VERMILION TWP — Grace United Methodist Church will host a free SAFEZone training later this month as part of its ongoing Diversity Series leading up to Vermilion’s first PRIDE celebration.
The training is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 13406 W. Lake Road in Vermilion. Organizers say the event is open to anyone interested in learning more about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality in a supportive educational environment.
According to organizers, the SAFEZone training will explore topics including prejudice, assumptions and privilege while helping participants better understand the LGBTQ+ community and learn how to become more effective allies. The event is free, though advance registration is required due to limited class size.
The training is part of a broader Diversity Series hosted by the church ahead of PRIDE 2026, a planned family-friendly celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Vermilion. Organizers describe the event as a celebration intended to honor and embrace diversity within the community.
Registration for the SAFEZone training is available through LGBTQ+ Lorain County.
The program is presented with support from the Community Foundation of Lorain County.
For more information about the SAFEZone training, organizers ask people to contact Megan Baechle at 440-574-0393 or director@lgbtqloraincounty.org. Questions about PRIDE 2026 can be directed to Jim Chapple at 440-225-1547 or chappjw@aol.com.
