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New England Promoter Chris Harris Passes

Chris Harris
(Via Facebook)
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BOSTON (CelebrityAccess) — Christian Harris, a Boston promoter and event organizer, who helped revitalize Boston’s LGTBQ nightlife scene, died on January 9th after losing a battle with cancer. He was 51.

A statement from his company Chris Harris Presents said: “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.”

A native of Providence, he was the co-owner of Providence’s Club Ego and organized events throughout the northeast and in Hawaii.

In 2007, Boston Pride recruited Harris to stage his Military Ball to a local nightclub. The event was originally scheduled to be a one-off, turned into a six-month residency. Harris and fellow promoter Rafael Sanchez also began staging events at the Roxy, helping to bring life back to the long-running club.

In a statement released following Harris’s passing, Boston Pride said:

“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.”

Harris is survived by his longtime partner Dominic Chang, 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, his uncle Barry Bolton of Tamarac, FL, 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. A ‘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 Chris Harris Tribute Fund at the National LGBT Cancer Network, Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St. Suite 2137, Pawtucket, RI 02860. This fund will be used to establish an LGBTQ cancer prevention and education program in Rhode Island and beyond.

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