#LLProudonEveryCorner
#LLProudonEveryCorner - Tiffany Shirley, Core 2023
President, Lancaster Pride.
“Being a Leadership Lancaster alum fills me with pride because it connects me to a powerful community of individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in Lancaster. The program deepened my understanding of the challenges our community faces and equipped me with practical skills and a stronger sense of purpose to address them.” – Tiffany Shirley
Tiffany Shirley is a dedicated advocate and leader within the LGBTQ+ community, currently serving as the president of Lancaster Pride. Shirley, who became president after her predecessor Alex Otthofer stepped down, has brought a strong vision for inclusivity and accessibility to the organization. Her tenure has marked significant growth, with the 2024 Pride Festival moving to the Lancaster County Convention Center to accommodate increasing attendance, which reached nearly 8,000 people. This shift allowed Lancaster Pride to improve accessibility features, including elevators and a more level floor plan for wheelchair access, which had been challenging at the previous venue, Clipper Magazine Stadium
In addition to the annual Pride Festival, Shirley has led efforts to expand programming beyond June. She and the Lancaster Pride board have organized a variety of events throughout the year, such as Pride pool parties, parades, and collaborations with local organizations like Lancaster Rec. These events provide a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves comfortably and celebrate queer identity. Shirley also champions intentional event planning to cater to diverse needs, including offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at Pride and other gatherings.
Under Shirley’s leadership, Lancaster Pride emphasizes creating “safe spaces” for the LGBTQ+ community, and she sees her role as a personal responsibility to foster acceptance and inclusivity. She has helped Lancaster Pride cultivate strong relationships with local queer-owned businesses and organizations, contributing to Lancaster’s broader culture of inclusivity.