Pride Cruise Series launched in Salem, Mass. as part of The Rainbow Times’ 10th year anniversary celebration.
SALEM, Mass.—The Rainbow Times (TRT), New England’s Largest LGBTQ newspaper, will launch its first annual Pride Cruise series on June 23 and June 25 out of Salem, Mass. during North Shore Pride weekend. According to the publication’s owners, philanthropy and building community is at the forefront of this venture.
“As part of our 10 year anniversary celebration, we wanted to do more for the community. Although philanthropic work has always been a part of our mission, we saw a need for community events and services that celebrate the lives of LGBTQ people on the North Shore,” said TRT Publisher Graysen M. Ocasio.
The Times launched a Pride Kick-off Cruise on Friday, June 23 to jumpstart North Shore Pride weekend, however, the cruise sold out 6 weeks in advance. In response to the quick sell-out of the Pride Kick-off Cruise, TRT launched a second Pride Cruise, The Ultimate Pride Splash, to closeout pride weekend in Salem, Mass. This cruise will take place on June 25 from 3-5:30 p.m.
“The North Shore LGBTQ community has not been focused on as much as other larger urban areas,” said Nicole Lashomb, co-owner and TRT editor-in-chief. “However, we are finding that there is a real need for the LGBTQ community and allies to have opportunities to come together on the North Shore.”
With a large dance floor and a Bose sound system to dance the time away, two cash tiki bars, complimentary catered food, a canopy above, decorative eco-friendly LED lighting, a heated main deck, and a whole lot of fabulousness onboard, there’s no better time to be out on the water.
“We will be kicking off pride weekend and closing it out,” said Ocasio. “That’s an exciting concept. Local businesses and individuals have been so generous to assist us in making these events a success. Acclaimed DJ Andrea Stamas will be spinning for both cruises, Pulse Orlando survivor Christopher Hansen will be our honorary guest, Drag Queen Kristi Kreamm will be decked out on board to ensure guests are having a great time and Mercy Tavern will cater the event.”
These cruises are presented by The Rainbow Times in collaboration with Mahi Mahi Harbor Cruises, Eastern Bank, the Peabody Essex Museum, Mercy Tavern and Northey Street House.
One hundred percent of ticket and raffle sales will go directly to benefit two organizations, Fenway Health’s Sidney Borum Jr. LGBTQ Youth Health Center and North Shore Pride.
“We wanted these events to bring a greater purpose,” said Lashomb. “In this case, it will provide funds to assist the work of non-profit organizations that are absolutely indispensable in our community.”
To purchase tickets for the Ultimate Pride Splash Cruise on June 25, visit www.rainbowtimes.yapsody.com. Pre-purchase is highly encouraged to guarantee your spot onboard. To learn more about The Rainbow Times, visit www.therainbowtimesmass.com.
About Fenway Health’s Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center
The Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center, is a program of Fenway Health that provides safe, non-judgmental care for young people ages 12–29 who may not feel comfortable going anywhere else. The Borum is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as an important component of Community Care Alliance, and with Boston Children’s Hospital. It is licensed as a health center, mental health clinic, and substance abuse center by the Department of Public Health.
About North Shore Pride
The mission of North Shore Pride, Inc. is to promote the general welfare, and enhance the social life of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of the North Shore, and to promote the acceptance of the members of this community by the broader North Shore community. To carry out these purposes, the organization engages in activities designed to promote greater understanding of LGBT issues, educates the members of the LGBT community on issues of importance to them and engages in fundraising activities, partnering with individuals and organizations, in furtherance of its stated purpose.
[From a News Release]
