Boston Pride Mourns the Loss of LGBTQ Advocate Chris Harris and Names Him as Honorary Marshal for Pride Parade 2019

Boston Pride is saddened by the loss of Chris Harris, the premier LGBTQ event promoter in New England. For the past decade Chris helped to revive the community’s nightclub scene. Club nights known as Chris Harris Presents gained popularity and are known throughout the community.

Chris loved the community and always wanted to help where he could. His support over the years of both Boston Pride and Rhode Island Pride was unwavering. Chris helped Boston Pride secure entertainment for events as well as support volunteers with free passes to his club nights after they worked Pride events.  When Boston Pride hosted its first international Pride conference in 2012, Chris hosted all the delegates at his venues and treating each one as a VIP.. To this day, Interpride members talk fondly about the warm welcome they received in Boston.

Boston Pride sends our heartfelt condolences to Chris’s family, his business partner and friend Rafael and all his friends. Chris’s presence will be missed however, his legacy of commitment and dedication to the community will live on.

In recognition of Chris’s contributions to Boston Pride and to the LGBTQ community, the Board of Boston Pride has voted to name Chris Harris as an Honorary Parade Marshal for the upcoming Boston Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Christian Harris, born in Providence, RI on December 23, 1967 to Beverly Boulton Cottam of Boynton Beach, FL and the late Robert L. Harris of South Kingstown, RI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and close friends on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

“What’s up, ProviDANCE?” is a question familiar to anyone who has attended a ‘Chris Harris Presents’ event. Lovingly known as the “King of Clubs”, Chris was an award-winning event producer, premier concert promoter, accomplished business owner and community organizer. He was co-owner of Club EGO in Providence, RI, and provided some of the best LGBTQ nightlife experiences that captivated audiences and forever changed the industry.

Chris was a pivotal leader in the LGBTQ community, an advocate of equality and proud to have created safe environments where people could come together to celebrate who they are. He was never shy of sharing his vision of dreaming big and “no” was never an answer. Chris was always willing to help where he could and never stopped fighting for what was right. He was always there for the community and leaves a substantial legacy that is being celebrated across the country.

He leaves behind his loving companion, Dominic Chang. He is survived by his mother Beverly, stepmother Donna Harris of South Kingstown, RI, his three siblings Alexander A. Harris of Scituate, RI, Robert L. Harris Jr. of Exeter, RI, Rebecca Harris Fiske of Richmond, RI, and cherished nieces and nephews Abigail, Alissa, Jacob, Daimon and Isabelle.

Visiting hours Monday, January 14th at 3:00 – 8:00pm at Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Homes, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI, 02908. An EPIC ‘Celebration of Life’ event will take place on Tuesday, January 15th at 5:30pm at the Providence Biltmore Hotel, followed by a parade procession to the after party at Club EGO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to the ‘Chris Harris Tribute Fund at the National LGBT Cancer Network’ at ChrisHarrisTribute.org or by check mailed to Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St. Suite 2137, Pawtucket, RI 02860. This fund will be used to establish a LGBTQ cancer prevention and education program in Rhode Island and beyond.