June is the traditional time of year for LGBTQIA+ organizations across the country to celebrate, and advocate for, diversity and equality, and Boston Pride stands among them. An anchor of the local gay community for more than 50 years, Boston Pride finds itself in a unique position this year, as the usual festival and parade have been put off for a later date due to the pandemic. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to get excited about, as many virtual happenings are filling up the calendar in June. It all starts with the month-long Pride Illumination (pictured), which involves several Hub landmarks being lit up in colorful rainbow lights or prominently flying Pride flags, including City Hall Plaza, the Museum of Science, TD Garden and the Boston Public Library. The annual Pride Lights ceremony—honoring those lost to, and those still living with, HIV/AIDS—continues, albeit in a streaming format, on June 8 in the South End’s Blackstone Square Park, and Pride Night @ Fenway Park takes place (thankfully, in person) on June 10. And experience a virtual mayoral candidate forum on June 14. A full calendar of events, all fitting with the 2021 theme “The Rainbow After the Storm,” can be found on the Boston Pride site.
