Newton Celebrates LGBTQ Pride, First Gay-Straight HS Alliance, New Role

NEWTON, MA — If you went to high school any time after the 90s, you probably had a gay-straight alliance or club at your school, and that’s in large part to one Newton South High School teacher. Tonight, Bob Parlin is being recognized at City Hall as a local hero who helped spark a conversation in Newton and across the country when he started the first such alliance shortly after he came out at South.

“I had no idea about this teacher. It’s amazing that we had the first gay-straight alliance. And it’s great we can spread some awareness to others who may not have known,” said Bryan Barash, a Newton Human Rights Commissioner, which is sponsoring the Gay Pride Awareness event.

The Gay Pride event, in its fourth year, began at the suggestion of Commissioner Holly Ryan, who believed it was something the city needed to do to show that the LGBTQ community was supported in the city, said Barash.

“It’s one of the most important civil rights battle of our lifetime,” said Barash, who is straight himself.

Because of the rain, the event will be held inside City Hall rather than outside, and Mayor Setti Warren announced that long-time activist Holly Ryan will be the city’s first LGBTQ Liaison.

“This is a culmination of seven years of working with Mayor Setti Warren in making sure the LGBTQ community living, working and visiting the City of Newton always feel safe and welcome," said Ryan.

In this new role, Ryan will support and advocate for members and allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and serve as a resource and connect individuals who identify as LGBTQ to departments and other groups within the community, she will also advise the mayor.

“Holly has worked hard for many years to make the Newton community a more welcoming, and safe place,” said Warren. “Her experience in advocating for the LGBTQ community is invaluable to the role.”

Throughout the past three years some 30 to about 100 people have shown up to participate depending on the weather.

The Commission, which was established in 1975, is empowered to assist victims of civil rights violations within the City and to enlist the cooperation of various racial, religious, ethnic, civic and other organizations to help eliminate discrimination, according to the City website. "We respond to acts of local discrimination," it reads, including investigating discrimination complaints and fair housing violations filed with its office.

Photo of Newton City Hall's seal in the rotunda by Jenna Fisher/Patch