Celebrate Pride Month at Events Near Wellesley

Pride Month occurs every June and celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community. During Pride Month, LGBTQ+ people and their allies come together to celebrate their identity and raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. On a somber note, Pride Month is also a time to remember LGBTQ+ people who have been persecuted and discriminated against. Overall, however, the month is a time for celebrants and their allies to reflect on the progress that has been made, and it is a hopeful time to look toward the future.

Here are some local ways to celebrate Pride Month.

Newton—Celebrating Queer Culture

DATE: Saturday June 15
TIME: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
LOCATION: Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA

DESCRIPTION: Celebration of Queer Culture (CQC) is a city-wide, youth-focused pride event that aims to highlight and provide education to parts of queer culture (especially history, art, music, and queer intersectionality) that are typically erased or removed from the spotlight. Created by Rhiannon Esposito and Julia Dun Rappaport, two queer high school students, this goal is accomplished through a queer history segment, a panel highlighting the intersectionality of local queer high school students (addressing race, ethnicity, religion and family composition), queer art. an exhibition, an artistic activity, live music and much more. There will also be a resource fair with queer-focused community organizations. This year, the CQC will take place on June 15, 2024 at Newton Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Needham is proud: rally, march and celebrate

DATE: Sunday June 16
TIME: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
LOCATION: Needham First Ward, Unitarian Universalist, 23 Dedham Ave, Needham, MA 02492
PARKING: Behind the Congregational Church at Great Plain Ave and Linden St.

DESCRIPTION: Needham is coming together for a “family-sized” celebration to show love, support and pride for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, especially queer families and the youngest among us. Please wear your favorite pride attire for all ages and bring your signs of support. Rain or shine, the celebration will include 3 movements:

GATHER on the lawn of Needham First Parish to chant, sing, show signs, wave flags and hear speakers.

WALK down the sidewalk in front of the Town Common, to the lawn of the Congregational Church, letting the entire community know that “Needham has Pride!” »

TO PARTY! Dance, blow bubbles, share refreshments, make crafts, play with bubbles, get temporary tattoos, chalk the sidewalk, participate in advocacy activities and take photos.

Waltham Pride 2024

DATE: Sunday June 16
TIME: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
LOCATION: Waltham Common (bandstand area), 610, rue PrincipaleWaltham, MA, 02452

DESCRIPTION: Music, drag, circus acts, children's activities and much more. Various LGBT and social organizations will have tables on the common grounds. Wear something festive! It's PRIDE after all: go wild! (But keep it family friendly.) Bring money to tip the musicians and performers. Be respectful of other participants and remember that everyone has different lived experiences.

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