After more than 50 years, Boston Pride decided to stop operating and dissolve, LGBTQ Nation reported.
The groupone of the oldest Pride organizations in operationsdecided that the Boston community "needs and wants change without the involvement of Boston Pride" and they "care too much to stand in the way."
Weeks after holding a Boston mayoral forum, the group has postponed all of its events in the future, including the annual parade, which had been rescheduled initially from June to October.
A statement on Boston Pride's website reads, "Over the past year, we have invested time and energy to address the concerns of the community, both with our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access work with Dorrington & Saunders and by forming the Transformation Advisory Committee comprised of members of the LGBTQIA+ community to help bring change to our organization. We are grateful for all who have been involved in this process.
"It is clear to us that our community needs and wants change without the involvement of Boston Pride. We have heard the concerns of the QTBIPOC community and others. We care too much to stand in the way. Therefore, Boston Pride is dissolving. There will be no further events or programming planned, and the board is taking steps to close down the organization.
"We know many people care about Pride in Boston, and we encourage them to continue the work. By making the decision to close down, we hope new leaders will emerge from the community to lead the Pride movement in Boston.
"This decision was made with a heavy heart, out of love and hope for a better future."
According to LGBTQ Nation, Boston Pride was losing support as of late, including approximately 80 percent of its volunteers. In addition, Boston Pride Board President Linda DeMarco said she was going to turn in her resignation in the coming weeks.