Gay Pride Week was now Lesbian and Gay Pride Week.
The Rally enjoyed a large turnout of over 7,000, but was purposely more sedate than in 1977.
“We Are Everywhere and We Will Be Free” Both the name of the week leading up to the Parade and its route were changed.
Politicians and religious leaders were not invited to speak but some of them, including Mel King, Barney Frank, Elaine Noble, and Larry DiCara, sent letters that were read to the crowd. Three of the speakers were Linda Crawford of the Gay Business Association, Ed Mede of the Boston/Boise Committee, who was arrested in the so-called Revere Sex Ring case, and Kate Gyllensvard from Lavender Resistance.
A letter was read from incarcerated activist Susan Saxe. Some marchers, including elementary school teachers, wore bags over their heads to illustrate the danger they faced if they came out.
Issues that year included the refusal of the State Department of Public Welfare to provide support to Project Lambda, the oldest gay youth program in Boston, as well as Governor Michael Dukakis’s refusal to proclaim an “Annual Gay Pride Week” or to sign a gay rights bill.
The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) is established
The rainbow flag is first used as a symbol of homosexual pride, with 8 colors.
Photos and Memorabilia from 1978
LGBTQ Historical Highlights
- Organizers in Boston call for a protest rally for Anita Bryant’s planned visit to Boston/”Conservative” gays and lesbians denounce the rally against Anita Bryant/The singer cancels her planned appearance in Boston
- Sting operations launched to curtail sexual activity in the basement restrooms at the Boston Public Library/DA Garret Byrne announces a hotline for people to report child molestation attributed to gay and lesbian people
- GLAD is created to advocate for the community in the legal arena
- Harvey Milk is assassinated at San Francisco City Hall[2]
Event Details
Rally Date: June 10, 1978
Theme: We Are Everywhere and We Will Be Free
Organized by:
Parade Route
START – Copley Sq., Down Boylston St., Left on Charles St., Right on Cambridge St., To Tremont St., Right on Park St., Left on Beacon St. END – Parkman Bandstand
Links of Interest
- Glibert Baker Flag
- The Origin of the Pride Flag – NBC OUT – It all started with $1,000 and 1,000 yards of fabric. Hear from Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow pride flag.