OUR IMPACT

EverRise Culture & Community, formerly known as FR Pride, has a rich history of advocacy, representation, and cultural celebration. While we continue to diversify our programming, we take great pride in being the inaugural organization to honor National Coming Out Day in our region. Additionally, we hosted the first Drag Queen Story Hour on the East Coast of Massachusetts, paving the way for other organizations to create safe, inclusive, and celebratory spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. These milestones exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where self-expression is embraced and diversity is uplifted.

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

October 11th commemorates the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights and has been adopted as a day to celebrate the power of identity and self-expression.

EverRise Culture & Community recognizes the significance of celebrating and preserving identity. Whether one identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or non-gender conforming, we believe in the importance of living authentically and pridefully. Aligned with our guiding principle—“Live Pridefully: Remain Alive + Full of Legitimate Sense of Self-Worth”—we hosted a celebration of identity in honor of National Coming Out Day. We encourage everyone, regardless of orientation, to share their stories, foster community, and advocate for equality, ensuring that every voice is heard, valued, and respected.

“Pride is not just an opportunity for celebration and community but, it’s also a call to action. If you identify as LGBTQ+, I challenge you to place yourself in uncomfortable spaces and hold uncomfortable or challenging conversations. Conversations where you help promote an understanding of who we are. I challenge you to make yourself vulnerable to strangers to help educate and eliminate prejudice. Share your story, share your successes, and most importantly, share your HUMANITY.”

- Nikita L. Valencia, MPH | Founder & Executive Director

Drag Queen Story Hour

As parents, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and avid readers, we sought to establish a new tradition of inclusivity by collaborating with our local library to host Drag Queen Story Hour. Our goal was to provide children and families with the opportunity to hear stories that promote values of acceptance and inclusion in a safe and supportive environment. These milestones exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where self-expression is embraced and diversity is uplifted.