Boston Pride to Host Annual World Conference of InterPride Oct. 3-7

Boston Pride announced today that it is hosting the Annual World Conference of InterPride, from October 3-7, 2012 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. InterPride, the International Association of Pride Organizers and Organizations from around the World, was created in Boston, Mass. in 1982. InterPride is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, back in the city where it all began.

“Boston Pride is honored to be hosting the InterPride Annual World Conference in Boston this year,” said Boston Pride president, Linda DeMarco.  “We look forward to bringing LGBT communities from all corners of the world together this fall, and we want to thank Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino and the many others who worked so hard to bring InterPride back to the city that it calls home.”

InterPride was originally created in Boston in 1982 after Pride organizers from Boston, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego and Los Angeles convened to form the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Pride coordinators.  InterPride’s vision is a world where there is full cultural, social and legal equality for all. InterPride hopes to to raise awareness of cultural and social inequality through its network of Pride organizations, and to effect positive change through education, collaboration, advocacy and outreach.

Caryl Dolinko, Co-President of InterPride, said Boston is a great choice for this year’s InterPride Annual World Conference and she looks forward to bringing the world’s Pride groups together.  “Since this is InterPride’s 30^th anniversary, we are going to celebrate how far we have come and also work on building a strategy for our future,” said Dolinko. 

“The Pride movement has grown significantly over the past 30 years, and we all know how to put on great events and parades.  In our next phase, Pride will additionally focus on human rights issues that affect the LGBT community around the world,” said Co-President Gary A. Van Horn, Jr.

The five day conference in Boston will feature  a variety of activities and workshops for attendees to hear best practices,  learn about event planning, a chance to network with fellow organizers, to find solutions to improve and enhance pride and community events, and to educate and energize the LGBT community. Attendees also have the opportunity to attend a pre-conference session in Provincetown, Mass. on Oct. 2-3.  The pre-conference will feature workshops on fundraising and social media and also give attendees the chance to experience Provincetown’s rich cultural history.  Provincetown has been named “the best gay resort town” in the U.S. (gaycities.com)

To participate, or for additional information on the 2012 InterPride Annual Conference: www.InterPride2012.org. 

About InterPride  - www.interpride.org

InterPride’s vision is a world where there is full cultural, social and legal equality for all. We hope to to raise awareness of cultural and social inequality through our network of Pride organizations, and to effect positive change through education, collaboration, advocacy and outreach.

About Boston Pride – www.bostonpride.org

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections.