The annual Mad Pride March and Celebration that celebrates psychiatric survivors, consumers, mad people and folks the world has labeled "mentally ill" kicks off Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Burlington. Marchers will begin to assemble at 12 pm at the Hood Plant Parking Lot on King Street between South Winooski Avenue and Church Street.

The march begins at 1 PM from the Hood Plant parking lot. Marchers will walk down Church Street, through the Church Street Marketplace, to Pearl Street and into Battery Park.

There's a formal program scheduled from 2 PM to 4 PM, including music, spoken word and speeches. Lunch will be provided, and the first 100 participants will receive free, commemorative t-shirts.

Confirmed speakers to date include Robert Whitaker, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic and Mad in America, Sera Davidow, Director of the Wildflower Alliance in western Massachusetts, and Wilda White, founder of MadFreedom, Inc.

All are welcome to participate. ASL interpreters will be provided, other accommodations available on request. Although not required, registration is helpful and available at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-vermont-mad-pride-day-march-and-celebration-tickets-640066475057.

Borrowing from Gay Pride, Mad Pride is about shedding shame, challenging discrimination against folks the world has labeled "mentally ill," advocating for rights, affirming mad identifies, remembering and participating in mad history and having fun. The lives of psychiatric survivors, consumers, mad people and folks the world has labeled "mentally ill" are valuable and need celebration.

Vermont Mad Pride is organized by volunteers committed to creating a kinder world for folks who experience trauma, and/or mental and emotional distress.

For more information, https://www.madpridevermont.org.

Those interested in sponsorship or tabling opportunities should email info@madpridevermont.org or telephone Wilda L. White at (802) 770-4050.