MI community unites at Pride in the Park celebration

Just before the Scrunchies ’80s cover band kicked off its set, the guitarist/vocalist eyed the crowd and asked for a chant of “Pride!”

It was loud at first, but the bandleader wanted more from the attendees. After giving it a second go, the noise level massively rose, satisfied smiles abounded and the tunes were underway at Mercer Island’s Pride in the Park community celebration on Aug. 24 at Mercerdale Park.

With a “We Are Islanders” banner covered with Pride flags situated near the left side of the pergola band stage, the Scrunchies burst into “That’s What I Like About You” and people were elated.

PRIDE+ and the city of Mercer Island presented the three-hour free, fun, welcoming and family-friendly event. Along with the Scrunchies rocking through its set, the all-ages gathering featured a RuPAWS puppy parade and costume contest, face painting, a food truck and several community partners — including Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, Congregational Church on Mercer Island and Eastside Pride PNW — sharing information and resources at their booths.

The originally scheduled June 15 event was postponed after high winds, thunder and lightning were forecasted to occur during the outdoor function.

Jaymee Lundin, one of the event’s many community organizers, was grateful to attend the event and see it finally come to fruition.

“Today’s just really a celebration of our LGBTQ community and (we) just really want our kids and students and families to know that we love them, that they’re supported. Just coming together and expressing that appreciation,” she said.

Over at the tie-dye station, Islander Middle School (IMS) seventh-grade social studies teacher and member of the adult and student event organizing team Litza Griffin-Johnson said their goal is to generate a sense of celebration and community at the Pride party.

She delved into the history of Pride and the immense impact the movement has made over time.

“The first Pride was a riot and I think the spirit of protest is always alive and well, especially how we look at how our signs have been graffitied and vandalized as we’ve been advertising for this event,” she said. “Ultimately the spirit that we’re going for here is one of celebration, that while the community has a long way to go in terms of the amount of work we need to do for equal rights — and I always worry that we’re sliding backwards as we look at what’s going on politically — I think we can’t also ignore the celebration in terms of how far we’ve come. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

IMS rising eighth-grader Hunter Stine was selling homemade bismuth crystals at the event and noted the he was enjoying himself throughout the afternoon.

Hunter’s mom, Crystal, said it was a cool and heartwarming event where people can meet the supportive community and know who their allies are.

“A big part of how it started off was being supportive of his friends that are part of this community. Friends that he’s found the last couple years that have bonded together and supported each other for being who they are and kind of learning from each other,” Crystal said.

Mercer Island High School (MIHS) librarian Daniel Kiely showcased an array of books that he said are representative of LGBTQ students.

While strolling around the event, MIHS rising juniors Seraphia Myrfors and Nick Kangas shared their thoughts on what was transpiring around them.

“It think it’s just nice to have a sense of community, because especially now in politics, there’s a lot going on, people really trying to put this community down and criminalize it to a lot of extent. It’s just really nice to know that there is a community on this Island that is always gonna be there,” Myrfors said.

Added Kangas: “It’s just reconnecting with my community and just learning how big the community actually is here.”

From left, Susan Tiscornia, costumed dog Skylar and Eveline Armitage enjoy the Mercer Island Pride in the Park community celebration on Aug. 24 at Mercerdale Park. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo