Cougar Pride Center

2026 Pride in Progress Statement of Purpose

Some want to do away with Pride. They say there’s no reason to host such an event, that there’s no reason for people to come together like this, and that it doesn’t change anything. 

But it’s times like these when we need pride more than ever. 

There are scary things going on in the world, and it’s understandable to be afraid. Every day, it seems that there are more and more voices on the side of hate and injustice, But we cannot allow fear to keep us locked up in our homes, attempting to hide from the things that scare us. 

Community, being together, making ourselves seen, is what those who would destroy us fear most. Community brings friendship, support, and safety. Being together and making ourselves seen brings hope to those who can’t join us yet, and guarentees that people can’t forget that we’re here. 

And Joy, perhaps the most powerful tool we have, shows that, even in hard times, we can have hope and community. They cannot force us back into the closet, no matter how much they wish they could. So this pride season, let yourself be seen. Let yourself be loud, unapologetic, joyful. 

Cougar Pride Center