Augusta-based agency to host Disability Pride Day July 8

AUGUSTA — After a three-year break, Disability Rights Maine plans to hold Disability Pride Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 8, at The Pavilion at Mill Park, Water Street.

The event will be held rain or shine, according to a news release from the protection and advocacy agency.

The day will include speakers, lawn games, music, performances, pizza, and information tables from partners across Maine.

Although masking for Disability Pride is not mandatory, it will be encouraged, as will social distancing. Agency staff will model this practice, and masks will be available for those who need and want one. Organizations tabling at Disability Pride will be encouraged to mask as well.

Confirmed organizations/resource tables include: Adaptive Outdoor Education Center; Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc.; AlphaOne; American Civil Liberties Union of Maine; Brain Injury Association of America — Maine Chapter; Capitol Clubhouse; Consumer Council System of Maine; GEAR Parent Network; Go Maine; Health Equity Alliance; League of Women Voters of Maine; Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center; Maine Family Planning; Maine Human Rights Commission; Maine Parent Federation; Maine Youth Power; NAMI Maine; Pine Tree Society; Speaking Up for Us; Statewide Independent Living Council; and Youth Peer Support Statewide Network.

Speakers are as follows:

• Sarah Trites is a member of the Bangor Chapter of Speaking Up for Us and is serving as secretary for the Board of Directors. Trites is a past recipient of the Marcia Rosen Award, the ARC Citizenship Award and the Vocal Special Service Award. In addition to her work with SUFU, she is a volunteer for Catholic Charities of Maine’s Search Program.

• Chrysanthemum Gates is active on TikTok, where she has been advocating for disabilities as well as sharing her passion for sewing and cosplay, of which she has won over a dozen awards for her work. In addition to her large social media following, Gates is also Q-roll model/brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab, where she works to show how one can live a full life and be stylish while still needing a wheelchair to meet their mobility needs.

• Darryl Shepherd Jr. is a project facilitator at Maine Inside Out. Shepherd joined MIO as an artist and organizer in the winter of 2018. He collaborated on the creation and performance of two original plays, “Unspoken Truth” and “Exposed.” As a co-facilitator and co-host for MIO’s Fall 2020 project and virtual open mic, We Play Too Much, he was instrumental in MIO’s transition to remote art creation and sharing.

For more information about this event, email Katrina Ringrose at kringrose@drme.org. Information is also available at drme.org.