We all know New York City is basically the capital of Pride in the United States and this upcoming weekend, this will be proven once more. For one weekend every summer, millions of people from all ages and nationalities come together on the streets of New York City to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
This widely popular, unique celebration brings out the very best of humanity by promoting love and inclusion. New York City’s Pride Weekend is an eclectic mix of countless parties. Supporters of the LGBTQ community participate in the historic march during the day and party the night away at NYC’s best pride events. No matter if this is your first time or tenth time celebrating pride weekend, let this be your Guide to Pride 2018.
This year’s theme will be “Defiantly Different,” so dress to impress! Everybody at Triplemint is beyond excited for Pride Weekend. Our mantra: To empower. To support. To love.
Why is Pride in NYC so Special?
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Go big or go home: In 2017, a record-breaking 40,000 people marched in New York City’s Pride Parade. 2018 is expected to be even bigger! This year’s pride parade will be held on Sunday, June 24, and will begin at noon.
Missing it would be a mistake. A big one, that is. Ever since it began in 1970 – after the Stonewall riots in 1969 – NYC’s Pride Parade has grown explosively. This year, the parade will include over 80 floats in all different colors of the rainbow. New entrants this year include openly gay representatives from both the NFL and MLB. Additionally, the grand marshals of the parade will range from the tennis legend, Billie Jean King, to advocate Kenita Placide, to the civil-rights organization, known as Lambda Legal. The parade will also feature millions of spectators!
Where is the Gay Pride Parade?
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The map above outlines this year’s pride route. The Pride Parade runs through Midtown Manhattan. It will begin at the intersection of 16th Street and Seventh Avenue, moving down Christopher Street to Fifth Avenue, and ending on 29th Street.
Not convinced yet? Next to the Pride Parade, there are countless events that will turn you into a Pride enthusiast in no time. After all, the entire month of June is dedicated to Pride. The pride events and parties will give anyone plenty of fun things to do. Here are some of the many pride-themed events happening now!
Pride Island
PC: NYC Pride
Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd-23rd. Pier 97. This two-day cultural experience allows attendees an opportunity to party all weekend long to great music from the likes of Tove Lo, Sasha Velour, Lizzo, and Kylie Minogue as the weekend’s headliner. As an evolution from Dance on the Pier, this pride-themed event offers the LGBTQ community one of the year’s biggest live music event in New York City, while also fundraising to help benefit local non-profits.
The Pride Kickoff Rally
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Friday, June 22nd. 5:00pm. The Stonewall Inn. With the excitement of Pride Weekend in NYC, it might be easy to forget the constant fight the LGBTQ community endure. The Pride Kickoff Rally is the official Pride Weekend opening event and began after the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Today, it involves demonstrations throughout the city, the main ones happening at Central Park and Washington Square Park. Additionally, this kick-off event attracts A-list celebrities – like Lady Gaga in 2013 – as well as local comedians, politicians and activists who offer their own perspective on gay pride topics.
Queer/Art/Pride
PC: Brooklyn Magazine
Saturday, June 23rd. Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg. Every month, the IFC Center hosts a Queer/Art/Film screening for classic films that have had profound impacts on the lives and influences of LGBTQ artists. However, with this year’s expanding gay pride celebrations, the Wythe Hotel is sponsoring a showcase for young LGBTQ filmakers, poets, writers, actors and even a pride-themed Bat Mitzvah. This unique offering shows just how NYC pride has evolved into other areas of society.
Haus of Sweat Bodyroll
PC: www.timeout.com/Courtesy Charley Parden
Thursday, June 28th. Human@Ease Fitness & Wellness Center. For a change of pace – and an alternative to drinking – all of you aerobic workout lovers should consider attending this ‘90’s themed workout class hosted by the icon Viva. With music varying from Mariah Carey to Sade, this aerobic workout class guarantees a good time and way to help you find your moves this pride weekend. Your guide to pride just got a little more fun!
With all of these fun things to do throughout the month, it only builds excitement for the gay pride parade! Here are some things to know before the big day…
To empower. To support. To love.
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Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ community or not, this upcoming Pride Weekend will be an incredibly special experience. Having the power to share passion and happiness with millions of people at once is a rare opportunity and Pride weekend makes that happen. At Triplemint, we are a proud supporter of the LGBTQ family and wish both our employees and clients a very happy and safe Pride weekend!
