“Be who you are!” exclaimed teenager Grace Monroe during the Mercer Island Pride in the Park Celebration on June 17 at Mercerdale Park.
Having fun with friends, standing up for yourself and supporting others were some of the vital actions of the day as a throng of people gathered for the city’s second annual event that featured live music, games, art, information and education booths, a LGBTQIA+ book swap and more.
“I think first and foremost, it’s a celebration, and celebrating our LGBTQ kids and families here on Mercer Island,” said Jaymee Lundin, who is part of the Pride+ PTSA Affinity Group. “I think that we’re especially celebrating, given how difficult things are across the nation and all the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ legislation that’s happening.”
The Pride+ PTSA Affinity Group partnered with the city of Mercer Island, Mercer Island High School’s Queer Straight Alliance and the Islander Middle School’s QUILTBAG club to bring the family-friendly event to the Island.
One booth — which featured an Everyone is Welcome Here banner — highlighted 10 Black LGBTQ pioneers, including Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Ernestine Eckstein, Alvin Ailey and others. Lundin pointed to another section of the event that featured a board where kids shared their favorite LGBTQ influencer, artist, activist or writer.
At one point, Monroe and her pal Goose Anais rocked out to the Eagles’ “Hotel California” being delivered to the crowd by Mercer Island High School’s own Puget Sound Band.
Monroe, 13, and her fellow Islander Middle School classmate Megan Mears, 13, said they were enjoying hanging out with their friends and absorbing the fun atmosphere. Monroe noted that one of the key messages of the day was accepting yourself and appreciating people.
Skipping over to the coterie, Anais, 14, said she came from Kent to accompany her friends at the upbeat and colorful event. “We’re mostly here to be part of an accepting, overall happy environment. Just have fun with people that understand whatever hardships we might have or whatever experiences we’ve gone through,” she said.
Gathered with a group from the Congregational Church on Mercer Island, pastor and Rev. Jennifer Castle proudly glanced at a banner that is emblazoned with the words, A Just World for All, which is the United Church of Christ’s motto that the local church wholly embraces.
“I think people in the LGBTQ+ community have been so marginalized by churches and hurt by churches, and so it is essential that we are out here countering that message, to let them know that they are beloved, wonderful and welcome with us. We are so happy,” she said.
As a community member suited up in a pink unicorn costume nearby, Miles, 18, passionately discussed the importance of attending the event. Miles (who declined to use his last name) explained that it’s crucial: “To show support right now because a lot of bad stuff has been happening in the U.S. alone and in other places, too. We are all part of the world that we live in. By showing that we all support people’s right to be who they are, we show that we’re not gonna put up with the BS that some politicians think it’s OK to put on right now.”
By collectively taking a stand, Miles said that members of the LGBTQ+ community can save lives.
Earlier this month, city council issued a proclamation to establish June as Pride Month on Mercer Island, commemorating the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riots and supporting LGBTQ+ equality.
“It is imperative that young people in the community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel valued, safe, empowered, and supported by their peers, educators, and community leaders,” the proclamation reads, in part.
Grace Monroe and Goose Anais rock out to the musical offerings of the Puget Sound Band. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
Pictured is a board where kids shared their favorite LGBTQ influencer, artist, activist or writer. The Mercer Island Visual Arts League booth is on the right. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
