YORK COUNTY COAST STAR, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2000

For the first time in its short existence, the Maine Speak Out Project's "Walk with the One You Love" is being held simultaneously in 10 towns and cities throughout the state of Maine. Previously, Maine's largest city, Portland, served as the lone host site.

This year's walk is scheduled for Sunday. And we're glad to announce that Kennebunk is one of the host sites for the event which event organizers bill as a "community-building" event.

The purpose of the walk is to raise public awareness and demonstrate support for the safety and respect for Maine individuals and families, regardless of sexual orientation.

The event has garnered support from the 119th Maine Legislature, which has proclaimed June 18, 2000 as "Walk with the One You Love Day." Police leaders around the state have been urged to publicly support the events by Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood.

Because of the Speakout Project's leadership role in promoting understanding between persons of differing sexual orientations, the walk may be perceived by some as political (with a glance toward the November voting) in nature, but organizers view the walk in a more all-encompassing sense.

Sunday's walk, yes, is most certainly about trying to change attitudes. But it's most specifically about citizens banding together to say, "We want something better. We want safer, more caring communities. Period."

Taking the walk out of Portland to different communities in Maine is a good idea. Now, folks outside the urban setting need to seize the opportunity, to get out and show that they care.

Sunday's walk in Kennebunk - the only walk set for York County - begins at Mother's Beach and extends to Gooch's Beach. The scheduled starting time is noon. Event organizers said that participants are free to "walk as much or as little" as they please. Walks are also being held in Augusta, Bangor, Belfast, Brunswick, Lewiston-Auburn, Portland, Peaks Island, Rockland and South Portland.