NWA Pride Parade Grand Marshals

The Founders of NWA Equality

Each year, Northwest Arkansas Equality recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and advocacy have left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ community of Northwest Arkansas. As the highest honor bestowed by the organization, the title of NWA Pride Parade Grand Marshal celebrates those whose vision and commitment have helped move our community forward.

This year, that honor is bestowed upon the original seven board members and founders of NWA Equality: Beth Clark, Carey Foster Tucker, John Miller, Lisa Carol Rivers, Teresa Goodrich, and, posthumously, Chris Hannon and Kay Massey.

Twenty years ago this month, these seven individuals established an organization that would evolve into today's NWA Equality. They created a permanent foundation for advocacy, education, support, and celebration, one that has since grown through the dedication of countless board members, volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners. While many have shaped the organization over the past two decades, it was these founders who first imagined what was possible and took the courageous first step toward making it a reality. Today, NWA Equality serves thousands of people each year through community programs, events, advocacy, and support services, a legacy made possible because they chose to begin.

Today, their legacy lives on in every person who has found connection and support through NWA Equality. Please join us in celebrating the founders of NWA Equality as our 2026 NWA Pride Parade Grand Marshals.