NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The theme for the 2024 Pride parade in New York City was revealed on Tuesday: "Reflect. Empower. Unite."
The theme is meant to emphasize the NYC Pride march as a crucial intersection for both Queer liberation and joy, according to a statement by the organizers.
Celebrating its 40th year, the parade draws inspiration from the activist history that propelled the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The theme encourages individuals, advocates, community leaders, and allies to reflect on the challenges they've faced together and empowers them to take action in shaping their collective future.
"At a time of division in our country and the world, this year's theme calls for unity within and throughout the LGBTQIA+ community and is a call to action for all allies, especially those in government and the private sector, to demonstrate their alliance with the community-at-large at this critical time in our nation's history," the statement read.
Audacy is a media partner of NYC Pride.
This year will also mark the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising which began when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York City's Greenwich Village, on June 28, 1969. This sparked tension among bar patrons and locals as the police removed people from the bar, resulting in six days of protests and clashes with law enforcement. The events at Stonewall became a significant moment that fueled the gay rights movement in the U.S. and globally.
The theme is especially relevant as the LGBTQIA+ community faces a growing number of challenges and attacks.
The Anti-Defamation League documented 356 instances of anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism in the U.S., between June 2022 and April 2023. Out of these, 305 were cases of harassment, 40 involved vandalism, and 11 were instances of assault. Almost half of these incidents (49%) were carried out entirely or significantly by individuals linked to extremist groups.
"The NYC Pride March is how we combat all the negativity; this is the celebration that brings people from every borough in the city and all parts of the world together, in joy, to share the accomplishments, talents and resilience of our community" said NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Pérez. "The March is where we demonstrate the strength that comes with inclusion, diversity and acceptance."
The NYC Pride 2024 calendar includes events like Youth Pride on Saturday, June 29, and the NYC Pride March & Broadcast along with PrideFest, the city's largest LGBTQIA+ street festival, on Sunday, June 30.
More details can be found on the NYC Pride events website.
