The Department of Community Justice (DCJ) joined the annual Portland Pride Celebration at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on June 17th-19th, 2011. Officers in the bike patrol rode in the parade while other employees staffed a booth. Staff handed out candy, stickers, and other favors, such as ID holders, to the crowd and helped answer their questions about DCJ. Employees who volunteered for the event were representing both members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer (LGBTQ) community and supporters of the LGBTQ community.
DCJ’s involvement in the celebration goes back several years to 2008 as part of DCJ’s induction into the Sexual Minorities Round Table. Angel Harp, program coordinator, reported that the festivities were “a blast” but stressed that DCJ’s participation is an important show of support for the LGBTQ community. “We say we value and support diversity but our actions need to support our words,” says Harp. “Getting involved in these events is a real show of commitment.”
The long-term goal is to continually increase the number of staff participating in the celebration each year. The Cultural Competency Steering Committee is actively looking for volunteers. Interested staff should contact John McVay, Community Justice Manager, for more information.