Last year, COVID-19 impacted the way we celebrate Pride. Many annual in-person Pride events were canceled. However, this year, since vaccination rates are growing, there are some in-person Pride events that people will be able to attend. Also, there will be online events for people with a wide variety of interests.
Here are some of the online events that are taking place this year. Many of these events are free, as well.
Events for Pride Month
June 10 – LA Pride
LA Pride is kicking off with a free “Thrive with Pride” concert. This concert will feature Charli XCX and rising LGBTQ+ artists.
The performances will be live-streamed via TikTok, making it easily accessible to join in the fun. For more updates on the lineup, you can check out LA Pride’s website and follow @tiktokforgood.
June 15 – New York Gay’s Men Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus
The New York Gay Men’s Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus will be premiering their new video “Outside Voice.” This video will capture the experiences of queer youth. After the video debut, a talkback session will take place with composer Julian Hornik and artistic director Gavin Thrasher.
To attend this event, you can watch live at 8 pm ET on their YouTube channel.
June 21–23 – NYC Pride’s Human Rights Conference
The fourth annual NYC Pride’s Human Rights Conference will have a series of interactive Masterclasses. These classes will feature transformative experts in activism and topics like fashion, culture, and queer history.
You can sign up for one of these live seminars here. Tickets are around $5.
There will also be free main stage open conversations on various topics that aim to connect communities. These subjects include trans empowerment, mental health, and collective power for POC’s.
June 26 – NYC Youth Pride
NYC Youth Pride is an event for LGBTQ+ teens and allies. This year’s gathering will take place online. NYC Pride has also partnered with youth-focused organizations and programs across the nation.
Register for the free event here.
June 26 – Pride Run
Front Runners New York is partnering with New York Road Runners for the 40th annual Pride Run. This event features an in-person 6K and a virtual 5K. The benefit of the virtual Run is that runners can participate from anywhere across the world.
Trophies will be awarded to in-person and virtual finishers that place in first, second, and third place. Winners can be female, male, and nonbinary people.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to New Alternatives, a nonprofit that increases the self-sufficiency of homeless youth. It allows them to transition out of the shelter system to lead more stable adult lives.
To learn more, visit the event website here.
June 27 – The NYC Pride March
The NYC Pride March will be shown live from 12 pm to 3 pm ET. The live stream will feature performances, on-air interviews, and street-side activities. It will be airing on ABC-7, ABC7NY.com, and ABC7 New York’s connected TV apps. You can find the March on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku for streaming platforms.
NYC Pride’s iconic event, Pride Island Home, will also be attended virtually. This celebration will have four hours of programming with two hours of performances by DJ Lina Bradford and other soon-to-be-announced artists in NYC.
June 26 and 27 – Seattle Pride
Seattle Pride has announced its complete stage schedule for their two-day Seattle Pride Virtual LGBTQIA+ Pride event. This celebration will feature two days of fun and entertainment with various speakers, performers, activities, and activism that match this year’s theme of Resilience.
You can register for this event here.
The headliner for Seattle Pride Big Freedia, known as the Queen of Bounce music, and featured in Beyoncé’s “Formation” and Drake’s “Nice For What.” There will also be online musical performances from special guest Mary Lambert (from Macklemore’s “Same Love” and her Billboard charting single “Secrets”), pop-rock musician Perfume Genius, and YouTube sensation mxmtoon.
Speakers will include horror film aficionado Isabella Von Ghoul discussion, active duty Army Soldier Dr. Ella Nunley-Spaights, Mx. Pucks A’Plenty, and burlesque performer Miss Violet DeVille. The event will also feature Oh! Oh! I KNOW! A Quiz Show hosted by Betty Wetter, Bedroom Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, and other family-friendly events.
The Importance of Pride
Pride is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ people to see their community’s representation and be seen themselves. It is also an observance of queer history and celebrations of a queer future.
These celebrations allow young people to become exposed to the broader community. As a whole, Pride allows the LGBTQ+ to be at its strongest when they are united.
