Event Recap: ShPRIDE Comes Out at Pride Run & Andaz Pink Brunch
On a cool, sunny Saturday morning of 17-June, ShanghaiPRIDE 2017 participants ran with pride at the annual Pride Run. This year’s run received the continued support of Nike+ Run Club (NRC), sending out the message #BETRUE in hopes that everyone can be their true self.
More than 200 participants started from six different locations around Shanghai – Middle Huaihai Road, Jing’an Park, corner of Wukang Road and Anfu Road, Long Museum, Shanghai Swimming Center, and Suzhou Creek. The six routes represent the six colors of the pride rainbow flag, which is significant to convey the message that everyone is different but can co-exist in unity and harmony. The runners came out to support Pride9 running through scenic spots of Shanghai following the NRC coaches. In order to cater for advanced runners, this year we lengthened the routes starting from Shanghai Swimming Center and Suzhou Creek to 10km and 15km respectively.
This year’s Pride Run saw more proactive participation from corporations, including Morgan Stanley and The Walt Disney Company who formed teams to join.
All runners arrived at the destination, Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, and were greeted by volunteers handing out goodie bags which included the Pride9 “The Time Is Now” T-shirts, medals, sunglasses, power bars, candies, and hotel coupon books.
After the thank you speech and photoshoot to commemorate the event, runners were treated by the hotel to a delicious brunch joined by the Andaz Pink Brunch guests at the Garden Studios.
As the afternoon ensued, runners and guests enjoyed performances and raffles. There were also fun games where 6 participants won BETRUE running footwear sponsored by Nike.
Special thanks to Nike+ Run Club, Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, Rainbow Rabbit, Berlitz, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Shanghai, California Center, and SweetTeeth for making both events a great success! Most importantly, special thanks to all participants and volunteers for making this possible.
The proceeds from this year’s Pride Run will go towards the Common Language Rainbow Anti-Gender-Based Violence Service Center Hangzhou Station Project ”Growth Group”, set to commence in the second half of the year. Common Language is a community-based non-profit organization established in January 2005. Common Language focuses on Chinese communities suffering from oppression based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and endeavors to educate the general public on sexual diversity issues, eradicate discrimination, and fight for equal rights through community campaigns, public education, and policy advocacy. Since October 2016, Rainbow Anti-Gender-Based Violence Service Center has dealt with issues related to sexual orientation and gender choice, as well as helping to resolve conflict with family and partners. By providing social services such as counseling and hosting support groups, the organization helps address issues of identity, life experiences, family relationships, managing emotions, personal development, etc. After a total of eight sessions, with the support of the growth group, participants will learn to accept themselves and become mentally prepared to better handle the problems they encounter in life.
