Forcasts were gloomy, but Auburn Spectrum students did not let the rain get in the way of their first Pride celebration.
An original plan to host Tiger Pride at Town Creek Park was changed at the last moment as the, now familiar, rain dampened their plans. The groups quickly moved their setup to Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on East Thach Avenue.
Children played with rainbow streamers as the members set up activity tables. Bubbles, face paint and a table of multicolored beaded necklaces were set up throughout the chapel.
Spectrum hosted a memorial for Pulse earlier in June. Traven Le'Nard, event coordinator for Spectrum, said the event was somber and difficult for many that were present.
"This event was a breather at the end of the month to have fun," Le'Nard said. "We scrambled and pulled our resources together to come up with an event that was all smiles."
Le'Nard said he hoped it would be more of a free, social event than one with structure. Le'Nard said he was going for a smaller festival where people were comfortable to do whatever they feel.
Le'Nard has been event coordinator for two years and appreciates the bonds he's made in Spectrum.
"All of the officers are a close group of friends," Le'Nard said. "People become who they truly are when they come and join."
Auburn Spectrum welcomed PFLAG Auburn Area Chapter, Human Rights Campaign, Church of the Spiral Tree, Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Auburn Southern Poverty Law Center. The turnout was more impressive than Le'Nard originally expected, he said.
Devon Brown, junior in anthropology, works as an assistant to the director for Spectrum. She said the intention of the event was to end Pride Month on a solid, enjoyable note.
Brown manned the face painting table and carefully glittered a little girl's face. Her parents took photos of their beaming child and went on to the next table, covered in rainbow bubble containers.
"This is about finding joy in community and that's the best way to end the month," Brown said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
