Thousands of New Yorkers braved rainy weather on Sunday to spread good vibes in celebration of one another’s freedom to be themselves at NYC Pride.
The 53rd annual Pride Parade embraced the theme of “Strength in Solidarity” as Grand Marshal Billy Porter, Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off the proceedings from 26th Street and Fifth.
The event began with whistles and cheers after Gov. Hochul signed legislation marking NYC as a safe haven for transgender youth.
Andre Thomas, co-chair of NYC Pride, said during a pre-parade press conference,
When we released our theme just a few months ago, there were about 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ plus bills in state legislatures all around this country.
That number has grown to nearly 600. Our community is facing attacks, attacks against our youth, our trans family, so, we stand here in strength in solidarity to show who we are against all those who stand against us.”
Rainbow flags were everywhere up and down on both sides of Fifth Avenue, leading all the way to and past the The Stonewall Inn.
Photographer Ruben Natal-San Miguel hit his 7th Pride event in NYC, including Pride in The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and both the Drag March and Dyke March capturing hundreds of incredible images. Thank you, Ruben!
(Photographs, Ruben Natal-San Miguel)
