Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, in honor of Pride Month, we feature Macomb County Pride.

Benjamin Orjada is a proud and active member of Macomb County Pride. He describes the organization as an amazing community of individuals working together to drive meaningful and lasting change for the better in Macomb County.

Benjamin discovered Macomb County Pride after his partner’s passing. He is grateful to have joined the organization and has made many friends who offer support and shared experiences. He is also proud of their collective accomplishments, including passing a nondiscrimination ordinance in Sterling Heights.

Macomb County Pride was established in 2019 by a dedicated group of volunteers aiming to create a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and serve as a resource in Macomb County.

The organization hosts two significant events each year, including a picnic that will be held this year at Dodge Park in Sterling Heights on Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a DJ, dancing, food trucks, games and prizes. Macomb County Pride will also host its fourth annual Pride Fest on Saturday, August 17, from noon to 6 p.m. in downtown Mount Clemens, featuring performers and a street fair with a wide selection of vendors.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about how our events are family-friendly. There are many families and kids in the LGBTQ+ community, and we want to make sure there are opportunities for them to be involved,” said Carrie Gilchrist, president of Macomb County Pride. “We are welcoming for all. Our organization has many different cultural and religious backgrounds. We want to make sure people feel comfortable to be their whole selves.”

The organization wants to hold a third annual large-scale event and might have something ready for 2025. They are also planning more outreach and civically minded education programs.

Beyond events, Macomb County Pride works to make the LGBTQ+ community feel accepted, welcome and respected in their communities. For example, the organization actively encourages municipalities throughout Macomb County to honor Pride Month with resolutions and flag raisings each June.

“We would love it if every city in the county made a declaration for Pride Month,” said Gilchrist.

Macomb County Pride has also created a decal for business owners to display on their door or window that says everyone is welcome. They are currently building an online store where any business can purchase one for $5. The decals will allow the LGBTQ+ community to feel secure knowing they are walking into a business that will treat them well.

The organization is entirely run by volunteers, including its board of directors, and is a grassroots organization. Gilchrist credits Advancing Macomb and the expertise of their volunteer board for providing tools and resources to help support Macomb County Pride.

“We desperately need volunteers,” continued Gilchrist. “We have a volunteer form on our website. You can work at an event or serve on one of our committees, which is generally 2 to 3 hours per month. You can get as involved as you want, and we would love your help.”

The community can also support Macomb County Pride through sponsorships at annual events, attendance at events and financial support.

For more information about Macomb County Pride and how to get involved, visit  macombcountypride.com