Boston Mayor Kevin H. White and the 1982 "Gay Athletic Games Week" Proclamation. (Photo: Boston.com - Montage: © Boston Pride)

It is with sadness and emotion that Boston Pride learned of the passing of beloved Boston Mayor Kevin H. White. Mayor White was a progressive political force whose work to support diversity enabled women, African-Americans, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to be better represented and more involved in Boston’s political system. Mayor White’s fervent support of the LGBT community is best exemplified by his signing a pioneering Proclamation declaring the week of August 28th to September 5th, 1982, “Gay Athletic Games Week” in the city of Boston (photo), in recognition of the first Gay Games held in San Francisco at the time. Mayor White transformed Boston, through a period of transition, into the world class city it is today. Boston Pride sends its condolences and heartfelt thoughts to his family.