NWA Equality

About NWA Equality

Northwest Arkansas Equality is a nonprofit organization providing programming, education, and advocacy to serve, connect, and empower the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. 

NWA Equality advocates for over 50,000 Queer individuals annually through policy initiatives, resource connections, and support programs that foster safe, inclusive environments. Our services include free HIV and Syphilis testing, five monthly LGBTQ+ support groups, 40+ annual social events, and a broad network of resources and partner organizations. We are also the proud host of NWA Pride—Arkansas’ largest LGBTQ event.

Help Save NWA Pride Weekend – Can We Count on You?

NWA Pride Weekend is more than a celebration—it’s a movement, a statement, and a lifeline for LGBTQ Arkansans and the thousands who travel from neighboring states. It’s the largest LGBTQ event in Arkansas and one of the biggest in the region. The 40,000-person weekend brings visibility, advocacy, and a safe space for our community and allies while serving as a significant economic driver for Northwest Arkansas.

But right now, NWA Pride is at risk.

Here’s the reality:

1. Loss of Revenue: Longtime sponsors are pulling out due to DEI rollbacks under the Trump administration and the ripple effects of political pressure on the business community.
2. A $300,000 Event: NWA Pride spans six events, four of which are entirely free to attend. We appreciate sponsors like the Tyson Foundation and Experience Fayetteville, who stepped up to cover our existing talent contracts. Yet, 70% of our budget covers essential, non-negotiable costs—safety infrastructure, equipment rentals, labor, waste management, restrooms, and insurance. These aren’t extras; they are the backbone of an event that welcomes tens of thousands of people. 

NWA Equality must ensure that NWA Pride remains financially sustainable so that our other important LGBTQ social, health, and advocacy programs aren’t at risk. Without urgent community support, NWA Pride cannot continue at the scale and impact our community deserves. 

Donate today. Every dollar donated to this campaign directly funds the infrastructure that makes NWA Pride possible. 

We won’t let political pressure silence us, but we need your help. Can we count on you?