NYC Pride Guide, Week 1: Kick off Pride Month with movies, art, baseball and more
Every June, LGBTQ New Yorkers take to the streets to celebrate Pride and commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The anniversary of that end-of-June uprising in the West Village — a key turning point in the fight for LGBTQ rights — eventually turned into an entire month of celebration of the progress achieved over the past 50 years.
Today, the fight for LGBTQ equality feels more urgent than ever. Here’s how you can take part in a momentous movement for LGBTQ equality and against injustice while embracing Stonewall’s original spirit of protest, defiance — and so much joy. Happy Pride!
Thursday, June 1
NewFest Pride Summer Film Series, Manhattan and virtual
NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ film and media organization, is kicking off Pride month with its annual celebration of queer and trans filmmaking, the NewFest Pride. The five-day summer film series will feature several in-person and virtual premieres, conversations with filmmakers, social events, as well as a free outdoor screening. Highlights of the festival include: The New York premiere of “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, adaped from the bestselling YA novel of the same name; the Sofia Coppola-produced “Fairyland,” a coming-of-age drama starring Emilia Jones, Adam Lambert and Geena Davis; and the comedy “Problemista,” written and directed by “Saturday Night Live” writer Julio Torres, starring Tilda Swinton and Torres in the lead roles. Tickets start at $18, SVA Theatre in NYC and virtually throughout the U.S.
Movies under the Stars: “Prejudice and Pride: Swedish Film Queer” in Brooklyn
Bring your own popcorn, candy and rainbow blanket for a free outdoor screening of “Prejudice and Pride: Swedish Queer Film,” a 2022 documentary that takes a deeper look at queer and trans film — from Mauritz Stiller’s 1916 “The Wings” to Sweden’s exciting new wave of Scandinavian transgender films. This free, all-ages event comes to Brooklyn’s McCarren Park by the Swedish Consulate of New York in partnership with NYC Parks. Free, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m., McCarren Park at Driggs Ave. and Lorimer St., Brooklyn, NYC
Joy in Resilience at Marble Collegiate Church, Manhattan
Marble Collegiate Church is kicking off Pride Month with an uplifting evening of music and reflection. Hosted by GIFTS, Marble’s LGBTQIA+ ministry, the event, themed “Joy in Resilience,” comes in preparation for the arrival of panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt, which will hang in Marble’s sanctuary through the end of the month. The service will take place in Marble’s historic sanctuary, with a reception in the Labyrinth Room to follow. Gays of a certain age might remember Marble’s stunning neo-Romanesque, Gothic-style sanctuary as the site where Liza Minnelli wed her fourth husband, the late TV producer David Gest, in 2002. Free, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Marble Collegiate Church 1 W. 29th St., Manhattan
Flag Raising at Bronx Borough Hall
The Pride Month flag-raising at Bronx Borough Hall is a vibrant and celebratory event that commemorates the LGBTQ+ community’s contributions and honors their achievements. The event features uplifting performances and speeches by guests, including elected officials and community leaders, who take the stage to reaffirm their commitment in the fight for LGBTQ equality. Free, 12 - 3 p.m., Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse
Friday, June 2
Absolutely Oz: Drag Spectacular! in Brooklyn
There’s no place like the House of Yes for a drag-filled Pride kick-off. “Absolutely Oz” is a theatrical spectacle that celebrates the brilliance of the drag art form. Hosted by God Complex, this maximalist drag extravaganza blends installation art, environmental theater, and the best of Brooklyn drag. Cast includes Mocha Lite, Show Ponii, Julie J, and Austin-based performer Gothess Jasmin. Tickets start at $17.73, 7:30 p.m., House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave., Brooklyn
Pride Poster Drop-in Workshop + Drag Performance featuring Dev Doee and Shia Ho, Manhattan
Celebrate Pride at the Poster House, a museum dedicated to the impact, culture, and design of posters, with two free events. Artist and designer Accia Rodrgiuez will lead a Pride poster workshop in which she will guide participants in the making of a poster they could later use for all of the month’s festivities. After the workshop, drag performers Dev Doee and Shia Ho will close the night with a special evening of performances highlighting the museum’s current exhibitions. Free, 5:30 p.m. (workshop) and 7 p.m. (performances), Poster House, 119 W. 23rd St., Manhattan
Saturday, June 3
Breaking Boundaries: 50 Years of Images, Long Island City
The groundbreaking work of photographer Mariette Pathy Allen, who has been documenting the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people for nearly 50 years, is highlighted by Culture Lab as part of the famed Queens arts center’s Pride celebrations. The show includes photographs taken in the U.S., as well as photos of transgender women in Cuba and spirit mediums (who may be women, gay men, transgender, or non-binary) in Burma and Thailand. A group exhibit inspired by her work, “Breaking more Boundaries,” accompanies the exhibit. Free, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., opening reception. Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City
Pride Weekend at the New York Aquarium, Coney Island
The Wildlife Conservation Society is celebrating Pride in Coney Island with a weekend of fun for all ages. On Saturday and Sunday, kids and their families are invited to celebrate the colorful weekend with crafting activities, photo opportunities, musical performances by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus and Broadway Cares, as well as exhibits of their favorite marine animals. All programming is included with the aquarium’s regular admission, with no additional fees. Aquarium admission starts at $25.95, Saturday and Sunday all day, New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
Sunday, June 4
Queens Pride, Jackson Heights
The second-oldest Pride march in the city is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Hosted by the LGBT Network, the New Queens Pride Parade will bring the borough’s multicultural LGBTQ community to a fun-filled procession along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights. Its traditional post-parade festival will keep the party going with food, local vendors and performances by NYC queer and trans powerhouses, including The House of Mugler, Gotham Cheer, the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus and The Masterz at Work Dance Family. Free, parade starts at 12, festival runs from 12 - 6 p.m. 37th Ave., from 89th St. to 75th St., Jackson Heights
Inclusive Pride Family Day at the Intrepid Museum, Manhattan
Take Pride to new heights at the Intrepid Museum. The beloved institution’s Inclusive Pride Family Day will teach families of ages about LGBTQ figures in space exploration and the Navy. Participants will take part in hands-on art and storytelling activities that will highlight the importance of self-expression. A social narrative, visual vocabulary and visual schedule will be sent to every family before the event. Free, with pre-registration. 1 - 4 p.m at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, W. 46th St. Manhattan
Monday, June 5
Celebration for “The Stroll” at the Whitney Museum, Manhattan
The Meatpacking District’s world-famous art museum dedicated to 20th-century and contemporary American art is known for its elaborate, creative and well-attended Pride celebrations. This year, Pride at the Whitney kicks off with “A Celebration for ‘The Stroll,’” following the New York premiere of the new HBO Documentary film “The Stroll” (2023), directed by Kristen Lowell and Zachary Drucker. The event will honor the history of the Meatpacking District and the trans sex workers who helped shape the neighborhood. Following the film screening in Gansevoort Plaza, as part of NewFest Pride film series, the museum will host an after-hours event at featuring music, dancing, and refreshments. Free, pre-registration required. 10 p.m. at the Whitney Museum, 99 Gansevoort St., Manhattan
Tuesday, June 6
Brooklyn Pride Interfaith Service
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights is hosting an interfaith service to celebrate Brooklyn Pride. Different faith-based groups are invited to participate as a way to educate lay people, build supportive communities, and foster self-acceptance and advocacy within the context of religious faith. “We believe this interfaith service/dialogue will reveal the power of religious traditions and provide the inspiration, guidance, and validation necessary for the LGTQIA+ population at a time when religion is being used to perpetuate division, suffering and chaos in the community,” organizers said. Free, 6 - 7:30 p.m. St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. 157 Montague St. Brooklyn
Lesbian Love Story: Amelia Possanza in conversation with Casey McQuiston, Manhattan
Brooklyn-based writer Amelia Possanza chats with “Red, White & Royal Blue” author Casey McQuiston about how lesbian love could help us reimagine care and community. Possanza’s new book, “Lesbian Love Story: A Queer History of Sapphic Romance,” uncovers the romances and role models written out of history and what their stories can teach the world about how to love. The event is part of the beloved New York Public series “Live from NYPL” — Pride Month edition. Free, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Wachenheim Trustees Room at New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. 476 5th Ave.
Wednesday, June 7
Legacy of Pride Month at Yankee Stadium
The New York Yankees celebrate New York’s Legacy of Pride select games during Pride Month. A portion of every ticket sold in this special event ticket offer will benefit The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Each ticket includes a Yankees Pride Month hat, a hot dog and a 12oz. drink. Tickets start at $45. 7 - 9:30 p.m. Yankee Stadium. 1 E. 161 St., Bronx
Thursday, June 8
Teen Art Club: Show Your Pride! at Bloomingdale Library, Manhattan
Teens and young adults, ages 13 to 18, are invited to celebrate diversity and express their individuality with art at this fun New York Public Library Pride event. Participants will have a chance to create Pride-inspired crafts, such as pins, flags and bracelets, and show the world their Pride and what makes them unique. All art supplied will be provided. Free, 3-4 p.m., Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 110th Street.
Share Your Pride! at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The world’s first children’s museum is inviting kids and their families to paint the town red — or rather, paint a crown in rainbow colors to commemorate the start of Pride Month. Kids will then be able to wear their new colorful creations at the Brooklyn Pride Parade on Saturday. Participants will also contribute to the museum’s mural about what Pride means to them, and get information about marching at the parade as part of the museum float. Free, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
