It’s been quite a shock for most of the all-year and summer residents in Provincetown to discover that we are all virgins! Well, only when it comes to the matter of an official Gay Pride although of course, we’ve been celebrating it (and so many other LGBT activities (!) in our own way here for ages.

However, in light of the worrying current political climate, it now seems to be the perfect time for us to lose our ‘virginity’ especially as we have always valued the fact that as a local community, we have a lot to be proud of.

In typical PTown fashion, the peeps at the Provincetown Business Guild (the de-facto LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce) are planning a first time that we will never forget.

It all kicks off on Friday, June 1st and amongst all the many activities on the schedule, there are two that really stand out.

The centerpiece of Pride will be the Global Rainbow, a large-scale public art light installation created by International artist Yvette Mattern. Colored rays of laser light are projected toward the sky, simulating a natural rainbow arc and will be visible for up to 20 miles. Mattern has installed the Global Rainbow in select cities across the globe but is the very first time the  Global Rainbow’s has been exhibited at an LGBTQ Pride event.

 

The Pride Weekend will also commemorate the opening of a new LGBTQ Center, “The Shack,” created to promote a healthy environment for all and foster diversity within the Provincetown community. The Shack will host talks and exhibitions to showcase and celebrate the lives and experiences of Provincetown’s LGBTQ community, provide resources, support and referrals, informing and enriching people and providing connections.

“We are very excited to create this unique experience for visitors and residents,” said Michael Kelley, Guild board member and chair of the Center’s opening. “The Shack will become an asset, enhancing our position in the LGBTQ community around the world. We hope to inspire a new generation of leaders in Provincetown to strengthen the LGBTQ movement locally and globally while educating the public about issues and policy initiatives, and working with leaders to promote equality and justice for LGBTQ people.”

For the complete schedule of Events which includes an Under the Rainbow dance part, Drag Poppins brunch at local restaurants, and an Underwear PRIDE Pants and Panties Closing Party go to https://www.ptown.org/pride/