Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Boston with these special events

Boston’s LGBTQ Past: The non-profit tour company Boston By Foot retreads the paths of the city’s gay and lesbian citizens from the 19th and 20th centuries on select days throughout the month of June. These excursions—part of the Bostonians Fight for Change Series and done in conjunction with The History Project, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving New England’s LGBTQ history—start on the State House steps across from Boston Common.

Boston Pride for the People Parade and Festival: The highlight of Pride Month returns June 10. Revel in a grand procession, which begins in Copley Square at 11 a.m., as well as a rocking shindig on Boston Common (where the main stage is headlined by Madison Rose) and City Hall Plaza (a 21+ party), both of which begin at noon.

Gay Bash’d (pictured above): Taking place June 10 at the Roadrunner music venue in the Hub’s Brighton neighborhood and billed as “Boston’s Biggest Pride Dance Party,” this soiree features more than 20 fabulous drag performers, live music from Baby Tate and Cobrah, DJs, aerial shows and local art vendors, all to benefit Trans Resistance MA.

Queer Family Festival: The Theater Offensive’s first annual event takes place at the South End’s Boston Center for the Arts on June 11. This community-focused, family-friendly showcase offers a vendor expo, a variety of performers, interactive play stations, facilitated conversations on queerness, drag story hours and more, all aimed at youngsters aged 3–18. 

Road of Rainbows (pictured on cover): For the third time, Boston Theater Company hosts this inclusive athletic event June 10 on Boston Common that celebrates the arts and welcomes people of all genders. After the 5K race/walk, stick around for a festival featuring drag queens, live music and more.