Community Celebrations: Pride Month

Pride month is an officially recognized time to celebrate the contributions, and acknowledge the struggles, of members of the LGBTQ+ community. The first Pride March, according to the Library of Congress, took place in New York City in 1970. Somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 people gathered to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a six-day series of events during which the queer community fought back after being targeted by police.

"Gay Pride" marches have taken place in many places across the country over the last half-century, and the New York celebration is now attended by millions. Here in Massachusetts, the Boston parade had over a million attendees last year, and many cities and towns have established their own Pride celebrations.

Burlington's Pride celebration was founded in 2021 by Leo Abramov and Kerry Moe, who saw the need for greater inclusivity and a stronger sense of community among people identifying as LGBTQ+ in Burlington. The celebration is in its fourth year and was renamed Leo's Pride in 2023 in memory of Leo, who passed away on March 9, 2023, from cancer at age 36.

The celebration of Pride in Burlington has not been without setbacks: In 2021, the Select Board voted not to place a community flagpole where a Pride flag could be flown during the month of June; in 2022, the decorations placed by Pride celebration organizers had to be rearranged after complaints from residents; and in 2023, Marshall Simonds Middle School was the source of international news coverage after some students invoked the colors of the American flag to counter a planned Pride celebration.

Learn More About Pride Month

This list of resources will grow as community members contribute. Send recommendations to hello@burlington.buzz.

Recommended Watching and Reading

• Buzzfeed has compiled this list of 30 films to watch during Pride Month. From documentaries to quirky adventure tales, check out these works for some education, some connection, and some entertainment.
• Penguin Random House is at it again with a list of books by queer authors and highlighting the queer experience.

Where to Celebrate Pride Month in and Around Burlington

Below are just a few events happening nearby to celebrate Pride Month in Burlington and nearby 2024. Let us know if you have one you’d like to add!

• Leo's Pride will be held on June 1, 2024, on the Burlington Town Common from 11:00-2:00. The family-friendly event will feature crafts, music, and more to celebrate inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community in Burlington.
• Pride kickoff cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises on June 2.
• Boston Pride for the People will take place on June 8, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM.
• Other local Pride celebrations are happening all month long in Arlington, Acton, Maynard, Waltham, Bedford, and many more cities and towns.
• Support queer-owned businesses throughout the year through Everywhere is Queer.

How do you and your family observe Pride Month? What resources would help your neighbors and their children and grandchildren learn more about this important time? Share your stories with us by emailing hello@burlington.buzz, and your story could be added to this feature!

What are you celebrating or observing? Let us know at hello@burlington.buzz!, and your story could be featured in Community Celebrations.