 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
Saturday, June 2
Sunday, June 3
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/ 
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 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! |
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