In partnership with Albion College LGBriTS, the Albion Rainbow Connection was established in 2012 with the mission to “create safe spaces for Gender and Sexuality Minorities and their allies in physical locations through the city of Albion”. Albion Rainbow Connection was an integral part in establishing the City of Albion’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance – protecting “LGBTQ+ people in employment, housing, and public accommodation”. At the core of the organization, Albion Rainbow Connection advocates for the care, respect, and safe spaces for Gender and Sexuality Minorities and their allies.
Involved accomplice [straight ally], Julia Mulkey has been a part of the Albion Rainbow Connection for numerous years. Her passion for the organization stems from the belief that actions are stronger than words. “It is one aspect for someone to say they are an ally; it is another to be an advocate who is willing to put their voice and name out there for the rights of others.” Albion Rainbow Connection is a chance for all to feel welcomed, accepted, and embraced.
Fast forward from 2012 to 2024 – Albion Rainbow Connection held their first Albion Pride event, as Mulkey stated to “celebrate survival”. Albion Pride is a chance for LGBTQ+ people to see that there is a supportive community here for them, and an opportunity for visibility and education to the full Albion community. Over the past three years, Albion Pride has evolved. New this year includes live music in Lloyd Park plus food trucks and vendors at the Albion Arts Center. Continuing from prior years is the energetic and dynamic Drag Show featuring 10 Queens and Kings, hosted by Selena Gonzales. When discussing the aspect of hosting a drag show, Mulkey emphasized the importance of celebrating people truly being themselves.
This aspect of Pride is a chance for a diverse group of people to feel valued and seen. As committee member, Pam McCoy explained, “In the current climate, visibility for our community is more important than ever. Living in small towns often lead to feeling isolated and alone. Our trans community members are under fire from all directions, and we want them to know they have local support. Pride exists everywhere; you are not alone.”
Celebrate Albion Pride with the Albion Rainbow Connection on Saturday, October 24th, 2026. A full events schedule available below. All parts of the celebration are family friendly, from costumes for the performers, to lyrics in music, to vendors. The event is open to all people and free!
Saturday, October 24th, 2026
11AM – 7PM: Vendors, Informational Booth, and As The Crowe Fries food truck at Albion Arts Center (107 E. Cass Street)
11AM – 2PM: Live Music including bands – Free Kittens, The Gassers, and Flogamacker at Lloyd Park (200 E Cass Street)
2PM – 5PM: Family friendly professional Drag Show – Host and Director Selena Gonzales – Features 10 Queens & Kings at Bohm Theatre (201 S. Superior Street)
*Organizational information provided by Albion Rainbow Connection and organization member Julia Mulkey