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Marchers gather around a rainbow flag as hundreds showed up to walk in the Rocket City Pride Parade through downtown Huntsville, Ala. Sunday, June 21, 2015. (File)

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) supporters will gather next week for the #RuralPride summit in Huntsville.

The joint venture between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Center for Lesbian Rights will be co-hosted by the True Colors Fund from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Alabama A&M University Agricultural Research Center, Building 0870, on 4900 Meridian St. The event is free and open to the public.

A media advisory said #RuralPride is a partnership that "challenges the stereotype that LGBT people only live in metropolitan areas by raising awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBT rural communities."

"The partnership includes a series of summits being organized across the country to elevate the voices of LGBT people and families in rural communities, explore how these communities are particularly vulnerable, and discuss federal policy changes that can increase equality and access for rural LGBT people and their families," officials said.

The Huntsville event will focus on the following issues: marriage and LGBT families, youth, poverty and economic security, race and religion. Local panelists will include LGBT advocates, attorneys and young people.

For more information, click here.