The air buzzed with anticipation in the DOE Bingo Booth. Tables were laden with rainbow-hued cupcakes and cookies, and the walls were adorned with vibrant flags representing every shade of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It was the annual DOE Pride Bingo, and excitement bubbled over as employees, students, and their families gathered.
Disney, with a penchant for glitter and a rebellious streak, was excited. This year, she was coordinating the Pride Scavenger Hunt, an addition to the usual bingo festivities. The hunt, she’d decided, would be a fun way to celebrate the diversity within the Woodcrest community. “Okay, everyone!” Disney announced, her voice booming over the excited chatter. “This year’s Pride Bingo is extra special, because we’re adding the Pride Scavenger Hunt! You’ll find clues hidden throughout the Quad, leading you to unique experiences and hidden treasures. The first one to complete the hunt and return to me wins a grand prize.”
The crowd roared with excitement. everyone formed, each buzzing with strategy and anticipation. Some opted for a classic ‘divide and conquer’ approach, while others chose to stay united, their voices echoing with laughter and friendly competition. The clues were a heart shaped item One clue, written in binary code, sent teams decoding messages hidden in the school’s computer system. Another, disguised as a physics equation, required solving for the unknown variable, revealing the location of the next clue.
As the hunt progressed, laughter and camaraderie filled the building. Students interviewed teachers about their favorite Pride memories, staff members shared their stories of coming out, and everyone learned something new about their colleagues and fellow community members. Finally, after a nail-biting finale, it was the student team who crossed the finish line first. Their faces lit up with joy as Disney congratulated them, presenting them with the grand prize.
The event culminated in a rousing game of Pride Bingo, with everyone cheering each other on. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging. As the evening drew to a close, Disney stood back, watching the crowd disperse, feeling a sense of pride. This year’s DOE Pride Bingo, with its added scavenger hunt, had not only been a fun celebration but had also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the strength of the community. The event had woven a tapestry of shared experiences and laughter, proving that love and acceptance are the most powerful forces of all.
Editor’s Note: This event took place on Friday, June 28, 2024.