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Spectrum's Awareness Week will have an addition to the usual activities this year: a gay pride parade.
The parade will be the first for the Miami University community at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.
Parade coordinator Brian McQueen said the idea originated during a workshop in early February. He said what he thought to be a farfetched idea for Miami's campus quickly gained support and began to develop.
"In my mind it was something Miami would never go for," McQueen said. "I still expect some controversy."
According to McQueen, spectators and participants alike can look forward to a parade of celebration. McQueen said there will be music, posters, balloons and plenty of people chanting and cheering.
"From pets, parents, students, faculty, gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, drag queens, drag kings, everyone is welcome to come out and promote self-acceptance," McQueen said.
Awareness Week Chair Tommy Marzella said he wants the parade to be a visual representation of those on campus who are members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and straight alliances.
"It's a great way to spread awareness and human rights to everyone," Marzella said.
Marzella said his primary expectation is to branch out to the rest of Miami's campus and gain support.
"We want the parade to be peaceful, happy and colorful," McQueen said.
According to McQueen, participants will begin to assemble at 4 p.m. at the Phi Delta Theta gates on the corner of High Street and Campus Avenue.
The Parade will continue down Slant Walk, cross Spring Street and end at MacMillan Hall. McQueen said Oxford Police Department will escort the parade to prevent traffic problems as they cross Spring Street.
McQueen said he got approval from the Student Activities Board to lead the parade across campus.
"This is not to throw (gay pride) in people's faces, it's about openly celebrating who we are," McQueen said.
According to Marzella, the Alliance Picnic will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 7 in 212 MacMillan after the parade.
"The Alliance Picnic is a way for allies to show their support," Marzella said.
According to Marzella, Mother Paula Jackson of Cincinnati's Church of Our Savior will speak at the picnic. Marzella said her church supports those that are supportive of the GLBT community.
"I expect the parade to be a big success," McQueen said. "I think people are eager to make it an annual event."
Marzella said there will be poster-making parties throughout the week leading up to the parade. The first took place Monday, while the second will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in 27 MacMillan Hall.
