Giuliano D’Orazio 

September 8-14 is Pride Week in Worcester! In the midst of a turbulent year +, both with the dissolution of the former Worcester Pride org, and, ya know, a global pandemic, a group of dedicated LGBTQ+ serving organizations have stepped up to host a series of events that aim to welcome queer folks, local and abroad, to express themselves, celebrate, and organize to action. 

“The Queer Coalition of Greater Worcester is a collaborative community initiative working to bring activities supporting LGBTQ+ folx in Central Mass closer together” reads the homepage of prideworcester.org. The headline for this year’s festivities: A rally for change, a celebration for community. In the spirit of Stonewall, the organizing committee behind this year’s events stands behind “the first pride was a riot” sentiment. With the dissolution of long-standing pride organizations like Boston and Worcester Pride, a younger, more diverse, action and change-driven generation is stepping forward to usher in a new era of Pride in the city. The main event this year, in place of the traditional parade and festival, will be a rally and block party on Saturday, September 11. The new Worcester Pride website says the rally will be “in support of queer folx who continue to face oppression, marginalization, and hate; challenges that disproprtionately effect queer people of color in our city and nation.” 

The Coalition has launched a crowdfunding campaign to ensure this celebration can reach its full potential. Funds will be used for entertainment, event rentals, and permits towards the Sept 11 rally. Visit PrideWorcester.org to make a donation, and share the site on your personal and organizational social media. 

The Queer Coalition promises a slate of inclusive and affirming events between the 8th and 14th this month… Let’s see what’s in store: 

Sept 3: 

Queer The Scene Pre-Pride Party (21+): Electric Haze 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Pre-pride party featuring DJ Denz on the turntables. Tickets at qtspreprideparty.eventbrite.com) 

Sept 8: 

Pride Flag Raising at City Hall: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM 

Gay Professionals Networking Event: (location TBD) 6:00 – 8:00 PM 

Sept 9:

Pride at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM (An evening of family-friendly festivities, including some live music by yours truly — so excited! — Redemption Rock’s Glitter Beer on tap — excited again — and a wide range of crafts and goods from local vendors. Event is free to the community but tickets must be reserved by visiting purchase.towerhillbg.org) 

Gay Prom (21+): Ralph’s Rock Diner, Doors 8:30 PM, $10 Cover (Dancing, serving looks, games, prizes, music by DJ TheySexy — Everyone is welcome!) 

Sept10: 

Yass Honey! Beer Release at Redemption Rock Brewing Co.: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Back by popular demand from 2019, Redemption Rock’s Yass Honey! is being released again for Worcester Pride!) 

Monochromatic (21+): Electric Haze 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Queer the Scene takes over Electric Haze with the PRide Worcester weekend kick-off party. French DJs Trinix will bring the fun tonight along with NYC’s hottest DJ Alexi Meow. Tickets at monochromatica.eventbrite.com) 

SWAGLY Youth Pride Dance: JMAC PopUp Space 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Inclusive Pride Dance for middle school/highschool aged youth.) 

Sept 11: 

Queer & Sober Gratitude Meeting: Green Hill Park 8:00 AM (Independently organized meeting for sober members of the LGBTQ+ community to gather, share experiences, and celebrate pride.) 

Rally and Queer the Block Party: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Convening Downtown on Franklin street, across from the common, the rally will host speakers, local vendors, and a DJ, Main Stage is at the Worcestser Beer Garden!) 

Sept 12: 

WAM Community Pride Day: All Day (Family friendly event to celebrate art, community and the LGBTQ+ community) 

(This article was written several weeks before Pride Week, with the possibility that some organizations have added events to the roster. For a full, up-to-date list of events, visit www.prideworcester.org) 

Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, member of the queer community, and a board member of Love Your Labels. 

Email: giulianodoraz@gmail.com 

Instagram: @musicbygiuliano