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Our Initiatives

Our Proclamations

Every year since 2017, the Mayor of Sturgeon Bay has issued a proclamation acknowledging June as Open Door Pride Month.

In 2026, Door County Municipalities that Proclaimed June as Open Door Pride Month: City of Sturgeon Bay, Village of Sister Bay and Town of Baileys Harbor. We thank them for their support. We are stronger when our elected officials acknowledge our LGBTQIA+ community.

ODP has received a proclamation from Governor Tony Evers as well as a Citation by the Assembly from the State of Wisconsin. Join us in making Door County a more welcoming place for ALL!

The Open Door Pride IDEA Scholarship​

IDEA scholarship logo

Our IDEA Scholarship is offered to a graduating Door County senior. 

2026 is our 5th year in awarding a $1000 scholarship to a graduating Senior from Door County. In 2026 we added an additional $500 scholarship to an applicant runner up. Graduating seniors who pursues a higher education degree, and have demonstrated a passion for helping to make our community a more welcoming place to live and visit, increasing sensitivity, and building community.

Our community is stronger when more diverse, making Door County a welcoming place to live and work. We fully support the applicant’s gender identity.

Open Door Pride is pleased to announce that the 5th Annual IDEA Scholarship has been awarded to Sid Forest of Sturgeon Bay High. 

Our scholarship is sponsored by Jeff Jara, Marie Squire and a matching grant from Baird Wealth Management of Milwaukee.

We had many compelling applications and the committee has made the decision to give a runner-up $500 scholarship to Daniel Castillo Barahona of Sevastopol High. The scholarship is sponsored by Stewart Parins and James Bryan.

What's My Pride?

What's My Pride 2026 "Love is Tuff, and always wins"

Our What’s My Pride? project began in 2017 and was inspired by the Humans of New York creator, photographer Brandon Stanton. This unique project features people writing on a chalkboard a sentiment of pride. The faces and messages of Pride showcase how diverse and inclusive we are. Everyone  has pride in something.

In 2024 Open Door Pride had the honor of Governor Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers participating in the project during the Women’s History Month event at their residence. Their chalkboard images were featured in Open Door Pride’s exhibit and also received widespread press.

JOIN THE PROJECT
2026 Sandy Brown Award recipient PFLAG Door County image by Dan Eggert Photography

The Sandy Brown Award

The Sandy Brown Award is our visionary award that is given annually to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community and has had a direct impact on making Door County a more welcoming place to visit and live. Each year our award is designed by a celebrated Door County Artist.

Nominate

Our 2026 Sandy Brown Award recipient is PFLAG Door County.

PFLAG Door County held their first event on the evening Ellen DeGeneres came out on television, April 30, 1997.  Since that night, PFLAG has consistently provided education, support, and cultural events for the LGBTQIA, Non-Binary Communities, their Allies and loved ones. They advocate at the local, state and national level to ensure decision-makers realize the issues facing our communities, and teach future generations how to use their voices for a more equal, just, and loving world. Thank you PFLAG and congratulations on your much deserved award!

Other nominees who received certificates of appreciation from Open Door Pride are: Ally Bretl, Avery Burns, Katie Dahl, Door County Knock, Nicole Herbst, and Northern Sky Theater

The 2026 award artist/designer is Door County artist Karen Hertz-Sumnicht of Art On 3rd

We want to thank all the nominees for their continued support of LGBTQIA+ Community in Door County

Seeking 2027 nominees: To nominate a person or organization in Door County who has made distinct contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, please reach out to us info@opendoorpride.org

Click Learn More button about past winners.

Learn more about Sandy Brown Award

Pride Flag Initiative

Our Pride Flag initiative honors local businesses and organizations that affirm belonging and help make Door County a more welcoming place for all by giving away FREE pride flags. 

Help us spread the word that all are welcome in Door County by flying a Pride Flag during the month of June or all year long! If you would like to be part of this program and receive a free Pride Flag, please email us at info@opendoorpride.org

Now more than ever, we love it when flags are flown 365 days of the year.

GET YOUR FREE FLAG

Open Door Pride Festival

On the last Saturday of June, members and allies of our community join us at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay for Open Door Pride Festival! Live music, performances, awards, raffle, Food Trucks, and art activities are just some of the fun activities involved in our celebration.

10th Annual Pride Festival – June 27, 2026 in Martin Park.

Discover Pride Fest

Share your inclusive spirit!

We invite you to complete this form and join our What’s My Pride? Project. Someone from Open Door Pride will contact you.

Nominate Someone for the Award!

By nominating someone for the Sandy Brown Award, you are helping us make our community a more inclusive space.  If we need more information, someone from Open Door Pride will contact you.

Free Pride Flag - Deadline is May 30th

Submit this form to get a 100% free Pride Flag to fly in front of your business or organization. Someone from Open Door Pride will contact you.