NYC Pride 2022: Here’s what’s on!

23rd May 2022 John Hernandez

NYC Pride kicks into high gear with the announcement of this year’s Grand Marshals and national broadcast plans for The March on June 26.

Ts Madison, Punkie Johnson, Schuyler Bailar, Dominique Morgan, and Chase Strangio will head this year’s celebration, with Angelica Ross returning for a second year as co-host and featured performer of the broadcast special on ABC-7.

The theme of this year’s Pride is “Unapologetically Us”, celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and reinforcing the need to create an environment where we all can be safe and healthy living as our authentic selves.

NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Perez summed up the sentiment with the following statement: “Our community has been through tremendous hardships over the past few years, beginning with the pandemic, and continuing with a reckoning with social justice, threats to our democracy, and more recently armed conflict overseas. Compounding these struggles is the onslaught of legislation around the country that directly targets LGBTQIA+ individuals. In spite of these challenges and attacks, we are here to tell the country and the world: we will not be erased. We will stand together to face these attacks on our LGBTQIA+ siblings across the country and around the world. We will continue to love and live our truth and be our full and complete selves – and we are not going to apologize for it.”

All the programming for this year was created with these ideals in mind. The following is a roundup of the major upcoming NYC Pride events:

June 15 – Family Movie Night

The film and location are still TBD but it is guaranteed that the movie will be suitable for all ages and will take place outdoors. Admission is free, although paid VIP seating options are available. Reserve you tickets HERE.

June 17 – Pride Presents

NYC Pride, in partnership with Tribeca, produces this unique cinematic event celebrating LGBTQIA+ film during Pride. This year’s feature film, Disclosure, will make its film festival debut on the East Coast as part of Pride Presents. It will also feature screenings of the short films Beautiful They and Leaf Boat. Tickets to the event held at Spring Studios were free but are unfortunately all gone.

June 19 – The Brunch

This special culinary experience is hosted by and curated in partnership with Chef Sicily Sierra (pictured above). This annual event celebrates local business leaders and the impact they have made on their queer communities. In 2022 the event will celebrate Black LGBTQIA+ leaders in the community to honor Juneteenth, highlighting folx doing amazing work in the business sector. This immersive experience will feature opportunities to connect with community members, an awards ceremony, performances, open bar/cocktail stations and so much more. The Brunch will be held at 74Wythe. Get tickets HERE.

June 23 – The Conference

The Conference is an annual symposium led by transformative changemakers in the queer community, focusing on developing new ideas and approaches to activism and community. The Conference will take place from 9am to 7:30pm EDT featuring an opening plenary, cocktail reception, and numerous networking opportunities. NYC-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist keiyaA will kick off the conference with a special grounding moment. Northwell Health will provide a Mental Health panel with representation from interdisciplinary professionals including the Freidman Transgender Center and the Zucker Hillside Hospital mental health facility and psychiatric center. Additional programming will be provided by key partners including Film Fatales, and Dr. David Johns of the National Black Justice Coalition.

After 2 years of hosting this event virtually the experience is back in person at New York Law School with firm Covid-19 prevention protocols. This year’s one day conference will consist of powerful conversations, networking opportunities, interactive workshops, an amazing keynote session and a special cocktail reception to end the evening. The conference will return in a HYBRID format, meaning conference participants will be able to engage with a limited selection of content during the event. Purchase tickets HERE.

June 24 – The Rally

After two years of rallying the LGBTQIA+ online due to the covid-19 pandemic, the NYC Pride Rally is BACK in person! The first Rally occurred one month after the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, when 500 people gathered for a “Gay Power” demonstration in Washington Square Park and followed by a candlelight vigil in Sheridan Square. NYC Pride has continued this proud tradition by hosting the event in various locations throughout the city. Location will be at The Battery and hosted by Raquel Willis andSage Dolan-Sandrino. This is a free event. Reserve tickets HERE.

June 25 – Youth Pride

This celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ teens and teen allies returns this year. Location is TBD. This event is free but registration is required starting May 31^st HERE.

June 25 – Fantasy Days

Formerly known as the VIP Rooftop Party, NYC Pride is reintroducing their iconic circuit party as Fantasy Days. Ana Paula, Marco da Silva, Kurtis Jose and DJ Mohammad are all lined up to spin at this event being held at the Harbor Rooftop. Get your tickets HERE.

June 25 – Teaze

Teaze is a unique party experience “teazing” some of the most diverse parties New York City has to offer! Attendees will dance the day away with music from a mix of beloved DJs and performers at 3 Dollar Bill, one of the most inclusive party venues in Brooklyn. Participants will have the opportunity to experience FOUR Queer party experiences during this day party event, all of which center on BIPOC individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community and provide safe spaces year-round. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

June 25 and 26 – Pride Island

Pride Island, NYC’s premiere LGBTQIA+ music festival, moves to Governors Island this year. Saturday will feature performances from Lil’ Kim, Shenseea, Netta, Raye and Papi Juice. Sunday will feature headliner Kim Petras with sets from DJ’s Eddie Martinez, Dani Toro and Alex Chapman. Tickets are on sale now HERE.

June 26 – Pridefest

The annual street fair return to Greenwich Village, located just blocks from the parade route. It will include a full entertainment stage, interactive family area, dozens of unique vendors and a curated food line-up. This is open and free to the public starting at 11 AM.

June 26 – The March

The 53rd NYC Pride March will begin at noon on June 26th from 25th Street and 5th Avenue. Marchers will proceed south on 5th Avenue before heading west on 8th Street. After crossing over 6th Avenue, the March will continue on Christopher Street passing the Stonewall National Monument. It will then turn north on 7th Avenue, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial, before dispersing in Chelsea at 16th Street and 7th Avenue. More than 75% percent of all marching groups are non-profit organizations, and more than half of all marching groups are participating free-of-charge.

June 26 – Bliss Days

Formerly known as Femme Fatale, this event celebrates the womxn in our community. Enjoy rotating DJ’s, dancers, pop up performances and special guest appearances at this highly anticipated party event. DJ line-up is still being worked out, but the event will be held at Harbor Rooftop. Tickets are available HERE.