1987 Out For Good

The first time in the US a flag in honor of the LGBT community was raised on municipal property.

A banner with the Lavender Rhinoceros and pink triangle was raised at City Hall with the approval of then Mayor Raymond Flynn. Pride member David Knauf commented, “The flag is symbolic; we picked a rhinoceros because it has a tough hide but is a peaceful animal unless provoked.” The Flag Raising is a tradition continued to this day, now using the rainbow flag based on a design by Gilbert Baker.

The starting point of the March was changed to City Hall Plaza, resulting in widespread confusion and, at times, a disjointed parade. An effigy of Governor Dukakis, erected in front of the State House, was plastered with the now ubiquitous “Foster Equality” stickers. Six hundred green balloons were released at the rally in memory of the 600 Massachusetts residents lost to AIDS in the previous five years.

A crowd of 40,000 watched Moving Violations Motorcycle Club (MVMC) lead the march. The Parade included groups protesting Governor Dukakis’ ban on gay foster parents: the Gay and Lesbian Defense Committee and Lesbians Choosing Children. Boston City Councilor Scondras excoriated the governor: “By excluding homosexuals from foster parenthood, Dukakis is saying that there is something fundamentally bad about the character of lesbians and gay men.” ^[1]

Photos and Memorabilia from 1987

George Nolley, co-chair of Men of All Colors Together, with a panel for the Names Project AIDS quilt commemorating the life of Michael O'Leary (1949-1986), one of the group's members, signed by Men of all Colors Together Boston. Credit: Laura Wulf, The History Project

George Nolley, co-chair of Men of All Colors Together, with a panel for the Names Project AIDS quilt commemorating the life of Michael O'Leary (1949-1986), one of the group's members, signed by Men of all Colors Together Boston. Credit: Laura Wulf, The History Project
The 1987 Pride Celebrations Committee

The 1987 Pride Celebrations Committee

LGBTQ Historical Highlights

National Coming Out Day was created.
The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt is placed on display at the National Mall.
Massachusetts activists participate in the March on Washington

Event Details

Date: June 13, 1987

Theme: Out For Good

Organized by: Pride Celebrations, Inc.
Co-Coordinators: Matthew Hayes, Janet Kyle and Catherine Lohr; Secretary: Michael Sullivan; Treasurer: Melanie Dana; Photographer: Jennie Sullivan; Members: Michael Border, Peter Cann, David Knauf, Steven Michalowski, Bill Newton, Warren Patterson, John Sharisky and Marya Z.

Parade Route

Route change due to the remodeling on Copley Sq.

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

References:

Content: https://issuu.com/bostonpride/docs/bostonprideguide2015/s/26380
Featured Image: Gay Pride marches down Beacon Street to the Boston Commons: Boston Globe Staff, Tom Herde