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Ricky Velasquez, Ally & Firefighter, Squad 18, NYC
“It’s a beautiful day. It brings everybody together. It’s about equality, and you see a lot of smiles on people’s faces. There’s so much color and diversity. They march by Stonewall and it’s become this landmark, like a memorial. It brings people together and allows us to remember.
Christina Speidel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Claude Tant, Florida
“NYC is where it’s all started. You haven’t been to Pride until you’ve been to Pride in New York. Everybody comes together. And we fought for this. Stonewall gave us the liberties to do what we do today. This is the reason we’re able to be out here and not worry about being attacked.”
Dusty Ray Bottoms, Harlem, Manhattan
“We have people from all over the world celebrating diversity, culture, trans and being gay as a community. Everyone is celebrating, everyone is marching. We’re making our voices heard, and we’re showing our visibility in this city. I don’t think you get that anywhere else.”
Shine Dharan, Tribeca, Manhattan
Tiffany Royster, Washington, DC
“Pride to me is culture, fun, community and love. Stonewall is iconic. It did a lot of barrier breaking, and that’s important for people to know—especially for our younger generations who are just coming out. They’re able to be as free as they are today because of what happened at Stonewall.”
James Neiley, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
“It’s the one time when different tribes of the queer community celebrate and look after each other in a really unique way. There needs to be an anchor for that, and NYC Pride is that anchor. It’s like a huge party but rooted in this respect, honoring where we’ve come as a community.”
Paul Insley, Pennsylvania
“Pride is a chance to see all of the people who make the LGBTQ+ community as vibrant as it is and be a part of that incredible rainbow. This is where it all started—Stonewall is where this all began. It was the point at which the world began to pay attention, where Pride was born.”
Devon Chisholm, Westchester, New York
Hayley Sydor, Astoria, Queens
Mike Salinari, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (and Stonewall Inn manager)
“Stonewall is a gay rights movement. It’s the future of gay rights. It’s a church for the LGBTQ+ community. To see all these people out here is incredible. NYC Pride is the most entertaining, the most festive, the most colorful Pride. It’s the energy! You gotta be here to feel it!”
Desi Sulca, Ridgewood, Queens
“It just feels like for one day that everyone is a collective. We celebrate ourselves and we feel like superheroes. And we feel like we can shine and be here and be present and everyone is supporting you. It’s magical. It’s free. You’re visible. Everyone is just cheering you on. It’s massive but it’s family.”
Brian Musbek, Upper East Side, Manhattan
“NYC Pride is so cultural. This is the Pride to be at. It’s all-accepting; everyone here is just fun, nice and they want to know about you and want to know your stories. I’m pretty new to the gay scene but from stories I hear, Stonewall is the beginning of everything, and it’s the reason we’re here today.”
John Fox, Long Island, New York
“It’s the diversity of all the people, all races, all genders, sexualities, and they get molded into one beautiful parade. I love being a part of it because I’m just one piece of this big gay puzzle. I love being here. I love hearing everyone shouting, ‘Yaaas! Werq!’ And next year is gonna be even bigger. It’s the 50th—it’s gonna be huge!”
For everything you need to know about Pride 2019, visit our guide.
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More In LGBTQ
NYC Pride Week in Photos, 2018
NYC Pride comprises all kinds of gatherings and events throughout June that share a common thread: at each, everyone is welcome to be themselves. During 2018’s celebration of diversity, culture and history, we spoke to participants from all over to find out what Stonewall and the March mean to them. Look through our gallery to see the spirit of Pride.