“40 Years in Love: Notes from the 2023 Huntington Pride Parade” by Katheryn Laible
Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan when, following a raid of a then-illegal gay bar that included invasive personal inspections to validate individuals’ gender identities, folks of all stripes took to the streets to demand their right to exist and be openly themselves.
This was an extraordinary eruption of the human spirit that is seen as a tipping point in the Gay Rights movement. You can read about it here at the Library of Congress, the National Geographic, and the History Channel websites.
Fundamentally, it’s a celebration and affirmation of the broad spectrum of humans who may not fit neatly into cultural conceptions of gender, and a recognition that the biology of gender and sexuality is actually quite complex. It honors the significant contributions to society made by LGBTQ folks, asserts their fundamental right to exist, and welcomes them as our neighbors, family and friends.
The 36th Annual Long Island Pride Parade
According to the Long Island Pride website:
“Last year, more than 150,000 people marched, gathered, and celebrated across Long Island, Queens, and the North Fork under the theme Defiant Joy. In a time when LGBTQ+ people were being targeted in schools, legislatures, and public spaces, our community chose visibility over fear, connection over isolation, and joy over silence.
That choice mattered.
It sent a message — that we would not retreat, we would not be erased, and we would not be divided.
This year, we move forward with that same spirit and even greater resolve under a new theme:
UNSTOPPABLE PRIDE
Here. Now. Always.”
The 36th Annual Long Island Pride Parade
When: Sunday, June 14 from 12-5 pm
Where: Main Street Parade runs from Clinton Ave. to the festival in Heckscher Park
In coordination with LI Pride, which organizes the overarching event, The Heckscher Museum of Art will offer FREE admission from 12:00-5:00, and will be giving out pride coloring books, flags, pins, & stickers. There will be “Drag Runway Performances” in the Museum, featuring Drag Queen Miss J Bella at 2 & 3:30pm. You are warmly invited to come in your most fabulous garb and join the show!
The Heckscher invites folks to march with them in the parade, too. If you’d like to do that, you may sign up here.
Northport Pride
Over the last few years, the neighborly collaboration that is Northport Pridefest has made a concerted effort to ensure that everyone feels welcome here. On May 29th, following an interfaith prayer service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church centered on reflection, unity, and hope, the Pride Flag was raised above Northport Village Hall and the Village Police Department.
This marked the beginning of “Pride Fest,” a month-long community celebration. There was a “Pints for Pride” event at Sand City, and a “Smile Stories” event at Twisted Cow Distillery. ART POP did a paint and sip. Learn more on the Northport Pridefest website and Instagram.
The main event, held by waterfront, is run in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Northport.
What: “Pride Fest In the Park”
When: Saturday, June 20 from 12:30-4_30pm
Where: Northport Village Park
For More Information: Visit the Northport Pridefest Website
According to their website “Attendees are invited to show up and celebrate their authentic selves. The event will feature a curated program hosted by the fabulous drag queen LaBelle, music by DJ Mike, community members sharing their stories, and a park full of non-profit organizations & businesses. While in town, explore Northport Village’s many specialty shops, galleries, eateries, wine bar, brewery, historical museum and experience all that scenic Northport has to offer.”
More Long Island Events
More events run by the NY LGBT Network include
Pride Night at Citi Field
When: Saturday, June 26, 7:10pm
For More Information: Visit the NY LGBT Network Website
North Fork Pride Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, June 27, 12-4pm
For More Information: Visit the Northfork Pride Website
Thrive Social Series
When: To be Rescheduled
For More Information: Visit the NY LGBT Network Website
The mission, as articulated by the NY LGBT Network is to build, “Safe, affirming, and connected communities where we all thrive together.” Let’s do it.
