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From Survival to Celebration: Yakima's Living LGBTQ+ History

Since the late 1980s

For over three decades, Yakima’s LGBTQ+ visionaries have cultivated spaces of belonging—from underground gatherings to public demonstrations. These pioneers laid the groundwork for our movement through radical love and unshakable solidarity.

2019: The Birth of an Institution

Yakima Pride formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, marking a new era of strategic community investment. Our inaugural Festival & Parade drew 1,300+ attendees, establishing an essential platform for visibility and celebration in Central Washington.

2020: Resilience in Action

When COVID-19 forced physical distance, we mobilized rapidly—pivoting to virtual programming and mutual aid networks. This crisis reinforced our core truth: Pride isn't seasonal, but a year-round commitment to community care.

2021–2022: The Power of Reconnection

Our triumphant return to Naches Parkway saw exponential growth—from 1,300 to 4,200+ attendees—demonstrating the community’s hunger for inclusive spaces post-isolation. Strategic partnerships amplified our impact across the Yakima Valley.

2023: Breaking Barriers

With 4,500+ participants, we transformed Naches Parkway into a vibrant testament to queer joy and intergenerational healing—the largest Pride celebration in regional history at the time.

2024: A Historic Leap Forward

Our move to State Fair Park accommodated 5,000+ attendees, symbolizing both our growth and the mainstreaming of LGBTQ+ visibility in Central Washington. This milestone reflected decades of groundwork by community elders and the energy of new generations.