Celebrating Pride In Greenwich Village

Though small LGBTQ+ communities had sprung up across New York City by the late 1960s, queer people still faced oppression and discrimination at the hands of both civilians and law enforcement. Police regularly raided bars and establishments that catered to the community to enforce sodomy laws and uphold the city’s moral code. After years of struggle, and on the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, the modern Gay Rights Movement began with the Stonewall Uprising. The community refused to continue to suffer in silence and two nights of demonstrations and riots followed a police raid on Greenwich Village’s own Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969.

The first Pride March was held on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. The Pride March is always an exceptionally happy and joyful celebration of the LGBTQ+ movement and community; however, it is also of significant national and international importance as an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.

However, we should keep in mind that Stonewall didn’t come out of a vacuum. Check out the video below with Billy Porter to learn more about the history of queer activism going all the way back to 1924.

There are countless favorite moments from marches that have passed through our neighborhood; our photos capture some of our favorites from our West 8th Street vantage point. Share yours with us and we will add them to our gallery! As we emerge out of COVID-19, we’re looking forward to celebrating Pride this year with all the bells and whistles, and of course with plenty of flags and rainbows to go with.

The 53rd NYC Pride March will begin at 12pm on June 26th from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. Marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the March will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument. It will then turn north on 7th Avenue, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial, before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street and 7th Avenue.

Not one for parades? Visit Pridefest! PrideFest is an annual LGBTQIA+ street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality.

Before the parade, there are still plenty of ways to have fun throughout the rest of the month! On June 12th Melissa E. Driscol will perform Live! Laugh! Love! Pride Edition at Stonewall Inn with John Bronston on piano and Ian and Dan on guitar and drums.

The Center is hosting the Garden Party at Pier 84; it will be an evening of extraordinary performances, music, special guests, and more. This celebration of Pride will be met with the vaccine requirements as of March 2022. All guests must provide proof of vaccination before entering the event. Purchase tickets here.

Keep an eye on our Events page as we continue to add exciting pride events throughout the month.