WNY LGBTQ+ Pride & Wellness 5K is back, kicking off Pride season in WNY

Niagara Pride Press Release

Now in its fourth year, the WNY LGBTQ+ Pride & Wellness 5K event is returning to kick off Pride season in WNY. The 5K is a fun run/walk designed to bring together the whole community in a showing of support and inclusion, as well as promoting wellness.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. – with a 5K start time of 10 a.m. May 10 at SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn. The 5K participation fee is $35 for adults and $20 for students with ID. Preregistration is available at www.niagarapride.org/wnypride5k. Day-of registration for the 5K is also available.

The WNY LGBTQ+ Pride & Wellness 5K is the only local Pride event with a dedicated focus on LGBTQ+ health and well-being in all WNY. The goal of the 5K is to share information about LGBTQ+ providers, services, and affirming care.

New in 2025 will be the introduction of community presentations by local subject matter experts on a variety of topics impacting the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Additionally, WNY Shopping with Pride is back as a dedicated shopping village, where attendees can purchase items from local LGBTQ+ and ally vendors, artisans, crafters and businesses.

This year, Niagara Pride’s goal is to raise $30,000 to establish and operate the first and only dedicated LGBTQ+ youth drop-in program in Niagara County. LGBQT+ youth are at higher risks of depression, anxiety, and substance use compared to their straight counterparts. LGBTQ+ youth also experience higher rates of bullying. According to a 2019 Trevor Project study, every 45 seconds in the U.S., an LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 13 and 21 attempts suicide. The drop-in program is an effort to create a safe and affirming space, where kids can come and feel welcome and accepted while mitigating the factors that can lead to depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide.

Organizations, businesses and agencies wishing to be vendors at the event can sign up at www.niagarapride.org/2025vendorinfo.

More information about these and other Pride festivals and events can be found at www.niagarapride.org/seasonofpride2025.

Niagara Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY. For more information about Niagara Pride and its services/events, check out its website at www.niagarapride.org, email [email protected], or visit on Facebook (Niagara Pride [serving all of WNY] ).