Numerous landmarks will be lit up this weekend to celebrate LGBTQ Pride weekend, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Friday. (Updated with photo)
One World Trade Center, Pershing Square Viaduct, Kosciuszko Bridge, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Mid-Hudson Bridge, Whiteface Lake Placid Olympic Center, SUNY Central Administration Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith Building, Niagara Falls and State Fair Main Gate and Exposition Center will be Illuminated in the colors of the Pride or transgender flag colors.
“New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ rights movement, and this year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in New York City. We have and continue to lead the way on equality. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally legalized surrogacy, helping LGBTQ couples start or grow their families in the Empire State,” Cuomo said. “Celebrating Pride during the pandemic will certainly be different this year for our LGBTQ community. Lighting these landmarks is just one way we can come together this month and celebrate the progress we’ve made and send a clear message to the federal government and the world that LGBTQ people are welcomed in this state, and we will never stop fighting for equality.”
All across the State, organizers have moved Pride events online to encourage participants to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. Virtual Prides can serve as a way to stay connected to the LGBTQ community, with activities such as live-streamed concerts and performances, Pride runs and digital dance parties. Some cities have a calendar featuring events throughout June, like Saratoga and Brooklyn, while others will be hosting a celebration in June or later this summer or fall. This year, NYC Pride will be celebrating its 50th anniversary and featuring live-streamed performances from Janelle Monáe, Deborah Cox, Billy Porter, and others.
For information about virtual Pride events happening across New York State, go to https://www.iloveny.com/