Peace Corps Pride from Coast to Coast
September 28, 2014 1 Comment
– Manuel Colón, RPCV, Paraguay
2014 has been amazing year for the LGBT community here in the United States. From sweeping same-sex marriage bans being struck down (nearly every week) to trans actress Laverne Cox being nominated for an Emmy – there has been plenty to celebrate in the lives of our Queer brothers and sisters.
Accordingly, Peace Corps and the RPCV community were not shy in their efforts to highlight, promote, and celebrate the Queer experiences of Volunteers. Every regional office of Peace Corps hosted a variety of events during Pride season (which is still continuing) such as an informational tables, parades, or hosting a “Have Rainbow, Will Travel” panel discussion. If you are interested in finding out what Pride events Peace Corps is participating in, that might be in your area, access http://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/learn/meet/events/ enter “view all” and then key word either “pride” or “lgbt” for the full listing of upcoming recruitment and information events. Most events this year occurred during the summer and prime Pride Festival time. From New York to Los Angeles, the LGBT RPCV community has been actively engaged in these efforts will the full support of Peace Corps as an agency.
In fact, Peace Corps was awarded the Elizabeth Taylor Award: Best Non-Profit Contingent for their participation in the 2014 Capital Pride Parade in Washington, DC. Didn’t get a chance to participate in a Peace Corps Pride event this summer? No worries, the momentum is still going! The Atlanta Area RPCV Association (AARPCV) will be carrying over 100 flags from around the world, along with the rainbow flag, to represent Peace Corps in the Atlanta LGBT Pride Parade, October 12. This is the first time that AARPCV will be in the Pride Parade and will depict Peace Corps’ support for diversity, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Photos courtesy of Manuel Colón and Peace Corps at https://www.facebook.com/peacecorps/photos
About LGBT RPCV
Thank you rainbow brothers and sisters for all the efforts put forth in putting this communication together. It is very much appreciated. Alan, Honduras 64-66