History

Portraits of Pride is the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum’s signature annual public art exhibition, showcasing commissioned portraits of LGBTQ+ leaders. This impactful initiative celebrates the achievements, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals while fostering visibility and representation.

Launched in October 2022 in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, the inaugural exhibition featured 22 striking 8-foot-tall portraits displayed on the historic Boston Common, marking a bold celebration of queer leadership in a public and inclusive space.

In 2023, Portraits of Pride returned to Boston City Hall Plaza with 26 newly commissioned portraits, including a landmark depiction of Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts’ and the nation's first openly gay elected governor.

The tradition continued in 2024 with the third iteration at Sea Green Park in the Seaport District. This powerful exhibition spotlighted key figures from the 2003 Goodridge v. Department of Public Health case, which paved the way for marriage equality. Notable portraits included Mary Bonauto, who argued the case, and Retired State Supreme Court Justice Margaret Marshall, whose historic ruling made same-gender marriages possible in Massachusetts.

At a time of rising hateful rhetoric and discriminatory legislative proposals targeting the LGBTQ+ community, Portraits of Pride serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and advocacy. Through the powerful stories it tells, the exhibition honors the past, uplifts the present, and inspires a brighter future.

Vision

Looking ahead, we envision Portraits of Pride as a transformative cultural experience that expands beyond Boston. Our goal is to curate and present this exhibition across the United States and internationally, amplifying LGBTQ+ stories on a global scale.

In the coming years, the portraits will form the foundation of a permanent collection housed in the future Portraits of Pride Gallery. This dedicated space—part of the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum—will celebrate LGBTQ+ history, culture, and narratives through imagery, art, and storytelling, ensuring these voices are preserved and honored for generations to come.