New Route, parade goes through “The Gay Heart of the City”, the South End.

On the Friday before Pride, a group of lesbians gathered at Parkman Bandstand to hear speeches and music. Gunner Scott of the Lesbian Avengers led a group of fire swallowers.

At the time, the South End was the unrivaled gay neighborhood in Boston, especially for men. For the first time, the Parade route snaked through the gentrified neighborhood of stately Victorian brownstones. Turning the corner onto Tremont Street, where the crowds were the thickest and loudest, became a memorable moment for marchers, as applause often turned to roars.

That year, politics gave way to entertainment, as a weeklong celebration of LGBT achievement in the arts was implemented for the first time. Joe Martini, who, along with Janet Kyle, headed up Pride, said, “The big difference this year is the weeklong celebration of gay community achievements, especially in the arts.” Pride member, Elaine Noble, first openly gay politician elected in Massachusetts in 1974, asserted that after polling the community, it was clear they wanted “less politics and more entertainment”. Still, David Mixner, who had ties to newly elected President Bill Clinton, hosted a Town Hall meeting at Faneuil Hall.

First year prizes were given for parade participants, including walking groups and floats.