Pride Festivals provide a vital point of connection between the local LGBTQIA+ community and local organizations and businesses. In keeping that spirit alive, our Community Spotlight feature will provide a deeper look at these organizations and the important work they do in our communities.

These organizations will be a part of our 2022 Pride festivities as well-- so be sure to learn more and plan to see them at our Pride festival next year!

Casa BruMar Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on bridging the gap that leaves the LGBTQ+ community behind when it comes to equality that is equitable in education, social services, and human dignity in the Commonwealth of Virginia and in Prince William County.

Tell us about your organization!

"Our organization was formed to make up for the lack of resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Virginia, as well as a way to support LGBTQ+ youth throughout the Commonwealth." How did you personally get involved in this work?

"The Founder/Executive Director and Secretary are a married lesbian couple who moved to Virginia in 2013 and recognized how unprotected and underserved the LGBTQ+ community was. In addition to their own struggles in pursuing equal opportunity in the Commonwealth, they took up the fight to protect themselves, adopt a child, their careers, and financial opportunities, understanding that they were able to because of their position of privilege within the community. They continue to pay it forward by helping those less fortunate." What's your favorite part of Pride Festivals?

"Networking and feeling a part of something bigger." Our theme for Pride this year was #takeupspace. What does that mean to you, or how does your organization #takeupspace?

"Casa BruMar Foundation takes up space by sitting at tables where we were previously not welcomed, opening conversations that once seemed taboo, and being out in front in public about the needs of the LGBTQ+ community." Why did your organization want to be a part of Staunton Pride? What is most important for the LGBTQIA+ community to know about your work or resources?

"Casa BruMar Foundation has an education assistance program for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 18-25) across the Commonwealth. The youth that most need it may not have access to the Internet or be fully aware of Casa BruMar Foundation's existence. This was an opportunity to expand the reach of our resources to the people most in need of them, and to give additional support to other LGBTQ+ organizations that support the community."

To learn more about the Casa BruMar Foundation, go to their website.

Learn more about (and apply to) their Education Assistance Program for 18-25 year olds focused on helping LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia get their GED or high school diploma.

They also have an assistance request form for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, no age restriction.

Stay up to date by following them on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/CasaBruMar