Resistance in the Red River Valley
Last month, PFund Foundation had the honor of sponsoring the North Dakota LGBTQ+ Summit in Fargo, a yearly moment where our community across North Dakota and the Red River Valley comes together in full, unapologetic power. In a time when bigotry is clawing its way back into public life, this gathering felt like a heartbeat. A pulse. A reminder: we are here, and we are not going anywhere.
The Summit brought together activists, students, elders, and movement-makers to confront the resurgence of ugly prejudice and, just as importantly, to strategize, learn, reconnect, and recommit to building a future where we all thrive.
We were thrilled to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with PFund grantees doing extraordinary work in the region. We met with the Red River Rainbow Seniors and learned more about their Oral History Project, which is preserving the irreplaceable stories of LGBTQ+ elders who came out and stood proud in eras that mirror today’s climate. Their courage then fuels ours now.
We took part in a grounding practice led by St. Mark’s Church Welcome Connection program, made possible in part through PFund’s support, offering space to breathe, heal, and gather strength. We reconnected with our grantee partners at the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, who walked us through the battles ahead in the legislature and the opportunities for all of us to step up.
And we had the privilege of connecting with the state’s three openly gay elected officials. In a political landscape where LGBTQ+ voices are often dismissed or silenced, their presence at the Capitol is not just symbolic, it's a shield. A declaration. A victory for visibility and dignity.
Because even when the rhetoric turns dark and the pressure feels heavy, something powerful is happening in Fargo and across North Dakota.
To everyone in the Red River Valley, your strength inspires us. Your joy sustains us. Your courage fuels a movement far beyond the borders of your state.
