BY AMANDA MOSES
June marks Pride Month, an annual celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ) community. During this time, advocates gather to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle members of the LGBTQ+ community face, such as banning queer books, anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and Drag Story Hour (an event that invites local drag artists to read stories to children and teens at local libraries, schools, and other community spaces to help celebrate gender and diversity).
On June 23rd, hundreds honored Stonewall Day, an annual commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots, at the Hudson Yards with stellar musical performances and remarks by renowned activists. Hosted by actress Angelica Ross, who introduced performers Christina Aguilera, Johnny Manuel, Kellen Stancil, Mila Jam, Netta and BETTY, and DJ Lina Bradford.
There also were powerful speeches regarding unity, sisterhood, and kindness from Chelsea Clinton, Laverne Cox, Alok Vaid-Menon, Raquel Willis, Dale Soules, Valentina Sampaio, Julie J, and more.
On June 25th, thousands of New Yorkers lined the streets of Fifth Avenue waving the rainbow flag among plumes of colorful confetti in celebration of the 53rd Annual Pride Parade.
NYC Pride organizers stressed that Pride is first and foremost a protest, underscoring the continued battle for equality, freedom of expression, and rights that all in the LGBTQ+ should have. This year’s theme was “Strength in Solidarity,” and the Grand Marshals were Billy Porter, asexual activist Yasmin Benoit, nonprofit leader AC Dumlao, activist Hope Gisell, and civil rights trailblazer Randolfe “Randy” Wicker.
The parade route kicked off on 26th Street and 5th Avenue and proceeded down toward Greenwich Village, past Stonewall Inn, and concluded at 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
Photos by Amanda Moses
Stonewall Day at Hudson Yards
NYC Pride Parade on Fifth Avenue
