Celebrate Pride Month

Celebrate

PRIDE Month

A Brief History of PRIDE MONTH

Each June, pride celebrations serve to recognize and highlight the contributions of people who identify as LGBTQ+ and shed light on issues currently facing the community.

Pride Month celebrations can take many forms, with some including parties, parades, proms, and even protests. Pride events have taken place in some shape or form since the LGBTQ+ liberation movement occurred in the 1970s. Modern day pride celebrations can be traced back to New York City and an event called the Stonewall Uprising.

In the mid-1960s, the Stonewall Inn was a popular gay bar, and one of the few establishments that welcomed drag queens and allowed dancing. Homeless gay runaways often took refuge there each night. Police raids frequently took place at gay establishments

during this period in time. On June 28, 1969, the police arrived at Stonewall and reportedly assaulted customers and arrested 13 employees and patrons who were in violation of liquor laws. They also took into custody individuals who were not conforming to a New York statute requiring gender-appropriate clothing be worn in public.

The Stonewall Riot incident gave rise to protests elsewhere, and became a unifying incident upon which equality-based advocacy for these groups was built. For so long certain people lived in the closet and hid their real identities. Pride Month emerged as a way to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals and recognize their many contributions to society. Although there were previous uprisings to Stonewall and various pride-based parades around the

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country throughout the years, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 2000. President Barack Obama expanded the observance in 2011 to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Informally, June is referred to simply as Pride Month.

The rainbow flag, which is now the unifying symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, first appeared in the 1970s.

Harvey Milk, an openly gay San Francisco politician and activist, tasked artist Gilbert Baker to come up with a unifying symbol for the gay community, and the rainbow flag was born.

Cities and towns throughout Maine and across the country offer various pride events in June, including street fairs, art exhibits, and town-wide decorations that feature the rainbow flag prominently.

Tips for Supporting LGBTQ+

Friends, Family, and Community Members

BY CASEY BERNARD

Although times have changed and communities have evolved to be more accepting of LGBTQ+ members of Maine communities, there are still times and situations when LGBTQ+ people do not feel as welcome or accepted in all spaces. For tips on supporting LGBTQ+ friends, family, and community members and creating more welcoming and affirming environments, we spoke with Chris McLaughlin, owner of Inspired Consulting Group, LLC.

McLaughlin is a clinical social worker who specializes in helping businesses and organizations create more inclusive environments through diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging training. He works with a wide range of clients including, but not limited to, schools, healthcare organizations, corporations, and individuals.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, McLaughlin was working as a therapist and began to specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients as more colleagues began to refer clients to him based on his background. But he says, “You don’t need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to be an effective ally and advocate.”

For businesses, it’s more than hanging a rainbow flag and posting on social media during Pride Month. Gestures coming from the corporate office may convey as more performative and like tokenism if all employees of the company have not been trained how to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ customers and community members. Leaders may be the best trained and have a desire to create a welcoming space, but if the customer-facing employees do

not receive similar training the result may be more harmful to an LGBTQ+ customer who goes to a business expecting one experience based on the outward messaging, but instead is treated unkindly or faces microaggressions. Without training all employees, performative gestures may do more harm than good. McLaughlin suggested business leaders make sure all employees do the work to make sure the messages match the customer’s experience.

Consider how you present your space. In an office or in a virtual meeting space, ask yourself if your space reflects a welcoming environment, or do you have photos or images that may send a message that your area is not welcoming. Political messages or symbols or photos that create a heteronormative atmosphere may tell an LGBTQ+ person that your space is not safe for them.

Be an ally & Educate yourself.

For individuals, it’s important to understand that allyship is a journey.

“Not everyone is comfortable marching on the steps of Washington to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and that is okay,” said McLaughlin.

A first step to being a supportive friend, colleague, or community member is to educate yourself. Work to understand terms that members of the community use and respect their use of the terms, names, and pronouns. Do not be afraid to ask questions and be willing to learn. If someone uses a phrase that is unfamiliar it is okay to ask questions to learn more, but be open to accepting the definition and willing to use it correctly.

Many resources are available for online training through the organizations listed below. Part of this education should also include learning queer history. Understanding the struggle the community has faced and continues to face can help build empathy and understand the need for support.

Practice the art of the sincere apology if misgendering or using the wrong name. Apologize, thank the person for correcting you, and work to make the change without taking it as a personal attack. Like adjusting to a person's nickname or new last name, make the adjustment to call the person by the name or pronoun they identify with.

Understand what to do when someone comes out. First, thank them for feeling comfortable to share their story with you. Consider it a compliment because in many cases it takes a lot of courage to come out and to be vulnerable with this personal information. Take them seriously and move forward with respect, following their lead.

Celebrate queer joy. For example, if a reluctant family member finally begins to use preferred pronouns or a trans friend is called “ma’am” or “sir” by a stranger for the first time, these are exciting moments in their lives that deserve celebration. Especially for LGBTQ+ teens, it is important to have an adult in their lives who can be a safe person who celebrates with them.

For more tips and education, visit TheTrevorProject.Org, HRC.org, and Glaad.org. Visit McLaughlin’s website at Inspiredcg.com.

Health Equity Alliance: Making Pride Happen in Bangor

BY CRYSTAL SANDS

The Bangor Pride annual events have become such an important tradition in our city that most of us have come to expect rainbows in June and the big pride parade, but we may not be aware of who organizes these events and the history behind them.

Health Equity Alliance, or HEAL, of Bangor has been the official planner of Bangor Pride events since 2017. HEAL is a non-profit organization with a deep history of making a difference. The organization was originally founded in 1987 in response to the AIDS epidemic in Down East Maine but evolved over the years, as, according to the HEAL website, members of the board came to realize “the real issue was not HIV or any other health disparities, but the marginalization of communities itself.” And, in 2013, the organization officially became HEAL, with a focus on health justice.

Today, HEAL serves marginalized communities throughout our state, offering programs that help people living with HIV, people who use drugs, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others in need of care. HEAL offers HIV care and case management, sexual health and wellness services, as well as harm reduction programs.

Although Bangor Pride events have been happening in some form since 1992, HEAL took the reins in 2017, and the events surrounding Bangor Pride have been growing ever since.

According to Orion Tucker, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Director of Development at HEAL, “Bangor Pride began in 1992 as a small celebration. It’s grown each year since then, until the pandemic when things were put on pause, but even during the pandemic years, we were able to hold pride activities across Maine.”

“Last year, we had the largest turnout we have ever seen,” Tucker said, “with over 7,000 attendees and 75 different organizations and businesses tabling at the festival.”

“Many of our community members have reflected on how Bangor Pride once had less than 100 people walking in a parade,” Tucker said. “It’s hard to imagine how this number has grown to over 1,000 people.”

Tucker adds that the growth in the Bangor Pride parade and related events has been profound in the last few years.

“Many of our community members have reflected on how Bangor Pride once had less than 100 people walking in a parade,” Tucker said. “It’s hard to imagine how this number has grown to over 1,000 people.” Tucker, who is also the lead organizer for Bangor Pride events this year, said that he is learning many more people are planning to celebrate Bangor Pride with HEAL for the first time ever this year. If you are interested in attending, being a part of the parade, becoming a vendor, or helping with the events in some way, Tucker says there are many ways to get involved. There are still opportunities for volunteering to help with pride events and even walking in the parade. There are also ways to donate and help sponsor the events with financial support.

For donating, volunteering, and to access the best and most recent information about Bangor Pride 2024, visit BangorPride.com or follow the Bangor Pride Facebook page. As Pride 2024 approaches, more information will become available on the Bangor Pride website, but detailed information on volunteering, how to sign up, and times and locations of Pride 2024 events are all available on the Facebook page.

In addition to the parade, this year’s festival events include vendors, a fashion show, an art show, and more. Bangor Pride has come a long way from the small celebration in 1992. Today, the power and importance of Bangor Pride to our community can be in many facets—from the rainbow flags on display to the amazing people who come together to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in a festival that keeps growing in both numbers and in spirit.

Show Your Maine Pride

Celebrate with a full month of pride events all over our great state

BY JOANNA O'LEARY

Bar Harbor

June 7-9

The pride party begins in Bar Harbor, where various celebratory happenings are planned for June 7-9. The 2023 schedule included a dance party, drag story hour, diverse dramatic performances, and a hike in Acadia National Park; similar gatherings are in store this year.

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It’s a pride-palooza all across our great state, with tons of local celebrations, parades, and events this month. Here’s just a small sample of nearby festivities to enjoy where you can show your support for our LGBTQ+ community. Be loud, proud, and pace yourself — this month is jam-packed with pride!

Belfast

June 8

Belfast will host its Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 8, with a parade at 11 a.m. along Waldo Avenue and Maine Street. The parade ends at Heritage Park, where area high school students are planning a pride art installation and Our Town Belfast will host a party. An LGBTQ+ short film festival and panel discussion is also planned.

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Ellsworth

June 9

Next, it’s on to Ellsworth, host of PrideFest since 2021. In 2023, the City Council officially designated June as Pride Month, and this year’s PrideFest is scheduled for Sunday, June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Knowlton Park. Get excited for a free, family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, vendors, a drag show, and more. If you can’t make this mega Sunday-funday event, there are other pride-themed displays and activities throughout the entire month, including a LGBTQ+ (and allies) hike at Woodlawn Trails on Saturday, June 15.

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Downeast

June 28-30

Wrapping up the local offerings of pride-themed fun is Downeast’s celebration June 28-30. Enjoy a moonlight movie showing of “The Birdcage” on Friday at the Eastport Amphitheater, and on Saturday don’t miss the craft fair, live music, and Curbside Queens in Eastport. In Lubec, check out the parade on Sunday, June 30 at 11:45 a.m. starting at Lubec Brewing Company and ending at Stockford Park, where there will be live music and another visit from Curbside Queens.

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Bangor

June 22

Central Maine’s largest annual pride celebration is in Bangor, with a full month of events and celebrations including a golf tournament (June 13), art show (opening June 7), fashion show (June 16), drag party (June 22), trivia night (June 18), and more. The annual parade, which winds through downtown on Saturday, June 22 starting at 11 a.m., is bumper-to-bumper with vehicles decked out to the nines and over-the-top floats. Following this energetic processional is the equally rambunctious festival at West Market Square and Norumbega Park. Food and drink vendors, nonprofit tables, crafters, and drag divas are some of the planned highlights. FACEBOOK.COM/BANGORMEPRIDEFESTIVAL

Finally, consider expanding your experience by serving as a volunteer at one of these local events. Many festivals will reward your service with comped and/or reduced ticket prices, not to mention the satisfaction you’ll feel knowing you helped execute this most important party with a purpose.

For more events around Maine, visit outmaine.org/pride

Meet the Queen of the Queen City: Priscilla Poppycocks

BY JUDY HARRISON

Priscilla Poppycocks is one of the most recognized drag queens in the Queen City, as is her creator Dominick Varney, who has performed in or directed more than 50 productions at Penobscot Theatre Company.

“She is Maine’s answer to Dame Edna (a creation of Australian performer Barry Humphries) with a dash of Julia Child,” Varney said of his drag persona. Priscilla was born during the pandemic, but has built a life since then hosting trivia and bingo events at Bangor bars. In celebration of Pride Month, she will host a LGBTQ+ trivia night on June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Stage Door, next door to the Bangor Opera House. Varney also will be starring in the theater’s “Little Shop of Horrors” from June 13-July 14.

“I want to spread fun and joy with drag,” Varney said. “We need that more than ever right now.” Varney’s drag moniker is an homage to his paternal grandmother, Priscilla, and his mother’s British heritage.

“My mom often referred to senseless talk as ‘poppycock,’” he said. “I heard it all the time growing up.”

His son calls Varney “Pop,” so Priscilla Poppycocks checked off several important boxes.

The first time the actor performed as a woman was in 2013 for PTC’s musical “Cinderella: A Retelling of an Old Tale.” Varney and two other men played the evil stepmother and stepsisters.

When the pandemic came along and performing arts venues were shuttered, the Bangor theater was looking for a way to stay connected with its audience and Varney wanted to keep performing. The live show “Dishin’ in Drag,” broadcast via Facebook and starring Priscilla Poppycocks, was created. She was bold, brassy, blousy, and bawdy. The drag queen also knew everybody who was anybody in the Greater Bangor theater scene and interviewed them.

As the pandemic continued, Varney, like many people, reflected on his life and work. He started writing an autobiographical show with music for Priscilla that became “Livin’ for Drag.” The story includes Varney’s move from England to Winterport, Maine as a child, and how he was bullied for being different.

Using humor, he explains as Priscilla, how he came to accept and love who he was — a gay man.

Varney has said everything in the script is 95 percent true, from his Little League coach father cutting him from the team, to a Christmas Eve breakup, to finding love, losing a parent, and suddenly becoming a father.

“The show really resonated with more people than I ever thought it would.”

Men dressing as women is not a modern trend, but television shows such as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on MTV have put drag performances in the mainstream compared to previous centuries. In many countries, including England, women were prohibited from performing on stage so men played female roles. William Shakepeare had been dead more than 60 years when women played the female parts in his plays. In Japan, Kabuki theater also was performed with men portraying women.

But America’s first known drag queen was the former slave William Dorsey Swann, who was arrested in 1888 in Washington, D.C., where he hosted drag balls and declared himself queen of drag. He also stood up to police who raided his parties and was known to have relationships with other men.

Vaudeville acts in the 19th century featured men dressed as women and early variety shows on television featured comics, such as Milton Berle, performing women characters. During the late 20th and 21st centuries drag became associated with gay culture.

Historian Kathleen Casey, the author of a history of drag in vaudeville, said in an article for Smithsonian magazine, that drag is about the performer’s point of view about the work and audiences’ understanding of it.

That intersection is where Priscilla Poppycocks was born and continues to grow.

For even more drag fun this month, the troupe Delicious Drag Queen Divas will perform after the Bangor Pride festival wraps up on Saturday, June 22. Enjoy the Delicious Drag Divas Pride Party starting at 6 p.m. at Benjamin’s Pub, 123 Franklin St. in Bangor.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRISCILLA POPPYCOCKS

Feeling safe & supported in the Great Outdoors

BY JULIA BAYLY

One of the best things about living in Maine are the year-round outdoor recreational opportunities in the state.

Miles of coastline, hundreds of lakes and rivers, mountains and forests — much of it accessible to the public — means there is something for everyone regardless of skill level.

But not everyone feels welcome or particularly safe heading into the Maine wilderness, including members of Maine’s LGBTQ+ communities.

At Kindling Collective in Portland, owners and partners Hallie Herz and Eva Fury are working to provide outdoor opportunities with a gear library and queer-centered events.

Anyone can borrow outdoor gear from the library, but the events are reserved for the LGBTQ+ community, with other events open to members of the BIPOC community or those with body image issues who may fear for their safety in remote locations.

Some, Hertz said, have had negative experiences and have been harassed and threatened while hiking or camping in Maine.

“Nature does not discriminate,” Herz said. “But people do.”

Knowing the outdoors industry in general tends to be male-centric, Fury and Herz were inspired to create resources and space for LGBTQ+ members where they can be themselves in a supportive, safe space.

“We are queer-centered because the world is not,” Fury said.

Anyone can join Kindling Collective and access their gear library that includes camping gear, backpacking gear, clothing, navigation tools, and pretty much everything you need to experience outdoors in Maine without the expense of purchasing it all.

Membership plans range from $5 to $50 a month and include unlimited gear loans for up to seven days, plus advice, tips, and guidance from staff and volunteers, invitations to member appreciation and community events and — most importantly — a welcoming and inclusive community.

“We always wanted to start the gear library that is for everybody,” Fury said. “We want any kind of person to come in and be excited about getting gear for their trips.”

Building a safe community is essential to the mission at Kindling Collective, Herz said.

“A lot of queer people experience pretty significant barriers to outdoor health,” Herz said. “Things like running, camping, backcountry skiing are historically white and male and not welcoming to queer people.”

Events planned for this year include whitewater paddling, herbal first aid, backcountry self defense, hiking Katahdin, and fly fishing.

Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up early.

“Our first queer event was cross country skiing in January of 2023,” Fury said. “It sold out with 35 people within 48 hours.”

Fury and Herz said the ultimate goals are creating that safe place, but also helping people build skills so they can go off on their own.

“It’s important to offer this queer programming so people can show up and be their full selves,” Fury said. “Then people can go off on their own and do things safely.”

Kindling Collective is located at 15 Casco St. in Portland. For more information, visit kindlingcollective.org.