Join SJC at Pride Portland on June 17th!

Join the SJC community members and GSTA+ club and participate in the annual Pride Portland Parade on Saturday, June 17.  All supportive community members, allies, alums, friends and family are welcome to join!

The parade starts at 1pm but lineup will begin earlier. To join, email Karen Croteau at kcroteau@sjcme.edu. (She’s got some parking tips!)

What is Pride month?

Pride Month was inspired by the Stonewall Uprising. In the 1960s, the Stonewall Inn in New York City was a refuge for many in the LGBTQ community. On June 28, 1969, the New York City police raided the inn, sparking a riot among patrons and neighborhood residents with the police that led to six days of protest. A year later, thousands of people marched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park — marking what is now recognized as the nation’s first gay pride parade.

Why do we celebrate it?

Since 1970, LGBTQ+ people and allies have continued to gather together in June to march with pride and demonstrate for equal rights. We celebrate Pride to commemorate lives lost too soon, honor the sacrifices, and celebrate the achievements and impacts of the LGBTQIA community.

What is Pride Portland?

Pride Portland! brings people in Greater Portland, Maine, together for an annual parade and festival to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ movement, to raise awareness of the community’s ongoing struggles, and to foster an environment of inclusivity, accessibility, and solidarity. This year’s theme is “Together With Pride”.

Content courtesy of the GSTA+ club.