Dear Colleagues,
Thanks to many of you for the warm welcome last week, as I begin this important role as UUP’s Outreach Officer. One of my first tasks in this role is ensuring that the UUP Buffalo Center has strong support as a participant in this year’s Buffalo Pride Parade.
I’ll be walking proudly with my wife and two children carrying the UUP Banner, and we’re looking for more of our union family to march with us during this important event. As we see attacks (both political and physical) on the rights and privileges of our LGBTQ+ friends, family members, and fellow union members, it is more important than ever that we show our support for the community and participate in large numbers at this year’s parade.
This year’s Buffalo Pride Parade “Now’s The Time,” fits in perfectly with our broader goals of inclusion, diversity, and advocacy for ALL members of the Buffalo Center and broader community. I hope you will consider taking a few hours out of your weekend to join us. We’ll bring the UUP Buffalo Center banner, signs, and flags, but we need you to come with your voice and support.
Members interested in participating in the parade should RSVP here no later than Tuesday, May 28th, so that we may have an accurate number of individuals to expect.
Here are some important details for those planning to attend:
- The parade line up begins at 8:00 am and runs until 10 am. The parade starts at 11 am. Individuals arriving after 10am will not be able to participate in the parade.
- Any individuals who want to walk in the parade should look for Ryan Taughrin (UUP Buffalo Center Chapter’s Outreach Coordinator). He will be wearing a red UUP shirt in Buffalo State University lot R14 (1300 Elmwood Avenue).
- The parade travels south on Elmwood Avenue starting at Forest Avenue and ending at Allen Street. The block of Elmwood Avenue between Allen Street and Virginia Street will be closed to traffic; floats and marchers will be able to disassemble in this area.
Participants are encouraged to wear their UUP shirts along with their favorite pride attire, the flashier the better.
We will have pride flags for participants and will be making signs to carry in the parade as part of the Chapter’s Happy Hour on Thursday, May 23rd from 4 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.at the UUP 108 Commons office.
Hope to see you there!
In Solidarity,
Ryan Taughrin
Chapter Outreach Officer
UUP Buffalo Center