With a great line up of events, a waterfront festival, an energy-filled nighttime parade not to be missed, great restaurants and tons of shopping, NOW is the time to make your hotel reservations. Our host hotel is ready to welcome you for Pride Weekend! Make a weekend out of it and make your reservation today before the room block sells out. Deadline for all reservations is June 1, 2013. Simply click on the reservation link below to secure these special rates.

Courtyard Providence Downtown – Special rate of $120

Phone Reservation: call 1-888-887-7955 or 401-272-1191 and ask for reservations. Mention mention you are with “RI PRIDE Room Block.”

For reservations online visit http://cwp.marriott.com/pvddt/pride  and enter in your check in dates.

Over the phone: your can call 1-888-887-7955 or 401-272-1191 for reservations. Simply ask to make a reservation under the “RI PRIDE Room Block.”

Love Forward!

With a great line up of events, a waterfront festival, an energy-filled nighttime parade not to be missed, great restaurants and tons of shopping, NOW is the time to make your hotel reservations. Our host hotel is ready to welcome you for Pride Weekend! Make a weekend out of it and make your reservation today before the room block sells out. Deadline for all reservations is June 1, 2013. Simply click on the reservation link below to secure these special rates.

Courtyard Providence Downtown – Special rate of $120

Phone Reservation: call 1-888-887-7955 or 401-272-1191 and ask for reservations. Mention mention you are with “RI PRIDE Room Block.”

For reservations online visit http://cwp.marriott.com/pvddt/pride  and enter in your check in dates.

Over the phone: your can call 1-888-887-7955 or 401-272-1191 for reservations. Simply ask to make a reservation under the “RI PRIDE Room Block.”

Love Forward!

Click the image below to give:

RI Pride receives no federal grants, or subsidies, we depend primarily on contributions from individuals and businesses through direct giving, sponsorships, and event admissions. The board and volunteers of RI Pride hope that individuals in Rhode Island and Southern New England will make a donation to support the work being done to promote equal rights, educate the community about GLBT issues, and provide safe opportunities and venues for people to celebrate who they are.

You can also mail a check (made payable to RI Pride) to:

RI Pride
PO Box 1082
Providence, RI 02901

Please download and include a donation card (download here).

If you have any questions about giving to RI Pride please call our office at 401-467-2130 or e-mail info@prideri.com.

Rhode Island Pride, together with Gallery Q is proud to announce an open call for entries to showcase artists and their work.

Deadline for application submission is May 15th. Please provide a SASE in your application for the return of your materials.

An application fee of $20.00 will be applied to every application and all proceeds will benefit RI PRIDE. Please make checks payable to RI Pride.

The opening reception and location of the Gallery are currently being acquired and will be announced when more information is available. If you should have any questions feel free to contact the Art Show Committee at 401.263-1960 or email Lara at lseba@cox.net.
Please label subject line Art Show. Be sure to review all applicable deadlines below to insure your participation in the 2013 Pride Art Show.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
1. Fill out entry form below
2. Submit digital photography of up to three works with artist’s name,
title, medium, and size.

Forward is a powerful word that has been used in President Obama’s 2012 campaign to set a goal for a nation to MSNBC’s tagline “lean forward” to describe embracing a new progressive direction for their take on the news. Their website reads: “To lean forward is to think bigger, listen closer, fight smarter, and act faster. To celebrate the best ideas, no matter where they come from. To dare to dream of a nation that’s better tomorrow than it is today.”

Here in RI and in our nation we face uncertainty. Will we see marriage equality in RI or the Supreme Court? Will we see the movement of equality take that giant leap? Will we embrace our differences thereby understanding that this is our greatest tool? What’s next??? We have the immeasurable privilege of being part of a movement which sole foundation is love. Love is a powerful force for good and can never be stopped. The fight as a community about marriage – is about love. Our fight to protect against discrimination is about protecting who we love and how we love, which might be different from the majority – yes it is about love and how we move forward. It’s not just intimate love between two – it’s the love we show our neighbor, it’s also the love we show a stranger – yes how we grow forward. And though many struggle financially in this tough economy – it is our sincere hope that we share our love – and pay it forward. Its about a love we show each other as a community – caring for one another in this most pure simply way – it’s how we love forward. At the Triple Crown Pageant, I had the opportunity to read the words of Maya Angelou as the world celebrated her 85th birthday. Her warm words have been almost prophetic:

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Love is the basis of our Pride celebration and though we have face some very difficult times because of a slow economy, reduction of resources and the daily grind that sometimes makes getting out of bed worthy of receiving a medal. But it’s love that fuels our hearts, mind and body to continue to do what we need to do. RI Pride is pleased to announce it has chosen for its 2013 theme: LOVE FORWARD. It is our hope that we are able to reflect that theme as we move forward in the fight for full equality in all aspects of our lives. The call to action to each and every one of us is forward – yes LOVE FORWARD!

Rodney Davis
President, RI Pride

RI Pride Weekend • June 14 & 15, 2013

There will be a speaking program between 2:00pm and 4:00pm in the State Room. While the details have yet to be finalized, invitations to speak have received positive responses from Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Division of Elderly Affairs Director Catherine Taylor, and URI School of Nursing Professor Patricia Burbank. We will also be welcoming dignitaries from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

The Rhode Island legislature will be in session so there will be opportunities to meet with representatives and to provide a visible political presence at the State House.

While the event will have a focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender elder issues, our target audience will include GLBT people of all ages – and we are inviting your organization to participate.

There will be a lot going on! The Health Fair will include tables circling the second floor of the rotunda. We will feature the various aspects of health and wellbeing: Health Information, Advocacy and Support; Spirituality; Wellness Activities; along with information regarding Federal and State Health-related Programs
and Benefits. Organizations and community groups that serve RI’s GLBT communities are invited to attend and to share information and materials about their programs for visitors and legislators. Plans are afoot for some other activities – stay tuned for further details!

If your organization would like to be a part of RI’s first GLBT Health Fair, please send us an email (sageriinfo@gmail.com) by April 26, 2013, indicating your group’s interest in participating. Your message should include:

1. Name of your organization
2. Name, phone number and email address for contact person
3. What types of materials you would like to display. Keep in mind there will be tables around
the perimeter of the rotunda for displays, materials, etc. Because space is limited, we will be
organizing tables thematically and anticipate that groups will share table space.

Once we have table assignments settled, we will be in touch with the groups sharing each table to encourage you to combine resources in terms of staffing the table.

As you can imagine, we are excited about offering this GLBT Health Fair and look forward to working with you to help promote healthy living within our communities. If you have any questions or other ideas for activities, please be in touch!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sally Ann Hay, Project Coordinator, SAGE/RI
sageriinfo@gmail.com

• New England’s only Night-Time Illuminated Pride Parade
• Over 50 contingents, marching groups, floats and vehicles
• Reviewing Stand at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center

1. REGISTRATION

All units must be registered in advance to participate in the parade. Registration deadline: June 1, 2012.

* Placement at discretion of Parade Committee

2. AWARDS

A panel of judges at a reviewing stand will review all units. Awards are: Best Walking Unit, Most Original Float, Best Illuminated Float, Best Interpretation of Theme, President’s Award and Committee’s Award

3. PARADE ORIENTATION MEETING

A representative of each registered organization MUST attend one of two orientation meetings. Confirmation of meeting times will be made upon receipt of completed application.

4. INSURANCE

All organizations must either have liability insurance with RI Pride named as additional insured or secure insurance through RI Pride. Vehicle drivers must have auto insurance. Documentation must be provided at orientation meeting.

5. ACCEPTANCE OF OPERATING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

By signing the bottom of the Registration Form you confirm that you are authorized as a representative for the organization, and that the organization has read, understands, and agrees to abide by the policies and operating procedures for the 2012 RI Pride Parade described below.

6. SUBMITTING THE REGISTRATION FORM and INFORMATION

Complete the form below and select to pay by credit card or check.

Make checks payable to: RI Pride.

Mail checks along with a printout of the form confirmation to: RI Pride, P.O. Box 1082, Providence, RI 02901.Direct questions to the RI Pride office: 401-467-2130 or Info@PrideRI.com

POLICIES AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

Item Distribution: Organizations can distribute “throws”. Throws should have some intrinsic value. Organizations may not randomly throw literature, brochures, business cards, flyers, but may hand them to people along the parade route. Sexually explicit materials may not be thrown or handed out. Condoms and like materials may be handed to age appropriate individuals. Groups are asked to inform the RI Pride if throws are to be distributed. Care needs to be taken to ensure the safety of participants and people along the parade route.
Non-discrimination: RI Pride welcomes the participation of all people regardless of age, creed, gender, gender identity, HIV status, national origin, physical or mental development ability, race, religion or sexual orientation and asks all participating organization to also engage in non- discriminatory actions
Parade Image: Participants are to show respect for all genders, ages, races, cultures, faiths and sexual orientation, and be aware that children will be in attendance at the event. Participants are asked to demonstrate good taste in float presentation or activities along the parade route.
Illumination: Floats and vehicles (animals excluded) must be illuminated. Walking individuals are requested to be illuminated by direct or flood lights, reflective materials, individually held candles, “glow sticks” or other similar materials
Vehicles and Floats:
Length: Units cannot be longer than authorized by the state for truck and trailer or tractor-trailer unit
Decoration : All vehicles, except antique or custom cars, or specialty vehicles, are to be decorated
Safety: No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances may be on or in any unit; drivers need appropriate license and insurance. Floats shall have at least one ABC fire extinguisher on the float in easy access.
Float Guides/Parade Marshals: An organization with a float needs to have two “Float Guides” to direct the float along the route. Guides need to attend the orientation meeting. Walking units need to designate one individual as monitor.
Directions During Parade: The Parade Coordinator and/or Parade Marshals are authorized to provide placement, movement and dispersion directions. Participants shall follow all directions provided by the Coordinator, Marshals, police or fire personnel.
Awards: Judging will be done on a competitive basis as units pass the review stand.

Click here to complete Parade Application

We’re returning to South Water Street for the 2013 Pride Celebration! Come and enjoy Pride on the waterfront.

• Second largest Pride celebration in New England
• Full Service Beer, Wine and Spirits Garden
• A full day of local and national talent
• New Englands only Night-Time Illuminated Parade
• Reviewing Stand at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center

See the Form Kiosk in the upper right hand side of this page to get involved.

Click here to volunteer.

More information COMING SOON!

We recommend that you download our new Sponsorship Packet for 2013. (just click on image to the left – it is a PDF file)

The document gives and overview of the programs, events and services that RI Pride offers and a complete breakdown of the benefits of partnering with RI Pride.

Contact Rodney Davis at  401-714-7175 for more information or to setup a meeting.

Our email address is Info@prideri.com and our mailing address is PO Box 1082, Providence, RI 02901

We recommend that you download our new Sponsorship Packet for 2013. (just click on image to the left – it is a PDF file)

The document gives and overview of the programs, events and services that RI Pride offers and a complete breakdown of the benefits of partnering with RI Pride.

Contact Rodney Davis at  401-714-7175 for more information or to setup a meeting.

Our email address is Info@prideri.com and our mailing address is PO Box 1082, Providence, RI 02901