Central Alabama Pride is making a national splash this month, as the organization and its president, Josh Coleman, will be featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show’s #WhatImLiking segment on June 11 at 3:00 p.m. This moment in the national spotlight comes as Central Alabama Pride marks its 47th Annual Pridefest and becomes the first-ever recipient of The Advocate’s “Communities of Pride Award,” an honor that recognizes grassroots groups who are boldly advancing LGBTQ+ visibility in places that need it most.
“At a time when families across Alabama are under attack, Central Alabama Pride stands tall as a beacon of hope, celebration, and resistance,” Coleman said in a statement. “This recognition affirms what we already know—love, equality, and pride are here to stay, and we’re just getting louder.”
Under Coleman’s leadership, Central Alabama Pride has transformed from a grassroots community group into a major economic and cultural force. The all-volunteer organization has generated $7.6 million in local revenue, filled thousands of hotel rooms, and energized communities across the South—all while amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ people in Alabama and beyond.
This year’s Pridefest, themed “The Magic of Pride,” promises to be the largest and most inclusive celebration in the organization’s history. With two weeks of events bringing together families, allies, and communities from across the Southeast, Pridefest is not just a party—it’s a testament to the power of visibility and unity.
“For 47 years, we’ve been telling the story of LGBTQ+ life in Alabama,” Coleman said. “Now, thanks to Kelly Clarkson and The Advocate, that story is finally being shared with the nation.”
The national recognition of Central Alabama Pride isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ communities in Alabama are not invisible, and they are not alone. They are vibrant. They are defiant. And they are determined to keep marching forward.
