Across America and the world, June means celebrating Pride. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations and gender identities, U.S. National Pride Month brings moments of contemplation, commemoration, and celebration. And while out-and-proud festivals and events take place around the globe all month, in New York City, the whole scene culminates with the 53rd annual NYC Pride March, this year on Sunday, June 25.
Though colloquially called the “New York Pride parade,” Heritage of Pride organizers honor its LGBTQ+ protest-movement roots and embrace it as the Pride March. After all, the whole concept of pride was born from radical civil-rights events, most famously NYC’s 1969 Stonewall uprising. That era brought other protests in cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—the latter even launched the Personal Rights in Defense and Education, aka “P.R.I.D.E.,” a gay political organization in 1966.
In 2023, one might expect more than a half-century’s worth of progress—including marriage equality in America and 33 other countries—means that Pride Month is more of a celebration. But the backsliding on some of America’s basic civil liberties have sounded an alarm bell for the LGBTQ+ community, underscoring the urgency of political action and civil protections at this year’s Pride and beyond.
Still, this is New York City, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated like nowhere else. And after a full slate of Pride Month events, as many as two million spectators are expected to turn out for the March, themed “Strength in Solidarity.” Heritage of Pride organizers are working closely with the city’s police and fire departments and other key agencies to ensure safety for everyone along the 1.5-mile route. Here’s a rundown of best places and tips for watching the parade and catching other NYC Pride-weekend events.
Along the New York Pride parade route
The NYC Pride March kicks off at 12 noon on Sunday, June 25, starting from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. It proceeds down the avenue, then turns west (right) on 8th Street.
This first mile-long segment serves up the thinnest crowds and clearest views of hundreds of participating groups and countless floats, bands, dancers, and marchers. FYI the official Pride grandstand is at 8th Street, and seats have already sold out; but that corner is prime viewing territory for the parade’s dazzling performances, just arrive early for a good vantage point.
Once the route crosses 6th Avenue, the march heads into the West Village along Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument and landmarked Stonewall Inn bar. The street and sidewalks here are narrow and crowds are thick, but it’s the best place to feel the tremendous energy of NYC Pride. You may never see so many rainbows in your life.
At 7th Avenue, the march turns north (right), passing the New York City AIDS Memorial at 12th Street, then disperses in Chelsea around 16th Street.
Believe it or not, the whole parade takes well over six hours to run its route—historically it has carried on past 10 pm—so be ready to take breaks as needed. Consider ducking into one of the city’s fabulous queer bars, or popping over to the 29th annual PrideFest street fair (4th Avenue between 8th and 13th streets), with food and fantastic live performances starting at 11 am. For revelers with youngsters in tow, check out FamilyFest at Astor Plaza (4th Avenue and 8th Street).
Along 5th Avenue, the east side starts off in shade, but both sidewalks get full sun by mid-afternoon and it gets hot. In the Village, the south side stays mostly shaded all day, but its sidewalks are much more crowded.
Wear your sunscreen and a hat, and bring water. Many establishments along the route will allow restroom visits, just ask nicely and if you’re able, buy something. The Center also welcomes visitors that Sunday to rest and refuel, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (208 West 13th Street)—and you can sign up now to march with The Center during the parade.
If you plan to bring folding chairs, set up on 5th Avenue between Union Square and the Flatiron well before noon for front-row viewing against the route’s police barricades.
The crowd is sure to go wild for 2023’s five amazing NYC Pride Grand Marshals, led by Grammy, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award winner Billy Porter. He’ll be there (surely wearing something amazing) alongside his fellow grand marshals: trailblazing civil-rights advocate Randy Wicker; artist and activist Hope Giselle; Athlete Ally leader and equality champion AC Dumlao; and writer, model, and speaker Yasmin Benoit.
Every year brings dozens of LGBTQ+ celebrities and community allies from stage and screen to the parade, so you never know when you may see a major musician, Broadway showstopper, or TV or film star. Elected officials usually march in solidarity too, so expect to wave proudly to New York’s governor, mayor, senators, and other state and city officials.
Live on television and streaming
Can’t make the event in person but still want to catch its rainbows? For the seventh year, the NYC Pride March broadcast special airs on ABC-7 from 12 to 3 pm. It’s co-hosted by actress, entrepreneur, and transgender-rights advocate Angelica Ross, who’ll be there for on-air interviews and to spotlight live performances from the parade. You can also watch on ABC7NY.com, ABC News Live, and ABC7 New York’s Connected TV Apps.
Queer Liberation March
Also happening on June 25th is the fifth annual Queer Liberation March, gathering downtown at 2 pm for a rally at Foley Square. Its protest march—no floats or corporate sponsors here—sets off at 3:30 pm, proceeding through Lower Manhattan to Washington Square Park. Organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, the annual march is an independent, grassroots alternative to the mainstream NYC Pride parade. This year it’s expected to draw tens of thousands of marchers under the theme, “Trans & Queer; Forever Here!” The QLM march is one way to remember that the City of New York embraces diversity, and it has space for every voice.
Pride month highlights
You’ll know the NYC Pride March is underway when you hear the first motorcycles of the Dykes on Bikes revving up. But the evening before, on June 24th, the annual Dyke March protest treads down Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Washington Square Park. Also on June 24th, the free YouthPride event arrives at Williamsburg’s Domino Park.
After the Pride March on Sunday, Christina Aguilera headlines the splashy annual dance party Pride Island, this year at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park. Also on June 25th is the Bliss Days fundraising party. It’s “NYC Pride’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn,” with rotating DJs, dancers, pop-up performances, and special appearances kicking off at 2 pm at The DL on the Delancey Street.
While the NYC Pride March offers few private-viewing locations, several Manhattan hotels are offering special Pride packages with discounts, perks, and fundraising ties for LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations. Among them are downtown’s Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel and the Smyth Tribeca; and Midtown’s Equinox Hotel New York, the Crowne Plaza HY36, and the W New York – Times Square.
And for those who can’t join NYC Pride’s June events or have missed the region’s other festivities—including distinct events for the Hudson Valley, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, the Bronx, and Harlem—remember there are year-round ways to honor and enjoy the city’s LGBTQ+ community. You can catch a Newfest film screening, contribute to or volunteer with SAGE, see an exhibit at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, hit one of the great Lesbian Bar Project bars, or just visit the Stonewall National Monument and enjoy the American flag and the rainbow flag, flying high together.
