Pride Day on the River is transforming to a new form of community building for 2020. In keeping with our growing tradition, we are still encouraging everyone to get out on a river on Saturday, June 13, 2020. But in light of the times, this Pride Day, we will join together in spirit to think about and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ)+ community.
Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising against police harassment of gay bars and clubs. Since 1970, many cities host annual Pride celebrations in June. Pride Day on the River was first held on the Deerfield River in 2019 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through whitewater boating. Thanks to Zoar and The Venture Out Project, new folks were introduced to whitewater kayaking and community was built. Over 40 people boated down the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield that day. The Deerfield River is located on traditional lands and waterways of the Wabanaki Confederacy, Pocumtuc, Mohican, and possibly other peoples, past and present. We acknowledge with honor and gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations.
This year, please safely enjoy time on the river and think about these ideas to build support and nurturing for the LGBTQ+ community:
• Resilience and strength of LGBTQ+ people in the face of historical and current legal and cultural discrimination, and worse.
• Pride in bringing our whole selves to the world.
• Celebration of LGBTQ+ people and straight allies who speak up and fight for inclusion and equity.
• How nature and outdoor recreation can and should be safe places for LGBTQ+ people to connect with themselves and others.
How can you celebrate Pride Day on the River this year?
• Boat with household members on a river near you.
• Use common sense and guidance from the American Canoe Association and your state and local health departments while traveling and shuttling, and at the put in, take out, and busy eddies.
• Bring and wear rainbow flags or stickers on your river trip - or anything else you have to look FABULOUS!
• Take pictures and post them on this event page!
Other things you can do:
• Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues, such as here or here or here or here or here
• Consider a donation to The Venture Out Project whose mission is to "provide a safe and fun space for queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ people to experience the outdoors."
• Buy gear and sign up for clinics from Zoar.
While I won't see most of you in person on June 13, I will be thinking of all who are and are allies to LGBTQ+ people. Boating is all about connection, and I look forward to connecting with y'all in a new way this year. Thanks in advance for helping to transform Pride Day on the River to something bigger than we dreamed!