Our Impact

DeLand Pride began in 2016 as a response to the Pulse tragedy in Orlando Florida in June of that year. We started as an online community to help foster social connection among the LGBTQ Community and their allies in and around DeLand Florida.

In 2017, Support Volusia took over management of DeLand Pride and worked to expand networking opportunities from online to in person through monthly community meet-ups and events.

2018 saw the debut of the DeLand Pride Pageant, now called the Volusia Pride Pageant. Our reigning Mister and Miss (and now Mx!) are dedicated to supporting our community through community service and youth empowerment!

In 2019, we launched our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program, starting with the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive. Over the next few years the Neighbors Helping Neighbors annual initiatives have grown to include Feets and Seats Undergarment Drive, Holiday Helpers Christmas Gift Drive, Wasserman Art Grants, and Pride 4 Paws Pet Supply Drive.

To date, we have donated over $30,000 in cash and supplies to various Community Organizations in West Volusia County.

2019 also brought the launch of our Youth Outreach Program!

In 2020, our annual Block Party was re-envisioned as the Love is Love Pride Fest and was the last event we held before the global shutdown due to COVID.

In late 2020, we took over management of the Volusia Flagler Rainbow Alliance Scholarship Program. We took on the task of modernizing the application and eligibility and expanding the available funding sources to support the growth of the scholarship program. The program has expanded from awarding 6 scholarships in 2021 to awarding 28 scholarships in 2024.

During the shut down, our Board used the downtime to refocus our organization and build a long term plan for the future.

Lake Helen Pride was formed and joined our organization in June of 2021. This was the first step toward our redevelopment as Volusia Pride!

2022 brought a lot of firsts!

We received our first Pride Month Proclamation from the City of DeLand.

Our organization welcomed the new Daytona Pride Chapter, bringing our chapter total to three!

We opened our first brick and mortar office which provided us private space to meet and work and gave us prime visibility in the heart of Downtown DeLand.

The DeLand Pride Pageant added the MX Category, opening up opportunities for anyone, regardless of how they present themselves, to compete for a DeLand Pride Crown and represent Volusia County in the Pride Community!

2024 saw the launch of Volusia Pride’s inclusive re-brand. This re-brand was an opportunity to embrace the growing support and commitment to the wider Volusia County Community outside of DeLand!

The name of the game for 2024 is “GROWTH”.

We are rounding out 2024 by opening our first Volusia Pride Community Center.

Our aim is to empower individuals, celebrate diversity, and promote equality through a variety of programs, events, and resources.

Volusia Pride is focused on expanding our impact and reach by enhancing our advocacy efforts, increasing community engagement, and growing its physical presence.

Volusia Pride also aims to launch new programs that address the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community, including mental health support, youth mentorship, and community education. We aim to grow our new Community Center into a hub for resources, events, and support services, ensuring that Volusia Pride remains a vital and thriving force for years to come.