Provincetown Pride stems from Provincetown’s long history as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. The town, nicknamed “Ptown,” has fostered a welcoming atmosphere since the early 20th century, attracting artists, writers, and other creative minds. This history fuels Provincetown’s Pride celebration, which focuses on honoring LGBTQ+ heritage and its contributions to the national gay rights narrative.
Photo: Micha Weber/Shutterstock
One of the Premiere Pride Parties in the US Expands With 'Reimagining Queer Africa' Event
Ptown has had its own kind of year-round Pride, but since June 2018, organized celebrations have come in the form of a calendar packed with LGBTQ+ events. This year we’ll see the usual world-class drag performances, the Queer Comedy Showcase, Pride Bingo, Pride Cruise with Bay State Cruise Company, Feet Over Front Street 5K Pride Run & Walk, some of the nation’s best Pride parties, and newcomer Reimagining Queer Africa. In collaboration with Obodo — a youth-led African NGO working to protect the rights of queer Nigerians, Reimagining Queer Africa will bring queer African artists together to showcase the art in an exhibition at the Provincetown Pride Center.
Obodo works to provide a safe and supportive space for the LGBTQ+ community through a variety of programs, including creating spaces for expression and dialogue through art and technology, outreach and support programs (mental health resources, legal aid, or simply providing a safe space for people to connect), financial and professional workshops, and so much more.
“One of our goals with Provincetown Pride is to connect the truly beautiful and unique experience of celebrating Pride in a space where as a queer person, you are in the majority, to the harder reality that many members of our LGBTQ+ family face daily,” says Trevor Pittinger executive director of the Provincetown Business Guild. Pittinger further comments how grateful they and others are for a safe haven such as Ptown.
Ptown will welcome two representatives from Obodo this summer: Matthew Blaise, the organization’s founder and director, and Rachel Victory, a visual artist.
“Global Queer Solidarity is imperative during these times as the hate against LGBTQ+ people rises worldwide, especially in the Global South,” says Blaise. It’s hoped that communities can come together by sharing experiences and information to create what Blaise calls a “stronger global family.”
The exhibition will open on Friday, May 31 at 5:00 PM and shall showcase the work of artists from the Obodo Queer Artist Fund 2024. You can attend the show throughout June, and the artwork will be available for purchase.
Provincetown Pride runs from May 31 to June 2, 2024. Check out the calendar for a full list of events. 