Who We Are
In the spring of 2021, we came together as a group of passionate individuals to form Lititz Chooses Love, a grassroots movement fueled by the belief that love is love is love. The seeds of this movement were planted when a Lititz resident reported multiple acts of vandalism against her Pride flag. In response, we issued a call for Lititz to come together and embrace love openly and unapologetically, and this call inspired our first-ever Pride event.
Our 2021 Pride Festival, organized and executed in just three short weeks, evolved into something far more than a one-day celebration of love and diversity. It transformed a simple call to action into a powerful event that spurred inspiring conversations and fostered strong connections that became the foundation of Lititz Chooses Love. We have grown into a trans-led, registered 501(c)3 organization with a reach extending far beyond Lititz, now touching the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties and beyond!
In our inaugural year, we focused on collaborating with local youth social workers to host crucial information sessions for parents of LGBTQ+ children, fostering understanding and support within families. Teaming up with a local church, we established a much-needed resource center, including a food pantry, a gender-affirming closet, and a free library stocked with books that emphasize positive representation. We also worked to raise awareness about the alarming rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth and adults, and to create safe spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, can feel seen, heard, and supported.
Our resource center continues to thrive, our team of volunteers is growing stronger, and we are developing new relationships with community partners every day. We now host monthly events that create safe and welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can share their stories and have some fun! Through our political advocacy and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the movement continues to shape a future where every person, regardless of their identity, can thrive in an environment of acceptance and compassion.
At Lititz Chooses Love, we have worked to turn adversity into an opportunity to create positive change. The story of our movement is not just about responding to an act of vandalism; it’s about the power of a community that decided to join together and CHOOSE LOVE.
