Gay Starkville, Mississippi Guide

Starkville might surprise you. Right in the heart of Mississippi, this college town of 25,000 has quietly become one of the state's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, earning its place in history as the first municipality in Mississippi to pass a resolution showing support for its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents back in 2014. While that resolution faced political challenges over the years, it also attracted a lot of support, largely driven by the progressive energy of Mississippi State University and its more than 40,000 students.

The city's LGBTQ+ scene is more understated than larger metropolitan areas - there are currently no gay venues. Starkville Pride, founded in 2018 by student leaders, serves the entire Golden Triangle area and hosts an annual Pride Weekend celebration that has grown significantly since its contentious beginnings. After initial resistance from city officials in 2018, community advocacy and legal action led to the city reversing its decision and allowing the first-ever gay pride parade.

LGBTQ+ Community & Events

Starkville's small LGBTQ+ community centers around Mississippi State University, which has maintained progressive policies and inclusive programming for decades. Starkville Pride hosts events throughout the year, culminating in their annual Pride Weekend featuring a queer arts market, parade, and weekend-long celebration.

If you’re seeking spiritual community, University Baptist Church has earned a reputation as an accepting congregation where LGBTQ+ members find "a family of believers who accept and love unconditionally". This level of religious inclusion is particularly significant in the Deep South.

Starkville Pride

Starkville Pride is a community-led nonprofit LGBTQ+ advocacy organization founded in 2018 by student leaders, serving Starkville, Mississippi and the entire Golden Triangle area, including the campus of Mississippi State University.

The organization's most significant moment came in 2018 when Bailey McDaniel and Emily Turner, both Mississippi State University students, organized Starkville's first-ever pride parade after the city's Board of Aldermen initially denied their permit application 4-3. After filing a federal lawsuit alleging discrimination and free speech violations, the city reversed its decision when Mayor Lynn Spruill broke a 3-3 tie to allow the parade to go forward on March 24, 2018.

Starkville Pride typically holds its annual celebration in late April rather than June to maximize participation from college students who may be away during summer.

General Travel Information

Getting There: Starkville is strategically located near major cities including Jackson, MS, Birmingham, AL, and Memphis, TN, with smaller nearby cities including Grenada, Tupelo, Columbus, and Meridian in Mississippi, plus Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The closest major airport is Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR), though Jackson International Airport (JAN) offers more flight options about 90 minutes away.

What to See & Do: The Cotton District stands as an award-winning redevelopment of a former cotton mill site, now home to shops, restaurants, and historic charm. History enthusiasts should visit the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University and the Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum, showcasing over 400 clocks and watches dating back to the 1700s.