As Pride Month begins, queer people have been left wondering what the annual celebrations will look like, in the wake of both the global COVID-19 outbreak and the continued protests against police brutality happening around America.
Now, NYC Pride has provided an answer for New Yorkers. The organization announced on Wednesday (June 3) that on Friday, June 26 (which would have marked the start of the now-canceled Pride events across the city), they will host a virtual rally, alongside their partners GLAAD and the National LGBTQ Task Force, to protest against police brutality.
Hosted by transgender actor Brian Michael Smith and transgender journalist Ashlee Marie Preston, the event will feature appearances from activists, organizers and politicians including Ceyenne Doroshow, Annie Segarra, Edafe Okporo, Leandro E. Rodriguez Ramosand and more, to stand with the ongoing protests.
“Show up in force as a community to change the future and make your voice heard in this re-imagined Rally experience,” read a statement from NYC Pride. “The first Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a ‘Gay Power’ demonstration in Washington Square Park, followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city.”
The NYC Pride Rally will take place Friday, June 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on NYC Pride’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages. Register for the free event here.
