Today we’d like to introduce you to John Camp.
Hi John, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Knox Pride was incorporated as East Tennessee Equality Council on 501c3 in 2006 and has produced the Knox Pride Festival and parade since 1993. During the pandemic, as an org, we shifted focus to community outreach, mutual aid, and advocating for queer people in East Tennessee. We spent the Knox Pride Community and Resource Center in October 2021. We have grown that into a network of resources, 3 food pantry locations, and a free store/thrift store called the Thriftique @ Knox Pride. We offer low to no-barrier needs to the community while providing support groups, life skills classes, and community events like monthly bingo, trivia, queer cinema club, youth groups, and monthly queer maker markets. We have 303 events, classes, and support groups in 2023 alone, along with giving out over 8,000 lbs of food.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Non-profit work and advocacy work are always challenging. You cannot leave the job when you close for the day. It is a passion project for all involved. It is rewarding work on many levels but challenging.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am John Camp, the CEO of the East Tennessee Equality Council, the Executive Director of the Knox Pride Community & Resource Center, and the producer of the Knox Pride Fest & Parade weekend annually. I sit on several community and city boards and committees representing queer folks and homeless youth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be bold and ask for help. Sometimes, you feel the weight of a community to serve and protect, but there are always folks ready to support and fight the fight with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: knoxpride.com
- Linktree: linktr.ee/knoxpridecenter
