The sun shone brightly over the streets of Jackson Heights, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the New York City, as the annual Queens Pride celebration once again brought the LGBTQ+ community together in a vibrant display of love, acceptance, and unity. As New York City’s first big pride event of the year, Queens Pride is a great way to kick off the season.
Scroll down to see my video of the pride parade, or click here to watch it on my YouTube channel!
As the clock struck noon, the sidewalks teemed with excitement. Rainbow-clad individuals of every age and countless nationalities and identities filled the streets. Diverse music also filled the streets, drawing people from all walks of life to join in the celebration.
Families with children, couples holding hands, and friends arm in arm navigated the bustling streets, eager to immerse themselves in the festivities. Some local businesses decorated their storefronts with rainbows, proudly displaying their support of the LGBTQ+ community.
When is Queens Pride — and What Is It?
Queens Pride is New York City’s second-oldest and second-largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration (after the gigantic one in Manhattan). It takes place on the first Sunday of June every year, in Jackson Heights, a Queens neighborhood that’s popular with LGBTQ+ people year round, thanks to its thriving nightlife, diverse ambiance and attractive residences.
The event kicks off at 12 noon with a pride parade down 37th Avenue, and I always arrive early so I can take better photos of people before they start marching. There are floats and groups of many sizes and purposes in this parade, from school groups to political organizations, from politicians to gay bars, from WCBS-TV to multiple AIDS service organizations. Among my favorite groups, every year, are the Queer Big Apple Corps, a lively marching band, a Brazilian-style women’s drum troupe and two groups of enthusiastic cheerleaders. Surprisingly, even Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport had a float in the parade this year (which is very exciting for a travel nerd like me).
The weather cooperated throughout the day, both for the parade and for the Queens Pride festival, which takes place every year on 37th Road, near the parade route. Two stages hosted a variety of performers — from drag queens to musicians, dancers to spoken-word artists. The tantalizing aromas of diverse cuisines filled the air, creating a mouthwatering atmosphere that enticed even the pickiest eaters, thanks to the dozens of vendors who lined 37th Road as well as 75th street, selling food, pride gear and other items.
Community organizations and local businesses also set up booths, offering resources, information, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Overall, Queens Pride is a time of celebration, connection and empowerment, where people could find the resources they needed and build meaningful connections.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate pride in one of the most diverse neighborhoods on earth — or perhaps looking for LGBTQ+ travel tips for an LGBTQ+ vacation that goes beyond the usual events and activities to showcase a more authentic, lesser-known New York City experience — put Queens Pride on your travel calendar.