Guide to Pride in NYC
Pride 2021 may still be different than past years, but the celebration is still on with events across the entire month of June.
Two years ago, NYC Pride was the largest it's ever been as New York City celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and hosted World Pride, bringing millions together to celebrate and advocate for equality.
Last year, things took a sharp turn with Pride celebrations around the globe forced to become virtual thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, revelers can expect something in between those two extremes—with select in-person events returning and other supplemental virtual events taking place, as well.
There may not be a massive Pride March through the West Village or giant parties at your favorite gay bars, but the LGBTQ+ community has come up with creative ways to make the show go on.
Guide to NYC Pride 2021
The 2021 NYC Pride March releases more details, Grand Marshals lineup
After transforming into an almost exclusively virtual event last year, some elements of an in-person Pride March are set to return to NYC this year. One of the elements that will connect his year’s festivities to past year’s is the inclusion of Grand Marshals. Earlier today, the 2021 Grand Marshals were officially announced: the actor Wilson Cruz, the performer and activist Ceyenne Doroshow, the lawyers and advocates Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju, the HIV prevention pioneer Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and the model Aaron Rose Philip. RECOMMENDED: Gay Pride NYC 2021 “This year’s Grand Marshals are the embodiment of the theme for NYC Pride 2021, ‘The Fight Continues,’” said Bansri Manek, Director of the NYC Pride March, in a statement. “Their dedication to the continued fight has created a better future for individuals throughout the LGBTQIA+ community, and the bold courage they’ve demonstrated sends a clear message to the leaders of future generations about the importance of fighting for what you believe in. They also drive home the key themes of our Grand Marshal categories, including Trans Rights, Social Justice, Behind-the-Scenes, and Youth Activism. We are thrilled to be acknowledging these remarkable individuals in this year’s NYC Pride March.” For the fifth year in a row, the NYC Pride March will be broadcast on ABC-7. It will air from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, June 27. All in-person elements of the March will take place in accordance with current CDC guidelines on gatherings and a supplemental virtual experience of the March will stream on NYC Pride’s Facebook and YouTube beginning at 3pm on June 27. As another supplemental activity across the city, a program this year called “Pop Ups” will reimagine typical Pride March Floats by using the outdoor seating areas at locally-owned Manhattan businesses. A soon-to-be-released interactive map will allow attendees to find the activation across the city. Another in-person element set to return this year is the Pride Fest, the annual LGBTQ+ street fair.
The best LGBTQ things to do in New York
June is Pride Month, which means the LGBTQ community is ready to party and stand up for equal rights. Things are different this year, but if you’re looking for LGBT things to do, we have your back — we’ve assembled the best parties, performances and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of Gay Pride in NYC
More ways to celebrate Pride
Pride photos
Archive Pride coverage
Out-of-towners on why they're coming in for WorldPride
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, millions will descend on NYC for WorldPride this June. See why just a few people are jetting in from across the globe to pay their respects. And if you’re searching for the festivities to hit up, discover everything you need to know about the Gay Pride Parade and the Gay Pride events worth your while. Chris Brown, Orlando, Florida: “I’m coming to WorldPride to feel happy and free. Since Pulse, I haven’t attended Orlando Pride. Instead, I’ve traveled to Prides around the country. It’s been beautiful to experience the U.S. this way, and it’s time to see how the rest of the world celebrates. I’m looking forward to meeting friends new and old and dancing till dawn.” Jan Wise, Columbia, South Carolina: “In 1994, three friends and I met in NYC for the closing of the Gay Games in Yankee Stadium and for the Stonewall 25th anniversary march. At the Gay Games, the lights were turned off as a deep roar of dykes on bikes entered the stadium. Cyndi Lauper jumped off the back and began to sing ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’—to the crowd’s excitement. We did not march in the official Stonewall march; instead, we joined the ‘illegal’ march, from the Village up to Central Park. There were thousands of us, led by the ACT UP group. We paused for a moment of silence as we passed Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, in memory of those who died from AIDS. Police and barricades were all around the cathedral. My expectations for Stonewall 50 are mixed
