Leo's Pride: Joy is the Point
Leo Abramov imagined a place where Burlington's LGBTQ+ community could gather, be seen, and feel welcomed. The neighbors he brought together are making sure that vision endures.
Every June, the Burlington Town Common fills with color, music, and neighbors — and the spirit of the person who made it happen.
Leo’s Pride was created in 2021 by Kerry and Leo Abramov with a simple but powerful vision: a place where Burlington’s LGBTQ+ community — especially its youth — could gather, be seen, and feel welcomed. No corporate sponsors, no agenda beyond joy. Just neighbors being themselves and showing up for one another.
Now in its sixth year, the annual celebration on the Town Common carries on that vision with performances, Queer-a-oke, fresh-baked cookies from JulieAnne’s Bakery & Café, and the chance to connect with local organizations that affirm and support LGBTQ+ individuals. It remains exactly what Leo imagined: an inclusive, community-built celebration of diversity.
Leo Abramov died in March 2023 at the age of 36, just nine months after being diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer. He knew what he was building, and so does the community that keeps showing up each year to be sure Leo’s vision endures.
In addition to Leo’s Pride, activities are planned around Burlington and beyond throughout the month of June, including a Kinky Boots movie screening, a workshop on legal rights for LGBTQ+ people, button making, and more, to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community.
