The Story of New Bern Pride

We didn’t set out to start a nonprofit. We just wanted to throw a bigger birthday party.

When New Bern resident David Bucksot hosted a prom-themed birthday with friends, the night felt unexpectedly powerful. For some, it was their first prom. For others, it was the first time they could experience one as their true self, without hiding, without fear, and without compromise.

David wanted more people to feel that magic, so he made a post on social media: what if we created a version of that night that was open to everyone? Not just friends gathering at Bear Town Market—but a real prom. One where LGBTQIA+ people from all walks of life could show up, dress up, and dance freely. That post struck a nerve, and it didn’t take long before a prom committee was formed.

The first New Bern Pride Prom came to life and was hosted at Maola at Riverside. We had no budget, but what we did have was community. The entire prom was made possible through generosity: the entertainment and alcohol were donated, decorations were handed down from a local high school that had hosted their prom the week before, and the venue offered us a steep discount. Every part of that night was built on people showing up and saying, “Yes, let’s make this happen.”

It was grassroots, scrappy, and filled with heart—and it was magical.

It was never about creating an organization. It was about creating a space, even if just for one night, where people could have the prom they never got to have, a space to feel bold, beautiful, and fully seen, a space where queer joy took center stage. The energy that night was electric, and once the music faded, none of us wanted it to end. We knew we had tapped into something our community deeply needed.

So we kept going.

Out of that magic, New Bern Pride was born—a nonprofit created not from strategy or funding, but from passion. We’re an entirely volunteer-run organization, powered by people who believe that visibility, safety, and celebration matter in every town, including ours.

Since officially forming in 2023, we’ve grown far beyond prom. Today, Pride Prom has grown into more than just a night of celebration. It's also our main fundraiser, helping sustain New Bern Pride throughout the year. One night of joy makes a year of impact possible, and thanks to the support we receive during Prom, we’re able to host free events like game nights and nature walks, run LGBTQ+ support groups, and partner with local organizations like Peace Counseling Center to help stock their community pantry.

And truthfully? We’re learning as we go. We’ve learned how to write bylaws, form a board, apply for grants, manage a budget, file nonprofit paperwork, build a website and get an email domain. But most importantly, we’re learning what our community truly wants and needs—by listening, by showing up, and by adjusting as we grow. We're imperfect but committed. But at the heart of it all is still that dance floor. That one night. That powerful reminder that sometimes a party isn’t just a party—it’s a beginning. So if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something real, something evolving, something rooted in care, we hope you’ll join us on our journey.