Everything you need to know about the 2022 NYC Pride March
Photo by Jessica Green on Unsplash
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the NYC Pride March is returning to the city, fully in person, on Sunday, June 26. The theme for this year’s march is “Unapologetically Us,” with Ts Madison, Punkie Johnson, Schuyler Bailar, Dominique Morgan, and Chase Strangio set to be the event’s grand marshals. Ahead, get the details for this year’s parade and learn more about other Pride events taking place.
Image courtesy of NYC Pride
THE THEME
The theme of NYC Pride 2022 is, “Unapologetically Us,” explained by the organization to be influenced by the pandemic, which “gave society a reset and forced everyone to reconsider and re-prioritize their lives,” according to the NYC Pride website.
NYC Pride continues: “Many have focused on exploring their true selves, coming out to the world with vibrant, loving hearts and souls open to the public – no matter how scary, unsure, or vulnerable it might have been. Others continue their journeys of finding a true sense of self and inner peace. The entire community should celebrate each and every person’s story and provide support so everyone can feel happy, healthy, and safe being Unapologetically Us.”
THE MARCH
Since it was first held in 1970, NYC’s Pride March has grown to be the largest Pride celebration in the world, bringing in an average of two million visitors annually. After the last two years of hybrid and virtual celebrations, the city should prepare for a similar, if not greater, attendance.
The march will begin at noon, kicking off at 25th Street and 5th Avenue before heading south on 5th Avenue and then continuing west on 8th Street. It will then cross 6th Avenue, continuing on Christopher Street past the Stonewall National Monument before turning north on 7th Avenue. Finally, it will pass the NYC AIDS Memorial and end in Chelsea at 16th Street and 7th Avenue.
The grand marshals are:
- Ts Madison, the first transgender woman to have their own reality show, recently inked a deal with Fox Soul TV to launch her new show, “Turnt Out with TS Madison,” which debuted on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. In 2019, TS Madison was honored in the Out Magazine as one of the top 100 influential LGBT people.
- Punkie Johnson is a comedian and writer from New Orleans, Louisiana who joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2020. She also appeared on season two of HBO Max’s critically acclaimed series, Love Life.
- Schuyler Bailar is an internationally acclaimed educator, author, and advocate, and the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 men’s team. As a teenager, Schuyler was one of the nation’s top breaststrokers and set a national age-group record at 17.
- Dominique Morgan is an international award-winning artist, activist, and TEDx speaker. She is the Executive Director of The Okra Project, leading work across the country to dismantle the systematic oppression impacting Black Trans and Gender Expansive people.
- Chase Strangio is deputy director for Transgender Justice with the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. A national leader in transgender rights litigation and advocacy Chase has been counsel in some of the past decade’s most pivotal legal fights on behalf of transgender litigants.
The NYC Pride March broadcast special will be returning for its sixth consecutive year, co-hosted by Angelica Ross with WABC’s Ken Rosato, Lauren Glassberg, and Sam Champion. The special will air on ABC-7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on June 26. It can also be viewed on ABC7NY.com, ABC News Live, and on ABC’s apps for streaming platforms.
OTHER EVENTS
There are a variety of other in-person and virtual Pride events throughout the city. Here are some highlights:
The Conference
Thursday, June 23 at 9 a.m., New York Law School, 185 West Broadway
Led by changemakers in the LGBTQIA+ community, the conference is an annual meeting that aims to generate new ideas and approaches to activism. The conference’s leaders are looking forward to hosting the event in person for the first time in over two years.
The Rally
Friday, June 24 at 4 p.m., The Battery, State Street and Battery Place
Since it was first held in 1969 after the Stonewall Riots, The Rally has served as an opportunity for activists, artists, and others to come together and stand against violence toward the LGBTQIA+ community. This year’s rally will be hosted by Raquel Willis and Sage Dolan-Sandrino, with additional speakers including grand marshals Chase Strangio, Dominique Morgan, and Schuyler Bailar.
Youth Pride
Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m., Central Park
Returning fully in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic, Youth Pride provides a safe space for younger members of the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and rejoice. Hosted in the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, this year’s Youth Pride will be headlined by multi-genre artist and LGBTQ advocate Taylor Bennett with co-hosts Ezra Michel and Ruba Wilson. Other performances and appearances include Keiynan Lonsdale, keiyaA, Ashlee Keating, Grag Queen, Lolita Leopard, and The Family Presents Cinderfella, Lyle Anthony, Tai’Aysha, Marquise Vilson, members of the cast of TREVOR the musical, Noa Kirel, Tangina Stone, Gotham Cheer and Schuyler Bailar. DJ Karaba joins as House DJ.
Pride Island
Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m., Play Lawn at Governors Island
This weekend, Governors Island will transform into Pride Island. A two-day LGBTQIA+ music festival headlined by Lil’ Kim and Kim Petras will take place on the 172-acre island in the middle of the New York Harbor. Other performers include Shenseea, Netta, Raye, and Papi Juice. Tickets start at $85.
PrideFest
Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 4th Avenue between East 8th Street and East 13th Street
For its 28th year, PrideFest is bringing together exhibitors, entertainers, food, and activities to Greenwich Village for a fun, celebratory event. The annual street fair is open to the public.
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