Northampton—“Lesbianville, USA”—Faces Protest, Fear, and Flying Eggs at Its First Pride

 

In 1982, Jane Fleishman was part of a small group of queer activists who organized the first-ever LGBTQIA+ Pride march in Northampton, Massachusetts—long before the city became known as a queer haven. An underground movement, the organizers met in living rooms, planned for months, and marched through fear and hostility, including facing anti-gay protestors who were throwing eggs at them. Their goal wasn’t assimilation but liberation—a fight rooted in solidarity with broader social justice movements. Though only a few dozen people showed up that cloudy day, their courage helped spark a tradition that now draws tens of thousands each year, proving that collective queer resistance can grow into lasting change.

I'm From Driftwood is another good LGBTQ+ Youtube channel that tells stories you don't get to hear very often if ever.   

Never been much on parades, myself.  While Pride Marches isn't my thing,  I'm glad that they're held for those who like them.   I'm always interested in hearing these kinds of stories from People who have other lives than the one I choose to lead.