Outloud Boston made a dazzling debut on Saturday, June 21, at Suffolk Downs, marking the city’s latest LGBTQ+ festival, coinciding perfectly with Pride Month.
The festival brought forth a vibrant celebration of queer joy and artistic expression, showcasing performances from well-known acts like Trixie Mattel, Frankie Grande, and Flo Milli, alongside revered local talents such as Big Body Kweeng, who opened the festivities.
Kweeng captivated the audience with a choreographed performance, dressed in a striking pink and white marching band uniform emblazoned with “BBK,” a nod to her song “LINE IT UP.”
The lyrics emphasize her feelings of empowerment and responsibility to her community, stating, “The way that I’m flexin’ keeping them pressed, I know I’m the best, the ‘S’ on my chest.”
With this costume, Kweeng reclaims the term “Superhero,” asserting that her role extends beyond music to championing acceptance and pride among her community.
“It’s a superhero reference, because I feel like a lot of the time, I carry my community on my back,” Kweeng remarked. “I literally wear the ‘S’ on my chest, and I’m trying to carry on other folks who are afraid to be like me.”
The artist, who challenges gender stereotypes through her work, embodies body positivity and sexual freedom, particularly in her 2021 hit “Big Body,” where she confidently celebrates her physicality.
“I got a big booty, with some thunder thighs, I’m six feet tall and I’m super fine,” she raps, turning vivid self-descriptions into affirmations of her self-worth.
Kweeng reflects on her journey, acknowledging the struggles she faced along the way. “I fight every single day,” she shared. “It doesn’t bother me because I feel like I’m opening doors for others that want to do the same things that I do.”
She expressed gratitude for the support of her family, including her mother, aunt, and her 13-year-old son, whom she affectionately calls her “show baby.”
Performing on larger stages is a monumental achievement for Kweeng, especially representing the Black queer community from Boston.
Following Kweeng, Oompa, a fellow rapper and poet from Roxbury, graced the stage, teasing an upcoming collaboration with Kweeng titled “For the Girls.”
Frankie Grande, known for his roles in “Big Brother” and “Henry Danger,” energized the crowd with tracks from his impending album “Hotel Rock Bottom,” set to release on June 27.
In a black leather jacket and Speedo, Grande engaged with his audience, jumping off the stage and holding hands with fans as he performed songs like “Boys” and “Rhythm of Love.”
He emphasized the importance of community engagement among younger LGBTQ+ individuals, urging, “Especially to people in college right now, I know the world is on fire, but you guys are going to be the ones to fix it.”
With a critical eye, Grande addressed the ongoing scapegoating of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, while cherishing the pioneers of the past who paved the way for his own expression.
“I look to the people who have paved the path for me to be this gay, and in this little amount of clothing up on a stage, and I say thank you to them,” he stated.
Rebecca Black, once infamous for her viral song “Friday,” showcased her growth as an artist at the festival.
Having suffered from online bullying over the years, Black’s new music has garnered a significant LGBTQ+ following, highlighting her matured voice and stage presence as she performed with impressive choreography.
Kicking off her set with high energy, rapper Flo Milli followed, delighting the crowd with fan favorites, including her latest hit “Never Lose Me,” which recently charted at #20 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.
Her playful, “girly pop” style resonated with attendees, amplified by her whimsical outfit comprising a green and purple ensemble and short purple skirt, which echoed the classic “school-girl” image in pop culture.
As the day turned into night, excitement filled the atmosphere, culminating in a countdown to Kim Petras’s highly anticipated performance.
Emerging from a wooden box labeled “Mail Order Bride,” the Grammy-winning singer and transgender activist opened with “I Don’t Want It At All,” energizing the crowd with her powerful presence, despite a recent leg injury.
Petras continued to thrill the audience with songs like “Got My Number” and “Can’t Do Better,” while fans illuminated the night sky with purple foam light sticks during her set.
She also hinted at new music, teasing a single titled “Polo,” set to release on June 27.
For attendees, Outloud Boston’s inaugural festival proved a resounding success, with a diverse crowd reveling in artistic expression and community.
Festival-goers filled the venue with enthusiasm, many lounging on blankets with friends, embracing the spirit of Pride.
Outloud Boston not only celebrated queer artistry but also fostered a sense of belonging within the LGBTQ+ community, showcasing that Pride vibrantly lives on in 2025.
image source from：berkeleybeacon
