Binghamton University raises Progress Pride flag to kick off Summer of Pride

On Tuesday, June 4, members of the Binghamton University community gathered on the spine to raise the Progress Pride flag and celebrate the start of Pride Month.

“We’re excited to raise the Progress Pride Flag on campus during Pride Month for the third year,” said Q Center Associate Director Nick Martin. “This year’s flag raising is the kickoff to our ‘Summer of Pride’ event series that encourages everyone to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride on campus and throughout the Southern Tier and Central New York. We hope to show that our vibrant LGBTQ+ community and wonderful network of allies are strong and prosperous in Upstate New York and that there are many ways to engage with the community throughout the summer.”

The Progress Pride flag combines the iconic 1978 rainbow flag, also known as the Harvey Milk Flag, with a chevron pattern of colors —pink, blue, white, brown and black — that symbolize marginalized communities, specifically trans and non-binary individuals and people of color.

Speakers acknowledge celebration, allyship

Karen Jones, vice president of The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, evoked the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City 55 years ago and set the stage for Pride month.

“Out of protest comes celebration,” said Jones. “And while we all know there is much going on with anti-LGBTQIA legislation taking place across the country, we are here today with unwavering support for our entire community.”

Amanda Finch, assistant vice president and dean of students, spoke about the importance of being an ally and challenged those in attendance to speak up when encountering discrimination.

“Dare to use your voice, your mind, your experience and your privilege to allow others to thrive,” said Finch. “I ask that we think about what each of us can do in order to create a diverse community, an inclusive community, one that’s caring and empathetic, one that celebrates our spectrum of talents and identities — a community that we can truly be proud to be a part of.”

At the mid-day program, second-semester Master of Music in Opera student Daisy Lawrence closed with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel.

University Q Center hosts summer Pride events

Faculty and Staff Coffee Connection

• Tuesday, June 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Q Center, LS-G549

Stop by the Q Center for a casual summer coffee meet-up. Open to all LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and allies, plus refreshments from Batch Coffee and pride-themed giveaways. We hope to see you there.

Queer Book Hour

• Tuesday, June 25, 11 a.m. to noon
• Q Center, LS-G549

Stop in, grab a book, eat lunch, read, discuss and more.

Q Center Pride Party

• Wednesday, June 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Union Marketplace Terrace, Peace Quad

Join the Q Center and campus community as we celebrate the close of Pride Month. We’ll have free food, Pride-themed merchandise, games and more. Bring your office friends and colleagues!

Pride Picnic with Pride and Joy Families

• Saturday, July 20, Noon to 2 p.m.
• Recreation Park, Binghamton

Celebrate the Summer of Pride with an event especially geared toward LGBTQIA+ families. We’ll have food, lawn games and Pride merchandise.

Faculty and Staff Coffee Connection

• Wednesday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Q Center, LS-G549

Stop by the Q Center for a casual summer coffee meet-up. Open to all LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff and allies. Refreshments from Batch Coffee and pride-themed giveaways. We hope to see you there.

Rainbow Fest

• Wednesday, August 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Campus Peace Quad

The Rainbow Fest is the annual Welcome Back Week event for all incoming and returning students who identify (or are questioning) as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

For more information about upcoming events, contact the Q Center.