The 44th annual Boston Pride Parade kicked off Saturday, June 14, drawing a record number of people. Over 10,000 people and 200 groups marched from Copley Square to City Hall Plaza led by Gov. Deval Patrick and parade Grand Marshall Mayor Marty Walsh—all decked out and dancing in the streets to celebrate New England’s robust gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. With over half a million in attendance, it was an event to remember.
This year, Microsoft New England had over 40 marchers from our Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Employees at Microsoft (GLEAM) team, carrying picket signs, banners, giving out swag, and showing support for the Boston Pride community (especially Eric Frackleton, who wore the Halo Spartan suit the entire time, kudos). We also marched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in Massachusetts. Yet ultimately, our vision is to transition “Pride” from being an event to being an ongoing celebration of our values of diversity & inclusion.
“This year’s pride was truly a spectacular event for GLEAM. So many people across the globe came together to help make this event happen, from creating consistent branding and marketing materials, to helping put together banners, to scooping ice cream at the wind down, to dozens of people showing up to march (despite the scary weather forecast),” said Matt Feczko, Program Manager and head of GLEAM New England. “I want to thank everyone for helping out with this year’s Pride event, especially my co-marshall Joe Shapiro! Joe, you outdid yourself, so thank you.”
And our pride definitely doesn’t end with the parade! GLEAM and Microsoft have launched a new, inclusive, and globally consistent brand and theme for its LGBT diversity and inclusion work: Honestly Proud, supported by three pillars: Honestly Diverse, Honestly Equal, and Honestly Me. These pillars are coming to life on a global scale, not only during Pride month, but all year long.
Happy Pride Month!
Check out our full Facebook album for more pics of GLEAM at the Boston Pride Parade!
