Can you believe, it's been nearly a year since New York State legalized gay marriage, effectively doubling the amount of U.S. citizens eligible to tie the knot? Neither can we, and neither can NYC & Company, NYC's tourism organization, which just released it's two-month game plan to welcome even more visitors from around the world to experience firsthand the diversity, excitement and history that comes with New York City’s LGBT heritage. From the annual flagship Heritage of Pride events taking place June 16–24 in Manhattan to other celebratory events in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island throughout June and July, the City is brimming with gay pride activity. Highlights below:
Manhattan
NYC Pride put on by Heritage of Pride take place June 16-24 with a theme of “Share the Love”.
· The Rally (Saturday, June 16, 3–6pm at the East River Bandshell at FDR and Houston) will feature well-known performers and motivational speakers from the LGBT community to kick off this year's Pride Week events. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
· Rapture on the River: A Women's Dance (Saturday, June 23, 4–11pm, Pier 57 at 15th Street and West Side Highway – Hudson River Park) has decided to supersize this year’s version with an extended edition, adding three hours to the event to create a day-to-night party that won’t disappoint. Tickets go on sale May 1. Event venue is enclosed.
· The March (Sunday, June 24; step-off begins at noon,starts at 36th Street and Fifth Avenue, ends at Christopher and Greenwich Streets), which began as a civil rights demonstration the year after the Stonewall Riots, is now also a celebration of gay rights as well as recognition of causes, such as the fight against AIDS. For smaller crowds, visitors should watch anywhere from the teens to the 30s on Fifth Avenue, and for larger crowds and high energy, anywhere in the Village is ideal. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
· PrideFest (Sunday, June 24, 11am–7pm, Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street), the annual LGBT street fair, brings together local residents and families, community leaders, area business owners, and visitors for a day of fun and celebration. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary.
· Dance on the Pier: Dance 26 (Sunday, June 24, 8pm–2am),Pier 57 at 15th Street and West Side Highway), featuring the Perry Twins and Boris, will culminate in a fireworks display at 10:30pm. All proceeds from the Dance on the Pier will benefit NYC's LGBT Pride Week events and community organizations. Event venue is enclosed.
Staten Island
Celebrate the annual Staten Island LGBT Parade & Festival on Saturday, June 2, from noon to 5 pm at Tompkinsville Park. Check for more details.
Queens
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Queens Pride at the Queens Pride Parade & Multicultural Festival, on Sunday, June 3, in Jackson Heights. The parade begins at noon, going down 37th Avenue from 84th Street to 75th Street), and will feature special guests, including the cast of Wicked. A festival will take place from 11am to 6pm at 75th Avenue and 37th Road.
Brooklyn
On Saturday, June 9, starting at 9am, celebrate the 16th annual Brooklyn Pride at Bartel-Pritchard Circle, 15th Street and Prospect Park West, at Prospect Park. The theme is “Pride Links Us Together.”
Event highlights include:
· Pride 5K Fun Run (registration begins at 8am; run starts at 9am)
· Multicultural Festival (11am–6pm)
· Kids Space (noon–4pm)
· Pride Happy Hour – participating restaurants along Fifth Avenue (details to be later announced)
· Night Pride Parade (on Fifth Avenue from 14th Street to Sterling Place; 7:30pm kick-off; the first “Night Time Parade” in the Northeast
The Bronx
Bronx Pride Festival is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 21, from noon to 6pm at Crotona Park (Claremont Parkway and Crotona Avenue). The event will also feature a festival that will include entertainment, a health fair, food and memorabilia.
Check out NYCgo.com/pride for a full listing of pride events throughout the city and NYCgo.com/gay for info on NYC’s LGBT history and offerings, as well as the “NYC I DO” initiatve to encourage more marriages in the City. If you're in the mood to party, weekly listings and culture bible Next Magazine has you covered.
