Our Commitment to Belonging and Joy

Pictured: Close-up of the Lite Brite at CMTM in “Illuminate”. Colorful pegs were arranged in a rainbow pattern by a young visitor and their family.

Belonging and Joy at CMTM

GUEST BLOG

By CMTM Executive Director, Julie Butcher Pezzino

Dear CMTM Community,

The month of June is a celebratory time filled with joy, love, and individuality. While we strive to embody these values throughout the year, Pride Month presents a unique opportunity to shine an even brighter rainbow of light on inclusion, self-expression, and community. At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we believe every child and family deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

We are proud to be an inclusive space where all children of every identity, background, and family structure are welcome to play, explore, and grow together. Our programming reflects our belief that our differences are what make us strong and that celebrating what makes each of us unique helps build empathy, creativity, and connection. 

This Pride Month, we invite you to join us in MakerSpace to celebrate joy and identity by adding decorations to strollers, contributing to a community rainbow wall, and creating your own rainbows, sharing in the magic of inclusive, heart-forward fun. We’ll also be at the Portland Pride Parade—marching proudly and hosting activities in the Children’s Zone. We can’t wait to see your bright smiles, bold signs, and colorful spirits!

We stand firmly against hate in all forms. Our mission is to set the stage for all children to imagine and learn through play. We seek to nurture belonging, curiosity, and kindness. We are committed to being a space where every child knows they matter, just as they are. All children belong. And we’re honored to celebrate them this month and every month.

With love and rainbows,

Julie