Portland Pride Parade with Diocesan Youth

Details

Diocesan Youth lead Pride Ministry

June is Pride Month, and for four years our youth have led us in sharing God’s love for and with all people through marching in parades across the diocese.

Planning Sessions

The annual Portland Pride Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 21. This is the third year that our diocesan youth have led our presence in Pride, but this year the program is being expanded to include specific learning about theological foundations, history of LGBTQ+ community organizing within The Episcopal Church, and specific strategies for organizing people for advocacy.

All youth are invited to join the following planning sessions on Tuesdays, 6 – 7 p.m. on Zoom:

• April 22, Theological foundations for advocacy
• May 6, History of LGBTQ+ community in TEC
• May 20, How to organize in your community: the “recipe” for group advocacy

For more information, please contact Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.

Parade Info

Events and parades are happening across the state of Maine from May 31 to June 29. Full calendar here!

For the Portland Parade on June 21, there is optional poster-making and snacks at the Cathedral from 11-12:30, meet at 12:30 at a location TBD near the Portland Public Library, parade starts at 1 pm. Participants are finished with the official event once we end the parade at Deering Oaks, but may explore the festival on their own.

Some tips for marching:

• All are welcome. The parade is over a mile so being able to self-ambulate or have adequate accommodations is important.
• We will have a registration form to sign up to march closer to the event date.
• We don’t yet have a meeting point (the parade organizers will tell us where to meet once they close registration), but it will be at 12:30 on June 21
• Folks are encouraged to wear rainbow colors and to create posters or messages about God’s love for all people.
• Wear sunscreen and/or a hat! You may want to carry a water bottle with you.
• If you plan to stay at the festival in Deering Oaks after the parade, you will want your wallet with you because going back to your car will be inconvenient, especially with the size crowd this event draws!
• This is a lot of time on our feet, and a lot of time waiting for the parade to start. Plan for your needs.
• Use a bathroom before you line up!
• Lots of people wear rainbow colors and have elaborate clothing during Pride. Others wear jeans and t-shirts. Go with what makes you comfortable (and you can comfortably walk in). You’ll be welcome with us either way!