While Pride events around the country aren’t exactly kept a secret, NYC Pride Fest was definitely worth the attention. This weekend, from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29, NYC Pride Fest wrapped up a month-long celebration of the LGBT community with a spread of parties, parades, rallies and celebrations. The theme of this weekend’s festivities: “We have won when we’re one,” asserts the importance of unifying to support and pass marriage equality across the US, as well as continue to encourage the fight for equality as a whole.
The festivities began at the Pride Rally on Friday, June 27 on Tribeca’s Pier 26 at 6 p.m. Speakers included Michelle Visage, Betty Who and Sharon Needles. Saturday morning at 9 a.m. signaled the start of a five-mile rainbow-wearing run around Central Park. Harlem Pride Day, also being held in NY at the Jackie Robinson Park, started at 2 p.m.
The celebrations continued on Sunday, with the legendary Pride March along 5th Ave. from 36th St. to Christopher St., which started at noon. “Orange Is the New Black’s” Laverne Cox, who plays Sophia, was this year’s grand marshal, along with Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and Jonathan Groff, an actor who has played roles in “Frozen” and “Spring Awakening.” The march concluded at the Pride Fest street fair on Hudson Street.
The weekend’s fun came to a close at the dance party on Pier 26 from 4-10 p.m. Demi Lovato was in attendance, as well as DJ Grind and DJ Pagano, who provided entertainment.
While Pride has technically ended, the fight for equal rights and acceptance within the Queer community is year round Spokesperson for the event, Tish Flynn quotes in NY Daily News: “As we celebrate our victories, it’s important to remember that equality is still missing for many members of the LGBT community.”
