By Beth David, Editor
Despite the rain, people filled the streets around Fairhaven town hall on 6/9/24 for the fourth Fairhaven’s Got Pride event, celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals and diversity, equity and inclusion. This year saw an expanded program, with about 40 vendor booths, entertainment from a variety of performers, a little speechmaking, and lots of fun for people of all ages.
The rain started at about 1:30, but instead of running off to shelter, most people stayed to watch the performers, many still browsed the booths, huddling under the canopies.
Andrew Romano, the first openly gay Fairhaven Select Board member, told the crowd that the Select Board has had two women, one person of color, and one openly gay man, with 75% serving in the last three years.
We have come a long way, he said, but we have so far to go.
He said he was the first openly gay SB member, “Please don’t let me be the last.”
“I’m extremely impressed with the amount of people,” Mr. Romano told the Neighb News. “It’s always an amazing event.”
He recalled the first one, when they had to use the back of a truck because of controversy over the event. And now they have lots of vendors, a food truck, and entertainers.
“It’s great to see the community come out,” he said.
“Glitter Witch” Angela Aranjo had to pack up her supplies because of the rain, but she did not pack up her booth, staying to enjoy the performers.
“It was a great turnout,” she said, especially considering the rain and for a small town. “It’s impressive. There’s a lot of support.”
“There is a great array of booths, and the mocktails were fabulous,” said Anne Morton Smith. “It’s great the number of people out in the rain.”
The event was organized by the town’s Belonging Committee and included a special outdoor service at the Unitarian Church.
June is Gay Pride month and commemorates the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York, resulting in clashes in the streets. Gay Pride is celebrated throughout the country in June and is recognized by the state of Mass. and the federal government.
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- Ultima performs during Fairhaven’s Got Pride on Sunday, 6/9/24, in front of Town Hall. Photo by Beth David.
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- Young Sadie Cox watches Edith Zonfrillo perform in the rain at Fairhaven’s Got Pride Sunday, 6/9/24 in front of Town Hall. Photo by Beth David.
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- Ryan Edwards performs during Fairhaven’s Got Pride on Sunday, 6/9/24, in front of Town Hall. Photo by Beth David.
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- Phlegm Mignon performs during Fairhaven’s Got Pride on Sunday, 6/9/24, in front of Town Hall. Photo by Beth David.
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- Despite the rain, Center Street in front of Fairhaven town hall is filled with people listening to performers during Fairhaven’s Got Pride on Sunday, 6/9/24. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Domi, Dezy, Jonailys, Ali, Julianna, Sammi staff the Belonging Committee booth where people could write on the Fairhaven’s Got Pride parade banner during the Fairhaven’s Got Pride event on Sunday, 6/9/24 in front of Town Hall. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 06/13/24 issue: 06-13-24 FhvnPride
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