Circuit avenue in Oak Bluffs was swathed from tip to tail in rainbow regalia Saturday for the third annual Pride Parade, with marchers traversing the route in style — on high heels, on horseback, on a bright-orange dune buggy outfitted with a glittering disco ball.
The Oak Bluffs Association partnered with countless local organizations to host and fund the parade, which anchored a packed Pride month on the Island.
Sofie Green, chair of the pride parade and vice president of the Oak Bluffs Association, said the parade was as big and beautiful as she had hoped. She said the parade wouldn’t have happened without the entire community’s generosity with its time, money and resources.
“There wasn’t one town that didn’t have a business that donated to Pride,” she said. “[It’s] kind of incredible.”
Ms. Green named Gov. Maura Healey honorary grand marshal of the Vineyard Pride during the governor’s visit to the Island on Thursday. But because the governor could not be in attendance Saturday, Oak Bluffs Harbormaster Emily deBettencourt was chosen to lead the parade.
“[Ms. deBettencourt] is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, so if I can highlight people in O.B. who identify the way I do, I’m happy to do so,” Ms. Green said.
Local activist Arielle Faria, who is running for state representative, marched in the parade with her campaign. She said that as a queer Black woman, Pride is inextricable from her politics.
“I found it important to let it be outwardly shown that not only do I support LGBTQ+ community members, but [also] that I am part of that community and that we are a big part of the [Island] community,” Ms. Faria said.
The parade ended at Ocean Park, where marchers and spectators mingled and danced to music from DJ Smoov Beatz. A resource tent was filled with informational booths from organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. The tent was curated by Queer Hub MV founder Scott Mullin and Ali Geroche, who runs Youth Pride MV for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Mr. Mullin said that sharing with people tools that empower them to be their authentic selves is what Pride is all about.
“It gets better and better every year,” he said.
Brett Kahmann, who was visiting from Arlington, was unsure what to expect from the event but appreciated the parade’s inclusive and energetic atmosphere. Kahmann even got invited to march in the parade with West Tisbury boxing gym Strong Martha.
“When you’re traveling, you never know how it will be as a visibly queer person,” Kahmann said. “Coming to the Island and seeing that not only embraced, but held up on a day like today, is really encouraging. It makes me feel safe.”
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