WORCESTER, Mass. - Pride Worcester kicked off its celebration Thursday with a flag raising outside of city hall.

The Queer Coalition of Greater Worcester said this year Pride Worcester features nearly 30 events focusing on all age groups of the LGBTQ+ community. They include the Pride Art Walk, Beyond Acceptance Queer Youth prom and the Pride Worcester Festival.

"Something as visible and as proud as different festivals and events that bring queer people together allows us to make connections that are not frequently open to us,” said Renn Duffey, operations director for Safe Homes. “Creating different spaces like what we do during pride is genuinely life changing."

Events run through September 11, and more details can be found on the Pride Worcester website.