can have an impact by starting the ripple,” said Chad Banks. “We should also educate our business owners, community leaders and volunteers about the why: why we should be inclusive - not only does it make economic sense, but it adds to the tapestry of our communities.”

“Make it known that you are a welcoming organization, committed to being in alliance with LBGTQ+ folks,” said Delilah Poupore. “Get a group together to brainstorm ways to communicate that the community is diverse and welcoming. She encourages Main Streets to include intersectionality in these conversations and consider the unique struggles that some groups face. “If we say Main Street is for Everyone – we need to think in terms of equity, not just equality,” she said.

As part of a community-led movement, Main Street programs need to start by meeting people where they are. “You know your community and what they will ‘tolerate/accept’,” said Chad Banks. “If you're looking to be supportive to the LGBTQ+ community, make sure you're engaging that community and involving them on what that looks like.”

You will likely face pushback, but this can be an opportunity to reach new people and share the reasons behind your actions. “Not every business will agree with you or take a public stand, but you might be surprised how many will,” said Steve Frevert. “If you stay silent, hate wins.”

This Pride Month, we encourage you to take an honest look at your relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and find new ways to welcome and support everyone. “Pride means visibility, acceptance, support, recognition, encouragement, and celebration,” said Steve Frevert. “Of course, this is what every person deserves.”

SnowShoe, a Main Street America Allied Member, is this quarter's Main Spotlight advertiser. For more information about what they do to support Main Street organizations, click here >