Why Boston Pride isn't a welcoming space for Jews Despite the new group's proclaimed efforts to make our Pride events inclusive and diverse, many Jewish LGBTQ+ people and allies still can't attend the parade. Last year, we were introduced to a promising new umbrella organization for Boston's Pride festivities, named Boston Pride For The People (BP4P). Replacing the decades-old Boston Pride, which had been dismantled due to allegations that it ignored BIPOC and other groups, BP4P seemed to bring a wind of change for ALL LGBTQ+ people and allies. However, some are still left out. Since the parade takes place on a Saturday annually, observant Jews are prevented from attending. Last year, after discovering this hasn't changed under BP4P, I wrote a post (https://lnkd.in/drW3qUQv) which led to a meeting between BP4P's leadership and leaders of Greater Boston's Jewish and LGBTQ+ organizations, where I discovered that many queer Jews have never been to the Pride Parade because they observe Shabbat. Moreover, no programs during the whole pride month represented Jews. BP4P leadership seemed willing to listen and exchange ideas. But sadly, no change has occurred. They simply disappeared. We independently organized two Jewish-related events for the 2023 Pride Month, but no BP4P representative attended, neither did they spread the word about them. Yesterday, through their post below, I learned that Boston Pride 2024 will take place on a Saturday - again. What works for the biggest pride marches in the world (New York Pride takes place on Sundays), apparently doesn't work for Boston. What would you suggest in order to make a change in Boston's DEI / LGBTQ+ culture? Boston Pride For The People Adrianna Boulin Steve Greenberg City of Boston CJP - Combined Jewish Philanthropies Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston Anti-Defamation League American Jewish Committee (AJC) A Wider Bridge Keshet Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Your voice matters! 📢🌈 Boston Pride For The People is committed to amplifying your voice. Take a moment to share your feedback, ideas, and suggestions through our Community Needs Assessment Survey. 🤝 Your input fuels our mission for an inclusive and vibrant community! Visit BP4TP.org or click the link https://lnkd.in/gqwSuHb4 to participate. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 🌈✨ #BostonPrideForThePeople #BP4TP #LGBTQ+ #CommunityVoice
Author * Speaker * Researcher * LGBTQ DI&B
9moUnfortunately, when we say inclusive we need to make sure we stand for the core meaning of it and work towards it. It’s not an easy task, but it’s possible and doable. So disheartening to hear of exclusion. The politics of inclusion can be and is brutal. I have some ideas dating back to when I started my activism… ☺️