Pride Foundation

Montana Student Leaders Awarded LGBTQ Scholarships!

Seven students from Missoula, Lewis and Clark and Gallatin counties have been awarded nearly $20,000 in educational scholarships, including $11,000 in community scholarships, by the Pride Foundation, a community foundation that awards grants and scholarships in the region.

Pride Foundation will give out $400,000 in combined scholarships for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and straight ally students – the highest amount in its history. Ninety-four scholars either from or studying in the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, will receive the funds.

One Montana community scholarship recipient, Paul Vestal, 29, just completed his second year of law school at the University of Montana and hopes to give back to the LGBTQ community as a civil rights attorney when he graduates.

“It is quite the honor to be a Pride Foundation scholarship recipient,” Vestal said. “Not only does the award confirm my commitment to the LGBTQ community, but it shows that the community also believes in me.”

All community funding decisions are made by local volunteers from around the state.  Tom Marsh, a graphic designer who also volunteers as the planning director of the Bozeman Pride Festival Celebration.

“It’s a huge privilege to be part of raising awareness and philanthropy for Pride Foundation all around Montana — but to be able to turn around in the same year and give $11,000 to LGBTQ Scholars — is just more evidence that we’re continually getting so much in return for the measure of effort we’re extending back toward regional expansion,” Marsh said, referencing the hiring of staff in all five states last year.  “I’m not only proud of Montana’s momentum in the last two years, but honored to be part of investing it right back into the future leaders in our community.”

The Montana students who are receiving scholarships are:

Kyle Brester’s hails from Missoula, MT. He plans to continue his education at the University of Montana this fall, pursuing a Bachelor degree in either Enviormental or Biological Sciences. An out bisexual, he is currently the co-president of his high schools Gay-Straight Alliance as well as a member of the NCBI Missoula’s Youth Forward program. Kyle has received High Honors at his high school and has been selected to represent Montana at the National Youth Science Fair. Kyle received the Pride Foundation Community Scholarship.

Robert Enoch is a gay male and a doctoral student pursuing a degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Montana in Missoula. He has worked with LGBTQ individuals in both community clinics and correctional facilities. He works as an intern at the Montana State Prison, where he strives to meet the unique mental health needs of numerous incarcerated gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Robert received the Associates in Behavorial Health Scholarship.

Christopher Gehring was born and raised in Helena, and is currently pursuing a sociology degree with an emphasis on HIV prevention and treatment at the University of Montana. His goal is to bring awareness to the unique issues HIV+ individuals face in rural community. Christopher identifies as gay and is currently involved with the Gay Men’s Task Force and is one of the founding members of MpowerMT. Christopher received the Pride Foundation Community Montana Scholarship.

Ryan Smith is a gay man who is inspired by the belief that medicine can foster equity. Like many LGBTQ youth, he struggled to define himself in Missoula where non-traditional sexuality wasn’t always valued. He has since become interested in the ways culture, family, and society affect health disparities in marginalized populations. Smith lives in Seattle, he works as an HIV/STD Tester and Counselor for Seattle-King County Public Health. Ryan will continue his career as a physician and public health advocate after finishing medical school and hopes to return to Montana to practice. Ryan received the Pride Foundation Community Montana Scholarship.

Paul Vestal is a member of the Class of 2013 at the University of Montana School of Law. He is Co-President of OUTlaws, the Law School’s GLBTQ and allies student group. He identifies as gay and enjoys spending time outside in the beautiful Montana landscape with all of his friends. Paul received the Pride Foundation Community Montana Scholarship.

James Warwood was born and raised in Bozeman and is currently pursuing creative writing at the University of Montana. Growing up as transgender man in Montana has given him a desire to reach out to other transgender individuals – particularly youth – who find themselves isolated in rural communities. He plans to continue his work with Montana Transgender Day of Recognition (MontanaTDOR), an organization that provides resources and support to transgender individuals across the state. James received the Pride Foundation Community Montana Scholarship.

Mari Wolverton spent the first 12 years of her life in Portland, but she moved to Missoula, six years ago and considers both places to be her hometowns. Being a lesbian gave Mari the opportunity to make a difference in the LGBTQ community and better her own life and the lives of those around me. That is why she started her school’s first successful Gay-Straight Alliance. Now that she is moving on to college, she has decided that her passion for LGBTQ advocacy is more than a than a hobby, she wants to make it her career. Next year she plan to move back to Portland and attend Portland State University, purusing a Bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender and Sexuality. Mari received the Pride Foundation Community Montana Scholarship.

Read more about all our 2012 Scholars.

For questions regarding Pride Foundation’s grants and scholarships in Montana, contact Caitlin Copple, regional development organizer, at 406-546-7017  or [email protected].

Northwestern Montana’s LGBTQ Community Expands

Kalispell community members at an event last year

Northwestern Montana historically has not been a hotbed of queer life, but three years ago when Kalispell hosted the Montana Pride Celebration, momentum began. This momentum seems to be spawning new LGBTQ-focused groups and helping established ones expand. Pride Foundation is thrilled to see the growing movement in Montana.

According to their March newsletter, the Flathead Valley Gay Alliance (FVGA) and the local PFLAG chapter are exploring the possibility of renting the current location of the Community Congregational Church for a community center.

Currently, there is only one LGBTQ community center in Montana: the Western Montana Community Center in Missoula. Part of whether or not renting the space is possible depends on cost. FVGA estimates it will cost about $500 a month, utilities included – a hefty sum for the group that only recently applied for 501(c)3 status after existing as a social group for the past 20 years. Board member David Klassy says FVGA is seeking input from membership and the larger community before making any commitment to rent the property. The group envisions the center offering counseling, HIV/AIDS testing, drop-in hours, a library, social events, and meetings.

Brad Nelson, a mental health therapist, started the group Gay Flathead two and a half years ago after recognizing the need for a safe place for gay men to meet and socialize. So far he’s used his private office and members’ homes to host dinners and movie nights. While he’d like to see a community center established, he says he has concerns about the church’s “off-the-beaten path” location and would prefer to see one downtown.

The new kid on Kalispell’s LGBTQ block is People Seeking Social Acceptance (P.S.S.A.) which was started by Chris and Gina Bedoian about a month ago. The weekly group meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM at Colter Coffee, generally drawing 10 – 12 people from all letters of the LGBTQ community.

“I was inspired to start the group because I’m transgender, and recently my wife has discovered she’s lesbian,” explains Chris, who is still using male names and pronouns before pursuing full-fledged transition.  “I saw all these LGBTQ kids getting abused and bullied, and I thought – why am hiding and in the closet – I need to do something.  If you are out in public, you show everyone that you are no different than anyone else. People need help, safety, companionship, a place to talk, and that’s what P.S.S.A. provides.”

Chris came has lived in Kalispell for 10 years and out to himself about four years ago. Bree Sutherland’s Missoula-based Montana Gender Alliance was a huge help to him and his family during the process, but coming out has not been easy.

“When I came out and my employer found out, they told me to knock it off and get ‘it’ fixed,” he said. “I had two choices, to go back in closet and denounce it or leave my employment.”

Chris chose to leave his job four months ago. It took some time to find a job because his past employer told people he was transgender during reference calls.  Luckily, he was recently hired for a job in medical logistics.

Drawing on their parents’ experiences, two of the four Bedoians’ children, ages 14 and 18 have attempted to start Gay-Straight Alliances in Kalispell High and Middle Schools, but were told by administration that such groups weren’t allowed. Chris contacted Pride Foundation grantees the ACLU of Montana and the Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) for help, and help is what he got.

“Jamee [Greer of MHRN] came up for fact-finding, and Nikki [Zupanic, with the ACLU of Montana] came over to talk with the school’s legal counsel and she drafted a letter that basically told them we are watching and legal action is eminent.”

Greer and Kim Abbott of the Montana Human Rights Network are also working with the P.S.S.A. to lay the groundwork for a non-discrimination ordinance, similar to what passed in 2010 in Missoula and is currently before the Helena City Commission. Bedoian noted that a full-fledged ordinance campaign is probably a couple years down the road, but something the P.S.S.A. would like to work on.

For more information about Pride Foundation in Montana, contact Regional Development Organizer Caitlin Copple at 406.546.7017 or by email.

Volunteer Day in Missoula – Saturday April 14th

Pride Foundation in Montana has partnered with United Way of Missoula County to volunteer with one of their agencies on a quarterly basis to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ volunteerism and philanthropy among “mainstream” organizations and to provide much-needed help to nonprofits in Missoula.  Our first event is this Saturday, April 14^th  10 am – 2 pm (two-hour shifts also available).  We’ll be meeting at the YWCA Missoula’s Planet Kids program, located in the basement of Missoula Aging Services at 337 Stephens Ave.

Planet Kids is a supervised visitation and child exchange program that helps kids have a safe relationship with their non-custodial parent when there has been domestic or sexual violence in the home but the courts still require visits with both parents.

Please email Caitlin if you’d like to help out this Saturday at Planet Kids, and thanks for your support of Pride Foundation!

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity to connect and strengthen the Northwest’s organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality.  To get involved in Pride Foundation’s work in Montana, email [email protected] or call 406.546.7017.

Three Ways You Can Support Non-Discrimination in Helena

Rev. Robyn Morrison gathering signatures of support outside of Blackfoot River Brewing Company, one of almost 50 businesses that have signed onto the ordinance campaign

Kim Abbott, program director of the Montana Human Rights Network, a Pride Foundation grantee, recently sent out a call for action I wanted to pass along to the larger community. But first, some background.

Helena is poised to become the second city in Montana to protect residents from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation. However, the city has been stalling since January 4^th, when the Network began trying to move the ordinance before the city commissioners.

Two weeks ago, to mount pressure on the commission, supporters convened on the commissioners’ meeting, voicing support during the “public comment” portion of their meeting. Last week, opponents followed suit, with four speakers but more than 40 in attendance. The line of opposition testimony covered the talking points equality supporters have come to expect – the cost to the city, potential lawsuits, and (as always) some very demeaning comments about LGBTQ people. Here are a couple quotes from opponents:

“In Jesus Christ, there is hope for people whether they are transgendered or homosexual or drunks or smokers or gossips or liars or anything because all of us have, whether knowingly or unknowingly, broken the known law of God.  There is hope for all of us.” 

“My concern is pedophiles and homosexuals and rapists going into the bathroom.” 

“As LGBT people, it is always difficult to be compared to pedophiles, drunks, and rapists, no matter how many times we hear it,” said Abbott.  “But we know we can win this campaign by talking about our values of dignity, security, and respect for everyone in Helena. We know we can pass this policy by talking about our lives, our families, and what these protections mean to us.”

If you want to help Helena pass this ordinance, here’s what you can do.  You don’t have to be a resident, since the ordinance would also protect those visiting Helena through the public accommodation clause:

Email the city commissioners and ask them to support a non-discrimination ordinance in Helena. Be brief and respectful, and talk about why you personally want to see this policy pass.

Pledge to testify when the ordinance has a hearing date!

Write a letter to the editor of the Helena Independent Record explaining why you support an ordinance. You can submit letters online by emailing them to [email protected]. If you’d be willing to forward us a copy of the letter you submit, we’d really appreciate it!

Pride Foundation Support Helps Launch First GSA at Tribal College

Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Reservation

Montana is home to seven Indian reservations and tribal colleges, but until recently no gay-straight alliances existed on campus.

Thanks to the hard work of Rosalinda de la Luna-Long and her students, Salish Kootenai College (SKC) on the Flathead Reservation now boasts the first ever Gay-Straight Alliance at a tribal college:  Spirit of Many Colors. De la Luna-Long, assistant to the college’s president and director of the Rosalinda de la Luna Foundation, received a $2,000 grant from Pride Foundation last December to help fund the new group’s activities.

Spirit of Many Colors hosted a Diversity Fair for Martin Luther King Celebration last month, presenting to local first graders about the harmful effects of bullying in schools. The group has also presented to SKC’s social work department about domestic violence in same-sex relationships. According to de la Luna-Long, students reported that it was “the highlight of the quarter” and powerful to hear personal stories from their LGBTQ and two-spirit peers.

De la Luna-Long had been urging new SKC President Luana Ross to expand the school’s non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity. With the support of Ross and the new student group, SKC’s board of directors recently passed a new, inclusive non-discrimination policy.

Traditional Native American star quilt made by a Spirit of Many Colors' members

“With a GSA organized group now on campus, safety, respect, and acceptance of all students had to be taken into consideration for the college community,” explains de la Luna-Long. “Also, the support from Pride Foundation helps the larger campus comprehend that there are funding sources and support for the LGBTIQ community in the wider region. It shows that Spirit of Many Colors is not alone.”

The de la Luna Foundation is collaborating with Spirit of Many Colors to host a community panel on bullying, as well as supplying a culturally-appropriate workshop to help train leaders in the schools and community who can respond to bullying. The group is organizing a raffle of a traditional Native American star quilt made by one of its members, which will help raise funds for the organization. For more information, contact [email protected].

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity to connect and strengthen the Northwest’s LGBTQ organizations, students, and leaders. To suggest blog post topics or get involved, contact [email protected].

Couple’s Love Inspires a More Equal Montana

Family Strength: Kellie and Denise

This Valentine’s Day season, many Montanans are blushing about their current crush or building a relationship with that special someone. For same-sex couples here, the butterflies and bliss of true love is often met with a cold, hard legal reality. Only six states and the District of Columbia offer equal marriage rights, and Montana is not one of them. Groups like ACLU of Montana, a recent grantee of The Advocacy Fund at Pride Foundation, are trying to change that by taking a relationship recognition lawsuit to the state Supreme Court.

One of the couples in the ACLU case is Kellie and Denise. They live in Laurel, population roughly 7,000, about 20 miles west of Billings. They are one of six couples who are plaintiffs in the ACLU’s current Guggenheim v. Montana case currently before the state Supreme Court.

Kellie and Denise have been together for 11 years. They’ve raised Kellie’s two children from a previous marriage, and recently jointly adopted Kellie’s 5-year-old nephew, Morrgan. Denise, 47, is a middle school science teacher and a basketball coach. Kellie, 48, worked for many years at a juvenile detention center, but is now on disability because she suffers from a rare brain condition that has required 56 brain surgeries and over 300 spinal taps over the past decade.

Heterosexual married state employees automatically receive 10 days of bereavement leave when a family member or in-law dies, but Denise was denied bereavement leave by her employer when Kellie’s father died last April. This was despite the fact that the couple had a private commitment ceremony in 2001, witnessed by about 30 friends and family members present. They are just like most Montanans – they are active at church, and they love to travel, camp, and fish. Unlike most Montanans, their relationship doesn’t “count” according to state and federal law.

Kellie credits Denise standing by her for being able to make it through her health problems: “She never left me when I was so sick,” she says. “I endure her relentless love of sports and she endures my need for dogs. I love her to infinity and beyond!”

“Kellie and Denise have been incredibly helpful with their participation in Fair is Fair events,” said the ACLU’s LGBT organizer Liz Welch, who is based in Billings. “One of the most touching things to watch is the tenderness and protectiveness they have for each other while at these public events. I admire these two and their affectionate, playful relationship all the more because of the obstacles I know they have had to overcome.”

Guggenheim v. Montana is currently before the Montana Supreme Court. Both sides have submitted briefs and multiple amicus briefs have also been filed in support of both side of the case. Supporting amicus are 65 Montana Religious Leaders, American Psychological Association, Legal Voice and Montana Human Rights Network, and Gary J. Gates and MV Lee Badgett. According to Welch, the ACLU expects a court date to be set in the very near future.

Here’s to hoping this is the last Valentine’s Day Montana’s same-sex couples spend being treated unfairly under the law.

To keep updated on the case, as well as other projects of the ACLU of Montana, please visit: www.fairisfairmontana.org or email [email protected] to volunteer or sign a petition in support of the lawsuit.

Caitlin Copple is the Montana Regional Development Organizer for the Pride Foundation. Feel free to email her at [email protected] with blog ideas or to volunteer.

MT Leadership Action Team Sets Goals for 2012

MT LAT Leaders and Pride Foundation's Amy White

During new Executive Director Kris Hermanns’ inaugural visit to Montana, the state’s Leadership Action Team volunteers convened at a retreat center in Red Lodge January 28 to assess the first year of Pride Foundation’s regional expansion in Montana and to help set the course for 2012.

“The Montana retreat recognized, created and harnessed some of the most encouraging energy I’ve been a part of in a long time,” said volunteer and monthly donor Greg Smith of Bozeman. “There is a unity of purpose and vision among us that’s palpable, and we are absolutely committed to LGBTQ equality in Montana.”

Added volunteer and donor Mary Stranahan of Arlee: “It was a good whirlwind of networking and making connections across the state, and I am very glad to have met Kris.”

Among the highlights were the notable increase in the number of LGBTQ events around the state, feeling more connected as a statewide community, giving away more money than ever, and feeling like we are working to create a better world through social change.  Wishes from team members included the need for more political and legal change, more visibility to reach people outside the “choir” of progressive and LGBTQ activists, and to diversify in fundraising strategies.

The team, which functions much like a statewide board, decided to split into three subcommittees focusing on fundraising, visibility and communications, and leadership development.  The fundraising committee, co-chaired by Aaron Browning of Billings and Ginny Furshong of Helena, will focus on major donor and monthly giving development and donor retention, as well as connecting with Montana’s many “expats” who have left the state for either coast but remaining committed to social justice here.

The communications committee will develop Montana-specific “talking points” about the impact of Pride Foundation and its grantees in Montana, and work to present to businesses and service clubs.

The leadership development committee will focus on power-building by providing capacity building and technical assistance to grantee organizations and allies, as well as providing greater volunteer support to grantees, especially those focused on advocacy and education.

“Volunteering with and donating to Pride Foundation means being a part of something bigger than myself without losing my individual identity – or my voice,” explains LAT member and monthly donor Greg Smith of Bozeman. “In fact, Pride Foundation amplifies my voice because it is the vehicle for change in the Pacific Northwest for all LGBTQ persons and our allies, urban and rural. Pride Foundation’s investment in my home state of Montana couldn’t be clearer- it’s professional, it’s consistent and it’s becoming stronger every day.”

Moving forward, the Leadership Action Team plans to meet quarterly in person and monthly in subcommittees.  If you have feedback or suggestions for how Pride Foundation can better serve your community, please contact [email protected] or one of your local LAT members.

MT Grantee Advocates for Local Equality Ordinance

Grantee advocates for non-discrimination

Montana Human Rights Network is a leader in the statewide LGBTQ equality movement and a longtime grantee of Pride Foundation.  After unsuccessfully lobbying the legislature for decades to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the state’s Human Rights Act, the group has changed tactics, partnering with the ACLU of Montana to pass local non-discrimination ordinances in cities around the state, thereby drumming up momentum for statewide change.

Currently, Helena’s LGBTQ people do not have any legal protections from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, like doctors’ offices or hotel rooms. If people are unfairly fired from their job or denied housing because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they have no legal recourse. The equality ordinance would provide Helena residents and visitors legal protections based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace, in buying or renting a home, or in public accommodations.

The Network led the Missoula effort to pass the first equality ordinance in spring 2010, and Helena is next. The Network received a $2,500 community grant from Pride Foundation in December, and another $6,000 in Advocacy Fund money earlier this year, with all funds supporting the ordinance campaign in Helena. Pride Foundation has also supported the passage of Sandpoint’s non-discrimination ordinance, the first town in the Idaho to take such a stand for equality.

When the Helena campaign kicked off last fall, more than 120 supporters attended the Network’s event.  The local steering committee has worked to build community support, and so far 39 businesses have signed on in support.  The Network has also been working to build pre-emptive support from the faith community, with 16 local leaders from seven congregations coming out publicly in support of the equality ordinance.

Reverends from both Covenant United Methodist Church of Helena and First Christian Church of Helena wrote of the important role the faith community can play in the movement for equality.   They wrote in an op-ed that ran just before the Christmas holiday:

“We want Helena to be a welcoming and secure place for all our neighbors. We are willing to stand up and speak out because we know that all of creation is valued, honored, and beloved. We know that everyone should have access to the resources they need to thrive. We are looking forward to the community discussion that will take place in the coming months, and we are excited to take part in it.  This is truly a time for open hearts, open minds, and open doors.”

Greer reports that new City Commissioner Katherine Haque-Hausrath requested that city staff time be spent working on the ordinance, joining with Mayor Jim Smith and Commissioner Dick Thweatt in this request, a big first step to bringing the non-discrimination ordinance to a vote in the next few months.

In the meantime, the Network will partner with leaders from St. Paul’s Methodist Church to screen the award-winning documentary,“For the Bible Tells Me So,” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The documentary follows the lives of a cross-section of Christian, American families as they handle the realization of having a gay child or family member.

Pride Foundation encourages our friends and supporters to volunteer with the Network’s efforts by contacting Jamee Greer at [email protected] or by calling 406-442-5506 ext. 12.

To learn more about Pride Foundation’s grants, scholarships, sponsorships, or leadership development efforts in Montana, contact regional development organizer Caitlin Copple at [email protected] or 406.546.7017.

Montana welcomes Kris Hermanns Jan 25–29

Kris points out Missoula, her first stop, on a map of Montana

Montanans are proud that the Treasure State will be the first destination of Pride Foundation’s brand-new Executive Director, Kris Hermanns; who arrives in Missoula January 25th before heading to Red Lodge via Bozeman and Billings.  Kris comes to Pride Foundation from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where she was the deputy director, and has extensive experience in the foundation world.  She grew up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, so she’s excited to experience LGBTQ life outside of the regional hubs of Seattle and Portland.

“I’ve been very impressed by the energy and momentum coming out of Montana,” said Hermanns. “It was also important to me send a strong message that Pride Foundation is committed to building the LGBTQ equality movement in all five states.”

Since the regional expansion last January, LGBTQ and allied Montanans have risen to the task of building Pride Foundation’s donor base, visibility, and reviewing applications for grants and scholarships.  Pride Foundation gave away over $25,000 in Montana grants, scholarships, and sponsorships this year.

Coming to Montana will help Kris understand just how big Montana really is as she drives from Missoula to Red Lodge meeting with donors and volunteers. Thirteen Leadership Action Team volunteers will convene at the Medicine Flower Lodge in Red Lodge January 27 – 29 for a retreat facilitated by Kris, Amy White, and Caitlin Copple to help set goals for the coming year.  Other events planned include a community celebration hosted by Jim Royan at Missoula’s downtown Loft on Wednesday, January 25 from 5:30 – 7:30pm, a donor luncheon in Bozeman on Friday, January 27, and a house party hosted by supporter Aaron Kampfe in Red Lodge on Saturday, Jan. 28. Stay tuned for evites to events happening in your area or email [email protected] for more details.

HIV/AIDS projects among Montana funding priorities

Marching with Pride in Montana

Since its founding in 1985, Pride Foundation has invested more than $250,000 in the Treasure State’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) equality movement. This year, the Seattle-based community foundation will give away $20,000 more, with help from nine community members from Missoula to Havre to Billings. These volunteers had the tough job of selecting seven organizations out of more than 20 applicants to receive funding.

“We had more than $60,000 in requests, and the volunteers did an impressive job of deciding which nonprofits are the best investment for Pride Foundation’s dollars this year,” explained Caitlin Copple, Pride Foundation’s Missoula-based regional development organizer.

Here is a list of Pride Foundation’s 2011 grantees:

1. Planned Parenthood of Montana – $5,000 to fund a traveling physician who specializes in caring for transgender individuals living in rural areas.
2. TAP 365 – $3,500 to support this start-up organization’s work to educate the eastern part of Montana on LGBTQ issues, focusing on advocacy in schools and faith communities.
3. Forward Montana Foundation – $2,500 to engage young people in progressive politics, including LGBTQ equality, around the state, focusing on voter registration and turnout.
4. National Coalition Building Institute of Missoula – $2,500 to facilitate a queer youth group open to Missoula students and provide anti-gay bullying training to faculty, staff and students around the state.
5. Montana Human Rights Network – $2,500 to support the passage of LGBTQ-inclusive municipal non-discrimination ordinances in Helena and Bozeman.
6. Butte AIDS Support Services (B.A.S.S.) – $2,000 to provide gas cards and financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as for HIV testing and community education.
7. Salish Kootenai College’s Spirit of Many Colors – $2,000 to support the first gay-straight alliance at a tribal college in the state of Montana.

The grants are significant for these Montana nonprofits, many of which are very grassroots or operate in areas where LGBTQ rights remain controversial.

“Just this week at Youth Forward, we had nine students, three of whom were from Stevensville,” explained Amie Thurber, director of NCBI Missoula, which operates a queer youth group.

“Of those nine kids, just one has family support. Who would fund something like this? The schools can’t, and the parents won’t. Pride Foundation funds are crucial because they show our community is committed to taking care of our young people.”