NYC Pride March 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Picture: Pride March, NYC

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The NYC Pride March is an electrifying celebration that reverberates through the streets of New York City, igniting a powerful display of unity, love, and LGBTQ+ pride. In 2023, the event is scheduled to take place on June 25 at 12 p.m. EST.

This annual event, known as one of the largest Pride parades in the world, draws millions of participants and spectators from all corners of the globe. From its humble beginnings as a small commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, the NYC Pride March has grown into a grand spectacle, representing the resilience, diversity, and ongoing fight for equality within the LGBTQ+ community.

NYC Gay Pride Parade History:

The very first Christopher Street Gay Liberation March was held in New York City on June 28th, 1970 - one year after the Stonewall Riots. This was the first march in the name of gay rights that had ever happened in the United States. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, and allies filled up 15 city blocks to protest. The event was then organized by the Christian Street Liberation Day Committee. After that, the march became an annual tradition.

+ Where to buy LGBTQ+ Pride Clothing and Accessories?

Three years after the first Christopher Street Gay Liberation March, the American Psychiatric Association finally removed homosexuality from the DSM-ll, where it was listed as a mental illness alongside pedophilia and zoophilia. In 1979, following the assassination of Harvey Milk and the 10th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first National Gay Rights March was held in Washington, DC. This was the first time the movement achieved national attention. 

In 1984, with the AIDS epidemic affecting the gay and trans community directly, Heritage of Pride was created to take over the now-disbanded Christian Street Liberation Day Committee. In 1993, after the U.S. Government had just passed the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in the military, the Heritage of Pride changed the march's name from Christopher Street Festival to PrideFest. To this day, Heritage of Pride still runs the now called New York City Pride March.

Over the years, the Pride movement got bigger and bigger, spreading its values worldwide, and taking over the whole month of June with different marches and activities. 

How many people attend the New York City Pride March? 

It’s estimated that 5 million people attend the official parade every year! In New York City, where everything started, there are an average of 50 official events celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and history during the 30 days preceding July. Tourists from every corner of the world travel to New York in June to celebrate Pride. 

When is the New York City Pride March in 2023?

The NYC Pride March will start on June 25 at 12 p.m. EST.

What are the attractions of the NYC Pride March 2023?

• Grand Marshals: Each year, the march selects prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. These Grand Marshals lead the procession, inspiring participants and spectators alike.

• Colorful Floats: The parade features a dazzling array of floats, decorated with vibrant colors, themes, and messages. These floats represent diverse organizations, businesses, and community groups, expressing their support and showcasing their creativity.

• Marching Bands: The pulse of the march is fueled by the energetic beats of marching bands from near and far. Their lively music fills the air, adding an exhilarating soundtrack to the parade.

• Performances and Dancers: Throughout the route, you'll encounter talented performers and dancers, captivating the crowds with their artistic expressions and captivating routines.

• Community Organizations: Numerous LGBTQ+ organizations participate in the march, offering information, resources, and support to attendees. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with local and national advocacy groups and learn about the various initiatives and services they provide.

• Spectator Support: The NYC Pride March attracts massive crowds of spectators who line the streets, cheering, waving rainbow flags, and showing their unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere is charged with love, acceptance, and celebration.

• After-Party Celebrations: Following the march, you can continue the festivities at various Pride-related events and parties happening throughout the city. These gatherings provide additional opportunities to socialize, dance, and embrace the spirit of Pride.

The NYC Pride March Map

It starts in Lower Manhattan, at the intersection of 26th Street with Fifth Avenue. It finishes in Greenwich Village, where the Stonewall National Monument is located. 

Can anyone march in the Pride Parade?

Everyone is invited to celebrate Pride, but if you want to be part of the March you need to sign up with a company or group that is registered with Heritage of Pride. You can also volunteer to help the organization during the event! 

What is the best place to see the NYC Pride March? 

The streets surrounding Fifth Avenue in Lower Manhattan are probably your best shot if you want to be just an observer. Greenwich Village is a better place if you're looking to join the party, but it can be a little overwhelming.

Bars and clubs during Pride weekend in NYC

Every single gay bar in New York City will promote a special party during Pride Weekend, as they should. However, be ready to face long lines at the door. If you’re planning to go to a club in Hell’s Kitchen or West Village over Pride weekend, arrive before 8PM and check for cover information. 

Dresscode

Express yourself, don’t repress yourself - as Madonna would say. Just remember that New York has high temperatures during June, and get ready to be sweating glitter the whole day. Most importantly, bring a bottle of water. 

Pride Island Festival 

The festival takes over the last weekend of June, with different events happening in the city - from a Rally to a Family Movie Night. The most popular activities are the concerts and dance parties that are held on one of the piers by the Hudson River or the Governors Island, depending on the year. 

Pride for everyone

For the last four decades, the New York City Pride March has been a target of criticism for giving too much space to corporatism. Some activists believe that the movement lost its initial political motivation and became an event for brands trying to explore the queer community and its money. Which caused the creation of new organizations and parades. 

Dyke March

In 1993, the Lesbian Avengers decided to host a separate event to called the Dyke March. This is the 30th Anniversary of the NYC Dyke March. The event is scheduled to happen on June 25th, starting at 5PM in Bryan Park going to Union Square. 

New York City Drag March

In 1994, the drag community was banned from the 25th anniversary of Stonewall. There was a concern that the drag queens would offend the trans community in the march. So the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence created the New York City Drag March, held annually on the last Friday of June. The event starts at 7PM in Tompkins Square Park and ends in front of the Stonewall Inn. 

Queer Liberation March

In 2019, the Reclaim Pride Coalition started the Queer Liberation March, also held on the last Sunday of June, but with no police contingent and no corporate funding. It starts early in the morning in Bryant Park, going downtown on 5th Avenue.

Folsom Street East 

The nonprofit organization Folsom Street East throws special parties for the kinky boys and girls in New York City during June. The events are a celebration of fetish and the free expression of sexual identities.

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