My first time….I can still remember it vividly, my heart beating fast, the sweating, the excitement of it all. I was a late-bloomer, so my first-time was when I was 31. I had recently moved to New York City and was dating the man who eventually become my husband. And my first-time was with him. He knew I wanted to do it and he finally agreed to do it with me. He had done it several times, so he was a pro – I wasn’t. So I charged my camera battery, and iced some bottles of water, because dehydration is a real thing!
 
So we got up early, grabbed my camera and the ice-cold water bottles and we took the subway to my first Pride event in my life. I didn’t know what to expect, I was excited, emotional, happy, ugly crying even, it was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. Seeing so many beautiful queer people, lesbians, gays, bisexual in throuples, bears in leather chaps, I remember seeing a float with trans models, and of course you couldn’t have a Pride festivity without the club twinks and the over the top fabulous Drag Queens. It was all my fantasies rolled up into one magical super duper gay magical moment.
 
So when Provincetown in Massachusetts, better know to people all over the world as Ptown, told me they were celebrating their FIRST ever Official PRIDE festival, I was floored. My first reaction was, what do you mean First Pride festival?  Ptown is known for its welcoming heart and is the oldest and most popular destination for the LGBTQ community, so how is it possible they’ve never officially done Pride? Well the answer is because Ptown is so welcoming to LGBTQ folks that everyone just assumes its Pride year-round!
 
But, this June, Ptown will celebrate its 1st first annual Pride featuring, of course, a 20 mile long global rainbow laser art installation because that’s how you do your first time!

From June 1 – 3, 2018, Ptown will commemorate and celebrate Provincetown’s LGBTQ history, legacy and the stories of the people that have made Provincetown one of the most recognized LGBTQ destinations in the world. The event includes as its centerpiece, the first installation of the world-travelled Global Rainbow Project, the opening of the new Provincetown LGBTQ Shack, of course there will be tons of dance and costume parties and a “landmark events in Provincetown history” window exhibit.
 
“As a vibrant LGBTQ community, The Guild felt it was most important to preserve, honor and commemorate all that our community has endured and achieved in the place we call home,” stated Robin Lapidus, executive director of the Provincetown Business Guild.  “Because we are an iconic, award-winning LGBTQ destination, most people think of Provincetown as celebrating Pride all year long, but we felt strongly that we needed an official Pride celebration to ensure that we are a beacon of inspiration and a welcoming destination for all LGBTQ people world-wide, especially for younger generations.”  
​         
The centerpiece of Provincetown Pride will be the Global Rainbow, a large-scale public art light installation created by International artist Yvette Mattern. Colored rays of laser light are projected toward the sky, simulating a natural rainbow arc. The rainbow light will be visible for up to 20 miles. Mattern has installed the Global Rainbow in select cities across the globe, and is thrilled that Provincetown will be the setting for the Global Rainbow’s first exhibition at an LGBTQ Pride event. There will be two chances to see this rainbow light envelop Provincetown: Friday and Saturday nights, June 1st and 2nd.  

“We can now celebrate our own brand of ‘Provincetown Pride’ in June, the month when Pride celebrations take place across the world,” said Fred Latasa, board president of the Provincetown Business Guild. “Provincetown is the original place to be yourself and the perfect place for residents, business owners and visitors to stand together, honor the ideals of freedom, democracy and equality, ensure our LGBTQ history is not forgotten and have a great time doing it!”
 
The first Pride Weekend will also commemorate the opening of a new LGBTQ Center, “The Shack,” created to promote a healthy environment for all and foster diversity within the Provincetown community. The Shack will host talks and exhibitions to showcase and celebrate the lives and experiences of Provincetown’s LGBTQ community, provide resources, support and referrals, informing and enriching people and providing connections.
 
“We are very excited to create this unique experience for visitors and residents,” said Michael Kelley, Guild board member and chair of the Center’s opening. “The Shack will become an asset, enhancing our position in the LGBTQ community around the world. We hope to inspire a new generation of leaders in Provincetown to strengthen the LGBTQ movement locally and globally while educating the public about issues and policy initiatives, and working with leaders to promote equality and justice for LGBTQ people.”

Provincetown Pride kicks off on Friday, June 1, with the official Pride Ferry making two trips from Boston to Provincetown. Provincetown Pride weekend events include:
Friday, June 1

• Global Rainbow Laser Art Installation, 8 p.m.
• Official Pride Kickoff Party, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

 
Saturday, June 2

• Pride Festival, Noon – 3 p.m.
• Includes a Farmers Market, music, local food vendors
• Let Your Love Light Shine: lantern making and decorating
• Author readings and guest speakers
• LGBTQ Shack Opening: flag raising and ribbon cutting, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Highly unofficial 1st Pride sashay, stroll and march to Boatslip Tea, 3:45 p.m.
• Global Rainbow Laser Art Installation, 8 p.m.
• Under the Rainbow dance party, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Official Pride dance party, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

 
Sunday, June 3

• Drag Poppins brunch at local restaurants, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Underwear PRIDE Pants and Panties Closing Party, 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.

 
So get ready to celebrate first-times at Ptown. All access passes can be purchased ($85 each and include entrance to all Pride weekend events, an official Pride t-shirt, lantern making kit and swag bag), as well all access passes + roundtrip transportation on the Pride ferry for only $180 each. Tickets available at the door for all dance parties. A portion of all ticket proceeds to benefit the LGBTQ Shack.
 
For the full Pride schedule and to buy tickets, visit https://www.ptown.org/pride/

DAN SAVAGE is a writer, TV personality, and activist best known for his political and social commentary, as well as his honest approach to sex, love and relationships.

Savage’s sex advice column, “Savage Love,” is syndicated in newspapers and websites throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. He is the Editorial Director of The Stranger, Seattle’s weekly alternative newspaper, and his writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Rolling Stone, The Onion, and on Salon.com.


"Savage Love," Dan's sex-advice column, first appeared in the The Stranger, Seattle’s alternative weekly, in 1991. The column is now syndicated to more than 50 papers across the United States and Canada. Dan has published six books. His newest book, American Savage, will be published in May of 2013.


In 2010 Dan and his husband Terry Miller founded the It Gets Better Project. The IGBP has gathered tens of thousands of videos from people all over the world offering hope to LGBT kids. The book--It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living—was a New York Times best seller. In 2012 the It Gets Better Project was awarded an Emmy.

Dan is a regular contributor to public radio's This American Life. He is a also a frequent guest on The Colbert Report, Real Time with Bill Maher, and other television programs. In the fall of 2011 MTV filmed Dan as he toured colleges performing "Savage Love Live," the live version of his sex-advice column. That tour became the basis for the 2012 MTV program "Savage U."

In 1996 Dan launched the Savage Lovecast, a weekly, call-in advice podcast. It is now one of iTunes top 50 podcasts.
Dan’s graphic, pragmatic, and humorous advice has changed the cultural conversation about monogamy, gay rights, religiosity, and politics.

​Dan lives in Seattle with his husband, their son, and a one-eyed, deaf poodle named Stinker.

(Originally published: Connextions Magazine Issue 15 - excerpt from Making Massachusetts Memories)
Picture the resort atmosphere in the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey movie Dirty Dancing, then you can imagine the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Cape Cod. If golf, private stunning white-sand beaches, legendary seafood and famous clam chowder, countless kid and family-friendly activities are on your list of vacation must-haves, then the Sea Crest Beach Hotel is the place to visit. 

The Sea Crest Beach Hotel, set on a private beach in Cape Cod’s legendary North Falmouth has recently completed a 15 million dollar renovation. Surrounded by traditional New England cottages, the Sea Crest has 264 guest rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and private water-view balconies, and a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to eight of your favorite family members or friends. This resort-style hotel is ideal for families seeking a fun beachfront setting and couples looking to experience the
romance of the Cape. Do yourself a favor and request a room with a view of the beach, the sunsets are simply breathtaking. 

What began as a summer playhouse in the 1930s, hosted, at the time, aspiring actors such as Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, was destroyed by a fire in 1936 and a hurricane just two years later, but the locals did not give up. In 1942, Lou Walters opened the Latin Quarter, a hotel and dinner theater, paying homage to the original summer stage. Lou's daughter, Barbara Walters, grew up here and by 1971, the venue was converted to a year-round family resort.

Today, the Sea Crest continues to welcome new and returning visitors from around the world with the beauty, hospitality and magic of Cape Cod. The Sea Crest offers the largest Cape Cod conference facilities under one roof, with over 30,000 square feet of flexible function space to choose from, with magical beach views. Red’s restaurant, named for legendary Boston Celtics coach and president Red Auerbach, serves a delightful menu including their world famous clam chowder.

Treat yourself to luxury!  Visit the Connextions Magazine booth at the GLBT Expo in NYC on March 22nd and you could win a 3-night stay at one of the many luxurious Swank properties. 

From brownstone's to penthouses and condo's, Swank Properties offers conveniently located, spacious living with all the comforts of home.  Modern amenities in a clean and stylishly space is just the beginning.  Lance Swank and his team are dedicated to ensuring a great stay.


The winner will picked and announced on March 22nd at the Connextions Magazine booth inside The Original GLBT Expo at the Javits Center in New York City. 

For more details on the expo, click here.

To visit Swank Properties website, click here.

BOSTON CHILLS OUT: FROST ICE BAR DEBUTS AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR ICE BAR

Year-Round Indoor Ice Bar and Lounge Offers a First-of-its-Kind Attraction for New England  

The first of its kind in New England and the world’s largest permanent indoor ice bar, Frost Ice Bar opens its doors to the public today. Located in Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Frost Ice Bar is constructed and furnished entirely of ice and kept at a cool 21 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a truly unique experience for adventurous guests. 

Visitors to Frost Ice Bar will don custom-designed insulated capes and gloves to keep warm while exploring the venue’s dramatic interiors. The space, designed in partnership with Ontario-based Icecultures Inc., with artistic carvings from Brookline Ice Company, features an elaborately carved bar, chandelier, sculptures, lounge seating and paintings, all made of ice. The venue’s centerpiece bar and large-scale sculptures feature iconic Boston landmarks and historical figures,
such as the city’s cherished Swan Boats, The Zakim Memorial Bridge and Paul Revere. 

“For Frost Ice Bar, we enhanced the popular ice bar concept and created an experience that puts Boston on the map and showcases the city in an imaginative way,” stated Frost Ice Bar CEO Cindy Brown. “We’re thrilled to call Boston home to the region’s first ice bar, welcoming New England residents and visitors to enjoy this unforgettable attraction.”  

While the venue itself is the true attention-getter, Frost’s bar menu was carefully created to also deliver a wow factor for guests. The bar offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with a focus on local and artisanal producers, fresh seasonal flavors
and inventive combinations. All beverages are presented and enjoyed in specialty glasses made of ice.    

Frost Ice Bar is open seven days a week from noon to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the on-premise ticketing kiosk. Entry times are every 15 minutes and the duration of each guest visit is 45 minutes. Tickets prices start at $18.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages six to 12. All military, seniors, and students will receive a $2.00 discount with proper identification. Guests under 21 years of age are welcome to visit before 4:15 p.m.; however, children under six are not permitted in the bar. 

Frost Ice Bar’s unique ambiance is ideal for groups and private events; discounts are available for corporate gatherings and parties of 15 people or more for all occasions.

For more information visit: www.FrostIceBar.com and keep up with Frost news and events on Facebook facebook.com/FrostIceBar) and Twitter (@FrostIceBar).

ABOUT FROST ICE BAR: 

Frost Ice Bar, the first of its kind in New England and the world’s largest permanent indoor ice bar, is designed and furnished entirely of ice and kept at a cool 21 degrees Fahrenheit. Located at Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace, guests enjoy a truly unique and invigorating visitor experience within the dramatic, artfully-sculpted lounge. Welcoming adventurous clientele year-round, Frost Ice Bar presents ever-changing offerings of specialty beverages, music and décor. For more information or to book your
visit, please call 617-307-7331 or visit,  www.FrostIceBar.com.   

With almost 400 years of history, Boston is considered one of the most historic, wealthy and influential cities in the US, making it into the top ten most popular tourist locations in the Country. There’s a lot to see and do in Boston, so first and foremost… bring comfortable shoes since its known as ‘the walking city!’

Highlights include accommodations at Swank Properties and Revere Hotel Boston Common; Boston Pride 2013; Boston Harbor activities; Quincy Market excitement; and tours such as The Freedom Trail and Ghost Hunting!

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Provincetown For Women & Lesbian Nightlife Present:
Memorial Day Weekend for Women in Provincetown, MA
May 23-27, 2013  
 
Annual FREEDOM Party Cruise Anchors 3 Days of Fun in the Sun
    
Provincetown, MA – A party cruise for women and a classic beach clambake highlight the 2013 Memorial Day Weekend for Women in Provincetown May 23-27.  Described as "Spring Break for young lesbians," this increasingly popular weekend draws thousands of women annually for an unrivalled series of sizzling events.
 
Hosted by Provincetown For Women and Lesbian Nightlife, this year’s festivities include the FREEDOM Party Cruise, back by popular demand, 1-3:30pm on Saturday, May 25.  Dance a sultry summer afternoon away aboard the Bay State Cruise Company’s
Provincetown II (also known as “the slow ferry”).  Enjoy DJs and special celebrity guests, sip delicious beverages, and take in
breath-taking views of the Cape Cod coastline and the shimmering waters of Provincetown Bay.  This 2 ½-hour party cruise sets sail from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown.  Get tickets while they last!
 
This year also marks Provincetown’s first Memorial Day for Women New England Clambake by the sea at 6pm on May 25. Guest can choose an entree of a lobster, steak or chicken, served hot and delicious with clams, clam chowder, potatoes, a drink of your choice, and more. As the sun sets over Provincetown, fire pits will be lit for a festive beachside evening with friends.  Join Provincetown for Women, Lesbian Night Life and The Crown & Anchor for an evening to remember.
 
Dance parties round out the weekend for revelers.  LesbianNightlife.com will co-produce five of the weekend’s parties, including CRAVE Friday (9pm-1am, 5/24), REBEL Saturday (9pm-1am, 5/26) and REHAB Pool Party Sunday (12-5pm, 5/26) at The Crown & Anchor. The annual wet and wild FOAM PARTY, the weekend’s closing party, takes place Sunday evening (9pm-1am, 5/26). 
 
For a complete schedule and tickets: http://www.provincetownforwomen.com/ptown-memorial-day-weekend
 
Summer 2013 with Provincetown For Women: Four popular summer events for lesbians and their friends taking place in
Provincetown again this year are expected to draw more than 15,000 women, making P-town the most popular travel destination for lesbians.
 
Single Women's Weekend, May 17-19: www.SingleWomensWeekend.com
  
Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-27:
http://www.provincetownforwomen.com/memorial-day-weekend/events-schedule
  
National Women of Color & Friends Weekend, May 30-June 2:
www.WomenOfColorWeekend.com
  
Girl Splash: The Summer Event for Women, July 23-27: www.Girl-Splash.com
 
The non-stop Summer 2013 programming specifically tailored to women ranges from all-lesbian cruises, whale watches, dances, beach gatherings and pool parties to world-renowned lesbian entertainment, wine tasting and meet-up events.  

Single Women’s Weekend, Women of Color & Friends Weekend, and Girl Splash are supported in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund. All of the events are sponsored in part by The Provincetown Visitor Services Board, Olivia Cruises, The Crown & Anchor, ABSOLUT® Vodka and others.  

About Lynette Molnar, Founder of Provincetown For Women:  Single Women's Weekend, Women of Color Weekend and Girl Splash, along with Provincetown's December celebration Holly Folly, were dreamed up by Provincetown For Women’s founder Lynette Molnar, who devotes her professional life to creating unique events for women. “Lesbians sometimes wonder where to actually find the ‘community’ everyone talks about,” she said. “Especially for women living outside urban areas. Even in cities like Boston, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco, it can be difficult to feel like you’re part of a larger whole. Provincetown For Women creates opportunities for women to come together and feel the power and energy of gatherings of large numbers of women, fueled by P-town’s trademark no-holds-barred approach to community and fun.”
 
A savvy entrepreneur, promoter, professional photographer and activist, Molnar has also contributed to the community through her volunteer work with The Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, NCLR, The Task Force, Fenway Community Health and many other important nonprofit LGBT organizations.  She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including NGLTF’s Community Service Award.  Molnar has been named one of GO Magazine’s Top 100 Women We Love – an annual list of politicians, entertainers and entrepreneurs making a difference – along with such luminaries as Ellen DeGeneres, Rachel Maddow, Cynthia Nixon, Cherry Jones, Portia de Rossi and Tammy Baldwin – as well as one of GO's Top 17 Entrepreneurs.

Our Country is well aware of the tragedy that took place during the 2013 Boston Marathon.  During this tragic time, community members, Massachusetts locals, visitors, businesses and their employees, worked tirelessly to help one another and maintain the spirit of Boston, which today – still remains unbroken. 

One business in particular deserves kudos for their hospitality, kindness and generosity. The independently owned,  Lenox Hotel, which became command central, just after the bombings, went above and beyond the call of duty, to house and feed investigators and officials.

For eight days, the hotel was forbidden to welcome guests, but that didn’t stop The Lenox from executing their world-class service. The Lenox team stepped up, volunteering to feed and host investigators around the clock with the same service they extend to their paying guests. The Lenox has been an example of grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality.

The Boston Globe wrote a glowing article about The Lenox Hotel, and the generous support of their competitors, who united as a team in support of their community.   Click here to read this article.

If travels to Boston this summer are in your plans, consider a stay at The Lenox Hotel.  If not, feel free to visit their Facebook Page and just offer a thank you.

Side note:  For those of you who are wondering about the gay-friendliness of The Lenox Hotel, I visited their facebook page to offer my appreciation and was elated to find a congratulatory post to Rhode Island as the 10th state to honor marriage equality!

Boston Pride and GLAD Support ‘OUI FOR EQUALITY’ Rally

LGBT organizations lend their support to French expatriates for Marriage Equality in France

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community organizations Boston Pride and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) announced today their sponsorship of “OUI FOR EQUALITY”, a rally to be held this Sunday, in support of marriage equality in France. They join the local chapters of Français du Monde - ADFE (an association for French expatriates) and of the French socialist party. The rally will be held outside the Consulate General of France in Boston, at 31 St James Avenue (T: Arlington), from 1-2pm, on Sunday January 27th.

“It is great to see such a coalition of organizations come together in Boston in support of global equality and international human rights. Marriage equality in France will have a resounding effect on the scores of French-American LGBT couples, so we are glad to have such a strong local community backing.” said Sylvain Bruni, a board member at Français du Monde and himself a French citizen.

The French government and parliament are currently working on a Marriage Equality bill which will allow LGBT couples the right to marry and adopt children. While anti-equality forces have shown great determination and have chosen to adopt a retrograde and homophobic discourse, marriage equality proponents will rally everywhere in France this Sunday, in support of the continuation of the French legislative work so that all couples may be granted the same rights: marriage, adoption, recognition of bi-national filiation etc… French expatriates around the world are expected to organize rallies as well.

 “Massachusetts was a pioneer in being the first State in the Union to grant marriage equality to all couples in 2004. It is our duty to continue being at the forefront of the fight for equality, at a worldwide level, until all couples can marry.” said Linda DeMarco, president of Boston Pride.

Participants in Sunday’s rally are encouraged to wear red or pink for increased visibility at the event. Warm beverages will be available.

About Boston Pride
Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections.

 Follow Boston Pride on Twitter!