Mother Nature prevented the LGBTQ community from taking over the Student Union plaza with their second annual Pride March, a celebration of the differences they all share together. Instead of simply calling it a day after rescheduling the march, which they did for Wednesday, they trickled and then flooded into the University Center ballroom, planting a rainbow banner across from the line of nations’ flags hanging on the third floor.

Director of the LGBTQ program at NKU, Bonnie Meyer, made light of the clouds hanging above their heads, promising better weather next year, before addressing the crowd that was growing by the minute.

“We get the question a lot, ‘Why does pride matter?’ We see a lot of progress within the LGBTQ community, we also live in places that aren’t always affirming and welcoming…. These events allow us to come together as a community and support each other,” Meyer said.

Before turning the stage to Dr. Kathleen Roberts, grand marshal for the event, Meyer gave recognition to the allies to the LGBTQ community, saying “We’re not getting anywhere without allies no matter who we are, and we’re lucky.”

In addition to the indoor picnic booths lined the walls of the ballroom some with outreach programs, like PFLAG Cincinnati (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and some for education, like student Marcel Hughes’ “Colours of Pride” display board.

“We’re displaying some of the history makers of queerdom who are also people of color because they are often not represented or not broadcasted in the media,” Hughes said.  “There’s a lack of diversity.”

Morgan Bell and Ishmael Muhammad, students in charge of the Center of Student Inclusiveness booth, were promoting community between minorities within the LGBTQ community, specifically African American, Latino and disabled students looking for a sense of home.

“With all the people we brought together, I really wouldn’t have met as many people as if I was out on my own,” Muhammad said . “I would probably have just talked to other blacks. It’s not to be racist. How else would I meet people from different backgrounds?”

In addition to the indoor picnic and pride march, the team organized a slam poetry night, “What the Bible Really Says About LGBTQ Issues,” a lunch and learn with Dr. Debra Meyers and a drag show to cap the week off.  More information about the events can be found on the program’s Facebook page.

Stick with The Northerner to see more coverage of Norse Pride Week events.