Stonewall 20
Some expressed disagreement with Pride’s decision to omit “bisexual” from its official name.
Mathew Hayes explained that Pride did not want “an infinite name”, and that “‘bisexual’ was included in lesbian and gay”.
Mass Act Out sold t-shirts that read “The First Gay Pride Was A Riot” and hung a large clock on the gates of the State House, inviting people to record events important to them in the last 20 years.
Even as a record 60,000 people participated in the March, Warren Blumenfeld perceived a loss of historical knowledge in the community: “There are a lot of young people who have never heard of Stonewall; we are losing our history over a short period of time.” To signify the generations, the Pride March began with youth from BAGLY, followed by the Prime Timers, an older men’s organization, and DOB.[1]
Ann Sanders, Mayor Ray Flynn’s liaison to the community, announced that the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center would open at 338 Newbury Street.
Rally speakers included: Robin Tyler, women’s rights and lesbian and gay right activists; Lea DeLaria, lesbian comic; Katherine Triantafillou, lawyer and radio post of Closet Space.[3]
Photos and Memorabilia from 1989
LGBTQ Historical Highlights
- Activists lobby State Police to stop using decoys for the purpose of making arrests in highway rest areas; State Police agree to discontinue the practice of entrapment tactics and undergo lesbian and gay awareness training.[2]
- After 17 years the legislature finally passes the lesbian/gay civil rights law in November. The bill is signed into law by Governor Dukakis. The day after the signing ceremony homophobic activists, including the hate group Family First, launch a campaign to repeal the new law.[2]
- The Keith Haring Foundation is founded – providing grants to children in need and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Event Details
Date: June 10, 1989
Theme: A Generation of Pride
Organized by: Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee
Members: Matthew Hayes, Co-Coordinator; Janet Kyle, Co-Coordinator; Darryl Bryd, Peter Cann, Andy Cerier, Cindy Hanslik, Stephen Kyle, Gordon Linoff, Michael Maggard, Jeff Mattson, David O’Dowd, Daniel Pitcher, Chelle Riendeau, Jennie Sullivan and Carol.[3]
Parade Route
START – City Hall Plaza., Down Cambridge St., Left on Charles St., Right on Beacon St., Left on Arlington St., Left on Boylston St., Left on Tremont St., Left on Park St., Left on Beacon St. END – Boston Common