By J.D. O’Gara

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance, in partnership with the  Metrowest Visitors Bureau, held the first-ever Pride event to take place in the town of Franklin on Sunday, June 26th, 2022. An estimated 250-450 people turned out for the event, organized by the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance and supported by the Franklin Interfaith Council (https://franklininterfaith.org), OUT Metrowest (https://outmetrowest.org), BAGLY (www.bagly.org), PFLAG Attleboro (www.pflagattleboro.org), and the First Universalist Society of Franklin (https://fusf.org), most of whom joined in to attend the event. 

“A group of us, at least 20 people, were involved in making it happen,” says Sarah Mabardy, Event Co-Chair and Treasurer of the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance. “In November of last year, I had done a Stand in Love (event) on Route 140 in Franklin, and then after a school committee disruption in Franklin a broader (event) standing at Stop & Shop Plaza. It was really to show love in a world that was kind of divided.”

In that spirit, says Mabardy, Kaye Kelly, of Franklin, reached out about planning a Pride event. “We planned an event that would celebrate with pride – not a protest, not a statement, not an agenda – just celebrating, supporting, embracing and building community around our LGBTQIA+ family members and (neighbors). It was a family-focused event.”

The day featured community art, including fabric weaving, a printed mandala visitors could help decorate, flag-making and the creation of kindness rocks. 

“Overall, the best part of the event was seeing so many smiles and happy community members, because, honestly, everyone we spoke to was so happy to be there and happy the event was taking place,” says Mabardy, noting that many who attended said they did not regularly participate in town-wide events. “Additionally, all of the vendors and food trucks had a great time with enthusiastic patrons. Even though it was small, it was just really impactful for the people there,” says Mabardy, noting that due to time constraints, organizers did not engage in a lot of outreach, choosing instead to keep it small and manageable and to gauge how the event went.

“We look forward to a larger scale event next year on Sunday ,June 25th,”says Mabardy, “and we would love to have volunteers, sponsors, vendors and suggestions!”

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance not-for-profit organization was created to support, celebrate and build community around our friends and neighbors who identify as LGBTQIA+. If you would like more information about next year’s event or the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance, find the group on Facebook, or visit www.givebutter.com/celebratewithpride . You can also email [email protected].