NEW YORK CITY, NY – Millions of New Yorkers flooded the streets of the city on Sunday in what was being described as the single biggest Pride parade in the history of the gay rights movement. It was intended as a spectacular celebration of the 50th anniversary of the notorious police raid on the Stonewall Inn.
As it turns out, there were roughly 150,000 parade participants and a projected four million watching from the street in midtown Manhattan. The procession went for multiple hours and honored the uprising that started when patrons at the pub resisted officers back on June 28th 1969.
This enormous New York celebration along with others just like it all around the world ended a June full of events marking the historic anniversary. The festivities celebrated all the major strides the movement has made in the last half century.
“I think that we should be able to say we’ve been here for so long, and so many people are gay that everybody should be able to have the chance to enjoy their lives and be who they are,” said 63-year-old Eraina Clay.
Rainbow onesie leotards were a popular fashion choice for the parade. The choice amplified the rainbow theme throughout the parade.
The celebration started with about 2,000 people who were gathered just outside the Stonewall Inn. Not too far away the Queer Liberation March kicked off it’s inaugural event to combat corporate interests and police presence at Pride.
Some of the protestors showed signs voicing disgust with President Trump as well as boasting signs demonstrating support for the cause. “Queer liberation, not rainbow capitalism and “We resist” were some examples noted from a busy Manhattan junction.
It’s fair to say the celebration and all like it around the world were a rousing success. Though, the movement understands that for all its growth, there is still much work that remains to be done.