June 7, 2011
Providence Shines With LGBT Pride
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Founded by Roger Williams, whose visionary principles of tolerance, liberty and free will translated to a "baby you were born this way" attitude even back in 1636, Providence, RI, is a dynamic city known for its eclectic art, music and culinary offerings.
For gay and lesbian travelers seeking a last-minute getaway for Gay Pride Month, the Creative Capital is offering a variety of events, nightlife and more.
Below is a sampling of festivities and hotel packages being offered in Providence throughout the month of June:
� The 35th annual RI PrideFest is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, from 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at South Water Street along the Providence River. The day-long celebration features an eclectic mix of entertainment with a headlining concert by Grammy Award-winning singer Thelma Houston. Guests can also enjoy the Illuminated Night Parade, the highlight of PrideFest, which begins at 8:30 p.m. Starting at Dorrance and Fountain Streets, the parade is a dazzling display of floats, performers and musicians winding through the streets of downtown Providence. For more information, visit www.prideri.com.
� A celebration of films made by, for, and about the GLBT community, Flickers: GLBT Film Festival Preview is scheduled for June 10-12, and will feature cutting-edge short films as well as previews of new feature films. Each ticket is $10 per person and for every ticket sold Flickers will donate $1 to Marriage Equality RI. For more information, visit www.film-festival.org.
� The Perishable Theatre's Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an award-winning rock musical about gender, identity and love. Hedwig is the story of a young man from East Germany named Hansel who undergoes a botched sex change before moving to the U.S., where the newly named Hedwig is on a mission to find fame, love and herself. The show runs from June 24 until July 31, and tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.perishable.org.
� The Imperial Court of Rhode Island, a charitable organization raising money to benefit the GLBT community, is hosting The Empress' Birthday Party on Saturday, June 11. The birthday bash is a pajama party featuring a variety of entertainment, prizes for sexiest underwear, drag shows, raffles and much more. The party begins at 9 p.m. at Union. For more information, visit www.icriprov.org.
� For both singles and couples looking to experience the local nightlife, there are a variety of gay bars and clubs including The Stable, Union, Providence Eagle, Mirabar, Girl Spot at Club X, The Megaplex and Touch Providence. For more information, visit www.prideri.com.
Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape. The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination.
Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene.
To book a vacation in Providence, please visit www.goprovidence.com.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
