UNE participates in Pride Portland! parade and festival
More than 50 members of the UNE community participated in the Pride Portland! parade on Saturday, June 18, 2016, as a show of support for LGBTQ people on-campus and in the community. This was UNE’s second year participating in the parade, with more than twice the number of participants than 2015.
Parade participants gathered in Portland’s Monument Square before walking down Congress Street to the festival held in Deering Oaks Park. Richard Anderson-Martinez, director of UNE’s Office of Intercultural Student Engagement, organized the University’s participation and welcomed the group. “This is a chance for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to celebrate who they are in a supportive environment and for straight allies to provide that support,” said Anderson-Martinez. “It’s important for our alumni and the southern Maine community to know that UNE values and encourages diversity on its campuses.”
Participants handed out candy and stickers while dancing to music, cheering and showing their school spirit. A large banner and UNE-branded convertible led the way, drawing loud cheers and applause from the spectators gathered on Saturday.
UNE offers strong support for LGBTQ students, with three recognized organizations, dedicated staff support, and ongoing educational events regarding issues of sexual and gender diversity. University staff are actively reviewing policy and procedure to ensure access and inclusion for all members of the UNE community.
