Skamania County Celebrates its First Public Pride Event
Lucy Lauser, Stevenson City Council Candidate, and and Lisa Alexander, Executive Director of Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, celebrating the first time in the history of the county that a Pride banner has been displayed on the Skamania County Courthouse lawn.
By Skamania County Women’s Council
Edited by Cole Goodwin
Stevenson, WA— The Skamania County Women’s Council and Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault have partnered to offer Skamania County’s first Pride Picnic in recognition of and support for the county’s LGBTQIA community.
The schedule is as follows:
On Saturday, June 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Teo Waterfront Park, participants are invited to bring their own picnic supplies and enjoy family-friendly and fun activities. Giant Jenga, corn hole, art projects, and t-shirt- and jewelry-making are just a few of the free offerings.
From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. a Speak Out is planned to listen to and share stories.
At 1:00 p.m, interested participants will walk to the Courthouse. Walkers are encouraged to bring signs with positive messaging. Some pre-made signs will be available for those who do not have one.
The free community event is open to everyone.
Alyson Castonguay, Carson resident, stated, “Having grown up in Skamania County and now raising my family here, I am proud to be a part of Skamania's first Pride event!” She added, “To recognize each other as human beings deserving of love, dignity, and respect should be our starting point. Pride is for everyone and allies are welcome. Standing up for the marginalized and taking the time to listen to our stories can only make our community stronger and closer to a place where all are included and celebrated.”
Many hope that the event will promote of courage, compassion, inclusivity, and diversity as a community held strength.
Annie McHale, co-founder of the Skamania County Women’s Council, echoed Castonquay’s sentiment: “at a time when divisiveness seems the norm, it takes incredible courage to see one another as human beings first, rather than “not like me.” This Pride event is not only an essential element to further this conversation, it is imperative. Inclusion of all folx is absolutely necessary to create a healthy and diverse community.”
Thousands of Pride events will take place during the month of June world-wide. Locally, various businesses and agencies will show their support by selling merchandise, placing Pride flags and banners in their windows, and showing their solidarity at Skamania Pride. The City of Stevenson, by vote of its council members, signed a Skamania Pride Proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Stevenson.
For more information visit skamaniapride.org.
If you or a loved one need confidential support, contact the Trevor Project for teen support at 1-866-488-7386, the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
About Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCDVSA) is a non-profit, dual organization serving both victims and survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. The mission of SCCDVSA is to work within the community to advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, to empower them through education and to promote equality and the elimination of the conditions which contribute to violence and abuse.
About Skamania County Women’s Council
Skamania County Women’s Council is a volunteer, ad-hoc group which aims to give women and girls a platform to be seen and heard by creating a safe environment and connecting them with supportive local resources.
