Pelton, Emersonians march in Pride Parade

Nearly 90 members of the Emerson community marched on June 13 in the Boston Pride Parade—marking the first time a group of Emerson students, faculty, staff, and alumni marched together in the annual parade.

The Emerson cohort was organized by eQual, the recently formed resource group for faculty and staff who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).

“We are known as one of the most LGBT-friendly campuses in the country, and we are finally showing it more in the community,” said Eric Glaskin, co-chair of eQual, who works as assistant director of financial aid. “It was fun and exciting.”

Emerson President Lee Pelton was among the Emerson participants who marched through Boston to City Hall Plaza, where there were live performances.

“I was pleased to see so many happy faces during this wonderful celebration of diversity and inclusion,” Pelton said. “It is important to promote inclusivity and respect not only on our campus, but in our greater community as well.”

Glaskin said numerous alumni who were not part of the group but attended the parade ran up to the Emersonians and expressed their support.

Eighty-seven Emersonians marched in the parade wearing T-shirts with the College logo and the name “eQual”; and the group held a College banner. Ruthanne Madsen, vice president for enrollment, provided departmental funds for the T-shirts, according to Glaskin.