June 17, 2015

Governor Kate Brown with DCJ Staff
Governor Kate Brown with DCJ staff as they prepare to march in the 2015 Portland Pride Parade
 The weekend of June 13th and 14th saw PRIDE return to Portland and DCJ staff turned out to lend support and raise awareness. Public safety partners marched in the parade as a part of the Alliance for Safer Communities. In addition to the parade, which was marshaled by Governor Kate Brown, PRIDE 2015 includes a festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Employees staffed an information and resource booth, also in conjunction with our public safety partners.

Members of the public were able to ask questions and learn more about DCJ, our mission, and our goals. DCJ staff showed their enthusiasm: cheering; dancing; handing out stickers, frisbees, and candy; and engaging with the community. The parade draws thousands of people and includes almost 150 groups who march in the parade including various non-profits, corporations, religious entities, Oregon dignitaries and more. View full list of participants. The parade route begins at the North Park Blocks, winds through Old Town, and ends at the gates of the festival in Waterfront Park.  

DCJ staff having fun at the public safety booth at the 2015 Portland PRIDE Festival

Fundraisers, parties, and a Pride Glow Run also take place during Portland PRIDE. The festival and parade are hosted by Pride Northwest, a nonprofit started in 1994 that aims to "encourage and celebrate the positive diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans communities, and to assist in the education of all people through the development of activities that showcase the history, accomplishments, and talents of all of these communities."