Pride Day draws scores to Faneuil Market
Scores of Boston-area residents flocked to Faneuil Hall yesterday to take part in the marketplace’s Boston Pride Day celebration, an annual gathering that helps raise money for local advocacy groups and provides gay residents with a safe place to be who they are without judgment.
“It’s always been a place I’ve been able to come and feel happy,” said Hunter Greene, 19, of Ipswich, who attends the celebration every year.
“It’s the overall vibe of everything,” she said. “Everyone is so happy.”
The 17th annual event, themed “Stronger Together,” was aimed at highlighting the support members of the LGBTQ community get from their friends and family members.
“It’s a fun opportunity to get all the community out in Boston for something good and positive and to promote equality for everyone,” said Kerry Phelan, 23, of Brookline. “It’s really awesome.”
In addition to the Zumba classes, musical performances, dance sessions and drag queens that have become a fixture of the event, this year’s festivities featured the first “High Heel Dash,” which had 15 men racing down Union Street in high heels and platform shoes.
The dash, which benefited the Boston Pride Community Fund, led to a few wipeouts and was won by Zach Wood, 33, of Dorchester.
“I just put on the heels and that was it,” Wood told the Herald. “There was no preparation. I’ve always been a part of Boston Pride. I do what I can. I just didn’t want to fall ... I’m shocked I won.”
The celebration was the first of a series of pride events through the end of June, which is recognized worldwide as LGBTQ Pride Month.
“The whole month is a time where we can feel more open about who we are. It’s the beginning of summer. It feels good,” said Mar Spragge, 25, of Wareham. “People are more open about showing themselves. It makes you feel comfortable.”