A Moment of Portland PFLAG Joy is a place where our members can anonymously share meaningful experiences they’ve had as an LGBTQ+ person or someone special to an LGBTQ+ person. Let us know at info@pflagpdx.org if you have a story you’d like to share.
Our joy abounds when we help our community celebrate gender and sexual diversity and feel empowered and loved. PFLAG Portland was proud to donate to the Reynolds School District’s 3rd annual Rainbow Alliance Pride event also celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. In gratitude, Lead School Psychologist Stephanie Wilson shared the following write-up of the event with PFLAG, and we’re delighted to share it with you.
Celebrating Diversity: The 3rd Annual Rainbow Alliance IDAHTB/Pride Event
by Stephanie Wilson, Ed.S
A Day of Celebration and Solidarity
Held on a sunny afternoon, the event was a lively and colorful gathering, with participants from the Reynolds School District coming together to celebrate inclusivity, advocacy, and awareness. The Rainbow Alliance and the Reynolds High School GSA, known for their dedication to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and creating safe spaces for the middle school and high school communities, organized a series of activities that highlighted the significance of IDAHTB and Pride.
The day’s events included inspiring speeches from community leaders, students, and guest speakers: Yuyang Zhang, a gay Chinese artist in residence at the Portland Chinatown Museum, Touk Keo, a Cambodian nonbinary social activist who works at the PSU Women’s Center, and Sylvia McGauley, the retired teacher who founded the Reynolds High School GSA back in 1998! In addition, attendees enjoyed music and bhangra dance lessons from DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid. Each performance and speech reflected the rich diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere was one of joy and unity, as staff and students mingled, shared stories, and made new friends.
PFLAG’s Generous Contribution
A highlight of this year’s event was the generous donation from PFLAG. PFLAG’s commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones is well-known, and their contribution made a significant impact on the event’s success.
With PFLAG’s donation, the Rainbow Alliance was able to provide an array of refreshments that catered to various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the offerings. There were tables laden with snacks, drinks, and treats. The availability of complimentary refreshments added to the festive atmosphere, encouraging attendees to relax and engage with each other.
In addition to refreshments, PFLAG’s donation funded a variety of giveaways that delighted participants. Rainbow-themed items, including flags, buttons, fans, stickers, and bracelets, were distributed throughout the event. These giveaways not only served as mementos of the day but also as symbols of pride and solidarity that attendees could carry with them.
Looking Forward
As the 3rd annual Rainbow Alliance IDAHTB/Pride event came to a close, the sense of community and solidarity was palpable. Attendees left with smiles on their faces, feeling seen, heard, and valued. The success of the event underscored the importance of support and collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
The Rainbow Alliance and PFLAG’s partnership demonstrated how powerful collective efforts can be in creating meaningful change and fostering a sense of belonging. As we look forward to future events, the hope is that this spirit of unity and celebration will continue to grow, paving the way for a more inclusive world.