The Savannah Pride Center, located in Savannah, Ga., provides continuous support through therapy, support groups, and assistance with medical care for their community. According to the center’s executive director, Micheal Bell, pride is about strengthening the community, though he noted there’s more to be tackled this year than ever before.
“We have the highest increase in new HIV cases in the nation,” Bell stated. “Our healthcare standing is among the lowest, yet we have a large, vibrant, diverse LGBTQ+ community. While there’s much work to be done, it’s just as important to celebrate our diversity.”
In recent developments, the Savannah Pride Center announced a collaboration with the Savannah Police Department. This cooperation emerged following the tragic murder of one of the center’s volunteers, fostering a newfound relationship between the center and law enforcement.
“With the police department, we have an opportunity to train the police on pronouns, history and culture with the LGBTQ+ community,” Bell Said “This is the biggest step forward that our community has taken to protect our LGBTQ+ community here in Savannah.”
The Savannah Pride Center will host an event on June 28 at Starland Yard to honor the history of the Stonewall Uprising. They emphasize that pride is ultimately about coming together and being stronger as a community.
The city of Savannah recognizes June and October as Pride Months due to June being the start of hurricane season.
