2 min read

Midcoast Youth Center’s Safe Club works on designing T-shirts, bracelets and other crafts in the Art Lab at the Chocolate Church Art Center for Pride Month in Bath. Courtesy of Midcoast Youth Center and Skate Park

Pride events are happening across Maine, including in the City of Ships.

Bath Pride will celebrate at the Linwood Waterfront Park from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 13. The event will host vendors, drag performers, LGBTQ+ and allied organizations and food trucks.

Later in the month, the Banned Book Club will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, in the Community Room on the second floor of Patten Free Library to discuss Maia Kobabe’s graphic novel “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” which has been one of the most consistently challenged and banned books in recent years.

“Creating an environment and community where all young people feel seen, valued and respected is a core part of who we are,” said Jamie Dorr, executive director of Midcoast Community Alliance. “We are proud to support a diverse group of LGBTQ+ community members and their families, as we seek equity and empowerment for everyone.”

Midcoast Youth Center was pivotal in establishing the first Pride event in Bath, organized in collaboration with the Maine Working Communities Challenge. When Bath residents and others visit the Midcoast Youth Center’s table, they can learn more about its programs, like Positive Childhood Experiences, to cultivate a community where youth matter and make space for marginalized voices.

Last week, in preparation for Pride Month, the Safe Club at Midcoast Youth Center used the Art Lab in the Chocolate Church Arts Center to make one-of-a-kind tie-dye T-shirts, colorful key chains, buttons and bracelets. Midcoast Youth Center staff member Tony Keyes created the You Matter sticker, which will be available at Friday’s Pride event.

Paul Bagnall got his start in Maine journalism writing for the Bangor Daily News covering multiple municipalities in Aroostook County. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor's...

Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.