PCC marchers celebrate unity and support at 2024 Portland Pride Parade
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by Ric Getter.
Nearly 150 students and staff took part in the parade for PCC on July 21.
On July 21, the Queer Resource Centers (QRC) of Portland Community College joined thousands of enthusiastic participants at the 30th annual Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade. With great weather, PCC volunteers gathered to celebrate and support queer and trans people in a myriad of ways.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
Portland’s Pride events are renowned for their vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, celebrating LGBTQIA2S+ histories, victories, and ongoing struggles for justice. This year’s Pride Northwest Festival and Parade was no exception, with PCC staff and students showing up in full force. Lo Denmon, the QRC program coordinator at the Rock Creek Campus, shared their excitement about the event.
The Portland Pride Parade is a time to celebrate.
“I’ve been with the QRC for just over a year,” Denmon said. “I’ve participated in many Pride celebrations across the country, but this is only my second Portland Pride. Pride is always about advocacy and visibility but for a bigger city, it feels intimate … like you are enriching yourself and filling your coffer with community.”
With more than 140 PCC students, staff, family, and friends registered, the QRC quickly filled the Panther shuttle, making a grand entrance at the North Park Blocks and joining the parade headed towards Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
A Festive Atmosphere
The parade, which lasted about three hours, featured many highlights, including the energetic Dykes on Bikes and the parade banner carried by the Portland Lumberjacks Rugby Football Club. Besides PCC, regular participants included the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, the Human Rights Coalition, Northwest Gender Alliance, and the spirited Portland Raging Grannies, to name a few. The event also saw wide corporate sponsorship and participation from organizations like Alaska Airlines, Lease Crutcher Lewis and TriMet.
“We had space in an ADA-accessible shuttle which we embellished inside and out,” Denmon added. “Folks got to know each other as we awaited our turn to step-off into the parade. During that time, there was an opportunity for them to personalize their PCC Pride t-shirts. We also had face-painting, PCC unicorn temporary tattoos, and lots and lots of colorful art supplies for decorating.”
Culture of Belonging
Led by the QRC, the event is a chance to showcase pride.
The QRC plays a crucial role at PCC, providing a justice framework to improve equity and access for LGBTQIA2S+ students. The centers, located on all four main campuses, support students both at PCC and in the greater community, fostering an environment of inclusion that empowers individuals to express themselves and achieve their educational goals.
Denmon recalled PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings’ active involvement in decorating the shuttle.
“It was all in step with this year’s ‘Feast and Love’ Pride theme,” Denmon said.
As the QRC continues to make a positive impact, the community remains dedicated to valuing, respecting and standing with one another. The celebration of Pride at PCC is a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
“If we are exhausted, we know it’s been a good event,” Denmon continued. “And we were.”
Keep the Celebration Going
PCC’s Queer Resource Centers invite people to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and continue the tradition of unity and advocacy. For more information see https://www.pcc.edu/queer/.
Attendees not only marched but took part in fun activities.