Belfast Area High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club (GSA), now in its eighth year, has recently missed the Pride Parade and Festival in Belfast due to COVID restrictions the past two years that resulted in the event’s cancellation. Pride is an international event that celebrates the LGBTQ community.

“Pride events are celebrations of difference,” said BAHS GSA president Willa Bywater (BAHS ‘23). “It’s important that everyone in our community is seen and celebrated.”

The previous community members who planned and executed the event have moved away and there has been no group planning for this year, according to a news release from BAHS GSA. 

When no adults in the community came forward for planning, the high school students actively involved in the GSA decided they would step forward and make the event happen this summer on Saturday, June 4. 

Community members who wish to walk in the parade can meet and park at Belfast Area High School at 10:30 a.m. with the start of the parade slated for 11 a.m. 

Those wishing to celebrate Pride and observe the parade can do so from Waldo Avenue and Main Street. The parade will end just before the Public Landing and Heritage Park.

The GSA had had a number of adults join their efforts and they would love for others to join as well. They are also seeking donations to cover the costs of this year’s event.

For more information about helping out or making a donation, contact co-advisors Ian Howard and Annie Gray at Belfast Area High School, 207-338-1790.