Despite a major route change in 1992, for the first time over 100,000 attended Pride.
For years, the Parade went through Charles Street on Beacon Hill. But the Charles Street Merchants Association, led by a gay man, argued that the March crowded out shoppers. That year, police also wanted the March to bypass a Tremont Street clinic, where antichoice activists were picketing. They feared a clash between Pride marchers and anti-choice protesters. Rosemary Dunn Dalton, board member of the Greater Boston Lesbian/Gay Alliance, argued that the route include the Tremont Street clinic. “I think it’s important that we show support for the clinic.” Ellen Convisser, president of the Massachusetts Chapter of NOW, condemned the route change, as did David LaFontaine, lobbying director for the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The latter suggested that people defy Pride’s decision. In the end, the route change remained in effect, though some LGBT people gathered to support the clinic on the old route.
Photos and Memorabilia from 1992
LGBTQ Historical Highlights
- Governor Weld issues an executive order recognizing lesbian and gay “domestic partnerships”
among state employees[2] - Massachusetts gay and lesbian activists join in the nationwide campaign to elect Bill Clinton President of the United States[2]
- Governor Weld creates the Governor’s Commission on Gay/Lesbian Youth[2]
- World Health Organization declassifies homosexuality as an illness
Event Details
Date: June 13, 1992
Theme: Pride Equals Power: A Simple Matter of Justice
Organized by: Pride Celebrations, Inc. ??
Parade Route
START – City Hall Plaza., Down Tremont St., Right on Park St., Left on Beacon St., Right on Arlington St., Right on Commonwealth Ave., Left on Dartmouth St., Left on Boylston St., END – Boston Common
References:
Photo Credits
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AIDS Action Committee makes its way down Deacon St during 1991 Gay Pride Parade. Credit: Boston Globe Staff, Wendy Maeda