By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Be Inclusive, an organization focused on uplifting underrepresented voices, hosted its first-ever Pride event on June 28, 2024. Be Inclusive is based in Walpole and hosts many events throughout the year. Countless people gathered on the Walpole Common to celebrate, craft, and learn about what Walpole has to offer. Members of different communities within Walpole showed up to represent during this Pride celebration.
Vendors from local businesses were present to show their support, along with booths from LGBTQ+-owned shops. Everyone was ready and willing to talk about why they were there. Members from the QT Library, a soon-to-be physical library that serves LGBTQ+ people, were in attendance sharing the story and hopes of their library. Members from Bellforge Art Center, Norfolk Aggie’s GSA, Turning Point Recovery, and many more were also in attendance. Many of these organizations host their own Pride events and are looking to share them with a wider audience.
Face painting was offered to everyone in attendance and was a big hit with the kids. Coloring pages and bead crafts were also offered to children who enjoyed everything the event had to offer. Families were able to enjoy the event and learn about all the different parts of Pride. A photo booth and props were available for everyone to use to pose for quick photos to forever remember Pride.
One group aimed to decorate a door with origami made by attendees. Each person interested was given a piece of paper to write what Pride meant to them or any message they wanted before folding it into a heart, butterfly, or whatever their heart desired. Once folded, the origami was taped to a door painted with the Intersex Progress Pride flag. This craft was open to all ages, but adults especially flocked to participate.
Walpole Pride was a hit in the community, especially for a first-time event. Countless people came together to organize and host the event, and it is sure to become an annual gathering. Pride is vital to LGBTQ+ people, and being able to celebrate in their hometowns is a powerful and welcoming feeling.
