What: East Boston Pride Flag Raising
Where: Piers Park, Marginal Street East Boston
When: Friday, June 7th, 2024 6:00 PM
Details: This Friday, June 7th @ 6:00 East Boston will be celebrating its 11th annual Pride Flag Raising event at Piers Park on Marginal Street.
This annual community and family-friendly event includes a light speaking program from local officials and representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, culminating in the main event of hoisting the Inclusive Pride Flag in beautiful Piers Park alongside Boston Harbor.
Discussing this year’s theme – “The Importance of Representation” is Town Councilor from Neighboring Winthrop, John DaRos. John is a lifelong advocate for the LGBTQ+ and Ally community. Most notably, John was the first openly gay member of the administration at the University of Virginia in Richmond, he recently served as the chair of his company’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, leading the company’s first participation in a major LGBTQ+ Pride March and recognition as a Human Rights Campaign Equality 100 award winner as a best place to work for LGBTQ+ employees.
Councilor DaRos is an activist who is out in front on so many initiatives including Best Buddies, MSPCA and environmental issues. “John is the epitome of representation and the perfect person to be delivering this year’s keynote address” beamed organizer Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt. Celeste went on to explain “When we developed this year’s theme, as we do every year, we took into the consideration of the current climate. A lot of folks don’t get why celebrating pride is so important and some have a tendency to think it is overdone.
“While it’s important for everyone to have examples that they can identify with in roles that they aspire to, the need is often magnified in the LGBTQ+ community. While it is typical for young people to tend to question themselves, their aspirations and abilities, LGBTQ+ kids can run into external noise or perceptions from others that can compound insecurities. Having access to role models that they can identify with can be a game changer. That said, being a role model – is one of the most heroic things anyone can do.”
The East Boston Pride Flag Raising Committee is looking forward to another wonderful event and invite the entire community to join in this tradition of celebrating Pride. Bring a picnic basket, some friends and family and stay awhile!
Sponsors:
Celeste Ribeiro Hewitt
East Boston Residents and Supporters
MassPort
Senator Lydia Edwards
Representative Adrian Madaro
Councilor Gabriela Coletta
