Worcester Pride is back this week, September 8–14, with events, mindful of COVID precautions, coordinated by the Queer Coalition on Greater Worcester, a collaborative community initiative working to bring activities supporting LGBTQ+ folx in Central Mass closer together.
“While we celebrate Pride and the progress of our LGBTQ+ community, there is a critical need to continue our fight for equity, justice, and equality,” Worcester Pride states on their website. And so, “In place of a Pride parade and festival this year, we will host a rally and block party on Saturday, September 11, in support of queer folx who continue to face oppression, marginalization and hate; challenges that disproportionately effect queer people of color in our city and nation.”
Here’s the line-up:
Following Wednesday’s Pride flag-raising and proclamation by the mayor at City Hall (plus a virtual workshop on “Intersections of Whiteness & Queerness” and a Gay Professionals Networking Event …
Thursday, Sept. 9 — Pride at Tower Hill — 4–7:30 p.m. — Celebrate Pride Worcester Week in the gorgeous gardens at Tower Hill for their second annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration. Hear from organizations supporting the queer community of Worcester, enjoy a glitter Sha-Booms beer from Redemption Rock, take in some live music by Giuliano, and explore goods from local vendors as the sun sets over Tower Hill.
Thursday, Sept. 9 — 21+ LGBTQ and Ally Prom — 8:30–11:55 p.m. 508Pride “is excited as heck” to host their first-ever 21+ LGBTQIA+ Prom. Games, prizes and eclectic nostalgia plus DJ TheySexy. Masked event for safety. Cover $10, cash only (or through Venmo). Ralph’s Rock Diner, Upstairs Ballroom 148 Grove St.
Friday, Sept. 10 — Worcester Youth Pride Prom (11–18) — 4–8 p.m. Beyond Acceptance Worcester Youth Pride Prom will be a queer youth dance for ages 11-18 years old. The prom is a part of Pride Worcester’s week of events. Featuring the House of Escada and DJ Alex Meow. Worcester PopUp at the JMAC, 20 Franklin St. Link to register (free) and details about COVID-19 safety measures.
Friday, Sept. 10 — “Yass, Honey Pride Beer Kickoff” — 7–11 p.m. Pride beer kick-off with the Love Your Labels team and more of the awesome LGBTQ+ community. Redemption Rock Brewing Co., 333 Shrewsbury St.
Friday, Sept. 10 — “Monochromatica (21+)” — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Queer the Scene takes over Electric Haze with a Pride Worcester kick-off party. French DJs Trinix brings the fun with NYC’s DJ Alex Meow. Electric Haze, 26 Milbury St.
Friday, Sept. 10 — Queer & Sober Gratitude Meeting — 8–9:30 a.m. Meeting and open discussion with LGBTQ sober people at Green Hill Park, Connie Mack field, 50 Skyline Dr.
Saturday, Sept. 11 — Pride Rally & Queer the Block Party — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown at the corner of Franklin Street and Main, featuring feature vendor booths including makers and artists, food trucks and community-based services including STI testing and voter registration. Plus a main stage at Beer Garden Worcester with performers, speakers and more!
Go to Worcester Pride’s schedule page for more.
Not a subscriber? Sign up today for a free subscription to Boston Spirit magazine, New England’s premier LGBT magazine. We will send you a copy of Boston Spirit six times per year and we never sell/rent our subscriber information. Click HERE to sign up!
