Pride Banking, powered by Climate First Bank, is our way of celebrating Pride every day of the year. With every qualifying* Pride Checking account opened, we donate to a partnering LGTBQIA+ nonprofit.

Lake County Pride is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in Lake County, Florida. Their mission is to promote equality, celebrate diversity, and provide a safe space for all members of the community. Through various events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, Lake County Pride strives to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Danielle Olivani is the President of Lake County Pride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Climate First Bank's current Pride Banking Partner. We'll donate $100 to Lake County Pride* when you bank with Pride – open a qualifying* Pride Checking account today!

‍Danielle, hi! Tell us a bit about yourself; where did you grow up?
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‍My childhood is rooted in the heart of rural upstate New York during the 1990s. I grew up in a first-generation, tight-knit, Catholic Italian household where traditions ran deep and expectations were high.  

What was your family life like?

Family gatherings were filled with laughter and love, but beneath the surface, I was actively struggling and grappling with my sexuality and gender. These were emotional and psychological unspoken struggles that would shape the course of my life.  

Why did you move to Florida?

As the years passed, I sought solace and a fresh start, eventually moving to Florida in the mid-2000s to be closer to family. I had never been to the South before. I quickly realized there were few resources for LGBTQIA+ youths. A daunting realization filled me with a sense of urgency: No child should have to endure the pain and isolation I had felt growing up. I was determined to change that narrative.

What motivated you to become an advocate?

Driven by a newfound purpose, I dedicated my life to public service, becoming an advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth in my community and other marginalized and underrepresented groups. I poured my heart, soul, and every cent I had into creating safe spaces for those who felt marginalized, working tirelessly to establish the first organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in Lake County, Florida.

How did your efforts impact the community?

My efforts transformed my pain into a powerful force for good, ensuring that others would not suffer in silence. As I navigated the challenges of building a support system from the ground up, I experienced small victories that felt monumental. Every young person who found their voice, every family who learned to embrace their loved ones, and every community member who stepped forward in support was a testament to the change I was fostering. I was healing myself and creating a ripple effect of compassion and understanding throughout the community.

What is your current role in the community?

Today, along with the incredible community we have built, I stand as a beacon of hope, grateful and humbled by my position in the community. The strides we have made in supporting LGBTQIA+ youth are a testament to our resilience and dedication. Lake County Pride has helped establish a sanctuary for many, where acceptance and love flourish, proving that change is possible, even in adversity.

How do you reflect on your journey?

While the shadows of my past will always be a part of my story, they no longer define me. I have transformed pain into purpose, and my voice, once silenced, now resonates with strength and courage, pride with purpose. With unwavering determination, I, and many others, continue to advocate for love, acceptance, and understanding, fighting for a world where no child feels the isolation and shame I once did.

What is the ultimate message of your journey?

Ultimately, my journey is a powerful reminder that even the darkest experiences can lead to profound change and that we can rise together by lifting others into the light, never to return to the shadows.

Join us in supporting Lake County Pride by opening a Pride Banking account with Climate First Bank today! Bank with your preferred name and pronouns, with no minimum account balance or monthly fee.

*The $100 donation to Lake County Pride will be made after you open a new Pride Banking account with a minimum $50 deposit and establish recurring direct deposits totaling $750 or more within 90 days. The account earns interest at a rate of 0.10% with an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.10%, accurate as of 05-21-2015 and subject to change. No monthly fees for electronic statements; fees apply for Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) and wire transfers. Fees could reduce earnings. See full terms and conditions here.