1st Dyke March, 1st Gay/Straight Youth Pride, 1st Pride Lights
By 1995, the lack of a political component in the Parade drew louder complaints. In a letter to Bay Windows, Cindy Rizzo argued, “we can have politics and fun.” Attorney and gay activist Don Gorton wrote inThe Boston Phoenix that the growing numbers of out people produced more divergent opinions. “Queer Nation and Log Cabin Republicans vie to guide the agenda (now).” Two major “firsts” occurred in 1995.
The Lesbian Avengers’ inaugural Dyke March began in Roxbury and joined the Parade. For years, some lesbians felt excluded from the largely male Pride Parade and alienated from its lack of political focus. “There’s a different energy being all women and all dykes,” said participant Sarah Shreeves.
The first Gay/Straight Youth Pride was also held a month before Pride, featuring several speakers and skits performed on the theme of acceptance. It has been held annually since 1995.
The Rally was held far away from the Parade that year on Lederman Field, on the east end of the Esplanade. Many participants said the location diminished numbers and visibility. David Van Hoy, in a letter to Bay Windows, urged Pride to return the March to Charles Street, away from the “gay ghetto” of the South End.
Grand Marshals: Kim Crawford Harvie, Senior Minister of Arlington St. Church and Harry Collings, Fenway Community Health Center
Attendance was estimated at 130,000. Police estimated 100,000.
Photos and Memorabilia from 1995
LGBTQ Historical Highlight
- Contested election for Chair leads to a schism in the Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance/Equal Rights Lobby is organized by breakaway activists
- The US Supreme Court issues its landmark decision in the case of Romer v. Evans, striking down an anti-gay law in Colorado
Event Details
Date: Gay Pride Week, June 4-10, 1995
Theme: From Silence to Celebration
Organized by: Pride, Inc.
Parade Route
START – Copley Sq., Boylston St., Right on Clarendon St., Left on Tremont St., Left on Berkeley St., Right on Boylston St., Left on Charles St., Right on Beacon St.; At Arlington walk to Esplanade. END – Lederman Field.