June has arrived, and with its arrival, the LGBTQIA+ community of the Big Apple shouts present. And this Sunday, June 2, the famous Queens Pride Parade, which reaches its 32nd edition, marks the beginning of Pride Month in every corner of New York.
Starting at 12:00 noon, the popular 37th Avenue, in Jackson Heights, between 89th and 75th streets, will become not only an area of celebration and participation for thousands of members of the LGBTQIA+ community but also for New Yorkers who support and value the value of diversity. The invitation is to go out and march in favor of equality and justice for all.
This was stated by David Kilmnick, president of the LGBT Network, the organization that promotes the event, after stating that they hope this year’s event will be an unforgettable celebration.
“As organizers of New Queens Pride, the LGBT Network is thrilled to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of New Queens Pride in the most diverse neighborhood in the country. With more than 50,000 participants, we are excited to come together as a living, united community,” said the parade organizer. “This celebration not only marks the beginning of Pride for the entire New York region, but also highlights the strength and resilience of our diverse community. We hope it will be a day full of joy, solidarity and a common effort in favor of equality and justice for all. We invite everyone to join us.”
The event, which is usually attended by entire families, adults, children and seniors, will also feature multiple performances from organizations defending diversity and respect for LGBTQIA+ rights with a concert to be held on 75th Street, in the intersection with 37th Avenue.
The organizers of the event mentioned that the day will honor several outstanding figures in New York, who will be awarded the titles of Grand Marshals of the New Queens Pride of 2024, and who represent leadership, defense and diversity.
State Senator Leroy Comrie will be the honorary Grand Marshal of the 2024 Queens Pride Parade, Billy Verde, a teacher at the A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Manhattan and dedicated community servant, who was honored as the state’s Teacher of the Year New York and community advocate Ambar Ferrer complete the list of honorary figures.
“Ambar’s deep pride in her community extends beyond her honor as Grand Marshal. Under his leadership, Friend’s Tavern and Viva La Heights of Jackson Heights celebrate individuality, inclusion and empowerment, providing a safe and uplifting space 365 days a year,” they said about the leader of the LGBTQIA + community. “The businesses benefit those in the community who want to feel accepted, connect with others and enjoy a good time in a safe space. Ambar’s pride also extends to her family, which includes members who openly identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Ambar assured that the support and acceptance of her family has been a “blessing on her journey” and she sees it as an example that “more people should quickly adopt.”
Bonifacio Morales, originally from Colombia, who has lived in Queens for more than 7 years, took advantage of the date to call on families to support their LGBTQ members, as he warned that the most important thing so that people in his community can feel more trusted and valued is the support of relatives and friends.
The Queens Parade will be this Sunday in Jackson Heights. Photo: Edwin Martinez
“Although many do not believe it, in this era there is still homophobia and there are those who, even within our own families, see us as a mob, or as if we were something of the devil, as happened to me when I had to flee from my people to be able to have a free and quiet life,” says the 29-year-old, who adds that Queens has made him feel in safe territory. “Sadly I do not have family to support me, but here in this county I found people who value and respect me and who love me, and that is a reason to celebrate this Sunday, but also to ask everyone to support their children always, and that they love and respect them with their differences. “We are all children of God.”
The Mexican Samuel Hernández, who has lived in New York for more than two decades, and who commented that he is ready to enjoy Sunday’s parade with an elderly friend, with whom he shares respect for diversity, mentioned that now more that the LGBTQIA+ community should never remain united.
“I think that beyond all this that has been happening regarding multiple genders, what should prevail is the support among all of us for our cause, for our fight for respect for the rights that we have as human beings and that must be equal.” , regardless of whether some of us are businessmen or dishwashers or teachers or cooks. “We are all equal,” said the Jackson Heights resident. “We have already won several rights and spaces that had been denied to us, but in the presence of currents that want to take away our rights, we must remain together and united so that they can see our power.”
Bianey García, one of the main defenders of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighted that in addition to celebrating pride, this date should be a space to remember those who are no longer here and demand justice for all.
The Queens Parade will be this Sunday in Jackson Heights. Photo: Edwin Martinez
“Queens Pride has been a space for our trans and queer immigrant communities to march and make visible the injustices we continue to face within our state. Historically, we have marched to highlight violence against our brothers and honor those we have lost over the years,” said the Mexican activist, adding that many will also march to show support for Palestine.
“Our goal has been for the Queens community to support and protect us when we face violence as openly trans and queer sex workers and communities affected by unjust laws. This year, as we march to demand access to employment, our members also stand in solidarity with our brothers in Palestine,” said García. “We march with their names and struggles in our hearts, understanding that our liberation is interconnected.”
Latina Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, who will also be in the parade, called on Queens residents to join the parade to send a clear message about inclusion, diversity and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We invite you to kick off Pride month by marching with us in the New Queens Pride Parade. Let’s show the world that in Queens we support our LGBTQIA+ family! See you on Sunday and let’s remember that love is love,” said the Colombian politician.
Facts about the parade
- Date: June 2
- Location: Jackson Heights, Queens
- Start time: 12 noon
- End time: 6:00 pm
- Route: Along 37th Avenue from 89th Street to 75th Street
- 77 Calle y Avenida Roosevelt will have a pride stage
- It is the 2nd largest LGBTQ event in the Big Apple