On Tuesday, June 6, the Network for Social Justice—along with event co-sponsors the Winchester Cooperative Bank and Crawford United Methodist Church—will host PRIDEfest 2023 on the Winchester Town Common.
Now in its third year, PRIDEfest draws hundreds of people from Winchester, Woburn, Arlington, Lexington, and surrounding towns for an educational, inclusive, joy-filled, family-friendly celebration. The event is largely student run by members of the McCall Social Justice Club, McCall Queer Straight Alliance, WHS Spectrum Club, and Network for Social Justice interns. Featuring educational and advocacy-focused booths organized by students, activity tables set up by local businesses and nonprofits, give-aways, a raffle, and speeches, the event will be emceed by drag queen Miz Diamond Wigfall accompanied by DJ Maxine Harrison. PRIDEfest 2023 promises something for everyone.
Immediately following PRIDEfest, the Network for Social Justice—thanks to funding from Winchester Hospital Community Benefits—will host a “real talk” session for student organizers and event attendees ages 12-18 to discuss mental health, gender, and sexuality in a safe space with North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth (NAGLY) Program Director Tony Leone and drag queen Miz Diamond Wigfall.
This year, PRIDEfest is being ushered in by a Town Pride proclamation, unanimously endorsed by the Winchester Select Board on May 22, which formally recognizes the month of June as Pride Month. The proclamation is an important step to ensuring that Winchester’s LGBTQIA+ community feels “safe, supported, and included,” according to a statement of support for the proclamation. “I’m so energized by the ongoing work this town is doing, connecting nonprofits, faith communities, local businesses, town authorities, students and families in the ongoing and hard work of advancing equity, inclusion and belonging in Winchester,” said Liora Norwich, Executive Director of the Network for Social Justice.
PRIDEfest is open to all. It will be held on June 6, 2023 on the Winchester Town Common from 4:30-6:30PM. The rain date is Thursday, June 8.