History
TriPride was formed in October 2017, but has been brewing for quite a while longer. The consensus was that the time was right for the Tri-Cities, Tennessee to host their own Pride event. Leveraging the LGBTQ social network, a few folks got together and came up with a plan of action.
Basing our organization heavily off of Knoxville Pride’s example, we developed our charter and applied for our non-profit status. TriPride’s leadership is a diverse group of folks from the Tri-Cities that share a common vision — a great Pride event in the Tri-Cities. Learn more about TriPride’s board below.
TriPrideTN, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charity formed in 2017 whose purpose is to organize and present a free community Pride parade and festival. The parade and festival event is the primary tool the organization uses to further its mission: building a stronger and more inclusive community across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. In September 2018, TriPride held the Pride parade and festival — the first of its kind in the Tri-Cities — hosted in Founders Park, Johnson City, Tennessee. Over 10,000 people gathered for the festivities. The parade featured the largest contingency in Johnson City’s history. In 2019, TriPride was held in downtown Kingsport, Tennessee. An estimated 10,000 came to the event throughout the day. Over 1,100 people marched in the parade representing 72 contingencies and 110 festival exhibitors were present. Organizers and volunteers are currently planning the next TriPride Parade and Festival.
We are partnering with local businesses and chambers of commerce to build a lasting organization so the Tri-Cities can have a great Pride every year! Learn how to get involved here.
News & Accolades
2019
‘Look how far we’ve come’: TriPride 2019 – East Tennessean
2020
‘A Good Place For Pride:’ TriPride plans first two-state LGBTQ pride event in nation – Johnson City Press
TriPride Parade and Festival to be held in Kingsport – Times News
2022
TriPride parade, festival brought an estimated 13K people to Bristol Saturday – Bristol Herald Courier
Bristol TriPride Festival makes history, takes place in 2 states simultaneously – WCYB News 5
2023
Voted #2 for Best Festivals (music, art, and fair category) in Bristol, TN in 2023 – Bristol Herald Courier
TriPride returns to Johnson City – WCYB News 5
10 About Town: Where to celebrate Pride Month in East Tennessee – WBIR News 10
2024
TriPride announces details for 2024 parade and festival – WCYB News 5
‘Color Appalachia with Pride’: TriPride announces this year’s festival theme, location – WJHL 11
Executive Council
Justin Hall
president@tripridetn.org
Jacob Besseck
vicepresident@tripridetn.org
Terry Marek
treasurer@tripridetn.org
Sarah Rovere
secretary@tripridetn.org
Autumn Baggett-Griggs
marketing@tripridetn.org
Fellow Board Members
Khalid El-Shabazz
entertainment@tripridetn.org
Lori Suttles
kidzone@tripridetn.org
Carrie Holt
volunteers@tripridetn.org