Pride Worcester

YOU could be the next majesty of the Royal Worcester Court. 👑

We’ll be crowning new First, Second, and Third Majesties… AND awarding cash prizes and sectional awards the 2026 Pride Worcester Pageant rhis August! 💸🏆

We’re looking for members of our LGBTQIA+ community of all experiences, backgrounds, cultures, talents, and identities to be a part of it.

Could that be you? 👀

Find out more and submit your (simple, simple) application today at the link in our bio, or go to prideworcester.org/pageant.

📸 , feat. 2026 Second Majesty E’mani Dior being crowned by 2025 Second Majesty Ecco Sky at last year’s pageant

What do you think, Worcester? 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Out Leadership, a global LGBTQ+ business advisory organisation, has released its annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index—a report which measures each US state’s laws, policies, and political environments that affect LGBTQ+ people and, by extension, their employers.

2026’s Index was released today (1 June), giving Massachusetts its highest ranking on the list for the Index’s fourth consecutive year.

Quantifying LGBTQ+ quality-of-life under categories including legal protections, youth and family support, political and religious attitudes, health access and safety, as well as work environment and employment—Massachusetts scored an impressive 93.23 out of 100 points.

Some of the talking points presented alongside the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index’s data for Massachusetts point out that the state’s comprehensive nondiscrimination law protecting the LGBTQ+ community might have grown the state’s economy by up to $16.2 billion. The Index also points out the state’s strong shield laws and insurance mandates for gender-affirming care, attracting and providing a safer environment for LGBTQ+ top talent.

📷 Envato

Entering national Pride Month with purpose, focus, and determination.

Let’s go, Worcester.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

📸 Chris Diani, from the 2024 Pride Worcester Festival

YOU’RE ALL INVITED! Start national Pride Month off with us in Downtown Worcester. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Please join us for a Pride Flag Raising ceremony this Monday, June 1, at the YWCA Central Massachusetts (1 Salem Street) at 5pm.

Will you be there?

📸 Chris Diani, from the 2024 Pride Worcester Festival

Someone’s favorite thing at Pride might be something you made. 🌈

Every year, thousands of people come to the Pride Worcester Festival looking to discover something new — original artwork, handmade goods, unique gifts, creative brands, and the people behind them.

If you’re an artist, maker, designer, craftsperson, or creative small business owner with something special to share, we’d love to have you join us.

🗓️ Saturday, September 12
📍 Downtown Worcester

We’re also currently welcoming applications from artists, makers, businesses, food vendors, nonprofits, community organizations, and more!

Vendor application deadline: Friday, July 31
Apply now at the link in the comments.

📸 Andre Duran, feat. The Nefarious Strumpet at the 2024 Pride Worcester Festival

Show of hands: Who’s coming to Worcester’s Pride Flag Raising ceremony? ✋🏾🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

It’s happening at 5pm on Monday, June 1 at the YWCA (1 Salem Street).

Please join Pride Worcester along with YWCA Central Massachusetts, Pathways for Change, Inc., MassEquality, and Southeast Asian Coalition in community and solidarity to kick off national Pride Month.

📸 Chris Diani, from the 2024 Pride Worcester Festival

Okay but imagine getting crowned at the Pride Worcester Pageant this year. 👑

The deadline to enter is coming up fast: Friday, June 12!

We’re looking for LGBTQ+ community members of all backgrounds, identities, talents, styles, and experience levels. First-timers welcome. 💖

💸 All contestants receive a $200 stipend + coaching from industry professionals, with cash prizes and major titles up for grabs.

🔗 Get all the details + apply now at the link in bio or visit: prideworcest.org/pageant

📸 , featuring our 2024 First Majesty Dale Lepage crowning our 2025 titleholder Shanez’e, along with 2025 Third Majesty Sierah Leone

This Monday, June 1, at 5 pm, please join Pride Worcester, Pathways for Change, Inc., MassEquality, Southeast Asian Coalition, and YWCA Central Massachusettsto kick off Pride Month at a Pride Flag Raising at the YWCA (1 Salem St.) in Downtown Worcester! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

📸 Erica Chick, from the 2022 Pride Worcester Festival

Hosting a Pride event in the Greater Worcester area this year? 🌈

Add it to the Pride Worcester community calendar NOW so people can find and support your event! (Link below)

And yes, this includes events during national Pride Month in June, Worcester’s Pride season in September, and LGBTQIA+ community events happening year-round. ✨

Drag shows, dance parties, fundraisers, workshops, markets, live music, panels, art events, community meetups, sports, nightlife, family events — we want to see what’s happening across Worcester County.

🗓️ Events are added on a rolling basis, but submissions can take up to 2 weeks to be approved/post, so don’t wait until the last minute!

🔗 Submit your event today at: https://www.prideworcester.org/event-host-2026

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

📸 Andre Duran, featuring Lana Backwards at the 2024 Pride Worcester Festival