Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois is a social and educational organization committed to the advocacy and empowerment of the LGBT community. Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois promotes unity, viability and self-esteem within the LGBTQI The main purpose of Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois, a 501(c)(3) organization, is to promote unity, viability and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons and to promote a positive image in the Metro East area and throughout the Southwestern Illinois community activities and services. The main mission of Metro East Pride of SWI is to provide lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons with cultural and educational programs and activities which provide social support, and foster an awareness of the past and present contributions of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender persons, through community activities and services, including the annual Pride event.