Here are 71 images from Rhode Island Pride that show that not even a downpour could keep them from celebrating Pride to the fullest!
The history of Rhode Island Pride dates back to 1976. That year, lesbian and gay Rhode Islanders wanted to organize a march, “believing it is essential that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people have avenues to educate the larger community, as well as opportunities to come together and openly celebrate who they are,” according to the Rhode Island Pride website.
Officials on the state and city level tried to stop the parade, but organizers sued to have the march take place. So, in 1976 a little under 100 people gathered to march for LGBTQ+ rights. In recent years, more than 125,000 come to the events around Rhode Island Pride.
Scroll through to see the electric images from their June 2023 event!
Images Courtesy the Talented Rhode Island Pride Photo Team: Jen Bonin, Chris Diani, Kevin Garcia, Willow Hicks, Renee L’Abbe, Kristopher Laliberte, Paul Martin, Kat Murray, Bill Peresta, Andrew Sharp, Brooke Seminick, Erin X. Smithers, Ryan Welch
