June has been an important month for the LGBTQ+ rights movement since New York City's first Pride march - then dubbed the "Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day" march - on June 28, 1970.
That event marked an act of defiance from the year before, a 1969 uprising at New York City's Stonewall Inn. After a police raid at the gay bar, a crowd partly led by trans women of color channeled their anger to confront authorities. It was a catalyst to what became a global movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
For more than a half-century, the annual marches have been an opportunity to demand action on specific issues such as the AIDS epidemic and same-sex marriage while also serving as a public celebration.
The month of pride and celebration comes at a time when there is deep concern about growing hate speech and new restrictions that impact the community.
"There are over 500 anti LGBTQ+ laws being proposed this year alone and we're only halfway through the year," said NYC Pride co-chair Sue Doster.
This year's theme for the NYC Pride March is Strength in Solidarity.
"It was very important to us to emphasize the importance of solidarity and standing up for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves," Doster said.
Lauren Glassberg has more on the NYC Pride March and other activities
Pride Month activities gear up ahead of big NYC Pride March this weekend
We are your home for the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 25. Watch the broadcast from noon until 3 p.m. on Channel 7 and anywhere you stream ABC7NY. And be sure to join us Saturday, June 24 for our special as we tell inspiring stories about pride.
[Ads /]
NYC Pride schedule of events:
Sat Jun 17
THE RALLY
4:30pm - 154 Christopher Street
Sun Jun 18
THE BRUNCH
11:30am- The Altman Building, 135 W 18th St
Sat Jun 24
YOUTH PRIDE
[Ads /]
12:00pm - Venue TBA
Sat Jun 24
TEAZE
2:00pm - Club Lambda BK, 1031 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY
Sun Jun 25
THE MARCH
10am PRESS CONFERENCE - Press Conference Location TBA
Marchers will start from 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, and proceed south on Fifth Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing Sixth Avenue, the march will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument, and turn north on Seventh Avenue, before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street and Seventh Avenue.
Sun Jun 25
[Ads /]
PRIDEFEST
11am to 6pm- 4th Avenue between East 8th Street and East 13th Street
Sun Jun 25
PRIDE ISLAND, Christina Aguilera headliner
2pm to 10pm - Brooklyn Army Terminal, 80 58th St, Brooklyn, NY
Sun Jun 25
BLISS DAYS
2:00pm - The DL, 95 Delancey St
RELATED | Grand Marshals announced for 2023 NYC Pride March
Grand Marshals announced for 2023 NYC Pride March
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube