BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — This year's Boston Pride Parade and Festival has been postponed amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with virtual events being planned instead.
Boston Pride announced Friday that it will put the city's July parade on hold due to COVID-19. However, organizers said they're working diligently to keep the LGBTQ+ community connected.
Linda DeMarco, President of Boston Pride, said they had hoped to commemorate Boston Pride’s 50th anniversary in June 2021 after having to cancel last year’s parade completely.
"We know that the pandemic has severely impacted the LGBTQ+ community and we are working on virtual events to bring together the community in June,” said DeMarco. “Over the last several months, we have pursued the difficult but necessary work of transformation and we want those efforts to be a central part of our Pride celebrations this year."
Boston Pride also announced that it is creating a series of virtual events to commemorate Pride Month and the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride. Virtual events being planned for June include the Pride Flag Raising at City Hall Plaza and the Pride Lights ceremony to honor all those lost to and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Mayor Marty Walsh said although it was a difficult decision to make, postponing Boston’s 2021 Pride Parade and Festival "is the right choice as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of all during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."
"In Boston, we are committing to living by the values of inclusion, diversity and acceptance, and that will never change," Walsh said. "Our city will continue to support Boston Pride, and when safe to do so, the Pride Parade and Festival will be back and stronger than ever."
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)