EVENTS
Our events are where the work meets the people.
Whether it’s a Pride gathering, a town hall, or a conversation in a church basement, these moments help us grow the movement and remind each other what we’re fighting for. If you’ve been looking for a way in, this is a good place to start.
STATEWIDE PRIDE SCHEDULE
Pride in West Virginia is personal.
Every celebration tells a story about who we are and what we’re building. Some towns host marches. Others hold concerts or cookouts. We keep a running schedule so you can see where Pride is happening and how to take part. Check back here for updates on the 2026 pride schedule.
If you’re planning something in your town, let us know. We want to help you make it a success.
ANNUAL GALA
Our annual Gala is a night to celebrate progress and fuel the work ahead.
It’s an evening of connection, reflection, and commitment to making West Virginia a more inclusive place for all. Join us as we honor the strides we’ve made and rally support for the challenges that remain. Your presence helps sustain our mission and amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ people across the state.
FAIRNESS DAY
Fairness Day at the Capitol
Fairness Day is when we take the work straight to the people in power. LGBTQ+ West Virginians and allies from across the state come together at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers, share their stories, and speak up for policies that protect everyone.
Upcoming Events
Fairness for All Day
Join Fairness West Virginia at the State Capitol for Fairness For All Day, our annual Lobby Day where LGBTQ+ West Virginians and allies come together to make our voices heard and defend the freedoms that belong to all of us.
This year’s theme, “Freedom Belongs to Everyone,” reminds us that liberty, dignity, and opportunity aren’t privileges for a select few. They are core West Virginia values, rooted in our state motto Montani Semper Liberi — “Mountaineers are always free.” Freedom only has meaning when everyone shares in it.
Why You Should Attend
Your lawmakers need to hear from you — their constituents, their neighbors, their community members. When we show up together, we protect local fairness law, defend LGBTQ+ youth, stop harmful bills, and advance policies that make our state safer and more inclusive.
Whether you are:
Brand new to advocacy,
Fired up about recent political attacks,
Someone who wants to support LGBTQ+ family and friends,
Or a seasoned volunteer wanting to make a bigger impact…
You belong here. No experience necessary—we’ll guide you every step of the way.
What to Expect
A rally celebrating the strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ West Virginians
A quick advocacy training to help you talk with your lawmakers
Opportunities to meet directly with Delegates and Senators
Community-led stories and testimonies
A chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people fighting for dignity and fairness
We’ll give you everything you need: talking points, fact sheets, schedules, and support.
Why It Matters
This legislative session will move fast, and LGBTQ+ rights are once again under threat. But the Fairness For All Day is where we turn frustration into action and hope into momentum. When everyday people show up, lawmakers listen. Together, we can protect our communities, strengthen our towns, and ensure that freedom truly belongs to everyone in West Virginia.
How to Participate
To get started, the first thing we need you to do is sign up using the form below. This helps us know you’ll be there, prepare materials for you, and schedule meetings with your lawmakers. It only takes a minute, and it makes a huge difference in helping us organize a powerful, coordinated event.
Protect Our Pride: Understanding the WV Legislature Workshop
Do you care about what happens in West Virginia, but feel confused, frustrated, or unsure how to make a difference? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate any of this by yourself.
Join Fairness West Virginia for a clear, practical, and empowering workshop that will give you the tools to understand how the Legislature works, where LGBTQ+ rights stand today, and how to talk to lawmakers in ways that actually move people. Whether you’re brand-new to advocacy or you’ve been following these issues for years, this session will break everything down in plain, accessible language.
In one training, you’ll learn:
How bills really move (or stall) in Charleston
The major LGBTQ+ policy issues shaping West Virginia right now
What motivates lawmakers and how to communicate through shared values
How to tell your story in a way that opens hearts instead of raising defenses
How to follow legislation in real time and make your voice heard
Practical, real-world steps you can take to protect your community this session
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to help, but I don’t know where to start,” this workshop is for you.
Come learn how to understand the process, talk about LGBTQ+ issues with clarity and compassion, and advocate in ways that actually make an impact. You’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stand up for your neighbors—and to make sure fairness, dignity, and freedom truly belong to everyone in West Virginia.
Click below to register and we’ll send you all the details you need to join us on Zoom.
Protect Our Pride: Understanding the WV Legislature Workshop
Do you care about what happens in West Virginia, but feel confused, frustrated, or unsure how to make a difference? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate any of this by yourself.
Join Fairness West Virginia for a clear, practical, and empowering workshop that will give you the tools to understand how the Legislature works, where LGBTQ+ rights stand today, and how to talk to lawmakers in ways that actually move people. Whether you’re brand-new to advocacy or you’ve been following these issues for years, this session will break everything down in plain, accessible language.
In one training, you’ll learn:
How bills really move (or stall) in Charleston
The major LGBTQ+ policy issues shaping West Virginia right now
What motivates lawmakers and how to communicate through shared values
How to tell your story in a way that opens hearts instead of raising defenses
How to follow legislation in real time and make your voice heard
Practical, real-world steps you can take to protect your community this session
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to help, but I don’t know where to start,” this workshop is for you.
Come learn how to understand the process, talk about LGBTQ+ issues with clarity and compassion, and advocate in ways that actually make an impact. You’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to stand up for your neighbors—and to make sure fairness, dignity, and freedom truly belong to everyone in West Virginia.
Click below to register and we’ll send you all the details you need to join us on Zoom.
2025 Annual Gala: A Night in Studio 54
Fairness West Virginia Institute is dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer West Virginians and their allies. Fairness presents an annual fundraiser gala each year in the fall to recognize and celebrate the progress toward full equality in the Mountain State.
Step into the glittering world of Studio 54 for a night of disco, decadence, and dazzling self-expression—all in support of LGBTQ+ civil rights! Dance beneath shimmering lights, sip cocktails in style, and celebrate a legacy of resilience and liberation with a community that knows how to party with purpose. From iconic fashion to electrifying music, this gala will transport you to an era where the night was limitless and everyone belonged. Don’t miss your chance to shine—grab your tickets and let’s make history on the dance floor!
We’re excited to see you at this year’s gala, A Night in Studio 54! Join us Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Embassy Suites in Charleston as we dance the night away. Doors open at 6 pm, dinner will be served at 7 pm. This is a black tie–optional event—so feel free to don your finest formalwear or let the theme inspire you! Channel the glam, glitz, and glitter of Studio 54 with bold colors, sequins, dramatic silhouettes, and vintage flair. Whether you’re serving elegance or disco extravaganza, come dressed to express. We’ll have food, music, dancing, and a silent auction. Together, we’ll turn up the sparkle, raise our voices, and keep the fight for equality burning as bright as the disco ball above us!
Charleston Pride Festival
SAVE THE DATE!
Get ready, Charleston—PRIDE IS COMING! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, because Rainbow Pride of WV is bringing THE event of the summer back to Slack Plaza in downtown Charleston!
Prepare for a day bursting with color, community, and unapologetic joy! From the streets lined with parade magic to a festival filled with electrifying performances, fierce drag, live music, and endless dancing—this is where the party meets purpose!
STAY TUNED for our BIG ANNOUNCEMENT WEEK, where we’ll spill all the tea on Pride Month events and reveal our festival headliners!
Tag your crew, start planning those fabulous fits, and get ready to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT!
Follow Rainbow Pride of WV on Facebook for more details as they are announced.
The Friendlier City Drag Show
Join The Friendlier City Project on Friday, June 06 at Waterfront Hall for a night of fun at the The Friendlier City Drag Show! We have five incredible drag performers Bella Lá Ball, Donatella, Odissa B. O’hara, Malacunt LaFoole and Gwendolyn P. Kollins.
Get your dancing shoes and tipping cash ready for a night of fun! We are shutting down the first floor of the best venue in town! Doors open at 9:30. 18+ ID Check.
$10 cover to support the Friendlier City Project Tickets available now online or at the door.
Check out the event on Facebook.
Shepherdstown Gay Pride Parade
Check out the event on Facebook, where more details will be announced.
Want to spread the word about your event?
We love to spread the word about how folks can get involved with community events across the state.