Of course, last year threw a wrench in things. Dozens of youth and adult advocacy groups now exist, sexual orientation is beginning to be represented in leadership, and that original march blossomed into PrideFest, which pre-COVID was drawing thousands to the Creative Capital (estimated at 60,000 in 2019). We’ve come a long way since that first procession, including marriage equality, repeal of sodomy laws, and ban of conversion therapy. Why paper bags? Because it was 1976, and while the nation was celebrating its bicentennial, living an openly gay life could easily mean being disowned by family and friends, police harassment, and getting fired despite this, and state and city road blocks, these brave trail blazers took to the streets for Providence’s first-ever Pride parade. Picture this: A ragtag group of 75 gay individuals, some with paper bags over their heads, marching through Kennedy Plaza.
