1990 Proud of Our Past, Looking to the Future

LGBT people were on the defensive in Massachusetts as Pride Week began.

State Representative Steve Pierce (R-Westfield) introduced a bill to ban lesbian and gay people from being foster parents.

Earlier that year, legislation had also been filed to repeal the lesbian and gay civil rights law by statewide referendum. But Attorney General Jim Shannon disallowed the proposal based on its wording.

Pride incorporated as a tax exempt organization in April 1990, calling itself Lavender Rhino, Inc.

Notably, Mayor Ray Flynn was one of the Rally speakers.

A record 80,000 people turned out to enjoy the March, including a large contingent from BAGLY, who chanted, “Three-five-seven-nine, gay kids are mighty fine.”^[1]

See Gay community news: June 17-23, 1990. volume 17, number 47 for additional write up

Photos and Memorabilia from 1990

Gay Pride rally on Boston Common. Credit: Ryan, David L/ Boston Globe Staff

Gay Pride rally on Boston Common. Credit: Ryan, David L/ Boston Globe Staff
1990 Pride Guide. Courtesy of The History Project

1990 Pride Guide. Courtesy of The History Project
Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project

Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project
Men and women of Gay Community News holding a large banner in the 1990 Pride march in Boston. Credit: Susan Fleischmann

Men and women of Gay Community News holding a large banner in the 1990 Pride march in Boston. Credit: Susan Fleischmann
Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project

Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project
Four LESLA members march with banners in 1990 Pride Credit: Susan Fleischmann

Four LESLA members march with banners in 1990 Pride Credit: Susan Fleischmann
Two maps showing the Gay Bars in 1977 and Gay bars in 1990. Courtesy of The History Project

Two maps showing the Gay Bars in 1977 and Gay bars in 1990. Courtesy of The History Project
Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project

Photo: Benjamin Incesti. Courtesy of The History Project

LGBTQ Historical Highlights

Governor Dukakis relaxes his ban on foster care placements with lesbian and gay parents.
Mapplethorpe exhibit at the Institute of Contemporary Art causes controversy whipped up by the
Boston Herald
Wave of high-profile gaybashings leads to additional community organizing; The Anti-Violence Project is founded
Gays and lesbians receive credit for putting William Weld over the top in his race for Governor vs. homophobe John Silber^[2]

Event Details

Date: June 9, 1990

Theme: Proud of Our Past, Looking to the Future

Organized by: Lavender Rhino, Inc.

Parade Route

START – City Hall Plaza., Down Cambridge St., Left on Charles St., Right on Beacon St., Left on Arlington St., Left on Boylston St., Left on Tremont St., Left on Park St., Left on Beacon St. END – Boston Common

References:

[1] The 2015 Boston Pride Guide 45th Anniversary – #WickedProud

[2] A LGBTQ Historical Timeline, Compiled by Attorney Don Gorton of the Boston Pride Stonewall Committee.

Photo Credits

Boston Gay Men’s Chorus march in Boston’s Pride parade. http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20254396
Susan Fleischmann, “Gay Community News staff with banner at Pride 1990,” Documented | Digital Collections of The History Project, https://historyproject.omeka.net/items/show/39.
Susan Fleischmann, “Four LESLA members march with banners in 1990 Pride march,” Documented | Digital Collections of The History Project, https://historyproject.omeka.net/items/show/16.