Nela Pride is an organization working to create a safe and welcoming space to celebrate LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Northeast Louisiana. In 2023 our founder, Megan Hawthorne Proffer, shared a dream to have a safe, inclusive gathering for the LGBTQIA+ community in Northeast Louisiana. A group of passionate dreamers rallied around this idea, and what was called “The Core Committee” came together to make the first NELA Pride Festival a reality in less than two months! Since then, NELA Pride has grown and expanded. From our annual Festival to Queer Parent Meet-Ups, Support Groups, fundraisers, and social gatherings we’re continuing that original dream of creating space for LGBTQIA+ love and joy in Northeast Louisiana.