SHS’s Civil Rights Team and GSTA attended picnic hosted by Project CommUnity

BY KEIRA KILKENNY, STAFF WRITER

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Project CommUnity hosted their Annual Pride Picnic at Gowen Park on Sunday, June 5. This picnic is an all-age celebration with countless community groups and activities.

Sanford High School’s Civil Rights Team and Gay Straight Transgender Alliance (GSTA) club were both present at the picnic.

Sandra Thompson, GSTA advisor, shares, “We have been a part of [the picnic] since the start, and it was amazing to see how much it has grown every year since. It was a great opportunity for us to network with other like-minded community members, and we made connections that we will keep for years to come.” 

Thompson adds that this year’s picnic was the best year yet.

“It was a pleasure for the Sanford Civil Rights Team to support our LBGTQ+ students and community in this celebration,” said Heidi Whitney, Civil Rights Team advisor and SHS English Teacher. “Some community members were happy to see that both the Sanford Civil Rights Team and the Gay Straight Trans Alliance are an active presence at the high school.”

Organizations and groups attending include Caring Unlimited, SARSSM, Maine TransNet, Planned Parenthood, Portland Outright, Maine Access Points, Center for Grieving Children, York County Dems, Sanford/Springvale Dems, Portland Public Health Center STD Clinic, Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, SHS GSTA and Civil Rights Team, York County Shelter Programs, and Community Care. Frannie Peabody Center will also be doing free HIV and Help C testing.

There were also free groceries distributed by the Sanford Backpack Program and a crafting and free mom hugs tent.