NYC Pride has chosen "Strength in Solidarity" as its official 2023 theme to illuminate unity within the LGBTQIA+ community emphasizing the power in strength. Among significant challenging struggles faced within the community, NYC Pride continues to promote and encourage positivity through all that will be and has been accomplished. Fierce determination, and unwavering commitment to supporting one another, exemplifies how fear and intimidation are defeated when individuals unite proving that "Strength in Solidarity" is boundless.
“Many individuals within our community are recognized for their unyielding creativity and ingenuity, and when we blend the individual threads of our community with those of our allies, together we can see the magnificent tapestry our combined effort produces,” said NYC Pride Executive Director Sandra Pérez. “The fact that 91% of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in 2022 failed to become law is an example of our strength in solidarity."
From a historical prospective, one of the most profound and or symbolic LGBTQ+ victories to date, is the origins of the Rainbow Flag. Harvey Milk, an iconic activist and native long Islander, campaigned on a pro-gay rights platform, and later became the fist openly gay man elected to political office (1978) as San Fransisco's City Supervisor. Essentially, he initiated the creation of today's proudly celebrated #LoveIsLove flag, with the assistance of Gilbert Baker, artist/designer for San Fransisco's annual pride parade (1978). Baker's decision to incorporate rainbow colors within the flag symbolized togetherness, all races, ages and genders which encompassed the natural beauty of a rainbow.
For information on upcoming NYC Pride events including the annual NYC Pride March on June 25th, visit NYC Pride's Event Page.
If you are interested in being part of Long Island Pride 2023, visit the official Long Island Pride for Pride month events, support, updates, etc...
