President and CEO of Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, will be attending this year’s annual Gay Pride Parade in Worcester on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Tim Murray is the first grand marshall to ever attend the annual parade. Worcester Pride, an organization who recognizes, promotes and unifies the LGBTQ community, allies and supporters in Central Mass., is in charge of coordinating the annual parade.
Peter Bacchiocchi, a Committee member, stated that, “Historically, Tim – in all of positions as mayor, lieutenant governor and now head of the Chamber – has always been suportive of the LGBTQ community. He has listened to our agenda and has supported it.”
Tim Murray made the following statement, “I am proud to participate in this great event and honored to have been chosen. In my previous positions, I have always represented everyone in our community and as head of the Chamber, look forward to embracing every business. I am also happy to call this community of rich diversity my home.
This year’s theme is Pride = Equality. Laura Farnsowrth, the parade Committee Chair said, “We are pleased that he accepted this honor. When the committee began discussions, it was a natural fit and it was unanimous decision. His returned to the city connected the dots for us. Many small business owners are members of the LGBTQ community and of course, we are all consumers.”
The Worcester Pride Co-Chair, John Trobaugh, spoke about Tim Murray saying, “Tim Murray supported our community before leaving for the statehouse and now that he is back promoting the economic wellbeing of our region, it made sense to the committee to reach out to him! We were all so very excited and honored to have Tim help us renew energy into the Parade!”
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. on Main Street and concludes at approximately noon at the Worcester Common. The parade has more than doubled in size over the previous year and is expected to increase this year. The parade includes marchers, floats and a marching band as participants.
ABOUT WORCESTER PRIDE:
Worcester Pride has existed is a variety of forms over the past 30 plus years. They work year round to create an environment where LGBTQ individuals and business owners and their allies thrive. Pride believes that a healthy community is an inclusive one. Pride welcomes the participation in and volunteers for community goals and a variety of sponsored events and celebrates those who make specific strides to enhance the visibility of Worcester’s LGBTQ community. The participation of all, regardless of age, creed, gender, gender identity, HIV status, national origin, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation is welcome. Pride sponsors or participates in a variety of events, lectures, and community discourses around LGBTQ advocacy. The organization celebrates those who make strides to enhance the visibility of Worcester’s LGBTQ community. Pride is Equality. They can be reached at worcesterpride@gmail.com and information is available on their website: www.worcesterpride.org.
