On May 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the SouthCoast Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Network (LGBTQ) will sponsor its inaugural event, “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating a Decade of Marriage Equality.” It will be held at the Waypoint Center in New Bedford.

The event has two goals: To celebrate 10 years of marriage equality in the state, and to highlight the needs of LGBTQ elders and youth in the tri-town. Event profits will fund a program coordinator who will focus on assessing the needs and developing resources for LGBT homebound, isolated seniors, the homeless, and at-risk youth.

Tickets cost $25 per person and $10 per student. Tickets are available at Down to Earth Natural Foods in New Bedford, Mattapoisett's Town Wharf General Store, Le Place in New Bedford, and How On Earth in Mattapoisett. The tickets can also be reserved by emailing sclgbtqnetwork@gmail.com.

Ten years ago, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize gay marriage. SouthCoast residents, gay and non-gay, along with area legislators, businesses and nonprofit organizations, worked to make equal marriage the law in Massachusetts.