WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS
This year, Pride feels more important than ever to members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. For more than 30 years, the Pride Parade has been held in June in downtown Bangor. Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, the Pride Parade is also an important way LGBTQ+ community members and allies raise awareness about equality and advocate for rights and visibility.
“Pride has always been about visibility and resistance, but also about authenticity, representation, and joy,” said Chris McLaughlin, owner and lead consultant for Inspired Consulting Group, which is one of the sponsors of this year’s Bangor Pride events. “However, this year, I feel both a sense of heightened urgency and greater importance around celebrating Pride. Across the country, we’re witnessing the continued rise in disturbing anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, legislation, and in some cases, even violence. In many ways, I believe that this year’s Pride isn’t just a celebration, it’s a declaration of sorts. A declaration that we will not be erased, and that our stories, our joy, our resilience, and our truths matter.”
This year’s celebration is going to be bigger than ever.
“There will be vendors and community partners spread out across the Pride Festival grounds, a community art project, a community history project, music and drag performers, the annual Rainbow Awards, and, of course, the Pride Parade (with the River of Pride flag from Portland, for the first time).”
Because the political climate around LGBTQ+ issues has become so complicated, some may worry about security for the events. But McLaughlin emphasized the organizers understand the importance of everyone involved feeling safe. Organizers are already been working to secure extra volunteer peacekeepers for the events.
“We want all our attendees to feel safe and to know that there are folks there to offer assistance should attendees need any additional support,” McLaughlin said.
And, if you are interested in volunteering, McLaughlin said you can email [email protected]
McLaughlin said an important addition this year is the “Pride in Our Stories” initiative. Pride organizers are collecting personal stories, memories, and reflections from LGBTQIA+ community members. This project is open to people of all ages. Those interested in participating in the “Pride in Our Stories” project can learn more and sign up here: tinyurl.com/BangorPrideInOurStories.
While the Bangor Pride Parade is a fun and important event every year, this year’s celebration shows how community support continues to grow.
“For me, Pride 2025 is about honoring those who came before us and fiercely protecting those who are coming up behind us,” McLaughlin said. “There is still so much joy to be found in this world, and I’m so grateful for the Bangor Pride team for creating opportunities to embrace joy in all forms.”
Tune in to McLaughlin’s Inspired Insights podcast episodes at inspiredcg.com. In June, his guests include Bangor Pride organizers Samatha White & Betsy Lundy.
