In 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court became the first state supreme court in the U.S. to rule that same-sex couples have the legal right to marry. A year later, Massachusetts became the first state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Boston Pride Week (tel. 617/262-9405) takes place at the beginning of June and includes a festival, a concert, block parties, and the largest gay-pride parade in New England. Festivities often continue throughout the month, and restaurants, bars, and other venues are likely to fly the rainbow flag during these weeks. Note: Additional Pride events are held in February (Black Pride), April (Latinx Pride), and May (Youth Pride).
The free weekly Bay Windows (tel. 617/266-6670) covers New England's LGBT community and features extensive entertainment listings. The alternative weekly Boston Phoenix publishes cultural and nightlife listings. A good online resource is Edge Boston.
An excellent guide to local gay- and lesbian-owned and -friendly businesses is the Pink Pages. The website of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has an LGBT Traveler section; click "Visit Boston," then "Boston Insider." The state tourism department has a separate website, www.lgbtmassvacation.com, devoted to information about activities and attractions across Massachusetts. Other useful resources include the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Helpline (tel. 888/340-4528 or 617/267-9001) and the Peer Listening Line, for people 25 and under (tel. 800/399-7337 or 617/267-2535), both operated by Fenway Community Health; the Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth (tel. 617/227-4313), which holds a general meeting every Wednesday at 8pm; and the Bisexual Resource Center (tel. 617/424-9595).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
