​Windham DEI Welcomes U.S. Rep. Pappas As Guest Speaker For Pride Festival

WINDHAM, NH — Thousands attended Windham’s fifth annual Pride Festival on Sunday.

Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI), the festival was organized in allyship of the local LGBTQ+ community and to provide an accepting space for all to celebrate.

The free event was held at Windham High School and featured an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including live entertainment, food trucks, activities and games, and a raffle with over 35 donated goods from local residents, artists, organizations, and businesses. Proceeds from the event fund various Windham DEI initiatives created to foster unity and dialogue with the goal of building a more inclusive Windham.

“Each year, Pride brings Windham and our neighboring communities together for a joyful celebration of love and inclusion,” said Chris Arsenault of Windham DEI. “This being our fifth year, that celebration was especially meaningful in today’s climate, and I am particularly grateful for our dedicated volunteers and longtime sponsors like Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital, whose support has proven to be unwavering.”

This year’s entertainment included DJ Triana, Ruby Grove Band, and drag performer Clara Divine for the fifth consecutive year. Local organizations and businesses offered activities for all ages, including rainbow hair extensions, rock painting, caricatures, face painting, lawn games, and more.

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas spoke to event attendees, and both U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan and U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander sent letters of support.

About Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, a 501c3 organization, is committed to doing the work of increasing and celebrating diversity in Windham, N.H., including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, country of origin, religion, and age. We also commit to working toward equity, which means everyone gets what they need to have an equal opportunity, as well as inclusion, which means everyone gets a voice at the table -- especially those traditionally denied a voice. For more information, visit https://windhamdei.org/ or email contact@windhamdei.org.

Submitted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity + Inclusion