Boston Pride, which had been set to commemorate its 50th anniversary this June, has canceled its annual parade and festival this year, postponing the 50th anniversary celebration until June 2021.
The organization announced the decision in a joint press release with the City of Boston on Tuesday morning.
“I know this was a very hard decision to make and I know it’s very hard news to hear, but it’s the right decision. As we fight the coronavirus pandemic, everyone’s safety and health is our top priority,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in the release. “To our LGBTQ community, we may not be able to celebrate Boston Pride 50th Anniversary this summer, but once we are able, we’ll have the biggest and strongest Pride to date. The partnership between Boston Pride and the City of Boston has never been stronger, and I look forward to joining everyone to commemorate the many years of fighting for equality.”
Boston Pride typically holds a number of events throughout June, highlighted by the Boston Pride Parade and Festival. The new date for the parade and festival is Saturday, June 12, 2021, at which point Boston Pride will commemorate its 50 years of working for social justice and human rights for the LGBTQ community, according to the release.
“Our foremost concern is for the health, safety, and wellbeing of the LGBTQ community and allies. We cannot afford to put anyone at risk,” Boston Pride president Linda J. DeMarco said in the release. “There will be time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride and recognize not only the struggles that our community has faced over the years, but also celebrate our strength and resiliency which we all need during this difficult time.”
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