Who We Are
In 2021, we founded our mutual aid organization on seeds planted by a Lititz resident reporting multiple acts of vandalism against her pride flag. Fueled by the belief that love is love is love, our grassroots movement started as a call to action for the Lititz community to openly and unapologetically embrace love, inspiring our first-ever Pride event.
Since 2021’s first Pride Festival, we have built a mutual aid organization committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals across the larger Lancaster community, creating safe spaces and connecting community members with local resources. Our annual Pride Festival, still held in Lititz, remains a continual reminder of our humble beginnings and the Lititz community’s incredibly generous support.
Over time, Lancaster County Chooses Love evolved into a trans-led, 501(c)3 organization that addresses the growing need for direct services across the county. Our grassroots organization is committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals within the community by creating safe social spaces, and connecting community members with local resources.
Today, we provide mutual aid and offer services to many seeking support, offering a resource center that includes:
- Food pantry for all community members without requiring them to be on public assistance, serving more than 20,00 community members in 2024
- Gender affirming closet with volunteers who help support visitors
- Library with books focused on LGBTQ+ social justice issues
Lancaster County Chooses Love also offers a variety of social and support programs to the community. A few examples include:
- A young adult support group
- After School Alliance, a program for teens in partnership with the Lancaster Public Library
- Dungeons and Dragons events for teens and adults
- Different workshops and family fun nights–like bowling, a clay workshop, and more
We have also partnered with different state and local services and have built a mutual aid program that helps community members in need to find:
- Financial support
- Sharing resources
- Resources that address specific needs, like housing and healthcare costs
Through our advocacy and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Lancaster County Chooses Love continues to shape a future based on the power of a community where every person, regardless of their identity, can thrive in an environment of acceptance and compassion.
