In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn on historic Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. The rough handling and arrest of many patrons was the final straw for the gay community. Riots ensued and continued for the next five days. Though the Stonewall uprising didn’t start the gay rights movement, it was a galvanizing force for it and things gradually began to change. In 2016, President Obama designated the site of the riots as a national monument in recognition of its contribution to human rights.
June 28, 2019, marks 50 years since the Stonewall uprising. And, for the first time in its history, WorldPride is coming to New York. Once again, the site of the riots, Stonewall Inn, the Square and the surrounding streets and sidewalks of Greenwich Village, will be in the spotlight—this time for a celebration.
June is THE month to visit New York this year to celebrate gay pride. From exploring history to breaking world records to the parade, here are 7 ways to be a part of it.
WorldPride Mural Project
Art has long been a way to express hopes, dreams and fears and street art has always been revered in New York. So, there is no doubt that the WorldPride Mural Project will serve as a beacon of hope and pride to everyone visiting the city.
Fifty local and international artists were selected to create murals within the five boroughs of New York that reflect and honor the beauty, struggle, and strides of the LGBTQ+ community. The murals will be on display in Manhattan throughout the month of June. Macy’s, a perennial holiday favorite, is set to reveal its murals on June 6th in the Herald Square windows. You’ll find a full list of mural locations at www.2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/worldmuralproject.
Tour & Toast LGBTQ+ History
Although the Stonewall uprising brought attention to the LGBTQ+ community, documentation of gays living and socializing in New York City dates back well over 150 years. The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project was the first initiative to uncover this hidden past. Join experts on a walking tour of Greenwich Village starting in Washington Square Park. Along the way you’ll learn about the longstanding oppressive practices that led to the Stonewall uprising as well as the “Sip-In” at Julius’ as you explore the sites and bars where history was made. The tour ends with a toast to WorldPride at Julius’ Bar. www.nyclgbtsites.org.
Gay Green-Wood
The Project also pays homage to the dearly departed who made a lasting impact on LGBT history and culture with a trolley tour of The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn on June 16th. Led by Andrew Dolkart and Ken Lustbader, co-directors of the NYC LGBT Historic Site Project, the tour visits the graves of important LGBT figures including “It’s Raining Men” co-writer, Paul Jabara; sculptor of Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, Emma Stebbins; activists and founders of the Hetrick Martin Institute, Drs. Emery Hetrick and Damien Martin. Get your rainbow flags ready to place on the graves of these important historic activists. www.nyclgbtsites.org/gay-green-wood
Art, Fashion and Lipliner at The James Hotel
An official sponsor of WorldPride, the James Hotel will kick off the month-long celebration with an open-to-the-public art exhibit featuring icons in the LGBTQ community, with a focus on faces and places – people whose words and actions continue to inspire the LGBTQ Movement and sites where significant LGBTQ history has been shaped. The exhibit will explore six themes including Activism, Arts, Literature, Fashion, Nightlife and Pop Culture.
The celebration continues with more events including a “Love and Lipliner” Drag Queen Makeover Party. High profile drags including Alexis Michelle, Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo, Rose, Jasmine, Brita Filter, Kizha Carr and Vix will provide glamorous makeovers. The event will also provide education about the historical significance of drag in the community. Learn more about all the events as well as The James Pride Package at www.jameshotels.com.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not & Madame Tussaud’s
Be part of something big—REALLY big—as Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Madame Tussauds Times Square attempt to earn a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the longest feather boa. At 1.2 miles, it’s nearly four times the length of the Empire State Building. The massive rainbow boa will be unraveled on West 42nd Street in Times Square on June 20th as Lady Bunny, of “RuPaul’s Drag U” fame, emcees. The boa will remain on display throughout the month of June.
Ripley’s is also adding a red stiletto car—an actual car—to its collection of artifacts. And Madame Tussauds is transforming a section of its A-List room to a Gay-List featuring prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities. www.ripleysnewyork.com & www.madametussauds.com
Celebrate WorldPride 2019 on Pride Island
Get ready for a Gay Pride party weekend, Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at Pier 97 when Pride Island returns. This multi-day live music event includes an eclectic array of entertainers including the legendary Grace Jones, the versatile Teyana Taylor and Brazil’s most famous drag queen, Pabllo Vittar.
“We’re thrilled to be able to create this multi-day experience, which speaks to an inclusive set of Pride-goers, during one of the biggest Pride events in the world,” said Chris Frederick, Managing Director, NYC Pride. “With the iconic Grace Jones headlining on Saturday and the incredible list of curated talent, this musical experience is definitely not to be missed.” www.nycpride.frontgatetickets.com
The Main Events: From Opening to Closing
Although events take place all month, WorldPride 2019 | Stonewall 50 officially opens on June 26th. The opening ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn is the kick-off. Formatted as a benefit concert, performers include the ever-so-colorful Cyndi Lauper, DAYA and Chaka Khan. And leading the show is internationally acclaimed humanitarian Whoopi Goldberg. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE – three leading organizations in the LGBTQ+ movement based in New York City.
If you only make it to one event for Pride, it should be the Pride Parade. Commencing at noon on Sunday, June 30th from 26th Street and 5th Avenue, 115,000 marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. The March continues on Christopher Street, passing the site designated Stonewall National Moment and the New York City AIDS Memorial. The march concludes in Chelsea near 23rd Street and 7th Avenue. Grand Marshals for the celebration include the cast of POSE, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Gay Liberation Front, The Trevor Project and Monica Helms.
The official celebration concludes at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony in Times Square on Sunday night, June 30th. Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated stand-up comedian, Margaret Cho, will host the star-studded event headlined by influential speakers and renowned performers including the fabulous Melissa Etheridge. www.2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/events
Where to Stay:
NYC Pride partners with hotels throughout New York to make booking your lodging simple. Many sponsors offer discounts and several offer Pride-themed amenities and packages. You’ll find the complete list here: www.2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/visitor-info.
What to Do:
WorldPride Welcome Center – Located at 112 Christopher Street in New York City’s West Village, just blocks away from Stonewall National Monument, the welcome center will inspire statewide tourism with features such as interactive I LOVE NY kiosks, Pride events and an educational video wall showcasing destinations around the state popular with LGBTQ travelers. www.governor.ny.gov/worldpridewelcomecenter/
You’ll no doubt be busy with all the Pride events, but for more information on all New York has to offer visit www.nycgo.com