Boston became a vibrant hub for both LGBTQ+ rights and anti-Trump activism during the annual Pride parade, dubbed this year as “Boston Pride for The People,” which coincided with the nationwide “No Kings Day” protests against President Donald Trump.
Set for June 14, the Pride festival and parade attracted over one million attendees, transforming the celebrations into a dual event advocating for both diversity and resistance against the current administration.
The lively gathering showcased a mix of ages, from infants to senior citizens, all united in the cause. Attendees waved pride flags and wore keffiyehs, while also distributing informational leaflets focused on countering fascism. One passionate organizer, identified only as Jack for safety reasons, represented Refuse Fascism, a national group dedicated to mobilizing resistance.
“No Kings coinciding with Pride represents a lot of people who are going to be, and are already being, hit hardest by this consolidation of fascism,” Jack said. “I want to be a part of… initiating [a] movement… so we can stop it before it unleashes its worst horrors.”
Signs displayed throughout the parade encapsulated the sentiments of protest, featuring slogans like, “Queer as in Fuck ICE,” along with a drawing of Trump depicted as a pig wearing a crown.
The event was backed by a host of sponsors, including ACLU Massachusetts and the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, and featured participation from local K-12 schools such as Birches School from Lincoln, MA.
As floats and reimagined trolley buses rolled through Copley Square, the sounds of pop icons cherished by the LGBTQ+ community filled the air, including tracks from Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.
Local politicians joined the parade in support of LGBTQ+ rights, with Senator Ed Markey highlighting the significance of the newly combined celebration and protest.
“Boston Pride celebrates the LGBTQ community, but it celebrates diversity,” Sen. Markey told The Beacon in a statement. “We don’t live in Donald Trump’s world up here in Massachusetts. We celebrate our individuality; we celebrate our resistance to a dictatorship, to a king. And that’s really what today is all about.”
Among others, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell lent their voices and presence in solidarity with the Pride celebration, marching from Copley Square to the Boston Common alongside Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor Maura Healey, who kicked off the day’s events with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The parade reached its conclusion around 12:30 p.m., with the protest march continuing until 2 p.m., seamlessly blending with the later festivities that commenced in the Boston Common. The hours-long event featured numerous vendors, diverse food options, and performances from local queer artists, including Boston’s DJ WhySham, drag performers like The Iconic Divas, and the acclaimed “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia from New Orleans.
Festival-goers had an array of choices during the celebration, from shopping at vendor stalls selling jewelry and flags to gathering in front of a stage boasting the life-sized lettering: “Boston Pride: For the People”.
In a unique initiative, vendor Antonio Meteo Garcia hosted a “community closet,” offering professional clothing for free to attendees—a much-needed resource during challenging economic times.
“We’re by the community, for the community,” Garcia expressed, as he detailed the operation of the closet through his organization HELP by AMG, which stands for Helping Everyone Live Prosperously. Founded three years ago while he completed his Bachelor’s degree at Fisher College, his experience living unhoused in Indiana inspired the project.
Garcia recounted his struggle of seeking job support while being denied practical clothing due to the initial gender designation on his government ID. “As long as it’s comfortable and authentically ‘you,’ that’s all we care about,” he stated, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of contributing to the community.
For many attendees, Boston Pride 2025 symbolized more than just the parade route and festival—it served as an opportunity to give back. Near the start of the parade in Copley Square, volunteers from the Old South Church provided free pins, stickers, water, and snacks to those in need. They also offered chalk for creative expression on the pavement outside their doors.
One supporter, a 67-year-old white woman who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her belief in God’s unconditional love for all. “I am a straight ally who fiercely believes God’s love is for everyone,” she said, adding that “Love has no bounds” resonates deeply within her philosophy.
Overall, the Boston Pride for the People joined the No Kings Day protests, merging themes of individuality, resistance, and love, creating a powerful, inclusive atmosphere that celebrated diversity while standing against oppression.
image source from：berkeleybeacon
