MA LGBTQ Leaders Will Be Highlighted In Boston Common Exhibit

BOSTON, MA — A new exhibit coming to the Boston Common in October will spotlight the contributions of LGBTQ+ leaders through photo portraits. The exhibition kicks off LGBT History Month, where each day in October is used to recognize the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ icons.

Here's more from a news release about the exhibition:

To celebrate the beginning of LGBT History Month, “Portraits of Pride,” a new public photography exhibition, will be unveiled on Saturday, October 1, in Boston Common. The installation will feature 8-foot portraits of prominent Massachusetts LGBTQ+ leaders in public service, entrepreneurship, business, law, and more, in honor of the rich history of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community and the contributions its leaders have made to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Massachusetts and beyond.

The portraits were shot by world-renowned photographer John Huet (Vogue, Olympics, Nike), and curated by local LGBTQ advocate and producer Jean E. Dolin.

WHO: Local LGBTQ+ leaders featured in “Portraits of Pride” exhibition (list below), with curator Jean E. Dolin and photographer John Huet. Speakers also include: Michael Bobbit, Mass Cultural Council; Elyse Cherry, BlueHub Capital; Quincey J. Roberts Sr, Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement.

WHAT: Viewing of art installation and remarks from honorees and organizers

WHEN: October 1, 2022, 12 pm; speaking program starting at 1 pm

WHERE: Boston Common at the corner of Charles Street and Beacon Street; speaking program at the Common’s bandstand. Additional installation at Gallery Wall of Seaport Square, at 60 Seaport Blvd.

The full list of honorees who will be featured are:

• Jonathan Allen, Leadership Brainery
• Michael Bobbitt, Mass Cultural Council
• Mary Bonauto, GLAD
• Shaplaie Brooks, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
• Beth Chandler, YW Boston
• Elyse Cherry, BlueHub Capital
• Alia Cusolito, Queer Youth Assemble
• Senator Julian Cyr, Massachusetts Legislature
• Charles Evans, LGBTQ Elders of Color
• John Ferguson, Webster Bank
• Paul Glass, LGBTQ Elders of Color
• Dominic Glaude, Independent Musician
• Arline Isaacson, Massachusetts GLBTQ Political Caucus
• Cheryl Katon, Fenway Health
• David Leonard, Boston Public Library
• Grace Moreno, Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
• Ashton Mota, Youth Activist
• Quincey J. Roberts Sr, the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement
• Connor Schoen, Breaktime
• Grace Stowell, BAGLY, inc.
• Derrick Young, Leadership Brainery

The exhibition is fiscally sponsored by Nonprofit Incubator and supported by the Boston Foundation, State Street, Eastern Bank, and Leadership Brainery. Orange Barrel Media, a media sponsor, will be promoting the exhibit on its digital outdoor signage across the city.

An additional installation of the portraits, sponsored by WS Development, will be exhibited on the Gallery Wall of Seaport Square, commonly known as Block C located at 60 Seaport Blvd. in Boston.