While we've had a rainy June so far, the clouds cleared just in time for the Downeast Pride celebration in Eastport and Lubec last weekend. Cobscook Institute is a proud partner of the Downeast Rainbow Alliance, who hosted the event along with Eastport ArtWalk and Lubec Area Musicians’ Philanthropic Society. 

This year we were excited to have the talented drag performers from the Curbside Queens at both events. We also had live music including Heavenly Hash, Minor Characters, Pink Capos, Milk & Honey Rebellion and Tomalley. Hope Rovelto from Little Chair Printing was there live screenprinting Pride t-shirts. The celebration in Lubec opened with a brunch at Lubec Brewing Company, followed by a Pride parade down Water Street. Many supporting organizations tabled throughout the weekend, including MaineTransNet, OutMaine, Healthy Acadia, NextStep, Maine Youth Power, Tides Institute & Museum of Art, Eastport Arts Center and us, Cobscook Institute.

Pride is an annual celebration of LGBTQ2IA+ visibility, and is an inspiring, affirming and educational experience for all ages, advocating for a future free from discrimination. Cobscook Institute believes that it is our collective responsibility as individuals, families and institutions to support LGBTQ+ people, and to promote a culture that welcomes, affirms and supports all people for who they are. For people who don't identify as LGBTQ+, this is called allyship, and it is a crucial factor in improving mental health for our community members, and enabling all of us to achieve our greatest potential. 

Cobscook Institute hosted an LGBTQ+ Allyship training by OutMaine this month, with trainings also taking place at Washington County Community College and University of Maine at Machias. Participants gained a foundational understanding for those who work with LGBTQ+ youth, and best practices for creating inclusive programming. Cobscook has committed to being an open and affirming organization and workplace, which has included all staff receiving trainings and resources on allyship.