Big smiles and vibrant hues enveloped Oak Bluffs Saturday afternoon as Islanders and visitors alike took in the second annual Martha’s Vineyard Pride Parade, a celebration of Pride Month.
Hundreds of paraders, some in cars, some accompanied by festively adorned animals, were cheered on by another few hundred onlookers as they made their way from the Island Queen up Circuit Avenue, before circling back and congregating around the Ocean Park gazebo.
NAACP Martha’s Vineyard Branch vice president Rita Brown served as the parade’s grand marshal, leading representatives from dozens of local businesses and organizations through town.
Second Line Social Aid & Pleasure Society Brass Band, a Somerville-based social justice activist band, joined the paraders, eliciting dancing and cheers from its New Orleans–style street music.
Sponsored by the Oak Bluffs Business Association (OBA) and co-host Queer Hub MV, the second annual event was met with significant Island support.
Joining the OBA and Queer Hub MV were reps from NAACP MV, the Chamber of Commerce, Island libraries, First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, M.V. Museum, Martha’s Vineyard Meditation Program, Black Joy MVY, Deep Eddy’s Vodka, and Vineyard elementary and high schools.
A nearby tent offered attendees information on a number of helpful health and family planning resources, made available through the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Youth Task Force, and PFLAG organization.
Before hearing the music of the all–women and nonbinary band the Femmes, the crowd heard from Sofie Green of the OBA, founder of Queer Hub MV Scott Mullin, and Rita Brown as they assembled at the park’s gazebo.
Brown briefly recalled the advances society has made when it comes to acknowledging and supporting the LGBTQ community, but noted there’s still a way to go. Especially considering the political climate, Brown said, “we all need to protect our trans folks — to educate ourselves, and be there for them.”
“This is really, really important,” she said. “We still lose a lot of gay and trans young people to suicide. The day that stops happening, we can all take a rest.”
