“Late spring and early summer in New England are truly unique. Well known as a queer and creative escape for over a century, and now home to hundreds of LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses, Provincetown’s Pride celebration kicks off the summer travel season. Whether you’re a New England native or exploring this northeastern corner of the US this month, you’ll be able to find a local Pride event along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, in the countryside and mountain ranges, or in one of the region’s diverse cities. Guild continues, “Pride is something that helps individuals to realize that they are not alone - and that they are part of a much larger community that supports them.” Hengst began his position at the Guild this year but has been coming to Provincetown to visit for the past 20 or so years.
In today’s political climate, the LGBTQ+ community is experiencing a record number of hate-fueled pieces of legislation being introduced in the United States, and this is an indicator that for as far as we’ve come as a queer community - there is still so much we need to overcome before we experience full equality.” Hengst says to Matador, “Pride has been celebrated across the world for more than 50 years, and it’s more important today than ever before. Stephan Hengst, executive director of the Provincetown Business Guild, shares O’Connor’s sentiments. “We definitely infuse Pride month with the spirit of celebration and love, but we need to remember there is real work to do, and we aim to be doing that work in our city.” Hailing from Newport County, O’Connor happily lives in the harbor city with his husband. LGTBQ+ youth face higher rates of homelessness, many having been kicked out of their homes due to lack of acceptance,” he adds. “Transgender and gender non-conforming people still face so much discrimination and prejudice, and unfortunately violence against them. “It’s nice to think we’re ‘out of the woods’ with societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ folks, but there is still so much more work to do,” says Sean O’Connor, co-owner of Newport Out and board member of Newport Pride. And as Pride is very important for community visibility, smaller, but growing celebrations are also happening throughout New England. You can see how every penny of your ticket is spent by heading to our website, and remember that every ticket includes a £2.50 ring-fenced donation to Manchester Pride Community Fund.Cities such as Providence, Middletown, Burlington, and the queer beach town of Provincetown, will host their popular Pride gatherings, which bring in thousands to each. Manchester Pride is a charity and the cost of a Gay Village Party ticket helps Manchester Pride deliver a safe, community pride celebration.
Manchester Pride holds licenses to host celebrations in certain areas of the Gay Village, and your Gay Village Party ticket includes access to these stages and programmed areas including Sackville Gardens, MancUnity Stage and the Cabaret Stage.
The Gay Village Party is our only ticketed event, meaning that Manchester Pride's programmed areas within the Gay Village, such as our performance stages and event spaces, require a ticket to attend. Manchester Pride Festival offers a packed programme of events over the August Bank Holiday weekend, such as the Gay Village Party, the Superbia Weekend, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride MCR, the Parade, the Human Rights Forum and more.