Pride with a Purpose: TRP at Malden Pride 2025

My Favorite Pride Outfit!

On Sunday, June 22, The Rehumanization Project proudly joined Malden’s LGBTQIA2S+ community for the city’s annual Malden Pride celebration. It was a day filled with color, courage, and connection. And we showed up not just to celebrate, but to serve.

Face-to-Face at Pride

A man in a walker approached our table with years of hardship on his face. He told us he was disabled, unhoused, and LGBTQ, and that this was the first Pride where he felt like someone actually saw him, where he felt a sense of community. We offered water, a resource card, and a listening ear. His story was a living reminder of why Pride and wraparound outreach must intersect, especially for queer folks who frequently have intersecting needs.

"This is the first Pride where I felt someone saw me..."

Did you know these facts about our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors?

The Rehumanization Project's Mobile Shower Beta Test

For the first time ever, we unveiled and tested our mobile shower unit in public, and the response was electric. People stopped mid-stride to marvel, ask questions, and imagine how life-changing a simple hot shower could be for someone unhoused. Kids pointed (after they took our tiny ducks). Adults nodded with understanding. The moment felt like a quiet breakthrough.

Thanks to the Malden Fire Department (especially Firefighter Brad!) for showing up early to fill up our shower reservoir!

The Pop-Up Shower

Eyes on Impact

Over the course of the day, dozens of people scanned our QR codes — to donate, to volunteer, to give help. We watched teens take photos of our posters to share with friends. We saw older adults nod along to our values and ask how to stay involved.

A QR Code Scan = A Device for an Unsheltered Neighbor

Making Pride Practical

Much as we do with services, we brought our help to the streets. We answered questions about wraparound services, outreach, and housing. We helped people feel seen, valued, and supported. We heard each story we were told and listened with compassion, right there on Malden Street.

If You're Looking for Help, You Don't Have to Look Far

Pride Isn't a Party: It's a Platform

For TRP, Pride isn’t just a celebration it’s a commitment. A commitment to intersectional dignity, to queer and trans people living in survival mode, and to building a system that sees and serves all of us. If you felt what we felt at Malden Pride: the joy, the struggle, the hope, we invite you to do more than witness.

We See You

So, what can you do next? We're still looking for device donations for our unsheltered neighbors! Yesterday, a colleague brought in an old tablet, and within three hours we had it wiped and into the hands of someone in need. You can have that kind of impact, too!

P.S. There is an actual party! at the Malden Pride After Party: Queer Dance Night on Friday, June 27, from 8:30–11:30 PM at Idle Hands Craft Ales (89 Commercial St, Malden). Enjoy music spun by a local DJ, festive vibes, and extended taproom hours—perfect for celebrating the end of Pride Month with friends new and old.

Additional Thank Yous to: The Malden Police Department, Councilperson Colon Hayes, Malden Pride, the Malden Community Coalition, and everyone else who helped make Malden Pride a great success!