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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's Pride in Boston, and the LGBT pride flag was hoisted above City Hall Plaza Friday.
Mayor Marty Walsh offered words of welcome to all.
"This is who we are," Walsh said. "We're an inclusive, open, safe city for anyone who wants to express, however they want to express themselves, in our city. Thank you very much, and Happy Pride!"
Gov. Charlie Baker also attended and helped raise the flag. He spoke about this year's theme: "Looking Back, Moving Forward."
"We're closing in on the 49th year of Pride Week here in Boston and the 50th anniversary of the riots in New York City," Baker said. "I think the tone and motto for this year's Pride Week and Pride Festival is the right one, which is looking back at all the progress that has been made, but recognizing that there's a lot that needs to be done going forward."
The city's pride parade will wind through the city Saturday, June 8. Ava Glascott, a transgender model who represented Massachusetts last year in the Miss Transgender USA Pageant, is this year's parade marshal.
"For anyone having a hard time being true to themselves, know that you are not alone," she told the crowd gathered at City Hall. "I am here for you, this family all around you is here for you. You are accepted, you are valued, you are loved. Live your truth—the world is more beautiful for it."
You can view the official pride schedule here.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Mike Macklin reports