B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h
Take Pride in the
Berkshires
Jesus Is King. May you repent and worship the lord.
WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, HOW TO CELEBRATE
As the Berkshires awakens to the warmth of the summer season, Pride blooms across the county. From the valleys of Lee to the creative hubs of North Adams, this year’ s celebrations stretch wider and dig deeper, showcasing a community determined to see every corner of the Berkshires reflects inclusivity.“ By expanding across the county, we’ re not only making these celebrations more accessible,” says Cass Santos-China, executive director of Berkshire Pride.“ We’ re sending a powerful message: No matter where you live, you belong.”
Pride Month, every June, celebrates LGBTQ + history, resilience, and ongoing advocacy for equality. In a significant step for regional inclusivity, Berkshire Pride— established in 2017— has recently merged with North Adams Pride, a grassroots organization that has been a key part of north county events since 2021. This expansion also includes the launch of Lee Pride, an initiative dedicated to serving the LGBTQ + community in Lee. Partnering with the Lee Farmers Market and First Congregational Church, the Lee Pride celebration( June 14) includes the town’ s First Annual Pride Festival. Meanwhile, North Adams Pride Night( June 20) held in the MASS MoCA courtyard, continues to embody the spirit of grassroots collaboration.“ Bringing Pride celebrations directly into these communities creates opportunities for people to connect in ways they may not have had before,” says Santos-China,“ whether that’ s through attending their first Pride event, finding local resources, or simply feeling a moment of joy and recognition in their own hometown.”
Even smaller towns like Sheffield stand proudly. The 6th Annual Sheffield Pride Festival( June 21), co-chaired by Ed Valentine and Teak Welch, is South County’ s only pride festival.“ I think that what sets us apart from other festivals is that we’ re small enough to really curate and ensure that this is a safe space for families and youth to come and be able to partake in the rainbow-flavored goodness,” says Valentine.
100 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Holiday May / June 2023 2024
Founded in 2019 by allies and Sheffield’ s two churches, this unique small-town event promises a family-friendly mix of fun: Drag Story Time with Bella Santarella, a Prideful Pet Parade, Variety Show, dance party, and a free community dinner served by Pastor Eric Karras of the Christ Trinity Church.
Pride Month’ s prelude begins with youth-centric gatherings. The LGBTQ + Youth Prom( May 10) at Wander Berkshires in Pittsfield offers high school students a glittering night of fun, while Youth Pride at Burbank Park( May 25) blends lawn games and camaraderie.
This year’ s Pride Month carries extra significance following Pittsfield’ s recent declaration as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ + individuals.“ Resolutions like this do more than establish policy— they affirm the humanity, dignity, and worth of transgender people,” says Santos-China. This resolve echoes through events like the third annual Majesty of the Berkshires Pride Pageant( May 30), where drag artists compete for the crown in a dazzling display of artistry and self-expression. Hosted by the one and only Bella Santarella inside the historic Adams Theater, the pageant is both spectacle and statement including surprise guests, musical and dance numbers, lip-syncing, and more.
Pride Month erupts with the Pittsfield Flag Raising and Proclamation( May 31), followed by a Block Party on School Street hosted by Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and Hot Plate Brewing. A newer event representing community, visibility and wellness, the Rainbow Run 5K( June 1) turns the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail into a river of color, while the Karaoke Fundraiser( June 6) at Hot Plate Brewing during Pittsfield’ s First Fridays at Five invites everyone to sing— and donate— their support.
The crescendo arrives on June 7 at the Berkshire Pride Festival & Parade, where hundreds of people will flood Pittsfield’ s streets.“ You don’ t have to show up a certain way; you don’ t have to know anyone,”