1976 Gay Unity is Gay Strength

Over 2,000 marchers sweltered in the 93-degree heat.

Women led the March again and the Lavender Rhino made its second appearance. A series of workshops were held at Harriet Tubman House on the experiences of black and Latin@ gay and lesbian people. Another workshop focused on racism within and outside the gay and lesbian community and its effects on people of color.

List Workshops – see flyer.

There was a issue with the lack of press coverage from the Globe and the Herald.

Pride decided not to allow any businesses or bars to march because, as Gay Community News editor Lynn Rosen put it, “It was felt that the parade was to reflect the gay community mainly as a political force since gays had suffered so many political setbacks this year.” She cited the failure of the Massachusetts Democratic Party to put a gay rights plank in its platform and state and city failures to pass gay civil right bills.

Parade was named: New England Gay Pride. ’76

Attendance was estimated at 1,200 -2,000 “the largest in Boston”

Speakers: Jill Raymond. MC was Elaine Noble. Barney Frank

Photos and Memorabilia from 1976

Prominent gay politician Barney Frank addresses the crowd at the Parkman Bandstand in the the Boston Commons. Photo Credit Spencer Grant, Spencer Grant Collection at Boston Public Library

Prominent gay politician Barney Frank addresses the crowd at the Parkman Bandstand in the the Boston Commons. Photo Credit Spencer Grant, Spencer Grant Collection at Boston Public Library
"Gay Unity is Gay Strength" is the theme for the 1976 Gay Pride Parade. Photo Credit The Boston Globe, 'Wicked Proud: How Boston Has Been Celebrating Gay Pride for 45 Years'

"Gay Unity is Gay Strength" is the theme for the 1976 Gay Pride Parade. Photo Credit The Boston Globe, 'Wicked Proud: How Boston Has Been Celebrating Gay Pride for 45 Years'

Event Details

Date: June 19, 1976

Theme: Gay Unity Is… Gay Strength

Organized by: Pride Committee comprised of Lesbian Caucus and Black Caucus. Joe Abreu was Chairperson.

Parade Route

START – Copley Sq., Down Dartmouth St., Right on Commonwealth Ave., Left on Arlington St., Right on Boylston St., Left on Charles St., Right on Cambridge St., To Tremont St., Right on Park St., Left on Beacon St. END – Parkman Bandstand

References:

Content: https://issuu.com/bostonpride/docs/bostonprideguide2015/s/26380
Barney Frank Speaks Out – Prominent gay politician Barney Frank addresses the crowd at a gay pride rally at the Parkman Bandstand in the Boston Common. Spencer Grant Collection, Boston Public Library