Bangor's got PRIDE!

This past weekend was Bangor's Gay PRIDE festival! The Bridge Alliance, the group responsible for the planning and organization of the event, did a stellar job. Even downpours, thunder & lightning couldn't keep us down! It was wonderful to see so many people attend the event, despite the questionable weather.

We arrived downtown to set up & the skies were grey and it was drizzling. By the time we emptied the car, the skies had opened up and it was a complete downpour, followed right up by thunder and lightning. And, it was close by - we heard that a traffic light had been hit by lightning just one block away! But, a little rain can't keep us down! After all, we ARE gay! (happy!)

The Equality Maine crew, trying to stay dry under our (weak) tent! Notice they are holding TWO umbrellas up underneath the tent...it was leaking, and we were soaked!

This was our view in the early-hours of Pride...

 But, just as I was starting to think that the day was going to be a total wash, the rain stopped and we were in business! Alex, Mikayla and I did a booth that had people write down things they were proud of about themselves....we cut out felt letters and hot glued 'Got Pride ?' on this huge sheet of canvas, and viola! Instant artwork! 

Here's Mkay manning the booth!

Then Mikayla and I got away for a few minutes to create some sidewalk art. What a cool kid, huh? 

Our 'gay closet' which premiered at the University of Maine at Machias a few years ago made it's way to Bangor PRIDE! This closet was a project done by Alex, myself and a couple of students who were part of the 100% Society at UMM. This is the write-up that Alex did to explain the project:

"This closet was made to represent the experience of many gay, lesbian, transgender,
bisexual and questioning people. In each of our lives, we all have experienced
homophobia and bigotry. It has taken on a variety of forms from vandalism to
hateful statements. Those experiences often create fear and self-hatred and leads
many to feel trapped inside themselves. The inside of the closet represents that
experience with stark examples of the hatred each of the creators experienced first
hand.

In contrast, each of us then discovered that once we over came those hurtful
messages, we were greeted by a community full of acceptance, love and vibrancy.
With this also came the ability to find humor in some of the stereotypes that
accompany homophobia. As an example, we poke fun at the myth that gays and
lesbians are eager to recruit new members in order to earn the coveted toaster. The
exterior of the closet, therefore, represents resiliency, strength and pride. Each is
the key to full acceptance of one’s unique identity."

The Gay Closet

The coolest part of the day? Walking back to the parking lot - exhausted, wet, full of pride, and being surrounded by cars that looked like this:

It's fun to be part of a larger community sometimes, and this weekend was a shining example of that feeling. There are many times when I feel overwhelmed with so many people around me (go ahead - laugh if you live in a 'real' city, but - Bangor feels HUGE to me!) but this weekend I just felt surrounded by love. There's something to be said for a group of people who are accepting of all walks of life...who aren't caught up with appearances, or gender, or stereotypes. Personally, I think the gays have it all figured out.

My grandfather, who is 89-years old called me early Saturday morning to tell me that New York State had passed legislation to allow gay marriage. Gram told me later that he had seen it on the evening news the night before, and said, 'We'll have to call Kate in the morning!'. I couldn't have asked for a better start to Bangor PRIDE weekend.

My grandfather has also told me that gay people really just need to have their own revolution, like Woodstock....'Gaystock', he said. 'It would be HUGE!'....

He's so, soooooo right. Isn't he?