Photo courtesy of Sue Morgan.
Volunteers from Antioch University Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ student group recently went above and beyond to help AUS reach out to prospective students at two LGBTQIA+ human rights festivals in the Seattle area this June, 2018. On Friday, June 22, 2018, AUS had a booth at Trans Pride Seattle at the end of the Trans Pride Parade route, in Cal Anderson Park, Seattle. On Sunday, June 24, 2018, AUS had a booth at Seattle PrideFest, at the end of the Seattle Pride Parade route, at Seattle Center. AUS students were instrumental in making these booths a reality, helping AUS throughout the creative and logistical process.
Trans Pride Seattle describes itself as “an annual event organized by Gender Justice League in association with local organizations who support the Seattle-area trans and gender non-conforming community.” In the words of one AUS student who attended both events, “the atmosphere at Trans Pride Seattle this year felt close-knit and grassroots, even though Cal Anderson Park was packed with a lively crowd of people celebrating the importance of transgender rights. Trans Pride Seattle may be smaller in numbers than Seattle PrideFest this year, but it was full of heart.”
A celebration similar to Trans Pride Seattle but more general in scope, Seattle PrideFest is described on its website as “The legendary Seattle Pridefest Rally and party at Seattle Center, now in its 12th year. Free for All. A celebration of LGBTQ arts, culture, and Pride, on four stages.” The event featured live music, drag performances to popular recorded music, diverse vendors and informational booths, video game stations, and a colorful, celebratory atmosphere full of people embracing LGBTQIA+ human rights.
When speaking about the AUS booth at Seattle PrideFest, Dr. Dana Waters, AUS PsyD Associate Chair and School of Psychology Core Faculty reports “We handed out a ton of literature, pins and stickers. We also had many, many inquiries about Antioch. A successful, fun Pride!”
