Be Here! Be YOU! Annual Event Promotes Skating Within LGBTQ+ Community
Boston welcomed the fifth annual “Be Here! Be YOU!” charity event on April 12 at the Tenley E. Albright Performance Center, uniting skaters and allies in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the highlight was a captivating performance by trans figure skater Billie McBride O’Neel.
As O’Neel gracefully glided across the icy stage, she embodied the event’s essence, sharing a powerful message of love and inclusion with an audience filled with age-diverse skaters. “This is part of the power and comfort of being with others like you,” she stated, encapsulating the evening’s spirit.
Her performance featured thought-provoking elements, including a trans-colored flag costume and a symbolic umbrella, choreographed to “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The emotional climax arrived when O’Neel executed a dramatic spin, unveiling a striking red-and-white bull’s-eye before casting it aside—a loud manifestation of resilience against adversity.
In the words of O’Neel, “We have had enough,” highlighting the ongoing struggle in the lives of many in the trans community. She expressed gratitude for the support from peers, including Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, affirming the event’s significance as a safe space for authentic expression.
Hosted by Elin Schran of Joy Skate Productions, the event has raised over $20,000 in its first four years. Partnered with The Skating Club of Boston, which generously donates ice time and resources, the initiative aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the skating world.
Each year, the event honors noteworthy LGBTQ+ figures, funneling funds to organizations chosen by the honorees. This time, support went to the Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, underscoring the event’s impact on local communities.
“Skating is for everyone,” mentioned Mia Corsini Bailey, club director, emphasizing the need to create welcoming environments for diverse skaters. The tangible success of “Be Here! Be YOU!” extends beyond individual routines; it represents a movement poised for growth across America.
The vibrancy of this event not only aligns with skating traditions but also elevates important conversations within the sport. Everyone deserves to feel at home on the ice, making platforms like “Be Here! Be YOU!” essential and impactful for years to come.
