June 2021 marks decades of celebrating LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Pride Month in our state.
Yet we know Pride isn’t just about the parades, glitter, and festivals. Hear from Jared, owner of Cannabis ChemLab Inc., on what Pride is to him.
Then share what Pride means to you online with #PrideIs or fill out the form below to share your story.
Jared is the owner of Cannabis ChemLab Inc. the first LGBTQ+ owned cannabis testing laboratory in South Dakota. He is married to Dr. Jesse Nieuwenhuis and they live in South Dakota with their two golden retrievers (Bella and Bumbles) and orange cat named Gunther. Jared intends to use a portion of Cannabis ChemLab's profits to provide scholarships, paid internships, and donations to LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit groups across the state.
Pride is ______. (Fill in the blank)
Pride is power.
How do you show your Pride year-round?
I show my Pride year-round by donating and helping where I can.
What is your go-to song that gets you ready to take action?
"The Bullpen" by Dessa
What do you have to say to politicians who support anti-LGBTQ+ legislation?
There's no law you could ever write that would stop queer people from being born the way God intends.
What businesses do you see supporting Pride month that should be showing up outside of these 30 days to support queer folks year-round?
Any of the businesses in the agriculture community.
How can visibility in local government affect change in South Dakota?
Visibility is everything to queer people around the world. Seeing an openly gay person in the president's cabinet is exactly the kind of exposure and example this country should strive toward.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stick with your intuition and everything will turn out fine.
Join Jared's work to make South Dakota better for everyone by taking the Pride Pledge today!
