New York politicians were out in full force for Pride Sunday – after the NYPD announced it would beefing up security measures leading up to the event.
Among the mix of drag queens and activists who marched down Fifth Avenue were figures such as Eric Adams, Kathy Hochul and Chuck Schumer – three of around 100,000 participants who took part in the parade’s main procession.
This year’s march – the 53rd in the city’s history – is expected to draw around a million spectators and will feature around 60 floats, drawing attention to the LGBTQ situation not just in New York but across the country.
Other prominent figures attending the celebration included Reverend Al Sharpton and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who joined Gov. Hochul in taking the time to address members of the crowd.
Meanwhile, poor forecasts from not only the city’s police force, but also its meteorologists, both literally and figuratively, cast dark clouds over the celebrations — at around 2 p.m., a storm threatened to devastate Manhattan.
New York politicians like Eric Adams were out in full force on Pride Sunday – after the NYPD announced it would increase security ahead of the event
Notable figures taking part in the colorful procession included Governor Kathy Hochul, Chuck Schumer, Reverend Al Sharpton and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who joined the governor as addressed members of the crowd
Meanwhile, however, local residents and revelers took advantage of the early-day weather and attended a series of outdoor parties that took place across the city.
Signs posted along the parade’s planned route, meanwhile, drew attention to the city’s “protecting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers” during the celebrations — a stance shared by Hochul and several people the city hired to run the event , has been affirmed.
This class also included this year’s Grand Marshals – activists Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Randolfe “Randy” Wicker, Billy Porter and Hope Giselle.
These figures, as well as the politicians mentioned above, all tried to support this year’s theme of Strength in Solidarity, despite a reported surge in anti-LGBTQ sentiment in recent years.
Always held in June, the parade also commemorated the 1969 uprising of New York’s LGBTQ+ communities, known as the Stonewall Uprising, while preaching the continuing importance of LGBTQ+ rights.
Among the mix of drag queens and activists marching down Fifth Avenue were figures such as Adams – one of around 100,000 participants in the parade, which police have warned is taking place “amid an increased global threat”. involving the gay community
This year’s march – the 53rd in the city’s history – is expected to draw around a million spectators and will feature around 60 floats, drawing attention to the LGBTQ situation not just in New York but across the country
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during the 53rd NYC Pride Parade on Sunday
Senator Chuck Schumer poses with a citizen while marching down a cordoned off Fifth Avenue on Sunday
New York Attorney General Letitia James attends the 2023 New York City Pride March on Sunday
Also in attendance were this year’s Parade Grand Marshals, including activist Hope Giselle (pictured).
Grand Marshal Billy Porter, here with Hochul and his parade staff Giselle, spoke about the injustices LGBTQ people have been facing lately
Every year the city explodes in a variety of color and activism with its LGBTQ parade – and this year was no different
The march began at 11 a.m. at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, near the Flatiron building
The first Pride march took place in 1970 and has been a bastion of the city’s progressive ideals ever since
It often attracts scantily clad, sometimes rowdy revelers – this time, police warn, the march is taking place “amid an increased global threat landscape” affecting the LGBTQ community
The parade results in several streets being closed, not just for the main parade, but for a series of parties across the district
This year’s march is expected to attract a million spectators, 100,000 participants and 60 floats