Don’t miss RisQue Atlantic City Pride 2012, a multicultural Pride celebration offering premier dance parties, cross cultural events, diverse Djs, entertainers, celebrity hosts and thousands of patrons in a variety of stellar locations in AC Jul 5-9. The event caters to all while providing an A-list upscale experience. Featured performers include international recording stars Nina Sky and Charisse Mills, with DJs Mursi Layne, Whitney Day, Jay Anarki and more spinning an incredible mix of party tracks.
Mark your calendars for Jun 18 as the LGBT Center presents A Taste of Pride at Garden Party 29 at Pier 46. The only LGBT culinary festival in the country, the event offers scrumptious treats from nearly 40 restaurants, an open vodka bar and a “foodies” silent auction complete with a beautiful sunset over the Hudson River as a backdrop. Proceeds from the party benefit the LGBT Center.
Heritage of Pride commemorates and celebrates the Stonewall Riots with a full roster of events in June. Kicking off Pride week is the Pride Rally Jun 16 at the East River Bandshell. Comedian Fortune Feimster emcees the event with Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Jai Rodriquez. NYC Pride is teaming up with Target for Family Night:Wonka by the Water, a free outdoor showing of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Pier 46 Jun 20. Not only will you get a great view of the Hudson, but designated snack stations will feature something to please everyone’s sweet tooth. Families with kids of all ages are welcome.
On June 24, the Pride March steps off at noon and winds down 5th Avenue from 36th St to Washington Square Park to Christopher Street. This year’s grand marshals include Cyndi Lauper, Chris Salgardo, Phyllis Siegel and Connie Kopelov. At the end of the march, chill out at Pridefest, the annual street fair featuring plenty of delicious food, shopping activities for kids and live entertainment. All events take place on Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street beginning at 11am.
Women! Womyn! Wimmin! It’s time to hit the streets and make some noise at the annual Dyke March. Join your sisters at Bryant Park (42nd Street and 6th Avenue) on Jun 23 to celebrate lesbians and demonstrate that we refuse to accept ongoing discrimination, harassment and anti-lesbian violence. Bring signs, banners, drums and noise makers. No registration is required—just bring your dyke posse. Afterwards, head to Ginger’s Bar in Brooklyn for the official NYC Dyke March afterparty. Proceeds benefit the March. Aug 15–19, NYC Black Pride presents a five-day cultural festival that celebrates all of the contributions LGBT people of color have made in the world. The goal is to confront the health, social and political issues of the LGBT community by creating a platform to present HIV/AIDS programs, information and testing. Highlights of this year’s festival include a film festival, arts and cultural expo, annual awards ceremony, the Latex Ball and the family park event.
Meet your friends in Brooklyn for the first ever Red Hook Pride 2012 on Jun 16. Start your day with brunch at one of the many participating local restaurants or check out the BBQ at one of the designated grilling areas in Coffey Park. Shop at one of the many Red Hook businesses offering special discounts on everything from farm fresh produce to rainbow sharks! Activities in the Park continue through the afternoon including facepainting, a make-over photo booth, performances and guest speakers ending with a symbolic group wedding ceremony. Stay to dance the night away at the after party featuring food, cocktails, DJ, live performance, vogue dance lessons and more.
Hudson Pride Connections Center hosts the 2012 Hudson Pride Festival and Parade in downtown Jersey City Aug 18. The event celebrates the diversity of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in Hudson County and throughout the New York metropolitan area. The day begins with a parade starting at City Hall and leading to the festival at Exchange Place. The festival will feature great food, entertainment and activities for the whole family.
