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Krista, Max, and their son, Sam Linder, enjoy Pride festivities — while Sam enjoys the ice cream sandwich. (Emma Fringuelli) Purchase this photo

A Pride-full Afternoon

June 5, 2024 by Ryan Vermette

Over the weekend, the town began its celebrations of Pride Month, raising the Pride flag outside of Abbot Hall for the sixth time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Town officials, families, community members, and local LGBTQ+ activists all gathered on the lawn at Abbot Hall for an afternoon filled with guest speakers and activities for kids and their families.

At the ceremony, Marblehead High School A Cappella performed, singing a rendition of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen.

Marblehead Pride Committee member Mimi Lemay spoke at the event, holding a Pride flag at the podium, explaining its history and significance. She also read a poem by Denise Shelton, titled “Who Can Fly the Rainbow Flag?”

Lemay said it is an honor to help make the town more inclusive.

“It’s really moving for me to be a part of a small yet might team working on our sixth annual Pride flag-raising!” Lemay told The Weekly News. “The LGBTQ+ members of the Marblehead Pride Committee speak of the struggle to be accepted for who they are or who they love, some for decades.”

“Having Pride events like this one are hugely important because they indicate growing acceptance- and safety for LGBTQ+ neighbors and loved ones,” Lemay continued.

State Rep. Jenny Armini also delivered remarks, and Select Board member Bret Murray read a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month.

The Pride Progress Flag is flown at Abbot Hall.
The Pride Progress Flag is flown at Abbot Hall.
The Power of Speech sell pride and
Marblehead-themed gear.
Holly Aloha Jaynes welcomes everyone to Pride.
Reece Dahlberg sports multi-colored sneakers at the Pride flag-raising ceremony.
Rev. Jenna Crawford gives Mimi Lemay a “glitter blessing.”
Marblehead High School A Cappella sing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
Mimi Lemay explains the Pride flag and reads the poem “Who Can Fly the Rainbow Flag?” by Denise Shelton.
Marbleheaders of all ages come to Abbot Hall to celebrate theb LGBT community.
The grounds of Abbot Hall buzz with people celebrating the first day of Pride Month.
Educator Maura Dartly-Rocco shares her experience with the LGBT Q+ community in the public school system.
Grace Wofsen enjoys Pride from the shoulders
of Jay Pollard.
Select Board member Brett Murray proclaims
June as Pride month.
State Rep. Jenny Armini celebrates the legal wins of the LGBTQ+ community.
Brooks Dalton-Cooney plays with a rainbow slinky.
Sally Scott talks about her life story and coming out as queer.
Frank McAdams and Nick Esposito raise funds for Marblehead Pride.
Grace Wofsen enjoys Pride from the shoulders of Jay Pollard.
Wyla Ferris speaks about the importance of being true to yourself.
Holly Aloha Jaynes hugs her partner of 45 years, Sally Scott.
Allies join the LGBTQ+ community at Abbot Hall to celebrate Pride.
A rainbow decoration shimmers in the light.
Rev. Jenna Crawford talks about the ongoing fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Ryan Vermette

    Ryan Vermette is the Item's Marblehead reporter. He graduated from Springfield College in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications/Sports Journalism. While in school, he wrote multiple sports articles for the school newspaper, the Springfield Student, and joined Essex Media Group in August, 2022. Ryan is a college basketball fanatic and an avid Boston sports fan and in his free time, enjoys video games and Marvel movies.

    View all posts

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