BERKSHIRE PRIDE: EVERY DAY IS PRIDE
AS THE PRESIDENT and executive director of Berkshire Pride, I am thrilled to announce the theme for our 2023 celebration:“ Every Day is Pride.” We are committed to advancing equity, equality and inclusion every day of the year, not just during the annual Pride celebration. Berkshire Pride’ s mission is to provide opportunities and safe spaces for LGBTQIA + community members and their allies in Berkshire County.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA + rights and visibility throughout the Berkshires and work to combat discrimination by raising awareness about LGBTQIA + social issues. We developed The Safe Space Project, a certification series, that allows organizations and businesses to learn basic LGBTQIA + terminology, how to use pronouns and why they’ re important, as well as information on mental health and suicide in the queer community. Our brand-new website showcases our various programs and initiatives, including more information on the training series, social events, and advocacy efforts.
Our annual LGBTQIA + Pride celebration shines a spotlight on the queer community. This year, we are excited to share many new events beginning on Wednesday, May 31, through Sunday, June 4, in the heart of Pittsfield and beyond. The June 3 festival features the second annual Eagle Street Parade ending at The Common Park, leading marchers directly into a vibrantly curated, family friendly, space. Mainstage entertainment kicks off at noon, surrounded by a diverse group of vendors featuring local food and drink options, volunteers, and our generous sponsors. The day will culminate with our first official Berkshire Pride 21 + After Party at the Holiday Inn. We’ re producing events and partnering with many organizations to offer a calendar bursting with happenings throughout the week that bring together queer individuals and allies from across the region. This year’ s celebration is sure to be a colorful, fun-filled occasion, with the“ Every
Day is Pride’’ theme, inspiring attendees to carry the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance with them throughout the year.
Overall, Berkshire Pride is a vital organization that plays an important role in promoting equality and celebrating diversity in the Berkshires. Through our work, we are helping to create safe spaces where every person in Berkshire County is free to be themselves and love who they choose, every day of the year.— Cass Santos-China, president,
Berkshire Pride
COURTESY OF CASS SANTOS-CHINA
COURTESY OF GABRIEL SQUALIA
PRIDE EVENTS
Pride Week Kick Off
Wed May 31, Time TBD Brought to you by Temescal Wellness, a kick off to Pride Week at the Latina-owned brewery in Downtown Pittsfield.
Hot Plate Brewing Co, 1 School St. Pittsfield berkshirepride. org, hotplatebeer. com
74 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE May / June 2023
Pride Week Flag Raising
Thur June 1, 12 p. m. Pittsfield City Hall Pride Flag Raising with Berkshire Pride and Mayor Linda Tyer.
Pittsfield City Hall, 70 Allen St. berkshirepride. org
Pride Night at Methuselah
Thur June 1, 8 p. m. Monthly Pride Nights with DJ Pup Daddy at Methuselah continue. Three solid hours of dance music from the‘ 70s,‘ 80s,‘ 90s,‘ 00s, and today. So come out to the hippest bar in The Berkshires and let your inner dancing queen let loose on the dance floor!
Methuselah, 391 North St., Pittsfield methbar. com
Downtown Pittsfield Art Walk
Fri June 2, TBD Art Walk in Downtown Pittsfield, more details to come.
Downtown Pittsfield berkshirepride. org
The Majesty of the Berkshires Drag Pageant
Fri June 2, 7:30 p. m. The Adams Theater and The Berksqueers present The Majesty of the Berkshires Drag Pageant. This event during Berkshire Pride Week aims to bring together the queer community and its supporters, family, and friends to celebrate the art form of drag and personal self-expression. The winner of the pageant shall hold the official title of Majesty of the Berkshires with a one-year reign. The evening is presented by local drag queen, Bella Santarella of the legendary Santarella Gardens, and comedian Shawn Hollenbach( Amazon Prime, Hulu). Berkshire Cider Project will be the beverage caterer for the evening. Please arrive early to secure your food, drinks, and preferred seats. Dress fabulously! $ 12 – 25.
Adams Theater, 27 Park St., Adams adamstheater. org
Second Annual Eagle Street Parade
Sat June 3, 11:30 a. m. The LGBTQ + community and allies will show their imagination and support by joining this parade, kicking off on Eagle Street and heading directly into the Common Park!
Eagle Street, Pittsfield berkshirepride. org