On Saturday, Boston will host both a “No Kings” demonstration and its Pride parade, offering a unique blend of protest and celebration. As protests against President Donald Trump occur nationwide in connection with his birthday and a military parade he promotes, Boston’s event will focus on the intersection of resistance and LGBTQIA+ pride.
Organizers of the “No Kings” demonstration have opted for a strategic approach this year. Instead of holding a separate rally, they will encourage participants to join alongside the Pride parade route. The aim is to show solidarity for “the resilience of our community at Boston Pride for the People.” Sponsor groups, including Mass 50501 and the Indivisible Mass Coalition, will be marching in the parade and hosting a table at the Pride festival on Boston Common.
The event has been labeled “No Kings, but Yaaas Queen!”—a call for participants to bring Pride flags and messages of support for LGBTQIA+ rights, simultaneously voicing opposition to perceived tyranny from the current administration. Mass 50501 organizers highlighted, “Join us in joyous defiance of a mad king,” as they rally in support of a stronger, united community against targeted oppression.
The Pride parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. outside Trinity Church in Copley Square, culminating at Boston Common by 12:30 p.m. A festival on Boston Common will follow until 3 p.m., accompanied by a 21+ block party at Boston City Hall Plaza from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s Pride theme is “Here to Stay,” reinforcing a commitment to visibility and resilience among the LGBTQIA+ community.
Participants are encouraged to use public transportation, as many roads around the parade route will be closed starting early Saturday morning. This event is more than a celebration; it symbolizes a collective stand against unjust oppression while embracing the vibrancy of the Pride community.
The dual celebration and protest signify a hopeful merging of unity and resilience, emphasizing the power of community in the face of adversity.