As Pride Month continues, things are slated to get even more exciting with the 2018 New York City (NYC) Pride March aiming to celebrate members of the LGBTQIA+ community Sunday.
The first-ever gay pride parade in American history was held in NYC's Central Park on June 28, 1970. It occurred one year after the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which were multiple violent protests organized by members of the LGBT community after the NYPD raided known gay club Stonewall Inn. The parade served as a launching pad for other cities across the United States to hold their own respective marches. It's now commemorated annually, ultimately becoming an important civil rights movement.
"The March is a celebration of our lives and our community," NYC Pride's website reads. "In 2017, we were joined by over 450+ unique marching contingents, representing a vast array of nonprofits, community organizations, corporate partners, small businesses, political candidates and activists! With over 110 floats making the trek down Fifth Avenue, last year's March was one of the largest and most exciting in history."
With Sunday's event preparing for takeoff, here's everything there is to know about this year's parade.
What time is the NYC Pride March?
Sunday's event is scheduled to take place at 12 p.m. EST. While there isn't a set time it's slated to conclude, it will likely end in the early evening.
What is the March's route?
The March will begin on 7th Avenue and 16th Street. MTA's website states that the parade will continue east along Christopher and 8 Streets to 5 Avenue before heading north along 5 Avenue. It will later conclude at 29 Street. A full route map from the Heritage of Pride can be viewed, here.
What roads will be closed?
The parade will take over several roads in NYC from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m EST. The following areas will be blocked off for the event:
Route
- 7th Avenue between 19th Street and Christopher Street
- Christopher Street between Greenwich Avenue and West 4th Street
- Greenwich Avenue between Christopher Street and 6th Avenue
- 8th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
- 5th Avenue between 8th Street and 33rd Street
Festival
- University Place between East 13th Street and Waverly Place
- East 8th Street between University Place and Greene Street
Formation
- 19th Street between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue
- 18th Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue
- 17th Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue
- 16th Street between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue
- 15th Street between 7th Avenue and 9th Avenue
Dispersal
- 29th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 30th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 31st Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 32nd Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 33rd Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
Does it cost to attend?
The March is free for all ages, but there is seating area at The General Worth Monument that would require interested persons to purchase a pass. The pass includes special restrooms, food, beverages and live entertainment.
Is there a way to watch online?
New York's ABC7 (WABC-TV) is airing a live broadcast of the March from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For those who don't have access to a television, the special would be viewable via live stream on the station's website.
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