About Us

Our History

In 2015, the board of Holland Is Ready and the officers of Pride voted to form a new organization called Out On The Lakeshore. This organization (OOTL) was initially introduced to the Holland community at PRIDE in June of that year. OOTL was established to provide a community center for the LGBTQ+ community to provide programming, resources, support, and education to LGBTQ+ people and allies. OOTL also is the host of the annual Holland PRIDE celebration, which serves as our largest fundraiser each year. Out On The Lakeshore is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.

Full LGBTQ+ History in Holland

What We Do

RELATE: Relationships are the heart of OOTL. Nobody needs to be alone as they navigate life as an LGBTQ+ person, family member, or ally. We host support groups like Gender SAFE and social groups like Aged with Pride. We also have regular programming such as Reading the Rainbow book club, Adult Game Night, and PRIDE Nights - with more programming to come.

CELEBRATE: Holland PRIDE Festival is OOTL's biggest event that raises funds for our Community Center and brings together supportive businesses, organizations, and thousands of people for entertainment, raising awareness, and building community. Through Holland PRIDE, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their accomplishments in the fight for equality, while also raising awareness that there is still work to be done.

EDUCATE: OOTL provides people, programs, and other resources that build self-understanding and acceptance for those who are LGBTQ+. We also have educational resources for allies and others who seek to grow in their understanding of LGBTQ+ family members, colleagues, students, and friends. OOTL representatives are available to speak to organizations, businesses and in other settings, too. The Center has a library of educational literature, and our website provides links to other helpful resources.

ADVOCATE: OOTL is committed to advancing LGBTQ+ safety, human rights, and inclusion. In 2020, OOTL was awarded the Social Justice Award by the City of Holland for leading the efforts to pass the city's Non-Discrimination Ordinance with mutually respectful collaboration between local government, community members, and local stakeholders.

COLLABORATE: OOTL collaborates and continues to build relationships with area businesses, churches, human service agencies, law enforcement, schools, social justice organizations, and foundations.