(Boston, June 26, 2026) Today, Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Adrian Madaro celebrated with an inaugural Commonwealth Pride Award, a newly-founded annual event that celebrates the rich accomplishments and talents of Massachusetts’ LGBTQ+ community.
“I’m excited to see East Boston well-represented at the State House for the inaugural Commonwealth Pride Awards!” said Representative Adrian C. Madaro (D-East Boston). “These new awards celebrate the lives and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals in communities across the Commonwealth. East Boston is proud to have Debbie and Bryan representing our neighborhood! A lifelong Eastie resident and trailblazer and a dedicated educator respectively, they are role models for generations of Eastie residents!”
Debbie Baker is a lifelong member of the East Boston community. Born in the North End, Debbie grew up in the Maverick housing development in East Boston, a complex known for tough “old school” working-class people. Those who knew her recall Debbie being open about her identity for as long as they can remember. From the 1970s, a time when a lot of people continued to mask their sexual orientation for fear of stigma, Debbie was open about her sexuality, which made it easier for other people in the community to have the confidence to be open about themselves too.
Debbie’s pride in her identity was met with widespread acceptance from people in the neighborhood. In the late 1970s, Debbie and her partner were among the first to have a same-sex marriage ceremony. In attendance were many of the same working-class neighbors that Debbie had grown up with.
Debbie would go on to be a marshal in many early gay pride parades. Still an East Boston resident, she was the guest of honor at East Boston’s inaugural Pride Flag raising. Debbie was a pioneer for her time, someone who not only led the way in expressing her identity but also served as a role model for subsequent generations to follow in her path. East Boston is proud to claim Debbie as one of our own, celebrating her identity and those of the LGBTQ+ community in the neighborhood.
Bryan Bigelow grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and came to Boston in 2002 to attend Berklee College of Music. He has been an elementary school music teacher for 20 years, the last 12 of which he spent at the Donald McKay K-8 in East Boston. He has helped build a thriving music education program and worked with Disney to begin an annual musical theater program.
In addition to teaching, Bryan is also a Nutrition and CrossFit Coach at EastieFit, where he works with people in the community to improve their habits, fitness, and longevity.
Bryan’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom and the gym. Through his unwavering commitment to his community, his clients, and his students, he empowers others to grow in confidence, pursue their passions, and lead healthier, fuller lives. “These awards honor the extraordinary contributions and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals across the Commonwealth, and East Boston is proud to have Debbie and Bryan representing our community,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston). “Bryan has left his mark on East Boston from the classroom to the gym, dedicating himself to uplifting our neighbors and creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Alongside Debbie, whose lifelong advocacy and trailblazing leadership have strengthened our community, they exemplify the compassion, service, and pride that make East Boston so special.”
