PHOTOS BY DEAN MOSES
“The fight for equality will not be silenced. We’re all people. We’re all equal.”
Colors of the rainbow fi ll NYC
streets for Pride celebrations
BY DEAN MOSES
The Big Apple showed its pride as thousands
marched through the streets Sunday, June 27.
The annual Pride March was once again made
a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this
was not apparent on the city streets which were alight
with a litany of colorful Manhattan events showing
LGBTQ+ pride.
Making Astor Place a safe space
First commencing in Astor Place at noon, hundreds
of onlookers gathered before a freshly assembled
stage to not only celebrate the Pride weekend, but to
also recognize the activist pioneers who came before
them, such as Marsha P. Johnson, and the infamous
1969 Stonewall riots that paved the way for the fi ght
for equality.
“We are here to celebrate, we are here to uplift each
other but we are here to also uplift the most oppressed
group of people in our community — the black trans
women,” one organizer of the Black Trans Liberation
March said. “Black culture is pride.”
As chants rang out “Black trans lives matter,” the
crowd parted so that individuals could show off their
styles and personality in a makeshift runway show. After
which, poets and musical performers dazzled attendees
before setting off on a march.
Queer Liberation march draws thousands
Later that afternoon, Bryant Park saw a rainbow tidal
wave of humanity, stretching from the steps of the lion
guarded New York Public Library down to the bright
streets of Times Square.
A kaleidoscope of colors on fl ags, scarves, hats, and
more were held up high as were revelers paraded along the
city streets chanting, “This is what community looks like.”
Jumping in the air, screaming, singing, and letting out
a jubilant cry, those in attendance made sure New York
City knew that they were proud. Thousands marched in
a gathering that has not been seen since the early Black
Lives Matter protests last summer.
While dozens of offi cers stood guard along Fifth Avenue,
the true spectacle stemmed down Seventh Avenue,
passing the Stonewall Inn and head into Washington
Square Park.
Marchers show the NYPD they are not welcome
by dancing on top of a squad car.
While the grand march drew colorful similarities to the
Pride March, it was very much a protest demanding Queer
Liberation — the third-annual march — resisting against
oppression and exploitation. In addition, this event made
it clear that the NYPD were not wanted as they chanted,
“F**K the 12,” and “No justice, no peace.”
The Astor Place event allowed attendees to show off their dance moves
and styles through a “Love is love!” chants rang out as this couple kissed. n impromptu runway.
12 July 1, 2021 Schneps Media