You Never Forget Your First Time

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.”  
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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/

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