New York City will be the epicenter of global LGBTQ+ celebrations as WorldPride heads to the Big Apple. From celebrations honoring the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising to waving your rainbow flag at the Pride March, an array of NYC WorldPride 2019 festivities are taking place all over the city.
Here are a few events to check out.
A Night at the Movies
From the queens of Paris Is Burning to the peach enthusiasts of Call Me By Your Name, queer cinema has brought the LGBTQ+ community together. The tradition continues with OutCinema, a small film festival taking place at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea June 17-19 (7-11pm). The event will include screenings, Q&A sessions, and after-parties. This year’s marquee will feature the queer coming-of-age tale Adam, the U.K. ballroom documentary Deep in Vogue, and the fabulous drag chronicle WIG.
For family-friendly cinema, head to Family Movie Night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 on June 21 (6:30 -10pm). Kids and their LGBTQ+ parents can enjoy Disney/Pixar’s Día de Muertos romp Coco! – it’s a tear-jerker, but the always hilarious drag hostess Miss Richfield 1981 will ensure crowds are giggling.
LGBTQ+ Activism
WorldPride shows its serious side with its Human Rights Conference June 24–25 (9am-5pm). Hosted by New York Law School, this conference will bring together activists, artists, policymakers, and educators to shed light on the challenges facing the global LGBTQ+ community. This year’s keynote dialogue on Black Trans Power will feature influential voices such as Out Magazine executive editor Raquel Willis and writer-producer Janet Mock from the television show Pose.
Honoring the Stonewall Uprising
On June 28, 1969, the New York City Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich. Fed up with the harassment, patrons stood against homophobic and transphobic policing, leading to a pivotal moment in the modern Gay Liberation Movement.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, The Rally: Stonewall 50 Commemoration (6-9pm) will unite the community on the corner of Christopher St. and Waverly Place to memorialize the uprising and pay tribute to all who have fought for the community’s rights since.
WorldPride Scene
WorldPride 2019 will present numerous opportunities to see and be seen. For those looking for fun, head to Pier 40 June 22 (6-10pm) for CosPlay and Pride, where LGBTQ+ folks from the ComicCon scene will flaunt their costumes, ranging from furry fun to anime awesomeness.
Foodies should check out Savor Pride, where culinary experts will tempt you with delicious samples and celebrity chef cooking demonstrations. Proceeds will benefit God’s Love We Deliver, which has provided necessary nutrition to New Yorkers facing medical challenges since the AIDS epidemic, located at 166 6th Ave.
WorldPride will also feature a space for queer youth with Youth Pride on June 29 (noon-6pm) at Central Park Summerstage, featuring entertainment, games, and interactive experiences at this free event. Look out for music from headliner Ava Max, DJ Nhandi, and Deetranada, with appearances by Angelica Ross and Hailie Sahar from Pose.
Get Your Groove On
Join the VIP Rooftop Party at The Park on June 29 (2 – 10pm) featuring tunes spun by DJs GRIND, Toy Armada, Ben Bakey, and Kitty Glitter. Later that evening, some of New York’s hottest queer parties will collaborate for a mega-party at The DL called Teaze. Additionally, The Park will host Femme Fatale, a female-focused party on June 30 (4pm-midnight).
Can’t-Miss Moments
WorldPride Opening Ceremony
Get ready to kick off the festivities with actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg hosting the WorldPride Opening Ceremony at Barclays Center June 26 (7-10pm). Expect performances from Cyndi Lauper, Chaka Kahn, and Ciara, all benefiting LGBTQ+ charities such as the Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE.
Diva Celebration
As Madonna sings, ‘Music makes the people come together.’ Accordingly, June 23’s #HOWABOUTLOVE concert at Green Room 42 will celebrate 50 Years of Divas. Broadway-caliber entertainers will pay tribute to the big voices that keep the LGBTQ+ community dancing. Madonna will also grace the stage during the three-day music event Pride Island, alongside artists like Brazilian drag sensation Pablo Vittar, pop star Amara Le Negra, DJ Johnny Dynell, and Grace Jones, shaking up Hudson River Park’s Pier 97 on June 29-30.
The Grand Finale
Pride culminates with several major events on June 30. The March kicks off at noon from 26th Street and 5th Ave, heading south, turning west on 8th St., passing the Stonewall National Monument on Christopher St., and continuing up 7th Ave. past the NYC AIDS Memorial before finishing at 23rd St. This is anticipated to be the largest pride march ever, with six million people expected to fill the streets.
Pridefest (11am-6pm) serves up street fair vibes on 4th Ave between Union Square and Astor Place. Stop by for eclectic food, giveaways, and plenty of rainbow-hued memorabilia.
Bid farewell to Pride on Sunday night with host Margaret Cho at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony in Times Square, featuring performances by Jake Shears, Deborah Cox, MNEK, Melissa Etheridge, and the cast of Broadway’s The Prom. Note that this event will have stringent security and no restrooms – be prepared.
These are just the events officially sanctioned by WorldPride. Various other Pride events will be happening in New York, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
