June 26, 2020
Gay Pride Celebration is Always the Most Fun Event of the Year — Even Virtually
The culmination of 2020 Pride Month is this Sunday, June 28th, with the 50th anniversary of the NYC Pride March. This year we will be celebrating with a virtual march. In 1970, the first Pride March took place, and has since become an annual event to advocate for civil rights and acceptance. While Sunday will be the most popular event, there are still many other activities happening from now until then!
Now more than ever, we must strive towards an environment where education and activism are the norm. In the current political climate, LGBTQIA+ rights and human rights are under attack in ways they haven’t been for many years. Therefore, it is essential for all of us to continue the conversation and stand up for people‘s right to be themselves and love who they wish. Join NYC Pride, community activists, organizers, politicians and more for a Virtual Rally, hosted by trans journalist Ashlee Marie Preston and trans actor Brian Michael Smith on Friday, June 26, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube! Register for the event here.
Before the march on Sunday, there is a great opportunity to warm up with a mixture of both dancing and cardio HIIT workouts as NYC Pride has partnered with 305 Fitness. You can access the class virtually on Friday, June 26th at 12pm EST with a 45-minute high-energy Cardio Dance Party led by NYC based instructor Darnell Kenney. There is no need to worry! This is a judgement-free zone and no fitness or dance experience is needed. All you need is water and a towel. The class is totally free so show off your moves, or lack of, and join here. You can also check out one of the #305LIVE classes on YouTube, or on Instagram handle @305fitness.
If you are an avid runner, or like to run, or sometimes run, or think you can probably run if you try… sign up for the virtual Pride 5k Art Run! This is a solo run for you and your quarantine buddies, where you can register and then dress up in colorful clothing and show your pride through the Runstreet Virtual Pride 5K Art Run. Take a selfie on your run and post it to Instagram, tagging @Runstreet to enter the photo content to win prizes. A portion of the proceeds for these ticket sales go to Callen-Lorde LGBTQ Community Center. To show your support, Runstreet will reshare your posts so that you can share your pride around the world. The Pride Run challenge is taking place up until 11:30 p.m. on June 28th to be eligible for prizes. Click here to register or learn more!
Lastly, on Sunday, June 28th, the Pride March will be held from 12 p.m until 2 p.m. EST, and will be accessible here. In the past, the Pride March has recognized many different issues, from the fight against AIDS to the recognition of those who have been lost to illness or violence. This year, the March will be recognizing front-line workers as well as several community leaders such as Dan Levy, The Ali Forney Center, Yanzi Peng, and Victoria Cruz.
The day will be full of special events and feature performances by Janelle Monáe, Deborah Cox, Billy Porter, Luísa Sonza, Rufus Wainwright, Michael James Scott, Tangina Stone, Monét X Change and Friends. In addition, Coco & Breezy will be premiering their new single made specifically for NYC Pride.
There will also be appearances and hosts such as Angelica Ross, MJ Rodriguez, Wilson Cruz, Miss Richfield 1981, Margaret Cho, Gloria Estefan, Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, Tamron Hall, Carly Rae Jepsen, Tituss Burgess, Scott Turner Schofield, Tatiana Maslany, WABC’s Ken Rosato, Lauren Glassberg, and Sam Champion.
This year we have the unique ability to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NYC Pride from wherever you are. You can join the festivities this week or tune in for the big celebration on Sunday, but either way don your rainbow and prepare to show your pride!
For more information on NYC Pride, visit: nycpride.org