| (Huntsville, AL, January 27, 2016)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Huntsville, Alabama on February 4. The event, co-hosted by the True Colors Fund, will be held at the Alabama A&M University, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Building 0870, 4900 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, Alabama, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
#RuralPride is a partnership between NCLR and USDA that challenges the stereotype that LGBTQ people only live in metropolitan areas by raising awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBTQ rural communities. The partnership includes a series of summits being organized across the country to elevate the voices of LGBTQ people and families in rural communities, explore how these communities are particularly vulnerable, and discuss federal policy changes that can increase equality and access for rural LGBTQ people and their families. The #RuralPride summits center on LGBTQ experiences in rural America, including increased rates of economic insecurity, lack of family and nondiscrimination protections, the relationship between LGBTQ and faith communities, and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBTQ youth and rural LGBTQ people of color. The issues being addressed at the Huntsville summit include: marriage and LGBTQ families after Obergefell; LGBTQ youth; poverty and economic security; and how race and religion intersect with LGBTQ identities. Panelists will include local advocates, attorneys and LGBTQ youth who will share their experiences and discuss ways to work together to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in Alabama. This event is free and open to the public. Register here. Learn more about #RuralPride.
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