NEW BEDFORD — June is a month of celebration, unity and empowerment within the South Coast LGBTQ+ community.
The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network has announced plans for Pride Month 2024, which include various outdoor events in New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton aimed at bringing together the community and showing support for LGBTQ+ rights.
"There's still a problem in this country with LGBTQ+ rights, especially transgender rights," said Andrew Pollack, president of theSouth Coast LGBTQ+ Network.
"We see it also happening with abortion rights now, too. But we have to remain hopeful and continue to fight."
With 500 to 700 bills introduced in statehouses across the country that aim to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people, particularly in the south and the west, Pollack said although it may not directly affect Massachusetts, this state is seeing the ripple effects.
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In fact,according to USAToday,the United States doesn't make list of safest countries for LGBTQ+ rights with a"State of emergency" warninggiven by the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ Americans in June 2023.
These ongoing challenges and threats serve as a reminder of the importance of Pride Month.
"We think we're making progress, and we are in some areas. But we also have to be aware of the threats that are still out there," Pollack added.
Pride Month kicks off in Fall River at Eagle
The Networkis kicking off Pride Month with an event at the Eagle Event Center in downtownFall River on May 31. The organization chose Fall River to kick off Pride this year, as it has begun making efforts to provide more resources and outreach there than it has in New Bedford and Taunton.
"Our goal is to expand to places we are less present, and Fall River is at the top of our list to increase our activity, and attract the New Bedford community to these places as well," Pollack said.
Hosted by the fabulous drag artist Crystal Diamonds, and featuring music by DJ Tara, the evening will serve as a fundraiser for the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network.
New Bedford Pride at Buttonwood Park
On June 1, the first major outdoor event will be South Coast Pride in New Bedford at Buttonwood Park. It will kick off with a Pride yoga session by Sangha featuring Marisol Rosa at 10 a.m. The event will have a variety of entertainment, activities and food options for all ages, with designated spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and older individuals.
The festival will be hosted by Crystal Diamonds and will showcase performances from local artists, including a tribute to Fleetwood Mac by Little Lies. DJ Eddie will provide the soundtrack for the day. The festivities will continue into the evening with a Pride afterparty at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel featuring music by Only Child and comedy by Amy Tee.
Fall River Pride set for June 2
On Sunday, June 2, the Fall River Pride Festival will take place at the Gates of the City on Ponta Delgada Avenue. It is the fifth annual event organized by the city.
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Throughout June, the network will offer a wide range of activities for LGBTQ+ individuals, families and allies. Events will focus on art, culture, health and wellness, and support for local businesses. Some of the partnerships for these events include AHA! New Bedford, the Trescott Street Gallery in Taunton, the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Sangha and Bobby’s Place. A full schedule of events can be found on the network’s website.
Other pride events to attend on the SouthCoast
On June 8, Taunton will host its third annual Pride festival at Hopewell Park from noon to 5 p.m. Hosted by Crystal Diamonds and DJ Eddie, the event will feature live music, drag performances, dancers, food trucks and local vendors and artisans. The headliner for the day will be Marlena Nichole, winner of the inaugural New Bedford Idol in 2009, and Miss New Bedford in 2012.
Fairhaven Got Pride will hold its outdoor event on Sunday, June 9, at the Unitarian Memorial Church from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, local vendors, music, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
On June 13, New Bedford will host its annual Pride block party at Custom House Square from 5 to 8 p.m.
Some of the other events happening during Pride Month include a weekly yoga session with Donna on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at 2 Knotty Walk in Taunton, a Dungeons & Dragons game group that meets on Wednesdays at Groundwork from 7 to 9 p.m., and an arts and crafts social at 26 Bedford St. in Fall River every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Throughout the month, there will also be LGBTQ+ socials every Friday at 1213 Purchase St. in New Bedford from 5 to 7 p.m. and LGBTQ+ yoga at Sangha from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Network will also be hosting a senior bowling night on Sunday, June 30, at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford.
Pride Month in June is a celebration of the solidarity of the South Coast LGBTQ+ community. The events planned by the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network aim to do just that and bring together individuals, families, allies and businesses to celebrate and uplift the community.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
