Queens Pride will celebrate the 23rd Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 7 in Jackson Heights. “This year’s theme, ‘Pride – Strength – Unity’ highlights the diversity that is Queens. Queens has the largest number of language/ethnic groups in the whole USA. Despite this linguistic and cultural vastness, we all come together to celebrate our accomplishments and continue to work towards further advancements” said Alan Reiff, Co-Chair, Queens Pride.
The parade’s Grand Marshals will include Mayor Bill de Blasio and APICHA Health Center. De Blasio was the first Mayor to march in a Queens Pride Parade (2014), as well as having a strong stance on increasing LGBT rights and inclusion in the city. Multi-Platinum singer CeCe Peniston will headline the festival celebrating the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community in Queens.
Councilman Daniel Dromm said,“When I founded the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee over 20 years ago, I was hopeful that we would increase the visibility of the LGBT community in Queens in a positive and impactful way. Having the Mayor of the City of New York as our Grand Marshal shows just how far we have come. The Mayor’s presence is an acknowledgment that the LGBT community in Queens and throughout the city is visible, welcome and included. I’m very proud of all the people who pour countless volunteer hours into making this event so special every year. I look forward to many more years of this celebration of LGBT pride in Queens.”
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