45th Anniversary – #WickedProud

The twofold structure of the 2015 theme is meant, on the one hand, to evoke the storied history of Pride in Boston and, on the other hand, to provide a distinctively Bostonian motto around which our community can rally into the future.

The theme commemorates Boston Pride’s 45th year of existence: Boston Pride, as an organization, was born in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Riots. From a small march with speeches between Jacque’s Cabaret and City Hall, to over 40 events including a four-hour parade illustrating our community’s diversity and richness, Boston Pride has grown immensely and is now the largest annual public event in New England! We are proud to continue the tradition of public demonstration in the streets of Boston, as well as to offer numerous other events intended for everyone to enjoy and to celebrate who they are, in a safe and fun environment.^[1]

For the first time in eight years, Governor Charlie Baker, or member’s of the sitting governor’s cabinet or family, did not attend the Boston Pride Parade. According to Elizabeth Guyton, Governor Baker’s Press Secretary: “For Governor Baker the issue of marriage equality is personal. He strongly believes that every American citizen should have equal protection under law and feels inclusivity is the hallmark of the big tent Republican party. The Governor does not compel cabinet members or staff to participate in any type of activity outside routine work related business.” ^[2]

#WickedPissed – On the corner of Boylston and Charles Street in Downtown Boston, about a dozen LGBTQ activists of Color and allies participated in a sit-in to disrupt and shut down the 45th Annual Boston Pride Parade. The sit-in served to refocus attention on those most marginalized in the LGBTQ community, honor the lives of trans women of color, and raise awareness to the lack of representation and resources available to LGBTQ people of Color in Boston. The sit-in intentionally lasted for 11 minutes to symbolize the 11 lives of transgender individuals who have been beaten down, slaughtered, and brutally murdered in the United States this year.^[3]

Parade Marshals

Grand Marshals
Stonewall Veterans – Erica Kay-Webster & David V. Bermudez
Human Rights Activist – Samuel Brinton
Marshals
Bisexual and Youth Advocate – Ellyn Ruthstrom
Founder of the Bisexual Resource Center – Woody Glenn
Honorary Marshal
Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Mr. & Miss Boston Pride

Jay Cardin IV and Ellie Monae, were crowned 2015 Mr. and Miss Boston Pride Pageant winners

Festival/Concert Entertainers

Estelle, Billy Gilman, Mary Lambert, Kevin Yee, Jack Romanov, Nhojj and Johnny Blazes & The Pretty Boys

Block Party DJs

Back Bay Block Party – Frenchie Davis & DJ Tatiana
JP Block Party – DJ LeahV