Boston recently witnessed a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity at the OUTLOUD Music Festival, which made its debut at The Stage at Suffolk Downs.
The festival was characterized by an upbeat atmosphere, heavily leaning towards celebration rather than protest, contrasting sharply with Boston Pride for the People, which emphasized activism in alignment with No King’s Day.
Despite the lack of more overtly political messaging, the selection of headliners such as Kim Petras, a high-profile trans singer, and drag queen Trixie Mattel, spoke volumes about the festival’s commitment to representation.
Although the venue did not reach full capacity, the audience, primarily composed of young adults who are active on platforms like TikTok, showed enthusiasm for every performance.
Local DJs Math3ca and LA’s Hannah Rad kept the energy alive during set breaks, providing tracks that encouraged the audience to interact and express themselves.
The event kicked off with impressive performances from local queer rappers.
Big Body Kweeng, hailing from Dorchester and sponsored by Boston’s The Theatre Offensive, made an immediate impact with an electrifying stage presence, challenging stereotypes with her confident declaration, “Who says big girls can’t get down?”
Following her set, Roxbury’s Oompa took the stage, showcasing her lyrical skills and infusing local references, like the iconic Citgo sign, into her performance.
Oompa emphasized the importance of gathering during challenging times, before inviting the crowd to let loose and enjoy, leading into a high-energy track designed for movement.
Another standout moment came from Frankie Grande, known for being Ariana Grande’s older half-brother.
Dressed in a bold leather outfit and surrounded by dynamic male dancers, he brought a unique flair to the festival.
Though his first single, “Rhythm of Love,” captured the essence of classic dance music, a cover of the 1990s hit “The Rhythm of the Night” did not quite resonate with the soul of the original.
The festival included non-binary pop-rocker G Flip, who was notable for incorporating live musicians into their performance.
Through songs like “GAY 4 ME” and “Rough,” G Flip addressed the complexities of modern queer dating and even presented a playful rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer.”
Their tracks, such as “Disco Cowgirl” and “The Worst Person Alive,” showcased a broad appeal, suggesting a bright future for G Flip.
As the crowd grew, Rebecca Black, a viral sensation and established artist, took the stage.
Her recent dance-pop album, “SALVATION,” featured a visually arresting set complete with thematic elements like mock religious placards and stylish dancers.
The standout track from her performance was undeniably “Sugar Water Cyanide,” which resonated with the audience.
The festival also featured rapper Flo Milli, representing allies alongside queer performers.
Flo Milli captivated the audience with her empowering track “Conceited,” delivering assertive and unapologetic lyrics.
Though she did not directly address LGBTQ themes, her spirited encouragement urged attendees to confidently embrace themselves and celebrate their identities.
A-list drag sensation Trixie Mattel curated a lively atmosphere, dubbing her set a “solid pink disco.”
Her DJing included remixes of iconic tracks from legends like Blondie, Donna Summer, and Lady Gaga, transforming the festival grounds into a vibrant pool party reminiscent of Palm Springs.
The closing act featured Kim Petras, who made a grand entrance from a creatively designed wooden shipping container labeled “mail order bride.”
Kicking off her performance with “I Don’t Want It At All,” the audience was reminded of her dynamic style.
While many might associate Petras with her Grammy-winning collaboration “Unholy,” she showcased her own tracks, especially reinforcing her banger status with the song “uhoh.”
By the end of her 70-minute set, it became clear that her confident performances made a strong statement at a time when cultural tensions are prevalent.
Through joyful celebration and inclusivity, the OUTLOUD Music Festival delivered a potent message, advocating for pride and visibility, making its point as profoundly as any political discourse could.
image source from：bostonglobe
