Celebrating Gay Pride Week
Parade, events happening around Boston
When Boston held its first Gay Pride parade in 1970, many of the marchers wore paper bags over their heads, fearing discrimination and reprisal because of their sexual orientation. While much progress has been made in the intervening decades, the fight for equality continues.
Boston’s annual Gay Pride Week—organized by the Boston Pride Committee—runs through this weekend with myriad events, capped off by the largest, Saturday’s Gay Pride parade.
This year’s theme is “Equality. No More. No Less.” The gay community must continue the fight for full and true equality, with no exceptions and no concessions, according to the Pride website: “We insist on the same rights, dignity, protection, access, and opportunities in our towns, cities, countries, and worldwide. All people. All places. All ways.”
BU Today has compiled a list of some of the events happening this week. See the full list here.
Thursday, June 9
Macy’s Fashion Show
Macy’s Downtown Crossing, Boston
5 to 7 p.m.
Lawrence Washington from The Real Housewives of Atlanta hosts a runway fashion show featuring members of Boston Pride celebrating Gay Pride Week. The show highlights top trends in men’s and women’s summer fashions. There will be light food, drinks, and music. A stylist will be on hand to help out and answer your fashion questions.
Optionz Diversity Dance Party
Underbar/Caprice Lounge, 275 Tremont St., Boston
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Queer Women of Color & Friends and Trans People of Color and Allies host their fifth annual pride celebration. A DJ will spin the best of world, reggae, R&B, hip-hop, Latin, and top 40 beats. More information is here; buy tickets here.
Friday, June 10
Boston Dyke March
Meets at the Boston Common, Parkman Bandstand
6 to 8 p.m.
Everyone is invited and welcome to march for political change and social justice. The Boston Dyke March is an American Sign Language–interpreted event. More information is here.
Original Plumbing Party: Trans Pride
Midway Cafe, 3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Hosted by Original Plumbing, the magazine dedicated to the sexuality and culture of female to male transsexuals, and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, this event offers community and celebrates Trans Pride with performances, DJs, and a roaming photo booth. More information is here. Admission is $10 and it’s 21-plus.
Saturday, June 11
Boston Pride Parade and Festival
Noon (rain or shine)
The 41st annual Pride Parade begins in the South End and makes it way to Boston’s City Hall Plaza. Find the route here.
The 2011 Pride Festival takes place on City Hall Plaza, the last stop on the parade route. There will be live entertainment, the Celebrity Lounge (attendees must be 21-plus), more than 125 merchandise, community, and business vendors, and the Family Fun Zone, featuring the New England Aquarium and face painting. The festival ends at 6 p.m.
Club Sizzle Under-21 Dance Party
Quincy Market, Upper Rotunda
7 to 11 p.m.
This is the official under 21-dance party hosted by the Boston Pride Committee. Dance and mingle as the second floor rotunda at Quincy Market is transformed into a dance club for one night only.
Amy Laskowski can be reached at amlaskow@bu.edu.
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