Today, we exist in a nation of great uncertainty with increasing efforts to marginalize and wipe away the lives and history of our diverse communities. With this heaviness “in the air” it is understandable that we are weary, tired and fearful. It is at this time, we must become courageous. One of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou said: “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” This will not be easy but it can be done.
When I think back about the small group of people 49 years ago. They marched and gathered to advocate for their civil rights and their right to exist. We have no doubt these actions took courage and fearlessness. These pioneers, which included Rev. Joseph Gilbert, Belle Pellegrino, Raymond Lariviere, Hubert Kennedy, along with Billy Mencer Ackerly, his mother, stepdad and younger brother – all participating with close to 65 other people in that first Pride. They could have never imagined what it is today. We are fortunate to still have members of the “76’ers” with us. They laid the groundwork for what Rhode Island Pride has become—a celebration and family reunion that now draws over 100,000 members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
Our mission to celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and allow everyone to be their authentic selves unapologetically remains unchanged.
In that spirit of courage, Rhode Island Pride is excited to make this important announcement by revealing the theme for the 2025 RI Pride celebration: “UNAPOLOGETICALLY PROUD”!
So in the words of the great anthem: “I am what I am and what I am needs no excuses.” Period! As we countdown to PrideFest which is on Saturday, June 21st we will be capturing your personal expressions of how you are “Unapologetically (fill in the blank)” as part of our visual campaign. Stay tuned!
As we prepare for this year’s RI PrideFest, the Illuminated Night Parade, and all the events of Pride Month, we acknowledge that our efforts are magnified by your support. Your contributions enable us to create spaces where love, identity, and pride are celebrated freely. They empower us to ensure that every laugh, every expression of love, joy and pride is experienced by all.
In gratitude,
Rodney Davis
Rhode Island Pride