Living the Life: Q & A with Newport Pride executive director Dani Cano Restrepo

Newport Life talked with Dani Cano Restrepo, executive director of Newport Pride ahead of the Autumn Weekend, which includes a welcome party on Friday Nov. 8th, the Velvet Ball on Saturday Nov. 9th, and a drag brunch on Sunday November 10th.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to be in Newport? 

A: Hola! My name is Daniel Cano Restrepo, and I’m 33. I grew up in Medellin, Colombia, where I studied Industrial Design and met my husband. We moved to the U.S. in 2017, and Newport felt like the perfect place to settle since my husband is originally from nearby Tiverton, Rhode Island.

Q: How did you get involved with Newport Pride?

A: In 2018, we started our marketing agency, NewportOUT, to connect LGBTQ+ travelers with Newport’s unique offerings. Through our work, we saw the potential for a more visible, lasting Pride presence in Newport. We hosted a Pride Month event in June that year, and the overwhelming support sparked the idea of creating a year-round organization. A group of friends came together, and we established a board to officially launch Newport Pride as a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status in Rhode Island. Today, I’m honored to serve as the executive director and work alongside a dedicated board of directors who help bring our mission to life.

Q: Why is community organizing important to you?

A: For me, community is everything. I believe in the power of collective strength and support. While Newport offers so many amazing things, there’s always room to deepen its sense of inclusivity and connection. When people feel free to express who they are in a welcoming environment, everyone benefits, and the whole community becomes stronger and more resilient.

Q: What inspired Newport Pride to create the Autumn Weekend?

A: After the success of our first Newport Pride Gala in 2023, we realized that there was an opportunity to create more spaces for celebration and community beyond June. Thanks to a grant from the RI Commerce we were able to harvest the idea. We developed the Autumn Weekend, which includes a Friday Welcome Party with performers, food, and drinks, and our main fundraising event, the Velvet Ball. The weekend concludes with a Drag Brunch, a joyful celebration. 

Q: How would you describe the Autumn Weekend to someone who hasn’t heard about it? How is Autumn Weekend different from Pride Weekend? 

A: Newport Pride’s Autumn Weekend is an extended celebration where the community can gather and connect in a supportive, joyful space. While our Pride Fest in June is a free, community-wide event focused on accessibility to resources, Autumn Weekend helps us raise essential funds for Newport Pride’s work. This funding supports Rhode Island’s only Pride Center, which offers educational programming, resources, and a welcoming space for both youth and adults. The visibility and impact of the rainbow flag on our center go beyond what words can capture—it’s a beacon of belonging for all who walk through our doors.

Q: What was your favorite part of last year’s Autumn weekend? What excites you the most for this Autumn Weekend?

A: This will actually be our first Autumn Weekend! Our inaugural Gala was an unforgettable experience with vibrant energy and self-expression. For this year’s Autumn Weekend, I’m especially excited about the Velvet Ball, where everyone can dress up and celebrate for a great cause. And if I had to pick one moment, I’d say I can’t wait for the Samba dancers to kick off the evening—they’re going to bring a lot of life to the event. You’ll just have to join us and see for yourself! More details can be found on the Newport Pride website.

Q: How do these events support the Pride Center? Could you tell us a little bit more about that space? 

A: Definitely. Running an organization requires resources and dedicated effort, from community engagement to planning events to managing daily operations. The Newport Pride Center provides free programming that celebrates diversity, as well as partnerships with both local and state organizations, allowing us to centralize valuable resources for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Center is a multi-use space, where our team collaborates, dreams, and brings ideas to life. Having the rainbow flag in our window has brought so many people through our doors, from locals to visitors, all searching for a place where they feel accepted.

Q: What’s another upcoming event or project for Newport Pride? 

A: Newport Pride is still young and growing. Moving forward, our focus is on building strong connections with local organizations and leaders who share our vision. We’re actively listening to our community, and in 2025, we’re planning to introduce even more programming for Pride Fest and expand our outreach.

Q: What is a challenge you have had to overcome whether in a leadership role or otherwise?

A: In any organization, challenges are part of the journey. For us, balancing our community-focused mission with the need to secure funding has been key. Since we’re a small organization, we wear many hats to make events like Newport Pride Fest and Autumn Weekend happen. We’re also aware that there’s growing resistance against the LGBTQ+ community. 

A personal experience and big challenge occurred during one of our founding years while celebrating Newport Pride Fest. A person showed up with a pit bull harassing a group of young folks, and a team member got bitten. A police officer who was there helped deescalate the situation, but it’s the kind of experience we have to face to do what we do. Despite this, we remain committed to fostering acceptance and creating safe spaces that celebrate who we are.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do during the fall in and around Newport?

 A: I love enjoying fall with hot cider, donuts, and scenic walks through local farms. It’s also a perfect time to relax with my husband and our cats, catch up on home projects, and recharge. Fall is about spending quality time with friends and family and enjoying the simple moments.

Read more installments from our Living the Life series, spotlighting people and happenings around town.