Coming into Pride Week in Boston, there were a lot of questions about the ability of a new grassroots organization, Boston Pride for the People, to host a large, inclusive Pride week. This was the city’s first pride celebration since 2019 and the first hosted by this organization. A coalition that emerged after a vacuum was created when Boston Pride disbanded in 2021.
Overall, I thought the parade was well run and more fun than I expected. My two comments meant as constructive feedback are the start time and lack of music and fun / creative floats.
The earlier-than-usual start time for the parade caught many of us off-guard and we missed the start because it impacted what I’d consider a prime Pride Brunching hour. Another uniquely Boston criticism of those in the parade was a lack of creative floats and fun music. I’d love to see fewer marchers, more creative displays or floats, and most definitely more music in 2024. This is a gay pride parade after all.
Aside from those constructive comments, I think the parade which was 10,000+ strong was a success. From our viewing point on Tremont Street in the South End, everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. The Boston Globe did an excellent job capturing images and re-posting some popular IG images, here.
SOUTH END BUSINESSES – TAKE NOTE!
FOLLOW THE KARTAL’S LEAD FOR PRIDE 2024
One of the best additions to the Boston Pride parade was the sidewalk party The Kartal Boston threw to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The owner, Elizabeth Georgantas, who purchased the former gay bar, The Eagle, continues to enrich Boston’s LGBTQ+ community. Throwing a sidewalk party is just the latest example of how she is enhancing Boston’s social and nightlife; Corean Reynolds (Boston’s new nightlife czar) please take note.
South End businesses should also take note! The Kartal had t-shirts to celebrate pride, great music, fun cocktails (served in disco ball cups), and a rainbow Instagram wall with a camera to capture the moment. How amazing would it be if restaurants all along Tremont and Berkeley followed Elizabeth’s lead? How fun would it be to see similar parties in 2024 at Banyan, Frenchie, Beehive, Barcelona, etc.? Talk about a block party. It would bring in many more people, make those establishments a lot of money, and contribute tremendously to the party-like atmosphere.
Much thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, and the city of Boston for hosting such a fun day. We look forward to next year’s celebration.
BosGuy 