New York City Pride cancelled for first time in event’s history
The annual celebration of LGBTQ love and equality was due to mark its 50th anniversary in June.
By Will Stroude
New York City Pride has been cancelled for the first time in the event’s 50-year history.
Organisers of the annual celebration of LGBTQ love and equality announced on Monday (20 April) that in-person eventsp planned from 14-28 June will not take place this year as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
New York state remains one of the worst-hit regions of the US, with New York City’s Health Department reporting on Sunday that 9,000 New Yorkers have lost their lives to coronavirus, with confirmed cases exceeding 130,000.
“New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. We’ve come a long way since the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March 50 years ago, which is a testament to the bravery and resiliency of LGBTIA+ New Yorkers in the struggle for equality,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“While this pandemic prevents us from coming together to march, it will in no way stop us from celebrating the indelible contributions that the LGBTIA+ community has made to New York City or from recommitting ourselves to the fight for equal rights.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio marching in the city’s 2019 Pride parade
NYC Pride Co-Chair Maryanne Roberto Fine added: “As the days have passed, it has become more and more clear that even with a decline in the spread of COVID-19, 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.”
For the latest information and guidance on coronavirus please visit the World Health Organisation.