Pride is powerful—but so is purpose.
Join us for Pride & Wrath, brought to you by Civic Saturday Fellows Ben Bisbee, Sarah Fink, Gabe Minson, and Jenna Eastman! Pride & Wrath is a bold celebration of Akron’s Pride season and the debut LGBTQIA+ edition of Civic Saturday Akron. Part rally, part community fair, part call to action, this one-of-a-kind event offers a joyful space to channel both your love for community (Pride) and your hunger for meaningful change (Wrath).
Together, we’ll gather as a diverse and empowered community at the Akron Main Library to connect, learn, and activate across every corner of Summit County. Whether you're a longtime advocate or just starting to explore your civic superpowers, you'll find real, doable ways to get involved in a better, stronger tomorrow.
What to Expect:
A Civic Engagement Gallery featuring 20+ local orgs with ways to plug in—from voting to volunteering, from community pantries to community gardening.
The 1st Annual Akron Envy Awards - created to honor the LGBTQIA+ people who aren’t always on the marquee or the head of an organization—but those who make civic life in Akron more just, joyful, and deeply queer.
Opening remarks from Akron LGBTQIA+ leaders and changemakers
Fran Wilson - Akron's Ward 1 City Council Candidate
Amanda Cole - Executive Director, Plexus LGBTQ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
Live performances by local queer artists, musicians, and drag/burlesque talent
Xposyur - spoken word artist, lyricist, and queer hip-hop artist
Breakout spaces to reflect, share, and strategize
The Social Good Graffiti Room
Organizing sessions on canvassing, advocacy, and writing your reps with focus, fire and clarity
Free snacks and water (because community care is also about having snacks)
Our Goal:
To help every attendee leave with at least one new, tangible way to channel their Pride into civic action, because showing up matters, especially when our rights, lives, and futures are on the line. This isn’t a town hall. This is a launchpad.
Looking to become involved? Check out our engagement options below or reach out to Ben Bisbee (benbisbee@txakron.org) for other options or interest.
RSVP for free tickets
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
Host a Booth
If you're a business or organization that offers a powerful community benefit or opportunity that benefits the community--and especially the LGBTQIA+ community--please apply for a booth today! Spaces are limited.It’s free, easy, and a great way to connect with attendees to invite them to learn more about your organization and how to become more involved. You can fill out the Engagement Booth sign-up here.
Become a Civic Ally
We’re also inviting organizations and groups to sign on as Civic Allies—supporters who champion LGBTQIA+ civic life and community connection. It’s not about money—it’s about standing up and standing with us. Interested in learning more? You can fill out the Civic Ally sign-up here.
Nominate Someone for a 2025 Akron Envy Award
We're debuting the Akron Envy Awards to celebrate civic-minded LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies who make Akron better. Got someone in mind? Learn more here and nominate someone!