Marching on Main Street:
Lesbian/Gay Liberation in 1982 to LGBTQ Rights Today
A Public Talk by J.M. Sorrell, Social Justice Activist, Trainer and Writer
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Saturday, November 9, 2019
4:30 pm
$5 members and donors; $10 all others
Registration is recommended
​River Valley Market
J.M. Sorrell will tell the nearly forty-year-long story of Northampton Pride. In 1982, a small group of local and student activists organized the first annual Northampton Lesbian and Gay Liberation March. Walkers gathered at the Bridge Street School lawn and marched down Main Street to Pulaski Park where a rally was held.  Sorrell started marching and volunteering to help organize the march in its second year.  Nearly forty years later, Main Street is still the route--but now in reverse to the Three County Fairgrounds to accommodate the tens of thousands of participants.

Why Main Street?  Visibility.  Coming out as an act of bravery.  To be seen and recognized in the heart and soul of downtown Northampton. Come and learn about the history of this seminal event that demonstrates the diversity and support of Northampton and the surrounding region.  You may have a story to share!  Sorrell wrote a 30-Year History Booklet for Northampton Pride in 2011.  She volunteered during the early years of the march and she was the spokesperson for Noho Pride 2012-2019.  She is a social justice leader, writer and activist, an anti-racist and LGBT cultural competence trainer, and a Justice of the Peace.  Sorrell writes a monthly column for the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Header Images (left to right):
Photograph of the 1982 Northampton Lesbian and Gay Liberation March by Michele Reiter.
Photograph of the Valley Gay Alliance banner by Michele Reiter.
Photograph of the Northampton Pride March and Rally marching on Main Street.
Photograph of buttons worn by a Pride March participant by Michele Reiter.