TRUCKEE, Calif. – Truckee Pride Week is back—and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and built to last. 

The all-volunteer effort returns June 1–8 with a weeklong slate of events celebrating the LGBTQIA2S+ community. But organizers say the work doesn’t stop there. What began as a single week of visibility has grown into a year-round movement for inclusion, connection, and belonging in the mountains.

“Last year’s Pride blew us away—the love and support from this town was incredible,” David Mack, co-founder and lead organizer of Truckee Pride, said. “We’re so proud to create space for queer joy in the mountains, and we can’t wait to welcome even more people this year.”

More than 2,500 people participated in last year’s events, and the group used funds raised to send a local queer teen to summer camp. This year, organizers hope to expand that impact with more community engagement through free events during Pride Week and beyond.

A full schedule is available at http://www.truckeepride.org, and includes everything from yoga and biking meetups to a rainbow fun run, climbing sessions, film screenings, and parties.

Among the most anticipated events is The Queer Ascent, a dance party hosted by drag queen and environmentalist Patti Gonia. Amanda Denz, a volunteer and lead organizer of the party, promises an unforgettable night of music, performance, and celebration.

Denz is one of about 50 volunteers currently organizing Pride Week through a WhatsApp planning thread. Each person contributes their skills to make the event possible, she said.

“I believe deeply that, especially in today’s climate, it’s essential to create spaces where queer people feel safe, welcome, and celebrated. Pride isn’t just about visibility—it’s about joy, connection, and belonging,” Denz said. 

She’s also looking forward to the community picnic and film screening on Wednesday, and the bystander intervention training on Thursday, which she called a “critical educational piece” for both queer people and allies.

Truckee Pride was born out of a simple idea in 2024, sparked by Mack’s desire to create more visibility and connection in the community.

“David was the spark behind Truckee Pride’s launch last year—he saw the need, took initiative, and the response was incredible,” Denz said. “Once it was in motion, it became clear that this town was ready to rally behind an event that uplifts queer visibility and fosters inclusion.”

That sense of purpose is now part of a broader mission.

“Our mission is to meaningfully bring together communities and have a positive impact on wellbeing,” Mack said. “I hope we continue to find more ways to reach more people, and are able to provide events they enjoy and leave feeling more connected.”

Truckee Pride’s work has taken on added urgency. A 2022 regional health study found that LGBTQ+ residents in North Lake Tahoe experience higher rates of isolation, housing insecurity, and lack of community connection. Through inclusive, year-round programming, organizers aim to change that.

Truckee Pride continues to build a future where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or background—feels welcome in the mountains.