“America does not realize how lucky and privileged it is. There are so many millions of people around the world who cannot march on the streets because it is illegal to do so. I’m here representing my brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka who don’t have that privilege.”

“I’ve never seen so many queers! I can’t tell who’s straight, who’s gay—I can’t tell anything! People are just out and they’re doing their thing and they’re loving life. That’s not how it is where I’m from. And it all started with Stonewall, when we started taking back our rights and everyone started fighting back. I just love it.”

“The energy is such love. There’s so much love in the air. There’s people just going crazy. I love it, I love how everyone can relate to me. It’s just such an open environment. You can really be yourself.”

“This is the most people I’ve ever seen at Pride. Everybody out here supporting each other—you feel like you’re part of a community. This feels amazing! Everybody coming out, showing love! And Stonewall? Oh, damn! You can find a wifey at Stonewall! Not even playing. Stonewall feels like home. You know? Like, they got you.”

“This is the most exhilarating thing ever! To just be a part of such a huge moment like this, with all these people—it makes me feel like I have a family. It’s like I have 5 million friends today!”

“It’s such an amazing thing to see so many people being so accepting of our community. It is such a good vibe. Everyone is so sweet. People have literally gotten shot and killed for us to be here today. I don’t mean to cry, but it means so much to me. We’re finally making history here!”

“WorldPride is so beautiful! So many people are just smiling and having a good time. People are recognizing Stonewall and Marsha P. Johnson. Stonewall is the beginning of everything for us. It’s just so great seeing everybody supporting each other and showing love.”

“I felt like I was more proud today than I ever was. We’re out here celebrating gay, trans, people of color, everybody! Stonewall is a part of our heritage. It’s just good people getting together and supporting each other.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to be free. It’s 50 years of Stonewall. It’s very loving. It means a lot. I’m 46 years old and I can still wear a speedo on the street. What else can I say?”

“I’ve been coming to Pride in New York for most of my life, and WorldPride is for everybody. It’s a march for everyone. It feels like a supernova to be out here right now, all these beautiful people taking a stand for their rights.”

“WorldPride is seriously unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I got to see the anti-capitalist march, which was amazing. Everybody’s gay and it’s so great. Stonewall is important and still relevant today. The fight is not over!”

“WorldPride is life-changing. It’s just indescribable. It’s amazing how far this community has come, how far our history has come. I mean, think about how much we’ve accomplished in the last 50 years since Stonewall. It’s incredible. And we still have so much more work to do!”

“As a black gay man from Jamaica, it means a lot to me that we’ve come so far. Stonewall means power, it means fight! It means everything you see all around you during Pride.”

“We love the big party! And everybody all together, fighting for one cause. For me, Stonewall started our liberty. And now look at us—marching and fighting and loving. I just love everyone!” —DF

For more coverage, see our LGBTQ+ Guide.