A New Yorker’s Guide To New York: Pride

WorldPride is coming to NYC, and we’re ready to party! Set to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, which set off the gay pride movement, New York is welcoming the world to its annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration.

Over 4 million visitors are expected to come to NYC for WorldPride and the surrounding festivities, so it’s going to be a lot. But don’t worry henny, ‘cause as New Yorkers, we know how to do Pride like no other. So here’s the T:


Don’t get lost in the crowd. The annual Pride March on Sunday, June 30 is the centerpiece of the celebration, with floats from all different organizations, including some of our favorite Broadway shows. It’s a lot to take in, and the crowds around Christopher Street can get ridiculous, so do what we do and watch the parade from higher up in the numbered streets on either Fifth Avenue (the beginning) or Seventh Avenue (the end).

Self-care is key. To quote RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?” Well in this case, loving yourself means wearing sunscreen at any outdoor Pride festivities and hydrating in sun… or on the dance floor. Pop into a bodega or Duane Reade and get a bottle of water, or better yet, bring your own reusable bottle and fill it with our world-famous NYC tap water. And as always, be kind to your feet and wear comfy (but stylish) shoes for all the walking and dancing you’re going to do.

It’s a family affair. Even though the Pride March is mostly for grown-ups, tons of New Yorkers bring their seen-everything kids to witness a little self-acceptance… and body positivity, if you know what we mean. If your kids aren’t ready for it, there’s still plenty they can do to celebrate. Check out Youth Pride in Central Park on Saturday, June 29, a place for teens and their allies to celebrate with fun interactive experiences, games and entertainment. It’s free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Fuel up with brunch. New Yorkers love brunch. LGBTQ+ New Yorkers LOOOOVE brunch. So while you might be used to walking into a restaurant and getting a table, we’d recommend finding a place that takes reservations. Or do what we do and wait for the Pride March to start, and then snag a table. Or book yourself for a drag brunch, where some of the city’s top queens serve up a little eleganza with their mimosas.

Bring an open mind. New York is the world’s most accepting and diverse city, so if you’re coming for a visit, especially around WorldPride, you’ll have a great time if you just join in the fun. Trust us, New York is way better when you let all your inhibitions go!


The Show to See Now: The Prom


Broadway’s hilarious and huge-hearted new hit is a fabulous way to laugh your way through Pride. Four down-on-their-luck Broadway stars try to raise their profiles by getting involved in a small-town controversy making national headlines: a student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom. Now the entire town has a date with destiny in this joyous and original musical that’s as much about listening up as it is about singing out.