With Stonewall50 celebrated and New York hosting WorldPride celebrated last year, NYC Pride 2020 was going to be the 50th anniversary of Pride events. It was set to be a wonderful event with the incredible artist Janelle Monáe as a headliner of the musical performances. Betty Who and Pussy Riot were also set to perform at Pride 2020. But, similar to San Diego and San Francisco, NYC Pride 2020 has also cancelled its in-person events.
“As the days have passed, it has become more and more clear that even with a decline in the spread [of the pandemic,] large-scale events such as ours are unlikely to happen in the near future. We understand that we need to reimagine NYC Pride events – and have already begun to do just that.” NYC Pride Co-Chair, Maryanne Roberto Fine, said in a statement.
“Pride is a staple in New York City, and is oftentimes a safe space for many. This weighed on our members, board, and staff, knowing that we serve as a haven for vulnerable communities. It was not easy to arrive at the decision to cancel pride as we have come to know it over the years, especially given the financial impact this could have on LGBTQIA+ people and businesses, but our top priority remains the health and well-being of all those that participate with us,” David A. Correa, Interim Executive Director of Heritage of Pride, said.
NYC Pride will now focus on its Pride Gives Back, its community grant initiative, and will participate in the virtual Global Pride event on June 27. More details will be coming soon. Other U.S. Pride festivals like in L.A. and D.C. have been postponed.
Header image of New York City Pride in 2015 provided by WikiCommons.
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