It’s only fitting that the site of the very first Pride Parade become the host city of WorldPride 2019, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. To celebrate this historic event and many other advancements in the LGBTQ community, the entire State of New York will be getting into the act. Millions of people from around the world are expected to attend WorldPride NYC. In typical Big Apple style, there will be plenty of family activities at WorldPride NYC.
Fifty years ago, a small group of LGBTQ leaders refused to back down in the face of discrimination taking place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This pivotal moment sparked an uprising that grew into the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement. The Stonewall Riots are remembered in NYC each year with an annual New York Pride March. A global symbol of equal rights, New York Pride is now colorfully celebrated with Pride Marches in every major city around the world.
Rainbow balloon arches welcome revelers at the NYC Pride March (Photo by Hunter Abrams)Family Activities at WorldPride NYC
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I attended the San Francisco Pride Parade many (MANY) times. With feelings of true pride, happiness for all we had gained and sadness for those friends lost. I waved my rainbow flag like the best of them.
Now with kids of our own, we’ve taken our family to San Diego Pride events a number of times. We love the pageantry of it all! I wonder what our kids would think of the fun family activities at WorldPride NYC?
I LOVE NY is organizing Pride Celebrations at destinations throughout the Empire State. I’m sure Sophia and Ava would enjoy participating in all of them.
Kids and families get into the action at the NYC Pride March. (Photo by Christopher Gagliardi )New York City
In New York City, the NYC Pride March takes place in Sunday, June 30 at noon. This is always a festive and celebratory event, drawing a mix of people from all walks of life to the world’s largest LGBTQ pride march. Rainbows and smiles abound, while paying honor and respect to our lives and our community in ways big and small.
Rainbow flags line the parade route at the NYC Pride March. (Photo by Hunter Abrams)Albany
“Sing Out, New York!” – May 28 – June 2 and June 6 – 9
The Albany Symphony will present “Sing Out, New York!”; a major national music festival and regional tour of free, outdoor concerts celebrating equal rights.
- The five-day American Music Festival, scheduled for May 28-June 2 in Troy, will feature performances by David Del Tredici’s Pop-Pourri, as well as John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 1, “Of Rage and Remembrance,” a tribute to those lost to AIDS. Both Del Tredici and Corigliano are fierce advocates for gay rights as well as renowned composers.
- A regional tour of free, outdoor concerts from June 6-9 will highlight events like the Stonewall uprising, World Pride 2019 and the women’s suffrage movement, showcasing New York State’s role in social justice movements. Several works will premiere at “Sing Out, New York!” including a piece by composer Viet Cuong inspired by events between the 1969 Stonewall uprising and the first Gay Pride march in New York City in 1970.
Colorful parade floats, dancing boys, drag queens and dykes on bikes mingle at NYC Pride. (Photo by Zach Hilty of BFA)Long Island
Pride on the Beach – June 21-23
- Long Island, birthplace of Harvey Milk, will kick off New York’s Pride celebrations with Pride on the Beach. During the three-day destination weekend, more than 30,000 people will flock to Long Beach for 30+ LGBTQ events, including the festival’s 29th annual Pride Parade, the second annual Pet Pride Parade in collaboration with Animal Planet, concerts and parties.
The celebration at PrideFest in NYC is full of love and rainbows. (Photo by BFA Collins Nai)Pride on the Vines – June 25
- Visitors to Long Island can head straight from the beach to the vineyard for Pride on the Vines. This day-long event on theNorth Fork’s picturesque wine country will include tours, tastings, receptions and parties.
Chautauqua
Chautauqua Institution’s Conversation with Bishop Gene Robinson – July 2
- Bishop Gene Robinson will lead a discussion about the building of America’s LGBTQ community through major events including Stonewall, the AIDS crisis and marriage equality. Robinson is the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop and Vice President of Religion at the Chautauqua Institution. The discussion, paired with a reception hosted by Chautauqua’s LGBTQ community organization, will be part of a weeklong program examining “Uncommon Ground: Communities Working Toward Solutions.”
The beauty of Niagara Falls is illuminated by colorful lights and the sparkle of fireworks.Niagara Falls
Pride at the Falls – July 5
- Celebrate WorldPride and Stonewall 50 at a natural wonder: Niagara Falls, America’s oldest state park. Pride at the Falls features a free concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, along with fireworks and the Falls lit in rainbow colors.
True love in the mist at Niagara Falls.Many other Pride events and celebrations are currently being planned at numerous LGBTQ-friendly locations across the State of New York. Events are planned in Buffalo, Fire Island, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and more.
And the Bailey-Klugh Family will be celebrating there too! More on that soon….
Everything and everyone is just more festive at NYC Pride. (Photo by Hunter Abrams)Pin it!
