May 22, 2015
Traveling with Pride: Boston
Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Who says that being gay and in your 40's can't be fabulous? Boston Pride turns 45 this year and Beantown is pulling out all the stops for a week's worth of celebrations that run a rainbow's gamut from June 5 to 14. This year's theme is #WickedProud and locals and tourists alike will be hitting the streets along with venues throughout the city for the weeklong celebration.
Pack your tux in addition to your tank. New to the line-up this year is its first-ever gala, which will honor Harry Collings for his commitment to the visibility of and advocacy for the LGBT community in Greater Boston and beyond. Collings is a local leader in the LGBT community and spent more than 30 years at the Boston Redevelopment Authority while also supporting causes including PFLAG, AIDS Action and Fenway Community Health Center.
"Harry Collings is truly a champion of the LGBT community who embodies the spirit of Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the award we are giving in his name," said Sylvain Bruni, President of Boston Pride. "Harry has always been there for us, and like the late Mayor, has been an unwavering supporter of Boston Pride and the LGBT community throughout the years. It is our honor to present him with this well-deserved recognition."
Standing Room Only
This year's Pride festivities are packed with top-tier talent, including Grammy Award winner Estelle. While the Pride Stage is free, super fans can purchase Meet & Greet tickets to have some face time with the British songstress. Also on the line-up are former Broadway chorus boy-turned-musical comedian Kevin Yee; country hunk Billy Gilman; and Pride regular Mary Lambert.
Come rain or shine, the parade starts at noon, and for the best view, plant yourself at Charles St. between Boylston and Beacon. The festival at City Hall Plaza runs until 6 p.m., where you can bring your posse or find a new one.
Beyond the Parade
There's plenty to see in Boston beyond the LGBT festivities. Add an extra day or two to your Pride agenda to check out these local favorites:
Afterglow
When the festivities wind down, settle into a room at one of Boston Pride's hospitality partners.
Get There
Alaska Airlines is offering a seven percent discount to not only this event, but also dozens of Pride celebrations throughout 2015. Alaska flies to Boston from several gateways, including Seattle, Portland, and San Diego.
Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.
This story is part of our special report: "Traveling With Pride". Want to read more? Here's the full list.