May 22, 2015

Traveling with Pride: Boston

Matthew Wexler READ TIME: 4 MIN.

Who says that being gay and in your 40's can't be fabulous? Boston Pride turns 45 this year and Beantown is pulling out all the stops for a week's worth of celebrations that run a rainbow's gamut from June 5 to 14. This year's theme is #WickedProud and locals and tourists alike will be hitting the streets along with venues throughout the city for the weeklong celebration.

Pack your tux in addition to your tank. New to the line-up this year is its first-ever gala, which will honor Harry Collings for his commitment to the visibility of and advocacy for the LGBT community in Greater Boston and beyond. Collings is a local leader in the LGBT community and spent more than 30 years at the Boston Redevelopment Authority while also supporting causes including PFLAG, AIDS Action and Fenway Community Health Center.

"Harry Collings is truly a champion of the LGBT community who embodies the spirit of Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the award we are giving in his name," said Sylvain Bruni, President of Boston Pride. "Harry has always been there for us, and like the late Mayor, has been an unwavering supporter of Boston Pride and the LGBT community throughout the years. It is our honor to present him with this well-deserved recognition."

Standing Room Only

This year's Pride festivities are packed with top-tier talent, including Grammy Award winner Estelle. While the Pride Stage is free, super fans can purchase Meet & Greet tickets to have some face time with the British songstress. Also on the line-up are former Broadway chorus boy-turned-musical comedian Kevin Yee; country hunk Billy Gilman; and Pride regular Mary Lambert.

Come rain or shine, the parade starts at noon, and for the best view, plant yourself at Charles St. between Boylston and Beacon. The festival at City Hall Plaza runs until 6 p.m., where you can bring your posse or find a new one.

Beyond the Parade

There's plenty to see in Boston beyond the LGBT festivities. Add an extra day or two to your Pride agenda to check out these local favorites:

  • Faneuil Hall Market Place dates back to 1742 and is filled with shopping and dinging options. Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market, are all set around a cobblestone promenade, where you'll find street performances and plenty of people out and about. Click here for a "Hall Pass," which offers discounts at more than 30 retailers.

  • March to the beat of your own drum and follow Boston Spirit Magazine's Equality Trail. The interactive Google map features more than 30 destinations, including: Boston Common, the sight of Boston's first Pride celebration in 1970; Cambridge City Hall, where city of Cambridge became the first municipality in the United States to legally offer "Notices of Intent to Marry" forms to same-sex couples; and Club Caf�, an integral part of the city's nightlife scene since 1983.

    Afterglow

    When the festivities wind down, settle into a room at one of Boston Pride's hospitality partners.

  • W Boston Hotel overlooks the city's theater district, and if you've got the bucks to spare, book an Extreme WOW Suite, equipped with a fully stocked wet bar and 1,600 square feet to celebrate with your new-found friends.

  • Enjoy 15 percent off your stay at The Boxer Hotel, a boutique property nestled between the historic North End and the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. Recently renovated rooms complement the unusual architectural features, where industrial chic interiors merge with Scandinavian design and 1970s vintage accents for a truly unique aesthetic.

    Get There
    Alaska Airlines is offering a seven percent discount to not only this event, but also dozens of Pride celebrations throughout 2015. Alaska flies to Boston from several gateways, including Seattle, Portland, and San Diego.

    by Matthew Wexler

    Matthew Wexler is EDGE's Senior Editor, Features & Branded Content. More of his writing can be found at www.wexlerwrites.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @wexlerwrites.

    This story is part of our special report: "Traveling With Pride". Want to read more? Here's the full list.

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