Improved Privacy for Name Changes in Massachusetts

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As transgender people experience unprecedented targeting by other states and the federal government, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to align with other states and act to make the name change process simpler and safer for transgender people.

GLAD Law is supporting H. 1973/S.1045, “An Act Protecting Personal Security,” sponsored by Senator Comerford and Representatives Sabadosa and Lewis. The Act removes the publication requirement and increases the ability to make name change records confidential. This provision aims to protect vulnerable people from potential discrimination, harassment, or violence that might arise from public disclosure of their name change.

Addressing Barriers to HIV Prevention Medication In Massachusetts

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The history of the HIV epidemic is one of devastating loss of life and public anxiety and fear. Fortunately, it is also a history of medical success. HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), approved by the FDA in 2012, is a powerful medical breakthrough that can end the HIV epidemic. PrEP prevents HIV transmission by close to 100 percent when it is taken as prescribed.

The challenge is that too few people in Massachusetts who are vulnerable to HIV are currently taking PrEP, and pending changes at the federal level threaten to expand that gap.

Massachusetts must act now to protect PrEP access from federal reversals and avoid backtracking on our State’s efforts to protect public health and end the HIV epidemic.

GLAD Law is supporting H.1245/S.717, “An Act to address barriers to HIV prevention medication.” This legislation will eliminate significant barriers to PrEP by:

Prohibiting private insurers, MassHealth, and the Group Insurance Commission from imposing cost sharing or prior authorization on FDA-approved HIV prevention medications.
Requiring state and county correctional facilities to provide PrEP to eligible inmates upon release in connection with an amendment to the state’s 115 MassHealth waiver.
Requiring insurers to accept prescriptions for PrEP from any health care practitioner licensed to prescribe medications.
Adding clarifying language to implement a budget provision passed last session authorizing pharmacists to prescribe a time-limited supply of PrEP consistent with regulations of the Department of Public Health.

Read our fact sheet on H.1245/S.717 to learn more about this legislation.

Portraits of Pride: A Celebration of Legacy Makers

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Portraits of Pride: A Celebration of Legacy Makers

Presented by the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture
On View: June 1–30, 2025
Location: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston

This Pride Month, the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture presents Portraits of Pride, an annual public art exhibition honoring 20 extraordinary leaders who have shaped Greater Boston’s LGBTQ+ movement.

This year’s exhibit includes portraits of two GLAD Law leaders:
Mary Bonauto, GLAD Law’s Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies, whose legal advocacy has helped win transformational victories for LGBTQ+ people nationwide, and John Ward, GLAD Law’s founder, whose vision and courage helped establish one of the nation’s first legal organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.

Portraits of Pride is a celebration of those who have made history—and a call to continue fighting for our future. From legendary figures to emerging leaders, the exhibit highlights stories of resilience, resistance, and progress in the face of ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.

The portraits are on display throughout June at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. This exhibition is free and open to the public.

Learn more about the exhibition.

Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ Immigrant Networking Panel

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Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ Immigrant Networking Panel

Developing a Queer-Immigrant Consciousness: Ecosystem Building, Care, and Integration

Thursday, May 29 • 5 – 7pm EDT
Civic Pavilion, 5 Congress Street Boston, MA 02203

This free event is hosted by the City of Boston’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement and Office of Immigrant Advancement.

Join an evening of storytelling, connection, and community building as we explore the real-life experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ immigrants in Boston.

This event kicks off both Pride Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, centering the lived journeys of queer immigrants and the unique challenges and strengths they bring to the City of Boston.

Enjoy networking with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ and immigrant communities and a panel discussion and Q&A with community leaders – including GLAD Law Executive Director Ricardo Martinez!

Interpretation available upon request.

The space is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific access needs (including interpretation), please share during registration.

RSVP now to be part of this conversation and community space.

National Law Day of Action

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National Law Day of Action

May 1, 2025 • 12-1pm • Boston Common Bandstand

Attorneys: Reaffirm your attorney’s oaths of allegiance to the US and Massachusetts Constitutions with recently Retired SJC Clerk Maura Doyle.

The principles of judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession – cornerstones of American democracy – are facing unprecedented challenges across the country. Attacks on judges for unpopular rulings, political pressure on legal professionals, and a growing distrust of the legal system threaten the very foundation of fairness and equal justice.

These aren’t abstract legal concepts. They directly impact every citizen’s ability to have their rights protected and their voices heard. When the rule of law is weakened, our entire nation suffers. Join us May 1 to support the rule of law and have your voice heard.

Learn More at LawDayofAction.org.

Not near Boston? Find a Law Day of Action event in your area.

Red Sox Pride Night with GLAD Law

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Red Sox Pride Night with GLAD Law

Monday, June 9
Pre-Game Social at 6:00pm | First Pitch at 7:10pm
Fenway Park | 4 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

We are excited to provide a section of seats together for the Red Sox Pride Celebration against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 9. Make it an office outing, bring your significant other, or come by yourself and meet other amazing people from the GLAD Law family!

Ticket Deadline Has Passed

For questions please contact Michelle Peng, Individual Giving and Special Events Coordinator, at events@glad.org.

As of May 19, 2025

GLAD Law at Big Queer Food Fest

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GLAD Law at Big Queer Food Fest

May 3 – May 4 | Boston, MA

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ culinary community with GLAD Law! Visit our resource table on May 3rd at the Big Queer Food Fest Grand Tasting!

Friends and members of GLAD Law can enjoy an exclusive offer to attend the Big Queer Food Fest, a first-of-its-kind, multi-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ chefs, mixologists, food writers, and food lovers — taking over Boston from April 28 to May 4, 2025!

The Grand Tasting Presented by Food Network — May 3 & 4 2025

Taking place on May 3^rd and 4^that High Street Place in Downtown Boston, the BQFF Grand Tasting & block party will feature unlimited bites and sample sips from more than 50 local and national acclaimed LGBTQ+ chefs & restaurateurs serving alongside wineries, spirits brands, entertainers and more for two celebratory days of food, drink and community. This is the season’s can’t-miss event.

Fierce & trailblazing chef talent includes: Jon Kung, Karen Akunowicz, Zac Young, Tatiana Rosana, Rick Martinez, Robert Gonzalez, Arnold Myint, Renee Touponce, Kareem Queeman and many more!

Expect DJ sets, cocktails, delicious food, and fun community vibes — plus guest appearances by Rupaul’s Drag Race royalty Raja, Willam, Miz Cracker & Jujubee.

"Big Queer Food Fest Grand Tasting" overlaying a photo of a large crowd. May 3-4, 1-4PM. 25+ Chefs. 2 Days. 1 Big Community. High Street Place Food Hall, Food Network, and Meet Boston logos at the bottom.

Friends of GLAD Law get 15% off tickets with code BQFF15OFF

GET TICKETS NOW

More Events All Week

From chef dinners and cocktail parties to engaging demos and riveting author talks, there’s something to keep one satiated every night of the week.

Check out the full festival lineup now at bigqueerfoodfest.com/events

Tickets are on sale now! JOIN US FOR ONE BIG DELICIOUS PARTY!

Nashoba Valley Pride

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Nashoba Valley Pride

Sunday, May 18 | Bolton, MA | Learn more

Visit the GLAD Law resource table at Nashoba Valley Pride!

The Nashoba Valley Pride Festival is an annual celebration of diversity and acceptance, promoting community, inclusion and equality.

Learn More

Boston Black Pride

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Boston Black Pride

July 2 – 6 | Various locations in Boston, MA | Learn more

Celebrate with GLAD Law at Boston Black Pride!

Hosted by the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, Boston Black Pride’s annual parade and festival unites the QTBIPOC community and allies, fostering empowerment, visibility, and joy while honoring our diverse identities and histories.

Learn more

44th Annual Summer Party

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GLAD Law’s 44th Annual Summer Party

Saturday, July 26 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Provincetown, MA

Venue is mobility accessible. Exact location shared upon registration.

Image of the crowd at GLAD Law's 2024 Summer Party

Image of Provincetown's Town Crier at GLAD Law's 2024 Summer Party

We hope that you can join us for an important conversation about GLAD Law’s national efforts to defend and advance LGBTQ+ rights and equality and protections for individuals living with HIV under this new administration. It will be a special afternoon of food, prizes, community, and inspiration.

Share this event on Facebook here.

TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

Event Information

Exact location shared upon registration.

Venue is mobility accessible.

Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beverages will also be provided.

Free admission for ages 17 and under.

Youth activities in partnership with COLAGE.

TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

Our Special Guests

Varla Jean Merman – MC

We are thrilled to have drag icon and Provincetown legend Varla Jean Merman (aka Jeffery Roberson) back as this year’s MC! After being honored at last year’s Summer Party, Varla is once again bringing her unmatched wit, charm, and fabulousness to the stage.

Catch her brand-new show, The Drowsy Chappell Roan, all summer at the Crown & Anchor!

Poppy Champlin – Auctioneer

A longtime Provincetown staple, Poppy has been serving sharp, upbeat comedy since 2001. Known for her hilarious musical parodies and quick wit, her style blends stand-up with a splash of the unexpected.

As an auctioneer, she’s raised over $75,000 for causes close to her heart. Catch her show You Can’t Stop the Gay this summer – and get ready for a live auction you won’t forget!

TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

Become an Individual Sponsor

Click Here to View Individual Sponsorship Benefits Chart

GLAD Law Individual Sponsorship Benefits Chart Summer Party

(You can also find this information here)

To join our fabulous Host Committee or become a Sponsor and help make this event a success, contact our Assistant Director of Development, Josh Arsenault, at jarsenault@gladlaw.org or call (617) 778-6713.

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Click Here to View Corporate Sponsorship Benefits Chart

GLAD Law Corporate Sponsorship Benefits Chart Summer Party

(You can also find this information here)

For Corporate Sponsorship, contact Aria Pierce, Senior Manager of Institutional Giving, at apierce@gladlaw.org or call or text (617) 778-6717.

Image of Varla Jean Merman holding a pride and american flag

Image of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Provincetown Town Crier and Rhodium Distillery Owner at GLAD Law's 2024 Summer Party

For event information or additional accommodations, please contact Michelle Peng, Fundraising Events Manager, at events@gladlaw.org.

Tickets & Sponsorships

FAQ: Fees & Tipping

Covering the fees associated with your transaction is always optional! To opt out of covering the fees in the final step of your transaction, click the blue “Edit” text and uncheck the box labeled “Yes, cover the fees.”

Tipping our platform partner, Givebutter, is also optional! To opt out of tipping, go to the final payment screen of your transaction and click the percentage box in the “Add a tip to support Givebutter” section. Select “Other” and either leave the box blank or type in 0.

Why tip? Tips allow Givebutter to offer their service with no platform fees for the organizations who use it. This helps reduce the financial barriers for organizations to start fundraising!

Host Committee

Co-Chairs

Alix Ritchie & Marty Davis
Katherine & Kimberly Weir

Improved Privacy for Name Changes in Massachusetts

Addressing Barriers to HIV Prevention Medication In Massachusetts

Portraits of Pride: A Celebration of Legacy Makers

Portraits of Pride: A Celebration of Legacy Makers

Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ Immigrant Networking Panel

Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ Immigrant Networking Panel

National Law Day of Action

National Law Day of Action

Red Sox Pride Night with GLAD Law

Red Sox Pride Night with GLAD Law

GLAD Law at Big Queer Food Fest

GLAD Law at Big Queer Food Fest

The Grand Tasting Presented by Food Network — May 3 & 4 2025

More Events All Week

Nashoba Valley Pride

Nashoba Valley Pride

Learn More

Boston Black Pride

Boston Black Pride

Learn more

44th Annual Summer Party

GLAD Law’s 44th Annual Summer Party

Event Information

Our Special Guests

Varla Jean Merman – MC

Poppy Champlin – Auctioneer

Become an Individual Sponsor

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Tickets & Sponsorships

FAQ: Fees & Tipping

Host Committee

Co-Chairs

Sponsors

Silver

Bronze

Copper