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Rhode Island Pride

Introduction

Rhode Island Pride is an LGBT organization that serves the Rhode Island LGBTQ community, most notably holding its annual PrideFest in June. The organization traces its roots to the 1976 march, in which 75 individuals protested the city's refusal of a permit to host an official march. Today, Rhode Island Pride is one of the largest and most active LGBTQ organizations in Rhode Island, hosting community events and offering resources to Rhode Island's LGBTQ population.

Rhode Island Pride's PrideFest is the organization's largest initiative, attracting hundreds of thousands of people Providence, RI every June for festivities including a marketplace, a block party, and a parade, among other events. PrideFest's premiere event is its Illuminated Night Pride Parade, a pride parade held on the Saturday evening of PrideFest.

PrideFest

PrideFest is an annual LGBT pride celebration, coinciding with Pride Month. Although the events have shifted through time, the current iteration consists of a several events held during a designated weekend in mid-June. In 2019, the Saturday of PrideFest included the Hasbro Kids Zone, food trucks, and live entertainment during the day, followed by the Illuminated Night Pride Parade in the evening. The following Sunday included a drag brunch.

The Illuminated Pride Parade is PrideFest's largest event, attracting over 100,000 attendees in 2019, exceeding the expectations of 60,000 attendees. After being introduced in 2001, the parade dramatically boosted the attendance and community involvement in PrideFest.

In 2018, PrideFest led to Providence being listed as one of the "World's Best Destinations for LGBT Pride Celebrations" by National Geographic.

Organization

Rhode Island Pride is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of various committees, volunteers, and a board of directors. The organization hosts year-round events and programs for the Rhode Island community, including the Rhode Island Pride Honors Gala and the Rhode Island Pride Pageant.