Every marathoner can attest to the proud feeling you get after completing a race, but running in support of Pride makes you feel especially good. So this year, why not join Frontrunners on June 29 for their 32nd annual 5-mile Pride Run? The run begins at Central Park’s East Drive, south of the 102nd St Transverse, and approximately 6,000 people are expected to participate. There will be cash prizes, a post-race festival, raffle and after-party at Boxers NYC Sports Bar. A portion of race proceeds will benefit The Ali Forney Center.
We still routinely face injustice as queer women, which is why we still need the Dyke March, also on June 29. So bring your signs, your noisemakers, your friends, and most importantly your fighting spirit, and gather by Bryant Park at 5pm to join thousands of other gay women in a humongous protest that goes down the streets of Fifth Avenue, moving all the way to Washington Square Park. We can think of no better way to celebrate the night before Pride.
New York City has it all, including the only gay tasting event in the nation. On June 24 indulge in A Taste of Pride at Garden Party 30. Happening at Pier 84, it includes an open bar, celebrity guests, VIP section and silent auction. This year promises to be particularly special as the Garden Party celebrates its 30th anniversary, so come on out to sample some of the best offerings from the city’s most inspired chefs. Even more importantly, you’ll be helping support the good work the Center does year-round.
How has America influenced the gay community? That’s the question The Gay Men’s Chorus seeks to answer at this year’s Pride Month Concert, happening at the Skirball Center on June 15. The theme of this year’s program is “America the Beautiful,” and it will feature songs by musical legends David Bowie, Dar Williams and Frank Sinatra.
Of course the biggest Pride events of all happen during Pride Weekend, which officially begins with the Rally on June 28 at Pier 26 on West Street. On June 29, there will be a VIP Rooftop Party at Hudson Terrace and of course the famous women’s dance Rapture on the River (also at Pier 26). June 30 brings us the mother of all Pride events, the gigantic Pride March, beginning at noon at 36th Street and 5th Avenue, this year featuring grand marshals Edie Windsor, Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes. Happening concurrently is Pridefest, a day-long street fair on Hudson St, where you can stock up on rainbow goodies or simply relax and enjoy the entertainment. Later on that day, also at Pier 26, the guys hang at the Dance on the Pier, Pride’s biggest fundraiser. And if you still have some energy left that night, you can head to Pride [Poolside], a big party at the Hotel Americano.
Women’s basketball gets in the Pride spirit as the New York Liberty takes on the San Antonio Silver Stars during New York Liberty Pride Day. This special game for queer fans and allies happens on June 23 at The Prudential Center in Newark. Show your support for the team that supports you!
The Anti-Violence Project is holding its annual Pride Party, Fusion, on June 26, at XL Nightclub. Over 350 partiers will be attending the event, which will feature an open bar with drinks from Brooklyn Brewery and GuS Grown-Up Soda, plus snacks courtesy of PopChips. DJ Randy Bettis has the tunes pumping from the moment you arrive.
And, believe it or not, there’s still some Pride fun left to be had as we head into August. New Jersey’s Hudson Pride happens August 24 and celebrates the diversity of the LGBT communities in Hudson County. The festival will feature great fun for the whole family. Check hudsonpride.org for schedule and venue.
The Bronx is celebrating gay Pride and good health this July 20 with the Bronx LGBTQ Pride and Health Fair, a free outdoor festival scheduled to happen at the borough’s Crotona Park. Look for free health services and screenings, plus performers and speakers include Sissy Van Dyke, Lady Clover Honey, Stephanie Schroeder and Kelli Dunham.
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