Boston Pride Week, By the Numbers

Photograph by iStockphoto

Now in its 46th year, Boston Pride Week will shower the city in glitter and activism June 3 to 12. The 40 events on tap include the flagship parade (the largest in New England) and an all-day food and music festival featuring Australian singer Conrad Sewell, best known for his work with Ed Sheeran and dance-anthem hit makers Avicii and Kygo. Before you get ready to march down to City Hall in striped rainbow thigh-highs, let’s take a closer look at our most festive of festivals.

12 Years

Length of time that same-sex marriage has been legal in Massachusetts.

4.8%

LGBT population in the Boston metropolitan area, as of 2014.

A Lavender Rhinoceros

The gay-pride emblem used on posters by Boston activists in the 1970s.

1 Million

Number of people expected to attend Pride Week 2016 during its 10 days of festivities.

20–30

Estimated number of floats in the Pride Parade this year.

50–70

Estimated number of vehicles in the Pride Parade this year.

$1

Cost of pride-festival admission in 1984. (The festival is now free, after critics said, “We’ve already paid to be gay.”)

Key Moments in Boston’s Pride History

By Year

1971

The first official Boston Pride March is held on June 26.

1978

Renamed the New England Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade, the march draws 5,000 attendees.

1987

Boston Pride raises its flag at City Hall.

1995

The first Youth Pride March is held in May, and the first Dyke March is held in June.

2004

Massachusetts becomes the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage.

2008

Boston Pride goes green, recycling banners and signs and reusing decorations.

2015

Boston Pride turns 45.