The Buzz ON THE BAY

By Emily Olson

Advocating for Pride All Year

Amidst censorship and anti-trans legislation, local libraries and orgs are ensuring space for LGBTQ+ youth

In the face of bill H6324 introduced in Rhode Island late April, local libraries – which have long harbored safe spaces for teens and young adults – are on the frontlines of a battle against censorship. If passed, H6324 would hold public and charter school librarians accountable for distributing materials to minors broadly deemed “indecent,” mirroring a national e ort to keep books that explore gender and sexuality out of school libraries.

“We are hopeful that the current Judiciary Committee leadership will recognize this bill as censorship and not support it,” says Beatrice Pulliam, president of the Rhode Island

Library Association. While local librarians work behind the scenes to combat H6324, they’re also publicly supporting LGBTQ+ communities and addressing the particularly vital concerns of the trans folks they serve in light of state bills, including here in Rhode Island, attacking trans rights.

Pride Parades And Festivals

JUNE 3: Love Wins Coastal presents Little Compton’s Third Annual Pride Celebration at the town common, with DJ music, crafts, food, face painting, and more. Facebook: Love Wins Coastal

JUNE 3: Towards an Antiracist NK hosts the first ever Pride Parade in North Kingstown, beginning 10am at Wickford Town Dock. @towardsanantiracistnk

JUNE 3: In collaboration with several community groups, Rebuild Woonsocket is hosting the third annual Woonsocket Pride taking place at 4pm at the World War II Veterans Memorial Park. Facebook: Rebuild Woonsocket

JUNE 16: Ayako Takase, Ancha Santana, and Michelle Veras created the Dyke and Trans People of Color March with an aim of dismantling capitalistic systems and white supremacy. Details for this year’s march, including location, are still in the works at press time. @dtpocpvd

JUNE 17: This year’s Rhode Island PrideFest features more than 250 nonprofit organizations, businesses, and food vendors at the Providence Innovation District Park. The Illuminated Night Parade starts at 8pm. PrideRI.org/pridefest/

JUNE 24: Newport Pride is a day-long festival with performers, vendors, and the Pride on Bikes parade in partnership with Bike Newport. Catch the festival from 11am-6pm at Great Friends Meeting House. NewportPrideRI.org

JUNE 29: South County Pride was started in 2020 by a high school student who wanted to celebrate Pride in a fun, socially distanced way with brightly decorated cars. Thanks to support from the community and sponsors, the event has only grown. This year’s car parade begins at 3pm on Main Street in Wakefield. Facebook: South County Pride