PORTLAND, Maine — Holocaust and Human Rights Center Maine is just one of the many organizations marching down Congress Street in the Portland Pride Parade.
It's an event that not only sheds light on injustices of the past but also looks to a future without persecution and discrimination.
"For us, Pride is not just about celebrating, it's also a time to recognize the very hard work to achieve basic civil and human rights," HHRC Maine Executive Director Tam Thanh Huynh said.
Huynh said the center's founders wanted to take a stand against discrimination, which is why Portland's Pride Parade is an event the organization stands behind.
"When they saw bigotry take place within the community they knew firsthand that would lead to exclusion and diminishing people, which too often results in unfair treatment and can sometimes lead to violence," Huynh said.
For the LGBTQ+ community, that support is growing.
"We see now there are businesses that show up with a large group of folks, church groups, synagogues that show up, and places like the Holocaust and Human Rights Center show up," Executive Director of EquailtyMaine Gia Drew said. "I think that just shows how much support there is for LGBTQ people and that LGBTQ people are a part of all of these other organizations too."
The City of Portland continues to show pride in those who call it home
"It's an opportunity to exhibit their Pride, their self-worth, and it's a reminder to the rest of us that once upon a time everyone we loved that is part of that parade feels the need to be hidden and today we celebrate the fact that is no longer the case," City of Portland Mayor Mark Dion said.
With events like Portland's Pride Parade, it creates a sense of belonging.
"I've been going to it now for 14 or 15 years and I remember my first time. I was really scared because I'd never been to a really public LBGTQ event. It was so uplifting to be surrounded by thousands of other supporters," Drew said.
Meanwhile, organizations like HHRC Maine will continue to be an ally.
"I see people alongside the road there to support everybody, what I feel is our community coming together and all people are invited in and encouraged to be fully who they are," Huynh said.
Pride events are happening around the state throughout the month of June.
This year's Portland Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 15. The route kicks off at 1 p.m. near Monument Square.
There will also be a festival at Deering Oaks Park from 1-5 p.m. that day.
Like last year, the parade will take place rain or shine.