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Greater Richmond has always had a lot to be proud of
June 12, 2026
June gets the spotlight, but Greater Richmond has been showing up for its LGBTQ+ community long before Pride Month arrives and long after it wraps. Here, inclusion is a part of our culture.
The region has a consistent track record of inclusion. It has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, the gold standard measure of LGBTQ+ policies and laws, every year since 2021. The index is a comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ+ inclusion across municipal policies, services and laws, and Greater Richmond ranks among the highest-scoring cities in Virginia.
The private sector reflects it, too. Major Richmond-headquartered employers including Altria, CarMax, Dominion Energy and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond have all been recognized on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for their LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts. Inclusive leadership isn’t a trend here. It’s embedded in how the region’s top employers operate.
Beyond the cobblestone streets and historical landmarks, a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene thrives across the region. From lively bars and cozy cafes to inclusive salons and community-focused businesses, Greater Richmond blends Southern charm with genuine queer energy. OutRVA serves as the region’s guide to LGBTQ+ events, nightlife, dining and arts, spotlighting the queer-owned businesses and makers that give Richmond its character. Mongrel, an LGBTQ+-owned gift shop on Cary Street, has been a beloved community fixture since 1991. Diversity Richmond operates as the region’s LGBTQ+ community hub, supporting people, connecting partners and advocating for inclusion, and runs the only nonprofit LGBTQ+ art gallery in the South, the Iridian Gallery. Heartfelt Tattoo is a queer- and trans-owned studio built as a safe, sensory-friendly space for body art and gender-affirming expression.
That spirit of inclusion extends across all four counties. In Henrico, Mosaic Interpreting Services is a certified LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise providing sign language interpretation and captioning that bridges communication between Deaf and hearing communities. Ethos Floral Events is a Midlothian-based wedding and event florist that centers equity and inclusion as core values, actively spotlighting LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the region. Old Towne Counseling Services provides mental health counseling in Mechanicsville with dedicated support for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families.
The Richmond LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce ties it all together on the business side, connecting LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses and professionals through networking, education and advocacy. GRP staff also have representation in the chamber.
For anyone deciding where to put down roots or grow a business, this matters. Talent today weighs inclusivity as heavily as compensation. The Greater Richmond community stays competitive because it is inclusionary, not despite it.
Celebrate Pride Month in Greater Richmond
The region’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration is Virginia PrideFest in September, but June is packed with events. Here’s what’s on the calendar:
- June 12: Flying Squirrels Pride Night at CarMax Park, the team’s first-ever Pride Night. First pitch at 7:05 p.m. Tickets from $12.
- June 13: Pride Pawty with RVA Gay Dog Moms at Ruff Canine Club. 11 a.m. to noon. $10 day passes.
- June 13 to 14: Pride LitCon brings together writers of LGBTQ+ books and the readers who love them at the Acca Shriner Center on Bellevue Avenue. $28.52 for one day or $49.87 for both.
- June 14: SB’s Lakeside Loveshack PrideFest with a drag show and pride-themed food and drink specials all day. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- June 14: Big Gay Pride Market near Dogwood Dell with a parade, live music and a rainbow walk. 2 to 6 p.m. Free.
- June 18: Endless Summer of Pride Trivia Night at The Park. 6 to 8 p.m. Free.
- June 20: The Pride Bar Crawl starts at the Hof before hitting five other bars including Bingo Beer and 3 Monkeys. 4 to 10 p.m. $29.69.
- June 21 to 27: Dine Out for Pride at more than 30 local restaurants, which will donate a portion of sales to OutRVA and VA Pride.
- June 25: Pride Soiree from Black Pride RVA and Liberation Lounge on the rooftop of No. 303. 6 p.m. Free.
- June 28: Stonewall on Stonewall parade on West 28th and Stonewall Avenue with screen printing, chants, live music and more. Parade steps off at 5 p.m. Free.
Greater Richmond doesn’t just welcome everyone. It celebrates them.
About The Author
Christopher Hollomon is Director of Marketing at the Greater Richmond Partnership, where he supports marketing and communications initiatives focused on business recruitment to the Richmond Region. Before joining GRP in 2025, he built a diverse career in graphic design, marketing, public relations and digital media across industries including healthcare, engineering, advocacy and the arts. His work has earned regional recognition, including award-winning campaigns for Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Centers. Christopher holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and a master’s in Corporate and Professional Communications from Radford University and studied international communications in Salzburg, Austria. He lives in Henrico County with his wife and two children.
