A Trans and Nonbinary Employee Brings Joy to Pride with a Poop-Themed Parade

In Haddon Township, New Jersey, a charming little town with just over 15,000 residents, there's a unique vibe you can't miss. Nestled by both Philadelphia and alongside Delaware River, it shares common features with other towns: It has its own police and fire departments, and there's even a part-time mayor. Yet, what really sets Haddon Township apart? Its vibrant Pride parade, a celebration bursting with love, diversity, and inclusivity that draws both locals and visitors alike.

The heart and soul behind Haddon Township's Pride parade

This year, one standout figure at this event was Ell Bivaona, who serves as a public engagement officer at our local sewer authority. Bivaona, who identifies as trans feminine and nonbinary, using they/them and she/her pronouns, sees this parade as a golden chance. It brings people together, creating connections across our community. They've been eagerly waiting, year after year, hoping their department could join in this parade's joy.

Adding a touch humor with a side giggle

This year's theme, "Choose Joy," hit home with everyone. After being persistent, Bivaona finally got their department in on it. It was a big win, bringing humor front and center. With gusto and creativity, Bivaona's team hopped in with a cheeky slogan: "EVERYBODY Poops." Yep, it got some laughs and reminded everyone about that universal truth. Picture this: a parade truck covered in poop emojis and rainbows, with everyone dressed in fishnets and tutus. Yep, pure fun. Pulling out all stops with their float, it was a showstopper—visually stunning and entertaining! A giant cutout toilet, proudly showing off "I do my business with CCMUA," became a selfie hotspot. The team even tossed rainbow-wrapped Hershey's Kisses and rolls and rolls (and rolls) toilet paper, turning it all wonderfully chaotic.

Chasing moments that spark joy

For B- ivona, nothing topped connecting with parade-goers. "Hearing kids laugh and yell out, ‘Go Toilet! Go Toilet!' as I danced," she muses with a grin. "That was pure, unfiltered joy." Tag-teaming with her was Tim Feeney, delighting as her poop emoji sidekick, capturing that community feel. But underneath all that silliness sat a serious message about being real and accepting. Bivaona shares, "When you let go and just be yourself, you bring joy not only your life but also radiate it outwards, touching other lives." Her thoughts reminds us how self-expression can truly transform and spread happiness around. Some in her circle weren't sure about jumping in on Pride activities at first. But Bivaona sees it as paving a path toward more inclusivity and understanding. "Those who came with us are like family now," she mentions, hoping more team members will join in on future parades.

Celebrating our differences and unity

At its core, this parade celebrated unity and acceptance through diversity. Bivaona's light-hearted motto, "EVERYBODY Poops," anyone else chuckle? It reminds us, in all our quirkiness, that we're all human. The event? It left its mark on everyone who participated, infusing them with a positive vibe Bivaona believes can be a guiding light. "In times like these, this kind happiness matters," she says. Her story? A beautiful testament that celebrates Pride spirit and acknowledges all identities. As this Pride parade wrapped up, with banners taken down, laughs and joy lingered in Haddon Township, a memory highlighting its inclusive spirit and power behind Pride.