“Pride For All” packs week with accessible activities and ways to celebrate

Pride Week was packed with vibrant participation from the Saint Michael’s College community both on and off campus. College LGBTQIA+ club Common Ground, the Student Disability Advocacy Alliance (SDAA), and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) worked together to create an unforgettable week of “Pride For All.”

On Thurs. Sept. 7, comedian Tina Friml ’16 performed in Dion and shared her experiences of life with cerebral palsy. The next day, the community heard from retired Psychology Professor Dr. Dave Landers on the history of Common Ground and queer inclusivity at Saint Michael’s. Makerspace held a Pride workshop and Common Ground President Juneau Rich ’24 gave a seated dance tutorial.

Scroll to see the full gallery of Saturday’s on-campus Pride Walk/Roll, Photos by Sophie Burt ’26

This all led up to a number of Saturday events on campus, starting with the “Pride Walk/Roll.” Students holding signs and flags proudly made their way around campus, often being cheered on by bystanders. When they reached the rainbow painted Pride sidewalk near the Bergeron Wellness Center, students lined the path to show their support.

The event also included opening words from Common Ground and SDAA as well as a performance by Sleepless Knights, a prayer by Fr. Michael Carter, and moments of silence for those lost to acts of ableism, homophobia and transphobia. Later in the day, students could visit a queer and disabled student market, make s’mores, and attend a drag show.

Students also brought their show of Pride off campus to Burlington on Sunday. Saint Michael’s College brought out more than 100 people to march as one of the largest groups in the Pride Parade in Burlington. Common Ground led the group, which included the SDAA,, SAAC, athletes, faculty, staff, and students.

Scroll to see the full gallery of Sunday’s Pride Parade in Burlington/ Photos by Cat Cutillo

“It makes us super proud every year that Saint Mike’s is one of the biggest groups that walks in Burlington Pride, especially out of all the colleges. It makes us happy to see Saint Mike’s come out and support each other and be a part of the larger community,” said Sophia Meimaris ’24, the Vice President of Common Ground.

The week concluded the following Monday as Bergeron Wellness Center counselors offered services and wellness activities to students.