Our Annual Traditions

Since our founding in 1984, our community has always been at the core of our work. We take great pride in the strength and resiliency that Maine’s LGBTQ+ community has demonstrated in times of crisis and times of celebration. Our annual traditions are signature events that allow us to come together as community to celebrate the successes of the past and recharge for the work that lays ahead. We remain committed to doing all that we can to keep our community strong!

Awards Gala & Auction

Our premier event and one of the largest charity galas in Maine, the Gala is traditionally held in the spring. Awards are presented each year to leaders in Maine’s LGBTQ+ equality movement. 

Pride

Through Pride Across Maine, a collaborative planning group of pride organiazations, we work to support the planning efforts of local pride celebrations around the state and coordinate events sponsored by EqualityMaine to celebrate the spirit of LGBTQ+ Mainers throughout the state. Pride Portland attracts over 12,000 attendees and Bangor Pride draws over 3000 participants. Our signature events include the Spirit of Pride Cruise around Casco Bay in Portland, and the Pride After-Parties during Pride Portland and Bangor Pride.  Pride celebrations are also held in Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, Hallowell. Lewiston-Auburn, Machias and Orono. 

The Great Pumpkin Ball

The Great Pumpkin Ball is our annual Halloween celebration and the largest Halloween party in the state of Maine with over 1200 attendees each year. Held at the State Theatre in Portland, the event is an 18+ community costume ball, featuring dancing, drag performers, prizes and a costume contest like no other. The past four years, we have been thrilled to feature nationally known drag performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race and DJ’s from Boston and New York City. 

Dine OUT for Equality

Each fall, we partner with local restaurants, coffee shops and eateries across the state in a day of giving to support our work. Our members dine at these establishments over the course of the day, and these pro-equality businesses donate a percentage of their proceeds. 

Out on the Green

In our newest annual tradition, EqualityMaine supporters hit the links each fall for our annual golf tournament, Out on the Green, to raise funds to support our safer schools programming for LGBTQ+ youth. From the Tito’s bar cart, to a special visit on the green from a local drag celebrity, Out on the Green is a wonderful celebration of our community.