Thank you Kev Hamm

Running Montana Pride is an unbelievably difficult task. You all know Kev as being a bit gruff around Pride week and it is for good reason.  “Here’s the thing”: these events last an entire week; running all over town; making sure donations are brought in; events are planned, staffed and advertised; providing accommodations and travel to upwards of 40 different performers; Plus fighting the city on Permits and Road closures for the parade.

 Kev is a “I will just do it myself” kind of guy, so most of this work came from him. There is a team behind Kev, that forces him to accept help. Tim Mielke, Hexx Shadow, Diana Bourgeois, Christina Drake, and last but not least, Rayne O’Bryant are just a few of the names that have helped Montana Pride over the years. I love them and they are very near and dear to my heart, but this isn’t about them right now. <3 

Since meeting Kev in 2023 during the legislative session, I have known him to be a force to not be trifled with, because he will let you know the facts. This is exactly the energy Pride needed to become the success it is today.

He cares very deeply about his community, his friends and his family. Kev is a man who will lift up and help those around him without a second thought about it. This incredible quality goes unnoticed by a majority of those around him. Personally, he has opened so many doors. He nominated me for Vice Chair of the Lewis and Clark county Democrats, and Volunteer Coordinator around the same time as if to say “I've seen you work. Do it again.” This goes across county lines as he has supported LGBTQ people running for office across the state. 

Thank you for every opportunity, Kev.

I appreciate you,

Jamie Van Valkenburg